Author Topic: Mike's Arcade Machine Emulator (Knievel inspired) It's Alive! (Read 37516 times)

gatordad · « **on:** October 16, 2007, 11:47:21 pm »

As the name suggests I am calling my first cabinet Mike's Arcade Machine Emulator. I know, I know, but I'm lucky that the letters match.

I have looked through most of the examples of scratch built cabs and I am most impressed with the talent and quality of projects here. I was inspired to get, build, or modify one of my own.

I looked through the Hall of fame stuff and WOW when I saw Knievel's Neon MAME I thought OH MY is that thing georgous.

After searching and looking for many, many, hours, I kept being drawn back to Knievels NEON cab.

Since I do not have a ton of woodworking experience, I decided to search for a cabinet in good physical shape that would become my very own Arcade Machine Emulator.

Now that I have a destination,

Let the journey begin..............

I found this semi empty nfl blitz cab on my local craigslist

It came with 4 Midway 49 ways

Some more shots

My 2 boys are chomping at the bit to play it already
Looks like its time to get to work......
stay tuned
Regards Mike

Anubis_au · « **Reply #1 on:** October 17, 2007, 07:31:32 am »

Nice looking cab. Good luck with the conversion and adding the Knievel bling to it. Don't forget to post lots of pics!

leapinlew · « **Reply #2 on:** October 17, 2007, 07:55:14 am »

Knievel who?

Green Giant · « **Reply #3 on:** October 17, 2007, 11:12:37 am »

Quote from: leapinlew on October 17, 2007, 07:55:14 am

Knievel who?

Has he made a cocktail yet, that is probably the only type of cab knievel hasn't inspired people with.

gatordad · « **Reply #4 on:** October 17, 2007, 10:47:46 pm »

Had a little time to work on the cab today.

The power supply works!

Can you say BONUS, I struck GOLD ($1.25)was found inside a very clean over under coin door

The surgery begins....... Removing the intestines of this lifeless creature

Now that I have had time to give the cab a very detailed looking over, I have some monitor bracket holes to fill, scratchs to fix, and corners and edges to redo. Anyone have an idea what that large hole on the right was used for?

More tomorrow....

Anubis_au · « **Reply #5 on:** October 17, 2007, 10:56:53 pm »

Quote from: Green Giant on October 17, 2007, 11:12:37 am

Has he made a cocktail yet, that is probably the only type of cab knievel hasn't inspired people with.

A cab that hangs from the roof. He hasn't done that one yet either.

leapinlew · « **Reply #6 on:** October 17, 2007, 11:54:09 pm »

on/off switch maybe?

Cabs looking good. Thats a real good cab for a rebuild. Keep up the good work.

gatordad · « **Reply #7 on:** October 18, 2007, 11:04:06 pm »

The rear access to the cab has a hinged door that needs some fixing as seen here

and here, nothing a little bondo can't fix.

I also pulled off the front kickplate piece as it will be changed to include a sliding drawer, hinges to allow for access from the front of the cab, and some speaker holes.

I also pulled off all of the t-molding

more to come....

gatordad · « **Reply #8 on:** October 19, 2007, 09:00:29 pm »

Started to frame the corners and edges that needed fixing, I used shims and finishing nails gently hamered into the t-molding groove.

gatordad · « **Reply #9 on:** October 20, 2007, 09:02:31 pm »

Broke out the bondo and fixed some edges and dings.

I used wood glue and filled the monitor bracket holes with dowels.

After the glued dowels dried I used a chisel to cut them flush and filled any imperfections with bondo.

gatordad · « **Reply #10 on:** October 21, 2007, 10:50:07 pm »

Now starts the sanding

I'll need another skim coat before this is perfect

I fixed the back panel hinge fracture, turned out pretty good. I used the same technique with shims to create a frame and filled several times with bondo. Here are the results

and here

Some parts for my control panel are starting to accumulate, time to start thinking about that now too.

More Cowbell · « **Reply #11 on:** October 22, 2007, 05:38:31 pm »

Looking great. Your patience is admirable. With my first cab I just rushed through it all doing most of it half-@$$ed in order to get it finished and playable. You're definitely paying attention to the details.

gatordad · « **Reply #12 on:** October 22, 2007, 08:24:49 pm »

Thanks, Cowbell, I am definitly anxious to put it together. I have not had a full day uninterupted to dedicate to the cab yet, just an hour here and an hour or two there.

