The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls
Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: markc74 on September 13, 2016, 02:54:56 am
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Cabinet is now complete ;D - final pics and video on page 3
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=354462;image)
Original post...
I've been fancying my own asteroids cabaret since i saw some of the builds on here by Shrunkenmaster, Tully and Minwah. Recently I got to play on an actual Asteroids cabaret and realised just how bloody good they are. Retro level 10 as we like to say in geek circles.
Anyway - i played around with some ideas and thanks to some pretty detailed documentation i had a good starting point for this build so thanks to the aforementioned for doing most of the hard work!
I tossed around some names for the cab: “Beam”, “Revenge of the laser” and I really liked “Into the Vector Sector” for a while but finally went back to basics and *think* I've settled on “CUBE”. Sounds vector-ish and goes with Blip. Nuff said. Even came up with a logo/marquee that I like:
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351163;image)
Yeah i know it's another black, white and red theme like Blip but it works for a vector cab as they're the colours from the asteroids cabaret cpo. The next cab I'm making (and already fully planned) will look very different. But that's for later.
This isn't an exact Asteroids cabaret replica. More of a homage so I've taken some liberties with the design and taken cues from the cabaret, the deluxe standup and some other stuff I like and came up with this. It also happens to fit into the spare bits of wood I have laying around. Handy.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351164;image)
I'm trying to keep within the original dimensions as much as is possible but tweaking things to my personal taste.
I'm using a dynamic marquee again - even though you'll rarely see it - because 17” widescreen lcds are practically free now and this offsets the cost of printing hi res artwork.I've done all the work getting hi res marquees to display on my last cab so it makes sense to reuse that effort on this one. I considered using the AAE emulator but new versions of mame have some pretty cool HLSL vector effects now so that's what I'll be going with.
Main display is a 17” Sony crt running 1024x768 native. I picked it up for a whole £6 so this is a cheap build so far. In fact I’ve pretty much got everything I need bar vinyl for the sides and some white buttons so I’m thinking I can probably build the whole thing for less than £100.
Gonna start this puppy at the weekend - I'll only be spending a few hours here and there on it but should have it knocked out by Christmas.
Comments/criticisms / pointers always appreciated!
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Nice I like it!
The logo is cute to.
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I really like the cleanliness of this design. Wouldn't mind seeing some dimensions.
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Nice design, and thank you for not adding Cade or Retro to the name. :applaud:
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Nothing wrong with making a dedicated machine and yours looks well planned out. :cheers:
However, if this is a "button-only" machine, then that limits what you can play on it. So why have a dynamic marqee?
I see that you paid very little for the monitor so I guess that makes sense then.
Cool and straightforward build but I'm not sure it needs a separate name if it really only plays buttons games.
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dammit VW, Starcastles Marquee is worth it....
That was a joke Mark, he's totally right you know...
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Cheers for comments chaps. I think there's about 8 or 9 games that will work well in this setup. My original plan was to do an asteroids cabaret but once i started fiddling with the control panel and angles of the cab i thought i may as well open it up.
The only place the cube logo will appear is on the credit button and the marquee in the front end. As its not on any artwork i can change my mind later.
I'll let you know how straightforward the build was once I've done the front panel for the marquee/speakers ;D
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Actually this thread got me thinking about button-only games and there are actually some pretty good ones out there. Am I missing any?
Asteroids
Asteroids deluxe
Space Duel
Star Castle
Track and Field
Phoenix
Space Invaders (original)
Toobin
Gravitar
Armor Attack
Honorable mention:
Lunar Lander (if you are ok with buttons for thrusters)
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Actually this thread got me thinking about button-only games and there are actually some pretty good ones out there. Am I missing any?
Asteroids
Asteroids deluxe
Space Duel
Star Castle
Track and Field
Phoenix
Space Invaders (original)
Toobin
Gravitar
Armor Attack
Honorable mention:
Lunar Lander (if you are ok with buttons for thrusters)
Rip Off
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I've been wanting to build one of these myself since LT's. Looking forward to this build. :cheers:
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Astro Blaster
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Astro blaster is one of my favourite games. Got a lot easier when i worked out it used 2 buttons... 8)
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Love the name and the design tweaks. Watching with interest.
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Astro blaster is one of my favourite games. Got a lot easier when i worked out it used 2 buttons... 8)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160913/446ee93e5733f898eb42b34f24856c25.jpg)
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Looking forward to this build.
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Right on!
Love the design.
Clever dynamic marquee that doesn't require an odd aspect ratio LCD panel - that is going to work great.
(Also, props to the regulars here for coming up with, I think, *all* of the button-only games that would work on it. I tried to come up with something more to add, and all I could think of was Space Zap, which you have the correct number of buttons for but would be utterly terrible in the asteroids layout. Well done, guys.)
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Hah, Space Fury!
