The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls

Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: AtomSmasher on August 23, 2005, 01:36:47 am

Title: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme -Finished
Post by: AtomSmasher on August 23, 2005, 01:36:47 am
This is going to be another LuSid cabinet since it is a simple yet elegant design.

Edit*  I'm not sure what happened, but it looks like most of my pictures disappeared from this thread, so a lot of my posts make no sense.  Very weird.  Anyways, you can click on my sig to see all of the pictures, I may try to match them up in this thread again if I have the time.  You can also check each individual picture at http://www.thekaspers.com/arcade-cabinet-build (http://www.thekaspers.com/arcade-cabinet-build) if you want.

(https://sites.google.com/a/thekaspers.com/www/_/rsrc/1493589338108/26.jpg)
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: AtomSmasher on August 23, 2005, 01:40:35 am
I should probably also note that I havent decided o the theme of my cabinet yet, but regardless of what I pick I will likely need some help creating graphics.  I can draw a mean stick figure, but thats about it.
I have a feeling my theme is going to be "Atomic Train", which is a reference that just me and my old college friends know, but I think it could turn out pretty cool.  I'll start posting pics once I actually begin construction.
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: bossyman15 on August 23, 2005, 02:07:14 am
ok that's cool man. good luck on your project!
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: RaggedEdge on August 23, 2005, 08:24:15 am
Hey good luck on the project.  Glad you are getting started.  I have found there are a lot of helpful people here to get you through the stumbling blocks.  Hmmm, your theme wouldn't be related to the phrase "Ride the A Train" now would it?  That could be a fun (and colorful) theme :-)
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: AtomSmasher on August 23, 2005, 11:15:31 am
Hmmm, your theme wouldn't be related to the phrase "Ride the A Train" now would it?
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: Elfman on August 23, 2005, 12:31:11 pm
Some graphics to get the ideas flowing...

(http://www.dvdbooty.com/images/atomic-train_220x311.jpg)

At least the graphics are cool :)
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: ChadTower on August 23, 2005, 12:31:52 pm

Hrm.. Atomic Train... Crazy Train... Night Train... lots of cross theme possibilities.
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: Clonedsheep on August 23, 2005, 12:57:40 pm
SOUL TRAIN  8)
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: AtomSmasher on August 29, 2005, 01:20:57 am
Well I got most of the cutting done today, all I have left is cutting out the smaller pieces and the curved part of the side pieces.
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: GameOver on August 29, 2005, 08:56:27 pm
I thought about taking a pic and posting it, but then I figured who would want to see a few cut out pieces of wood. 

Wood is good!  We like pics.  Let's see what ya got!

Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: AtomSmasher on August 30, 2005, 01:37:51 am
Wood is good!
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: AtomSmasher on August 30, 2005, 10:53:06 am
I've decided not to do an Atomic Train theme, but I think I'll stay with an Atomic theme.....maybe Atomic MAME
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: MameJunkie on August 30, 2005, 12:23:35 pm
I've decided not to do an Atomic Train theme, but I think I'll stay with an Atomic theme.....maybe Atomic MAME

Atomic + Mame = AtoMame
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: bossyman15 on August 30, 2005, 12:48:26 pm
I've decided not to do an Atomic Train theme, but I think I'll stay with an Atomic theme.....maybe Atomic MAME

you really want another MAME theme?
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: kevdave on August 30, 2005, 02:46:31 pm
I've decided not to do an Atomic Train theme, but I think I'll stay with an Atomic theme.....maybe Atomic MAME

you really want another MAME theme?

Although a lot of the MAME themed cabs have come out awesome, I think it would be cool to see your project with some original based artwork and the original theme. I really think you can make Atomic Train a really cool concept. Id be willing to help you out with the artwork if needed. Im not the most advanced person in the world with photoshop but I know my way around enough, and I work for free.
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: AtomSmasher on August 30, 2005, 08:58:27 pm
you really want another MAME theme?
Heh, I'm new to building cabinets and have only been checking this board for a few weeks, so a Mame theme is actually new to me :)