Hey how bout that Bears comeback, what a finish huh? Poor Andy Reed looked like he wanted to cry

gatordad · « **Reply #13 on:** October 22, 2007, 08:47:35 pm »

Another update.....
I won a few auctions on ebay. A large lot of long leaf buttons that were pretty dirty.
I disassembled them all and soaked the springs and e-clips in coke cola overnight to remove any rust.
I also soaked the plastic parts in bleach and water to kill whatever diseases might have been on the buttons.
After soaking in bleach overnight I used simplegreen, hot water and a stiff brush to clean every button, after cleaning I used my compressor to spray dry the buttons.
I don't know if I'm going to used the atari cone buttons yet.... we'll see
They all look really good as seen here

I also won a trackball with a mounting plate, Ipac and an origional oscar vortex spinner with an oh so cool mame engraved top and 4 sanwa jlf knockoffs for dirt cheap on e-bay. All these items were in like new condition and I could not be happier.

More tomorrow if I have time.

gatordad · « **Reply #14 on:** October 24, 2007, 08:43:01 pm »

Second skim coat of bondo applied to areas that were not perfect.
Entire cab sanded for a second time, I am very pleased with how the dowels and bondo has filled and recreated edges and corners, almost ready for first coat of primer, just need to clean it up a bit first.

More Cowbell · « **Reply #15 on:** October 25, 2007, 11:21:46 am »

Nice hauls on the buttons and stuff. Let me know if you're willing to part with any spare long buttons and we can talk $$.

hatrick · « **Reply #16 on:** October 25, 2007, 12:01:16 pm »

Nice job so far.Thanks for posting the technique for making the bondo edges clean with nailing the wood to the edges. I need to do that on my Donkey Kong cab, but I wasn't sure how to do it. That should save me lots of work and time. Thanks!

I sent you a PM.

I'll be watching your project. Keep up the good work.

gatordad · « **Reply #17 on:** October 26, 2007, 09:06:27 am »

I was able to give the cab a good cleaning, planning on primer this weekend.
I ordered my speakers so I might be able to save the front lower panel after all, (saving even more wood work

)

I went to Lowes and picked up hinges and hardware for the sliding keyboard drawer and front door which will now open.

Still working on my Control panel design, it is almost finished, couple more days / weeks and I should have control placement and artwork finished and sent for printing.

Artwork will be something borrowed and slightly modified.

My goal is to have it finished by New Years eve or sooner as we usually have a new years eve party,
Should be a big hit.

gatordad · « **Reply #18 on:** October 27, 2007, 11:29:39 pm »

Feels like I'm making some progress
I put on the First coat of Primer let it dry and painted it a second time.

I will sand this down and put another coat of primer on when I have time this later this week.

Showing off some curves

I'm also real close, to my almost finished, final control panel design for my cp.

Knievel · « **Reply #19 on:** October 28, 2007, 12:01:17 pm »

Cool looking cabinet, nice job patching it up.

I've got 2 boys myself. I can tell you this machine will make you the 'Cool Dad' on the block

So what are your plans monitor-wise? looks like a big space to fill.

Lakersfan · « **Reply #20 on:** October 28, 2007, 01:37:33 pm »

I've been watching this thread from the beginning. It's a lot like my project, where I purchased an old Sunset Riders cabinet and am restoring it and converting it to a MAME machine.

Looking good! Keep up the good work.

gatordad · « **Reply #21 on:** October 28, 2007, 05:16:40 pm »

Quote from: Knievel on October 28, 2007, 12:01:17 pm

Cool looking cabinet, nice job patching it up.

I've got 2 boys myself. I can tell you this machine will make you the 'Cool Dad' on the block

So what are your plans monitor-wise? looks like a big space to fill.

Thanks for the kind words,

I really like what you've done with your projects, really cool stuff.

I think you and I are the only 2 people on the planet who actually own a Kick Axe LP

Yes my boys are very excited and They.... have..... been .....helping..... me

(if you call it that)

Funny you should ask, I was working on the monitor today.

I bought a Hantarex RGB 29in monitor, the kind that were used in 3X3X3 video walls.
I searched a long time and was going to use a 24in tv but had a stroke of luck and saw it on my local craigslist.
It's perfect! 21in high and only 23 1/2 inch wide with the case on.

