The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls
Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: Bender on May 01, 2011, 02:45:14 pm
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EDIT The DK Micro is listed as the world's smallest playable DK cab in the 2012 Guiness Book of world records Gaming edition, it's on the DK page unfortunately no pictures but it's still fun to be included
Well I've been working on this for a while. I wanted to make a tiny tiny working DK cab that was very playable, battery powered, had real controls, and ran vertical MAME games
I've seen one smaller MAME cab built out of a Ipod nano but the nano was sticking out of the side and the controls on the Nano.. Well... Suck, so I'm not counting that ;D
I was really inspired by patrickl's Pocket Galaga (http://arcade.laweb.nl/PocketGalaga/)(approx 11" tall)
But couldn't see building one for only one game, plus I wanted to make it even smaller, 1/8 scale to be exact(approx 8.25" tall) and even though that doesn't sound that small it is as that is a linear scale, and by volume it is 512 times smaller than an actual DK Cab
So on to the good stuff I've been doing research on the many handheld Systems out there now that do a decent job running MAME, and the two I settled on that had the right screen size(exactly 1/8 scale to a 19" arcade monitor) were the Dingoo A320 and The GP2X Wiz, so I picked up one of each and The Wiz ended up being a far better machine, OLED Screen and faster processor, so I decided to use that for the guts, the other issue was finding a small enough joystick that worked well, and I had a couple of options there and found one that worked Quite well, but more on that in the build details, to come
I took a bunch of Progress Pics and I'll post them here later, just wanted to get some Pics up cause I was so exited to see it all finished up
Oh yeah, it has a lit marquee and tinted glass, too!
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=103207.0;attach=165372;image)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=103207.0;attach=165378;image)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=103207.0;attach=165374;image)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=103207.0;attach=164894;image)
so here you can really see the scale up against a full sized DK
World's Smallest Playable Donkey Kong / Mame Arcade Cab Pt.1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P7cwjOnr40#ws)
World's Smallest Playable Donkey Kong / Mame Arcade Cab Pt.2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NytBVrdgPkc#ws)
EDIT: 7/10/11 Progress pics
Here are the promised progress pics!
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=103207.0;attach=169479;image)
These are the coin door parts and marquee/bezel retainers before painting, all made from model maker's styrene sheet and profiles
I als used styrene strips with the edges rounded(by carefully sanding) to simulate the T-molding
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=103207.0;attach=169483;image)
Here is the coin door painted and the pinheads I cut and glued in to use as rivits
I did some test paint on scrap to practice how to get the textured look to the paint, basically I used a can of semi-flat spray paint and would, do pretty heavy coats to get a subtle orange peel effect that looks a lot like real coin door
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=103207.0;attach=169485;image)
These are the coin buttons used painted with same silver paint I used on the coin mechs
9.5mm tack switch from radio shack here (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3014504&numProdsPerPage=60)
I als used these for the volume and Pause buttons on the back
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=103207.0;attach=169481;image)
The finished coin door installed
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=103207.0;attach=169497;image)
Marquee/Bezel retainers painted and coated with a satin clear coat, and the bottom of the CP panel with faux speaker grill, I made indentations then filled the indents with black paint to get the lines
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=103207.0;attach=169487;image)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=103207.0;attach=169489;image)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=103207.0;attach=169499;image)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=103207.0;attach=169501;image)
these are all CP controls from the front and the back and with a regular button for scale
I installed the larger buttons below the artwork so the silver rim wouldn't be seen, I found it a little distracting
Joystick from Digi-Key Here (http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=GH7455-ND)
Larger buttons Here (http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=913-ND) well turns out these buttons are too stiff, I'll post an update when we find the right ones
UPDATE The ones I used are here (http://parts.digikey.com/1/parts/965604-switch-pb-spst-momentary-1a-8532t1zqe2.html)C&K 8532
Smaller buttons from radio shack here (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062539&filterName=Type&numProdsPerPage=60&filterValue=SPST) although I got mine at a physical store and they had a different top that I like better
I also used this used this button from radio shack (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062543&numProdsPerPage=60) for the power button on the back, I also recessed it so it would be hard to hit accidentally
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=103207.0;attach=169505;image)
Back hacked up wiring on the Wiz
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=103207.0;attach=169503;image)
This is the back/monitor/computer support thingy and the top painted and clear coated
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=103207.0;attach=169507;image)
Here is the back/monitor/computer support thingy with everything installed
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=103207.0;attach=169509;image)
And here it is running with the marquee light lit!!!
you can see the 15pin connector there in the corner that goes to the control panel
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=103207.0;attach=169511;image)
I used a usb LED light like this I got from ebay for like $4 and decased it and literally cut the last 1/3 of the board off LED's and all so it would fit inside the marquee are, and wired it to a 3.7v lead on the wiz board
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=103207.0;attach=169495;image)
here are my two first plexi bezels, the clear was too light and the smoked was too dark so I ended up putting the lightest car window tinting stuff on the back side of the clear one and it was perfect, unfortunately I didn't take any pics of that
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Must......see........details.......
