The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls
Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: Knievel on January 15, 2005, 08:01:05 pm
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Well I released FLYERCADE to you this week and now it's time to share my project...The NEON MAME
I know the black+blue theme has been done a lot but there's a reason, it's a great combination. As with the Flyercade I'm using the killer Cosmic Frostbite image on the CP. I will be doing a few inventive things with this machine that should make it stand out.
One of the biggest things is my technique for lighting transparent leaf-buttons. If you have transparent buttons on your CP or are planning a project using them this is a must see. I have a feeling this idea will be used by many in the future.
Here's the first look...
(http://members.shaw.ca/knievelgod/boverlay.jpg)
(http://members.shaw.ca/knievelgod/bfinaloverlay.jpg)
(http://members.shaw.ca/knievelgod/bcp8.jpg)
(http://members.shaw.ca/knievelgod/bcp4.jpg)
(http://members.shaw.ca/knievelgod/bcp6.jpg)
(http://members.shaw.ca/knievelgod/bcp5.jpg)
(http://members.shaw.ca/knievelgod/bcp7.jpg)
(http://members.shaw.ca/knievelgod/bcp2.jpg)
To be continued...
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wow...
I drool in you general direction. :angel:
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so it's called neon mame...but what exactly is doing the lighting? can we have a pic under the hood? i like the look, but wouldn't the lights be annoying sometimes?
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so it's called neon mame...but what exactly is doing the lighting?
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I'm guessing a cheap fluorescent could do that lighting. But since you called it neon mame, the under car neon was my guess too. A red neon with the blue translucent might produce a nice purple. Then again, you could have different colored neons light up with the turn of a switch.
For player start buttons, why don't you put black on clear button stickers over translucent buttons? I think the black silouette on the blue would look cool.
Steve
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what type of buttong? leaf or micros? where did you get them?
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Well I guess I should've known the button discussion would take this thread over. I considered posting it unlit first, I was really hoping for some feedback on the CP itself.
They aren't lit by neon, that refers to a part of the cab I haven't shown yet.
(http://members.shaw.ca/knievelgod/leds2.jpg)
Poonga - the buttons are Wico Leafs...purchased from Wico.
Steve - I tried a few different things with the P1/P2 buttons including an idea like you mentioned but ended up sticking with just the white ones. They're actually a nice contrast and are quite visible due to the glowing button next to them.
I'm posting a new topic in the Main Forum on the button lighting for all to check out...
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,30565.0.html
Meanwhile the cab will continue to take shape here, I welcome your comments...
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Although that CPO has been done time and time again in some form or another, I think it looks GREAT with your neon buttons. Great job...
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Nice wiring too. That always looks good too, even though it's hardly seen.
Steve
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Poonga - the buttons are Wico Leafs...purchased from Wico.
I gotta see a pic of underneith the CP then. That must be crouded.
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Thanks for the compliments.
Yes as I said in the FLYERCADE thread the background image is a popular one. I threw dozens of other images under my layout but nothing could compare to it.
Judging from the amount of e-mail I'm getting there is going to be a bunch more CP's created with it.
Poonga there's a pic of half the underside in this thread, the LED wiring doesn't add a whole lot of clutter. I'll post a full shot if you'd like.
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You people and all your talent make me sick.
:P
Some day my cab will actually be finished, and when it is...
Rest assured, pictures will be most difficult to find. ;D
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Poonga - the buttons are Wico Leafs...purchased from Wico.
Steve - I tried a few different things with the P1/P2 buttons including an idea like you mentioned but ended up sticking with just the white ones. They're actually a nice contrast and are quite visible due to the glowing button next to them.
/me is on modem. Didn't wait for all the pics to load :) Imeant more of the fact that it's all leafs, that takes up room.
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Here's the marquee for this one, having it printed tomorrow...
(http://members.shaw.ca/knievelgod/bmarquee.jpg)
Thanks to Pixelhugger for the Mame logo, which I simplified a bit.
I originally had NEON MAME on the background put after I saw this I had to use it...beautiful work as always.
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Here's the marquee for this one, having it printed tomorrow...
(http://members.shaw.ca/knievelgod/bmarquee.jpg)
Thanks to Pixelhugger for the Mame logo, which I simplified a bit.