I Decased it, because I need to cut the metal housing a bit in order for it to fit the depth of the cab.
I also need to build an angled shelf for the adjustment controls, if I leave them in the current location (in the monitor case) there would be almost no way to reach them once the monitor is installed.
I'll post some pictures once I'm done modifying the case.
Regards
Gatordad

gatordad · « **Reply #22 on:** October 28, 2007, 11:33:21 pm »

Here is the monitor I'm going to use

I was nervous taking it apart

Time to slim down this fatty

What a nice new figure,,,,,,, should fit good now!

More to come

Knievel · « **Reply #23 on:** October 29, 2007, 10:18:51 am »

Looks like a beauty.

metahacker · « **Reply #24 on:** October 29, 2007, 05:03:23 pm »

does that tv have r/g/b/h/v BNC inputs?

if so, planning to use a bnc break out cable like this?

will probably yield you the best results

ps im very jealous u managed to pick up a cube video monitor.

i was looking for one for quite some time, found a pvm-2950 from a video editor friend that was kept around as a spare (low hours) but it seemed a bit too big for my blitz cab

gatordad · « **Reply #25 on:** October 29, 2007, 06:30:32 pm »

Quote from: metahacker on October 29, 2007, 05:03:23 pm

does that tv have r/g/b/h/v BNC inputs?

if so, planning to use a bnc break out cable like this?

will probably yield you the best results

ps im very jealous u managed to pick up a cube video monitor.
i was looking for one for quite some time, found a pvm-2950 from a video editor friend that was kept around as a spare (low hours) but it seemed a bit too big for my blitz cab

It has plenty of options, as seen in the picture, I was planning on using the DB9 for my RGB with a vga to db9 converter, running soft15 found in software section here on the boards.

metahacker · « **Reply #26 on:** October 29, 2007, 07:25:14 pm »

oh wow! nice.

gatordad · « **Reply #27 on:** October 29, 2007, 11:31:30 pm »

I believe that I am 1/2 finished on my cp design.

Controls and placement_______done
Artwork_________ still need to do

My cp will have a pinball plunger and 2 pinball buttons on each side.

I haven't even messed with any pinball emu's yet....... am I forgetting anything else?

Illustrator is not easy to pick up and use, very frustrating (long learning curve)but I'm making progress.

superbigjay · « **Reply #28 on:** October 29, 2007, 11:55:39 pm »

Quote from: gatordad on October 29, 2007, 11:31:30 pm

Illustrator is not easy to pick up and use, very frustrating (long learning curve)but I'm making progress.

I understand your pain... I just went to that process 2 months ago.
But it usually worth the time spent!!

For your CP, a few questions:
The top joystick? it's another P360? (8-ways) what is it for?? Did you mean a 4-way?

What are the top buttons (trackball buttons, others??)

General comment, build a "mockup" with real or just paper component and place your hand like if you were playing to see if it's comfortable. Try to think if there is any conflict between controls
ex:
- top joystick vs the trackball is you play an intense game of golden T
- the palm of your left hand will probable rest on the CP. Will you clear the P1 action buttons
- distance between action buttons, are comfortable (too wide apart?)
- the button on the right of the top joystick, you could center them to make them a bit more symmetric with the trackball
These are just general comments, just to make sure you thought of everything...

General hint for illustrator.
I see with the trackball crosshair that it isn't square...
you might want to turn on the snap to grid option.
That way you can easily align everyting at every 1/16in.

That's it... good night
Jay

gatordad · « **Reply #29 on:** October 30, 2007, 09:08:10 am »

Quote from: superbigjay on October 29, 2007, 11:55:39 pm

Quote from: gatordad on October 29, 2007, 11:31:30 pm
Illustrator is not easy to pick up and use, very frustrating (long learning curve)but I'm making progress.
I understand your pain... I just went to that process 2 months ago.
But it usually worth the time spent!!

For your CP, a few questions:
The top joystick? it's another P360? (8-ways) what is it for?? Did you mean a 4-way?

What are the top buttons (trackball buttons, others??)

General comment, build a "mockup" with real or just paper component and place your hand like if you were playing to see if it's comfortable. Try to think if there is any conflict between controls
ex:
- top joystick vs the trackball is you play an intense game of golden T
- the palm of your left hand will probable rest on the CP. Will you clear the P1 action buttons
- distance between action buttons, are comfortable (too wide apart?)
- the button on the right of the top joystick, you could center them to make them a bit more symmetric with the trackball
These are just general comments, just to make sure you thought of everything...

