Author Topic: Project #2: Pac-man from scratch (Read 24971 times)

amadama · « **on:** June 04, 2007, 11:01:25 pm »

Hi everyone,
As I finish up work on my mini Dragon's Lair cabinet I am going to start work on my #2 home built cab. A full size Pac-man.
For this one I can really use everyone's help here as I want this to be just like the real thing.
So far I have the following parts:
Marquee (I made it myself)
Control Panel (complete but needs restoration)
Coin door (complete but needs restoration)
Front glass bezel (in pretty good shape)
plastic monitor bezel with smoked plexi
Side and front art (full size, did it myself on self-adhesive vinyl)

I am basing it on Jacobud's plans from his site and have printed out a full size of the side panel to make a template for future use.
The biggest help I can use is in the positioning of the monitor and internal wood parts.
Thanks,
Alex
(Here's a sample of my artwork (taken mostly from localarcade with some minor modifications by me)

rockin_rick · « **Reply #1 on:** June 04, 2007, 11:28:50 pm »

Here's some pics I've gathered from the internet. I can't say for certain that they all are unmodded cabs, but FWIW....

Rick

rockin_rick · « **Reply #2 on:** June 04, 2007, 11:30:35 pm »

More.... The last one is obviously modded, but it shows the difference in monitor mounting angle vs bezel mounting angle.

Rick

amadama · « **Reply #3 on:** June 04, 2007, 11:35:18 pm »

Hi Rick,
Thanks for posting these pics! The one showing the monitor angle is particularly good as it is this sort of thing that I am looking for!!
I wonder if anyone out there has made a template of the inside side panel of the Pac cab?
If anyone has please post it or let me know where to find it. I will happily update Jacobud's files with it!
Thanks again,
Alex

usedelectronics · « **Reply #4 on:** June 05, 2007, 12:20:11 am »

I took that inside monitor angle picture!
I still have the broken down cab in storage, but no time to measure!
I'll try to drag it home this weekend.

BobA · « **Reply #5 on:** June 05, 2007, 09:23:33 am »

This pic may help with inside bezel angle and position.

amadama · « **Reply #6 on:** June 05, 2007, 09:57:33 am »

BobA that picture is great! Thanks for posting!
usedelectronics, if you ever get a chance to measure the insides of the broken down cab that would be great (and thanks for taking those original shots too)! Measurements of any of the pieces would be fantastic too (like the front showing exact positioning of the coin door too.
(I know this stuff is time consuming but the more measurements we can have the better. I would like to make a set of blueprints that anyone can then use to make their own).
Thanks again guys,
Alex

BobA · « **Reply #7 on:** June 05, 2007, 12:16:12 pm »

Just another back view from the pac manual

amadama · « **Reply #8 on:** June 05, 2007, 12:21:40 pm »

Thanks BobA.
Hmm, metal monitor brackets. The guy I picked up my original monitors from took those out and I have not seen them for sale (even at TwoBits.com). I will have to use wood for this.
Thanks again!
Alex

knave · « **Reply #9 on:** June 05, 2007, 12:56:13 pm »

Quote from: amadama on June 05, 2007, 12:21:40 pm

Thanks BobA.
Hmm, metal monitor brackets. The guy I picked up my original monitors from took those out and I have not seen them for sale (even at TwoBits.com). I will have to use wood for this.
Thanks again!
Alex

If you want I can take some closer photo's of the monitor brackets. Lucky for me they were on the floor of the Ms. Pac I just took home. I'l pretty sure wood would work, or L shaped brackets could be made like in my Galaxian.

amadama · « **Reply #10 on:** June 05, 2007, 01:21:00 pm »

Hi knave!
Thanks! any help would be greatly appreciated!
Alex

Nostalgia · « **Reply #11 on:** June 05, 2007, 03:48:27 pm »

Quote from: rockin_rick on June 04, 2007, 11:30:35 pm

More.... The last one is obviously modded, but it shows the difference in monitor mounting angle vs bezel mounting angle.