I originally had NEON MAME on the background put after I saw this I had to use it...beautiful work as always.
Why ruin something so beautiful with the mame logo?? Not that i don't like it, but why do you need it as a marquee?? Can't you use that flyercade logo???
...
Ignore me... I do this all the time...
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Looking very nice.
Nice design btw ;)
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Where did you get those buttons from?
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Mame-art hater eh? I've read those threads, knew it was coming sooner or later.
I just really like the design of the logo...and it has 'Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator' under it so I won't have to explain it to everyone that comes over.
Maybe I should've took opinions on it, here's one I experimented with and may still use...
(http://members.shaw.ca/knievelgod/cosmicmarquee.jpg)
And thank you for the inspiration GSXR.
GG it's all here...
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,30565.0.html
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I like the cosmic one.
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Knievel - very nice work. I like the whole theme you have going. Well done.
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Looks great, but needs one more touch..... Try out a glow behind the lettering. (possibly in "overlay" mode, if you're using Photoshop)
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thank you for the inspiration GSXR.
Those buttons look BEAUTIFUL....I wan't some now! Thinking I need to do some more work on my cab. Deffinitely want some of those, they look wicked.
Yep, Andy's CP inspired my CP theme too, although I went for a red/orange feel (Check out "Arc-Eden" thread in PA).
Very, very nice indeed.
Craig
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Thanks for the input guys. The Mame marquee has been printed so I'm sticking with it for a while anyway.
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I'm lovin' it, excellent work Knievel.
Edit: Just noticed the namco typeface....sweet
Craig
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That is truly excellent! I love the black & blue Mame cabs. Mine is the same colour combo (but not as nice as yours).
I've been looking for a black & blue Mame themed skin for MameWah. I love yours..... is it available for download anywhere? Will it be available? What resolution are you running it at? I'm using an arcade monitor and I need to run at 640x480 for MameWah skins to look at their best.
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Beautiful overlay!!! :o
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Thanks guys.
Leeds the layout is actually 1024x768 so it wouldn't work for you.
I may make it available in other sizes when get around to sharing it...got any pics of your cab?
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Thanks guys.
Leeds the layout is actually 1024x768 so it wouldn't work for you.
I may make it available in other sizes when get around to sharing it...got any pics of your cab?
Sure do.... right in this very forum (so you may have seen it before).
I need to update the thread though as I've done some finishing touches and want some pics of it running Mame.
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,26248.0.html
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Looks good Dave. Been away for a while so I didn't see it.
I bumped it up for others who might've missed it before.
You got mail :)
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Well the NEON MAME is nearly complete and I couldn't be happier. Much planning has resulted in a very solid, well-proportioned cabinet. Just need to finish the keyboard drawer and install the cupholders. I also have something unique planned for the front door.
Thanks to Pixelhugger for sharing the Atomic sideart, which I modified to fit my space theme.
Enjoy the pics,
Big one...http://members.shaw.ca/knievelgod/neon/neon1.jpg
(http://members.shaw.ca/knievelgod/neon/ltsidelit.jpg)
(http://members.shaw.ca/knievelgod/neon/sideartlit.jpg)
(http://members.shaw.ca/knievelgod/neon/rtsidelit.jpg)
(http://members.shaw.ca/knievelgod/neon/marqueesmall.jpg)
(http://members.shaw.ca/knievelgod/neon/arcade.jpg)
(http://members.shaw.ca/knievelgod/neon/sideart.jpg)
(http://members.shaw.ca/knievelgod/neon/neon2small.jpg)
(http://members.shaw.ca/knievelgod/neon/frontlit.jpg)
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AWESOME job.
I hate you.
heheh
I know the artwork and colors have been done before, but you really made them into...
WOW!
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AWESOME job.
I hate you.
heheh
I know the artwork and colors have been done before, but you really made them into...
WOW!
what he said... damn that thing is awesome!
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Man I'm a newbie and I was planning my cab but seeing yours, I have to go back to the drawing board. My wife is not going to like you since I am blaming it on you. Really though nice cab.
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What you've built is easily my favorite black and blue cab, very nice in now in my "inspiration" archives. What did you print the CP on (did you sandwich it)?
