The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls
Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: Jackoland on July 29, 2016, 05:06:03 pm
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Hi
I'm new to the forum! This is my first post, although I have been viewing for sometime.
I have been building a Robocop Bartop. I am building this on a budget. I asked on our estate if anyone had an old PC they were chucking. Luck would have it and I bagged a pent 4 3ghz 4gb ram and 320gb hd. I'm into old arcade classics (Robocop, double dragon, mortal kombat) so it plays them well. I used an old wardrobe I was taking to rubbish to build my custom cabinet. I used some common dimensions to design my cabinet.
Anyway a picture speaks a thousand words!
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_2.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_2.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_3.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_3.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_1.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_1.jpeg.html)
Thanks for looking. I will be posting more updates!
Cheers rich
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Welcome. Great build so far.you don't see many robot cop builds so kudos for not going mainstream.
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i forgot to say, I'm about 2 months into the build. Over next few days I will post progress pics to show how things went until I get to where I'm up to!
I recycled some old speakers that had sat in the garage for ages. I hooked them up to an old amp from a set of PC speakers that came with my recycled PC that was donated by a neighbour.
Also cut out the holes in the speaker panel. I'm not going to put a grill over speakers I like how they look!
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_6.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_6.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_5.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_5.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_7.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_7.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_8.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_8.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_4.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_4.jpeg.html)
See you next post
If you have any questions do far just fire away
Cheers
Rich
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Last post for tonight!
I designed some artwork in gimp. Similar to arcade.
Here is my custom control panel art
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_9.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_9.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_10.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_10.jpeg.html)
I changed the design before print, I will show you them on the cabinet in a future post!
Cheers rich
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Your move, creep!
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Nice build so far -- One minor thing in the sideart that you mirrored you need to remirror the detroit police logo to get it facing the correct way before printing !!
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_10.jpeg)
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I'd buy that for a dollar! :applaud:
Nice simple build--I like it!
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I'm with JD. Fix that mirroring issue and you have a pretty nice looking side.
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Well spotted guys on the mirroring! But the art is already printed and on :(. Lucky I'm not a perfectionist or that would bug me forever. I can live with it (I think). Good spot though!
Will post more pics in a bit
Cheers rich
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I fitted the back of the dell monitor to a piece of wood. Was really easy. Was good to be able to remove the monitor during the build.
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_11.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_11.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_13.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_13.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_12.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_12.jpeg.html)
Cheers rich
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Got the controls from China and chrome t molding. Drilled out button holes and t molding groove.
Unfortunately the t mold groove is to wide, so I'm working out what to do next, I hot glued some in on a test piece and it has held really well. So we shall see!
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_16.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_16.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_15.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_15.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_14.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_14.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_17.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_17.jpeg.html)
Cheers for looking!
Rich
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A few more, taking me ages to upload pics to photobucket! Sprayed the cabinet inside. Applied the control panel art! Starting to come together!
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_18.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_18.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_20.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_20.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_19.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_19.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_21.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_21.jpeg.html)
Cheers
Rich
Sorry for all the posts!
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Sorry for all the posts!
Nothing to be sorry for -- Can never get too many posts with pics !!!
Build is looking good. (just don't turn it on and start playing before it's done or progress might slow to a crawl :cheers: )
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I put hinges for the control panel on, hot glued the t molding on the control panel front. Wired in the buttons. I had to extend the some wires to fit to the USB controllers.
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_22.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_22.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_23.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_23.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_24.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_24.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_25.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_25.jpeg.html)
The hinged control panel ensures I can service the buttons if needed.
Cheers
Rich
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I got some led strip lights stuck them on to a board to fit behind the marquee. Soldered them together, they will be powered by 12v PC supply.
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_34.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_34.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_33.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_33.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_32.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_32.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_31.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_31.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_29.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_29.jpeg.html)
Cheers
Rich
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Last post tonight.
To hold the marquee in place I searched for something that was small. It had to be small because the marquee is only 10cm if I use big brackets then I will cover a big bit of the marquee art.
I found these - kitchen worktop end caps
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_35.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_35.jpeg.html)
Cut them down to size
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_26.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_26.jpeg.html)
Looking good
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_27.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_27.jpeg.html)
Also stuck some rubber feet on
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_28.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_28.jpeg.html)
The end cap is my best tip yet!
Cheers rich
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Solid little first time project, my friend. Classic lines, subtle art, light on the bling... Nice job!!!
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Looking great! I think my favorite part of this build is all the repurposing you are doing. Very creative!
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Nice build so far. This is going to be a pretty slick looking bartop when complete. :cheers:
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I always used L-brackets for my marquee retainers. While I agree, the retainers need to not cover the artwork, they can be the same thickness of the wood. I generally go with an L bracket that is 3/4 on one end, and a quarter or 3/8 thick on the other end. I try to make my artwork dark so it gives the illusion of a larger display area.
The only thing I see that you may want to change on your next build is to increase the viewing angle. Either by not placing the monitor so far back, or by giving it more of an angle (such as a wee-cade). My first bartop, I had a large marquee overhang and it caused me some issues since I had to view the bartop straight away.
Future cabinets, I started mounting my speakers on the bottom, instead of in the marquee area, so I could mount the monitor closer to the edge and reduce the marquee overhang.
Great looking build.