Rick

That last one is mine. The only reason its modded is because when I got the cab, it didnt have the monitor brackets in it, so I had to make them.

amadama · « **Reply #12 on:** June 05, 2007, 04:10:52 pm »

Hi Rick,
Are those L brackets strong enough to hold the weight of the monitor? What other adhesion method are you using?
Thanks,
Alex

rockin_rick · « **Reply #13 on:** June 05, 2007, 05:36:29 pm »

None of those pics are of my cabs. Thanks to those who did take them and post them!

What I'd do is cut some pieces of 3/4" plywood, say 4" x 24" and glue them flat to the side of the cab to provide ledges for the boards that the L-brackets are holding up. IOW, these boards would replace the L-brackets. To help explain, this would create a ledge on each side of the cab that is 3/4" x 24" for supporting the monitor. If the metal cross bars are long enough to sit on and fasten securely to the ply ledge, then no other boards would be required.

Lots of glue area... and glue holds wood better than screws. However, the L-brackets may be sufficient... (nostalgia hasn't complained of a broken monitor, so that must mean something - beauty, eh)

Rick

Nostalgia · « **Reply #14 on:** June 05, 2007, 09:08:26 pm »

Quote from: rockin_rick on June 05, 2007, 05:36:29 pm

Lots of glue area... and glue holds wood better than screws. However, the L-brackets may be sufficient... (nostalgia hasn't complained of a broken monitor, so that must mean something - beauty, eh)

Rick

Yeh, it may look a little nasty, but you wont see it and the bracket hold very strong. Just make sure you get the right size screws so you dont pop out the other side.

amadama · « **Reply #15 on:** June 05, 2007, 10:22:41 pm »

Ok,
Now I realize that was Nostalgia's cab.
I will try the large piece of ply (I'll use MDF actually since I have lots of it).
Thanks for the tips!
Now I need to figure out how far below the monitor should be from the glass bezel.
Thanks!
Alex

rockin_rick · « **Reply #16 on:** June 06, 2007, 05:17:53 pm »

I'm not sure about this, but if you are gluing the face of MDF, then I think that it may be recommended to sand/scuff up the face to give the glue more bite. (I think I remember reading that somewhere, sometime)

Rick

JeepMonkey · « **Reply #17 on:** June 06, 2007, 06:30:45 pm »

Aren't Pac and Ms Pac cabs the same? If so, I can take a few pics of my Ms Pac if it will help. What about Galaga/Galaxian? If so, you might check out Level42's project thread Galaxian No. 815. Lots of pics in there.

Nostalgia · « **Reply #18 on:** June 06, 2007, 07:25:18 pm »

Actually Ms Pacs and Galaga are the same, regular Pacs are slightly different.

amadama · « **Reply #19 on:** June 06, 2007, 09:21:55 pm »

Hi guys,
Rick, I will scuff up both sides of the MDF before applying glue (good tip, thanks!)
Jeepmonkey,
Please take the pics of the Ms. Pac if you get a chance. I will end up building one of those too!
Here's one of my goals in this project, fully document the from scratch build of a Pac/Galaxian and then make blueprints for the community.
Thanks guys,
Alex

JeepMonkey · « **Reply #20 on:** June 07, 2007, 10:36:47 pm »

Here is a pic to measure distance from monitor to bezel glass.

The "crest" of the monitor to the bottom of the bezel glass is 1 3/4". The bezel glass is 1/4".

Here is a pic.

amadama · « **Reply #21 on:** June 08, 2007, 09:01:03 pm »

Thanks Jeepmonkey.
I think I have figured it out based on one of the other pics posted earlier.
I have a full size template of the side panel now created in paper. This weekend I will cut a 1/4" piece of hardboard to have a (semi) permanent template.
Based on some other cabs that people have built I am going to pick up a small compressor and nail gun (on sale at Lowe's) to use for this project.
Alex

BobA · « **Reply #22 on:** June 08, 2007, 11:26:48 pm »

Another link showing some cabinet dimensions and part placement

http://www.retro.co.za/arcade/cabinet.html

amadama · « **Reply #23 on:** June 08, 2007, 11:33:46 pm »

Hi BobA,
Fantastic! Thanks so much. Let the cutting begin!
Alex

amadama · « **Reply #24 on:** June 09, 2007, 10:16:38 pm »

Minor updates here:
Full size template on paper and then traced on the hardboard.
Also cut the hardboard to size. (pics of this to follow, need to recharge camera battery).
Color matched paint obtained.
Bought air compressor and brad nailer (very slick!!)
Alex

knave · « **Reply #25 on:** June 13, 2007, 04:35:20 pm »

As promised here's a picture of the monitor brackets. They are "c" chanel steel. Didn't get a chance to measure them but it's safe to assume they are the same length as the inner cabinet width.

