Author Topic: DeLuSioNaL's Ultra Arcade complete (with new Video of cab!) (Read 44128 times)

DeLuSioNal29 · « **on:** December 10, 2007, 06:34:58 pm »

I should have documented this earlier while it was in it's earlier stage. Oh well...

Here's a final pic of the completed cab:

Here's a video:

This was previously a cabinet that I bought for $25 which had the Wizard of Wor marquee on it. I cleaned it up and sold the marquee on e-bay for $10, so I actually paid $15 for the cab!

I have painted the cab, but it got a little scratched up when placing the 27" monitor in it. (I put it in last night). I will have to touch it up, no biggie. The cabinet was meant for a 25" monitor, but I removed the brackets and built a shelf to hold the arcade monitor's board and power supply. It also cleared just enough to close the back of the cab! NICE!

I also just mounted the LED light for the marquee (found at www.groovygamegear.com). I simply put a piece of wood where the florescent bulb would have gone and then mounted the small LED strip to that.

My control panel is a huge 48" giant. Made for 4 players. Note the dual joystick design for players 1 and 2 for co-op games like Smash TV. See a virtual mockup here (I will take pics once I have it assembled). http://linkedmedia.tripod.com/delusionalarcade

You can also view the marquee design and the custom intro video made with Aftereffects.

I'm not sure about what color T-molding I should get yet. It will either be dark blue to match the Blue Lightning theme or just plain old black.

Thoughts?

leapinlew · « **Reply #1 on:** December 10, 2007, 07:19:34 pm »

All cabinets need blue t-molding.

Looking good bro!

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #2 on:** December 11, 2007, 06:56:38 pm »

"Ultra Arcade" was named because of what it will be. The Ultimate Arcade. I loved Killer Instinct back in the days and the "Ultra" combo was where I got the idea. The Mortal Kombat series was also a fav of mine and they came out with Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 which is another reason I chose the name.

"Ultracade" is weak. Sounds too cliche.

Just my 2 cents.

~ DeLuSioNaL

Namco · « **Reply #3 on:** December 11, 2007, 07:51:08 pm »

Try and find an example of dark blue T-molding on someone's project before you order any. I had an idea in mind to use until I saw one and was not impressed. It does not stand at all out and just may as well be black. You want it to pop, so the brighter the better.

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 20, 2008, 07:51:12 pm »

Well, I've been working hard on my cabinet (mostly software configuring) but I did make some cosmetic progress on the cabinet itself. I've added a marquee, t-molding, a monitor bezel and a fresh coat of paint. I've also added black screen mesh to where the coin doors would go (not shown). I did not want to alter the coin door holes because I eventually want to install real coin doors that take quarters/tokens.

I have to redo the wood slab underneath the marquee. It currently has 1 hole cut out for a 4 inch speaker. I have covered it up with black cloth from the inside so that the light will not show. I also need new speaker grille material for the top since the original one that's on there is shot.

You may notice that the CP is not mounted yet. I am having one custom cut for me (empty) and I will receive it by next week. I am planning a surprise wiring technique that will be a treat for the eyes. Stay tuned!

~ DeLuSioNaL

MazzMn · « **Reply #5 on:** January 20, 2008, 08:16:30 pm »

Quote from: DeLuSioNal29 on January 20, 2008, 07:51:12 pm

I've added a marquee, t-molding, a monitor bezel and a fresh coat of paint.
~ DeLuSioNaL

I like! Where did you get the monitor bezel, happ?

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 20, 2008, 08:55:24 pm »

Quote from: mazzmn on January 20, 2008, 08:16:30 pm

I like! Where did you get the monitor bezel, happ?

Yes, it goes for around $16 at Happs' website. When I received it I realized that it was huge and I had to cut off a lot from the sides. My cabinet was really meant to house a 25" monitor and I have a 27" so as a result the sides of the bezel are thinner than usual, hence more cutting was necessary. But it came out great!

I'm very happy and proud of the cab and can't wait to show everyone the Control Panel!

~ D

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 21, 2008, 03:04:42 pm »

Here's a pic I finally took of the bottom where the coin doors will eventually go. In the meantime I covered it with black screen mesh and then covered the mesh with black cloth (all stapled from the rear to the wood). I chose to cover the mesh with cloth because you could still see inside the arcade with the screen on and it didn't look too great. Also, the cloth allows it to still "breath" and ventilate the inside.

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 30, 2008, 02:27:45 pm »

Quick update:

My control panel is scheduled to arrive today (I had someone cut it out for me and ship it since I don't really have much equipment to cut a nice one myself). I plan to wire it up tonight and the next couple of days to have it ready for the superbowl. ;-)

I will post pics of the empty panel later tonight when it arrives from Fedex for all to see. The wiring idea I have is top secret and will be revealed in a couple of days. :-P

One other note: While I was waiting for it to be cut I skinned my frontend to match the overall lightning theme. I'm using Maximus Arcade. It looks great!