General hint for illustrator.
I see with the trackball crosshair that it isn't square...
you might want to turn on the snap to grid option.
That way you can easily align everyting at every 1/16in.

That's it... good night
Jay

Thanks for the comments Jay

Yes the top Joy is a 4 way,
I used Saints templates and the base size is the same so I did not bother changing the description.

The buttons on top corners are player 1-2, coin 1-2 and lt rt mouse.

Something about snap to grid .....got it

I intend on doing a mock up before I drill to check comfort level (excellent advice thanks)

gatordad · « **Reply #30 on:** November 01, 2007, 10:32:33 pm »

I put a total of 4 coats of primer on the outside of the cab and sanded it down till it's oooohh sooo smoooth.
Bling bling arrived, so I was finally able to measure the inside diameter of the neon rings and borrowed my father's rotozip to cut some holes.
I picked up my bezel as well. Just had time to cut the width, I am going to mount my shelf and monitor before final placement and vertical cuts are made.

Rotozipping was fun for my first time, I'm Pleased with the results.

Flipped the cab over and repeated for the other side

As my brother in-law says "good enough for this job"

I have just found someone I know with a table saw, got to use it to make my cp box and a few odds and ends........can't wait to cut something off.

javeryh · « **Reply #31 on:** November 02, 2007, 09:53:15 am »

Really nice job so far - I like the unique shape you have going on there.

blueznl · « **Reply #32 on:** November 05, 2007, 03:45:33 am »

Nice shape! What colour is it going to be in the end? (I actually like that white

)

hatrick · « **Reply #33 on:** November 05, 2007, 11:29:00 am »

Looking good!

If you want to sell those Atari cone buttons (if you don't use them) I'd be interested in buying them. I need a set to restore my Centipede.

Keep the pics coming!

gatordad · « **Reply #34 on:** November 05, 2007, 02:29:59 pm »

Thanks guys,

answers:

Hatrick, I did receive your PM, Thanks, but I intend to save the cones for the time being. If I change my mind I shoot you a PM

I am going with a black and blue color theme.

I like the shape as well, I don't know if this cab had a previous life prior to being a Blitz, anyone recognize it?

Update:

Received my plexi and gray tinted tempered glass yesterday.
The grey tinted glass looks amazing, did a test fit for the glass and it was perfect.
I made some final tweaks on my cp design, I'll post that and some minor additional prep work I did tonight when I have a chance.
Regards
GD

hatrick · « **Reply #35 on:** November 05, 2007, 04:44:16 pm »

Quote from: gatordad on November 05, 2007, 02:29:59 pm

Hatrick, I did receive your PM, Thanks, but I intend to save the cones for the time being. If I change my mind I shoot you a PM

Sounds good. I wasn't trying to be a pest, but some people don't check thier PM's, so I wasn't sure if you got it.

I'm enjoying your build photos, so keep us updated.

gatordad · « **Reply #36 on:** November 05, 2007, 09:45:20 pm »

Here is my cp design after a few small changes, This is the one I will mock up to see how it feels, Hopefully this weekend.

gatordad · « **Reply #37 on:** November 05, 2007, 10:51:04 pm »

I primed the inside of the cab and started to spray paint the inside black. But after looking at it I wasen't happy (I know nobody will see it, but I want the inside to look good when its accessed for storage or whatever) so I decided to just spray paint all the inside corners and hard to reach areas, and I went out and bought a 8.00 quart of flat black and painted the inside with the 6 inch foam roller. I still have to take a picture of how it looks with the inside paint finished. Turned out nice.
This is how it looked after being primed and I started to spray the inside

I'm excited about this coming weekend I have Friday off and I hope to build my cp box and top, cut my new front kickplate, cut speaker holes, build the shelf for the monitor, build the shelf for the monitor controls, and build the slidding keyboard drawer.
More soon.....

gatordad · « **Reply #38 on:** November 08, 2007, 09:42:48 am »

Well I learned a few things yesterday,

I printed out my cp design to scale and taped it to some cardboard.
It looked absolutely fantastic on the screen and I was done, finally done.

Well....... after printing to scale and seeing it full size I noticed a couple of things

1st thing was, my cp was too deep... It was uncomfortable reaching the top buttons and joy.

2nd thing was, the second player joy is in the way while reaching the top, with my current top row button layout.

Sigh.........