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Must......see........details.......
+1
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um shwing? SHWING! SHWING!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v116/kameleon_green/waynesdk-1.png)
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Wow, that is really cool! :cheers:
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I've seen one smaller MAME cab built out of a Ipod nano but the nano was sticking out of the side and the controls on the Nano.. Well... Suck, so I'm not counting that
Dude... the last thing you need to worry about is how this compares to something else that might 'technically' be smaller. This is a work of art. I own a full size Donkey Kong cabinet, and seeing your 'mini' is just amazing. Your attention to detail is commendable.
I looked at the first picture and said "Wow! That is a CLEAN build!" When I looked at the second pic, I had my mind blown. This is just plain cool on so many levels. AMAZING!!! :)
Move over IPad, we now have the IKong....
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I think that your new cab is the most detailed build that I have ever seen. The size comparison to a beer bottle blows me away. BRAVO!
:applaud: :applaud: :applaud: :applaud:
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Winning!!!
Encryptor
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Bender! In a word, AWESOME! I thought that I was going small with my 50 centimeter projects, but you did me one better. How responsive are the joysticks and buttons? How did you make the replica coin door? Sweet attention to detail. Please don't tell me you routed the speaker grill. :applaud: Build Pics please!
Jigenjuke
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Where do you find quarters that small?? :laugh2:
Seriously though, outstanding job BBR! Your making Mexico proud! Ole!
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Where do you find quarters that small?? :laugh2:
That's what I was thinking and about to post. ;D
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wow :applaud: i have to know how you routed that tiny speaker opening so clean...outstanding work.
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Finally, I get to see more pictures! I also want to see more details of the build, especially the micro tainted glass, the controls, the lighted marquee... well, everything. :cheers:
You did take dozens and dozens of pictures while you built it... right? :dizzy:
P.S.: my own secret project isn't dead yet. ;D
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Amazing attention to detail. I don't think it would be possible to get a fully working and playable machine any smaller.
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Haha! this is brilliant! That little coin door is beautiful. And the speaker grille looks to be cut so perfect.
My on;y reservation is how does it play? Do you have to strain your eyes a bit? Does the cab wobble about as you play? I'd love to see a video of this in action! :applaud:
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Fantastic job - simply beautiful!
I was looking at my son's wiz the other day and thinking something like this - now you beat me to it! :)
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Bender - are you freaking kidding me? Ridiculous job. I am VERY curious to see build pics. So many questions... How the crap did you make the coin door? How thin are the side panels? How did you find t-molding to fit? How long did this take? How did you interface the handheld to the joystick and buttons? My head is going to explode.
Outstanding. :cheers:
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Bender, you are a true miniaturist. What an accomplishment. Do I understand that it's an IPod for the system and display?
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So, when are you building an entire miniature arcade populated with many variations of this?
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I'm so pissed - I thought I was going to have the smallest playable donkey kong at 8.26".
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That is awesome.
You should of came to The Kong Off and brought that with you.
would of been awesome to take pics with the DK Players playing that.
Great stuff thanks for posting
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Bender, you are a true miniaturist. What an accomplishment. Do I understand that it's an IPod for the system and display?
No, he said he used a GP2X Wiz. I'm curious to see how he hooked it all up though. It's like a gameboy that can play all sorts of emulators, MAME included I guess...
(http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/FCKEditorFiles//wiz05.jpg)
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Wow!! :o
That's incredible detail for a full size let alone on that scale. :applaud:
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This was some weird sudo-time-warp-double post... :dunno. Sorry, moving along.
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@smalltownguy, emphatic, Jav, details are a comin' soon by way of Rockin' video action!!!
um shwing? SHWING! SHWING!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v116/kameleon_green/waynesdk-1.png)
:laugh2: :laugh2:
@TOK, Nimbus, BobA, Encryptor, TopJimmyCooks, melvinbates, thanks for the complements gentlemen!
@Jigenjuke and HatTrick77, I'm sorry to say I didn't route those out, the smallest router bit I could find was 1/16, not small enough, so I scored indentations into the wood and then painted them in, the sound comes out from just below where that fake speaker grill is
@NipRing, just to funny, plus bonus points for getting an obscure futurama references in there :cheers:
@Yvan, thanks, and yeah I got a few pics and details to share, can't wait to see that project of yours!
@ RandyT, I think your right any smaller wouldn't be comfortable to play, even this isn't something you'd want to play for hours at a time, OK well maybe I would
@LeedsFan, your wish is my command
@dfmaverick, I've got a horizontal one on the drawing board, only issue is the ribbon cable from the screen is really short and I have to rotate it 90º so I have to overcome that, I'll figure something out tough
@Leapinlew, well skintube, you know there's nothing that can't be made better or smaller with a little bending ;D
@extendedplayarcade, it is too bad it wasn't done in time, that would have been cool!
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Hey Bender, do you have the plans you used to build this cab? I would like to build my daughter a 1/2 scale version, so if you have all the measurements from the full cab, I would be greatful to get them from you. :notworthy:
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super nice job Bender.
i built a fullsize replica about 8 years ago, but i love this one, would fit nice on my desk at work.
you gonna share the plans with us?
please :)
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Hey Bender, do you have the plans you used to build this cab? I would like to build my daughter a 1/2 scale version, so if you have all the measurements from the full cab, I would be greatful to get them from you. :notworthy:
super nice job Bender.
i built a fullsize replica about 8 years ago, but i love this one, would fit nice on my desk at work.
you gonna share the plans with us?
please :)
yeah, she's sitting right here on my desk next to me now
I used 3/16 (5mm) MDF for most of the construction, as for plans I took the jackobud DK plans and scaled them down to 1/8 scale which is 12.5% of the original, I printed them out (nice thing about this project everything easily fits on a standard sheet of paper) lightly spray-mounted it to 1/2 MDF and cut out the template for the side panels
I do remember making all the inside widths 3" so everything that fit between the 2 large side panels were exactly the same
I did make some minor adjustments as I went, but basically I laid everything down right on the printouts to size them up
Foam-board is usually 3/16th s also so I made a full mock up of that first, in a couple hours with just an x-acto and hot glue (actually stuck the un-hacked wiz right in there to see what the screen would look like)
I also used a bit of modle-makers' styrene for various parts like the t-molding, marquee retainers, coin door, etc., and it was all put together with CA glue for the construction and hot glue for the electronic bits (so I could get them apart)
I did make a special back section to house the Wiz board/screen that is screwed in so it's removable, look for that in the videos soon
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Absolutely AWESOME!! Would love to see a video of this in action!
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Videos are UP!!!!!!
This gonna have to hold you for a while
I'm off for a couple weeks
But build pics as soon as I get back :cheers:
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WOW! WOW! WOW!
I just watched the videos. You are very gifted Sean! Great work as always. :cheers:
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After watching the videos, I'm just amazed at how much detail was done to make this such a finished product. So finished, it seems like it could have been store bought.
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Wow, that is truly inspirational :applaud:
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stunning. :applaud:
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This is exceptionally impressive, a joy just to take in the beautiful miniaturisation and attention to detail. Some real love and patience has gone in to this. GREAT WORK. :applaud:
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Amazing. :o :o :o
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If you ever decide to start making these for others, please put me on your list!
Lc
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Holy sheeeeite! Such a pro-looking build as always Bender!
That thing is just too cute! I love it! :applaud:
I didn't catch it in the video, but are you just tapping the GP2X's battery for the marquee lighting?
Brilliant use of the GP2X btw.
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Wow, that is awesome. I'm amazed how creative and gifted members like you are on this site.
Great idea, and perfect execution.
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Now someone needs to top him by making a cab with this
http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Photo-Frame-Keychain-Picture/dp/B001MA6M8Q (http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Photo-Frame-Keychain-Picture/dp/B001MA6M8Q)
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Bender - this is an outstanding project that you should be VERY proud of. Excellent job! :cheers:
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Now featured on Engadget.com
Nice! Great cab!
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Absolutely fantastic!!! The way it comes apart in two separate sections is brilliant. I didn't even know you could put Mame onto an SD card like that. That little joystick surely looks like it works well even in 4-way games. You didn't seem to have any problems in that clip of playing Ms.Pacman. The coin door button is just so cute. :applaud:
I don't keep up with the technology regarding handhelds. I do remember playing on a friends PSP some time back and being impressed with the graphics/screen. You may just have inspired me to make my own handheld now just like I was by Leapinglew with his Galaga bartop! But in all honesty I don't have the modelling skills you clearly have.
One other little point... the sounds of DK sound like they are in slow motion. But the graphics seemed to be playing fine. Did anyone else notice that? Nitpicky by me ofc ::) but DK is my all time fave arcade game so it kinda stood out to me.