But I'm open to whatever, if we can come up with some cool graphics then I'd be willing to go back to Atomic Train.
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: AtomSmasher on August 31, 2005, 10:27:13 pm
Heres a pic I found, could be good with a little photoshop, maybe change the text to Atomic Train and add an atomic blast in the background

(http://www.mindfully.org/Nucs/Mobile-Chernobyl-ExpressSM.jpg)
heres a large version of it: http://www.mindfully.org/Nucs/Mobile-Chernobyl-Express.jpg
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: bossyman15 on September 01, 2005, 12:53:28 am
lol! if you look closely on face of the train you could see some sort of animal on there.
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: MameJunkie on September 02, 2005, 08:02:24 pm
lol! if you look closely on face of the train you could see some sort of animal on there.

Looks like a pic of a human skull.  :o
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: ginno on September 02, 2005, 09:01:27 pm
Here here for not going with a mame theme OR a ...cade name,

how about calling it 'THE REACTOR'

Could do a lot with the radiation symbol and colors...

Good luck...

Cheers...
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: bossyman15 on September 02, 2005, 09:45:08 pm
lol! if you look closely on face of the train you could see some sort of animal on there.

Looks like a pic of a human skull.  :o

well yes a human skull but there are something else on there if you look closely...
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: AtomSmasher on September 04, 2005, 09:03:14 pm
Well I got to work on it for a few hours today.  I was able to finish cutting out all the pieces and sanded them all down.  I still need to cut the 45 degree angle on a few pieces and still need to do the routing.  Heres a pic of my progress so far.
(http://www.atomic-train.com/images/ArcadeCab/1.jpg)
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: bossyman15 on September 05, 2005, 01:04:10 am
nice job! keep up the good work!
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: AtomSmasher on September 05, 2005, 01:45:16 am
stupid question:  What parts do I need to route for the T-molding?  Is it just the two side pieces and the top piece of the control panel?  I can't think of any other edge that will really show, but I figure I should ask to make sure.
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: bossyman15 on September 05, 2005, 02:37:06 am
Is it just the two side pieces and the top piece of the control panel?  I can't think of any other edge that will really show, but I figure I should ask to make sure.

i don't really understand that part of question but you use this router bit to route for T-molding.

http://www.cryptnet1.net/mame/pics/RouterBit.jpg
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: Bones on September 05, 2005, 08:47:38 am
stupid question:  What parts do I need to route for the T-molding?  Is it just the two side pieces and the top piece of the control panel?  I can't think of any other edge that will really show, but I figure I should ask to make sure.
That's pretty much it!

I suggest you make the t-groove with the router gliding over the outward facing surface on both sides and mark them so you don't mix them up.

If you end up with any bad t-slot grooves it will be easier to redo later. I wish I had done this.

Everything looks good, keep the pics flowing.  8)
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: AtomSmasher on September 05, 2005, 11:37:20 am
Is it just the two side pieces and the top piece of the control panel?
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: AtomSmasher on September 05, 2005, 10:08:01 pm
I started actual construction today....ok I didnt do much, but at least its something.
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: Skadar on September 06, 2005, 10:37:42 am
I'm currently doing the exact same build.  I'm a little farther ahead of you.  Already I've noticed a number of things that I would have changed from the stock Project Arcade plans.  If you haven't already put your base together... you might consider this:

http://ooine.com/media/Project_Arcade_SkadarMod-2.gif (http://ooine.com/media/Project_Arcade_SkadarMod-2.gif)

The Lusid cabinet has a MASSIVE base that, in retrospect, could have been reduced.  There is excessive room inside this cabinet.  I *wish* that I would have modified the plans as I've illustrated above.  :(

I suppose that I *could* pull things apart and make another base... hmmm...

Another point to consider at your stage.  Saint says in the book to use an 8-inch strip to secure the cabinet back bottom piece.  I recommend using at least a 12-inch strip... probably 14 even... in order to get the widest placement of screws.  This section is fairly critical for overall cabinet stability.

Cheers!
Skadar
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: Skadar on September 06, 2005, 10:43:23 am
I should also mention that I too am going to be adding a keyboard drawer.  I haven't figured out the exact placement yet, but I did buy keyboard drawer rails at Home Depot.  They are much nicer than standard drawer rails.  They use many ball bearings and slide out very straight.