Okay, now I can show my face around here. ;D
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Great idea on using the LCD monitor for the marquee and hiding the unused portion inside the cabinet. Much more feasible/cost effective than the ultra widescreen monitors and it should look good when finished since the placement fits well in the design. :cheers:
What dimensions are you making it ? (Looks like it might even be able to be made with a single 4'x8' sheet of material if you keep the height to around 48")
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What dimensions are you making it ? (Looks like it might even be able to be made with a single 4'x8' sheet of material if you keep the height to around 48")
It's exactly 4' high for that very reason ;D. Although I will be using 12mm MDF for the front and back to keep the weight down and also so that the marquee isn't too far back. I've also got some 12mm perspex laying around that I can use to cover the LCD so hopefully it should work out ok.
Thanks for all the game list suggestions everyone - my original focus was on the vector games as horizontal raster games work awesome on my main cab. But seeing hi-res background art with HLSL on Space Invaders opened my eyes a bit so I'm definitely open to widening the net a bit.
Ultimately this build is a bit of fun. My way of getting back into the flow of things after not building anything for a while. Hence keeping the build budget low and taking my time. This is my 6th build now (since 2002) so I'm just chilling and enjoying the process :)
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A lot of your old space shooters that only move left and right work fine as buttons only games.
Galaga, The End, Moon Cresta, etc.
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Great idea on using the LCD monitor for the marquee and hiding the unused portion inside the cabinet. Much more feasible/cost effective than the ultra widescreen monitors and it should look good when finished since the placement fits well in the design. :cheers:
I got the idea when I was putting together plans for my next build which will be a vertical classics type machine.I was going to build that one first but because that will be another full-size and my man cave isn't anywhere near ready yet, the cabaret came first.
I'm still over the moon with the marquee on Blip, but I don't think I could justify that kind of expense again!
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Great idea on using the LCD monitor for the marquee and hiding the unused portion inside the cabinet. Much more feasible/cost effective than the ultra widescreen monitors and it should look good when finished since the placement fits well in the design. :cheers:
What dimensions are you making it ? (Looks like it might even be able to be made with a single 4'x8' sheet of material if you keep the height to around 48")
THIS!
I'm going to finish one of these that I started before summer hit and was going to do a mario bros. theme for the kids.
But i've got a few widescreens doing nothing i can use for dynamic marquee in this fashion to add a little something cool to it.
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Layout might not work so well, but Space Zap is another great, imho, button only game.
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Getting started...
Nice and easy does it. Started by tracing my design from 3d onto 18mm MDF directly. It’s pretty much all straight lines with the corners rounded so it didn't take too long to mark up.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351260;image)
Then placed the monitor I’m going to use onto the MDF to make sure everything was going to fit properly - best to find out now before I start cutting! From the angle of picture it looks like it pokes out the back but it doesn’t.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351262;image)
Did the usual cuts with a jigsaw and router. Once the first side was done it was a matter of placing the finished side onto onto another piece of MDF, roughly jigsawing and then flush cutting with the router to get a perfect copy.
I’ll be using 12mm MDF where I can as it keeps the cabinet a little lighter and is (slightly) easier to shape. Using 12mm I cut 2 panels for the front of the cabinet, and 3 panels for the back. Easy. That done I cut a shelf to go inside the cabinet which will house the PC. I’ve oversized the back panel cuts a little as I’m going to tweak them based on how I end up positioning the display. I need to slide the display in from the back.
Finally, cut the wood for the top and the control panel. Ran a roundover bit over the front of the control panel so that it would be comfortable to rest your wrists on.
Primed everything that needs to ready for laminated/covered with vinyl
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351264;image)
Major Accidents: 0. Swearing: Moderate. :D
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Another interesting build. It'd probably be surplus to requirements, but if going for the artwork on a regular 17" lcd, you could use the other two grey 'cutouts' to display two other game-relevant infos (like op-card/CP + developer logo?)
Bit like:
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/15144043/site%20posts/byoac/Cube/MarqueeIdea.png)
CPWizBiz could easily be set up to do this dynamically.
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you could use the other two grey 'cutouts' to display two other game-relevant infos (like op-card/CP + developer logo?)
Not a bad idea - In this case I'm using the two holes for speakers, and after spending the best part of 2 hours with a dremel getting rid of the superfluous metal surround they're damn well going in ;D
Aaaaaaaaaaaanyway - on with the build...
The front panel
The trickiest part of the build by far is the front panel. It houses the marquee, the speakers and the credit button and I want everything to fit flush against the laminate which means being very careful with the cuts. I also need to support the LCD monitor and speakers so I needed to build a frame to support that too.