I am going to make some ( final?) changes tonight because tomorrow I am planning on making my cp box and cutting the cp top, not cutting and routing control placement but just cutting the top.

Doing a full scale mock up sure helped me visualize things and get a feel for the faults of what I thought originally looked good.

More pictures this weekend.
Regards
GD

Gangor · « **Reply #39 on:** November 08, 2007, 03:43:10 pm »

What program did you use to make the control panel diagram? Looking good so far, keep it up!

gatordad · « **Reply #40 on:** November 08, 2007, 09:32:12 pm »

Quote from: Gangor on November 08, 2007, 03:43:10 pm

What program did you use to make the control panel diagram? Looking good so far, keep it up!

Thanks and welcome to the boards, I used Adobe Illustrator. Lots of good help and talent around this site.
Regards
GD

gatordad · « **Reply #41 on:** November 10, 2007, 10:09:03 pm »

Broke out the router and cut the slot for the t-molding on my sideart cutouts. I practiced on a piece of scrap since it wss my first time using a router

Wood glue really is pretty strong, you can see one of the dowels I used to fill the origional monitor bracket holes, it got sliced and diced and is still holding strong.

I also had time to clean some buttons that I don't need, these will find there way to the BST or ebay in a couple of days.

I got a whole bunch of cutting done yesterday, new front kickplate, coindoor cutout, speaker cutouts, two shelves and supports, cp top, and some new sides for my cp box.
More pictures tomorrow I have to get um off my camera.

gatordad · « **Reply #42 on:** November 16, 2007, 09:04:17 pm »

Some pictures from last weekend, made good progress, I enlisted the help of my father in-law, he's known around these parts as Mister fix it.
Cutting the cp top

Inside of cab painted flat black just because I wanted a clean look when door is opened

monitor shelf and brackets are done, coin door is next

I cut new sides for the cp box and took off the blitz sticker after I snapped this picture.

Getting closeer.........

gatordad · « **Reply #43 on:** November 23, 2007, 05:39:01 pm »

Primed all on my pieces the other day

installed the monitor support and made sure height and angle was correct

I am going to borrow a friends spray paint equipment this week end. I hope to done painting in a couple of days.
The excitement is building........can't wait till it works.

jcoleman · « **Reply #44 on:** November 23, 2007, 08:24:12 pm »

Quote

I am going to make some ( final?) changes tonight

Final?! Final?!?!?

...

Seriously, if you ever decide you are finished with your cabinet then you must have found another hobby.

If in doubt see the Mission Control thread!

Jdurg · « **Reply #45 on:** November 24, 2007, 04:03:25 pm »

Quote from: jcoleman on November 23, 2007, 08:24:12 pm

Quote
I am going to make some ( final?) changes tonight

Final?! Final?!?!? ...

Seriously, if you ever decide you are finished with your cabinet then you must have found another hobby. If in doubt see the Mission Control thread!

hehe. Quite true. I'm just in the beginning stages of my cabinet "assembly" and I keep getting new ideas every time I think I'm done.

gatordad · « **Reply #46 on:** November 25, 2007, 11:55:37 pm »

Big weekend, First i started and gave it a good cleaning

Here you can see the coin door and speaker holes on the front cab door

My virgin attempt with a spray gun

Only one mistake on the first spray job, but its in the back and nobody should see, I pulled the trigger with the gun pointed at the cab and got a glob of paint on the back, after it drys I'll sand it and paint it again.
Here it is after the first coat

gatordad · « **Reply #47 on:** November 25, 2007, 11:59:43 pm »

Quote from: Jdurg on November 24, 2007, 04:03:25 pm

Quote from: jcoleman on November 23, 2007, 08:24:12 pm
Quote
I am going to make some ( final?) changes tonight

Final?! Final?!?!? ...

Seriously, if you ever decide you are finished with your cabinet then you must have found another hobby. If in doubt see the Mission Control thread!

hehe. Quite true. I'm just in the beginning stages of my cabinet "assembly" and I keep getting new ideas every time I think I'm done.

Yeah thats quite a thread, I read half of it once i have to make time and finish the rest, and I know what you mean, I'm almost done but I keep buyin more stuff

gatordad · « **Reply #48 on:** December 01, 2007, 08:48:41 pm »

Well I sanded and fixed the areas on the back of the cab and gave the whole thing a second coat of paint with the spray gun. It looks really good but I was kind of sloppy with the gun for my first time, I'm not happy with the amount of overspray thats on my garage floor.