~ DeLuSioNaL

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 31, 2008, 06:14:44 pm »

Well folks,

I received the panel and it's gorgeous! I had Jack from www.ArcadesRFun.com cut out the custom design for me the I came up with. We e-mailed back and forth with ideas and he is very helpful. I really recommend him to all as he does some fine quality work with his CNC machine. The overlay is from www.gameongrafix.com and it works well with the flush mounted panel. The flight stick is the only thing that is not flush mounted which was done purposefully in case it ever needs replacing. One thing I would like to add: It was very, very, very well packed and arrived in pristine condition (see pics)

The panel itself is a whopping 48" long and 21" deep and features dual sticks for players 1 and 2 for co-op games like "Total Carnage" and "Smash TV". (My favs). 7 button layouts are for games like MK2 and Neo Geo. The spinner was put to the side slightly to avoid hitting it with trackball games like "Golden Tee". It is also conveniently located next to the flight stick for the "Tron" setup. Admin buttons on top double up as Asteroid buttons. (ipac's Shift button to enter admin mode). The black 4-way joystick will be replaced with a GGG lit balltop when it comes out. (product coming soon I hear) which will cycle in sync with the trackball in all 4 colors.

Other features: The coin buttons are LED lit depending on the color of the player. i.e. Player 1 (blue) has a blue LED lit button, etc.

The pictures of the inside of the panel will be coming soon, as I'm still working on it. It will be unique and I'm sure everyone will love it.

Enjoy the pics!

~ DeLuSioNaL

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #10 on:** January 31, 2008, 06:15:30 pm »

Panel mounted.

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 02, 2008, 03:22:06 am »

Well, after 2 days of wiring, I'm just about done! I wired up all 4 controls (no admin or player buttons wired yet) so that I could test out the 4 player games. I'm very surprised that the panel wiring worked on it's first shot and there were no wiring errors! The lack of errors is probably due to the technique I am using which I will reveal tomorrow; once I take the final pictures of the inside. So far it has a great look to it and the wires are easily identifiable with my new way of doing things.

I still have to wire the pinball buttons, admin buttons, player start buttons and credit buttons (which will be LED lit in the color of each player) Back to wiring I go!

Stay Tuned.

~ DeLuSioNaL

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 03, 2008, 01:03:49 am »

I'm finally done! Just in time for my deadline of the Superbowl! As promised, her are some pics of the final product and the inside wiring.

The wiring is unique in that I used CAT-5 eternet cable. Each color wire matches it's controller set. i.e. Blue wire = blue controller and buttons, red wire = red controller and buttons, etc. I chose this way because CAT-5 cable has 8 wires inside and each wire is color coded differently. This made it easy to keep track of everything and kept everything neatly contained inside the CAT-5 sheath. It also thought it would look nice too with the different colors when you "open her up".

I also chose to add LEDs to the coin buttons for each player, matching the colors up.

What do you think of the overall project?

~ DeLuSioNaL

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 03, 2008, 01:13:26 am »

Here are some videos that I posted on YouTube.com

I'm uploading more as we speak so that everyone can see it in action!

**edit ** New videos are posted below.

~ DeLuSioNaL

Scott84 · « **Reply #14 on:** February 03, 2008, 01:47:32 am »

Excellent work

Very Nicely Done!

Dazz · « **Reply #15 on:** February 03, 2008, 02:16:18 am »

Very nice. Also, very similar to my control panel design...

I too was going to do the dual player 1/2 joysticks, but was afraid that the second control would get in the way when playing fighting games. I'm about to start designing a new control panel shortly. My control panel was the first time I ever used a router and the trackball was an after thought which is why the mounting plate is on top. Next CP everything will be counter sunk and should look really nice.

Just noticed that you have your player 3/4 joys mounted at an angle as well... Mine are currently like that, but most people are confused when playing with them like that. I will be changing mine to have up at the monitor instead of at an angle.

Do those second sticks get in the way when playing Killer Instinct or other fighting games?

Also, is that Front End Maximus? If so, would you be willing to upload your skin?

ratzz · « **Reply #16 on:** February 03, 2008, 04:07:01 am »

Very nice ... well done.

You have a 'batch files' section in your FE. Are you using them to launch Windows games?

RandyT · « **Reply #17 on:** February 03, 2008, 04:28:02 am »

Congrats on a well executed and polished final result. Definitely something to be proud of.

RandyT

kegger · « **Reply #18 on:** February 03, 2008, 07:26:16 am »

Nice Job, Keep up the good work!

javeryh · « **Reply #19 on:** February 03, 2008, 08:42:41 am »

Wow - awesome.