I think I'm just going to cut off the top 3 or 4 inches of the coin door and make this the front of my keyboard tray.
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: AtomSmasher on September 06, 2005, 11:33:59 am
Damnit, whyd you have to show me this.  I was starting to make progress and now I'm stuck debating if I should switch to that design.  Seems like on the new design the best place to add the keyboard tray in the 4'' section right under the CP, in the old design I had the same idea as you, putting it in the top of the coin door.

Did you come up with that change your self?  Or is it an older, tested design?  Its possible the wider base is on purpose to help with stability.
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: Skadar on September 06, 2005, 12:03:40 pm
 ;D  Hehheh  Nope, this design is not tested.  In fact, I haven't though of any of the implications of making the change.  I quickly drew it up just before posting.

Obviously it would impact the placement of the keyboard tray as you suggested.  Also, it would probably require the use of the shorter, squarer coin door rather than the elongated over/under as in the book.  The only other "problem" I can think of would be that the coin door might end up being too recessed after taking into account the overhang of your control panel.  Still though, my modified design just "looks better" in my opinion... at least in profile.

Oops, and I also noticed that my measurements in the modifications are slightly off.  The CP "shelf" is actually 5 inches deep instead of 4.  But obviously you could size this however you think it might work best.

I probably would have done this had I thought of it a week ago.  But I've already got 90% of the cabinet put together and I don't think I feel like pulling everything apart.  :)
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: RaggedEdge on September 06, 2005, 09:26:16 pm
I like the idea of a keyboard drawer also, but I am way too far along to change now.  I plan on using a wireless keyboard.  The only problem is where to put the keyboard while typing on it.  I certainly don't want to lay it down on the Lexan and scratch it.
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: tivogre on September 07, 2005, 12:17:07 am

Obviously it would impact the placement of the keyboard tray as you suggested.  Also, it would probably require the use of the shorter, squarer coin door rather than the elongated over/under as in the book.  The only other "problem" I can think of would be that the coin door might end up being too recessed after taking into account the overhang of your control panel.  Still though, my modified design just "looks better" in my opinion... at least in profile.


You could always build out your  coin door.

That's what I ended up doing when I realized that I wasn't happy with how far "under" my CP the coin door was.

(http://www.ogredog.com/images/MAME%20Construction/Coin%20Door%20-%20Assembly%20Complete%20With%20Door%20-%20Mounted.jpg)

It doesn't look like much... but a 3.5" build out makes a huge difference.
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: bossyman15 on September 07, 2005, 01:40:20 am
nice coin door you got there tivogre :o

i too plan to have silmiar coin door but only its not over under type.
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: AtomSmasher on September 08, 2005, 05:00:22 pm
Well I just bought a coin door off ebay for $34 shipped, looks like its exactly what I wanted.  Looks like I'll have both days off this weekend so I'm going to put the sides of my cabinet on.
(http://www.amusement911.com/D%20233.jpg)
(http://www.amusement911.com/D%20234.jpg)
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: AtomSmasher on September 11, 2005, 12:53:57 am
Well I finished the last of the cutting today.  I had to cut out a new back piece to the control panel because I screwed up on the angle cut, so I learned the hard way to always test on a piece of scrap wood before trying a new way to cut.   I also put the wheels on the base and built the CP box.  Tommorrow I'll put the sides of the cabinet on and hopefully all the shelving.  Everyone that could of helped me do this is gone for the weekend and I don't feel like waiting another week to build it, so I'm going to try and do it myself.  I'll try to take a couple "action" photos of how I'm doing it myself... if I figure out how.

