LeapinLew: Tempest Bartop - Completed! Video Added

[leapinlew]

Hey all...

Been a while. I built a few things over the winter that I sold. I converted this:



To this:

Everyone else had a Donkey Kong, so I figured I needed one too. Turned out decent.

I just don't have the room for the games I want, so I plan on building a few specialized bartops. I'm concurrently building a few projects. I don't plan on showing too many build pics, but I felt the overall project should come out pretty neat and worthy of some documentation.

I want a dedicated spinner arcade. My favorite spinner game is Arkanoid, but there are tons of games that I really enjoy playing. Tempest, Gyruss, Time Pilot, and Camelty to name a few. I plan on using a Tempest inspired design with a vertical monitor orientation.

Here are some pics

First I laid out a design


Cut it out and assembled it


Marquee space


One trick I use when building cabinets is to have Home Depot cut a 4x8 sheet of plywood to the appropriate width. In this case, I plan on building a few bartops at approximately 16" wide. So, I had them cut a sheet in 3 equal strips. Three 8' strips (comes out to almost 16" wide). The beauty of this, is they have a good saw that cuts straight lines, and it's less cuts for me to make.

This cabinet will have a turbo twist 2 spinner, a 17" LCD, and laminated with vertical grade laminate. Right now I'm building the funky shaped control panel - it's clamped and glued right now...

[leapinlew]

Tempest Sideart doesn't seem to be available. This isn't necessarily bad, since it'll save me money, but it won't have the exact same look/feel.

Here is what I'm thinking of using:


or this

[RetroJames]

lew - saw this - http://www.mamemarquees.com/tempest-sideartl-p-571.html

They might do a custom crop / print for you?

[leapinlew]

Edited - removed for now. I'm going to post 1 project at a time.

[leapinlew]

lew - saw this - http://www.mamemarquees.com/tempest-sideartl-p-571.html

They might do a custom crop / print for you?

Thanks... I'm going to consider it. Financially speaking... err... I don't know. 

[Donkey_Kong]

Everyone else had a Donkey Kong, so I figured I needed one too. Turned out decent.

Righteous, dude! congrats.   

From here the conversion looks mint.

[TOK]

Gyruss and Timepilot are 8 way games. Do you play them with the spinner? Seems like it would be frustrating since the movement speed is fixed vs. something like Tempest where the spinner speed correlates directly to movement speed onscreen.

Love the Tempest profile bartop. I find bartops that mimic the shape of a "real" cab very appealing.

 

[leapinlew]

Did some work today and the only real challenging part is the control panel shape on this cabinet. Here are some pics to show what the CP looks like. It's attached with a couple pocket screws and glue.


Good ol' gorilla glue. I had to sand this down.


Pocket screws


This is a good shot to show the overall shape of the CP.


I used Bondo and sanded it to shape.


I used a couple 1/2" hinges and I'll add a third to the middle. I wish I could've found a 14" piano hinge at Home Depot, but the smallest they had was 30".


Laminate installed. Next to a soda can for scale. It's 24" tall.

I'm working on the computer and artwork now...

[IG-88]

I've heard you can cut those piano hinges to whatever size you want. Never tried it tho....

[leapinlew]

Thanks IG-88. If anyone wants to confirm what he's saying, I'd love to know.

Here are the marquee candidates. The size of the marquee is 3" X 16". It's not proportionally correct, so I'll need to figure something out.

This one uses the proper proportions, but has black space on either side:


This one fills up the whole area, but is stretched


I'm leaning towards stretched...

[leapinlew]

CPO

[RetroJames]

Thanks IG-88. If anyone wants to confirm what he's saying, I'd love to know.

Here are the marquee candidates. The size of the marquee is 3" X 16". It's not proportionally correct, so I'll need to figure something out.

This one uses the proper proportions, but has black space on either side:


This one fills up the whole area, but is stretched


I'm leaning towards stretched...

local arcade has a tempest marquee image, might be be a better size/res for your use.

http://localarcade.com/arcade_art/details.php?image_id=315&mode=search

[leapinlew]

Thanks - thats where I got the marquee I'm using. The problem is the size of the marquee isn't large enough. For me to do the full marquee, I'll need it to be almost double the space I have available.

[mountain]

Looking great, I Love the shape of the Tempest bartop.

I have cut several piano hinges for custom projects in the past without any problems. Go for it.

[leapinlew]

Looking great, I Love the shape of the Tempest bartop.

I have cut several piano hinges for custom projects in the past without any problems. Go for it.

So... just a hacksaw/jigsaw?

I was under the impression there was a long pin inside that would fall out if I cut a 30" piano hinge in half. No one ever told me that, but I just assumed. Good news. I'll pick one up and use it instead. Thanks. 