In the pict one is facing out and one is facing in.

amadama · « **Reply #26 on:** June 13, 2007, 10:11:01 pm »

Thanks knave,
I'll try to make something like that. If not, I'll use a piece of MDF and cutout the space for the monitor.
I started my cutting today. Side panels are cut and I started putting in the wood blocks. I am beat!

Alex

Kaytrim · « **Reply #27 on:** June 13, 2007, 10:23:09 pm »

I used a piece of MDF but I also gave the monitor a shelf to sit on. To be on the safe side I'd suggest you go with what Knave used. It will be more secure.

TTFN

Kaytrim

amadama · « **Reply #28 on:** June 13, 2007, 10:31:26 pm »

A shelf would be tough to put in on a Pacman machine. How big of a monitor is that in your tabletop machine?

Kaytrim · « **Reply #29 on:** June 14, 2007, 09:22:16 am »

Quote from: amadama on June 13, 2007, 10:31:26 pm

A shelf would be tough to put in on a Pacman machine. How big of a monitor is that in your tabletop machine?

17" PC monitor in vertical mode.

amadama · « **Reply #30 on:** June 16, 2007, 11:59:14 pm »

Today I de-cased a 21" Sony Trinitron PC monitor. Wow, this thing is heavy! I hope my mounts are strong enough to hold this beast. I'll try to post some pics tomorrow after I finish assembly of the cabinet (hopefully!!).

amadama · « **Reply #31 on:** June 17, 2007, 10:04:15 pm »

Here's some pics from last week when I was cutting the sides.

amadama · « **Reply #32 on:** June 17, 2007, 10:07:26 pm »

Ok,
Today I finished the base cabinet.
The last pic shows it with an old Galaxian glass bezel and Ms. Pac Control panel (just to make sure they fit ok!!)

amadama · « **Reply #33 on:** June 17, 2007, 10:11:14 pm »

Here's the monitor I am going to use.
This is going to be tough to get mounted. I need some suggestions here.
I cut a 23" x 24" piece of 3/4" MDF. I am planning on cutting out an opening for the tube and then bolting the monitor to the MDF.
(it must weigh 50-60lbs!!)

Nostalgia · « **Reply #34 on:** June 19, 2007, 04:02:09 pm »

Looks great so far. Keep up the good work! And keep us posted.

amadama · « **Reply #35 on:** June 19, 2007, 08:23:02 pm »

Thanks. It looks like it will be a slow week for me as far as this project is concerned. I am getting home too late from work to really do anything with this.
I did order a bunch of parts for this and my mini Dragon's Lair project (joysticks, buttons, encoders, etc...) I even ordered a spinner (gotta make a multi PC as well as the stock one, must play Arkanoid!! (and Tron too!!)

Any thoughts on my monitor dilemma (wicked heavy monitor!!)
Alex

BobA · « **Reply #36 on:** June 19, 2007, 09:35:32 pm »

With the weight of that monitor you might want to support it at the top with the frame. The MDF with a cutout and some 1x2 to add strength both at the sides and where the mdf is resting. You could add extra support under the monitor to support it from the bottom too. Another shelf might be warranted.

amadama · « **Reply #37 on:** June 19, 2007, 10:07:14 pm »

I'm starting to think 20" lcd for this build now....
(saw a used one that does 1600x1200 resolution for under $100)

amadama · « **Reply #38 on:** June 23, 2007, 10:06:20 pm »

Wow, I go away for a few days and my not even finished yet Pac-man has a girlfriend!

WunderCade · « **Reply #39 on:** June 24, 2007, 12:52:06 pm »

Perhaps it's just the angle at which the cabinets are sitting. But to me, it looks like you used the Mrs. Pac-man cabinet specs on your Pac-Man (form scratch) cabinet. Am I wrong?

