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My first arcade project

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Green Giant:


--- Quote from: drpcken on September 30, 2007, 02:48:48 pm ---1/2 inch seems like it would work if it was made from MDF and had a plexiglass overlay, but i've never built one before :)


--- End quote ---

If you have .5" mdf laying around thats fine.  Lots of people do the CP out of 5/8" since the typical plexi overlay is 1/8".  Together this makes it 3/4" for the CP which is the most common size for t-molding, and you will probably buy a really long strip of tmolding for the whole cab, this will save you some money.

genesim:


--- Quote ---First of all. DO NOT MAKE A FRANKEN PANEL.
--- End quote ---

Disagree completely.   It depends on what kind of person you are.   I am a gamer FIRST, and I could care less what others think.

I am not trying to hide the fact that it isn't an original arcade, other then I like the artwork.

I don't want or have the space for 6 arcades. 

I like Donkey Kong, Tempest, Centipede, Q-Bert, Mortal Kombat, Ikari Warriors, Battlezone, Tron, and Pro Pinball....oh yeah, and 4 PLAYERS!!

Any other way it can be done without multiple arcades? 

PCtech:

Good luck on your cab....it an exilirating, and humbling experience all at the same time.

Sounds like you've got a good start.....one comment on the Control Panel.....use a mockup.

After you have designed your control panel, build it our of thick cardboard, or very cheap wood.  Don't woory about finishing the mockup, but do mount your controls (sticks, buttons, spinner, etc).  Actually play the games you like with the mockup (for a few days( and see how it feels.  I did NOT take this route when I built mine, and just used someone else's design.  I almost had the thing finished before I discovered the button placement was wrong for me, the joystick was too far to the left for my taste.  The spinner was in a STUIPD place for asteroids, and I didn't leave enough space between my trakball and the backglass, so I smashed my knuckles when playing Golden Tee.

Then I had to redesign, rebuild, remount, and re-wire the whole panel..... :angry:

Next time I'm doing a mockup.  I have done one since, and will ALWAYS do this in the future.

Good luck...and post pics of you progress so we can make fun / encourage you along  :cheers:

javeryh:


--- Quote from: genesim on October 01, 2007, 01:01:27 am ---
--- Quote ---First of all. DO NOT MAKE A FRANKEN PANEL.
--- End quote ---

Disagree completely.   It depends on what kind of person you are.   I am a gamer FIRST, and I could care less what others think.

I am not trying to hide the fact that it isn't an original arcade, other then I like the artwork.

I don't want or have the space for 6 arcades. 

I like Donkey Kong, Tempest, Centipede, Q-Bert, Mortal Kombat, Ikari Warriors, Battlezone, Tron, and Pro Pinball....oh yeah, and 4 PLAYERS!!

Any other way it can be done without multiple arcades? 

--- End quote ---

It definitely depends on the builder but if WAF is a concern I think you should make the design as elegant as possible.  Also, after building my first cab (a cocktail) and having people play it at parties I realized that even 4 labeled admin buttons are confusing to people who only play arcade games when they come to my house (especially kids).  How do I get back to the list?  How do I put a quarter in? Which buttons do I use to play this game? etc.  If you build a huge panel with 30 buttons, 4 joysticks, 2 trackballs, 2 spinners, etc. you will be getting a million questions all the time.  I won't even get into my dislike of 4P CPs... That said, depending on who will be using the cab and what games you really "must have" then go for whatever design works for you.  That's what makes this hobby so great - there is no right or wrong.   Good luck!  :cheers:

Kangum:

if  you like that type of cab this is far better inspiration  :applaud:

see page 1

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=65678.0

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