Aliens Themed Cab

[rablack97]

Hey Epyx,

Not sure if this will work, but you were looking for a clean way to get that glow underneath the control panel.  Well, considering you will have green nova gems, why not just make two cutouts in the base overhang and let the nova gems light up that area.  I'm attempting to do the same with my control panel.  I'm placing 2 blue lit fans in my control panel, along with blue nova gems.  That should give me a nice glow underneath without the bulk of the neon sticks.

[Epyx]

Any chance you could sketch that even roughly in paint? Not quite sure what you mean but would love to see your idea. Or if you are close, id like to see it on your cab, even unfinished.

My thoughts with what I was going to do was just have the angled front portion underneath the CP stop a bit short of the coin door and attach the neon stick out of view along the bottom length where it stops short, allowing it to illuminate the door.  

But again, Id like to see what you have in mind. I think I do in that you are relying on the secondary glow of the nova's underneath to provide light through two cutouts (your top pic) just overtop of the coin door...is that right?  I like the routing you did on the inner edge of the circles btw.

Oh also should mention, that one Neon ring place that I had hoped would send me the rings cancelled my order...didn't answer emails and haven't returned voice messages lol...you would think they would process a Canadian visa if they could keep the shipment domestically ($ is $)  but no reply to my pleas just a cold cancellation...haha oh well, ive got other plans.

[Epyx]

Here is the marquee alongside the sideart. I did a mockup with the marquee illuminated and it looked as good as I had hoped it would and thankfully the it didn't appear washed out.

[rablack97]

I suck at sketching etc. Hope this explains. Yes you are correct, the glow from your CP buttons should light up that area nicely without it being too bold of a statement...Plus you can control how much light is coming through by experimenting with the mesh inserts ($2.00 - $3.00 for a set)....

With the neon sticks your stuck with whatever light its gonna emit.  With your j-sticks, buttons etc all lit up, you might not want too much more bold lighting in the front.

Plus your using lighting thats already there, no extra modifying or cables to run......

I attached Robert Downey's arcade odyssey control panel pic (awesome cab), but look at all that wasted pretty lighting.....

That is what gave me the idea.....

I used a 3" hole saw to make my holes, my CP is in pieces right now, so I can't show you an example.  I did a test last night and kind of clamped the thing together and fired up the fans, I had a faint glow through the holes.  I know when I get my nova gems it will be super bright in that area.  If not I will play around with different size mesh holes until I get it right.

And offer still stands on those rings.......PM me if your still interested.....

[Epyx]

I gotcha and I like that idea. I will definitely work with that. Hopefully the GGG order arrives today, if not it will have to wait till next weekend but either way it will get tested.

Also, sent you a PM, thanks!

[Ryglore]

My eyes melted from all the LED goodness. 

[Epyx]

Randy's box of phat lewtz arrived today.  Now I can see the finish line. This weekend I will get as close as possible without rushing, since I ended up having an Ikea weekend with my daughter this last one.

Table with the goodies. RGB 3" Trackball Upgrade Kit, LEDWiz, 12 Green Novagems, 12 Microleaf switches, 2 Modded J Sticks (ultimarcs with Thorstens' LED mod), and the BYOAC prize unopened going to the Twin Cobra winner:


As you can see, true to Randy's statement the Green Novagems are not as translucent as the other NovaGems...but you know this is actually not a bad thing imo:


Here is a closeup for those interested showing a hollowed shaft courtesy of Thorsten:


And a pic of the led mounted at the top before screwing on the drilled out balltop:

[Ond]

Looking great, it's always nice get "the goodies" those Microleaf switches probably have the best all round feel, sound and sensitivity of any I've ever tested.  I switched over to Seimitsu buttons (for various other reasons), so now I've got a whole bag of those switches spare (for now)  .  Nice job on the Marquee design too man.

[rablack97]

Yes goodies are always cool.  Those lovely UPS boxes, USPS boxes, Fed-Ex boxes.  I haven't infested GGG with my purchases yet.  I'm too busy sending stuff back and forth to Rockler, ordered the wrong hinges 3 times already  .  I'm envious of those J-sticks,  I need those something serious.....Good stuff man

[Epyx]

I'm too busy sending stuff back and forth to Rockler, ordered the wrong hinges 3 times already

Ya, I was concerned about hinges as well. Since my CP will be very similiar to Martijn (Street Fighter Scratch Cab), I msgd him and he suggested these:


http://www.arcadeshop.de/Accessories-Panel-Clamp-adjustable_814.html

And here is how they look on his CP:

[rablack97]

Nice......I'm going with the blum 95 degree inset detachable clip hinges.  

This more of the dynamic I'm looking for....

By the way, did you send Luigi your sticks and ball tops for the drilling?

[Epyx]

Nice......I'm going with the blum 95 degree inset detachable clip hinges. 

This more of the dynamic I'm looking for....

By the way, did you send Luigi your sticks and ball tops for the drilling?

Ya, those hinges will work better for your application for sure. My CP will just be a top lid so these are a great way to go.