Overall that is one really impressive build. Yet again you have raised the bar! :cheers:
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Hey Bender, do you have the plans you used to build this cab? I would like to build my daughter a 1/2 scale version, so if you have all the measurements from the full cab, I would be greatful to get them from you. :notworthy:
gonna build my son a 1/2 scale one as well ;D
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Its famous now!
http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/04/worlds-smallest-donkey-kong-cabinet-delivers-authentic-arcade-e/ (http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/04/worlds-smallest-donkey-kong-cabinet-delivers-authentic-arcade-e/)
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Just watched the videos, really great showcase for an awesome build!
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Awesome cabinet, really well built. Thanks for the videos!
I hope I'm not the only one who'd like a bit more details about the marquee, the t-molding and the coin door.
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Video shows how great it plays. Alot of micro cabs are not very playable but yours rocks :applaud: :applaud:
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I'll take two...please.
Very nice, great detail...just awesome.
Thanks for sharing.
Rob
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FANTASTICAL!
I had an idea similar to this a few years back using an old cell phone with Pac-Man as a dedicated micro cabinet. I could never have even come close to the beautiful and perfect craftmanship that you have created here. I would love to have one Iota of the skill that you posess to do something this praise worthy.
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Bender, this is awesome! Fantastic detail.
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Awesome, one of the coolest builds ever.
Very professional job. :cheers:
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i just saw the vid on another site and then noticed the name by the youtube vids. man, stop please youre too good ;)
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You did a great job there Bender.
Whats next, a Mini Defender?
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The video really clinches it. I was a little skeptical about playability, but you can't argue with the vids. Really nice. Impressed to see how well the hardware is handling the emulation too.
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holy smoke! I LOVE IT :applaud:
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Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaang that's cool.
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That is great, mental addition to the list of thing's I'd like to try and do. Great Job!
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Incredible job! A true work of art. :applaud: :applaud: :applaud:
I bet when people see that on your desk they think "aww how cute, the geek has a mini DK machine". Then you turn it on and they probably drop their jaws and feel like complete morons. I'd love to see other people's reaction when you show them.
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so how much for a Ms.Pac version?
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Great cabinet! This makes my mini arcade project look massive lol
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:applaud: :applaud: :applaud: :applaud: :applaud: :applaud:
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This really is a very outstanding piece of work! Bender, I know this probably isn't forum protocol for a newbie on here but please can you PM me?
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Certified DOPE, as the hip-hopper in me would say :applaud:
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Bender, how did you make the coin door?
:applaud:
Jigenjuke
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simply fantastic...that might be the single most impressive project i have seen on this site...and that is saying alot.
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Hello, Bender sorry for the English but I am translating with google! First of all congratulations for the wonderful minimame! and then let me know if you sell it as if you? reriamente are interested!
let me know.
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One word - WOW! :notworthy:
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Late to the party, but I did see this pop up on Engadget when they featured it. When I noticed your name in the article, I was like "Oh holy crap, Bender is genius." Excellent work man, completely inspirational. :cheers:
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New Progress Pics added to first post
Check it!!
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Loving those build pics! Really shows the attention to detail that it takes to produce something of this quality. Using pin heads for rivets! Deliberately making paint orange peel to get the right effect! And the pic of the control panel with the full size button it great. :applaud:
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New Progress Pics added to first post
Check it!!
Brilliant. I would never have thought to do that for the coin door, the pin heads make so much sense and that orange peel effect is stellar.
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Finally, details about all the details! Amazing work on those coin doors, control panel... well, on everything! :cheers:
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Damn! All I got to say is soldering those tact switches and getting a good bond can be a pita. Having someone hold them with pliers or something would probably make it easier but still I had the prongs/solder break quite often since there is not much to attach to.
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Absolutely awesome build and attention to detail.
Thanks for posting more details on the build and providing the inspiration to build my own mini cab which pales to insignificance compared to your awesome donkey kong mini cab. Actually we should call these Micro cabs, lets get a new tag for these out there, mini has been used for half sized down to bartop for ages , it doesnt fit the bill for this cab, I say lets call it a Micro cab, what do you think?.
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So damn cool! :notworthy:
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Absolutely awesome build and attention to detail.
Thanks for posting more details on the build and providing the inspiration to build my own mini cab which pales to insignificance compared to your awesome donkey kong mini cab. Actually we should call these Micro cabs, lets get a new tag for these out there, mini has been used for half sized down to bartop for ages , it doesnt fit the bill for this cab, I say lets call it a Micro cab, what do you think?.