But anyway still making some more progress.
Artwork came the other day hers the marquee Notice the Name

and here's the side art

Installed the hinges and some magnetic latches

I installed the keyboard hardware as well, and I gave it a test open and close, Its a little tight so I need to trim the drawer width slightly

control panel top and a couple of coats of poly is next...

gatordad · « **Reply #49 on:** December 06, 2007, 09:47:28 pm »

I finished my cp art today and I disasembled my coin door, I plan on painting the coin door and starting on my cp top tomorrow. I am going to use a different hardware for the sliding keyboard drawer, the ones pictured above were a little short and felt....unsturdy.

gatordad · « **Reply #50 on:** December 09, 2007, 01:19:16 am »

Wow I spent 7 hours at my Dad's house using his drill press working on the cp top and plexi.
The plexi cut very easy I was expecting it to crack or something, but after a few passes with a round sanding bit around the TB and belt sander around the edges everything fit snug and tight. It's late so I will put up pictures tomorrow. I have a space heater running now and I hope to put at least one coat of poly on tomorrow. Weathers been cold and I need to finish the poly before I bring it inside to begin assembly. Some blue bubble tops arrived today, look really cool on my ultrastick 360's. Can't wait to try em out.

gatordad · « **Reply #51 on:** December 09, 2007, 10:53:35 pm »

Drilling template printed at kinkos and then taped it to my cp top.

Almost there

I freehanded it with the router, not the prettiest job but It will be covered with art anyway, If I do another one I think I would make a template for the cutouts.

Today I put the first and second coats of poly on the cab, maybe 1 or2 more and she comes inside for assembly.......

gatordad · « **Reply #52 on:** December 17, 2007, 11:50:45 am »

Lot's of progress this past week.

I lightly sanded the poly with 220 grit sandpaper, and put a 3rd and 4th coat on.

I finished painting the keyboard drawer, and installed longer sliding drawer hardware. I also had an extra box of parts and had a small black joystick with a top that screwed off so I tapped it to fit a 1' long bolt, and will be using that as my keyboard drawer knob.

Coin door, wire brushed, and repainted with 2 coats of black semi gloss rustoleum, then reassembled with new blue coin rejects.

Cab moved into the basement.

Installed new feet and levelers with rubber covers

Lt blue t-molding installed

Coin door installed with new locks from Lowes, ( I had to file the lock openings slightly as the new locks were just a tad to large)

Top speakers installed, before I install the bottom one's I have to make a trip for some hardware. (ran out of extra's in my bolt drawer)

Cp art came on friday, cut it to size, cut out all of the holes using a lamp underneath so I could see where to cut with a fresh blade.

I post some pic's when I have a chance.

Crunch time if I want it playable for New Years eve.

Namco · « **Reply #53 on:** December 17, 2007, 06:32:00 pm »

Quote from: gatordad on December 17, 2007, 11:50:45 am

...Cp art came on friday, cut it to size, cut out all of the holes using a lamp underneath so I could see where to cut with a fresh blade.

That's a good tip. I wish I had thought of that when cutting my CP overlay. I know I had a few crooked cuts.

Quote from: gatordad on December 17, 2007, 11:50:45 am

I post some pic's when I have a chance.

for the love of God PICS!!

You're at the best part!

gatordad · « **Reply #54 on:** December 17, 2007, 08:21:55 pm »

Some Pictures from the last week
coin door after painting

cp top and plexi

cutting holes

trimmed and almost ready

Looking pretty

gatordad · « **Reply #55 on:** December 19, 2007, 12:49:54 pm »

Last night I mounted my neon rings backed by plexi for the side art, and the marquee light. I also countersunk the mounting holes for 1 1/4 #8 flat head bolts on my u360 mounting plates so everything will be nice and flush.
A big special Thanks UncleT

for scanning and e-mailing the instructions for the neon rings, I misplaced mine and he was kind enough to help me out.
More pictures to come.......

gatordad · « **Reply #56 on:** December 21, 2007, 10:32:25 am »

I started to work on my cp last night, I tried to put some up some pic's up, but byoac was down last night.
Anyway here's what I finished

I installed my back panel access door that was damaged and fixed up with bondo from earlier in the thread

Installed all 3 joysticks 2 u360's and a dedicated wico 4 way with NOS grommet, washers, and leafs.
I top mounted everything, all joysticks and hardware are flush and turned out really nice, I'm very satisfied with the way that it worked out. The only thing about a top mounting is the PITA potential if any changes are made.

Installed TB

Installed art and plexi ( I took a black sharpie and ran it around the edge of my artwork just to eliminate the white from where it was cut)

Installed my Oscar vortex spinner,

Started to install my buttons and leaf switches

I feel like a kid, I can't wait to try everything out!

I should have all my innards wired and powered this weekend, hopefully I get to install the monitor as well. Sparky the electrician is coming over to give me a hand on Saturday.

I'll post more pictures later tonight

phishpac · « **Reply #57 on:** December 21, 2007, 11:12:45 pm »

looking great!

gatordad · « **Reply #58 on:** December 21, 2007, 11:26:46 pm »

picture of speakers and new drawer hardware

Neon Rings installed

Top mounted joysticks

What it looks like from underneath

Almost done installing everything

gatordad · « **Reply #59 on:** December 22, 2007, 10:51:29 pm »

Lot's done today

Connected and ran most of my wires for marquee light, neon rings, and speakers, still need to do coin door lights and speakers on front door

Side Artwork installed

Test fit the monitor and cut the bezel to size

I wanted to see what it looks like with the grey tinted tempered glass

I also finished installing everything for my cp

another look

Havok · « **Reply #60 on:** December 22, 2007, 11:29:47 pm »

Looking great! Do you have any more pics of how you mounted the sideart along with the neon?

gatordad · « **Reply #61 on:** December 23, 2007, 10:46:37 pm »

Thanks Havok.
Below are the only other shots I took.

Basically I cut my hole the size of the inside diameter of the rings, cut 4 pieces of plexi to size and was going to sandwich my art between the two.
but after a test fit of the monitor I had to to remove the backing piece of plexi as it was a hair to wide.
So I just used scotch tape to hold the art in place and put the monitor back in very carefuly, it's really a tight fit.

I wanted to test out my trackball so we hooked up the partially complete cp top today and played a game of marble madness.......... I am going to love this.

gatordad · « **Reply #62 on:** December 25, 2007, 10:43:22 pm »

keyboard drawer installed

old joytop for handle

I tightened and positioned everything under the cp Next comes the wiring

I am planning on working on the cab as much as I can tomorrow so, I should make good progress.
Getting really close now

Akuma · « **Reply #63 on:** December 25, 2007, 11:00:47 pm »

Veeeery cool. The joystick balltop is one fancy little detail! Just would like to ask (not criticise), is there a particular reason why you put the hinges of the keyboard drawer front on top of the drawer instead of underneath (so that it would swing below the drawer)?

gatordad · « **Reply #64 on:** December 26, 2007, 10:43:29 pm »

Quote from: Akuma on December 25, 2007, 11:00:47 pm

Veeeery cool. The joystick balltop is one fancy little detail! Just would like to ask (not criticise), is there a particular reason why you put the hinges of the keyboard drawer front on top of the drawer instead of underneath (so that it would swing below the drawer)?

Thanks, I put it on top so when the drawer front folds down it can be used as a wrist rest. I looked at my desk upstairs and copied what it had.

gatordad · « **Reply #65 on:** December 26, 2007, 10:54:46 pm »

Today

I attached the monitor shelf so it is secure

Drilled and mounted monitor to the monitor shelf

Attached the monitor controls shelf so it is secure

Attached the monitor controls to the monitor control shelf

Finished wiring the 12 volts feeds for the amp and the noen rings off of the cabs original power supply

Finished wiring all the speaker up and connected them to the amp

Finished wiring the monitor and marquee light

Installed the t-molding on my cp

Ohh all of the cabs power is run off of a single switch on top of the cab, flip the switch and neon rings, marquee light, speakers / amp, and monitor turn on and off.

I choose to power the computer separate just because I wanted it that way.

I still need to wire the control panel and set it up.

I was really excited to see everything work when i turned on the power the first time, I would have been bummed if something didn't work

gatordad · « **Reply #66 on:** December 26, 2007, 11:11:32 pm »

Here it is after I turned it on for the first time

The plexi behind the neon ring gives has a neon reflection and it looks like the neon ring has a halo, looks really cool

gatordad · « **Reply #67 on:** December 30, 2007, 10:00:15 am »

Bad News yesterday, I finished wiring the cp and a few of the buttons did not work, so I spent about 1/2 hour troubleshooting and found 2 loose ground connections so that is now working but the monitor would not fire up.