[mountain]

I always used an air grinder with a cut off wheel, but a hacksaw should work fine. I don't recall any issues with the center pin. I am sure it would come out if you tried, but it should stay put.

[SavannahLion]

Thanks IG-88. If anyone wants to confirm what he's saying, I'd love to know.

Here are the marquee candidates. The size of the marquee is 3" X 16". It's not proportionally correct, so I'll need to figure something out.

This one uses the proper proportions, but has black space on either side:


This one fills up the whole area, but is stretched


I'm leaning towards stretched...

Uh... Didn't the original marquee sport the speaker to the left (as you're facing it)? If you're building a modernized bartop based on the Tempest cabinet, shouldn't there be a speaker... or two? PC speakers are pretty tall/long so they might be able to fit on either side. Create appropriate borders, fashion a custom grill, and away you go. Better than placing the speakers in the usual spot on a cab when your head isn't really going to be in the right place anyways.

[leapinlew]

Uh... Didn't the original marquee sport the speaker to the left (as you're facing it)? If you're building a modernized bartop based on the Tempest cabinet, shouldn't there be a speaker... or two? PC speakers are pretty tall/long so they might be able to fit on either side. Create appropriate borders, fashion a custom grill, and away you go. Better than placing the speakers in the usual spot on a cab when your head isn't really going to be in the right place anyways.

Yes, it was a speaker (as seen in the pic). I had considered putting the speaker inside the marquee, but decided against it due to the time it would take. The speakers will output sound from underneath.

[ablizno]

Where did u get your black laminate, i was going to use it but couldn't find it any where.

[IG-88]

I always used an air grinder with a cut off wheel, but a hacksaw should work fine. I don't recall any issues with the center pin. I am sure it would come out if you tried, but it should stay put.

I should think friction and the fact that it will be in between each side of the cab should keep it in place nicely. It's not like you'll be opening and closing it alot anyways.

[leapinlew]

Awesome... thanks a lot IG-88 and Mountain. I really liked the look of the piano hinge, but thought you had to have the exact size.

I cut a piano hinge with a jigsaw. Love it - looks great.

[leapinlew]

It's a sad day... one of my favorite drills died on me. It's not a high end drill - just a 9.6v Black and Decker but it's been with me for a house rebuild, several cabinets and countless projects. Both batteries I purchased will no longer hold a charge and I think it just makes more sense to get a different drill. I got this drill because of it's light weight and low cost - I didn't know it would become my primary cordless drill.




Farewell! You will be missed. 

 

I completed all the wood construction today. Everything is laminated, cut, fitted and secured. Using the piano hinge, I attached the CP and back door:



Shot of the side and back laminated.

[leapinlew]

Next important thing is to get the artwork ordered. I have asked for a quote already and hopefully can get that in soon.


Working on the computer now. It's just about done.

[BUCKETHEAD]

Damn this looks good!

I love me some TEMPEST !

[leapinlew]

I think this marquee is as good as it's going to get. This is a quick and dirty mockup.

[dmworking247]

Oh please make CNC plans for this! I love Tempest!

[IG-88]

Judging by the depth I'm guess you are going to go with a LCD panel right? That, and the fact that laminate isn't too cheap either leads me to the question; Are you independently wealthy or something Lew? I know these things aren't cheap. And the way that you keep crankin' them out begs me too ask. Or is there a way that you fund this crazy hobby of ours that I could use? 

[Spyridon]

I think this marquee is as good as it's going to get. This is a quick and dirty mockup.

Nice work.  I like what you ended up with on the marquee.  This is going to look great.  How are you going to handle the non-spinner games you mentioned?

[theCoder]

Long time since logging on / posting.  Surprise, surprise, you're building another cab.  Great theme for a bartop.  Looks like this one is going to be your best one yet. 

Tempest & Future Pinball gets the most playtime on my TimeSink vertical cab.  I used to play Tempest a lot back in the day.  It's just not the same on a PC.  Having a dedicated spinner brings the game back to life.  Good stuff.

Any plans for putting in a joystick?  You would open the door for lots of additional vertical games with one JS and two buttons.

Laminate huh?  Not going with 10 coats of paint, followed by massive amounts of sanding/polishing? 

I've got to ask...  Any plans for pinball on this box?  Future Pinball on a vertical screen is awesome. 

Keep up the good work & good luck on this one.

[leapinlew]

Long time since logging on / posting. 

I'll say, where have you been the last 5 months and 21 days? Yes, I was counting.

[theCoder]

I've been busy lately getting ready to move.  My job is moving to Austin Texas, and I've been given the option to either move or quit.  Unemployment is no fun, so we're moving.  I've been taking care of all the home improvements/maintenance projects that have taken a back seat to my cab building projects over the past 3 years.  With every finished project my wife says something like "well, if you would have spent less time building those darn arcade cabinets and more time on...."  I'm now paying the price for my arcade obsession.   

I'm not sure what to do with my cabs.  My current house has a large day basement with lots of space for gameroom stuff.  I've got to find a good home for the Xcelerator driving cab & Foosball table.  I hate to see the driving cab go but I don't know how much room I'll have in my new place in Texas.  The Partybox and TimeSink are definitely coming with me.

[leapinlew]

I've been busy lately getting ready to move.  My job is moving to Austin Texas, and I've been given the option to either move or quit.  Unemployment is no fun, so we're moving.  I've been taking care of all the home improvements/maintenance projects that have taken a back seat to my cab building projects over the past 3 years.  With every finished project my wife says something like "well, if you would have spent less time building those darn arcade cabinets and more time on...."  I'm now paying the price for my arcade obsession.   

I'm not sure what to do with my cabs.  My current house has a large day basement with lots of space for gameroom stuff.  I've got to find a good home for the Xcelerator driving cab & Foosball table.  I hate to see the driving cab go but I don't know how much room I'll have in my new place in Texas.  The Partybox and TimeSink are definitely coming with me.

Oh, I see.

Well, from what I hear everything is bigger in Texas! You should have plenty of room for it. Of those 3 cabs, I would want Partybox and Timesink as well. Xbox is cool, but it's not my scene really.

Whats your son think about moving? That must stink a bit for him.  It a good move for the career? Temporary assignment?

[Jigenjuke]

Hey there Lew.  I was digging through my arcade art library and came across a few sideart pics for tempest that are better than most of what I have seen out there.  You could probably twist someone's arm for a little vector work, for that matter you could probably do it your self.  The Tempest tabletop lood awsome so far.  Anyway here are a coupld of pics for ya. 

[Jigenjuke]

This also might help if you.

[leapinlew]

awesome. Thanks. Those are the best images I've received yet. Unfortunately, they are 72dpi and just won't look that good printed. I'm considering making a medallion out of the 2nd one you sent me, but I'm still unsure.

[theCoder]

I've been busy lately getting ready to move.  My job is moving to Austin Texas, and I've been given the option to either move or quit.  Unemployment is no fun, so we're moving.  I've been taking care of all the home improvements/maintenance projects that have taken a back seat to my cab building projects over the past 3 years.  With every finished project my wife says something like "well, if you would have spent less time building those darn arcade cabinets and more time on...."  I'm now paying the price for my arcade obsession.   

I'm not sure what to do with my cabs.  My current house has a large day basement with lots of space for gameroom stuff.  I've got to find a good home for the Xcelerator driving cab & Foosball table.  I hate to see the driving cab go but I don't know how much room I'll have in my new place in Texas.  The Partybox and TimeSink are definitely coming with me.

Oh, I see.

Well, from what I hear everything is bigger in Texas! You should have plenty of room for it. Of those 3 cabs, I would want Partybox and Timesink as well. Xbox is cool, but it's not my scene really.

Whats your son think about moving? That must stink a bit for him.  It a good move for the career? Temporary assignment?

He has finally accepted the inevitable.  He and my 14 yr. old daughter as well.  It's not ideal for them, but beats the alternative.  It's not a career move, just survival.  The added bonus is that the company will help me get out of the rainy climate and back into the sun.  Temporary - no.  I'm afraid I'm there 'til the next big layoff.  And if/when that happens, Austin is a much bigger place with more employment opportunities than where I am now.  Life in corporate America these days...

[bvicarious]

leapinlew,

I'm about halfway through vectorizing the side art. The bottom half (the easy part) is done and I'm working on the top half (the hard part). I don't think it'll be an exact reproduction quality piece, but its close enough for my needs, and maybe yours too. I'll send it along when I'm done, hopefully in the next few days.

[leapinlew]

leapinlew,

I'm about halfway through vectorizing the side art. The bottom half (the easy part) is done and I'm working on the top half (the hard part). I don't think it'll be an exact reproduction quality piece, but its close enough for my needs, and maybe yours too. I'll send it along when I'm done, hopefully in the next few days.

Thanks dude. I'll hold up on the sideart and wait for you. I'll be shrinking the size down so that'll help if there are small quality issues.

[dmworking247]

leapinlew,

I'm about halfway through vectorizing the side art. The bottom half (the easy part) is done and I'm working on the top half (the hard part). I don't think it'll be an exact reproduction quality piece, but its close enough for my needs, and maybe yours too. I'll send it along when I'm done, hopefully in the next few days.

Great work! Any chance you could post it on localarcade.com?

[Twin-X]

Where can you buy this "laminate" stuff (online). (and i am looking for a dutch translation on this as i can't seem to find any of this over here)

*edit i found it!! with search. Sorry to bother.

[bvicarious]

hey leapinlew, heres a snapshot of the side art so far. I've seen Tempest machines where the center stripe goes to the edge and some where it doesn't, and they both seem to be original machines. Which do you suppose is better/more correct/more common? I've also seen one where the laser beams on the bottom don't have the red part, just the black outline, purple, then white center. Any suggestions?

edit: i should also note the colors are far from final

[leapinlew]

Thats looking real good. Here is the way I remember it looking:

[bvicarious]

Last update for the weekend, I'll finish it up tuesday. And a question: do you have any hi-res pictures of the control panel taken straight on? I'm looking to vectorize that next.

[Santoro]

Looking good Lew!

I have also cut piano hinges with no problems.

[Jigenjuke]

Hey there.  Looking good Lew.  Also awsome job bvicarious on the Vector sideart for tempest.  Keep it up.  I am looking forward to seeing it finished. 

[leapinlew]

Last update for the weekend, I'll finish it up tuesday. And a question: do you have any hi-res pictures of the control panel taken straight on? I'm looking to vectorize that next.

Awesome work with this. I have some files for in regards to the Control Panel. I'll send you a PM.

[bvicarious]

coolbeans, looking forward to that. I contacted someone about taking photos of his tempest machine, so I should have a good set of source material to work from. That also means that I'll have good shots of the side art, and refine what I've already done or start over.

[Jigenjuke]

Hey Lew.  How's the bartop coming?  bvicarious great work on the vectorization.  Any more progress?  Keep up the awsome work guys!

[leapinlew]

I've done all I can do. Just waiting on the artwork I ordered to show up. Once Bvicarious gets his art to me, I'll order it. I've worked on a few other projects while I'm waiting for the artwork to come in.

[bvicarious]

Ah, it's finished. Well, all I have to do is tweak the colors a little bit. I also just noticed in a photo that the center of the galaxy thing is a darker blue than the rest of it, so I need to add that as well. Once everything is to my liking I'll upload it to localarcade. Lew, do you use illustrator?

[leapinlew]

Ah, it's finished. Well, all I have to do is tweak the colors a little bit. I also just noticed in a photo that the center of the galaxy thing is a darker blue than the rest of it, so I need to add that as well. Once everything is to my liking I'll upload it to localarcade. Lew, do you use illustrator?

No sir. I try not to. More of a photoshop guy.

[bvicarious]

Okay, cuz I was thinking that maybe you could take the AI file and plug in the CMYK or RGB values from the other art you had printed, and then they'd match up exactly. Anyway, it shouldn't vary much or look weird or anything. Does the place you print from take AI files or should I export a TIFF or something?

[leapinlew]

Okay, cuz I was thinking that maybe you could take the AI file and plug in the CMYK or RGB values from the other art you had printed, and then they'd match up exactly. Anyway, it shouldn't vary much or look weird or anything. Does the place you print from take AI files or should I export a TIFF or something?

AI will be fantastic.

[leapinlew]

Big thanks to bvicarious. I've edited his sideart to fit the bartop. I'm really liking it.



I'll be ordering this soon.

[BASS!]

 
Awesome. Just awesome:-) I cant wait to see it on the cab!

[abzman2000]

very cool idea, and a nice shape, not too complicated. 

[NIVO]

make with the pics lew! Dont make me ban you  j/k looks good so far, i'll be over to play it when finished.

[leapinlew]

make with the pics lew! Dont make me ban you  j/k looks good so far, i'll be over to play it when finished.

Anytime!

It's just sitting in the corner of the room. Can't do anything with it till the art shows up. I'm going out of town next weekend. May be a couple weeks before I can do anything else. I got the computer ready, you want to see pictures of that? 

[Kaytrim]

Well if Lew won't I will.

pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics pics

Is that enough for you NIVO? 

BTW Lew, looks real good.  I'll be waiting for the final pics from you this time. 

[leapinlew]

Some intermediate pics...

It should finish up this weekend, but I was able to apply the marquee, drill out the CP, and apply the CPO.


I'm lining up the artwork here. Cutting the artwork is always so nerve racking.





The sideart is awesome thanks to bvicarious. Very cool of him to vectorize it. I'll apply it this weekend and take some final pics.   

[leapinlew]

Controls mounted. I'm trying to decide what to do with my Volcano buttons. I would like them to light when a credit is installed for all the games, but it appears there isn't an easy way to do it. I'm thinking of lighting them and keeping them lit, or I may not do anything with them. They look pretty good as is.

I'm going to mount the monitor tomorrow and put on the finishing touches.

I missed the exact center of the spinner... damn. It's not a biggie.

Dig the original tempest spinner RandyT hooked me up with.

[NIVO]

lookin good lew 

[ChadTower]

Effin Fantastic.  I love me some Tempest.

Can't wait to see some shots of how it looks on an LCD.

[leapinlew]

Inside cabling shots

[TOK]

That looks real clean inside, nice work! 

[IG-88]

Very nice looking indeed. Wish mine looked like that  Do you ever worry about your soundcard "working" itself loose since it doesn't have the case to screw into?

Also, why do you use quick disconnects instead of soldering the wire onto the buttons?

[leapinlew]

Very nice looking indeed. Wish mine looked like that  Do you ever worry about your soundcard "working" itself loose since it doesn't have the case to screw into?

Also, why do you use quick disconnects instead of soldering the wire onto the buttons?

Good question on the sound card. I used a hot glue gun on both the soundcard and video card.

Quick connects were used because I had a wiring harness from a previous CP. I thought I'd save time using it. Not sure if it made much difference for a CP with only 5 buttons. 

[leapinlew]

Monitor mount:



Backside:




All the wiring is done. I've done some configuring with the front end and all the games now.

[leapinlew]

Front:








I bought this 25c disc from Mike Deuce when he was hanging around here. I didn't have enough space for a novagem Coin Drop Replacement button, but I still had a few of these buttons.

I didn't get a chance to apply the sideart and t-molding. I still need to cut and paint the plexi.

It's getting close now.

[Paladin]

Looking great!  You mentioned getting the volcano buttons to light.  When I made my upright Tempest MAME (now restored to original hardware), I used the mini-pac.  It controlled the original spinner and volcano buttons.

[leapinlew]

Looking great!  You mentioned getting the volcano buttons to light.  When I made my upright Tempest MAME (now restored to original hardware), I used the mini-pac.  It controlled the original spinner and volcano buttons.

How does it do this exactly? Does it just light them, or does it blink them when a credit is dropped in? I'm thinking of editing Mame to add this ability to the games I want. I'm debating on the amount of work involved to the potential payout.

[Portnoy]

Wow, nice work! Tempest is one of my all time favorites.  In reference to what Palladin said, the I-pac and mini have a way to connect lights that mimic the caps and number lock on your keyboard.  MAME has a bunch of games that light those when you credit up.  Not sure about the details on how though. 

P

[leapinlew]

Thanks Port -

I would wire the ipac2 to the caps lock, scroll lock, or num lock keys if they would blink. I nosed around in Mame and couldn't find a setting for it. When I drop a credit in a game like Tempest, it doesn't blink any of the lights on my keyboard.

Any suggestions? I'll gladly wire it up for the games that use it, but right now - I'm unsure how to accomplish this.

[IG-88]

Good question on the sound card. I used a hot glue gun on both the soundcard and video card.

Cool. I used the heck out of Hot Glue in my set up. But where on the cards did you apply it?

[Portnoy]

Ya know for a moment I thought I was making up past memories but then I found this...

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=53174.0

Perhaps it's not fixed yet?  I'm using .97 and it doesn't work for me either.

[somunny]

This is a really neat project.  The lighted marquee looks great!  Are the volcano lights still on the "to do" list?

[dmworking247]

Awesome project... I'd love one of these almost as much (actually... perhaps more considering the size) as an original upright Tempest.

But to digress a little... thats an awesome little spinner!  When is someone going to build some repro spinners like that, which have such a small profile and (it looks like) they just plug into a  button hole!

I'm sick of spending $60+ on gigantic spinners which don't even fit in my control panel box  (too deep) and they're a pain to mount.

[somunny]

But to digress a little... thats an awesome little spinner!  When is someone going to build some repro spinners like that, which have such a small profile and (it looks like) they just plug into a  button hole!

Like this one?

GGG TT2

[Kaytrim]

Looking real good Lew.  The marquee looks perfect the way you have it designed.  I also like the clean wiring job you have in there.  Now get that side art, t-molding and plexi in place so you can call it done. 

TTFN
Kaytrim

[dmworking247]

Great spinner, but back to my point on price...

$20 for a good joystick, yet up to $100 for a spinner with a mini wheel attachment and a counterweight?  It seems the prices and choices of arcade gear has improved over the past few years yet spinners still seem to be the least value for money accessory... I mean that spinner is more expensive than a happ trackball with a mounting plate!  You can get a optical mouse for < $5 and a old mouse for <$1,  are the materials in spinners really that expensive??

Anyway back onto the topic of this great Bartop...

Like this one?

GGG TT2

[Timstuff]

The problem is that spinners are a very niche product. I'm not even sure when a game company last made a spinner game, so the people buying them are all either BYOACers, or arcade operators doing repairs to old machines. Even in the heyday of arcades, it's not like there were spinner games popping up left and right (although there were some very popular games that used them). With such a small niche to fill, it's very hard to put out a quality product at a decent price.

[leapinlew]

Well, I didn't finish it this weekend. Couldn't stay motivated and before I knew it - the weekend was gone. It's real close though.

I need to mount the plexi and secure the back door and this one will be done. Finishing pics to follow.

[NIVO]

install the tap under the control panel yet? get that keg mounted!

[IG-88]

Lew, you never did say exactly how you hot-glued your cards in 

[leapinlew]

Lew, you never did say exactly how you hot-glued your cards in 

Sorry. I used the hot glue gun on the card where it plugs into the PCI slot. Using the glue on the spots where there were no solder points. I don't know if it even matters.

[EwJ]

Edit: removed reply to off-topic post (79) cluttering up awesome build thread

[mountain]

Lookin great Lew! Looking forward to the final pics! 

[EwJ]

You're right mountain!

Awesome bartop! Best one yet! Great memories of Tempest-
and it's unique cab shape.
The artwork turned out great - especially fitting that marquee. 
Always watch your build threads - even more so on this one.

What speakers did you use?
Didn't see them in the pics so far, (unless you hid them well).

[ChadTower]

Sorry. I used the hot glue gun on the card where it plugs into the PCI slot. Using the glue on the spots where there were no solder points. I don't know if it even matters.

Doesn't really matter anyway.  It's just a sound card... if it pops loose you pop it right back in.  It's not going to provide a whole lot of support for side to side movement which is the way a problem would present itself.  Still, only takes a minute to do, so why not?

[leapinlew]

Some shots of the guts:


Speakers

They sound ok. Not great. I mean, it's not a problem with the sound coming from the bartop. I just prefer a 2.1 system. But, this sounds just fine.

I tinted the glass myself using a 35% block.

First time I ever did this. Turned out fine.


Just a slight tint. You can see the wood blocks I used to velcro the lexan with.


I cut a piece of posterboard and spray painted it black.

[leapinlew]

Some shots of the back of the machine:


120mm Scythe super quiet fan. Good stuff. I wasn't concerned about the back of the machine, but I wish I cut a slot in the exposed wood. I'll probably leave it - but I may get motivated and put some molding on it.




Check this out... I was drilling a hole for the power cord and like a dummy I drilled from the inside out. I chipped up the formica pretty good. I took a fender washer I had and drilled out the hole for the power cord. Turned out to be a nice looking accident.

[leapinlew]

Here she is - all done.








Bootin up!




It really has the full effect of a stand up arcade.








unlit volcano buttons. I shelved the idea to light them either constantly or when a credit is put in. Too much work, not enough reward.








The angle of the control panel can be seen here. It's a tiny detail, that took a lot of time and I'll probably be one of the only ones who plays it who appreciates it.


as you can see, the spinner ended up a little bit low in the artwork, but it turned out real nice.

[leapinlew]

Big thanks to Bvicarious for vectorizing the sideart.

Also, a thanks to RandyT for providing me with a Tempest spinner knob in a lucky coincidence, and for selling the awesome TurboTwist2.

[BUCKETHEAD]

My Goodness!

That damn thing looks great!

Wonderful job !     

[patrickl]

Yeah really. Great result.

Great thread too. Don't think I posted much, but I love reading your progress.

[Blanka]

Finishing touch:
Shut off the DELL boot logo 

[Timstuff]

Dang, that thing is gorgeous! Well done!

[pinballwizard79]

I turn 30 next Feb............you should give me that for a present.

[bvicarious]

Lookin gooood

[leapinlew]

Heres a video...

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10fPGXbAjRM[/youtube]

[Donkey_Kong]

I just noticed the final pics above to. Really nice cab, great pics. You can't do them kind of closeups if you were trying to hide any screw ups!

Looks like it plays nice from the youtube vid.

[clockwork]

Very sweet, Lew. How many does this make for you?

Tempest is such a classic. When I talked to a buddy recently about starting my cab again, that's the first game he asked me about.

[IG-88]

Lew, I'm curious about the tinting. Was the cost worth the effort? What did you have to give for that roll of tint?
Also, the bezel is under the lexan right? But then its between the wood block and velcro? 

[leapinlew]

Lew, I'm curious about the tinting. Was the cost worth the effort? What did you have to give for that roll of tint?
Also, the bezel is under the lexan right? But then its between the wood block and velcro? 

I was either going to buy a tinted piece of plexi or tint it myself. Cost for the plexi was $10 at Autozone. Was it worth the effort? It didn't hurt anything, and took about 15 minutes. If I had to do it all over again, I'd tint it.

The bezel picture I have is before I cut the notches in the poster board for the velcro. The velcro is on the plexi and wood blocks. Good eye.

[Minwah]

Nice, that looks ace! 

[IG-88]

I was either going to buy a tinted piece of plexi or tint it myself. Cost for the plexi was $10 at Autozone. Was it worth the effort? It didn't hurt anything, and took about 15 minutes. If I had to do it all over again, I'd tint it.

Thats cool. I guess what I meant to ask is if it was worth it time and $$ wise vs. buying a pre-made tinted piece of lexan. But for $10 + 15min of work I say hell yes!

And I'm surprised you can't see your Velcro and blocks, looks fantastic. 

[Bender]

DAMN!! thats hot

Nice work Meatbag!!!!!

[javeryh]

Wow lew - GREAT JOB.  This thing came together really really nice.   

If I ever get around to building a bartop (it's on the list!) I'm going to be using this thread as a reference!

[Neverending Project]

The angle of the control panel can be seen here. It's a tiny detail, that took a lot of time and I'll probably be one of the only ones who plays it who appreciates it.

I know exactly how you feel! I angled the control panel on my bartop, and while in my head I know it was necessary and wouldn't have looked right any other way, I don't think anyone else would even notice.

It looks awesome. Nice work.

[DeLuSioNal29]

Great work LeapinLew!  It looks great.

But a quick question about MAME software:  How did you get Time Pilot and Gyruss to work with the spinner?  I haven't tried it myself since I never thought it was possible.

Edit:  I did not see any "analog" controls in the "tab menu" in MAME for Time Pilot or Gyruss.  (How the heck did you do it?!?)

Also, do you have a complete list of the games that you have installed that work with your setup?

Thanks in advance and great job!

~ DeLuSioNaL

[arcadefever]

OMG 

"leapinlew" You have done an incredible work  That mini Tempest is gorgeous 

 

[tk375]

 

Simplemente Wonderful! what a difference does the T-molding makes hu? and yes, Spinners are so expensive, but they look amazing on machines,

Great Job and that Bartop Leapinlew

[dmworking247]

Awesome finished product LeapinLew, well done!


Was the sideart/tempest artwork ever made available on localarcade.com ?

[chris77]

fu**ing fantastico! just awesome!!! congrats to lew!

greets
chris

[BASS!]

I had to jump in, I know I am late, but LEW this is AWESOME!!@!!
As a diehard tempest fan I just want to congratulate you. BTW are you thinking about putting Typhoon2001 on this as well? It is a tempest clone, but man is it a fun one.

Also, do you have any way of changing the sensetivity of the spinner in game or on the fly? I love tempest, but I also love arknoid and disks of tron. They all need different settings and I don't want the feeling to be too off.

[dweebs0r]

unlit volcano buttons. I shelved the idea to light them either constantly or when a credit is put in. Too much work, not enough reward.

Great bartop.  I think the buttons would look great lit though.

-D

[Spaced Ace]

Super....  PM Sent....

[lettuce]

What monitor did u use?

[leapinlew]

What monitor did u use?

17" Ultrasharp 4:3 from Dell.

[gatordad]

Really Nice work!


What does you game list consist of?

[leapinlew]

Really Nice work!


What does you game list consist of?

I'm sure there may be more games it can play, but I only install the games I would actually play

Arkanoid
Arkanoid Returns
Asteroids
Cameltry
Galaxian
Gyruss
Kick
Omega Race
Puzz Loop
Quester
Star Trek
Super Breakout
Tempest
Tempest Tubes
Time Pilot
Zektor

I don't have the right controls for Star Trek, so I'll probably drop it off the list. I believe you can see the list in the video.

[Encryptor]

Are you going to post any plans for it?


Encryptor

[leapinlew]

Are you going to post any plans for it?


Encryptor

I didn't use any plans. There are no plans to be had. Sorry man...

[javeryh]

Hew Lew - where do you get your laminate?  I've had no luck at the two local Home Depots and the counertop places I've called really don't want to help...   

[lettuce]

What monitor did u use?

17" Ultrasharp 4:3 from Dell.

Would you say that a 17" was big enough for a bartop, do you think a 20" might be to over bearing??

[leapinlew]

What monitor did u use?

17" Ultrasharp 4:3 from Dell.

Would you say that a 17" was big enough for a bartop, do you think a 20" might be to over bearing??

yes - I think it's too big. It'll be as wide as a full sized machine with a 20". I've seen some people pull it off though. It's just not for me.

