Pinbox/Jukeball

[psychotech]

Oh, well... Yet another Psychotech creation on its way.

This time it'll be a portable wall mount / bartop pinball.. Actually, it'll be a portable wall mount / bartop jukebox.. No, wait! It'll be a portable wall mount / bartop MAME machine ..

All right, I'm going to build a portable wallmount/bartop pinball/jukebox/mame minimonster...

Machine & stuff at the moment:

17" Philips TFT monitor @ 1280x1024
Pentium 3 866MHz with 384Mb memory
40Gb (maybe 55Gb) HD
Ati Radeon 9100 graphics with d-sub/dvi/s-vid out
4-port USB hub
Wireless FM transmitter..
At least 25 buttons ...
One thumbstick controller

After playing pinball on the Bombjack bartop a friend happened to mention how cool it would be to have a portable pinball machine you could take with you wherever... Well, a portable pinball, cool? Add MAME, might be awesome? Something's missing .. add the jukebox and ?

The machine is "under construction", actually still on the drawing board Anyway, some quick drawings of the profile & the CP. You'll get the idea.

-----------------------------------

Machine profile when used as a pinball / MAME bartop




Control panel view when used as a pinball / MAME bartop



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Profile when used as a jukebox



Control panel view when used as a jukebox



-----------------------------------

So, add a handle and you're ready to go?

Comments, ideas, etc. at this point?


psychotech

[javeryh]

Woah this is going to be really cool.  I'll be following this for sure.

[ChadTower]

Definite potential.

[BobA]

Really unique idea flipping the screen for function.   You could get rid of the selection buttons by using a touchscreen for the jukebox action.  But maybe buttons are part of the juke feel of your project.  Just guessing

[theCoder]

Another bartop?  I'm looking forward to see what you come up with the day you build a full sized cab.

This is a great profile/idea.  Making it rotatable poses a couple of problems;  Text & artwork orientation and the operations of the thumbstick.

The text you could make orientation agnostic by making it vertical.

The thumbstick could be done with a mercury switch wired into a couple of relays.  When in one position, up is up & down is down.  In another position, up is down & down is up.

Any ideas for artwork and/or colors?

Good luck with this one.

[shardian]

The orientation problem is EASY.
Your juke gets a different native orientation than your pinmame program - instant switching. For controls, you reassign controls with your IPAC, or within the program INI files - instant control switching.

[psychotech]

Thanks for the comments.

BobA: I already have a "normal" 17" TFT for this project so.. no touchscreen but miniature buttons all around. Normal pushbuttons for flippers (& plunger) only.

theCoder & shardian: Yes ...the juke is upside down if viewed from the pinball side and vice versa ..like shardian noted, it'll be quite easy to define the keys in the programs' ini-files. The screen rotation will most likely be handled with another button (the Radeon cards have quite nice rotation features without the need for third party proggies like irotate..) switching between 0 & 180 orientation ..or if possible, I'll define the rotation in the program INIs too. Still, it's all in the planning stages at the moment, we'll see ..?

On the artwork front, no real ideas yet. Split CP graphics ?

The software, most likely:
Mala with MAME & Visual Pinball for games and SK-Jukebox

And remember, NO DEADLINE. It'll be done as soon as it's done

Updates sooner or later..

psycho

[psychotech]

This is not an update. Just counting my cattle..

SK-Jukebox:
Numeric BTNs x 10
Prev screen BTN
Next screen BTN
Random play BTN
Quit BTN
Jump BTN
Enter BTN

Visual Pinball:
Credits BTN
Start/Players BTN
Plunger BTN
Quit BTN
Flipper BTNs x 2
Nudge BTNs x 3

MAME:
Direction BTNs x 4
Action BTNs x 4
Credits BTN
Quit BTN
Start BTNs x 2

MALA:
Direction BTNs x 4
Menu BTN
Select BTN
Quit BTN

Admin/Other:
Reset BTN
Power ON/OFF BTN
Shazaaam! BTN
Ctrl BTN
Alt BTN

Don't even want to know the button count

Looks like quite a few.., no? Well, crapmame here I come! (http://www.wickedretarded.com/~crapmame/)

And that's not all, add to that at least the volume controls, power connector(s), one (or two) cooling fans, a 4-port USB hub, one wireless FM-transmitter, S-Video & DVI outs and two ps2 connectors for keyboard & mouse.. Could I squeeze a DVD-ROM drive in there? Might be I'm forgetting something ...