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What no construction pics!?? Looks great, now how bout a step by step web site?
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Thanks guys.
The CP and marquee were printed on a 42" plotter using some sort of high-end glossy paper which was later laminated. The CP has a piece of 1/8" plexi covering it, the marquee is sandwiched between 2 pieces of the same plexi.
For those that were asking I used a 22" HP computer monitor and it's covered with smoked glass.
I've got some construction pics for a future website. Didn't post them here as I thought the thread was getting too picture-intensive already. Anyway here's a couple to check out...
(http://members.shaw.ca/knievelgod/neon/neonbuild.jpg)
(http://members.shaw.ca/knievelgod/neon/neonbuild2.jpg)
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GORGEOUS!
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Clever idea, taking the neon out of a wall clock apparently? Never seen anything like that before. Looks like a real nice construction too, I assumed it was a converted dynamo cabinet or something similar.
Wade
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They are the neon rings used for car subwoofers, match the lit buttons perfectly.
Nice thing is they're 12v so I can power them off the computer PS along with the button LED's. I've got them all controlled by a single switch on top of the cab(red light in the marquee pic).
The design is based on a Dynamo, the one sitting to the left of it actually.
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Getting lots of questions so I decided to do a quick post on the sideart idea. See it here...
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,31417.0.html
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I was fine with how my cab is now, but yours makes me want to trash mine and make another a new cab.
Are you willing to post your cab plans (cp plans too) for us who want to emulate your design?
Thanks
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VERY creative use of the Neon....really add's a lot to the cab. Well done!
MameMaster!
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Is the cab painted or laminated? If painted what were the steps used to get that great finish?
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It's painted, I will likely laminate in the future though. Nice finish but I'm extremely picky and paint will always have flaws of some sort.
Anyway I used Zinsser latex primer tinted grey followed by 2 coats of Painter's Touch semi-gloss black latex...nice stuff. It was applied with a 6"? white foam mini-roller(the one with the rounded end)which gave it a nice finish similar to Happ vinyl.
I *wouldn't* use latex primer again as it raised the 'grain' of the MDF and I had to sand it before I applied the black paint. Supplies were all purchased at Home Depot.
When I get my website up I will try and put some sort of plans up for those that want it...thanks for asking.
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I'm using an arcade monitor and I need to run at 640x480 for MameWah skins to look at their best.
Actually they look best at 368x240 or another low res...
Knievel: great stuff, it all works really well :) If you'd like your cab to be added to this page: http://mamewah.mameworld.net/cabinets.htm ...then let me know ;)
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Thanks Minwah.
As for your page I don't have a website yet but I will e-mail you a pic to add meantime.
Some nice examples there...I missed the evolution of yours, very nice :)
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Thanks Minwah.
As for your page I don't have a website yet but I will e-mail you a pic to add meantime.
Some nice examples there...I missed the evolution of yours, very nice :)
I've added your cab - let me know when you get your site up :)
Mines coming along OK...waiting for a new marwquee and CPO to arrive atm...then just sideart to go really ;D
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Thanks, looks great Minwah. When I get my website up I'll send you the link.
A System 1 cab is on my soon-to-build list, love those lines!
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WOW that is nice. I join in the drool-fest.
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Wow. Very very impressive.
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that is so cool
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Thanks guys.
The CP and marquee were printed on a 42" plotter using some sort of high-end glossy paper which was later laminated. The CP has a piece of 1/8" plexi covering it, the marquee is sandwiched between 2 pieces of the same plexi.
Laminated ehh? That's an idea! On the CP, I know you said that you covered it with plexi, but did it still feel OK with just the laminate? That may be an alternative to my plexi bending dilemma.
BTW, great looking cab. Gotta love blue and black, and the lighting just makes it look that much better.
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Very cool. 8)
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Thanks for the comments guys, this project seems to be getting some new life since it was bumped up. I'll add some finished pics with the keyboard drawer and cupholders tonight.
tahnok the laminate I used felt ok but wasn't tough enough. Just dragging my fingernails across it would leave slight marks so it wouldn't stand up very well. I did it for an extra layer of protection in case any liquid ever gets under the plexi, plus it stops the art from sticking to the plexi.