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Cheers for feedback, I know what you mean about viewing angles, it's ok if I'm sat at a table but the marquee over hang just touches the top of the screen when I'm standing. Might put bigger feet on to lift it up an inch or two. I will definitely learn from this build. I do think I will build another in the future ;)
Anyway here are the pics of the marquee. Got some Plexi glass and sandwiched the graphics then used the worktop end to fix it in place, looks great! Did a quick test of the light behind the marquee!
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_44.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_44.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_43.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_43.jpeg.html)
Sorry not the best quality pics.
Here are some with the screen plexiglass fitted
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image.jpg1.jpg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image.jpg1.jpg.html)
I have done a frame round the screen edge with masking, then turned it over and masked off the screen ready for spraying!
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image.jpg3.jpg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image.jpg3.jpg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image.jpg4.jpg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image.jpg4.jpg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image.jpg5.jpg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image.jpg5.jpg.html)
Still need to spray the Plexi, job to do
Cheers
Rich
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Put side art on! Looking amazing. This is a very satisfying hobby :)
And that's it folks, this is how far I have got!
Still need to paint bezel, and then strip out the PC and put it in the cabinet. Wire everything up! Make a back door and stick on the t molding.
Here's me sticking the side art on, gave it a good clean and using the centre hinge method stuck it on. I used a credit card to smooth it out, only had two very small air bubbles, managed to get them out!
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_40.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_40.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_38.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_38.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_42.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_42.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_36.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_36.jpeg.html)
As you can see I changed the side art slightly. Used craft knife to trim excess off.
Now all I can see is the backwards Detroit police badge :)
Cheers rich
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Now all I can see is the backwards Detroit police badge :)
Cheers rich
Sorry about that -- If it hadn't been mentioned you probably would of never noticed but once you see it it's hard not to !! :cheers:
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I do like how the final version has the title at the bottom. Good call.
One of the best bar tops of 2016. Kudos!
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I support your bartop citizen!
(http://66.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1jakmmOgk1rs8qe1o1_1280.jpg)
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Really nice looking bartop. Also, damn, you're so fast! :cheers:
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Great project!! Great game, very underrated.
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This looks great!
Robocop + bartop = RoboTop.
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Did a bit more work on Robotop today ;)
Painted bezel and installed.
Also had a go at seeing how the PC will fit!
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_48.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_48.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_47.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_47.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_46.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_46.jpeg.html)
Cheers for all the positive feedback so far!
Cheers rich
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Dual hard drives?
Be sure to test the fitting of your power supply with a plug. It looks pretty close to the edge.
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Nice cabinet chap. Robocop was my fav game back in the day and it took me 25 years before i could beat it on one credit! Still gets more play than most others on my cab.
Noticed you're from Leeds. I was up there the other day for my sons graduation. Had to take a diversion and go to arcade club in Manchester. It's only about an hour away you lucky ***** 😄
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Robocop was a great game. It's underrated like Willow. I like both of those a lot.
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Well fitting the motherboard and psu in the cabinet was tricky, the psu leads wouldn't reach the mobo in certain positions. Anyway after multiple attempts got it secured in!
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_54.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_54.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_53.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_53.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_51.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_51.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_52.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_52.jpeg.html)
As you can see I used L brackets to secure psu, no screws just clamps it in! Solid!
Then I powered everything back up......................
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_50.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_50.jpeg.html)
Nooooooooooooooooooooooo!
Well I won't bore you, but after unplugging and re seating everything....................
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_50.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_50.jpeg.html)
Nooooooooooooooooooooo
Then I did it again and tested each ram module and then.....................
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_55.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_55.jpeg.html)
Yeeeeeaaaaahhhh!
Working again phew!
Dodgy ram module it seems?
Cheers rich
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Another play test, everything is up and running!
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_56.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_56.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_58.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_58.jpeg.html)
Father in law enjoying an old classic
I received amp today hooked upto PC 12v and connected the PC mobo. Got some terrible hum,hisses and clicking that increase as the PC works harder. When I unplug sound cable noise goes away. I used a better input cable and that helped, but still had enough hum to be distracting. I'm hope a ground loop isolator will fix this, as things got better even on a simple lead change? Just looking for advice before I buy one. Below is my amp!
Cheers
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_57.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_57.jpeg.html)
Cheers rich!
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I quit powering my sounds from the PSU.
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A bit of an update. I got a sound loop isolator and bang, the sound is clear and loud. So looks like I can power amp from psu.
I fitted the t molding, if you remember my slot was too wide. I used e6000 glue ( the same I used on my stormtrooper armour build, I had some left over) it was clamped using masking tape, it look good and solid. Only of couple bit lifted at high stress areas. I will try and get them down with some fast drying e proxy.
Here are some pics of the finished external cabinet. I need to finish cable management, and make a back door!
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_63.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_63.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_67.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_67.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_64.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_64.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_65.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_65.jpeg.html)
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/jackoland/Arcade%20build/image_66.jpeg) (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/jackoland/media/Arcade%20build/image_66.jpeg.html)
Cheers
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Nice build mate, I like the theme and I like the fact you made the cabinet out of a recycled wardrobe. Cool stuff!
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Cheers thunder! I have really enjoyed building this!
I'm enjoying playing the old arcades, it does feel like I'm playing them on a real arcade!
Cheers rich
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Nailed it..great build
Sent from my SM-N930F using Tapatalk
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Great. Photobucket photo are viewable again