Might need some organizing...

Later..

EDIT 

Did actually forget something:

1 composite out
1 S-vid out

Oh crap 

psycho

[theCoder]

The orientation problem is EASY.
Your juke gets a different native orientation than your pinmame program - instant switching. For controls, you reassign controls with your IPAC, or within the program INI files - instant control switching.

Doh... much better than my mechanical solution.  Great recommendation shardian.

[psychotech]

Yesh..

That approach works nicely. And with SK-Jukebox you don't even have to edit the INI files .. Great software!

Really, no need to make it too complicated..?

theCoder: Another bartop?
Well, no space to comfortably build a full size upright at the moment .. Easier to just work on these miniatures when the inspiration comes/stupidity strikes/whatever..   

L8r.

[psychotech]

...

A couple of pictures. Nothing much. Still, it's progress..

First rough cuts (This time I'm really going high tech ..a hand saw )


So, the pix:

1. The hand sawed rough cut with the MB "in place"

2. Sides rounded & supports in place - Pinball/MAME orientation

3. Same stuff as a jukebox ..and the warped (green) bottom plate!

Later

[Kaytrim]

A juke is going to be one of my projects down the road.  I'll defiantly be watching this one.  For true portability you could use a laptop.

TTFN

[psychotech]

A juke is going to be one of my projects down the road.  I'll defiantly be watching this one.  For true portability you could use a laptop.

TTFN

Hello.

Well, portable as in "moveable"..

Anyway, if it was going to be just a jukebox the laptop route would be awesome. But as it is, I'm building this to work as not only a jukebox (although definitely its main purpose) but as a MAME and a pinball machine also. And as a pinball the weight & size of the normal PC parts is actually a good thing ..wouldn't even dream of playing Visual Pinball tables on Tomatocade because of it being so light ..Bombjack, on the other hand is quite heavy and handles VP with the players' occasional (though unnecessary) nudges really well

Another update in a few days..

pt

[psychotech]

Still alive, almost (too hot here at the moment).

Still, new pictures of the build so far. Control panel is still very much WIP and there's going to be more holes on either the "main admin panel" or the "bottom panel" as soon as I decide where to add the holes for an optical digital audio out & a basic network card..

Anyway, pictures in no particular order:

Bottom panel:

Mouse, keyboard, composite, S-video & DVI video outputs with an RCA stereo out & a power connector.

Main admin panel:

Shazaaam! centered ..with lots of other nice features

Pinball control panel:

L-R: Credits, players, plunger (MAME: credits, player 1, player 2).

DVD side:

Lew, screwholes to cover ..

DVD (in)side:


FAN side with a couple more of them screws:


FAN (in)side:


An old mock-up picture with the DVD almost at the right place:


Well, that's it for the pictures .. I'll add a remote controller etc. but ...

Later, again.

psychotech

PS. A "local" radio webcast @ http://stream.radiorock.fi/listen.pls ..A 24/7 rock/hardrock/metal soundtrack to build your own ..

EDIT: The radio link above ..sorry, should work now

[leapinlew]

Lookin good - what kind of music are you going to play on that thing?

[psychotech]

 

Thanks, might even be able to make it ..?

Lookin good - what kind of music are you going to play on that thing?

Check out the link... and add all the other pop/rock/hard rock/metal/r&b/punk/ska/disco/ethnic/blues/etc. bands/songs/styles from the 60's to the present day you're able to imagine  ..A good song is a good song, never mind the "style", ..styles are for anyway. So, everything good
 
psychot(e/i)ch


EDIT:
NO Elvis...