As you say, the "mini" name has been abused, in my mind a mini-cab would be for something like my MVS99-6, Corbo's Gauntlet (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=111196.0), Jigenjuke's Cocktail/Mini Pac/Mini Ms. Pac (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=106894.0).
How about we create some standards around here? How about a poll with dimensions (going with scale, to be constant)? We could then define "original size", "regular", "small", "mini", "micro" and "nano". The question is, what are the ranges of scales before a cabinet falls into one or another category. What category is a cabinet that's 95% as big as the original? How about 57%, etc.
Bender's DK cab falls into "nano", in my opinion. Even "micro" doesn't do it justice.
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Damn! All I got to say is soldering those tact switches and getting a good bond can be a pita. Having someone hold them with pliers or something would probably make it easier but still I had the prongs/solder break quite often since there is not much to attach to.
A third hand is really helpful
then hot glue the connection and it's pretty indestructible
Absolutely awesome build and attention to detail.
Thanks for posting more details on the build and providing the inspiration to build my own mini cab which pales to insignificance compared to your awesome donkey kong mini cab. Actually we should call these Micro cabs, lets get a new tag for these out there, mini has been used for half sized down to bartop for ages , it doesnt fit the bill for this cab, I say lets call it a Micro cab, what do you think?.
As you say, the "mini" name has been abused, in my mind a mini-cab would be for something like my MVS99-6, Corbo's Gauntlet (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=111196.0), Jigenjuke's Cocktail/Mini Pac/Mini Ms. Pac (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=106894.0).
Bender's DK cab... well, I'm going to class it "nano" since "micro" just doesn't do it justice.
How about we create some standards around here? How about a poll with dimensions (going with scale, to be constant)? We could then define "original size", "regular", "small", "mini", "micro" and "nano". The question is, what are the ranges of scales before a cabinet falls into one or another category. What category is a cabinet that's 95% as big as the original? How about 57%, etc.
Bender's DK cab falls into "nano", in my opinion. Even "micro" doesn't do it justice.
I've been referering to it as a micro cab, but I'm open to input
this is a sticker I put on a little pelican case I have for it
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=103207.0;attach=169569;image)
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Damn! All I got to say is soldering those tact switches and getting a good bond can be a pita. Having someone hold them with pliers or something would probably make it easier but still I had the prongs/solder break quite often since there is not much to attach to.
A third hand is really helpful
then hot glue the connection and it's pretty indestructible
Absolutely awesome build and attention to detail.
Thanks for posting more details on the build and providing the inspiration to build my own mini cab which pales to insignificance compared to your awesome donkey kong mini cab. Actually we should call these Micro cabs, lets get a new tag for these out there, mini has been used for half sized down to bartop for ages , it doesnt fit the bill for this cab, I say lets call it a Micro cab, what do you think?.
As you say, the "mini" name has been abused, in my mind a mini-cab would be for something like my MVS99-6, Corbo's Gauntlet (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=111196.0), Jigenjuke's Cocktail/Mini Pac/Mini Ms. Pac (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=106894.0).
Bender's DK cab... well, I'm going to class it "nano" since "micro" just doesn't do it justice.
How about we create some standards around here? How about a poll with dimensions (going with scale, to be constant)? We could then define "original size", "regular", "small", "mini", "micro" and "nano". The question is, what are the ranges of scales before a cabinet falls into one or another category. What category is a cabinet that's 95% as big as the original? How about 57%, etc.
Bender's DK cab falls into "nano", in my opinion. Even "micro" doesn't do it justice.
I've been referering to it as a micro cab, but I'm open to input
this is a sticker I put on a little pelican case I have for it
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=103207.0;attach=169569;image)
Wow man this is awesome. What craftsmanship. I wonder what the hell those mini joysticks are produced for... What application would you need a joystick that small for?
I have a question for you. Could you left me know how some CAVE games like Dodonpachi run on that handheld? I'm really into Vertical shooters. If they run well on that system I'm gonna have to pick one up. I'll take it apart and rebuild it into another case and TATE the screen. Portable bullet hell at last! (small screen I know, but in short burst it could be fun I think).
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Also, does the handheld have video out?
Can you access all of the same MAME options as with a computer?
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On Slashdot now too, eh? Neat.
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On Slashdot now too, eh? Neat.
Really?
Got a link for that?
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http://games.slashdot.org/story/11/07/11/2018208/30th-Anniversary-of-Donkey-Kong (http://games.slashdot.org/story/11/07/11/2018208/30th-Anniversary-of-Donkey-Kong)
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On Slashdot now too, eh? Neat.