How do you like that front-end? It looks really slick in the videos you posted. Software configuration is my #1 Achilles heel when it comes to these projects and you look like you have done a beautiful job. I never even thought of running actual computer games in one of these things...

Fozzy The Bear · « **Reply #20 on:** February 03, 2008, 09:20:06 am »

Very nice!! Well done...... I love the front end as well. Can you tell us more about the front end software that you used and how it was configured please??

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

divemaster127 · « **Reply #21 on:** February 03, 2008, 09:52:11 am »

That is a nice frontend, which one is it
dm

javeryh · « **Reply #22 on:** February 03, 2008, 10:20:55 am »

I think it is Maximus Arcade - it doesn't look free though...

Dazz · « **Reply #23 on:** February 03, 2008, 11:16:24 am »

After watching the video.... the frontend is definitely Maximus Arcade. Very nice front end, very easy to configure and use. It does cost about $25USD, but it has been well worth it to me. Very kid friendly and easy to use.

javeryh · « **Reply #24 on:** February 03, 2008, 12:00:04 pm »

Quote from: Dazz on February 03, 2008, 11:16:24 am

After watching the video.... the frontend is definitely Maximus Arcade. Very nice front end, very easy to configure and use. It does cost about $25USD, but it has been well worth it to me. Very kid friendly and easy to use.

Is it skinnable?

Dazz · « **Reply #25 on:** February 03, 2008, 12:43:28 pm »

Quote from: javeryh on February 03, 2008, 12:00:04 pm

Quote from: Dazz on February 03, 2008, 11:16:24 am
After watching the video.... the frontend is definitely Maximus Arcade. Very nice front end, very easy to configure and use. It does cost about $25USD, but it has been well worth it to me. Very kid friendly and easy to use.

Is it skinnable?

Yup, sure is. Maximus is actually created using flash, so it can do some pretty cool stuff. He's using a custom skin that he created from the looks of it.

DeLuSioNaL- I'd like to have that Maximus skin if possible... pretty please!

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #26 on:** February 04, 2008, 02:31:56 am »

Quote from: Dazz on February 03, 2008, 02:16:18 am

Very nice. Also, very similar to my control panel design...

Yes, very similar! Looks like you ordered your overlay from www.gameongrafix.com just like I did.

I plan on designing some decals for the joysticks and buttons to place over the current overlay. Then I can sandwich them in between the plexi to give it a nice flush look. But I'm not sure yet, as it may look too "Busy".

Quote from: Dazz on February 03, 2008, 02:16:18 am

My control panel was the first time I ever used a router and the trackball was an after thought which is why the mounting plate is on top. Next CP everything will be counter sunk and should look really nice.

You could always get the new trackball that Ultimarc is developing for your next panel. It mounts from underneath without the need for a trackball plate on top. See the topic posted here for more info: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=76227.0

Quote from: Dazz on February 03, 2008, 02:16:18 am

Do those second sticks get in the way when playing Killer Instinct or other fighting games?

Not at all. It's like they are not there when playing.

Quote from: Dazz on February 03, 2008, 02:16:18 am

Also, is that Front End Maximus? If so, would you be willing to upload your skin?

I still have to tweak the skin a bit and once I do I plan to upload it to the skins section of the Maximus Arcade website. I don't mind sharing it at all. It would go well with your theme. Just keep in mind that the animation intro is not part of the theme. I created that intro separately in Adobe Aftereffects. Maximus Arcade simply lets you play and intro at the beginning and I pointed it to the file that I created.

~ DeLuSioNaL

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #27 on:** February 04, 2008, 02:36:15 am »

Quote from: ratzz on February 03, 2008, 04:07:01 am

Very nice ... well done.

You have a 'batch files' section in your FE. Are you using them to launch Windows games?

Yes sir! I can run any .exe file by simply creating a shortcut and then renaming it to have the .cmd extension.

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #28 on:** February 04, 2008, 02:38:24 am »

Quote from: javeryh on February 03, 2008, 08:42:41 am

Wow - awesome.

How do you like that front-end? It looks really slick in the videos you posted. Software configuration is my #1 Achilles heel when it comes to these projects and you look like you have done a beautiful job. I never even thought of running actual computer games in one of these things...

I love the front end. It is super easy to configure. There is a preferences screen where you select everything with the click of a mouse. No need to edit files in notepad. It also has command line option that you can add as well for advanced users.

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #29 on:** February 04, 2008, 02:40:02 am »

Quote from: Fozzy The Bear on February 03, 2008, 09:20:06 am

Very nice!! Well done...... I love the front end as well. Can you tell us more about the front end software that you used and how it was configured please??

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

I'll see if I can post a youtube video soon of how the configuration works. :-) It's a simple screen with tabs. Everything is clickable. Very easy to use.