Once I had the outline on MDF, I marked out the holes for everything and cut out roughly using a jigsaw. Then, using a straight edge i flush cut everything up to the lines.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351325;image)
Finished by using a hand file to square off the corners that the router couldn't reach. Because I’m laminating the front I’m attaching the support strips now. Then all I have to do is screw it directly into the inside of the cab. Pre-drilled the hole that the power switch will be using.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351323;image)
Now the laminating part. Started by laminating the whole sheet, and flush trimming it around the outer edge. Then drilled holes roughly in the middle of the marquee, speaker and coin door holes.
I then chopped up some 90 degree angles so that I can use them as a template for trimming the laminate around the marquee and speaker holes. The credit button i just cut flush with the MDF as the button is ‘sunken’ into the front.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351319;image)
Using a router from the front side with a flush trim bit running against the temporary angled pieces gave me a nice 5mm overlap which I could butt the perspex covering the marquee and the speakers to.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351317;image)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351321;image)
Phew - probably the most difficult part - if I screwed up any part I’d have to start again. Next part will be mounting the monitor and speakers and then I’ll be done with this part.
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Did you counter sink them screws..you'd struggle to get the router over those
Sent from my SM-N930F using Tapatalk
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Awesome project, i feel the itch to start building again strongly :) been wanting a cabaret like this for months now.
one question about the laminate: how is it applied? can't find something like that here in craftstores, do you have a link with a detailed description? Maybe i'm just looking for the wrong name in my language.
Thanks, looking forward to more updates!
Cheerd
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Did you counter sink them screws..you'd struggle to get the router over those
Yep - had to otherwise the laminate wouldn't have went on properly.
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one question about the laminate: how is it applied? can't find something like that here in craftstores, do you have a link with a detailed description? Maybe i'm just looking for the wrong name in my language
Cheerd
You use contact cement to bond laminate to the wood. Put a thin coat on both pieces. Leave it 10 minutes and then press it together (or use a roller like i did) to make sure there's no raised parts and everything is stuck down properly. Fairly simple once you've done it a couple of times.
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As always this is looking good.
How close would you say that HLSL + old computer CRT is to a Arcade monster?
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Using a router from the front side with a flush trim bit running against the temporary angled pieces gave me a nice 5mm overlap which I could butt the perspex covering the marquee and the speakers to.
Nice technique + outcome!
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A taster pic whilst i wait for parts ;D
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As always this is looking good
How close would you say that HLSL + old computer CRT is to a Arcade monster?
Thanks mate - i used the same technique for the speaker panel on my last cab so knew it worked - just had to be especially careful when moving the router not to knock anything or scratch the laminate.
At the moment I'm preferring how the AAE emulator looks to mame's hlsl effects. To be truthful it doesn't nearly match the real vector look as that's pure clean white lines on black background but it comes a hell of a lot closer than an lcd can do. I think all things considered I'm pretty happy with the result.
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What's awesome about you Markc74, you do a lot of things that I really don't like in some of the newer cabs, but your attention to detail and your planning integrate these things seamlessly, and I can't help but love the stuff you do. Keep up the good work!
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Thanks yotsuya,
I've been on the site a looong time (since 2005!) so I've seen a lot. Why, back in my day it was all X-arcades and contact paper as far as the eye could see...
My point being - I like classic wooden cabs with crts because that's what they were in my day. If i see something cool I'll ponder on it a while and see if i can use it. i spend a lot of time commuting for my work so have spare time to plan out stuff often for months before i start it. (My vpin being one - don't expect that for a year :laugh:)
In build news, my Speaker cloth arrived today so might see if i can finish the front panel tomorrow.
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Day 3: Dry Build!
Started by just balancing everything on its side to make sure everything was square. Nothing has been screwed together yet so I can double check everything looks good and there's no gaps where there shouldn't be.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351459;image)
Then laminated the internal sides as I’m going to have to attach the furring strips. Once the laminate is on you really don't want to be writing all over it so I used masking tape and wrote onto that to mark out the position of the strips and panels. Now I had the laminate on I could also cut the slots for t-molding as I could ensure it would be dead center. I’ll apply the t-molding after the side vinyl is on.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351461;image)
Started screwing the front panels, top and base in. The hole in the bottom of the cab is for the bass speaker. TV in the background is a 21" Bang and Olufson mx4000 which I'll be using in my next build (won for £1 on ebay ;D)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351463;image)
Standing up time - when ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- gets real :-). I’m really happy with how it all feels. Control panel is at a nice height and the angle feels comfortable, and I can see all the screen (or where it will be!) without the top obscuring the view. I assumed it would be but it’s always good to check before you start gluing! The white marquee is because the perspex has a protective film. It's 12mm plexi (the same depth as the wood) and I'll take it off later once the messy/bangy/dusty work is done.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351465;image)
To get a feel for the scale of this cabinet, here it is next to it’s big brother… bear in mind that the Blip cabinet is an alcove and the angle I took the picture makes this cab seem bigger than it is. In reality it’s 4ft (122cm) high, 19.5” (50cm) wide and 21” (53cm) deep. This thing is dinky! I was a bit worried about the credit button being so low but in reality it's not much lower than the other cab.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351467;image)
Next job is to mount the marquee monitor n speakers n stuff. Going well so far so I'm still waiting for something to go wrong... :laugh:
Edited to resize pics as were too large
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I'm really loving this little cabaret build! I want to build a cabaret sized cab for my next build. Watching with great interest! :cheers:
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I'm really loving this little cabaret build! I want to build a cabaret sized cab for my next build. Watching with great interest! :cheers:
Thanks! It's been a lot of fun to build so far. Because of the size, it's a lot easier to cut and put together than a full size for sure. Also - if you screw up a cut (I did the front panel twice :censored:) you don't waste a ton of material.
