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Galaxian Mame Conversion
csa3d:
--- Quote from: ex_directory on March 12, 2008, 08:53:31 am ---I noticed you ditched the idea of 2p buttons in the end, was this after working on a test CP?
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If you take a look at the underside of my control panel, the right side of that picture is where player 2 buttons were originally slated to go. The PCB on the right is from the TurboTwist spinner, and that cord was only so long. I thought about mounting it to the front of my control panel (top of picture), but because my control panel hinges upwards from the top, I figure there's a chance someone could grab it accidentally while doing this, or that it may get caught on something. The included wires weren't long enough to relocate it to the other side, but I suppose you could if you *really* wanted to. So yeah, you could probably squeeze those buttons in.
The way I started my layout, was with the two joysticks. My cab has high sides, so if you mount them too wide, your wrists are going to hit the edges, which would make playing terrible. I mounted them as wide as I felt I could. Then based on a button dimensions thread, the spacing for the 6 button layout determined how much space I had for the trackball and player 2 side. Next was the trackball and spinner. The trackball ate up a lot more space underneath then I anticipated, and when it was all said and done, adding those two extra buttons on the player 2 side seemed silly. P2's hands would be so close together that I figured why bother. Plus with the high sides, and 23.75" of elbow room, I decided this was going to be a 1 player only cab. That won't be an issue in my current household. If you went with 4 buttons in a diamond shape vs. 6 player street fighter layout, then you would probably have greater success. Your other option would be to nix the trackball (which was not an option in my mind).
--- Quote from: ex_directory on March 12, 2008, 08:53:31 am ---What are the vertical dimensions of your CP?
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I'm pretty sure it was about 6 inches. I can measure tonight when I'm home. I built the current CP based on the romstar one which came with the cab.
--- Quote from: ex_directory on March 12, 2008, 08:53:31 am ---Have you had any problems with the 'thinness' of the MDF on the trackball mount?
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All this time, and I have ironically, not even fired my machine up! I'm currently working on a rotating monitor solution, and don't want to loose site of the prize.
--- Quote from: ex_directory on March 12, 2008, 08:53:31 am ---How did you so carefully route out the round corners of the trackball case - is there a trick? My router seems to have a 'route' of its own!
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I suppose I held on tight and tried to keep a steady line. I had traced the trackball onto the wood before starting, and the rounded edges were created from the diameter of the router bit. If you search the forums, others have discussed methods of making templates. I figured, that wasn't important, I'm only doing this once, and if I goofed up it would be under the panel where most no one will ever look.
--- Quote from: ex_directory on March 12, 2008, 08:53:31 am ---And most importantly, playing games like Marble madness or Golden tee have you had any problems with proximity of controls?
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I'll have to let you know in another couple months at the rate I'm going on my build.. (stupid real life..) :badmood:
--- Quote from: ex_directory on March 12, 2008, 08:53:31 am ---Sorry to ask so many questions!!
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Yeah.. you have exceeded your quota :laugh2: Feel free to ask whatever else, always glad to help
-csa
csa3d:
Since last we left off (to update the progress further), I've affixed the peeling vinyl back onto the machine using contact cement. It's not coming back off now! Doing it over, I'd probably have used spray adhesive, as the contact cement dried super fast, and made the surface underneath show imperfections as the glue balled up and dried. Bubbles happened as well, and I've got most of them out using the push technique and pinning the others. I'm fairly certain that if I undertake another cab, I will probably go with laminate or do a woody style cab. Full sized vinyl artwork is no joke. At any rate, while I was mildly disappointed with with end result, it still looks 100 times better then when I pulled it from it's grave months back.
Work continues on the rotating monitor, with help from TeamRotate :)
ex_directory:
Thanks for all your answers.
I think you got the happs 2.25" TB? What are the dimensions of the case, or area you routed out? That will help me determine whether I have space.
If you a have dimensions diagram for joys/buttons etc on for reasons of proximity I would be interested.
csa3d:
--- Quote from: ex_directory on March 12, 2008, 11:43:49 am ---I think you got the happs 2.25" TB? What are the dimensions of the case, or area you routed out? That will help me determine whether I have space.
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I got the 2.25" from GroovyGameGear.com, and I think it's ultimately a modified betson imperial. I think Randy has trackball mounting pdf's somewhere on his site.. I know mine came shipped with something like that.
--- Quote from: ex_directory on March 12, 2008, 11:43:49 am ---If you a have dimensions diagram for joys/buttons etc on for reasons of proximity I would be interested.
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The Control Panel Hole Sizes thread is the best I can give you for these. Check the manufacturer's sites for other dimensions perhaps. I'm convinced that at some point in time, you cannot exactly plan for everything, and it becomes a matter of trial and error.. unless of cource, you completely model out all parts in Sketup.. which may or may not be under progress still.
ex_directory:
Thought it was from GGG, the electric ice-t i think, I found the pdf for the 3" but was unsure if the 2.25" had the same case size. If you could measure one side (as if it were a square) then I can confirm. There is only one pdf on Randy's site.
Re hole sizes, I am ok with the sizes, already have an existing panel, but guess was more interested on how close you had put your admin buttons next to the p1/p2 joys and how close you put the spinner to the trackball.
I assume that when you (part) finished the CP you had a little pretend play ;) to see whether you thought it 'worked' or not, hence I am considering using those measurements as the min I can go - if you see what I mean.
BTW, my cp design is progressing here.