The Shmup! Arcade (Final Move 4-26-13)

[Hewskie]

wow! those look fantastic!

Everything's coming together, I hope you finish soon so we can all OOO and AAAAHHH at your handywork

Keep up the good work

Hewskie

[Ryglore]

Soon! I should have the CPO by the end of the week. I have the marquee retainer made, but I need to trim the bottom piece since it's a hair too long.

I'm excited and sad at the same time. Because while it means I'll be gaming for hours on end on it, it also means that the project is winding down and will soon come to an end.... I guess that just means I have to start something else! 

[Epyx]

Ryglore those look friggin fantastic, great job! 

Not sure if you mentioned previously but what is the length of the shaft from top plate to bottom of ball?

[Ryglore]

Ryglore those look friggin fantastic, great job! 

Not sure if you mentioned previously but what is the length of the shaft from top plate to bottom of ball?

Thanks! I am really happy with the way they turned out! 

I think I mentioned some of the measurements, but I may not have gone into detail.... ha... whoops! I started out w/ a piece of 1/2" aluminum round bar cut to 6" lengths. The standard Happ Super joystick is just over 6" long from the top of the Bat to the bottom of the shaft.

I cut the threaded end to 1/4" thickness and then threaded it, the length of the threads is 3/8". The 1/2" section from the bottom of the ball is 2 3/8" long and then the thinner 10mm wide section is 2 1/2" long. I cut the remaining 3/4 of an inch off of the bottom which makes the finished stick 5 1/4" long.

Also, I cut two different angled bevels into the threaded end. and when I sanded them it made a nice rounded top to the shaft.

[opt2not]

Nice shaft.   

[Ryglore]

Nice shaft.   

 

[Ryglore]

Ryglore those look friggin fantastic, great job! 

Not sure if you mentioned previously but what is the length of the shaft from top plate to bottom of ball?

Thanks! I am really happy with the way they turned out! 

I think I mentioned some of the measurements, but I may not have gone into detail.... ha... whoops! I started out w/ a piece of 1/2" aluminum round bar cut to 6" lengths. The standard Happ Super joystick is just over 6" long from the top of the Bat to the bottom of the shaft.

I cut the threaded end to 1/4" thickness and then threaded it, the length of the threads is 3/8". The 1/2" section from the bottom of the ball is 2 3/8" long and then the thinner 10mm wide section is 2 1/2" long. I cut the remaining 3/4 of an inch off of the bottom which makes the finished stick 5 1/4" long.

Also, I cut two different angled bevels into the threaded end. and when I sanded them it made a nice rounded top to the shaft.

Oh and when mounted the joystick is roughly the same height as the original Happ Super stick.

[Ryglore]

This is actually something I started after I was done working on the joysticks last night. Originally I wasn't going to use them, but I decided after mounting the P1 joystick, that I didn't like the look of the original dust washers, since the hole in it is too big.

I took the old blue plexi window that was in my PC case and using a 1/2" Forstner bit I drilled the center hole for the shaft to run through. After that was drilled I changed over to a holesaw and cut the disc. Since I wanted to cover the 1 1/8" hole for the joystick and the plexi is transparent. I sanded the crap out of both sides with the 100 and 400 grit sandpaper I was using for the joysticks.

This made the discs translucent and while you can still see the shadow of the hole, it's not as noticeable. Plus, it helps finish off the joysticks and look much better than the stock dust washer did.

The PC case, revisited.


Prepping the window.


Cutting the new discs


The Original Dust Washer and the new one.


The CP w/ Both sticks and new dustwashers.


Close up of the P1 Joystick with the new washer.


I received a notice in my email today that the Control Panel Overlay has been shipped! So tomorrow I'll be installing the CPO and Marquee! I've been holding off on installing the marquee, mainly because I had to trim the aluminum I bent for the bottom retainer. Also I need to predrill the retainer pieces so I can do everything one handed. I really don't want to try drilling through the aluminum while also trying to hold the marquee, plexi and the retainer in place.

[opt2not]

Dude. That's awesome.
Good recycling on the blue plexi! It's too bad the colour isn't exactly the same as the balltop, but it's close enough. It probably won't even matter when you have your balltops all lit up.
Dang, I think I'm going to have to copy this idea off you!

*edit: in fact, if you have some spare clear plexi material, how about making me some? 

[emphatic]

This made the discs translucent and while you can still see the shadow of the hole, it's not as noticeable. Plus, it helps finish off the joysticks and look much better than the stock dust washer did.

How about you make some white ones that sit right under the hole (in addition to the transparent ones on top). Perhaps lining the hole as well with some white paint?

I really like how far you take your customizing. 