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(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351463;image)
I hate you. Your cabs are classy and even your Whites are white.
:)
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Gonna chime in and join the, "This is a great build" bandwagon. I really like cabaret cabs and this one is pretty darn nice!
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I hate you. You're cabs are classy and even your Whites are white.
:)
And in case anyone asks. I most definitely have not been drilling and sanding in that room while things dry. Nope. >:D
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What's awesome about you Markc74, you do a lot of things that I really don't like in some of the newer cabs, but your attention to detail and your planning integrate these things seamlessly, and I can't help but love the stuff you do. Keep up the good work!
^^ agreed.
With good design sense you can make any faux pas look great. I can tell you're a less-is-more type of guy, but under the hood there is more than less that is the smoke and mirror of your design choices. I dig it, nice job.
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Time for a wee update - fitting the front panel together...
Started by tidying up all the glue and gunk around the speaker and marquee holes using a hand file and very sharp chisel. Then I ran a sharpie round all the internal laminated edges to give it a nice black finish. These bits will be exposed so I want them to look good.
Then I added some 12mm clear perspex to the marquee area. This is cut the same size as the hole (380mm x 110mm) so has to be squeezed in. I thought I was going to have glue or secure it somehow but friction is more than enough. You’d have to press pretty hard to get it out again! Speaker cloth is glued to the speakers and wedged into their places. The marquee mount will hold everything in.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351553;image)
Next is the pain-in-the-ass job of mounting the marquee monitor and speakers. I did this by building a support from 12mm MDF and using the VESA mounts to support the monitor. I decased it too so that the display will sit flush with the perspex.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351555;image)
I also needed to find a way to make sure the speakers stayed in so I added a piece of mdf along the bottom of the mount to hold them in place.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351557;image)
Took a while to get this right but I’m pretty pleased with how it turned out. I may have to come back to this piece later to drill out some air holes if I find that too much air is getting blocked but the shape does what it’s supposed to.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351559;image)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351561;image)
Happy days ;D
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Less of an update - more of a 'how to' in cutting angles on long pieces of timber using a router. I had to cut the back panel so it would fit with the top of the cabinet so hopefully someone might find this useful.
Martijn does something very similar here:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,112721.msg1199868.html#msg1199868 (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,112721.msg1199868.html#msg1199868)
(which is where I got the idea from so credit goes his way for this)
The jig was simply 2 pieces of MDF cut at a 45 degree angle, screwed to a couple of other pieces of MDF to provide support. 2 stips of timber attatched to the top to give the router a guide to run across. Pictures tell a thousand words...
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351600;image)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351602;image)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351604;image)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351606;image)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351608;image)
Peasy. I’m sure there’s a more efficient way but I wasn't paying £15 (~$20) for a chamfer router bit and I don't have an adjustable circular saw so this was the best way I could think of.
No pics but I've glued it all together now ready for vinyl. Hoping to get some time this weekend (if the UK weather holds) ;D
EDIT: Spelling. I've got OCD. knock knock 123. It's a curse
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And thanks *all* for the feedback. Always nice to know people like it and I respect your views as I've followed all your builds with a very keen eye! Crikey, even PBJ commented. I'm honoured. ;D
Ever a lurker/Often a contributer/Always a believer :cheers:
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Now you gotta come to ZapCon so you can get one of these...
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If he can't make it, I'll send him one!
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Nice! That looks cnc cut to me :)
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Only just seen this thread - looking great my man :applaud:
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Another update - this will be the last one for a while as I'm missing artwork and a computer to finish this build off. There's some fun stuff been happening though so sharing time...