Mamemarquees uses some sort of textured polycarbonate laminate that's supposed to be bulletproof, you might look into that.
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Let me second the "I hate you" comment..
That cab is beautiful.. :'(
Mine just sucks in comparison now.
Well, then again, mine is broken into pieces now, so maybe after I rebuild it it'll suck a little less, but still won't be nearly as visually stunning as yours.
AMAZING job.
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Thanks, just checked your site out and that's a nice cab..quite similar actually. So why is it in pieces?
Make sure you throw some lighted buttons in there when you're re-assembling..could easily be as 'visually stunning' as mine, even more so.
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I think this should be nominated for the Hall of Fame or a Mamey or something.
Great looking cab. Lots of "tried and true" designs made better with good ideas.
-D
Edit: It has been nominated. Just noticed this thread. (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,33268.0.html) Sorry!
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Any update on a website? I'm about to build my first cab and would love to use this as a template.
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Thanks for the emails and volunteer to help with my routing questions! I second the nomination for Hall of Fame!
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Knievel, if you need any help with dimensions or close up photos for the System 1, drop me an email. I have one sitting in my hallway. Good choice for your next project btw!
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Knievel:
Saint already said your cabinet would go in the HOF if you make a website. He'll even post it. Do you need any help with the website?
PLEEEEEEEEEEASE, let's get it in there!
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Thanks Dire I may take you up on that if I ever get some time for my own projects.
I'll try and start on a website this weekend guys, and get some final feature pics up here as promised...I'm without my camera for a couple of days. :(
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Well I'm planning on changing the artwork at some point but I'm going to call this one DONE. I will get a website up soon, thanks for all the interest and the HOF votes.
Here's a couple of pics of the final additions, the keyboard drawer and cupholders...
(http://members.shaw.ca/knievel/key1.JPG)
(http://members.shaw.ca/knievel/key2.JPG)
(http://members.shaw.ca/knievel/cup1.JPG)
(http://members.shaw.ca/knievel/cup2.JPG)
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... Thanks for making everyone in this forum feel obsolite...
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Did I mention I hate you? :P
What is your arcade background and where did you start?
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please tell me you had limitless funds, a personal cab design team, you live at your moms house AND you cheat at life... beacause if any of those aren't true... Im gonna have to take a nap. :-[
lol.. aww man...
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Heh thanks, ya you better go have that nap.
BTW the name of the image I used is in the first post.
So I finally got a website up, just click the link on the left. Afraid it's nothing spectacular yet, just a starting point. If you've seen all my projects there isn't much new, but I will slowly be adding content to it.
The bigger news is I'm now in the HOF for this cab, thanks to Saint and everyone who supported me!
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Where'd you get those cup holders? I got some fold out ones for a VW Van but they don't look nearly as good as those. I'd love to pick a couple up if you can post a link.
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It's a Type S Drink Holder, if you're in Canada you can grab them from Canadian Tire.
Otherwise you'll have to search around. Here's a place online that's got them, and a couple of other cool ones...
http://www.autobarn.net/airvedrho.html
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You're the king man...thanks
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That's me, 'King of the Cabinet-Building Stuntmen'...of course I'm the only one.
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Had some people new to the hobby wondering what all the various controls are for so I figured I'd post this.
It's a little control map I made for my machines...
(http://members.shaw.ca/knievel/control layout.jpg)
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Now if we could just get our hands on some of that artwork........ ;D
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Aren't you the guy that wanted my Flyercade :) What are you looking for exactly?
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Thanks, just checked your site out and that's a nice cab..quite similar actually. So why is it in pieces?
Make sure you throw some lighted buttons in there when you're re-assembling..could easily be as 'visually stunning' as mine, even more so. :)
Appreciate the complements on my cab, although it's not nearly as nice as yours, trust me.
There's tons of inperfections (the plexi over the CP isn't cut straight and actually has to stick over the top of the t-molding at one point, etc etc etc.
The reason why it's in pieces:
You were smart and you framed yours with 2x4's. Id idnt. I merely used 1x2 pieces of wood to attach the main panels to. Then, when I was moving, I added castors to the bottom. I was stupid enough to not reinforce the bottom panel the castors were bolted onto with more wood or metal.