Also, I've decided to ditch the whole Atomic theme and go with something a little more standard, a Galaga theme.  I know my cab looks nothing like a galaga cab and its probably been done a hundred times, but I don't care.  Galaga was by far my favorite arcade game and it will be easy enough to do/get the art.  I'm planning on picking up a marquee from ebay, probably order the sideart and kickplate from somewhere, and I'll custom design the CPO to be reminiscent of the original galaga CP.
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: AtomSmasher on September 11, 2005, 11:02:45 pm
Time for a slide show:

As a mentioned in my last post I was going to be building my cab by myself so I had to find something that was 26'' high to support the top of the cab when attaching the sides to the base.
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: AtomSmasher on September 13, 2005, 12:50:04 am
Ok, I created my first prototype template for the CP.  Any and all feedback is welcome and encouraged.  This is my first CP design ever so it may be the worst thing you've ever seen, and if it is, tell me. 
(http://www.atomic-train.com/images/ArcadeCab/control_panel_1.jpg)
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: Elfman on September 13, 2005, 12:58:46 am
I'll be the first but probably not the last to comment, but I think you may run into issues with your 4 way and your trackball placment.  I suppose it could work but the front of the CP seems pretty crowded.

I placed mine in the blank area above the player 1 8 way and that seems to be a pretty good solution for my scenario.

Also, if you are going to piano hinge your CP (which I recommenend so you can get at the wiring easily), the hinge and your 4 way are going to be competing for space.

Otherwise, I think it is a solid start.
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: AtomSmasher on September 13, 2005, 01:55:00 am
So your thinking something more like this:
(http://www.atomic-train.com/images/ArcadeCab/control_panel_2.jpg)
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: AtomSmasher on September 13, 2005, 02:22:18 am
Just had a thought, if I put the trackball down low, then I could just use the thumb buttons on the 7-button layout as the main key in trackball games.  Something like this:
(http://www.atomic-train.com/images/ArcadeCab/control_panel_3.jpg)
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: paigeoliver on September 13, 2005, 03:45:09 am
There is no reason to have ANY dedicated trackball buttons, the player one button bank works perfectly for trackball games, and if you want mouse buttons then I would suggest using the start buttons. Those buttons you have over the trackball aren't usable for gaming, and aren't REALLY usable for navigation (unless you have really long fingers).

So, I'd drop those trackball buttons altogether.
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: AtomSmasher on September 14, 2005, 01:30:44 am
Well I lined everything up in photoshop, printed it out in full size (tiled it, then taped it together) and put my hands in the location of each joystick and trackball.  I decided on a few minor alterations and now have what I feel will be my final CP layout.  Now I just need to design the overlay which shouldn't be too hard since I'll be using only Galaga graphics, although finding a similar font may be difficult.
(http://www.atomic-train.com/images/ArcadeCab/control_panel_4.jpg)
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: Elfman on September 14, 2005, 10:39:47 am
You may want to also build a mockup out of cardboard with the actual controls too.  That way, you'll be able to feel if when your hands are rested while playing that the other joysticks or buttons are being pressed or get in the way.  This really helped me when testing my CP.

Also, you don't have a spinner on your CP which means you can't play Tempest.  And a cab that can't play Tempest is just sad  ;D 

But that's just my personal preference ;D
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: Skadar on September 14, 2005, 10:48:46 am
I did a bunch of work on my cabinet last night as well and I am basically at the exact same point as you.  I have decided NOT to include a keyboard drawer.

As I was lining up my cabinet front visualizing the the whole assembly, I started playing with my drawer rails.  I realized that, taking into account the overhang of the control panel, the drawer would only extend out about 3 inches out from underneath.

And... I have a vertical over/under door like in the book, which doesn't give me a lot of room to work with vertically on that cabinet front for a keyboard drawer.

I suppose it's time to start my thread and post all of my pictures so far.   ;D
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: AtomSmasher on September 14, 2005, 11:10:12 am
Ya I know, no spinner. The thing is, I can't remember ever playing any games with a spinner and can't see myself playing any now.  It wouldn't be too hard to add one later since theres still some good sized open areas on my CP, so for now no spinner.  I thought about doing the carboard mockup, but I'm lazy and fairly confident my layout will be fine.  I did some searching around and it seems a number of people have pretty much this exact same layout and from what I saw none of them complained about any problems with it.

Lastly, on the keyboard drawer issue.  I had a feeling that might be the case with the drawer rails.  I'll probably just end up getting a wireless keyboard and keep it inside the lower section, unless I can find some gigantic drawer rails.
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: GameOver on September 14, 2005, 11:15:30 am
Lastly, on the keyboard drawer issue. I had a feeling that might be the case with the drawer rails. I'll probably just end up getting a wireless keyboard and keep it inside the lower section, unless I can find some gigantic drawer rails.