As for the sticks, no I ordered using his sticks and balltops. I kept the pair I bought online as spares that I can always drill if need be. I actually preffered Thorsten's balltops as they bubbles are slightly more packed and illuminate better by diffusing the light more.  Ill take a pic of them side to side tomorrow.

[rablack97]

Oh so you order the sticks and ball tops from him, I gotcha....

[Epyx]

Yep...although you can provide your own from what I gather...I can honestly vouch for both the quality and timeliness of his orders. He also takes the time to ensure your order will meet your current and future requirements...ie 5v/12v etc...

They arrive professionally packed and ready to go with resistors in place.

[Ryglore]

How do you like those Micro-Leaf switches? I'm thinking of ordering out some for the SHMUP when I get soem extra money. I hear the response on them is amazingly quick for games you need quick button presses.

[drventure]

Is it just me or did you somehow run all your wiring INSIDE the CP?!

The wires from the buttons just seem to "disappear" into the CP. Did you route out clearance and then laminate over the wiring somehow?

Very nicely done in any case!

[Epyx]

Is it just me or did you somehow run all your wiring INSIDE the CP?!

The wires from the buttons just seem to "disappear" into the CP. Did you route out clearance and then laminate over the wiring somehow?

Very nicely done in any case!

@Drventure

Not my cp

This belongs to Martijn and his Street Fighter scratch build as mentioned above *cough*

But to answer your question, yes he ran the wires inside his CP by routing channels under the laminate...if you haven't checked out his build yet, check it out..fantastic build.

How do you like those Micro-Leaf switches? I'm thinking of ordering out some for the SHMUP when I get soem extra money. I hear the response on them is amazingly quick for games you need quick button presses.

I haven't tried them yet but just activating them with buttons in a test scenario they are *quiet* and *very responsive*...ie yes VERY Fast...I think these would be great for shooter games.

[drventure]

Ah, I thought you were referring to the hinges he used and how you used them on your own cp.

I should have recognized that the colors don't line up (Can't imagine you'd be using red trim on your cp and green everywhere else  )

I'll have to check out is thread. Thanks!

[Epyx]

Lol aye...Np but ya I plan on using those hinges as his CP is almost identical in design (although I won't bother routing the wires into the panel!)

Here it is btw: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=84649.0

[Ryglore]

The hidden wires is a nice touch, but I don't think I would go that route either. Just in case I need to run new wires or something needs to get fixed. Then I can get to everything as easily as possible.

[javeryh]

Looking really really nice.  How much did that sweet monitor set you back?   

[Epyx]

The hidden wires is a nice touch, but I don't think I would go that route either. Just in case I need to run new wires or something needs to get fixed. Then I can get to everything as easily as possible.

Agreed, although if you just had the button inserts/T Molding holding your bottom layer of laminate in place you could then remove it to get at the channels.  But agreed, won't be the route i'm going either.

Looking really really nice.  How much did that sweet monitor set you back?   

Thanks Javeryh.  I got it through X Gaming's Ebay listing...was $349.99 plus shipping ($99) so $449 (USD) total.

[Billy_Goatfeet]

 Wow, I haven't checked in on this thread for a long time.  It has come a long way Epyx!!  Looking great!!  So close, must be getting the itch!

[Epyx]

Ya getting there. Unfortunately, I have  a course that is tying up my after work hours and some home projects that have required my attention...I will be back on this over the next few weeks.  Last thing I want to do is rush it...all the parts are in and the pieces have been cut so just need to measure/measure/laminate/paint/ again and assemble

[rablack97]

Hey Epyx,

Ha Ha I will never be defeated, check this out

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330378958462&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:US:1123

I sent him a message an he confirmed he has them in stock, and he also ships to Canada.....

Last I checked he had 10 on hand.........

 

[Epyx]

Woot! Awesome. Thanks rablack97!

Ill place an order tonight! 

[Silas (son of Silas)]

Ya getting there. Unfortunately, I have  a course that is tying up my after work hours and some home projects that have required my attention...I will be back on this over the next few weeks.  Last thing I want to do is rush it...all the parts are in and the pieces have been cut so just need to measure/measure/laminate/paint/ again and assemble

Can't the home projects wait for our sake? 

I'm really enjoying following your build whilst I get no chance to continue my own.

[rablack97]

no problem....

[Epyx]

Cool Epyx!  Looks like you and I are on a similar time line for completion

Little did I know at the time of this quote how my professional life would take a turn for the busy.  I can now fully understand the frustration of those of you who have had work or personal lives play an integral part in stalling your projects...

I look forward to my work project software implementation go live date and being able to finish this cab. In the meantime some awesome new cabs have been finished.  The nice thing is that an unfinished cab sits patiently until you get around to her and thankfully I have her in the basement not in the garage so it alleviates the guilt by not having to look up the unfinished state on a daily basis!

[Nacimroc]

If its unskilled labour you work at, I'l do your job if you spend the time finishing this cab instead!  Can't wait to see it done!