I loaded the cabinet into the Uhaul, everything was fine.. When I got to the new place, I opened the truck, and saw the following:
The bottom panel shot up through the cabinet. This broke the shelf that held the hard drives and CD roms, adn they had flown out the back of the cabinet. The motherboard *MIGHT* have survivied. I haven't tested it quiet yet so I'm not sure. The entire right side of the cabinet split from the rest of the cabinet by about .5 inches. The entire right side is held on literally by ONE thread of the screws.
I also screwed many panels DIRECTLY together, and wood glued.. MOst of these separated.
It stands, but barely.. It has to be rebuilt and repainted.
I have no time to do this at the moment.
When I do rebuild it .. it will have:
A: lighted buttons.
B: MUCH better support.
C: New plexi.
D: Probably new smoked glass. I dunno where that panel went. I think I still have it but I'm not sure.
When will I get around to this?
Who knows :(
It's so depressing.
--NipsMG
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Excellent cab - unrelated question, did you redo the side artwork on your pinball, I can't work out as it looks spotless but the colours are quite subdued like faded artwork.
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That's quite the tale nipsmg, hope you can get that beauty rebuilt..good chance for some upgrades anyway.
clonestar that side of the pin must've been facing a window for a good part of it's arcade life. The other side of the cabinet is quite vibrant..the rest of it is in fine shape as well.
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Ok, I have to recommend that you get your own show....maybe we could get you on G4TV....
Title: Pimp my MAME cabinet.
That just rocks.
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Thanks..I like that show idea.
I've got some really over-the-top cabs on paper here...just need a big TV budget to make them a reality. :)
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I've noticed that you place the 4way stick very close to the spinner. Is this so that you can use the stick and spinner in some way with one hand, such as for disks of tron where you don't have the benefit of a trigger stick. It just seemed to me like they were close and you might bump or pinch your finders on the spinner knob when using the 4way.
What has your experience been while using it?
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Lots of room around it Mark, and I've got big hands. I spaced everything evenly at the top and made sure I could use them without touching the trackball.
Every control location on the CP was well thought out for comfort. You can rest your hand on the CP while using any one of them...makes for some long gaming sessions. ;)
If you're looking for a CP check out the Kustom Work page on my site.
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Lots of room around it Mark, and I've got big hands. I spaced everything evenly at the top and made sure I could use them without touching the trackball.
Every control location on the CP was well thought out for comfort. You can rest your hand on the CP while using any one of them...makes for some long gaming sessions. ;)
If you're looking for a CP check out the Kustom Work page on my site.
Oh, I assure you I 've been through your site thoroughly. I'm planning on building a mame cabinet based strongly on the Neon. I started with LuSid's plans, but I realized that it looks too chunky in the front and the subtle return under the CP makes all the difference in the world. I'm an architectural draftsman so I'm building it in 3d first, then I'll likely do detailed drawings.... and besides I have to finish my boat restoration before my wife to be will let me build the cab.
I've been very concerned about the control layout. I've seen a lot modular systems, the flip system, none seem very elegant. To be honest I don't know that one or two games like disks of tron or Ikari warriors with unusual controls warrant a unique control system. If I really want to relive two of those old favorites of mine, I may build a dedicated cabinet. The fully enclosed Disks of Tron cab is tempting, but let me get my first one built.
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Ya I would suggest a layout that plays most of what you want for your initial 'main' machine. A lot of people try to cram every possible control on their first CP.
I now have cabinets dedicated to specific controls but they hardly get touched.
Don't overdo it, you WILL build again. ;)
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A little HTML in your sig. there would be sweet, to link to those three projects.
You've got all those polishing touches on your machines, why not on the web too. ;)
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just wanted to say amazing job overall and if you dont mind id love to use the neon mame as inspiration for my first cabinet. you mentioned earlier in the thread making plans available for your cabinet. Any chance you might still post them?
Dan
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As you keep reading through this forum you will find MANY MANY MANY cabinets that copy, were inspired by, etc. the NEON MAME. Mine included (Alien MAME).
It's a very nicely done cabinet with cool lighted buttons and a very popular color combination.