~ D

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #30 on:** February 04, 2008, 02:42:05 am »

Quote from: javeryh on February 03, 2008, 12:00:04 pm

Quote from: Dazz on February 03, 2008, 11:16:24 am
After watching the video.... the frontend is definitely Maximus Arcade. Very nice front end, very easy to configure and use. It does cost about $25USD, but it has been well worth it to me. Very kid friendly and easy to use.

Is it skinnable?

Yes, very much so. It even comes with a skin editor so that you can easily make your own.

http://www.maximusarcade.com/editor.htm

~ D

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #31 on:** February 04, 2008, 02:43:08 am »

Quote from: Dazz on February 03, 2008, 12:43:28 pm

Quote from: javeryh on February 03, 2008, 12:00:04 pm
Quote from: Dazz on February 03, 2008, 11:16:24 am
After watching the video.... the frontend is definitely Maximus Arcade. Very nice front end, very easy to configure and use. It does cost about $25USD, but it has been well worth it to me. Very kid friendly and easy to use.

Is it skinnable?
Yup, sure is. Maximus is actually created using flash, so it can do some pretty cool stuff. He's using a custom skin that he created from the looks of it.

DeLuSioNaL- I'd like to have that Maximus skin if possible... pretty please!

As I replied above, I have no problems sharing!

Ummon · « **Reply #32 on:** February 04, 2008, 11:26:00 pm »

I see a little button set right below the monitor. What's that for?

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #33 on:** February 05, 2008, 12:11:04 pm »

That's a temporary "admin button instuction card" that I taped on the bezel. I plan to mount in on the back of the glass that does in front of the monitor once I install it.

~ D

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #34 on:** February 05, 2008, 12:15:59 pm »

I'm surprised that no one has commented about the use of the Cat 5 cables. It made the wiring a lot easier to do since each of the 8 wires in the Cat 5 cable was a different color. I also matched up the colors of the Cat 5 cable with the control colors. Blue = Blue, Yellow = Yellow, etc. I haven't seen anyone doing that before.

Thoughts?

~ DeLuSioNaL

Ummon · « **Reply #35 on:** February 05, 2008, 11:14:40 pm »

Do a search.

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #36 on:** February 06, 2008, 01:23:30 am »

Quote from: Ummon on February 05, 2008, 11:14:40 pm

Do a search.

I did one, but could not find any that used it the way that I did with color coded cat5 cables to match the controls. Hmmm.

~ D

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #37 on:** February 10, 2008, 09:48:55 am »

Here is another video with a closer look at the Front End:

~ DeLuSioNaL

nuka1195 · « **Reply #38 on:** February 10, 2008, 10:28:51 am »

Nice job,

I really like your marquee.

I don't want to copy the name, but would you share any tips for creating the text?

Edit: The Ulra Arcade text.

Thanks

fixedpigs · « **Reply #39 on:** February 10, 2008, 11:50:24 am »

no screenshots for your consoles...?

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #40 on:** February 10, 2008, 04:24:07 pm »

Quote from: fixedpigs on February 10, 2008, 11:50:24 am

no screenshots for your consoles...?

I didn't set them up yet. I am in the process swapping out video cards to an Arcade VGA 2. Right now the NES console emu in particular is giving me trouble with my current video card (resolutions not supported).

Once I get the new card installed, I will add the screenshots. I figured there was no sense it setting it up if I could not run the emu properly just yet.

~ DeLuSioNaL

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #41 on:** February 10, 2008, 04:38:29 pm »

Quote from: nuka1195 on February 10, 2008, 10:28:51 am

Nice job,

I really like your marquee.

I don't want to copy the name, but would you share any tips for creating the text?

Edit: The Ulra Arcade text.

Thanks

I don't mind sharing at all.

The font is freeware and ironically the font is called, "Delusion" and can be found here:
http://www.dafont.com/delusion.font

Then Photoshop was used to add a color gradient to the font. Very simple. Just keep in mind that this font tends to look darker the smaller you make it due to the lines in between the boxes, so you may want to keep it big, such as for a title. Originally, I had the word "DeLuSioNaL's" in the same font, but it looked darker due to the smaller size and I eventually scrapped that idea.

Hope this helped!

~ DeLuSioNaL

nuka1195 · « **Reply #42 on:** February 10, 2008, 04:50:49 pm »

Thank you

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #43 on:** February 12, 2008, 05:41:08 pm »

Quote from: fixedpigs on February 10, 2008, 11:50:24 am

no screenshots for your consoles...?

I just fixed this last night and I didn't stop there. They also have preview videos as well.

~ DeLuSioNaL

wp34 · « **Reply #44 on:** February 13, 2008, 08:52:45 am »

Very nice. The control panel looks awesome.

Have you tried playing Asteroids with the buttons on the top? I'm having finding a comfortable combination of buttons using the 7 button fighter layout. I'm thinking of doing something similiar to what you have done with the Asteroids/Admin buttons on the top. Asteroids is a must for me and what you have done fits in well with the CP without looking like a Frankenpanel.