If you have a coin door, it shouldn't be a big deal.  Anytime I need to 'type' on my cab, I just pull my keyboard out thru the coin door & set it on the CP.  Works just fine. 

The only reason this isn't a good solution is if you plan to play PC games on your cab.
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: Bones on September 15, 2005, 04:11:55 am
Your project is screaming along. You have made some quick progress since I last checked it out.
Title: Re: Starting My First Project
Post by: AtomSmasher on September 15, 2005, 02:51:43 pm
Yup, I'm still on schedule, which is amazing since this is the first woodworking I've done since my woodworking class in highschool....which I took almost 10 years ago. 

I posted this in the art forum to get some responses there, but since this thread seems to be cataloging everything I'm doing, I should probably post here as well.

I made my first (ever) control panel overlay for my Galaga themed cab.  My photoshop skills are subpar at best, so I made it fairly simple.
Title: Re: Lusid Cab w/ Galaga theme - Lexan Cut.
Post by: AtomSmasher on September 17, 2005, 09:44:13 pm
Well heres how my day went...

Actually lets start with yesterday, I went to a number of print shops to try and get my CPO printed only to find most places dont print anything that big, so I went to Kinkos, and they were able to print it onto a vinyl, but it wouldn't be done till the next day.

Anyways, back to today.
Title: Re: Lusid Cab w/ Galaga theme - Lexan Cut.
Post by: AtomSmasher on September 17, 2005, 09:53:54 pm
Heres the actual Galaga control panel so you can see how much of it I copied.
(http://www.atomic-train.com/images/ArcadeCab/galaga%20CPO.jpg)
Title: Re: Lusid Cab w/ Galaga theme - Lexan Cut.
Post by: AtomSmasher on September 17, 2005, 10:08:32 pm
Stupid people on ebay.  There was a Galaga sideart and kickplate art set on ebay made by a company called Two Bit.  I put my max bid at $75 since it can be bought new at www.arcaderenovations.com for $100.  Well apparently other people didn't do their homework on this because it sold for $137.50.

Heres the auction if your bored  http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=6208334622&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT
Title: Re: Lusid Cab w/ Galaga theme - Lexan Cut.
Post by: AtomSmasher on September 18, 2005, 10:10:35 pm
My control Panel is done!!!
Title: Re: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme - CP Done.
Post by: Bones on September 18, 2005, 10:42:32 pm
Man, I really dig the CP and it will look even better when you put the t-moulding on.

Great job.
Title: Re: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme - CP Done.
Post by: AtomSmasher on September 25, 2005, 03:01:00 am
Thought I'd give an update.  I put on the wood putty, sanded everything down, cut out a new coin door (first coin door was from my first day of cutting and I didn't feel like spending all day trying to sand it straight) and installed the hinges.  Unfortunately I still haven't received the coin thingy I got an ebay (I know its called a coin door, I just didn't feel like referring to two different things with the same name) so I haven't been able to cut out the spot for that, guess I'll do that sometime later.  I still had a few hours left in the day so I went and bought paint supplies and put on two coats of primer.

Tommorrow I'll hopefully get the painting done and I'll finally be able to move it from the garage into the house.  Unfortunately I have a lot of other stuff (non-arcade related) I have to get done tommorrow so I don't know for sure if I'll get to finish painting it.
Title: Re: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme - CP Done.
Post by: AtomSmasher on September 26, 2005, 11:18:44 pm
Well I only got 2 coats of paint on so its not yet ready to come in the house.  I really wanted to be able to start wiring my control panel, so I went ahead and put a few more coats on that since its small and only took a few min to do each coat.  All the buttons and joysticks are now installed, I haven't been able to wire it yet but I'm hoping to find time during this week to do that.