Added black vinyl to the back
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351640;image)
And added the far more sexy(!) wood vinyl to the sides:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fablon-67-5-Roll-Oak-Robust/dp/B00CZ6UW9G (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fablon-67-5-Roll-Oak-Robust/dp/B00CZ6UW9G)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351642;image)
And finally, for a while at least, here's a vid showing the marquees scrolling through the current games list. It's 16 games but I'll tweak these as per the controls - I just like the marquees ;D)
http://youtu.be/K4X2tyMkB7Q (http://youtu.be/K4X2tyMkB7Q)
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Oooo man. I'm lovin it! Great job! :applaud:
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Only just seen this thread - looking great my man :applaud:
Thanks my good man. It was your build that pushed me over the edge!
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Damn - they still make Fablon!?
Looking good - got the Atari 2600 vibes about it.
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This looks fantastic. Haven't seen a dynamic marquee on a cabaret before, love it, great work!
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Damn that woodgrain looks great. I wonder if it looks as good in person?
What does the vinyl feel like? Is it sticky / grabby, or more like a laminate feel?
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Yots this vinyl might work on your Astro Blaster
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That wood grain laminate looks great and I'm also really liking the scrolling marquee.
Looking forward to seeing the control panel!
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I'm really pleased with the wood grain. I spent far too long looking at different types but settled on the oak robust as it was a bit darker and less orange than some of the others. Feels good. it was a relief to get it on but it went on far better than i expected. It's got a slight texture to it which hides any bumps really well. Doesn't feel as solid as laminate but it's waaaay cheaper and less hassle to apply. It's not in a public space so it should hold up well enough.
Control panel is at the printers so hoping to get it back soon. It's basically the asteroids cabaret version as used in the excellent minwah and shrunken master builds but I've gone a bit sacrilegious and added a pause/exit button and a volume control just to wind up the purists >:D
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Controversial...
What printers you using? I'm gradually running out of other things to do to mine to avoid doing the sideart...
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I'm really pleased with the wood grain. I spent far too long looking at different types but settled on the oak robust as it was a bit darker and less orange than some of the others. Feels good. it was a relief to get it on but it went on far better than i expected. It's got a slight texture to it which hides any bumps really well. Doesn't feel as solid as laminate but it's waaaay cheaper and less hassle to apply. It's not in a public space so it should hold up well enough.
Control panel is at the printers so hoping to get it back soon. It's basically the asteroids cabaret version as used in the excellent minwah and shrunken master builds but I've gone a bit sacrilegious and added a pause/exit button and a volume control just to wind up the purists >:D
That does look pretty good. I'm glad Harvey mentioned this in the other thread.
Another update - this will be the last one for a while as I'm missing artwork and a computer to finish this build off. There's some fun stuff been happening though so sharing time...
Added black vinyl to the back
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351640;image)
And added the far more sexy(!) wood vinyl to the sides:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fablon-67-5-Roll-Oak-Robust/dp/B00CZ6UW9G (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fablon-67-5-Roll-Oak-Robust/dp/B00CZ6UW9G)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351642;image)
And finally, for a while at least, here's a vid showing the marquees scrolling through the current games list. It's 16 games but I'll tweak these as per the controls - I just like the marquees ;D)
http://youtu.be/K4X2tyMkB7Q (http://youtu.be/K4X2tyMkB7Q)
It's a scratch build. Purists like me don't get offended by scratch builds.
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Controversial...
What printers you using? I'm gradually running out of other things to do to mine to avoid doing the sideart...
I used rockstar print this time. Previously i used pixart printing. TBH I've just unwrapped it and I'm not liking it - it's too smooth - it doesn't have that textured laminate feel to it. I'll hold off judgement until tomorrow when I've had a chance to get used to it.
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Just as an add on - the quality of the print is good. Just the texture doesn't feel right for a cpo...I'll post a pic tomorrow.
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The shininess of the control print has grown on me (a little), so I thought I may as well use it. If it bothers me in future then next time I get artwork printed from my usual place, I'll throw this in too as it's only 18" x 10"
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351775;image)
(clicky clicky make biggy)
I've been refining my games list a bit too and it currently looks like the following. Keeping it to vectors at the moment and some I'll probably crop out if I find I don't like the mapped controls but we'll see:
- Asteroids
- Asteroids Deluxe
- Barrier - not sure about controls yet - or the game - and the marquee is ass. Might dump this one :-\
- Battlezone - using single stick mode is quite playable
- Boxing Bugs
- Demon
- Eliminator
- Gravitar - loving this game at mo
- Lunar Lander
- Major Havoc
- Omega Race
- Rip Off
- Solar Quest
- Space Duel
- Space Fury
- Star Castle
- Tac/Scan
- Tempest
- War of the Worlds
- Zektor
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The shininess of the control print has grown on me (a little), so I thought I may as well use it. If it bothers me in future then next time I get artwork printed from my usual place, I'll throw this in too as it's only 18" x 10"
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351775;image)
(clicky clicky make biggy)
I've been refining my games list a bit too and it currently looks like the following. Keeping it to vectors at the moment and some I'll probably crop out if I find I don't like the mapped controls but we'll see:
- Asteroids
- Asteroids Deluxe
- Barrier - not sure about controls yet - or the game - and the marquee is ass. Might dump this one :-\
- Battlezone - using single stick mode is quite playable
- Boxing Bugs
- Demon
- Eliminator
- Gravitar - loving this game at mo
- Lunar Lander
- Major Havoc
- Omega Race
- Rip Off
- Solar Quest
- Space Duel
- Space Fury
- Star Castle
- Tac/Scan
- Tempest
- War of the Worlds
- Zektor
Yes, keep it to vectors. There's something endearing about a custom build that has a specific purpose. Resist the temptation to make it JAMC*.
*Just Another MAME Cab
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The shininess of the control print has grown on me (a little), so I thought I may as well use it. If it bothers me in future then next time I get artwork printed from my usual place, I'll throw this in too as it's only 18" x 10"
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=351775;image)
(clicky clicky make biggy)
So nice and clean! I love it. :applaud:
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I love this project so much.
This cabinet could not be classier with James Bond himself playing it.
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Yes, keep it to vectors. There's something endearing about a custom build that has a specific purpose. Resist the temptation to make it JAMC*.
*Just Another MAME Cab
That was the plan. Ultimately I want a horizontal (blip), a vector (this), the vertical (next), and a vpin (next year). I wanted to keep the games exclusive to each one and so focus controls on what worked on each. Driving games I may just go the straight VR route.
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Yes, keep it to vectors. There's something endearing about a custom build that has a specific purpose. Resist the temptation to make it JAMC*.
*Just Another MAME Cab
That was the plan. Ultimately I want a horizontal (blip), a vector (this), the vertical (next), and a vpin (next year). I wanted to keep the games exclusive to each one and so focus controls on what worked on each. Driving games I may just go the straight VR route.
Please please please figure out a way to get to ZapCon next year so we can hang out. You need to be among your people.
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So nice and clean! I love it. :applaud:
Thanks mate. See how clean it is when I do my usual cables everywhere wiring job! :cheers:
This cabinet could not be classier with James Bond himself playing it.
Ha! I reckon Mr Bond would have blown my £100 budget on trying to get working volcano buttons in the UK and given up :laugh:
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Please please please figure out a way to get to ZapCon next year so we can hang out. You need to be among your people.
Would love to but living in the UK makes it tricky. Who knows though!
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Please please please figure out a way to get to ZapCon next year so we can hang out. You need to be among your people.
Will ZapCon allow MAME?
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Will ZapCon allow MAME?
Nope. (I can't really blame them, either.)
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I wouldn't expect him to bring a cabinet, just himself!
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A long delayed update...
After 2 months off, I’ve eventually got around to doing a load of the little bitty jobs needed to get this working. None of them were terribly exciting so I’m putting them all together in one update.
Mounted the computer onto a board and fitted it into the cabinet (clicking on images makes them bigger)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=354217;image)
Decased the monitor, added a wooden mount to that it can be ‘slotted’ into the cabinet from the back. It’s then secured with 2 screws.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=354219;image)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=354221;image)
Finished the back door and added ventilation
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=354223;image)
Wired up all the buttons to a zero delay encoder and spliced the phono cable between PC and amplifier, and wired in a volume pot, securing the pot to the control panel.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=354225;image)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=354227;image)
I've only got a black/white volume knob at the moment but I'm on the lookout for a red one to match the buttons. I'm not precious about it though as it works pretty well and doesn't seem too out of place.
So - with all that done, the only things left to do are:
- Mount the PC power switch to the front of the cabinet.
- Reinstall Windows 7. The copy I have isn't legit (even though I’ve got half a dozen legit keys laying around - none are for the version I installed - Doh!).
- Add some USB ports in an accessible place as going into the back of the cabinet to plug in USB sticks is getting old REAL fast…
- Set the frontend up
As it’s the holidays now I should be able to meet my self imposed end of year deadline. Probably :)
Sneaky peak of Asteroids Deluxe running on monitor.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=354229;image)
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Beautiful job as always, my friend!!!
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:applaud:
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Cool!
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Cheers guys :cheers:
I did the cardinal sin of playing it before finishing it. It's weird - i pretty much ignore the vectors on my other cab / laptop but having it with the correct buttons (kind of) and environment and I'm loving me some asteroids/deluxe/space duel. I must have played more asteroids in the last week than i did the previous 35 years ;D
Gonna stop now and get the front end sorted.
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I really loves me some AD....but I'll be damned if it doesn't rank as one of the hardest arcade games ever made.
Oh, and very nice work markc74...don't those virtual backgrounds in mame look sweet!?
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It is harder than the first one but I'm preferring it at the mo.
That screenshot was from the aae emulator. I can't get mame to look as good as it does in aae - even using hlsl. It's a bit of a pain because aae is so old and doesn't allow you to do as much as mame i.e. Marquee artwork and saving high scores.