[Silas (son of Silas)]

Cool Epyx!  Looks like you and I are on a similar time line for completion

I can now fully understand the frustration of those of you who have had work or personal lives play an integral part in stalling your projects...

I hear ya on that one! Yeah, it really sucks. I have zero 'me time' me time anymore. My company owns 90% of my life and I spend the other 10% driving to and from work. I leave home at just after 5am every day (for the 2.5 - 3hr drive to work), get home most days around 8pm, ready to eat, sleep then start again the next day.

Work also requires me to hold certain qualifications which require renewing fairly regularly, so weekends are totally consumed with studying and revision.
 
The other killer for my project is cash. Trying to find 'spare' money to throw at an arcade machine when making the bills is hard enough means work on the cab grinds to a halt for months.     

[Epyx]

If its unskilled labour you work at, I'l do your job if you spend the time finishing this cab instead!   Can't wait to see it done!

Lol...unfortunately not...I am project managing an ERP software implementation across 13 Canadian cities

I hear ya on that one! Yeah, it really sucks. I have zero 'me time' me time anymore. My company owns 90% of my life and I spend the other 10% driving to and from work. I leave home at just after 5am every day (for the 2.5 - 3hr drive to work), get home most days around 8pm, ready to eat, sleep then start again the next day.

Work also requires me to hold certain qualifications which require renewing fairly regularly, so weekends are totally consumed with studying and revision.
 
The other killer for my project is cash. Trying to find 'spare' money to throw at an arcade machine when making the bills is hard enough means work on the cab grinds to a halt for months.     

Aye not to turn it into a big "pity party" but ya sometimes it feels like living to work when it should be working to live. 

[Epyx]

Beautiful day in Vancouver, BC today..sun is shining...I do believe this calls for some cabinet construction time!  

Pics to follow

[opt2not]

Beautiful day in Vancouver, BC today..sun is shining...I do believe this calls for some cabinet construction time!  

Pics to follow

It was!  Though, if you've gone downtown lately, it's like a tourist zoo down there. It's so crowded!
Ugh, I can't wait till the Olympics are over with.
 

[Epyx]

Living in Langley and working on the Annacis it doesn't bother me too much...besides I can't wait for Olympic hockey

Pics in next post...

[Epyx]

Wow, finally some updates to the cabinet.  I did a lot of tidying and organizing of tools which I won't bother updating you all on but did get the coin door done for the cabinet.  I will be going one shade darker on the coin door because the hammered paint I had originally used for my previous cabinet is a bit on the gray/black side.

CP board below hasn't been trimmed yet and is shown just as a placeholder.

The paint was a pleasure to work with and rolled on very nicely and quick to dry. I Put on two coats and will be sanding and putting on a 3rd tomorrow:





I also organized all the cabinet parts and forgot to mention these arrived about 8 weeks ago:



They are 15" Neon Green speaker rings...ordered from likely the last place on the planet to carry them   (Thanks again Rablack97!)

Also swapped the standard white 3" trackball from my Xgaming trackball with Randy's 3" Electric Ice trackball.



Tomorrow I plan on completing the bezel and marquee and will then begin working on the remaining curved portions of the cab (Lower back and bit between top of coin door and the CP).

[Nacimroc]

  Looks fantastic! I really like the green bottom front bit and the kickboard piece is alot better than just plain old flat piece.

One little thing. Are you going to have enough room for a trackball when the angled piece from your CP to the bottom front piece goes on? It might put the trackball very close to the TV ?

[Silas (son of Silas)]

Nice to see activity on this thread again. This is my favorite ongoing current build on here.

[Epyx]

One little thing. Are you going to have enough room for a trackball when the angled piece from your CP to the bottom front piece goes on? It might put the trackball very close to the TV ?

Absolutely  

My CP is will be based on the X-Arcade Tankstick...albeit with only 6 buttons, not 8. Here is a picture of the X-Arcade panel sitting on top of my CP so you can see the scale of my CP.  As you can see there is plenty of room for the trackball. Note the side shot for depth  I will also add a spinner. By going down to 6 buttons I can re-jig it to ensure it doesn't look too cluttered.  Either way I will make sure to balance aesthetics with functionality...yes it will have both a spinner and trackball but I think I can pull it off without it looking "too" Frankenpanelish

Also Nacimroc...I think I mentioned it but just in case...yours turned out fantastic, I really like how you finished it  

Nice to see activity on this thread again. This is my favorite ongoing current build on here.

Thanks Silas!  Hopefully I can maintain some momentum now that I have started back up. Key will still be to take my time and ensure the finishing is where I want it to be.  Btw..where is your Lokesen clone project at?

[Silas (son of Silas)]

  I'm looking at it right now. It's sitting there calling to me, begging to be finished.

I had a weekend back at home this week, so I got the tools out. Sadly it was new kitchen cupboard kickboards that had the pleasure of my woodworking skills, not the arcade 

Hopefully next weekend I will finish the kickboards, leaving the following weekend open for starting to lay a new patio (that should take a couple of weekends) .... Then FINALLY Project Lokesen will begin again.