(http://www.atomic-train.com/images/ArcadeCab/20.jpg)
(http://www.atomic-train.com/images/ArcadeCab/21.jpg)
Title: Re: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme - CP Done.
Post by: pathdoc2 on September 26, 2005, 11:25:53 pm
Love it.  Great work.
Title: Re: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme - CP Done.
Post by: Knievel on September 27, 2005, 11:23:07 am
Sweet CP, I love when someone re-configures a classic like that.
Title: Re: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme - CP Done.
Post by: bossyman15 on September 27, 2005, 01:41:12 pm
how much does it cost to have your CP artwork printed at Kinkos?
Title: Re: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme - CP Done.
Post by: AtomSmasher on September 27, 2005, 04:01:11 pm
how much does it cost to have your CP artwork printed at Kinkos?
To have them print it on vinyl it was a little less then $50.  I'm sure you can get them to print on photo paper or something similar for a lot less if cost is an issue.
Title: Re: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme - CP Done.
Post by: rbarr110 on September 27, 2005, 11:49:33 pm
OK - question regarding the Kinkos print job.
Title: Re: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme - CP Done.
Post by: markrvp on September 28, 2005, 01:46:14 am
CP looks really nice.  Kudos to you!
Title: Re: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme - CP Done.
Post by: AtomSmasher on September 28, 2005, 01:47:28 am
I guess you could call it thick vinyl paper, I don't really know how to describe it other then vinyl.
Title: Re: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme - CP Done.
Post by: dfmaverick on September 28, 2005, 12:56:06 pm
Regarding Kinko's:

I would suggest as above to just go to Kinko's & ask questions.

If you're still concerned, have them print a small sample on the material you desire. That way you are only paying a couple bucks for something small to test. If that turns out fine, I'd go for the large print.

As for me, I had a small CP Overlay printed there months ago. The guy there printed it on Polypropylin (sp?) and then laminated it. It was very cheap and turned out very nice. FYI It was about $7.00 for a 6.5" x 18" output.

I haven't built anything yet, so I haven't tried attaching it to anything yet, but will probably try the 3M adhesive spray when I finally get around to it. The arcade I'm planning is a budget mini one for my nephews, thus my attempt to cut costs.


RECAP:
1. Ask questions
2. Do a small test run
3. This is Kinko's if you don't like the output, refuse it and have them redo it.
Title: Re: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme - Almost Done.
Post by: AtomSmasher on October 10, 2005, 01:06:35 pm
Its nice when things come together nicely.  I guess I should go over what I did this past week, although I didn't take any work in progress picks.  First thing I did was wire the control panel.  I worked on it for a few hours a few nights last week, everything went smooth and when I hooked it up to the computer everything worked as it should.  The only problem I had is I ran out of wire and didn't get to wire all of the admin buttons, I plan on stopping by radio shack later today so I can finish it. 
     On Sat. I checked the local ads and saw that best buy had a 27'' TV that was 25.5'' wide for $150, so I ran out and picked that up.  When I test fit the TV and it was a perfect fit, the thing Irealized is that it needed to be tilted back, having it level just didn't work.  I then had to tear into my first layers of paint to take out and adjust the monitor shelf, its now at around a 30 degree angle which seems to be perfect. 
     I finally received the coin door (took over 3 weeks in the mail) so I then marked out and cut the hole for it.  I then began painting again.  I got three more coats on, so theres a total of five coats which should be more then enough to protect it and it definately looks good.
     The great moment had finally arrived where I got to bring the cabinet from the garage to the house, the wheels on the bottom made it easy to move across the concrete and tile, but once I hit carpet it had to be dragged, the wheels weren't quite big enough I guess.
    I then installed the marquee, the speakers, T-molding, the TV, the CP, and the computer.  There weren't any complications so theres nothing really to mention about the install of each.  I fired up the comp and everything worked perectly, oh and if your wondering about the comp, its an old comp I used to use as a tivo (AMD 800mhz T-bird, 512ram, radeon all-in-wonder 7500) so it was already set up to run on a TV, I also put a 130gig drive, which I used to use to store all my random crap on, into it to hold all my roms (I have 35+ gigs of mame roms).
     Now that I knew everything was working I decided to install the artwork, which went on easy.  It took a few tries to get it lines up right, but it turned out really good.
     What I have left is a bezel and plexiglass over the TV, finish wiring the CP, and find lights for the coin door.  Who knows if I'll ever get it finished now that its fully playable though.
(http://www.atomic-train.com/images/ArcadeCab/22.jpg)
(http://www.atomic-train.com/images/ArcadeCab/23.jpg)
(http://www.atomic-train.com/images/ArcadeCab/24.jpg)
Title: Re: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme - Almost Done.
Post by: AtomSmasher on October 10, 2005, 09:24:33 pm
Yup, just as I suspected......this is just too dangerous of a time waster, I got almost no work done today.  Too bad its too big to move so I guess its a poison I'll just have to learn to live with :)
Title: Re: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme - Almost Done.
Post by: AtomSmasher on October 15, 2005, 09:05:49 pm
This week I finished wiring up the control panel so now all admin buttons work.  I ended up making one of the side admin buttons to be "enter" because it would let me navigate the "tab" config menus without the use of a keyboard.  I also drilled out a hole for a new button on the back left side on the CP, its on the little lip that sticks out from the cab, and I wired it to the power button on the computer.  Doing this makes it so I'll hopefully never have to open the front and pull out the keyboard. 