Just wondering if it is comfortable to play with buttons on the top of the CP?

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #45 on:** February 13, 2008, 01:33:33 pm »

Thanks for the compliments. Actually, it's not bad at all. I love the fact that the buttons double up as admin buttons.

I set the "exit" button on the bottom (hyperspace in Asteroids) to be "shift + exit" in order to exit the game through my front end. That way when you press it in the Asteroids game, it will not exit into the front end, but instead it will be the correct Hyperspace button.

The only drawback is that it is "global", meaning that you have to hold the shift button (ipac4 feature) and the exit button (hyperspace button) for ALL games in order to exit. I'd rather that this feature is true only for Asteroids. Sometimes it's confusing for people when they are hitting the exit button and nothing is happening if they want to exit a game.

~ DeLuSioNaL

wp34 · « **Reply #46 on:** February 14, 2008, 10:51:20 pm »

DeLuSioNaL,

Thanks for the feedback on the Asteroids layout. I am trying to avoid having a bunch of button layouts for each game I like. But Asteroids is totally not working for me. The location of your Asteroids buttons on your panel looks real nice. I may end up copying it.

I don't have an iPac yet but I do have a U360. I'm finding the shift-mode on it is not working for me as I would like. I may end up going with dedicated admin buttons.

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #47 on:** February 15, 2008, 12:24:52 am »

I tried playing it again last night using the Asteroid layout buttons. Although it's nice I wish I could have moved the spinner slightly down. I can't quite rest my right palm down flat while playing Asteroids. But the spinner does cup nicely in in my hand while playing. It just takes a bit of getting used to. Since I hardly play that game it's not much of an issue for me. But for you it might be. Just something to think of when building your control panel.

I mainly got it for looks. I think admin buttons never quite look good at all. But disguised as Asteroids buttons... it works!

~ DeLuSioNaL

DaOld Man · « **Reply #48 on:** February 16, 2008, 05:07:51 pm »

Wow! great job. I like the front end. Is it rotatable to be used with a rotating monitor?

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #49 on:** February 17, 2008, 12:17:13 am »

Yes, Maximus Arcade does indeed support vertical monitor setups.

~ D

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #50 on:** March 03, 2008, 01:04:27 pm »

Quote from: Dazz on February 03, 2008, 12:43:28 pm

DeLuSioNaL- I'd like to have that Maximus skin if possible... pretty please!

The skin is now posted in the file repository section her on the forums:
http://files.arcadecontrols.com/details.php?image_id=3623&mode=search

~ DeLuSioNaL

Marak · « **Reply #51 on:** March 04, 2008, 03:36:16 am »

I really dig your work dude!!!

My panel has the same shape as yours, but I have not added any pinball buttons yet.
Do you find yours comfortable / easy to use?

Thanks

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #52 on:** March 04, 2008, 01:48:02 pm »

Quote from: Marak on March 04, 2008, 03:36:16 am

My panel has the same shape as yours, but I have not added any pinball buttons yet.
Do you find yours comfortable / easy to use?

Yes, they are surpringly comfortable to use. The rounded edges of the control panel fit nicely in the palm of your hand while you lean on the top of the panel while using the buttons.

~ DeLuSioNaL

rotheblog · « **Reply #53 on:** March 26, 2008, 12:44:37 am »

I feel really silly for asking this about Maximus Arcade, but how do you rotate the display to a vertical orientation? I figured out how to do it with the arcade vga, but that is separate from MA.

I keep hearing it is in the interface options, but I can't find the option. Can you give me a path like interface > display > flip, so I can drill down to specifically find it?

Thank you...

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #54 on:** March 26, 2008, 03:00:15 pm »

Not a problem.

While in the Maximus Arcade front end:

Hit Ctrl + P to enter the Preferences screen

Select the "Interface" tab
Click on the "Resolution" dropdown and then at the bottom of the list are the vertical resolutions to choose from

* Keep in mind that in future releases there will be an option to make your own custom resolutions such as the popular 640 x 288 res.

Hope this helped.

~ DeLuSioNaL

rotheblog · « **Reply #55 on:** March 26, 2008, 03:02:48 pm »

Thanks a ton. I will check that out tonight when I get home. I didn't know the vertical options were even in Maximus Arcade. All I saw was the drop down but not the indication that either horizontal or vertical orientation could be set there because it is non-descrip in its label "resolution".

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #56 on:** June 24, 2008, 11:23:36 am »

Also, be sure to check out the latest version of Maximus Arcade (2.10 beta 5) which just came out a couple of days ago. Lots of improvements.

~ DeLuSioNaL

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #57 on:** June 27, 2008, 06:36:33 pm »

I just added a new video of my original intro for my cab (one of the many).

Enjoy!