[Ryglore]

Dude. That's awesome.
Good recycling on the blue plexi! It's too bad the colour isn't exactly the same as the balltop, but it's close enough. It probably won't even matter when you have your balltops all lit up.
Dang, I think I'm going to have to copy this idea off you!

*edit: in fact, if you have some spare clear plexi material, how about making me some?  

Thanks! Actually these balltops don't light up. But I think the color will be a bit closer once the CPO is on and its on top of a white background, rather than the wood. Unfortunately I don't have anything laying around that is close to the same thickness as the blue stuff that was on my case. Not too hard to make though, as long as you have access to a drill press.

How about you make some white ones that sit right under the hole (in addition to the transparent ones on top). Perhaps lining the hole as well with some white paint?

I really like how far you take your customizing.  

Thanks! I was thinking about putting white in the sides of the holes. I'll wait and see what it looks like when I get it all in place. As for the white disc, do you mean putting one right under the other disc? Or under the CP between it and the joystick body? That could look pretty neat actually. I'll have to look into that.

 

[emphatic]

Thanks! I was thinking about putting white in the sides of the holes. I'll wait and see what it looks like when I get it all in place. As for the white disc, do you mean putting one right under the other disc? Or under the CP between it and the joystick body? That could look pretty neat actually. I'll have to look into that.

 

I meant like this:

[Ryglore]

Thanks! I was thinking about putting white in the sides of the holes. I'll wait and see what it looks like when I get it all in place. As for the white disc, do you mean putting one right under the other disc? Or under the CP between it and the joystick body? That could look pretty neat actually. I'll have to look into that.

 

I meant like this:

Ha, ya that's what I thought you meant. Perhaps I can try something using laminated paper.... hhhm

[Ryglore]

Today is an exciting day, as it is the final day of construction on the SHMUP. Actually, I'm both happy and a little sad about it, which I think is kinda funny. I'm happy that it's done and that I can play any old arcade game I want to now and can officially relive my childhood while discovering games I've never even heard of. But at the same time, I'm a little sad because now the project is done and it was super fun working on it for the last 3-4 months. Before I get to the recap of today's work and the "unveil", I just wanna shout out to everyone on the boards for all the insight and help I've gotten while working on this. As well as creative suggestions that really pushed my work from just throwing something together, to working to make everything the best I could.   

And now, the final construction update!

While I was at work today, I sanded the marquee retainers and painted them with black Rustoleum Satin finish spray paint. The screws that held the window in the side of my PC case have built in washers on them. So I recycled them and painted them black as well. These work nicely and give the retain a nicer finished look rather than just using plain wood screws. I also cut a few different types of paper to see how extra thickness would help on the brightness of the marquee. But after looking everything over, I decided that I like the look of the marquee without anything extra to diffuse the light more.

Here is a shot of the marquee mounted, without the light on and the camera flash.


And another with the overhead light off and no flash.


When I got home, I picked up the CPO and began prepping it for the plexiglass. I used my X-acto knife to cut all of the holes for it, rather than attempting to use a drill bit. I had to trim a little around the edges of the plexi as well, but everything lines up! Yay! I'm so glad I decided to go with Mame Marquees for my CPO as well. The finish turned out amazing! Oddly enough, I couldn't find my cutting mat anywhere... so I used a stack of posterboard as a makeshift cutting mat.

Prepping the CPO.


All holes cut and ready for installing!


Completed control panel! I'm so glad I went with the marble trackball, it looks awesome!


And now the moment of truth! The completed SHMUP arcade cabinet! Again, I don't think it would have turned out as nicely without everyone's input and motivation, thanks guys!

Front view.


3/4 Side view.


Now if you'll excuse me. I have a high score to beat in Centipede.... 

[Hewskie]

Control panel looks great! Congrats on a fantastic build, you should have a ton of fun with this!

And don't be too sad, there's always the horizontal cab, cocktail, jukebox, dedicated light gun, racing, flight sim and ddr pad projects to keep you busy 

but seriously, I'm sure this is just the start of your collection, you've got the build bug my friend!

Again, your cab looks great and I've really enjoyed following your work!

Hewskie

[Sledgehammer]

I love the side art and CP. This thing looks great!

Looking forward to seeing your next project thread...my guess is it won't be too long before the next cab!

J

[drventure]

Nice job! 

That CP and marquee really turned out nice!

[Ryglore]

Control panel looks great! Congrats on a fantastic build, you should have a ton of fun with this!

And don't be too sad, there's always the horizontal cab, cocktail, jukebox, dedicated light gun, racing, flight sim and ddr pad projects to keep you busy 

but seriously, I'm sure this is just the start of your collection, you've got the build bug my friend!

Again, your cab looks great and I've really enjoyed following your work!

Hewskie

Hahaha, thanks! I do have another project in mind. But... I don't have anymore space in my apartment for another cabinet.... Maybe I'll take a stab at a mini next!

I love the side art and CP. This thing looks great!

Looking forward to seeing your next project thread...my guess is it won't be too long before the next cab!

J

Thanks! What I need is a house with room for a real Game Room. Then I can start making dedicated units!

Nice job! 

That CP and marquee really turned out nice!

Oh I was super impressed when I unrolled the CP from the shipping tube. I think I know who has any future business I may need for new projects.


  guys!

[Gamester]

Sweet!  Nice work Ryglore!  You must have really been burning the midnight oil lately to get it finished. 

Okay, now back out to the garage I go...  more... sanding... to... do...  *ugh*

Play a round of Galaga for me.   

[Ryglore]

Play a round of Galaga for me.   

Ha, thanks! Will do!

[opt2not]

Congrats Ryglore!  The Shmup looks great! Looks like a bunch of late nights coming up in you future.

Have fun! You deserve it!
 

[Ryglore]

Congrats Ryglore!  The Shmup looks great! Looks like a bunch of late nights coming up in you future.

Have fun! You deserve it!
 

Thanks! We really need a bow emoticon. haha

just for grins... here is my mock up and the finished project side by side.

[Epyx]

 

Woot!  Amazing, finish and probably so much fun to finally be standing in front of it complete! Congrats!  I love how the CP turned out, and ya that marble trackball looks sick.

Now only one question...100%? You still putting the target/bullseyes on the side?

[Ond]

Well done seeing your design through to completion!  Looks great too.

 

Ond

[Yvan256]

Very nice work! Nice to see the progress from a Sketchup animation to the real thing! 

Now... get working on that other project of yours! 

[drventure]

Oh, see, that's what you missed

Your mockup had all those cool, retro jaggies on the edges.

The real thing is way too smooth

 

[emphatic]

 

I guess you will have a very nice weekend! When looking at this picture:



I feel that your could totally "get away" with installing some car pimping lights under it without it looking at all cheesy. A light blue glow perhaps?

[Ryglore]

Now only one question...100%? You still putting the target/bullseyes on the side?

Nope, I decided that I liked the look of that art on the sides without the crosshairs. I was going to put the logo on the side, but I decided that with the logo on the CP and the marquee, it might be overkill.

Well done seeing your design through to completion!  Looks great too.

Thanks Ond! 

Now... get working on that other project of yours! 

Oh the ball is already rolling.

I feel that you could totally "get away" with installing some car pimping lights under it without it looking at all cheesy. A light blue glow perhaps?

It's possible. But I think I'll hold off on lighting effects for another project. I'd still like to borrow Ond's lighted button idea and work that into a design. And seeing Epyx's glowing balltops, I'm sure I can come up with something! 

[Chicken McNobody]

Great job, this looks hot.  That CP really came out perfect, and yes MameMarquees is the only place I go.  Scott does top notch work, and with the problems I have had, he has fixed without issue. 

It's nice to see that the finished product came out just as you had planned (minus the bullseyes.) 

Now sit back and enjoy this beauty, you deserve the break. . .

[Epyx]

Nope, I decided that I liked the look of that art on the sides without the crosshairs. I was going to put the logo on the side, but I decided that with the logo on the CP and the marquee, it might be overkill.

Ah, in that case 100% indeed, Enjoy! Not like you can't add them on if you change your mind.
 

[Honkyharris]

Great job Ryglore! This is certainly something that any person could strive to build. Great design and well executed.

Honkyharris

[Ryglore]

Great job Ryglore! This is certainly something that any person could strive to build. Great design and well executed.

Thanks! 

[jeef]

congrats on the finish!

[Ryglore]

congrats on the finish!

Thanks man!

[Kman-Sweden]

Nice! Feel like building another one? 

[Ryglore]

Nice! Feel like building another one? 

Sadly no, and even worse... I don't actually have real schematics to give out if people wanted to build one like it, since I built a lot of it on the fly from rough sketches. 

[mwong168]

Congrats on completing this project    It looks great and I'm sure you are going to get lots of compliments and envy when people come over.

[Malenko]

I'd say the horns you threw up earlier were most appropriate

looks really good!

[Ryglore]

Congrats on completing this project    It looks great and I'm sure you are going to get lots of compliments and envy when people come over.

Thanks! I'm actually having some friends over on this Saturday to check it out and give it a run through. 

I'd say the horns you threw up earlier were most appropriate

looks really good!

Ha thanks! I guess so! 

[Franco B]

Fantasic job Ryglore. 

I love to see a cab with full side art, it really does set it apart from the rest.

Everything else is damn sexy too