Looks like I am going to miss my self imposed deadline of New Years eve unless there is a miracle.

I am really disappointed, It worked 3 months ago when I bought it, I have no idea what happened, I thought I was careful every-time I handled it.

I'll post some pic's soon.

It looks great but with no monitor its kind of useless.

gatordad · « **Reply #68 on:** January 01, 2008, 11:10:09 am »

Well there was a Christmas Miracle at my house. The monitor is alive!

It turns out that when I was installing the electronics board for the monitor I knocked one of the components loose from its solder point. I had no idea that it happened, and it was just luck that the loose component was found.

The board made a quick trip to Grandpa's house for a fix-up re solder, after it was re-installed the monitor buzzed the neck glowed and I breathed a sigh of relief.

Here is some updated pic's

I wired the cp and divided everything into 4 ground groups 2 from each side.
I started with by wiring all of the grounds

Then I tried to be as neat as possible with routing the rest of the wires, not as pretty as some I've seen, but not bad for a first attempt.

Just above the trackball you can see the piano hinge that was recycled from the original cab.

After fitting the cp onto the box I did my best chisel job to make a smidge more room for my spinner

Last shot I took of the cp, I installed a chain to prevent the top from opening to far.

gatordad · « **Reply #69 on:** January 01, 2008, 11:15:06 am »

Just a few pictures from last night,
Jammin with itunes

It's first New years eve action
It's turtle time......

I still have alot to do but things should slow down some as I was really trying to have it playable for New Years eve.

gatordad · « **Reply #70 on:** January 02, 2008, 11:55:45 pm »

Spent the last day playing games and learning and tweaking Mala. What a great FE!
Now I have to load and setup my other emulators.

Mr Wilson · « **Reply #71 on:** January 03, 2008, 08:45:26 am »

Quote from: gatordad on December 06, 2007, 09:47:28 pm

I finished my cp art today and I disasembled my coin door, I plan on painting the coin door and starting on my cp top tomorrow. I am going to use a different hardware for the sliding keyboard drawer, the ones pictured above were a little short and felt....unsturdy.

very nice cab

where did you get this design for the cpo from i've seen it on one of knievel's cabs i couldn't find it on mamemarquees.com was it custom designed? i'm thinking of changing mine as this one really does look quality

MameMaster! · « **Reply #72 on:** January 03, 2008, 04:04:19 pm »

Real nice job...and great attention to detail. Looks great!

gatordad · « **Reply #73 on:** January 03, 2008, 08:43:30 pm »

Thanks guys its been a really fun project, something that I can tinker with for some time to come.
I found the art here
http://www.localarcade.com/arcade_art/

Search for fusion as there are a couple of different versions.

gatordad · « **Reply #74 on:** December 07, 2008, 12:46:40 am »

Well it's been awhile,and I am falling victim to the your cab is never finished syndrome so it's time for some upgrades, pic's coming soon. box's have just arrived, This has been the most money I put into the cab yet.

Epyx · « **Reply #75 on:** July 14, 2009, 11:31:08 pm »

Any updates?!

Kman-Sweden · « **Reply #76 on:** July 15, 2009, 03:11:56 am »

Realy nice. It makes me wanna run out and buy some MDF right away.

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #77 on:** October 01, 2009, 07:18:58 pm »

Being that you're running iTunes on it... Did you know that you can control it with an iPod Touch?

DeLuSioNaL29

gatordad · « **Reply #78 on:** October 14, 2009, 03:27:31 pm »

Hey DeLuSioNaL29 thanks much that is very cool, It also works for the iphone which I happen to have.

I haven't really browsed the project threads in some time and just stumbled across your bump of my thread.

So......

Since I posted last I have installed a wells gardner D9800 pricey but wow what a great picture, for about the first 6 months I just ran everything at vga res and was satisfied, then I started to tinker with soft 15 on my ati 800xl, I was making real progress but then the video cards fan was running full speed when I attempted to FIX it, I took the fan off cleaned it and reapplied the thermal compound and I think I put too much on the chips as now the card is dead.

I popped in a nvidia 6800 and have put the soft 15 task on the back burner for now as I want to finish a few projects that I have in the garage before the winter weather hits.

Once I sell the multicade I just built I plan on upgrading some components and blinging the cab a little more


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