The last thing I did was wire the lights for the coin return buttons, I got the lights at a mall radio shack and let me warn you, never go to a mall radio shack if you want anything to make your own electronics because they don't have anything.  It was quite sad, I opened the drawer where all the leds and light bulbs were suppose to be and it was completely empty except for one package of lights, lucky they were pretty much what I wanted.  I planed on picking up a few other things there, but every drawer was empty except for one or two random things. 

I also put a strip of electical tape on each side of the marquee because as you can see in the above pictures, there was some bleed through on the sides.  The tape sealed it nicely and is thick enough to not let any light through.

I picked up another piece of lexan at home depot yesterday, I'm planning on cutting and painting it tommorrow for the bezel.  Hopefully all will go well.

On a side note, kind of sad that no one commented on my cab after I put it all together :(
Title: Re: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme - Almost Done.
Post by: dfmaverick on October 15, 2005, 10:37:06 pm
Been following your build the whole time, just haven't commented. Looking very very nice.

The control panel looks sweet and once you put the bezel on to cover up the silver tv, it'll be great.

What did you use for the sideart and the kickplate? Print it out of your own printer or did you have something printed somewehre. I saw that you got you CPO printed at Kinko's but was just wondering about the rest.


Good job overall.
Title: Re: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme - Almost Done.
Post by: AtomSmasher on October 15, 2005, 10:41:38 pm
What did you use for the sideart and the kickplate? Print it out of your own printer or did you have something printed somewehre. I saw that you got you CPO printed at Kinko's but was just wondering about the rest.


Good job overall.
www.arcaderenovations.com   got both sideart images and the kickplate for $100 total, they are great quility too.  And thanks for the compliment :) 
Title: Re: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme - Almost Done.
Post by: dmsuchy on October 16, 2005, 06:34:19 pm
Very nice! Love the Galaga theme. ;D
Title: Re: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme -Finished
Post by: AtomSmasher on October 16, 2005, 10:38:59 pm
Well today I secured the TV with some spare pieces of wood, then I measured and cut out the lexan and then painted and secured it using the method laid out in this tutorial
Title: Re: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme -Finished
Post by: markrvp on October 16, 2005, 10:47:58 pm
Congratulations on a job well done.
Title: Re: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme -Finished
Post by: Timoe on October 16, 2005, 11:00:58 pm
Very Nice. I almost want to make a cp with lexan now, cause yours looks so nice.
Title: Re: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme -Finished
Post by: AtomSmasher on October 16, 2005, 11:09:59 pm
Very Nice. I almost want to make a cp with lexan now, cause yours looks so nice.