[theCoder]

Nice progress.  I take it you will be de-casing the 17" monitor.  Looks like you've squeezed all the extra space out of the thing.  Very nice.  Also, you mentioned using a thumb controller.  Will you be hacking one out of a console controller or buying something off-the-shelf?

[psychotech]

No "real" plans this time either. But yeah.. All measurements mentioned in this thread will be metric. Actually, millimeters if not otherwise stated ..

Coder: Thanks. And NO, I won't decase the monitor. I'm using a 17" TFT monitor that is about (+/- 0,5mm) 63mm deep with all the buttons etc. considered. And yes, it's going to be a tight fit; between the graphics card and the monitor mount there's going to be all of 2,5mm of "wasted" space. Just hoping I've done my calculations right..

The monitor attaches to the "recessed" supports seen on the inside pics of the sides. Actually, the control panel won't be connected to the monitor at all. More of that later, maybe ..?

Picture 1 of the monitor: flat on its back...


Picture 2 of the monitor:


Picture 3 of the monitor: Not that deep ?


Anyway, more info on everything as soon as ......

---

Comments, ideas etc. are always welcome

---

Back in a moment.

psychotech


PS. Lew:

T-molding?

Ordered t-molding for the Bombjack and for this new project. It arrived as t-molding. And after a few minutes with a sharp carpet knife.. Here's the T:



All I need is the molding .. (and my freshly black painted DVD-ROM for this juke )



?!? psycho

[leapinlew]

Ordered t-molding for the Bombjack and for this new project. It arrived as t-molding. And after a few minutes with a sharp carpet knife..

You turned T molding into l molding... So then... whats the plan? Glue?

Did you have some sort of horrible router/t-molding accident when you were a kid?

[Kaytrim]

I have a feeling you are going to have a hard time getting that molding to stick.  Unless you use finish nails or brads.

Glad to see you back at it.  It is starting to take shape and I can't wait to see the final results.

TTFN

[leapinlew]

I have a feeling you are going to have a hard time getting that molding to stick. 

Psychotech? Hard time? Shoot. The dude won't have a hard time. Guarantee it.  Did you read his other PA?

[psychotech]

Lew!

How did you know?

Actually, it was my 15th birthday as I was working at the family factory mixing cocaine when my father promised to buy me a real nice plane (as long as I'd fly a couple of packages a month..) for my birthday Well.. So, I went to speak to Hans (our family mechanic at the time) about ...

:=)

No fear of power tools, ..but still no need for them either Just being an..

All the best with your new project

Kaytrim:

It STICKS!

I've already done that on Bombjack, about two months ago.. Sticks nicely, actually. The machine has been used and abused quite a lot. And the molding stays in place. (have to say that in the eighties I saw quite a few times the machine sides & moldings repaired with contact glue)

You'll just need to leave the edge "kinda rough" and use a double helping of contact glue on the MDF side: IE. One layer on the MDF, one layer on the "molding" and after a couple of minutes yet another layer on the MDF.. And after that? Patience, lots of patience. If it says "wait 15-40 minutes", it means wait 45 minutes

Works like a charm. If in doubt, you're welcome to test it here. Just phone me in advance

psychotech

[psychotech]

I have a feeling you are going to have a hard time getting that molding to stick. 

Psychotech? Hard time? Shoot. The dude won't have a hard time. Guarantee it.  Did you read his other PA?

Oh..

Later, I'm having such a hard time just now...................................................................................................

 

[Kaytrim]

It STICKS!

I've already done that on Bombjack, about two months ago.. Sticks nicely, actually. The machine has been used and abused quite a lot. And the molding stays in place. (have to say that in the eighties I saw quite a few times the machine sides & moldings repaired with contact glue)

You'll just need to leave the edge "kinda rough" and use a double helping of contact glue on the MDF side: IE. One layer on the MDF, one layer on the "molding" and after a couple of minutes yet another layer on the MDF.. And after that? Patience, lots of patience. If it says "wait 15-40 minutes", it means wait 45 minutes

You mean the stuff that is used for laminate?  I have to agree that is some strong stuff.  I just didn't think that it would work so well with the rubber T-molding.