It's not really "on Slashdot", but I thought that his cab was worth mentioning in a thread about the 30th anniversary of DK. :applaud:
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Yep. I got confused somehow and thought I was posting about DK when it was in fact Space Invaders.
http://games.slashdot.org/story/11/07/12/0441252/Exercise-Your-Thumbs-and-Eyeballs-With-a-Tiny-Space-Invaders-Cabinet (http://games.slashdot.org/story/11/07/12/0441252/Exercise-Your-Thumbs-and-Eyeballs-With-a-Tiny-Space-Invaders-Cabinet)
I must have remember the comment posted above and failed to double check what I was thinking before I posted. My apologies.
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New Progress Pics added to first post
Check it!!
I love it. The pic of the green Happ button in front of your entire CP really puts it into perspective. You are effing crazy. :notworthy:
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Is the monitor mounted vertically? or is it stretching the video sideways?
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It's mounted Vertically
Unfortunately the menu is only available horizontally that's why in the videos I turn the it sideways to select the game
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=103207.0;attach=169507;image)
Actually, I'm Trying to figure out how to mount it horizontally my next one
gonna be tough cause the ribbon cable is really short and goes through a slot in the PCB
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Actually, I'm Trying to figure out how to mount it horizontally my next one
gonna be tough cause the ribbon cable is really short and goes through a slot in the PCB
Any luck on this? I want to extend the screen from the PCB and found this:
http://kyorune.com/modding/article.php?id=49 (http://kyorune.com/modding/article.php?id=49)
Unfortunately, I am unable to find a source for a 61 contact FFC. DigiKey has
a 61 pin ZIF connector, but I do not know if it is compatible.
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Amazing work Bender: the attention to details is incredible.. :notworthy:
Since I don't have the room for a full-size cabinet, this could really be a solution!
I ordered a pre-owned Wiz and I just received it from Play-Asia; unfortunately they sent it without the battery, so I'm waiting now for the missing part to arrive. I will try a tiny Ms Pac Man using 4mm plywood; I had to slightly change the original cabinet shape (lowering controls), because I'm going to mount the display like in your tiny DK machine.
I have not opened the Wiz yet, because I wanted to make sure it worked before splitting it; anyway, I have a few questions about cabling; from your picture (back of the Wiz motherboard) you connected: power button (which pins?); volume up/down; speakers?; left and right buttons; battery terminals.
The pictures are good but the resolution is limited, plus there is hot glue in the way, so it's not easy to understand: I suppose that you took USB power from the EXT connector (only power or data too?) and powered the marquee by connecting to a power line on the motherboard.
On the other side, you connected the four directions, some buttons (A and X?), menu and select.
Am I missing something important? Where did you find the schemes? I only found the EXT pinout..
Also, I could not find a female mini-usb connector, so I'll probably use a standard DC power jack.
I have not built any model from my childhood, but I will try.. ;D
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So does the original unit have composite vid out? I think I would like to create a scale model Astro City or other candy cab using the same unit along with a PSone screen that I have.
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From what I'm reading, the CAANOO seems to support external USB joysticks as long as they compatible with the regular HID standard.
It means it would be pretty easy to make a tiny cabinet with internal USB controls in which you can simply insert your CAANOO without needing to modify it in any way.
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From what I'm reading, the CAANOO seems to support external USB joysticks as long as they compatible with the regular HID standard.
It means it would be pretty easy to make a tiny cabinet with internal USB controls in which you can simply insert your CAANOO without needing to modify it in any way.
Great minds think alike, I had the very same idea of using my Caanoo with a USB controller. The only problem is that you would need to slot it in vertically which would mean the mama4all menu would be the wrong way around . You could slot it in horizontally , but that would mean a very wide (relatively) cab.
On the Caanoo front, I have had it for a little while now and I must say it is a very impressive bit of hardware. Especially since you can pick them up new and delivered for $110. Its for this reason I didnt mod it, I just couldnt bring myself to crack it open, its to awesome, that's why the usb controller hack came to mind.
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Great minds think alike, I had the very same idea of using my Caanoo with a USB controller. The only problem is that you would need to slot it in vertically which would mean the mama4all menu would be the wrong way around.
I'm guessing it wouldn't be too hard to ask the developers to have a vertical menu option, with the ability to save said options on the storage card so that it always boots that way.
If the USB port is on the side, then it's even better. Care to post a picture?