~ DeLuSioNaL

cmoses · « **Reply #58 on:** June 27, 2008, 09:33:31 pm »

Wow, very nice intro video. I think I would have kept that one. I have seen a few of your videos and am really impressed with what you have done, especially with MA.

I have a couple of questions. I am just starting to think about building a arcade cabinet and trying to get together all of the pieces on the computer side before jumping to a cabinet and control panel. I have been looking at front ends and really like the look of MA. Very clean and smooth, with built in screens for all the major emulators. I want to have MAME and Daphne for sure, plus a console or two. The one thing I would like to do is use the "ICE" buttons and light and color code them for specific emulators and games. I have read that this can be done for MAME for sure but what about the other emulators? I would also like to display a screen of the control panel layout with the buttons indicated on screen before each game, is this possible?

I have one other quick and easy question. When using MA and I go into a emulator, what do I use to get back to the main menu? I have tried a bunch of differnet key presses, but can't seem to get back (remember I am only using a keyboard currently).

Any chance of sharing that intro movie? It would be great to have it playing before MA launched.

Clayton

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #59 on:** July 01, 2008, 07:32:10 pm »

Hi Cmoses and thanks for the great comments.

I chose Maximus Arcade (MA) as my front end due to it's slick look and simplicity. It is super easy to configure. It was worth the $25 registration fee for lifetime support.

I'm pretty sure MA supports LED configs such as the LED Wiz. I'm not sure if they support emulators as I've never tried it myself. However, the good news is the creator of the Frontend (Mameseer) has just purchased a LED Wiz and is working on stronger support for it.

As far as the control panel layout, I'm not quite sure it MA supports that, but it probably does, as it support pre and post launching of external programs. Again, I haven't tried it myself so I cannot confirm.

For your MA exiting question, you should assign a key to exit in the preferences. I set mine to the "End" key. (Escape is default and works with MAME, but it does NOT work for all emulators since Escape is not the default key for every emulator). Once you set it to the "End" key, you simply assign a button on your panel for the end key. Mine is a dedicated admin button, but you could always set your for a shifted button to save room.

As far as the video, I am sad to say that I cannot share it. I created it for RetrowareTV.com and technically they own the rights to it. He let me use it on my cab (modified with my name). As for my original video (the blue one), I once shared it but the guy I gave it to butchered it to suit his needs. So unfortunately, I'm very hesitant to share again. I hope you understand. However, my skin is downloadable on the Maximus Arcade website and I created a title screen with audio that you can use.

Hope this helped and good luck!

~ DeLuSioNaL

Chase · « **Reply #60 on:** July 01, 2008, 07:54:41 pm »

Great work on the cabinet and interface. Very well done and I hope that when I am done with my project, that mine is as good as yours

Forgive me if this has been answered, but I have 2 questions:

1. What kind of monitor are you using? and the interface to the PC?

2. What game was your cabinet before you MAMEed it?

Thanks!

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #61 on:** July 01, 2008, 08:06:46 pm »

To answer your questions:

1 - I am using a Betson 27" Multisync arcade monitor. It has a VGA end which plugs right into the VGA port on a PC. I am using an i-pac 4 (by Ultimarc) for my 4 player control panel.
2 - I think (I'm not too sure) that my cabinet was "Wizard or Wor" by Midway. That's what the marquee on it said, but I'm not sure if it was converted before I got it. I bought it for $25 and sold the marquee on e-bay for $10

~ DeLuSioNaL

pinballwizard79 · « **Reply #62 on:** July 01, 2008, 11:00:29 pm »

Hey man its me from youtube, dude that intro is AWESOME.

If I had that at my start up I would just turn my machine off & on all the time.

Since you wont share the video just share the guys contact info you first shared it with.

HAHA, just kidding....nice cab man!

rlehm · « **Reply #63 on:** July 14, 2008, 01:35:32 pm »

Pinballwizard, wow!!!! your cabinet is awesome. I like that you went with a 2player layout as well. I chose the 4player, but am in the process of switching to a 2player. Nice job man.

deadsoulz · « **Reply #64 on:** July 18, 2008, 11:15:40 am »

I noticed in your video your LED's and Marquee etc....were lighted when the machine is off, what method are you using to power these? I was using my p.c. power supply, but I would like my marquee to always be on and if I add any led's to my panel in the future I would like those to be as well.

MK3FAN · « **Reply #65 on:** September 26, 2008, 08:10:47 pm »

Quote from: leapinlew on December 10, 2007, 07:19:34 pm

All cabinets need blue t-molding.

Looking good bro!

How about Yellow? (The cab came with black, and I thought Yellow would look better)...

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #66 on:** September 28, 2008, 12:26:03 am »

Quote from: deadsoulz on July 18, 2008, 11:15:40 am

I noticed in your video your LED's and Marquee etc....were lighted when the machine is off, what method are you using to power these? I was using my p.c. power supply, but I would like my marquee to always be on and if I add any led's to my panel in the future I would like those to be as well.