Works like a charm. If in doubt, you're welcome to test it here. Just phone me in advance

Do you want to pay for my plane tickets?  I live in the states.

[psychotech]

Kaytrim: Let's do it the other way around; you pay for my tickets (Finland-USA-Finland ) and I'll install the molding on your next project for free ..I'll even buy the contact glue myself so it'll be super cheap for you

Still, just a quick update on the glued on (T) molding. I'll update the actual Bombjack thread with a load of pictures later today (tonight here..).

The molding was installed about two months ago and holds prrrrrfect Have been playing pinball quite a lot these days..



So, no need for a router really

Later,

psychotech.

[psychotech]

..to an earlier question (theCoder) -> off-the-shelf this time.

Tried to find a suitable pad controller to hack (and actually bought one for 1,5 Euros - another build maybe  ) but as soon as I found this at www.arcadeshop.de it was a done deal (Not the cheapest option, but the first to actually sell these. Well, (T) molding & a thumbstick, everything else will be overseas -> 1 Euro = 1,38 USD at the moment ..and no 18% - 22% taxes to pay  )



Now, off to update the Bombjack thread..

[bfauska]

Looks like a really cool project.

It would be a pain in the A#@ to figure out but I think the artwork would be awesome if you could make is say one thing when you look at it one way and another when upside down.

Something along the lines of this doormat.


Edit: click the picture to see it rotate and show both ways

[psychotech]

Another night, another -small- update..

bfauska: Thanks! And it really would be a pain in .. I'll have to think about the graphics a bit more. The button labeling/texts will be on both on top and below the buttons ..the below the button being readable .. We'll see?

A few more pictures I took while checking some final details before taking it all apart again ..for sanding & painting. No, it won't be done anytime soon

A jukebox


A pinball..


Yes, a pinball.


Hang 'em high ..with metal reinforcements (padlocks, anyone..)


Checking the DVD installation.. almost half a millimeter to spare


That's it. Now, some sanding & detailing before taking it all apart for paint & (glued on) molding ?!

Back again.

psychotech

[psychotech]

Well..

Room enough



Not even tight..



Bad design == wasted space || too tight a fit ..?



That's all. Next I'll just ... go and electrocute myself with all the wiring.

psychotech

[superbigjay]

Hey Psychotech,
what kind of powerbar is that?

Is that the electrical standard outlet?

[leapinlew]

lookin good -

This thing should keep you warm at night.

[psychotech]

!?

superbigjay:

Well, it's an European version of the Smartstip. A close up pic:




leapinlew:



Warm? WARM? ..actually, not that tight/"warm" a fit, if you remember BOMBJACK ..? There's more space and even better airflow this time around ..And, yes, Bombjack runs really great! Well, we'll see..

---------



Later.

psychotech

[Anubis_au]

That's coming together very nicely... can't wait for the next batch of photos.

[theCoder]

Man, this project is really taking shape.  Looks great.

[psychotech]

Hello.

Anubis_au & theCoder:

Thanks for your kind comments.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

A couple more pictures. It doesn't seem like much of progress, but there are miles/kilometers of hidden wires, along with the few hundred feet/yards/meters in sight,  in the following pictures ..and all the components are in place and connected

I've tested the machine & the TFT, all the audio connections (quite a few of these, also), the main admin stuff etc. and also watched a couple of movies on the machine using the wireless audio option.. Everything - so far - works great. Also, all the pinball buttons etc. are wired..

So. Systematic chaos.

All the inside (bottom/back) wires are in place. You won't be able to tell it from these pics, but there are quite a few

On the CP design front; I've got the main control button txt's etc. ready, but still no ideas about the actual CP graphics.


Yes, I know it looks like a mess. And it is, but it IS a systematic mess - with a push button in the middle...



Jukebox bottom/Pinball back (the connection panel) and the angled primary admin panel ..the finish of which I managed to partially ruin with a screwdriver while installing the 4-port USB hub   ..Oh well, might have to "fix it in the mix".. Also in the picture, two of the three available (female) power connectors.