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Boy i hope someone is reading this thread other than me. First off, Bender, AMAZING WORK! I've been watching your videos and studying your pics for some time, and finally caved and started to build my own microcade. Externally, its my own design, but the internals are going to be just like yours (its just too perfect to modify!) Anyhoo, I got the buttons and joysticks down and well understood, but what I didn't realize until after I'm halfway into the final construction, is that your battery is hacked to charge through micro usb. I have no idea how to do this particular hack, and can't seem to see any clear pics of yours as to how it was done. If its at all possible, do you think you could send me some pics of the battery, the wiring and the wiring locations of everything pertaining to this mod? like I stated before I have done everything else so far, but can't complete until I figure this power issue out. Thank you so much, and fyi all my friends and family who ask about my microcade, I most respectfully credit you and refer them to this thread.
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ADodds720,
Thanks! for the compliments
Unfortunately the solder points are small so you have to be a bit careful, have fun and good luck
Can't wait to see what you come up with
I got the connector pinout info from a GP2X wiz forum here (http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?/topic/47776-wiz-ext-pinout/page__st__15) bottom of the page
if I remember correctly I used the +5v on 21-22 and the ground from 12 that's all you need for power/recharge
However if I were to do it again I'd go all the way and do the data over USB too so I could just plug it into the computer to add/subtract games and software
as it is now I have to take the back off to get the memory card out to change anything
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4171885648_ed109b5bee_b.jpg)
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ADodds720,
I created a similar project (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=115395.0 (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=115395.0)).
If I remember correctly, I shorted together pins 22, 21 and 16 (+5 V); then I shorted pins 19 and 12 (-), and used a standard round power connector instead of the mini-USB connector, since it was difficult to find (and solder!).
I can confirm that, as Bender said, you need brain-surgeon skills to solder this thing :)
As for the battery, I did not modify it: using a Dremel I cut around the battery compartment, so that it became the size of the motherboard. The battery compartment is kept in place using screws and bolts; I recovered the bolts from the plastic, and used the original screws to put together the motherboard and the battery compartment (look at the pictures in my post). In this way, I can replace the battery with another standard battery, if I need to.
Good luck!
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To Bender,
Thanks a ton for that link. It helped A LOT! I can honestly say I've played around with swapping buttons and switches before, so thats not too difficult, but tis is a first for me as far as hacking pinouts. I was successful in soldering most of my buttons today, but I'm a little stuck on the joystick. I understand how to wire it for the most part, but the ground has me a bit confused. Where did you connect that? I checked your pics but can't seem to find it. I theorize I can link all four grounds from the buttons to the joystick, but from what I can tell, you did it differently. I must say what ever your method is, it looks cleaner and less of a hassle than what I have planned. Any more pointers regarding this would be great.
To Putto72,
Thanks a bunch for your link as well. I read everything and it was truly, truly helpful. I do however have a question for you. You stated that you shorted pins 21,22 and 16 for your charger. I read Benders link further. And it stated that 21 and 22 are connected internally and are the Power in +5v. 16 is USB Power +5v. Is there a need to short 21,22 with 16? I intend to use a USB 2.0 for my connector, and have that be my charger. Don't take this as me calling you out lol, I'm just a little confused as to the logic. I have just enough knowledge to squeek by on these kind of projects, but not enough to fully understand them. Help from you would be greatly appreciated as well.
To all, I will post pics of my build as soon as its finished in another thread as not to steal the glory from this one. Thanks to all for the support.
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ADodds720,
since I did not modify in any way the battery, I initially avoided to connect pin 21 and 22 and connected just pin 16 to +5V external; the led did not turn orange when external power was connected, so I shorted together 21, 22 and 16 and then everything worked. I just used a tester on the cable when it was connected to find out which pins were to be soldered; my Wiz cable shorts 21, 22 and 16.
As regarding the ground, it's common to all the buttons and joystick, you can daisy chain the ground of the buttons and that of the joystick (center pin).
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awesome, I had planned on daisy chaining, I just wanted to be sure. Thanks for clearing up the pin issue, thats makes sense. One finally question, and I shall not plague this thread with more seemingly dumb questions. I no longer have a tester, it broke (as am I.) Which leads on the joystick buttons are the grounds? I am assuming the thicker side is the pos and the thinner the neg, but again, I can't test it for sure and I don't want to fudge up this far in. Thanks again.
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I suppose you are referring to joystick pads on the Wiz mobo; signal is the thinner track, ground is the thickest. But I would NOT reccommend going on without a tester: you need to be sure you're not shorting signals after soldering - remember that you MUST be very good at soldering, otherwise you will have better luck asking for help from a friend.