The LED's and Marquee etc are all lit with the PC power supply on my machine. They all light when the PC is turned on.

~ D

web.geek · « **Reply #67 on:** October 23, 2008, 02:10:17 pm »

Delusional, your entire project is awesome. I find myself referencing it more and more as I plan my next cab. In fact, I am certain that Maximus will be the front end.

A question about your cp if I may. I am going for a 2-player CP, but I do want dual joysticks for each player. Can you provide dimensions A, B, C, and D (see image) for the dual-joy configuration for P1?

(+_+) · « **Reply #68 on:** October 23, 2008, 02:43:11 pm »

Tres, Tres Nice!

I really like your cab and the video intros. What are you using to create these videos? Is it a tool or are they downloadable?

Thanks
Marc

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #69 on:** October 23, 2008, 03:38:08 pm »

Quote from: web.geek on October 23, 2008, 02:10:17 pm

Delusional, your entire project is awesome. I find myself referencing it more and more as I plan my next cab. In fact, I am certain that Maximus will be the front end.

A question about your cp if I may. I am going for a 2-player CP, but I do want dual joysticks for each player. Can you provide dimensions A, B, C, and D (see image) for the dual-joy configuration for P1?

Here you go.

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #70 on:** October 23, 2008, 03:39:30 pm »

Quote from: (+_+) on October 23, 2008, 02:43:11 pm

Tres, Tres Nice!

I really like your cab and the video intros. What are you using to create these videos? Is it a tool or are they downloadable?

Thanks
Marc

I created them from scratch using Adobe's Aftereffects. A friend and I collaborated, since he is really good at that stuff.

They are not downloadable at this time.

~ D

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #71 on:** April 23, 2009, 12:53:52 pm »

I just added Jukebox functionality to my arcade. (You'll also see coin doors added to the bottom).

I chose to use I-tunes for a few reasons:
a) I have already invested money in songs purchased
b) I can use it with my Ipod touch for remote access
c) Can run full screen using the Visualizer and remote
d) Can run full screen using arcade controls to navigate

~ DeLuSioNaL

Visitor Q · « **Reply #72 on:** April 24, 2009, 01:09:48 pm »

Really Cool! It seems like it does everything we thought it would do and maybe even some more.

I just bought myself a 19" touch screen monitor.

I got some much ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- in the works right now and my pinball addiction has really taken over.

Silas (son of Silas) · « **Reply #73 on:** April 24, 2009, 04:16:24 pm »

Good skills. Nice looking cab.

saint · « **Reply #74 on:** November 04, 2009, 11:00:39 pm »

Thread fixed, I think. I had to delete the last several replies. Not sure what was causing it not to work...

--- saint

Benevolance · « **Reply #75 on:** November 07, 2009, 01:03:17 pm »

Delusional, I've got questions!

But first off, let me say that your arcade upgrades are ingenious. It was your original YouTube video that brought me to this site, and you were a tremendous help answering my questions when I was wiring my cab, so thanks for that. And now the iPod interface...I wonder if my wife will notice her iTouch is missing...

Okay, the questions: you mention on the You Tube page that you used AutoHotKey to set up the shortcuts commands. I know you put a small keyboard inside the Ultra Arcade, but in the video you've mapped the commands to your actual arcade controls. I just wanted to confirm that this was the case: the shortcuts are set up directly to the buttons?

Is that possible because you are using an iPAC? (It looks like you're using an iPAC in the 1st page photos). Just glancing quickly through the iPAC spiel, it looks like the encoder acts like a keyboard as far as sending commands are concerned?

Secondly...wireless speakers on the deck? How do you find those work? Do you get any signal interference?

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #76 on:** November 07, 2009, 11:52:00 pm »

Here's an update of my arcade. I've changed things around a bit to improve it.

DeLuSioNaL29

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #77 on:** November 08, 2009, 12:41:46 am »

Quote from: Benevolance on November 07, 2009, 01:03:17 pm

Delusional, I've got questions!

But first off, let me say that your arcade upgrades are ingenious. It was your original YouTube video that brought me to this site, and you were a tremendous help answering my questions when I was wiring my cab, so thanks for that. And now the iPod interface...I wonder if my wife will notice her iTouch is missing...

Okay, the questions: you mention on the You Tube page that you used AutoHotKey to set up the shortcuts commands. I know you put a small keyboard inside the Ultra Arcade, but in the video you've mapped the commands to your actual arcade controls. I just wanted to confirm that this was the case: the shortcuts are set up directly to the buttons?

Is that possible because you are using an iPAC? (It looks like you're using an iPAC in the 1st page photos). Just glancing quickly through the iPAC spiel, it looks like the encoder acts like a keyboard as far as sending commands are concerned?