A tight fit? Well..

The bartop/jukebox/pinball sides were done a bit differently (surprise?) this time and so aren't that easily photographed. Maybe later though; a leathery texture done with water based acrylics - looks pretty nice live, with flash, no way.



Thanks for your time

And I might even start working on the main CP, someday 

psychotech

[KenToad]

Looks great.  Can't wait to see the main CP.

Keep the pictures coming.

 

KenToad

[psychotech]

A slight return..

Thanks Kentoad!

Well, the CP itself should be quite easy, it's just the graphics/theme I have no idea of at the moment. So, can't really drill any button holes etc. before the gfx are done

----------------------------------------------

Current status of the Jukebox/Pinball project:

Everything works! The scratch on the admin panel (on an above pic) won't actually be seen, so..



Now, if there was a control panel on this thing.. Also, looking at this picture it seems that I have to adjust the DVD-drive mounting almost a half millimeter 


Nothing too bad here, just needs black flipper buttons?



Another view of the "leathery" side finish:



Yes, I really ought to start designing & building the main control panel..

psychotech

[Knievel]

Very cool little project, professional looking too.

I must have missed it, are you putting a piece of glass/plexi over the entire top surface?

Touchscreen would be cool for the jukebox, of course you couldn't put glass over it then..hmm

[theCoder]

The paint looks great.  Could you elaborate a little.  How "textured" is it?  How did you apply it?

Regarding your artwork, you might consider wrapping text around the buttons similar below.  This way it is orientation agnostic, ur, uh, works from any direction. 

Look'n good.

[psychotech]

Thanks for your comments  .. & questions

Knievel:

No touchscreens here but quite a basic mini button solution with SK-Jukebox. (See the first post on this thread for button placement etc.)

And yes, the entire main CP will be covered with a 2 or 3mm plexi. Actually, the CP will be a 3 (or 4 if you count the graphics) layer solution; 1st there'll be an 9mm plywood panel with a hole for the TFT-housing (another tight fit); on top of that I'll put a 5mm piece of plywood that also covers the TFT's bezel area.. Next the graphics and finally the plexi. The layer approach I chose because of all the stuff yet to be installed on the CP etc. More on that later.


theCoder:

The whole machine is painted with water based acrylics ..I'm just using MDF as my canvas Even though the paint is water dilutable, it is quite (spell: really) tough once it has dried thoroughly. Anyway, I'm quite sure this method works with other paints too..?

All the surfaces, smooth & textured, were painted with a good quality foam roller. The only difference between the smooth and the textured surfaces is that for the textured finish I diluted the paint only very slightly.

And in reality.. (Prompt is the word here.) Use a senseless amount of that phat paint and spread a good thick layer of it evenly on the surface. To get a textured finish you'll have to roll "some" excess paint off the roller and then carefully let it roll over the surface ..do not apply more pressure than absolutely necessary to have it rolling.. Promptly NOT -> See below: EDIT

It's not the easiest surface to capture on camera, but here are a couple of pics:

A really bad close-up...


And more of the same area ..


On the artwork front, you're pretty close to what I've done. Still, the button texts etc. are not the problem. It's just that I haven't decided on the "background" graphics for the bezel area... Don't want the entire machine to be "just" black.

Actually, as the machine will be viewed from two opposing directions my solution for the controllers goes like this:



That's all for now.

psychotech

------------------------------------

EDIT / Correction

The textured finish info above: Should have said that..

You'll have to keep the foam roller "loaded" to achieve the leathery textured surface. Do not roll any paint off the roller in the end (quite the opposite) but just carefully let it roll over the surface ..do not apply more pressure than absolutely necessary to have it rolling..

This way it's even more difficult 'cause the roller just wants to slide over the surface, but ...

You're mileage might wary ..I'd test (I did) it on scrap pieces of MDF before committing.

So, this is how it is done: use psychotic amounts of paint to start with and finish the surface with even more

pt