*Edit In looking at it more closely, it does appear that it is angle that of the photo throwing me off.

amadama · « **Reply #40 on:** June 24, 2007, 07:38:28 pm »

Minor updates today.
Built the monitor mount for my lcd monitor.
Installed coin door (to test fit)
Installed fluorescent marquee light
Cut and drilled marquee brackets.
Test mounted speakers

Still having a bear of a time trying to figure out how to mount CP!! If it weren't for that I would have started painting it today.
(WunderCade, it's definetely a Pac-man and not a Ms. Pac)
Alex

csa3d · « **Reply #41 on:** June 24, 2007, 08:13:08 pm »

Quote from: amadama on June 24, 2007, 07:38:28 pm

Minor updates today.
Built the monitor mount for my lcd monitor.
Installed coin door (to test fit)
Installed fluorescent marquee light
Cut and drilled marquee brackets.
Test mounted speakers

Still having a bear of a time trying to figure out how to mount CP!! If it weren't for that I would have started painting it today.
(WunderCade, it's definetely a Pac-man and not a Ms. Pac)
Alex

This is looking great! Watching you build this and with my current experience restoring my cab from 1979, I'm pretty sure I'm going to build my next one myself. I think in the end, I'll be done sooner. I'm too OCD with the filling and sanding and gluing and bondo to make something old seem new.

Before you go fully mounting that LCD, can you grab some pics of the LCD frame/hanging panel? So far, I'm using Javery's example as inspiration on how to go about doing mine and would like to see how you are planning on achieving this. Here's an example of what i'm referring to. Thanks in advance!

-csa

amadama · « **Reply #42 on:** June 24, 2007, 09:12:38 pm »

Hi csa,
Thanks for the comments.
I am going to be restoring that old Ms Pac in the photos so let's see which one is tougher to do, from scratch or restoration!)
I will definetely take pictuee of the monitor mounting frame I made. It's 22.75"x22.75" and i can slide it in in any direction so I can have vertical and horizontal monitor orientation!
Photos tomorrow! (I put the cab away for the evening, since I don't have a work area inside my house I have to drag everything outside to my driveway to work. This really slows me down as I can't really do quick work as it take like 30 mkinutes to bring all my stuff outside and get setup!)
Alex

BobA · « **Reply #43 on:** June 25, 2007, 07:17:58 am »

Looking really good. You are making great progress on your cab.

amadama · « **Reply #44 on:** July 01, 2007, 11:36:15 pm »

Coming down to the wire!
Built control panel today (wanted to put in my new spinner and a few buttons over the basic Pac-man CP).
Primed cab.
Painted yellow portions.
Started painting black inside.
Pics soon!
Alex

amadama · « **Reply #45 on:** July 02, 2007, 10:43:52 pm »

Here are the pics:
Not much other progress on this cab since I also started the restoration on my Ms Pac-man.
At this point I am ready to apply the artwork!!

Bond007 · « **Reply #46 on:** July 03, 2007, 07:55:58 am »

Looks great. Wish I had the woodworking skills to build my own.

amadama · « **Reply #47 on:** July 07, 2007, 10:34:04 am »

Well, what I thought was going to happen did happen!
I was applying the vinyl in the front of the machine, my wife was giving me a hand, when she lost grip of the ends. The vinyl folded over itself sticking back to back instantly ruining it! I almost went nuts. Here's another week where I won't be able to finish my machine!
Beware when applying big sticky sticker sticky stuff!!
Anyway, here are some pics some of you guys asked about.
The first is the monitor mounting bracket. This thing slides in and out and allows me to put my lcd monitor vertically or horizontally. (ignore the MDF behind it, that's the machine's back door)
The two pics after that show the control panel before and after overlay. It looks so much better with the artwork on it!!

spystyle · « **Reply #48 on:** July 07, 2007, 11:33:55 am »

Super good! I built a Pac too

Pac-Man is the iconic arcade machine, the grandfather of all arcade cabinets!

Zeno · « **Reply #49 on:** July 07, 2007, 03:28:14 pm »

Bummer about the side art!