Secondly...wireless speakers on the deck? How do you find those work? Do you get any signal interference?

Thanks for the kind words. I do my best.

As for the itunes on my cabinet: I've mapped the shortcuts directly to the controls. So, for example the command for i-tunes to go to the visualizer is Ctrl-T and to go full screen to the playlist it's Ctrl-F. I simply hold the CTRL key on my CP (usually defaults to player 1, button 1) and then I push my player 3 joystick up (which is assigned to T on my machine). To control - F, I do the same but I hit down on Player 2's joystick (assigned to the letter F on my CP). Simple.

So yes, the Ipac acts just like a keyboard would.

The wireless speaker question: It really depends on where you live. I live in a rural area where the houses are far apart. Thus, I get a nice signal outside. So no interference. Some people swear by certain brands, while other who use that brand that is recommended have terrible results in their area. It's really hit or miss. You'll have to try each brand and see what works best for you.

D

Encryptor · « **Reply #78 on:** November 08, 2009, 08:30:52 am »

DeLuSioNal29 - Thanks for the plug in the video. The restrictors are still $7. I have a question.

Do you have to do the licensing to get rid of the MA logo screen pictured below? I don't see it in your videos. I've purchased MA but I don't see a way to change that logo.

Encryptor

Encryptor · « **Reply #79 on:** November 16, 2009, 05:39:31 pm »

Bump to the top.

Encryptor

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #80 on:** November 18, 2009, 01:43:27 am »

Quote from: Encryptor on November 08, 2009, 08:30:52 am

Do you have to do the licensing to get rid of the MA logo screen pictured below? I don't see it in your videos. I've purchased MA but I don't see a way to change that logo.

Sorry for the late reply, I've been busy as of late and I had wanted to check my actual machine to be sure that the answer I give you is correct.

The screenshot that you posted is of the Preferences screen, which does indeed have the Maximus Arcade logo on it (even on mine, but I never show it in any videos). There is no way to change that logo, unless you have the guy who wrote the program make a special licensed version for you or your company.

Perhaps what you are referring to is the opening logo when the front end starts? In my videos, I bypass the opening logo completely. This can be turned on or off in the preferences. (options tab; skip logo splash screen). However, there is no way to change the graphic. But you can get around it if you make your "chosen graphic" into a video file. I'm sure you could edit something together that has it up for 5 seconds or so with a sound effect or something. Then you can simply disable the logo and have your newly created video boot up in it's place.

Maximus boots up as follows:
Show import splash screen (you can also disable this)
Intro Video (if any)
Maximus logo splash screen (you can disable this)
Front end menu appears.

Mine is set to:
Intro Video (my custom one I made)
Front end menu appears

I am currently working on a generic Maximus Arcade intro video for all to use that will match the Blue Lightning theme of the skin. ETA is Christmas.

DeLuSioNaL29

Encryptor · « **Reply #81 on:** November 18, 2009, 05:20:07 am »

Excellent! That's what I was wondering. If you were somehow bypassing it with the intro video. Thanks for the reply and the info.

Encryptor

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #82 on:** November 19, 2009, 12:21:47 am »

To clarify... You don't need an intro video to bypass it. You can simply disable it in the options.

Nephasth · « **Reply #83 on:** November 24, 2014, 01:55:15 pm »

Not too shabby, but if it was me, I wouldn't have angled P3 and P4 joysticks.

mvolke1 · « **Reply #84 on:** November 24, 2014, 02:04:13 pm »

That is an epic control panel.

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #85 on:** November 24, 2014, 02:44:31 pm »

Quote from: Nephasth on November 24, 2014, 01:55:15 pm

Not too shabby, but if it was me, I wouldn't have angled P3 and P4 joysticks.

I corrected that AGES ago. It was an easy fix, I had plenty of room to rotate and remount the stick from underneath. I was a noob back then!

D

yotsuya · « **Reply #86 on:** November 24, 2014, 03:49:12 pm »

Quote from: DeLuSioNal29 on November 24, 2014, 02:44:31 pm

Quote from: Nephasth on November 24, 2014, 01:55:15 pm
Not too shabby, but if it was me, I wouldn't have angled P3 and P4 joysticks.
I corrected that AGES ago. It was an easy fix, I had plenty of room to rotate and remount the stick from underneath. I was a noob back then!

D

You're actually rebuilding this CP if I'm not mistaken, aren't you?

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #87 on:** November 24, 2014, 08:36:31 pm »

It's debatable. I began parting it out recently and planning to downsize to a 2 player CP. But now I don't really have the time (and the weather is cold) to pursue the project until Spring rolls around. I plan to make a custom build and also change the artwork.

I did however begin experimenting with the four $5 Kade controllers that I bought. Indoor stuff like that will have to do.


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