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I was just getting ready to ask you if you were using AAE. Too bad that program died.
Really nice work here. :cheers:
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Yeah it is a shame. Vector games look awesome on it.
Because it doesn't work with joypads (coming soon!) i have to run joy2key to make it work with my controls. Also because it's not mame i have to find another way to display the marquees when the game is running. Messing with pcs is always my least favourite part...
Got a good feel for how my front end is going to look at least. Vid incoming...
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Attract Mode front end. Trying to keep it simple.
http://youtu.be/3vOjv8hkIeY (http://youtu.be/3vOjv8hkIeY)
The video snaps are a lot smoother in real life - i just screen recorded at low fps...
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So you changed you avatar again. Does that mean a new project?
Nevermind. Your avatar looked different when I was on Tapatalk. Now that I see this thread on a browser I can see I was mistaken.
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How does Warrior work on that control panel?
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Yeah it is a shame. Vector games look awesome on it.
Because it doesn't work with joypads (coming soon!) i have to run joy2key to make it work with my controls. Also because it's not mame i have to find another way to display the marquees when the game is running. Messing with pcs is always my least favourite part...
Got a good feel for how my front end is going to look at least. Vid incoming...
Looking good, minimalistic touch fits the cab! Curious how you manage to get aae to work with the marquee setup!
Cheers
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Also because it's not mame i have to find another way to display the marquees when the game is running. Messing with pcs is always my least favourite part...
If attract mode can send cmd lines on game launch then you could use cpwizbiz without the cpwizard part.
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This build is sexy.
I really like the build that are dedicated to on kind of game or a specific control panal. :applaud:
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How does Warrior work on that control panel?
Warrior is likely to be dropped. I didn't realise it was a 2 player only game. It's pretty rubbish anyway.
I've currently got the game list at about 20 games but once I've had more of a chance to play them I'll be a bit more ruthless about what I keep and what I dump.
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Finished this up a couple of days ago but just got around to getting some semi decent pics done.
Had to reinstall Windows but then it was plain sailing. Attract mode frontend launches a batch file which uses infranview to display the marquee on the second monitor before running AAE. All the games on the list are playable using the controls (had to setup Joy2key because AAE requires a keyboard and the cheapy encoder I'm using acts as a joystick).
Total cost - about £90 but I had a lot of stuff laying around. I think if I had to buy everything then it would have made it around £150-£200.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=354462;image)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=354464;image)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=354466;image)
And a video of it running :)
https://youtu.be/37NXR-M8ntM (http://youtu.be/37NXR-M8ntM)
A fun build overall. Definitely easier than building a full size cabinet but still has some challenges.
And Happy New Year everyone ;D :cheers:
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Oh, that is a thing of beauty! Well done! :)
Sent from my SM-A300Y using Tapatalk
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Your builds are so clean.
How does LCD CRT compare to the original Vector? I started a thread on playing Vector game on ILDA laser projector. It's a cool idea but it seem's to not be ideal way to play as the mirror have momentum limiting there reaction time.
Edit: fixed
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How does LCD compare to the original Vector?
Isn't it a CRT (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,151654.msg1598531.html#msg1598531)?
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Beautiful cab, really slick and fitting!
Would love to see a vid of AAE in action on your cab. I'm currently sourcing materials for a build very much inspired by yours :D but i'm thinking about using 2 lcd's. Do you think it would be a big compromise to run AAE on a lcd? My other cabs use CRT TVs with rgb input but it would be so much easier going the lcd route with the smaller dimensions of the cab...
Cheers
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Another cracking build, sir! Doing the UK proud. I too would love to see some games being played on that bad boy.
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Would love to see a vid of AAE in action on your cab. I'm currently sourcing materials for a build very much inspired by yours :D but i'm thinking about using 2 lcd's. Do you think it would be a big compromise to run AAE on a lcd?
Here's a vid showing a couple of games - at the end of the video I zoom in a bit so you can see how it looks close up. Personally I think AAE looks better than stock MAME at vector games on an LCD - but a CRT blows it away in my opinion. The contrast is way better, blacks are proper blacks but still keep the glow of the vectors. I've never tried it on an uber nice LCD though so YMMV.
http://youtu.be/m9UE0Nlj6vM (http://youtu.be/m9UE0Nlj6vM)
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Your builds are so clean.
How does LCD CRT compare to the original Vector?
Thanks! :cheers:
The CRT is not as good as a vector - the brightness just can't match the vector beam - but it is infinitely better than LCD.
I had a chance to go on a real Asteroids last year and I think it's not a million miles away. I'm pretty picky when it comes to picture quality and I think it's certainly comparable. The Sony CRT I've used in this would have been a pretty decent CRT when it came out - the tube is almost black which helps a lot when your showing vectors as they stand out more.
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You make beautiful art sir.
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Please please please tell me you're going to be coming into a bunch of money soon so you can come to ZapCon, and I can buy you a beer. Well done, my friend!
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That looks dam good. :badmood:
I love the level of detail and thought you put into this. This is a good exsample of how less can be so much more.
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Hi, congratulations for this cabinet, i belive is perfect, have you got the plans in cms ? im spanish and i like make one. thanks
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Hi jrss74,
Here you go - here's the side profile against a grid in centimetres. The sides are 53cm wide x 121.5cm high. The width of the cabinet (including the sides) is 50cm.
Hope this helps :)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=371825;image)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=371823;image)
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Thanks
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Thanks
+1
:cheers:
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thanks very much
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Not sure how much interest this will generate as most of you guys are non UK but I've decided to sell this cab to make room for the vpin project that I've been wanting to do for ages. Anyway, it's on Ebay.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cabaret-style-MAME-arcade-cabinet-with-dynamic-marquee-Asteroids-Tempest-etc/163536079892?hash=item2613828c14:g:uM8AAOSw8IpcYFR4 (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cabaret-style-MAME-arcade-cabinet-with-dynamic-marquee-Asteroids-Tempest-etc/163536079892?hash=item2613828c14:g:uM8AAOSw8IpcYFR4)
Is as it was when I built it. Just need the space and itching to start something new. Ideally it would go to someone that appreciated the thought and effort I put in.
M
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Dude. You need to pass this on to someone who appreciates it - not some bored middle aged banker who'll play it a few times then use it as table for their cash-money and cigars.
Have you let them know over at UK-Vac?
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Dude. You need to pass this on to someone who appreciates it - not some bored middle aged banker who'll play it a few times then use it as table for their cash-money and cigars.
Have you let them know over at UK-Vac?
Yeah I know. TBH as long as I make cost of parts back then I'm happy - I just need the space (and have hit my Asty Deluxe limit!)
I'll post it over there as well. Seems mostly original cabs over there which is why I hadn't posted that way. Would much rather it went to someone who wanted it for what it it's built for than someone wondering why it doesn't play Mortal Kombat...
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Pull that from sale and re-list at at least twice the current price (as a bid minimum), you'd sell it no problem. The build quality, craftsmanship and original design are worth way more than that.
You're going to build a Vpin? Awesome. Mini or full size? When I travel to the UK I want to have a beer with you in Tunbridge Wells. :cheers:
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It'll go for what it goes for I guess. I'll never make cost of time back but if it covers materials then I'm happy. The main fun was the build.
My vpin is gonna be called FLiP. It will be a full size table but it's going to fold against the wall. I've got all the bits but no space hence selling this.
And defo hit me up if you're over this way. Beers on me :cheers:
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Good luck with the auction! :applaud:
If I were in the UK I'd get in on the bidding as well. I've always thought this cabinet was super classy and host some pretty great features. :cheers:
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My vpin is gonna be called FLiP.
I love your work, but have you ever thought about getting a theme running regarding the naming of your cabs...
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I love your work, but have you ever thought about getting a theme running regarding the naming of your cabs...
That was the original plan. My Invaders cab was going to be called ZAP! but I couldn't find/make decent artwork to make it work.
Don't you worry though - the cab after this (which I also have bits for) will be called "Super Zelda Love-You-Long-Time Fortnight Mario 1UP". Or Blip Jr. Haven't decided yet.
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:applaud: now that's more like it. You cab names are like the inside of my when I'm at work: "blip, flip, zip, blap, bop, bong..."
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Oh man - for the listing price I'd buy it myself if I was in the UK... :cheers:
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I’d keep this one and sell The Invaders. :cheers:
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I hope whoever ends up winning this auction appropriately appreciates one of the prettiest emulation cabinets ever built.
Good luck on the sale! I'd be in the running if I were anywhere near it.
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Yeah I hope it goes to someone who appreciates it that's for sure. I've been getting some pretty decent offers for it which kinda puts me in a spot as if I say no offers to some people but then turn around and accept someone else's that seems unfair to others. Bah. I'm pretty sure it will go for less than the highest offer I've had which is fine with me.
I don't think I'll be getting rid of Invaders for a long while but it isn't a forever cab like Blip is so maybe at some point it'll go...
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They better appreciate it. That is a great cab.
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A picture of CUBE was posted in a Cabaret Facebook group I'm in today. Both it and Blip were getting a lot of love. :cheers:
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That's always nice to hear :D
Blip gets used a few times a week - I upgraded it to run the demul stuff and I can see a light gun upgrade happening soon too!
I miss the cube cab. Sounds like it's gone to a good home now though.
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I miss the cube cab. Sounds like it's gone to a good home now though.
Build another!