You know I have been watching this thread and I have been chomping at the bit to see the art completed.

Hang in there... You'll get it done.

amadama · « **Reply #50 on:** July 07, 2007, 05:40:02 pm »

Thanks Spystyle! Post some pics of your Pac-man here, I'd love to see it.
Hi Zeno, luckily it was only the front piece that was ruined. The sides are still intact!
See before and after pics below!!

spystyle · « **Reply #51 on:** July 08, 2007, 09:22:59 am »

Quote from: amadama on July 07, 2007, 05:40:02 pm

Thanks Spystyle! Post some pics of your Pac-man here, I'd love to see it...

OK :)

I finished this one back in 1999. There was not as much information on the topic of building arcade machines then as there is now. To build that cab I had to measure a machine in the local arcade! My brother and I carried a sheet of 1/8" hardboard in and I traced the profile while he held it to create a template. I was in there measuring angles and insets - I got a few funny looks. But I had permission from the owner so no ruckus.

There are great plans and information today :)

I like the Pac-Man very much, but I would not recommend it as a person's one and only cab - I think a person's first cab should always be a 2 (or more) player. Otherwise people watch you play over your shoulder and can not join in. The Pac-Man cabinet couldn't comfortably accommodate 2 player controls because of the side panels, players would bump their wrists.

Cheers,
Craig

Zeno · « **Reply #52 on:** July 08, 2007, 01:11:44 pm »

I love the yellow computer case!

Man... that must be the loudest Pacman on earth.

Nice job spystyle

csa3d · « **Reply #53 on:** July 08, 2007, 03:23:27 pm »

@spystyle: The only thing I can think about with that giant rear speaker is a 1000 decibal, "WAKA WAKA WAKA". Good stuff.

-csa

spystyle · « **Reply #54 on:** July 08, 2007, 03:53:35 pm »

Thanks fellas,

The case is yellow because I stripped all of the plastic off of it and painted it with brake caliper paint. It is attached to the cabinet's side panel with screws.

The big speaker driver did not have it's enclosure attached when the picture was taken - if the speaker does not have a back panel it would not produce good low frequencies. To be loud it has to have an enclosure roughly matching the manufacturer's suggested size.

Have fun!
Craig

amadama · « **Reply #55 on:** July 08, 2007, 11:19:58 pm »

Thats a very nice machine Craig.
That's a really huge speaker too!! Holy smokes, it's really big!
But I think It's a Ms Pac-man/Galaga cab you built isn't it?
Great job with it. What's it made out of MDF or ply?
I have read a lot of your documentation and you have done a great job at it. Lot's of your tips really helped me out in my cab builds.
Thanks again,
Alex

spystyle · « **Reply #56 on:** July 08, 2007, 11:37:46 pm »

Hi Alex,

I'm glad you found my tutorial useful and like my Pac-Man cab.

The Pac-Man cab was made from 5/8" particle board (I was still learning when I made it, if I was to make another it would be 1/2" plywood reinforced) - after I built it from 5/8" material I discovered that orange t-molding ONLY comes in 3/4", so I had to laminate the side panels with 1/8" hardboard in order to make them 3/4"

You have a really good eye! That is a actually a Ms. Pac-Man! My secret is out

When I decided I *had* to build a Pac-Man machine, because it is the grandfather of all arcade machines, I found a Ms. Pac-Man to trace at my local arcade. They did not have an actual Pac-Man. I figured it was close enough.

I had actually forgotten about the gender, it was a long time ago.

Now my Pac-Man is sold and my local arcade is closed - but I still have the hardboard template if I decide to make another.

I am thinking of making my next cab an Aussie lowboy... Then a Defender because I now have the stencils... Maybe a Pac after that.... Decisions, decisions...

Have fun!
Craig

amadama · « **Reply #57 on:** July 12, 2007, 12:33:56 pm »

Decisions indeed!
That's why this is such a fun hobby, the sky's the limit (subject to checkbook limitations of course)!!

Spyridon · « **Reply #58 on:** July 26, 2007, 05:06:00 pm »

How is this coming? I've been following and I'm anxious to see that artwork on it.

Great work so far and good information as a Pac Man cab is on my short list. (must finish first attempt at MAME cab first)

I'm also picking up an original Galaga on Sunday. Hope to retro fit it and also copy it to build a Ms. Pacman.

knave · « **Reply #59 on:** July 27, 2007, 01:10:40 pm »

Hey alex, What did you use to make the CP.

Did you just glue the two boards together and then round it over with a router?

I want to make a new CP for my Ms. Pac and was thinking of having a metal one made...but yours turned out so good...

What is the finish on it?

Thanks

WunderCade · « **Reply #60 on:** July 27, 2007, 03:17:44 pm »

Quote from: knave on July 27, 2007, 01:10:40 pm

Hey alex, What did you use to make the CP.

Did you just glue the two boards together and then round it over with a router?

I want to make a new CP for my Ms. Pac and was thinking of having a metal one made...but yours turned out so good...

What is the finish on it?

Thanks

Making a Ms. Pac-man CP out of wood would be much more challenging than the one refabricated here.

Afterall, the Pac-Man original CP is made out of wood so duplicating it with wood is easy, but the original Ms. Pac-man CP is made only of thin metal - no wood, so to try and craft it out of wood would be much much harder if you fabricate your cabinet to Ms.Pac specifications - the alignment would be off.

For example, the Pac, Ms. Pac control panels are not interchangeable on the machines.

knave · « **Reply #61 on:** July 27, 2007, 07:11:38 pm »

Quote from: WunderCade on July 27, 2007, 03:17:44 pm

Afterall, the Pac-Man original CP is made out of wood so duplicating it with wood is easy, but the original Ms. Pac-man CP is made only of thin metal - no wood,

Well that's depressing. I wonder how much a Metal shop would charge to make me a few CP's?...I do have the original.

What type of shop should I try?

spystyle · « **Reply #62 on:** July 27, 2007, 07:47:24 pm »

Call around to machinists, I bet you could get one made up for $30

I forget what gauge they are...

I cut a metal CP's button and stick holes with a punch before, but they are expensive, you might as well have the machinist do that.

Good luck,
Craig

p.s. I made my Pac cp from wood, I just routed it with a roundover bit

WunderCade · « **Reply #63 on:** July 28, 2007, 01:00:18 am »

Quote from: knave on July 27, 2007, 07:11:38 pm

Quote from: WunderCade on July 27, 2007, 03:17:44 pm
Afterall, the Pac-Man original CP is made out of wood so duplicating it with wood is easy, but the original Ms. Pac-man CP is made only of thin metal - no wood,

Well that's depressing. I wonder how much a Metal shop would charge to make me a few CP's?...I do have the original.

What type of shop should I try?

You might consider an eBay purchase, here's a reasonable NOS Ms. Pac CP

prOk · « **Reply #64 on:** July 29, 2007, 07:02:57 pm »

just fyi, pac and ms pac control panels are both metal, pac man with a wood backing behind the metal.

amadama · « **Reply #65 on:** May 15, 2008, 10:55:02 am »

Back in the saddle again...
After almost a year of hibernation this project is back in action.
Artwork applied yesterday (this time a success!).
Assembling the rest of the system. I won't bore you guys with pics yet until it's all done (otherwise I may never get it done!).
Next steps:
Monitor install
Controller cabling
CPO redo (the old one got trashed)
PC install and setup (working on a stripped down nLite XP build)
Coin door restore and install
Watch this space....
Alex

nuka1195 · « **Reply #66 on:** May 15, 2008, 11:38:02 am »

pictures are less boring than reading

spystyle · « **Reply #67 on:** May 15, 2008, 03:50:52 pm »

I agree, I have a short attention span and can't concentrate on all those words...

amadama · « **Reply #68 on:** May 15, 2008, 08:42:12 pm »

Ok, ok,
I guess one picture won't hurt.
Here it is:

spystyle · « **Reply #69 on:** May 15, 2008, 10:27:14 pm »

Sweet!

amadama · « **Reply #70 on:** May 23, 2008, 01:12:50 am »

It lives!
Darn the CPO is peeling off (used way too much clear coat on it and the humidity made it curl up!)


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