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Hey Bender,
Maybe if you asked really nicely the guys who programed the interface for the GP2XWiz MAME emulator would rotate the GUI for you so that you wouldn't have to turn the cabinet on it's side. Should be a difficult thing to do. I think that they might also get a kick of posting pics of your mirco mini DK cab on their emulator site. Might be something to look into. :applaud:
Jigenjuke
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I've asked
got no reply :(
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Bender, if you have the source maybe I could do it
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putto72,
Thats exactly what I was referring to, thanks. I apologize if I'm hard to understand, my nomenclature is terrible, but rest assured, I'm no fool. Again, thanks for all the help.
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After a good nights rest I finished up 99% of the soldering. I decided not to touch the charger pinouts, but instead hack and mod the original charger cable. I decased it to slim it down, and swapped the male usb head with a female. This process was much easier and less of a strain on my patience. The last part to do is solder my marquee light on and its assembly time! I'm gonna try to snag a volt meter from my brothers work (with permission of course:)) and find a suitable place to attach it. Just out of curiosity, where did you attach yours? I'm a little concerned my cab might not fit it in with the marquee. If it works, great, if not, I'm still very pleased with this project.
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Well done.
I had the same idea (keeping the original cable), but when I centered the display in the cabinet I found that there was no room for the cable, even after removing the plastic shell (my cabinet is deep, but narrow).
For the marquee light, I used a USB self-powered lamp for e-book (HAMA 00054309); it has its own battery, its own switch and ends with a mini-usb male which can be used for recharging. I wired this cable in parallel with +5V which is being fed by the round power connector I installed. In your case, you could attach to red (+5V) and black in the wiz cable. Obviously you would need to add an external rocker switch wired in parallel to that embedded in the e-book lamp (to turn it on or off); I used Digikey CH865, which is really small and very nice. This lamp does not take much space, when you remove the plastic shell; it should fit just right.
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Where can we buy this gadget?
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Bender,
Again great job. I would be interested in the name of the company that made the modle-makers' styrene. If you could hit me back with that I would be grateful.
Jigenjuke
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:o WOW! :notworthy:
Uber skills right there!
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Just re-pin the screen connections and mount the screen on a motor. Rotating that mini on the fly would just be over the top. :burgerking:
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Ha, that's amazing. Stunning attention to detail!
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Bender,
Again great job. I would be interested in the name of the company that made the modle-makers' styrene. If you could hit me back with that I would be grateful.
Jigenjuke
You can buy styrene from most model shops. It's used a lot in model railways, scale model dioramas, also architectural models.
This is an amazing piece of work by the way (",)
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This may be well past the time for questions on this project, but I was thinking of doing one of these as well and was wondering what your process was for doing all the artwork including: sideart, marquee, CPO overlay, and display bezel. I just ordered a GP2X Wiz and look forward to taking on this monumental challenge
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Get a really good magnifying glass and kick the coffee habit. I always show this thread to family/friends and I am always picking up their jaws off the floor.
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@Sartrefan all the DK cab art can be found online, I just scaled it down and printed it on adhesive vinyl trough an inkjet printer then put a clear coating on top of that, I used backlight film for the marquee
@Dna Dan, Thanks Man!
@patrickl, thank you, for the complement and inspiration the Pocket Galaga is AMAZING!
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Thank you for the response Bender. Got the Wiz ordered yesterday and all the controls today. I'll definitely start posting some pics when I get things rolling. Did you ever consider the Raspberry Pi as an option? I assume the Raspberry board would cause some size constraints but looks like possibly a good cheap option for a slightly larger cabinet. Maybe for the mini Centipede cabinet I want to build as well
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Hey there Bender,
I had a few questions. I have more than a few 8GB iPod Touch 3rd Gens lying around. I was inspired to make a few Micros like yours (Well after I finish up my current projects for the upcoming gallery this month ;D)
I was very impressed with your attention to detail on the coin doors, maqruee holders and such. I haven't had much luck finding the modeling material that you used. If you could send me a link for purchasing these materials I would be greatful!
Also I was interested in how you scaled this cabinet down. The Donkey Kong replica you made was 1/8th scale. Did you take into consideration the GP2X Wiz 2.8inch monitor size when scaling down? How did you go about doing this? The iPod Touch 3rd Gens have a 4.3 inch screen size.
I will probably be making the following
Micro Donkey Kong
Micro Dig Dug
Micro Centipede (Will be using a hacked Ultra mini bluetooth trackball keyboard with this one, so it will only hold trackball games)
Micro Galaxian
And finally, possibly a Mirco Moon Patrol (if I can work out the scaling to fit the ipod touch 3g for horizontal placement. I really want all of the cabinets to be around the same size and also actual scaled size if possible. If not I will just end up doing vertical mount micros.
Anyway, any help that you could give me would be welcome!
Great project again by the way!
Jigenjuke
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i really like your work bender.
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Congratulations on being listed in Guinness!