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Recently had some people asking for measurements on this cabinet, thought I'd post what I have..
Overall height including base - 73 1/4"
Overall width including sides - 25 1/2"
Cabinet side dimensions:
Heights, from the bottom of the cabinet:
at front - 70 1/4"
at back - 62"
to top of CP box shelf - 31 1/2"
to behind the CP box - 6" high
to the point where the monitor area angles up towards the marquee - 56 1/8"
to the bottom of the marquee area - 62 3/8"
Depths, from the back of the cabinet:
at bottom/at top - 28"
to the tip of the CP box shelf- 34 1/8"
to behind the CP box - 24 5/8"
to the point where the monitor area angles up towards the marquee - 18 7/8"
Other Dimensions:
front door - 27" high x 23 7/8" wide
back piece - 58 3/4" high x 24" wide
very top piece - 6" deep x 24" wide
angled top piece - 23 3/8" x 24" wide
speaker piece - 10 1/2" deep x 24" wide
keyboard drawer - 8 1/2" deep x 23" wide
keyboard drawer front - 2 3/4" x 23 7/8" wide
admin panel below monitor - 3 1/2" high x 24" wide
base - 27" deep x 24" wide x 5 1/2" high (3" are actually visible when looking from the side)
You can also check out this site, he made some drawings using the measurements..
http://blah247.googlepages.com/mame (http://blah247.googlepages.com/mame)
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Awesome contribution.... now how about the same treatment to the Woody? ;)
Today I will be building the CP box with all those crazy miters and I'm scared.
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Yea and it only took 3 years. :)
I would love to do a proper drawing of the Woody or Evolution at some point, I'd need assistance though.
And at the moment I don't have either one sitting here..
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Hello Knievel,
first congratz to your wonderful arcade machine, it looks amazing.
What size of trackball are you using (3 inch or 2.25)? Is it the Happ Translucent model?
Regarding the CP, is it possible to get/purchase the control panel template?
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Knievel I love your work yor the reason i got into ths as a hoby lol. i want a cab just like this one but making it unique in my own way not sure how yet woorking the the layout of the cp now and the marquee im going with the same black and blue but not sure the design yet
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hay im kind of new to mame and boy did i get my hands full with this project. I just got done with the measurements and i have a guy who is helping me put the wood parts together (he owns his own wood shop and trains people but never has he done an arcade). Anyways i told him he could use my arcade to help draw in the younger crowed at the local fair coming up at the end of this month. We will work on it till our fingers break off to get it just right. Well on to my question. I have been looking everywhere for a good control cabinet design. I currently am going with a 4 player set up. The link to the info is: http://www.northernarmy.com/arcade/?m=200803 I will be moving the spinner next to the three buttons in the middle and then shifting the joystick, 3 buttons, and spinner to the left so i dont hit my hands on the joystick when playing the trackball. On the top middle (where the spinner is on the picture) i will have an exit button, enter button, and a pause button. The rest of the setup will stay the same. for the measurements im going to be using the same as the link. Again, cough cough, on to my question. How can i get my hands on the art design you used for your neon mame found on link: http://www.knievelkustoms.com/neonmame.htm I would like to use the worlds biggest form of flattery and copy it!! its the best ive found (looking for weeks) AND my wife likes it!!!!
i dont know how to move the circles you put around the buttons and joystick but i would like to match that image with my soon to be built control panel. Did you do it yourself? please get back to me. Maybe we can meet up in the chat room on this website. Let me know the time and date! :cheers:
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bump, I was also wondering if its still possiblt to get the art somewhere. I'd love to have it in red o.0
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Can you tell me what T-Molding you used to make it glow? I assume you used something like el wire behind it?
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Are you referring to his side art? If so those are blue neon speaker rings...his T Molding is regular afaik.
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I realize this project is over 15 years old, but it REMAINS one of my all time favorites.
I haven't been to the AC Forum in a while - so if this question has been answered, please forgive me . . .
Is/Was there ever a tutorial for how to make the side illuminated "MAME" circles on either side panel?
THANK YOU !!!
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Hi Tom,
I believe TheShaner used this build as a starting point. He does a great job of showing how he made the circle here:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,117641.0.html