[lettuce]

What monitor did u use?

17" Ultrasharp 4:3 from Dell.

Would you say that a 17" was big enough for a bartop, do you think a 20" might be to over bearing??

yes - I think it's too big. It'll be as wide as a full sized machine with a 20". I've seen some people pull it off though. It's just not for me.

Well it would be vertical bartop so it would be slightly narrower!

[lettuce]

What monitor did u use?

17" Ultrasharp 4:3 from Dell.

You remember the model number. Notice any horrible effect, ie light bleeding, or viewing problems?

[chrisdfw]

Ah, it's finished. Well, all I have to do is tweak the colors a little bit. I also just noticed in a photo that the center of the galaxy thing is a darker blue than the rest of it, so I need to add that as well. Once everything is to my liking I'll upload it to localarcade. Lew, do you use illustrator?

I was interested in using your artwork but I don't see it one localarcade.com.

Does anyone know where I can find Tempest side art for download?

Thanks!!!

[spriggy]

Beautiful work.  Let me just put my tongue back in my head 

[mountain]

Best bartop ever!

[chrisdfw]

So nobody knows what happend with the vectorized artwork?

 

[leapinlew]

So nobody knows what happend with the vectorized artwork?

 

I'm in the middle of a move right now. If you can wait for a little bit, I'll see if I can't get them posted somewhere.

[Encryptor]

So nobody knows what happend with the vectorized artwork?

 

I'm in the middle of a move right now. If you can wait for a little bit, I'll see if I can't get them posted somewhere.

Lew,

Did you ever post this anywhere?

Encryptor

[emphatic]

That's a really sweet cabinet!  I wonder how well Time Pilot plays with a spinner though...

[Encryptor]

So nobody knows what happend with the vectorized artwork?

 

I'm in the middle of a move right now. If you can wait for a little bit, I'll see if I can't get them posted somewhere.

Lew,

Did you ever post this anywhere?

Encryptor

[jason6300]

Bump.
I am hoping someone has this art somewhere.
Please help 

What a a Cabinet!

[Rick]

Bump. I am hoping someone has this art somewhere. Please help. What a Cabinet!

It is awesome. Incredibly awesome. So awesome as to bump it from 2010? (Well, honestly, yes. Yes, it is.)

Anyway, if you read through the thread, you might want to just PM BVicarious directly, as he vectorized the original images. If anyone would have it, it sounds like it would be him.

[wp34]

This is one of my favorite projects ever.   

[jason6300]

Bump. I am hoping someone has this art somewhere. Please help. What a Cabinet!

It is awesome. Incredibly awesome. So awesome as to bump it from 2010? (Well, honestly, yes. Yes, it is.)

Anyway, if you read through the thread, you might want to just PM BVicarious directly, as he vectorized the original images. If anyone would have it, it sounds like it would be him.

I did pm both he and the and leapinlew. Bumped cause BVcarious has not been on in a long time  and Leapinlew is looking on old drives.
Sry to bump from 2010. But you are very right if one should be this is among them.
Im really hoping somebody finds it 
And thanks for advice on PM direct.
Jason

[leapinlew]

This arcade is going strong. I built a defender arcade to go with it. I bought him a subscription to Gameroom magazine for all his hard work. I wonder if he read any before Gameroom went away?

I found the artwork. For whatever reason, I can't upload it so I sent the file to Jason via upload site.

[jason6300]

Wow Thank You!!!!

[Rick]

I found the artwork. For whatever reason, I can't upload it so I sent the file to Jason via upload site.

Where's my copy?

[Vigo]

Its with your subscription to Gameroom Magazine.   



This is an awesome project BTW.

[wp34]

Bump for the bartop to end all bartops.

This is one of my favorite projects ever.   

[IG-88]

Wow! Been dang near
 9 yrs already. Wonder if Lew still has this thing?

[leapinlew]

9 years - damn. I was in a different place then. Married, but no kids. Living in an apartment doing consulting work in Alexandria, VA. Good times.

Back then I bit the bullet and bought full side art. Printing options were more limited then. I swear I spent somewhere in the neighborhood of $300 on art. Today, I could do it for much less. Sure it would be lower quality materials, but I could do the whole thing for $70.

This bartop eventually was sold. I sold it and my Donkey Kong to purchase a grail - my stand up Star Wars cabinet. I still have a bartop Defender, but I've been going back and forth of putting it into a full size machine. I swore I'd never sell it off, since it's my second one I built after jones'n to play Defender after selling my first Defender cabinet.

Appreciate the kind words. It was a fun build and fun to document. BYOAC was a big part of my life before kids.