Thanks, if you do make it with lexan, I'd recommend to get the highlip trackball, I think happs is the only place that makes it (of course I bought mine from ponyboy).  It raises the trackball 1/8'' so that its flush with the lexan, I don't want to think of the nasty edge that would be there otherwise.
Title: Re: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme -Finished
Post by: AtomSmasher on October 16, 2005, 11:27:11 pm
One more thing I should mention because someone else might find it useful.
Title: Re: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme -Finished
Post by: AtomSmasher on October 17, 2005, 01:49:21 am
Heres some of the ugly interior of my cab:
Heres the control panel, as you can see I'm storing my extra wire and stuff inside there for now.
(http://www.atomic-train.com/images/ArcadeCab/27.jpg)
Inside the cab you can see the bare computer with wires everywhere.
(http://www.atomic-train.com/images/ArcadeCab/28.jpg)
Here you can see where I put the power button, on the back of the CP.
(http://www.atomic-train.com/images/ArcadeCab/29.jpg)
Title: Re: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme -Finished
Post by: testicle187 on October 17, 2005, 11:50:55 pm
Your cab is beautiful and the control panel looks amazing.  Congratulations!
Title: Re: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme -Finished
Post by: Santoro on November 21, 2005, 11:04:33 pm
Looks Nice, very clean.
Title: Re: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme -Finished
Post by: AtomSmasher on November 22, 2005, 03:10:53 am
Looks Nice, very clean.
Thanks :)  I figured this thread was going to fade into obscurity, but I'm glad it was bumped back up.

Since my last post I've added a light gun (a ps2 guncon2) but I've been having trouble getting it to work in mame and the drivers (I've tried both available) keep crashing the computer, so I'll probably just take it off for now.  I've also installed emulators for nintendo, genesis, and super nintendo and have them all configured into MameWah. 

I think this project is finally finished, unfortunately the bug has gotten to me so I'll likely be working on another project before too long.  I'm going to wait until after Christmas before I start anything new because I'm asking for all the tools I had to borrow for this project.  Theres 3 projects I have in mind to do, but two of them have to wait until I move into my new house (its not finished until late april) because I want to custom make them to fit perfectly.

Heres the 3 projects I'm planning on doing:
1. Jukebox - I'll start this sometime after christmas, I'll probably use the plans (or at least close to the plans) found here: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,20824.0.html

2. Bookshelf with secret door - I'm going to put this into the room I'm going to use as an office in my new house.  The secret door will just go to the closet, but its just something random I always thought was cool, plus its a better use of space for an office.  Heres a few examples: http://pervivere.blogspot.com/2005/09/holly-shelf-unit-batman.html   
and  http://www.garymkatz.com/Charts/pivot-bookcase.htm

3. Huge Cocktail cab - I want to make a cocktail cab to be used as my dinner table, similar to the one found here: http://www.angrymods.com/mame/  Mine will likely be very different from that one, but I'll definately use it as inspiration.

I may be a little ambitious and maybe I'm dreaming, but I'm single, have money, and can free up most weekends to work on random projects so I think I'll eventually be able to do it and be the envy of every guy I know :)  If all goes as planned, I should have all three projects done in less then 2 years.
Title: Re: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme -Finished
Post by: Stobe on November 22, 2005, 11:17:11 am
Real nice job on the cabinet.

And you've seemed to pick out some real interesting projects for the future.  Can't wait to see them posted.

-Stobe
Title: Re: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme -Finished
Post by: rchadd on November 22, 2005, 06:22:40 pm
looks great - nice job!
Title: Re: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme -Finished
Post by: 97thruhiker on February 26, 2007, 07:10:02 pm
Just thought I bring this thread back up to the forefront.  I've always liked what AtomSmasher did with this and figured it was worth a look again for those who were not around when he was building it.
Title: Re: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme -Finished
Post by: Spyridon on May 01, 2007, 09:22:01 am
This is a great cab.  I've been following this forum for a few weeks and recently picket up the Project Arcade book.  I'm still trying to decide if I want to go with a 4 player franken-panel which will allow me to play all games, or go with a simpler layout.  This being my first cab and having never used a saw, I think I should go with an easier one to start.  I'm a huge fan of Galaga and love the job on this cab.  I may try something similar.  Maybe add a spinner to the layout. 

This forum is very inspiring.  Now...to get started!
Title: Re: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme -Finished
Post by: AMDman13 on May 03, 2007, 12:26:28 am
Agreed. AtomSmasher's cab was an inspiration to my build as well. Very nice work and well documented.
Title: Re: First Cab - LuSid w/ Galaga theme -Finished
Post by: AtomSmasher on May 05, 2007, 03:28:38 pm
Thanks for the compliments, its always nice to hear I'm helping or inspiring others.   :cheers: