The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls

Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: Pauly on June 30, 2015, 02:04:30 pm

Title: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build **ALMOST COMPLETE**)
Post by: Pauly on June 30, 2015, 02:04:30 pm
IT ALL STARTED WHEN...:
I was on Reddit one day doing my daily reading of the front page when I ran into a post on someone building an arcade cabinet for a client of theirs called Smash Fighter (Here is that post (http://imgur.com/a/vJl3D)). I was instantly inspired looking at his images reading labels where I could find them on where he got these parts. After a week or so of poking around his photos I noticed something he wrote "Cabinet was inspired by Chance's FLYNN's Arcade Cabinet on BYOAC. Did a google search and found this post on these forums (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=135116.0) which introduced me to the magic of BYOAC  :notworthy:. That was it....hook, line and sinker. Let's do this.

UPDATE 8/12/15 (Landed Design Theme: READY PLAYER ONE)

I have been thinking about this for years. I have owned around 4 arcade cabinets in my life (Galaga '88, Rampage, Tron and Dragon's Lair)...All of them are gone now, except for Dragon's Lair who my children "kinda" think is cool for the novelty, but get bored pretty quick - and I personally don't like playing games alone ALL the time. DL was bought in college and it's hard for me to let it go, but I think it's about time to sell it and make some space for this new build that will get my family & friends involved in the fun..

Artwork:

(http://i.imgur.com/dtKXT3R.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/UmSxG11.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/8DyjCrN.png)

Early Concept:
(http://i.imgur.com/Q3kJuFD.jpg)

INSPIRATION:

GOALS:

GAMELIST MUSTS:

PARTS LIST (As I get them I'll write them in):
(Going to have to purchase another one...SO MANY LEDs)

I plan to add to this list, but at the same time I don't want the game amounts to be overwhelming. Mainly I am looking for games that can have up to 4 players, utilizes the spinner, Lightguns and the trackball. If you got ideas of some good ones let me know!

I realize that this list sounds ludicrous, but it's not impossible. I know I should start small, but....nah. This is what I want. I'll deal with the headaches.....removing Hyperspin from the build might be the number headache reducer according to many. Some parts have been ordered and are already on their way. I will document my build and share my knowledge and artwork along the way.  :woot

Thanks for taking the time to read,

- Pauly
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: Pauly on June 30, 2015, 02:40:29 pm
While I am at it. Anyone know of any good CnC shops in Dallas, TX area?
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: johnrt on June 30, 2015, 03:17:29 pm
Use Mala as Front End (Thanks to ChanceKJ for helping me make that decision - I read his horror story of Hyperspin)
That I have missed. Can you point me in that direction?
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: vwalbridge on June 30, 2015, 04:23:57 pm
Hey Pauly! Nice to see that you have decided to take the plunge and build your own arcade! I guarantee it will not be your last. :) 

It looks like you are diving in head first and going all out on your first build. I agree, might as well go big. If you are going to do it....do it the way you want to. It might feel overwhelming at times but it will be worth it.

In my opinion, the woodworking is the hardest part. So its great that you have considered using a CNC shop. Once you get over the "construction" part, that's where it gets easier.

Take your time and make sure the woodworking is perfect. You will thank yourself later.

I'll be following!

Quote
Use Mala as Front End (Thanks to ChanceKJ for helping me make that decision - I read his horror story of Hyperspin)

I can't imagine any arcade of mine without Hyperspin. To each his own, but you might want to reconsider this later. Hyperspin can take a good cab and make it a great cab in my opinion.

Hyperspin has a somewhat steep learning curve but you really only set it up once. You can then use that setup on any cab at a later date.

Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: Pauly on June 30, 2015, 04:51:41 pm
Use Mala as Front End (Thanks to ChanceKJ for helping me make that decision - I read his horror story of Hyperspin)
That I have missed. Can you point me in that direction?

Sure thing. It's real short, but it was summing up how I was feeling about a week ago when I started working on the software side of the build. I LOVE the look of Hyperspin, it's just so unnecessarily over complicated with the setup and not worth the pain in the end.

Here is his short - F' Hyperspin post. (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,135116.msg1402046.html#msg1402046)
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: Pauly on June 30, 2015, 04:55:10 pm
Thank Vwalbridge! I may consider Hyperspin again (because it is amazing), but for now so I dont get frustrated up front Mala is sitting pretty.
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: pbj on June 30, 2015, 04:57:02 pm
I don't even like Dragon's Lair and even I wouldn't sell a working Dragon's Lair I had had for years.  It's not THAT much space.


Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: reptileink on June 30, 2015, 05:24:18 pm
^
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: Pauly on June 30, 2015, 09:04:38 pm
I don't even like Dragon's Lair and even I wouldn't sell a working Dragon's Lair I had had for years.  It's not THAT much space.

You know how long I've thought that? This cabinet was going to go to my grave, but I just woke up one night and thought - nah. I'm good. There is someone out there that will respect this cabinet so much more than I. There is a true hardcore DL fan, that wants to add this to their collection in their basement and it's a shame it just sits in a corner in my house.  :cry:

I'm not a collector, I love games and my kids and I want to combine those two. Here is a picture of the cab, btw.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/5debZDEwFfAF0Vbph-1wQCrsSAZpajxIKPO-hY1J-jo=w527-h936-no)
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: yotsuya on June 30, 2015, 09:23:53 pm
I'd buy it if you lived in AZ.
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: vwalbridge on July 01, 2015, 12:10:55 am
Wow, I've forgotten how funky the DL cab was. I mean... just look at that marquee! So unique looking.

Yours looks to be in tip top shape. Should fetch some pretty good coin right?
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: dkssprs on July 01, 2015, 09:37:45 am
Hi. I am also building a new cab for the family (FAMICADE).

One of my goals is the cab will have a coin acceptor but also a secret way to turn the cab into free play mode.

Why did you choose MALA? The only fortend i have used is MAXIMUS and i think its easy to work with it. Is MALA better?

Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: Pauly on July 01, 2015, 12:59:24 pm
Hi. I am also building a new cab for the family (FAMICADE).

One of my goals is the cab will have a coin acceptor but also a secret way to turn the cab into free play mode.

Why did you choose MALA? The only fortend i have used is MAXIMUS and i think its easy to work with it. Is MALA better?

From my VERY limited experience, I went HYPERSPIN first and had many frustrations with it. Read about MALA and gave it a shot, it's incredibly easy to use and setup. Also I loved Mala had customization options available, for instance look at this guys custom theme, not too shabby. Theme editor is real simple, too.

http://www.severdhed.com/images/arcade/malalayout2.jpg (http://www.severdhed.com/images/arcade/malalayout2.jpg)

Not exactly as great as Hyperspin, but I think it amounts to how much work you put into it. I am actually very unfamiliar with Maximus, so I can't really comment on how it compares.

Also I did find an article about MAXIMUS comparisons here (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=104438.0). Maybe I need to take a little more extra time into deciding the right frontend.
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: reptileink on July 01, 2015, 01:32:21 pm
I went Maximus after being frustrated with Hyperspin.

This is the Xbox vs PS  debate you will find throughout the internet. I think it comes down to how comfortable you are with setting each one up. I found the "point and click" of Maximus a much easier go than Hyperspin personally. After all, I want to spend time PLAYING the games, not endless hours setting up the front end. You can get really creative with Maximus (I made custom images for systems), or just use it "out of the box" and still have a pretty cool interface. I wish I had more time/patience to do more with it, but in the end, it's about playing the games, not how flashy your front end is.
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: yotsuya on July 01, 2015, 01:45:54 pm
I stayed with Hyperspin after not being very frustrated with Hyperspin. Set it up once, never have to again.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: vwalbridge on July 01, 2015, 03:57:00 pm
I stayed with Hyperspin after not being very frustrated with Hyperspin. Set it up once, never have to again.  :cheers:

yotsuya is my homeboy. Us Hyperspin guys need to stick together.  ;)

I've set up 2 (highly modified) Hyperspin cinfigurations.  So if you decide to go that route hit me up if you need help. I feel like a Hyperspin Jedi now.

Also, since it looks like your cab is going to play mostly arcade games, it will make your life much easier. In all seriousness, I almost quit on Hyperspin twice but I'm SO glad I didn't. Sure, Hyperspin has it's annoyances just like anything else but the polished look far makes up for it in my opinion. Where people get into a lot of trouble is file names in Hyperspin. Hyperspin is very strict with file names. Games, videos, artwork, sounds, themes, etc must all have EXACTLY the same file names for the eco-system to jive.
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: yotsuya on July 01, 2015, 04:01:43 pm
I stayed with Hyperspin after not being very frustrated with Hyperspin. Set it up once, never have to again.  :cheers:

yotsuya is my homeboy. Us Hyperspin guys need to stick together.  ;)

I've set up 2 (highly modified) Hyperspin setups.  So if you decide to go that route hit me up if you need help. I feel like a Hyperspin Jedi now.

Also, since it looks like your cab is going to play mostly arcade games, it will make your life much easier. In all seriousness, I almost quit on Hyperspin twice but I'm SO glad I didn't. Sure, Hyperspin has it's annoyances just like anything else but the polished look far makes up for it in my opinion. Where people get into a lot of trouble is file names in Hyperspin. Hyperspin is very strict with file names. Games, videos, artwork, sounds, themes, etc must all have EXACTLY the same file names for the eco-system to jive.

Exactly- and there's plenty of re-naming tools to make that process easy, too.

Anything worth doing is worth doing right. Yeah, Hyperspin has a bit of a learning curve. So what? So does cab building.
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: Pauly on July 02, 2015, 12:58:11 am
Alright, as I am waiting for some of the pieces I ordered to come in I started boxing out how I believe I want the cab to look. Here is an image, let me know your thoughts.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/XVtlQ8XADeBekXtCBGdMvdHMquMcYQ5vRLhBsmteFgg=w1024-h500-no)

Going with the "Aircraft Carrier" CP layout with a Dragon's Lair cab inspired marquee.
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: yotsuya on July 02, 2015, 11:27:56 am
I'm glad people at least call it the "aircraft carrier" now. Somewhere, up there, Goz is smiling down on us.
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: Pauly on July 02, 2015, 01:19:52 pm
I'm glad people at least call it the "aircraft carrier" now. Somewhere, up there, Goz is smiling down on us.

I actually believe I heard you refer it to that and I thought, that is the perfect description. Side note, who's Goz?
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: yotsuya on July 02, 2015, 04:16:40 pm
I'm glad people at least call it the "aircraft carrier" now. Somewhere, up there, Goz is smiling down on us.

I actually believe I heard you refer it to that and I thought, that is the perfect description. Side note, who's Goz?
Goz is the first person I heard us that term. He's an old-timer,  and I've been greatly inspired by him.
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: vwalbridge on July 02, 2015, 05:19:21 pm
Now THAT is an arcade.  :D She is a big one for sure. And once again, if your gonna do it...might as well go big. I like it.

However, I have a couple of questions:

1. Will you be able to remove the control panel?  (I only ask because you might need to fit that arcade through a doorway or around corners. Removing that control panel could help)
2. What size is that screen?
3. Do you have the means to bend those 2 angles on that marquee?
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: Pauly on July 02, 2015, 05:37:18 pm
Now THAT is an arcade.  :D She is a big one for sure. And once again, if your gonna do it...might as well go big. I like it.

However, I have a couple of questions:

1. Will you be able to remove the control panel?  (I only ask because you might need to fit that arcade through a doorway or around corners. Removing that control panel could help)
2. What size is that screen?
3. Do you have the means to bend those 2 angles on that marquee?

Great questions!

1. Control panel will be removable, I plan on using clamp knobs to assemble/disassemble.
2. 32" - This is the one I was looking at specifically (http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-UN32J4000-32-Inch-720p-Model/dp/B00TWFHCLE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1435872604&sr=8-2&keywords=32%22+lcd&pebp=1435872617993&perid=1PN1CBMGWWB32R1VVJ2Q).
3. NOPE! Got to figure that out. Right now, the plan is to look for suggestions.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: vwalbridge on July 02, 2015, 05:50:55 pm
Now THAT is an arcade.  :D She is a big one for sure. And once again, if your gonna do it...might as well go big. I like it.

However, I have a couple of questions:

1. Will you be able to remove the control panel?  (I only ask because you might need to fit that arcade through a doorway or around corners. Removing that control panel could help)
2. What size is that screen?
3. Do you have the means to bend those 2 angles on that marquee?

Great questions!

1. Control panel will be removable, I plan on using clamp knobs to assemble/disassemble.
2. 32" - This is the one I was looking at specifically (http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-UN32J4000-32-Inch-720p-Model/dp/B00TWFHCLE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1435872604&sr=8-2&keywords=32%22+lcd&pebp=1435872617993&perid=1PN1CBMGWWB32R1VVJ2Q).
3. NOPE! Got to figure that out. Right now, the plan is to look for suggestions.  :laugh:

I noticed that you opted for the 720p TV. Looks like they have a 1080p version for $50 more:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00V0923TG/ref=amb_link_433310882_1 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00V0923TG/ref=amb_link_433310882_1)

I certainly don't like spending money for people and classic arcade games are not going to look any better on a 1080p screen.But just checking for you.  I'm also sure you considered it as well.

I have bent 1/8th inch plexi with a heat gun before and it was actually pretty easy. If you go slow and don't heat it too fast, it will not turn it cloudy. And now that I think about it, finding/making a one-piece marquee bracket could be the real challenge.
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: dmckean on July 02, 2015, 05:54:07 pm
Classic arcade games probably will look better on a 1080p screen if he plans to use HLSL. I was about to suggest the same TV.

Are you going to have a coin door?

Have you thought about making the Player 2 joystick switch-able between 8-way and 4-way instead of having 5 joysticks?
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: vwalbridge on July 02, 2015, 06:01:53 pm
Quote
Classic arcade games probably will look better on a 1080p screen if he plans to use HLSL.

You make a very good point.  :cheers: Not to mention standing that close to a screen, higher rez could make a difference to your eye. I might sleep better at night knowing that I could play some Street Fighter 4 in 1080p if I wanted to.

But once again, I really don't want to spend your money for you. It's amazing how fast the cost adds up on these cabs.
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: aldub516 on July 02, 2015, 10:56:55 pm
on the topic of the bent marquee, I promise it is easy to do. The look on my face the first time i bent my first lexan was like a little kid. I used i believe .093 thickness lexan. Heres a few methods for lexan bending. I used it like crazy on my pedestal and love the final product. In my opinion, lexan is easy as butter to drill, cut, bend and do what youd like with, with minimal effort.

I used a heatgun i found laying around in my shop. Gets real hot real fast. To bend lexan without following a shape like angled surface or something, i basically drew a line where id like the bend on the lexan. I took 4 blocks of wood, and clamped two on each side of the lexan, on each side of the line. Basically the point is obviously to just reveal the area youd like to bend, being a vertical line in the marquee. Simply apply some heat and within seconds, you can bend it wherever youd like. Its even easier if youre applying lexan to a bent surface. You can just heat it and bend it along the curve, or over a table corner. If you want to be precise, you can miter the ends of the blocks to a point, so when you clamp them, you get a very precise bend. If youre going to do it often, you can have multi angled blocks for different angles. As i said though, its easy as butter. Dont read into any difficult gimmicks. Heat the hell out of lexan where it needs, and bend it where it needs a good bendin ;) enjoy.. youre going to start looking at things in your home like "what can use some lexan around here"
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: pbj on July 03, 2015, 12:09:24 am
32" = too small

720 = junk

Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: Pauly on July 03, 2015, 12:10:07 am
Classic arcade games probably will look better on a 1080p screen if he plans to use HLSL. I was about to suggest the same TV.

Are you going to have a coin door?

Have you thought about making the Player 2 joystick switch-able between 8-way and 4-way instead of having 5 joysticks?

Hmm, maybe I should consider 1080p then, not that much more.

I plan on having a coin door for sure, I was thinking about this one. http://na.suzohapp.com/amusement_products/coin_doors/40-0946-00 (http://na.suzohapp.com/amusement_products/coin_doors/40-0946-00)

I was considering the ServoStick and still am. Less sticks would be nice for sure.
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: Pauly on July 03, 2015, 12:14:28 am
32" = too small

720 = junk

Thanks for your feedback. Can you support your opinion? 32" seems like a pretty generous size.
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: dmckean on July 03, 2015, 08:27:36 pm
32" = too small

720 = junk

Thanks for your feedback. Can you support your opinion? 32" seems like a pretty generous size.

I'm not really sure what he meant but TVs models tend to jump in size from 32" to 40". I think for ends up almost too big.

With a 32" TV you'll get a 24" picture for 4:3(horizontal) games and an 18" picture for 3:4(vertical) games. If you made the jump to a 40" TV, 4:3 games would be 30" and 3:4 games would be around 22.5 inches. 32" seems OK to me.

Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: eds1275 on July 06, 2015, 02:46:16 pm
Want to keep the games list small, but want to have spinner, 4 players, guns, trackball, pinball... If you are indeed using MaLa I would suggest just loading it up and then hiding the All Games master list.

I'm sure finding a CNC shop in Dallas won't be hard. Although for many of the users here, the build is most of the fun. I personally have a lot of games nights and play an awful lot, but am happy I did the work myself. A lot of people tend to over think, over engineer, and generally make a problem out of joining wood/mdf together.
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: Pauly on July 06, 2015, 05:27:11 pm
Want to keep the games list small, but want to have spinner, 4 players, guns, trackball, pinball... If you are indeed using MaLa I would suggest just loading it up and then hiding the All Games master list.

I'm sure finding a CNC shop in Dallas won't be hard. Although for many of the users here, the build is most of the fun. I personally have a lot of games nights and play an awful lot, but am happy I did the work myself. A lot of people tend to over think, over engineer, and generally make a problem out of joining wood/mdf together.

I am glad you brought this up. I am not much of Woodworking person, but as I do any craft - I find it fascinating! With that said, I decided to give the actual woodworking a shot myself.  I purchased a table saw and a router and started measuring things out. I know I am going to screw up the measurements somewhere, but thats going to be the learning part. I think my goal is to not injure myself (badly) personally!

Also when I mean a small game list I am saying less than 100 or so. There seems to be builds will over 400 games, I just don't want to do that. I want to build mine with games that are specific to the tools I have on the board. I get the irony that there are a ton of controls and that I have and probably everything will work, but then I am only looking for the elite few. Mostly multi-player games - MK and SF are a must and I would like to connect Steam as well.

I dont want to try to over engineer it. I am actually probably most wood workers worst nightmare. I measure maybe twice and say "HELL WITH IT, LET'S DO THIS!" and either comes out perfect, or I am buying more wood.

====

Update: Joystick and Buttons came in from Paradise Arcade. I am testing them out on a pencil box to see the difficulty in wiring these things up. So far, so good.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/B0Noc3Z5qgNNg1nIqJ9bOjOY6yICEKhLGS776-S5zqQ=w1944-h1093-no)

Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: eds1275 on July 07, 2015, 03:09:15 am
The problem with trying to get only a select few, is everyone's ideas will be radically different and even worse, you will miss out on the hidden gems, of which there are many. One of my favourites is The Outfoxies, my niece loves Michael Jackson's Moonwalker, my nephew loves Loco-Motion, and my wife loves Puzz Loop. Not exactly 5 star top tier games but all amazing and worth putting the time in to play!

The woodworking is not rocket science. I mean it's basically just a box! I would have gone with a circular saw instead of a table saw. Really the only tools you need are a drill, a router, a circular saw, and a jigsaw.
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: Pauly on July 07, 2015, 08:20:45 am
table saw was more for the small pieces and also this project was an excuse for the wife to get a table saw  :cheers:. I have all the other tools listed ready to go!

I may reconsider the game selection based off your post, i just noticed my kids last night enjoying some games on mame that i thought were terrible.  :dunno
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: Generic Eric on July 07, 2015, 09:50:45 am
The woodworking is not rocket science. I mean it's basically just a box! I would have gone with a circular saw instead of a table saw. Really the only tools you need are a drill, a router, a circular saw, and a jigsaw.
See my post here (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,136190.msg1407651.html#msg1407651) for the generic game of boxes.  Read it because: The arcade cabinet is a box.  A box of boxes if you will.  It should focus some places that you'll want to get measurements to.
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on July 10, 2015, 12:00:39 pm
Quick update. I started cutting out the control panel and wanted to share some things I've learned.


I am going to build the walls next for the panel, question to you guys. Recommended height for the CP? I am seeing 4". With the 3/4" MDF on the top and bottom the walls would only have to be 2.5"....Am I correct on this? Let me know and thanks!

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/UaeMCDygZwjn1ejjji1YpY9G0tpnCZbZ_hzIKnVZZ2E=w1593-h897-no)
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: vwalbridge on July 10, 2015, 12:08:39 pm
I LOVE gorilla glue.

But this doesn't look like WOOD gorilla glue:
(http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/h379/vwalbridge/gg.jpg)

Regular gorilla glue does foam out and expand everywhere. Makes cleanup a mess. You really should be using wood glue from here on out. Did you try wood glue and not like it?
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on July 10, 2015, 01:06:05 pm
I LOVE gorilla glue.

But this doesn't look like WOOD gorilla glue:
(http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/h379/vwalbridge/gg.jpg)

Regular gorilla glue does foam out and expand everywhere. Makes cleanup a mess. You really should be using wood glue from here on out. Did you try wood glue and not like it?

Ok here is the deal.....no.....In a matter of fact, I didn't even know that existed. Let me be honest, my crafting skills from a 1-10 is about a -2.

...Sigh....headed to the store after work and going to get Gorilla Wood Glue. (In my defense it said ANYTHING on the bottle.  ;))
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: abkaz on July 10, 2015, 01:30:57 pm
Were you planning on screwing the CP's side pieces into those strips of wood? If you're using decent wood glue you probably don't need any strips or screws to hold the sides onto the base piece. Just glue and clamp them on. The glue's bond is stronger than the wood itself.
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on July 13, 2015, 12:02:31 am
Were you planning on screwing the CP's side pieces into those strips of wood? If you're using decent wood glue you probably don't need any strips or screws to hold the sides onto the base piece. Just glue and clamp them on. The glue's bond is stronger than the wood itself.

Wasn't planning on screwing in the control panel sides. Was going wood glue all the way. Glad that your opinion is the same!  :cheers:

Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on July 13, 2015, 12:09:58 am
Quick update:

Getting the hang of the woodworking tools now....Youtube videos and this forums great advice is teaching me a lot about it! Not only am I building a cab, but I am learning a skill - That's pretty great.

So tools I have acquired so far for this project:

So here is something cool I wanted to share. This is the plunger I got from hong kong for the pinball games.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/B_iUy7EDcmnhpXdLUk33sXxVJ2wKLXgjQLaPinIYPBc=w1285-h723-no)

Sorry for the mess, I havent really cleaned the boards yet...I am applying wood filler now to hide all the damn sin I have made.  :banghead:
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: rablack97 on July 13, 2015, 01:09:27 am
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bq3gHVjIAAANVOK.jpg)

Filler abuse.......
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on July 13, 2015, 01:18:38 am
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bq3gHVjIAAANVOK.jpg)

Filler abuse.......

Listen, I am doing what I can with what little knowledge i have of woodworking. If you want to criticize, at least provide me with constructive feedback.
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: ChanceKJ on July 13, 2015, 04:49:55 am
 :applaud: this is crazy, I've gotta start making a list of all the cabs using my FLYNN's project as a base. I know of at least a half dozen for sure. Good luck, I'll be watching.
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: rablack97 on July 13, 2015, 09:35:46 am
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bq3gHVjIAAANVOK.jpg)

Filler abuse.......

Listen, I am doing what I can with what little knowledge i have of woodworking. If you want to criticize, at least provide me with constructive feedback.

Not sure you can criticize if your agreeing with someone.

First, lighten up man it was a joke.

If you look at the time i responded at 1 am, Dallas Texas Time, so I didn't have time to elaborate

My only advice at this point in the build is take your time, if you're slathering up the wood putty, like that, it usually means your rushing, and you chose a helluva hard profile to build for your first non-woodworking experience attempt at a first cab.

The rendering looks cool, i hope you can pull it off.

What do you want for your DL machine, im in mckinney?
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: vwalbridge on July 13, 2015, 10:35:57 am
Hey Pauly, I'm enjoying following your progress. You have a great set of tools collected for this build so far. I think your next purchase should be an random orbit sander. Ain't nothing wrong with having to use some filler. Nobody gets through a build without having to use a little. Even for  some nail/screw holes.

They are actually one most valuable tools for the price. I can't believe how much I use mine and it was only $40. Amazon has a nice DeWalt for $60. (I'm sorta partial to DeWalt)  If you are like me, then after 5 minutes of sanding by hand, you would pay anything to make it go faster.

Orbit sander is gonna give you a really nice smooth finish too. (With a high grit sandpaper). Speaking from experience, you are going to really want to sand that filler smooth. It will definitely show in the end if you don't. (Unless it is covered with vinyl or decals) It will be worth it now to fix it or it will bug you for the life of the cab.

You will want to close your eyes and move your hand across the damaged area. You'll know you got it perfect when you can't tell where the MDF ends and filler begins.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: abkaz on July 13, 2015, 10:47:33 am
I like the plunger - our last build has a similar CP with buttons on the side for pinball. How far into the CP does your plunger extend? We had to skip the plunger because it was too long and the player 2 buttons were in the way. So now we use the P2 joystick instead (pull down to pull the plunger, then release the stick to release the plunger).
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on July 13, 2015, 10:52:11 pm
Not sure you can criticize if your agreeing with someone.

First, lighten up man it was a joke.

Fair enough. You caught me on a stupid mental day.  :cheers: Plus your a Cowboys fan - Therefore your automatically awesome.

Quote
My only advice at this point in the build is take your time, if you're slathering up the wood putty, like that, it usually means your rushing, and you chose a helluva hard profile to build for your first non-woodworking experience attempt at a first cab.

The rendering looks cool, i hope you can pull it off.

Thanks for the advice, trust me I am not trying to rush. Pretty much everyone I know has said "Dude, that's impossible for you to do." - I might have little man syndrome, cause now I want to prove everyone wrong!   :lol

Quote
What do you want for your DL machine, im in mckinney?

First off, SHUT THE  :censored: UP!! I'm in McKinney too! Stacy and Ridge! I'm willing to part with DL for $1,200 at the least. Everything is original including the Laser Disc (sans Side Art). Little history, I've had DL since college which was '99, bought it from some dude in Houston. It's been indoors the entire time.
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on July 13, 2015, 10:56:40 pm
Orbit sander is gonna give you a really nice smooth finish too. (With a high grit sandpaper). Speaking from experience, you are going to really want to sand that filler smooth. It will definitely show in the end if you don't. (Unless it is covered with vinyl or decals) It will be worth it now to fix it or it will bug you for the life of the cab.

Thanks so much! Orbit Sander is now on the list - believe it or not I found a belt sander randomly in the garage. I have a feeling that using that with destroy everything I have done so far.
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on July 13, 2015, 10:59:55 pm
I like the plunger - our last build has a similar CP with buttons on the side for pinball. How far into the CP does your plunger extend? We had to skip the plunger because it was too long and the player 2 buttons were in the way. So now we use the P2 joystick instead (pull down to pull the plunger, then release the stick to release the plunger).

Good question, I thought about the spacing in particular. Right now, there is enough space for the plunger and the side button. However, I testing locations on the top to ensure that player 2 doesnt come in contact. Here is an image of how long it is. Right now I am crossing my fingers this will not be a problem, cause it feels SUPER cool.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/BmLFyFdAO4VuxNOPbEb6rqA7hdAVUsfcJleM3jRiZj0=w1748-h983-no)
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: yotsuya on July 13, 2015, 11:20:42 pm



Fair enough. You caught me on a stupid mental day.  :cheers: Plus your a Cowboys fan - Therefore your automatically awesome.

 

Aw, crap, they're going to start multiplying around here. Better get my "Romo sucks" shirt out of the washer.
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on July 13, 2015, 11:36:48 pm



Fair enough. You caught me on a stupid mental day.  :cheers: Plus your a Cowboys fan - Therefore your automatically awesome.

 

Aw, crap, they're going to start multiplying around here. Better get my "Romo sucks" shirt out of the washer.

That's awesome, you, my dad and my dumb Packer friends!  :laugh2:
(http://cdn.nextimpulsesports.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/1525698_10151794166981481_1283575360_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: yotsuya on July 13, 2015, 11:38:14 pm



Fair enough. You caught me on a stupid mental day.  :cheers: Plus your a Cowboys fan - Therefore your automatically awesome.

 

Aw, crap, they're going to start multiplying around here. Better get my "Romo sucks" shirt out of the washer.

That's awesome, you, my dad and my dumb Packer friends!  :laugh2:
(http://cdn.nextimpulsesports.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/1525698_10151794166981481_1283575360_n.jpg)
Romo goes full Romo every Sunday :cheers:
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: rablack97 on July 14, 2015, 09:22:42 am
K, you mentioned Cowboys, Yot has a nose for that word, anytime it is mentioned he finds the thread and derails it with hatred and disgust.  Anytime i build a cowboys rig i build it in his honor.

Im on independence and virginia.....

Oddly enough, i dont watch football, so I have to listen to my wife cuss and cheer the cowboys on.

PM though, we are driving distance, i got spare parts and tools you could use to assist with your build, test pieces etc, and i'll give you some tips on how to use them effectively (constructive feedback as you say).  Give you some insight and ideas on the process if you like.  Let me know don't mind helping out a fellow hobbyist.

Too rich for my blood on the machine, its a beaut though.....
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: pbj on July 14, 2015, 09:33:53 am
Now kiss.

Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: rablack97 on July 14, 2015, 10:56:05 am
Now kiss.

Oh yeah PBJ, is the hate troll of the forum, he hates on everybody and everything.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3Jb4UJ_1SU
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: pbj on July 14, 2015, 11:43:14 am
Oh yeah PBJ, is the hate troll of the forum, he hates on everybody and everything.

"Troll" implies that the feelings aren't sincere.

Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: yotsuya on July 14, 2015, 12:01:49 pm
K, you mentioned Cowboys, Yot has a nose for that word, anytime it is mentioned he finds the thread and derails it with hatred and disgust.  Anytime i build a cowboys rig i build it in his honor.

(http://ww2.hdnux.com/photos/32/37/31/6944325/3/622x350.jpg)

My homeboy rablack97 is very talented. I'd take him up on any offers of help.

And although it pains me, I expect Arlington to win the division this year. Someone has to come in first in that crappy division.
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: ChanceKJ on July 14, 2015, 01:11:42 pm
(http://cdn.someecards.com/someecards/usercards/MjAxMi0wOGYzNzY3Y2FlZWI3MjA3.png)

(Sorry, haha! Just had to post this...)  ;D
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on July 14, 2015, 01:43:20 pm
K, you mentioned Cowboys, Yot has a nose for that word, anytime it is mentioned he finds the thread and derails it with hatred and disgust.  Anytime i build a cowboys rig i build it in his honor.

Im on independence and virginia.....

Oddly enough, i dont watch football, so I have to listen to my wife cuss and cheer the cowboys on.

PM though, we are driving distance, i got spare parts and tools you could use to assist with your build, test pieces etc, and i'll give you some tips on how to use them effectively (constructive feedback as you say).  Give you some insight and ideas on the process if you like.  Let me know don't mind helping out a fellow hobbyist.

Too rich for my blood on the machine, its a beaut though.....

You have a good wife :applaud:! Thanks so much, I will most likely take you up on that. In a matter of fact, I need a suggestion on the top of the CP. I cut it out last night and after laying it on top of the bottom portion, it feels uncomfortable to push the pinball paddle buttons. I designed it to have a 1" overhang....Do you think thats too much? Here is a photo from this morning.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ER6oDNIIbAliRUuu5wgGQa4hdY8OQBbOF9WIdjF0dtI=w2352-h1323-no)
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on July 14, 2015, 01:47:29 pm
(http://cdn.someecards.com/someecards/usercards/MjAxMi0wOGYzNzY3Y2FlZWI3MjA3.png)

(Sorry, haha! Just had to post this...)  ;D

Awww man..... I've got nothing here because it's the truth.

(http://33.media.tumblr.com/71d4ef0fce73c71830afed543f4e7722/tumblr_n6qi6gTxrh1s21mdyo1_500.gif)
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: rablack97 on July 14, 2015, 01:59:15 pm
Oh yeah PBJ, is the hate troll of the forum, he hates on everybody and everything.

"Troll" implies that the feelings aren't sincere.

Gotta love him!!!!

(http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/500x/45133592.jpg)
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: rablack97 on July 14, 2015, 02:11:27 pm
K, you mentioned Cowboys, Yot has a nose for that word, anytime it is mentioned he finds the thread and derails it with hatred and disgust.  Anytime i build a cowboys rig i build it in his honor.

Im on independence and virginia.....

Oddly enough, i dont watch football, so I have to listen to my wife cuss and cheer the cowboys on.

PM though, we are driving distance, i got spare parts and tools you could use to assist with your build, test pieces etc, and i'll give you some tips on how to use them effectively (constructive feedback as you say).  Give you some insight and ideas on the process if you like.  Let me know don't mind helping out a fellow hobbyist.

Too rich for my blood on the machine, its a beaut though.....

You have a good wife :applaud:! Thanks so much, I will most likely take you up on that. In a matter of fact, I need a suggestion on the top of the CP. I cut it out last night and after laying it on top of the bottom portion, it feels uncomfortable to push the pinball paddle buttons. I designed it to have a 1" overhang....Do you think thats too much? Here is a photo from this morning.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ER6oDNIIbAliRUuu5wgGQa4hdY8OQBbOF9WIdjF0dtI=w2352-h1323-no)

I have an 1 inch overhang on mine, for pinball purists its uncomfortable, but keep in mind your not building a pinball machine is a mixture of both.  I've seen folks give up comfort to keep the look of the cab uniform, its the look your going for here i think.

Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: rablack97 on July 14, 2015, 02:16:17 pm
ALso not sure where you are gonna source your parts, but tornado terry in keller (google it) has alot of your basic parts, jsticks, buttons, marquee holders, etc.  The drive isnt that bad and you dont have to wait on shipping.
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on July 27, 2015, 11:17:15 pm
I am actually pretty proud how this is coming together. Tonight I got it standing up.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/JPH1GlOYue0F-m1AKcZTrtyAL23cJkkgB5-ebCUwftE=w1741-h980-no)

What has happened so far.

Seriously, the experience so far has been great. I am already thinking about my next one and what I could have done better. (Next one will be a bar top for sure)

Now I need to choose some Joysticks out. I bought this one (http://www.paradisearcadeshop.com/levers-paradise-arcade/701-paradise-led-bubble-top-arcade-joystick.html), from Paradise Arcade - it's O.K.....Does anyone have a Joystick recommendation? I would like an LED lit ball top - bubbles inside a plus.

Next up, finishing the sides....THEN SAND, THEN PAINT!  :cheers:
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: drventure on July 27, 2015, 11:34:56 pm
Nice job on the build so far.

For joysticks, everyone's got their favorite, but for maximum flexibility, you just can't beat Ultimarc u360's. THey're a little more $$, but being digital, they can do anything.

Be sure to get the stiff springs and longer shafts though.
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: rablack97 on July 27, 2015, 11:45:13 pm
JLW jstik with Thorsten Ludwigs hollow shafts and led balltops....best setup you can get for a lit ball top....

I didnt care for the PA version either.

No screws?  Might want to reconsider for reinforcement, once the weight starts to add up.

Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on July 28, 2015, 12:25:43 am
JLW jstik with Thorsten Ludwigs hollow shafts and led balltops....best setup you can get for a lit ball top....

I didnt care for the PA version either.

No screws?  Might want to reconsider for reinforcement, once the weight starts to add up.

Well, I should say that I do have brackets screwed in the corners. So I lied a little, I just wasn't thinking of those during my post and I agree..that MDF is heavy as crap.

Alright JStik...I am glad to hear that! Going to purchase tomorrow. Where can I see Thorsten Ludwigs stuff? Thanks!
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: vwalbridge on July 28, 2015, 12:39:50 am
Looking good Pauly. Starting to come together.  :cheers: Looks like you might have abandoned the double angled marquee?
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: rablack97 on July 28, 2015, 12:51:09 am
Send this guy and email and ask him if he is still making the hollow shaft kits for JLW jstiks.

If so, you'll be looking at around 35.00 for a set of shafts and 22.00+ for each stick.

Also, if you go led lit balltops get the anti twist thingy from paradise arcade, it keeps the wires from twisting up in the jstik.

Thorsten Ludwig [thludwig@web.de]

Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on July 28, 2015, 12:44:26 pm
Looking good Pauly. Starting to come together.  :cheers: Looks like you might have abandoned the double angled marquee?

Not yet! If you look at the top I haven't created the top of bottom portions of the marquee. I am experimenting, will keep you posted!

Quote from: rablack97
Send this guy and email and ask him if he is still making the hollow shaft kits for JLW jstiks.

If so, you'll be looking at around 35.00 for a set of shafts and 22.00+ for each stick.

Also, if you go led lit balltops get the anti twist thingy from paradise arcade, it keeps the wires from twisting up in the jstik.

Email sent and Jstik's ordered. Thanks so much for your help. I was leaning towards the Jstiks originally, I just needed someone to push me.
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: rablack97 on July 28, 2015, 01:38:55 pm
Did you UM or TM, you need to order the TM, for bat tops not ball tops.
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on July 28, 2015, 08:34:56 pm
TM all the way!
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: rablack97 on July 30, 2015, 11:02:41 pm
Came across these Sanwas man, they look pretty sharp.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Arcade-Competition-4-8-Way-LED-Illuminated-China-Sanwa-Joystick-MAME-JAMMA-Blue/191558246062?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D29979%26meid%3D3f4fdd241af44e079ca80fbb0f5132e4%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D191564098777 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Arcade-Competition-4-8-Way-LED-Illuminated-China-Sanwa-Joystick-MAME-JAMMA-Blue/191558246062?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D29979%26meid%3D3f4fdd241af44e079ca80fbb0f5132e4%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D191564098777)

(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAwMFgxMDAw/z/tX0AAOSw-jhT~zUo/$_57.JPG)
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on July 30, 2015, 11:09:13 pm
WOW, they look amazing. Stupid question, but how can I tell if the shaft is long enough for 3/4" MDF fitting. Are they standard size?
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: rablack97 on July 30, 2015, 11:30:16 pm
Your gonna have to top mount these man, better get good with your router.

Tutorial HERE

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,90467.0.html (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,90467.0.html)

I did he same on my build, look at my black's magic build, you'll see me top mount the JLW's, these look like JLF's, which will apply to the tutorial above.
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on August 12, 2015, 12:46:32 pm
Artwork and Theme Update:

So I have been building this a little backwards. When I started I had no idea what theme I wanted to do for the machine, but I have finally had an agreement with the family and we landed on my favorite book "READY PLAYER ONE". It just fit. Anyways, hope you guys like it.

(http://i.imgur.com/dtKXT3R.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/UmSxG11.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/kobbBEt.jpg)

Here was a draft to show my wife how it would all go together (for expense approval) - please note, this has old artwork applied to it, but same concept.
(http://i.imgur.com/Q3kJuFD.jpg)

Tried ordering the buttons and joysticks, but waiting on Paradise Arcade to open shop again.
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Namco on August 12, 2015, 06:25:53 pm
Heyya Pauly, I'm not seeing the pics on this last post. You sure you have the images shared properly? Really curious about this design after having just finished both RPO and Armada :)


Artwork and Theme Update:

So I have been building this a little backwards. When I started I had no idea what theme I wanted to do for the machine, but I have finally had an agreement with the family and we landed on my favorite book "READY PLAYER ONE". It just fit. Anyways, hope you guys like it.

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/nI8fyiKmQyafPdW-kWkHUt7XPwolYyX_pZFU4gdCI_m5HzgFUH7RierqzLLm2CVmzC12LA=w2054-h1159)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/vw8BHu74-zLusPr7uU8EZzpzBNX0hrq6wszGa-mwX61scpQmm_vQwJFTSIQ0CHcPvpDl4Q=w2054-h1159)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/NGjN52iSCGIpF_Sw6RU2DS4ppJdcEnTCHAUlwyMMKOaaOKigaevcfAmoY0Rj7JVYuZkNcQ=w2054-h1159)

Here was a draft to show my wife how it would all go together (for expense approval) - please note, this has old artwork applied to it, but same concept.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/gN4yJ-N8ciO_tPBnpE-F6D14AUeWTqGmctSFu0qT_00FpSPLX4A0WlkB0FUlGE3XAUaWVA=w2054-h1159)

Tried ordering the buttons and joysticks, but waiting on Paradise Arcade to open shop again.
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on August 12, 2015, 11:12:02 pm
Fixed! Sorry about that Namco.
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: KPowers on August 14, 2015, 02:00:12 pm
Let me be the first to comment on your theme. Friggin awesome!! The artwork looks great. Did you create it yourself? You choose a awesome build to emulate.
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Vidiot on August 14, 2015, 03:50:08 pm
Let me be the first to comment on your theme. Friggin awesome!! The artwork looks great. Did you create it yourself? You choose a awesome build to emulate.

+1

This is coming together nicely. Subbed!
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on August 18, 2015, 02:52:08 pm
Let me be the first to comment on your theme. Friggin awesome!! The artwork looks great. Did you create it yourself? You choose a awesome build to emulate.

Thank you for your kind words. As much as I would like to say I did everything from scratch - I really did a lot of photoshoppin' and Illustrator. Like ChanceKJ, I am a Graphic Designer by profession. However, I am VERY critical of stuff I do for myself. Even this artwork I do not feel is quite there yet, but I am tweaking.
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on August 18, 2015, 02:56:40 pm
Ok, so I got a question for you guys. I have a Surface Pro 2 that pretty much lays around my office. As a temporary fix I am going to use this as my machine for the cab until I want to whip out the wallet to upgrade. Since it's practically a laptop, whats the best way to do power with this thing?

Is it going to be where I am essentially going to have to open the cab and turn it on every time? Would love to do the 1 button turns everything on thing.

Anyways looking for suggestions. Thanks as always. :cheers:
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: vwalbridge on August 18, 2015, 03:16:55 pm
Some computers have an option in the BIOS to turn on the machine by other means. I don't own a surface pro 2 and don't know much about them. Do they have a bios you can get into?

If so, (and if it even has the option) you could try the whole "Allow keyboards to turn on computer"

Of course, you are just trading one problem for another because you now have to put a keyboard somewhere.
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: rablack97 on August 18, 2015, 03:17:37 pm
One of these guys, they are called smart power strips.....

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81-9hztw%2BUL._SL1500_.jpg)

I'm not to versed in laptops, but i know you will have to crack it open to get the power button wires.  I know in my cabs, i just take a normal arcade button and find the power wire the goes to the mother board, remove that and replace with the 2 lines from the button.

Plug pc in the master control, monitor and any other peripherals into the switching sockets....One off and on....

Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: vwalbridge on August 18, 2015, 03:34:02 pm
smart power strips.....

This is the device I first thought of for Pauly but it only solves half his problem. He is still going to have to power the tablet on. This device is just going to provide power to everything when told so.
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: rablack97 on August 18, 2015, 03:36:08 pm
smart power strips.....

This is the device I first thought of for Pauly but it only solves half his problem. He is still going to have to power the tablet on. This device is just going to provide power to everything when told so.

correct, so he will have to crack open the laptop and extend the power wire externally.

or he might try this

http://www.howtogeek.com/192642/how-to-remotely-turn-on-your-pc-over-the-internet/ (http://www.howtogeek.com/192642/how-to-remotely-turn-on-your-pc-over-the-internet/)
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: yotsuya on August 18, 2015, 03:38:35 pm
Ok, so I got a question for you guys. I have a Surface Pro 2 that pretty much lays around my office. As a temporary fix I am going to use this as my machine for the cab until I want to whip out the wallet to upgrade. Since it's practically a laptop, whats the best way to do power with this thing?

Is it going to be where I am essentially going to have to open the cab and turn it on every time? Would love to do the 1 button turns everything on thing.

Anyways looking for suggestions. Thanks as always. :cheers:

Why not sell the Surface and use the money for the upgrade?  :dunno
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: vwalbridge on August 18, 2015, 03:47:35 pm
Why not sell the Surface and use the money for the upgrade?  :dunno

This ^ might be an even better idea if you are up for it and it fetches a decent price.

Here is why:

1. You are probably going to crack open that suface in such a way that it will never go back together again.
2. Even if you do get it open, you are going to need a microscope and some serious soldering skills to extend power wires off those solder points. Trust me, I know first hand. My father-in-law solders microscopically for a living so I was lucky enough to have him do this exact thing for the pico computer in my Coleco build.   
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: ChanceKJ on August 18, 2015, 03:51:29 pm
Yeah, i'd sell the surface for sure.

Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: rablack97 on August 18, 2015, 04:20:40 pm
Ok, so I got a question for you guys. I have a Surface Pro 2 that pretty much lays around my office. As a temporary fix I am going to use this as my machine for the cab until I want to whip out the wallet to upgrade. Since it's practically a laptop, whats the best way to do power with this thing?

Is it going to be where I am essentially going to have to open the cab and turn it on every time? Would love to do the 1 button turns everything on thing.

Anyways looking for suggestions. Thanks as always. :cheers:

Gentleman, apparently the man wants to play games now and not later  :dunno

Ok, so I got a question for you guys. I have a Surface Pro 2 that pretty much lays around my office. As a temporary fix I am going to use this as my machine for the cab until I want to whip out the wallet to upgrade. Since it's practically a laptop, whats the best way to do power with this thing?

Is it going to be where I am essentially going to have to open the cab and turn it on every time? Would love to do the 1 button turns everything on thing.

Anyways looking for suggestions. Thanks as always. :cheers:

Why not sell the Surface and use the money for the upgrade?  :dunno


But

 :stupid
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on August 19, 2015, 02:48:12 am
Lot of great ideas above. Thanks for the suggestions.

On a side note, I have made probably 8 different control panels for this project. However, tonight I had a breakthrough. For those of you who haven't read READY PLAYER ONE, Joust plays a major role in the story - it's really what starts the adventure. With that said, I took the Joust CP and made a 4 player version, but added the RPO twist in from the other pieces on the cab so it ties in. Let me what you guys think.

(http://i.imgur.com/8DyjCrN.png)
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Vidiot on August 19, 2015, 06:23:41 am
Lot of great ideas above. Thanks for the suggestions.

On a side note, I have made probably 8 different control panels for this project. However, tonight I had a breakthrough. For those of you who haven't read READY PLAYER ONE, Joust plays a major role in the story - it's really what starts the adventure. With that said, I took the Joust CP and made a 4 player version, but added the RPO twist in from the other pieces on the cab so it ties in. Let me what you guys think.

(http://i.imgur.com/8DyjCrN.png)

 :applaud: That's beautiful! Now continue that theme and style to the rest of the cab! :)
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: yotsuya on August 19, 2015, 10:59:31 am
Ok, so I got a question for you guys. I have a Surface Pro 2 that pretty much lays around my office. As a temporary fix I am going to use this as my machine for the cab until I want to whip out the wallet to upgrade. Since it's practically a laptop, whats the best way to do power with this thing?

Is it going to be where I am essentially going to have to open the cab and turn it on every time? Would love to do the 1 button turns everything on thing.

Anyways looking for suggestions. Thanks as always. :cheers:

Gentleman, apparently the man wants to play games now and not later  :dunno

Yeah, but why go though all that hacking and tearing up the Surface (and ruining it's potential resale value) for a "temporary fix" when for $20 he can get a Core2Duo off CL?  :afro:
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: RxBrad on August 19, 2015, 11:52:14 am
Holy crap that's some awesome artwork you put together there...
Title: Re: Family Arcade Cabinet Build
Post by: Green Giant on August 19, 2015, 12:27:50 pm
I stayed with Hyperspin after not being very frustrated with Hyperspin. Set it up once, never have to again.  :cheers:

yotsuya is my homeboy. Us Hyperspin guys need to stick together.  ;)

I've set up 2 (highly modified) Hyperspin cinfigurations.  So if you decide to go that route hit me up if you need help. I feel like a Hyperspin Jedi now.

Also, since it looks like your cab is going to play mostly arcade games, it will make your life much easier. In all seriousness, I almost quit on Hyperspin twice but I'm SO glad I didn't. Sure, Hyperspin has it's annoyances just like anything else but the polished look far makes up for it in my opinion. Where people get into a lot of trouble is file names in Hyperspin. Hyperspin is very strict with file names. Games, videos, artwork, sounds, themes, etc must all have EXACTLY the same file names for the eco-system to jive.
As a hyperspin expert, what is the story behind the bugs I had heard about in it?  Something about a degradation or something that would eventually cause errors over time?
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on August 19, 2015, 12:35:41 pm
I am finally 95% happy with the CP design...now I got to apply that look to the rest of the cab so they match. Shame, cause I liked the Marquee - it's just not part of the same family anymore.

I will probably NOT be tearing apart my Surface and will most likely sell it to put towards a machine. I want to get a Surface Pro 3 anyways for my laptop - weighs about 50 lbs less. :lol
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Scotty_C on August 19, 2015, 03:25:10 pm
Love the OND integration on the front panel! I plan on doing that as well on mine. Very nice job thus far!
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: ZexisStryfe on August 19, 2015, 09:24:20 pm
I will probably NOT be tearing apart my Surface and will most likely sell it to put towards a machine. I want to get a Surface Pro 3 anyways for my laptop - weighs about 50 lbs less. :lol

Sell it now and then wait 2 months... the Surface Pro 4 is coming in October.
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: EvilNuff on August 21, 2015, 02:52:51 pm
I love this theme, I cannot wait to see it finished!

I don't know a CNC shop here in DFW (I am next door in Frisco by the way) but I am a woodworker as a hobby and can assist with any woodworking questions or tool needs you have.  In return I would, of course, expect to see the finished product when complete! :)

Thanks for sharing your progress!
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: rablack97 on August 21, 2015, 03:16:11 pm
I love this theme, I cannot wait to see it finished!

I don't know a CNC shop here in DFW (I am next door in Frisco by the way) but I am a woodworker as a hobby and can assist with any woodworking questions or tool needs you have.  In return I would, of course, expect to see the finished product when complete! :)

Thanks for sharing your progress!

cool that makes 3 in the area, little elm, mckinney, frisco.

Do what i did, join the makerspace (50.00 a month) in carrollton, take a 50.00 cnc0 class, teach yourself vcarve and you have free access to a $30,000 cnc machine 24 hours a day 7 days a week, that you run yourself, just bring materials.  Design and cut your own layouts.

They even have laser cutters, an full wood work shop with a Saw stop, cnc mill you name it, such a treasure of commercial tools for 50 a month and low cost classes to teach you how to use it.

Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: EvilNuff on August 21, 2015, 03:41:29 pm
cool that makes 3 in the area, little elm, mckinney, frisco.

Do what i did, join the makerspace (50.00 a month) in carrollton, take a 50.00 cnc0 class, teach yourself vcarve and you have free access to a $30,000 cnc machine 24 hours a day 7 days a week, that you run yourself, just bring materials.  Design and cut your own layouts.

They even have laser cutters, an full wood work shop with a Saw stop, cnc mill you name it, such a treasure of commercial tools for 50 a month and low cost classes to teach you how to use it.

That's a pretty great suggestion.  I have a full woodshop in my garage for furniture making but I do from time to time want a cnc and/or laser cutter.  I will have to save up a few projects and do this myself. :)

For the OP with a cab it sounds like he has bought most of the tools so I can probably best offer advice/suggestions/etc on how to actually accomplish what he wants. :)
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: rablack97 on August 21, 2015, 03:55:35 pm
Yeah he's been doing pretty good on his own, i offered the same.  Tools etc, but this wont be his last one i bet.  I amassed my tool collection from my first build, and havent stopped since.

Artwork is 1st class though....very nice progress.
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: EvilNuff on August 21, 2015, 03:56:53 pm
Agreed, the artwork is really impressive.  I actually might want to build something similar just because of the art to be honest. :)
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on August 23, 2015, 01:04:21 am
Thanks guys, I appreciate the comments on the art! This project has been addicting and I am actually a little sad that it's coming close to an end. So....must do another of course!

I'll post new pictures soon where there is more significant progress. Right now the speaker grills are bothering me because they are 1 inch in depth which make the look HUGE and a little distracting on the cabinet. Not a fan.

It's cool to see so many local guys here. I may check into Makerspace in Carrolton. I might actually have been there at one point of time for a VR Meetup.
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: scoodidabop on August 24, 2015, 06:14:48 pm
Man, I gotta visit you guys more often.  I've really fallen off my forum game!

Anyway I did that "Smash Fighter" build.  Glad you liked it!  Borrowed heavily from ChanceKJ and his amazing work of course.  The only major modification I made was some adjustments to his side templates since I found his original design put the control panel at around 40" off the ground.  I extended the screen bezel area some to accommodate a 16:10 screen and lowered the control panel area to around 37" off the ground. 

While I'm not a huge fan of the book your RPO artwork is flippin awesome!  Love it! Can't wait to see your build completed.

EDIT: +1 for Hypespin.  It can be a pain but once you learn it it's not so bad and you can get some neat customization going.  I love it! 
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on August 25, 2015, 05:58:40 pm
Man, I gotta visit you guys more often.  I've really fallen off my forum game!

Anyway I did that "Smash Fighter" build.  Glad you liked it!  Borrowed heavily from ChanceKJ and his amazing work of course.  The only major modification I made was some adjustments to his side templates since I found his original design put the control panel at around 40" off the ground.  I extended the screen bezel area some to accommodate a 16:10 screen and lowered the control panel area to around 37" off the ground. 

While I'm not a huge fan of the book your RPO artwork is flippin awesome!  Love it! Can't wait to see your build completed.

EDIT: +1 for Hypespin.  It can be a pain but once you learn it it's not so bad and you can get some neat customization going.  I love it!

Thanks for the artwork props. This is awesome! Both Chance and scoodidabop (The creator of Smash Fighter) paid my post a visit. Probably should scratch that off my BYOAC bucket list (Sorry to be geeking out).

I removed approximately 2" from the panels as well. I had my kids try to place their hands on the control panel and it seemed a little high. Can't have that!

Also, Hyperspin is the way to go for me. I think I have a hold of it now and it's all about configuring the son of a gun which I do in the evening.
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: vwalbridge on August 25, 2015, 06:02:39 pm
Also, Hyperspin is the way to go for me.

Attaboy Pauly!
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: scoodidabop on August 25, 2015, 07:02:02 pm

Thanks for the artwork props. This is awesome! Both Chance and scoodidabop (The creator of Smash Fighter) paid my post a visit. Probably should scratch that off my BYOAC bucket list (Sorry to be geeking out).

I removed approximately 2" from the panels as well. I had my kids try to place their hands on the control panel and it seemed a little high. Can't have that!

Also, Hyperspin is the way to go for me. I think I have a hold of it now and it's all about configuring the son of a gun which I do in the evening.

Good move chopping the cabinet down some.  It's looking nice!

Get some Hyperlaunch bezels set up and some HLSL CRT emulation.  Adding game manuals in Hyperpause is pretty fun too. I use MESS on many of the home consoles for the added HLSL effect.   Oh btw I have a Future Pinball Hyperspin pack that I'll upload over there soon in case you use that emulator. I have a couple hours worth of work remaining on getting the art assets cut out.  It's about 150 tables of videos, wheel art, etc with about 50 dedicated themes.

The art on your cabinet is great! I can get some decent collages going but that's about it for my photoshop skillset. 

Did you get your buttons yet? Paradise Arcade had a major move and I had some huge delays with them.  Original ship date was late June (before they moved) which was pushed to early August, which was then pushed to... well... hopefully this week.  Susan is really nice about it but they're a bit slower than usual right now.  Just keep that in mind if you haven't ordered those buttons and RGB LEDs yet.
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: ChanceKJ on August 25, 2015, 07:31:13 pm
Bryan and Susan at PA have always been extremely good to me :) Sorry to hear they left the islands for the mainland. I assume that means less chocolate in my orders ;)

Its cool that you guys modified the plans for the height. I don't think the world would take too kindly to me if I produced any offspring, so i didn't bother.  :laugh:

If you need a second choice for buttons, its a little expensive, but Groovy Game Gear sells a clear version of the CLASSX, they aren't shown on the site, so you'll need to email and ask. AND if you want the same effect as the IL's from PA you'll need to order both the clear and a set of black ones as its not economically viable for them to swap parts. I know they have the "Eclipse" buttons too, but i'm personally not a fan. I'd order them with True-Leaf Pro switches. I tested the same RGB LEDs from PA in a CLASSX i have, and it seemed to fit just fine. It would be expensive, but it would be next level for sure.   ;D
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on August 26, 2015, 12:23:33 am
After some research, I ended up with the IL PSL Translucent Crystal from PA along with the RGB LEDs

(https://www.paradisearcadeshop.com/3798-large_default/il-psl-translucent-crystal.jpg)

However, I made my purchase over the weekend and haven't heard anything from them. Probably going to have to see what the status is soon. I've ordered from them once and it was a pretty great experience. I am sure this move is really messing with their timing.

Also, this might be heresy, not sure...But I purchased some SANWA knockoffs from china...Price was good and if they suck...oh well. YOLO! Lesson learned. Rablack97 pointed out that there were some nice SANWAs on ebay so I did some searching and this is what I landed on.

(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAwMFgxMDAw/z/nwwAAOSw-jhT~zQc/$_57.JPG)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Arcade-Competition-4-8-Way-LED-Illuminated-Joystick-For-PC-Games-Yellow-Rocker-/201337100610?hash=item2ee0a05942 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Arcade-Competition-4-8-Way-LED-Illuminated-Joystick-For-PC-Games-Yellow-Rocker-/201337100610?hash=item2ee0a05942)

@ChanceKJ: Groovy Game Gear has some nice stuff, but just out of the range I was willing to spend at this time. I was eyeballing the Electric ICE 2.

@Scoodidabop: I am going to have to look into this Hyperlaunch Bezel thing, sounds cool! BUT...you really got me excited with the HYPERPAUSE...OH MAN...Mortal Kombat Fatality list HERE I COME! Also if your willing to share your hard work on the pinball pack, I am totally willing to embrace it! That is the emulator I am using.
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: scoodidabop on August 26, 2015, 06:27:38 pm

@Scoodidabop: I am going to have to look into this Hyperlaunch Bezel thing, sounds cool! BUT...you really got me excited with the HYPERPAUSE...OH MAN...Mortal Kombat Fatality list HERE I COME! Also if your willing to share your hard work on the pinball pack, I am totally willing to embrace it! That is the emulator I am using.

Those sticks might be cool.  I wonder if you could hack them to incorporate RGB LEDs into them? Hmm... I might buy one and dismantle it.

All those manuals (arcade and console) were still on the HS FTP last time I checked... or maybe the emumovies ftp? Eh, I forget which.  At first I only did home console manuals but decided to go ahead and grab the 4.5gb of MAME arcade manuals too just in case.  The arcade manuals aren't as pretty as the home console manuals of course but occasionally contain some good info nuggets.

I'll put up the pinball pack soon but I can't upload my FP tables to the HS site.  As you probably know all the table file names usually contain SO much info and aren't consistent between table makers so I've shortened all the table names and put the additional version info into the XML instead.  Anyway I'll let you know when I finish and post that pack.
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on August 27, 2015, 10:44:45 pm
My sticks came in and so far, me likey! First off the balltop is much larger than the Paradise Arcade bubble top that comes standard. So, +1 to San-China-wa.

(http://i.imgur.com/9hmj0Bu.jpg)

I lit them both sense they were LED's so you could see the difference. The left is Paradise Arcade's LED stick (The LED is in the balltop) and the right is the Chinese Sanwa-ish (LED is in the base)

Here is the balltop difference
(http://i.imgur.com/fIdTXnP.jpg)

And here is the base
(http://i.imgur.com/dbKHT9Z.jpg)

Still need to test them to make sure they work. However, I opened it and the grommet on the stick seems to be some sort of clear rubbery thing. It's got a good feel though.

Oh BTW. the cab is now painted. Got to order those decals!
(http://i.imgur.com/sAsKz4V.jpg)
 
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: vwalbridge on August 27, 2015, 10:53:14 pm
Double-angled marquee still in play?
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on August 27, 2015, 11:08:06 pm
Double-angled marquee still in play?

It's definitely possible. I pretty much abandoned it, but if you twist my arm........ah screw it. It's in play.

Man, you can convince like no other! ;P
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: vwalbridge on August 27, 2015, 11:11:38 pm
Double-angled marquee still in play?

It's definitely possible. I pretty much abandoned it, but if you twist my arm........ah screw it. It's in play.

Man, you can convince like no other! ;P

LOL! I don't want to make you do it! I'm just curious. Looking nice thus far. Keep it up.
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on August 27, 2015, 11:23:17 pm
Double-angled marquee still in play?

It's definitely possible. I pretty much abandoned it, but if you twist my arm........ah screw it. It's in play.

Man, you can convince like no other! ;P

LOL! I don't want to make you do it! I'm just curious. Looking nice thus far. Keep it up.

I thought about it after you mentioned it and to be quite honest, it SORTA bothers me a teensy bit that this is considered a clone. So, I need to do something at least to make it a close cousin.
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: ChanceKJ on August 28, 2015, 03:20:35 am
The term "clone" doesn't always mean that they look identical, however they do share the same root DNA. ;)
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: MaikoGarcia on August 28, 2015, 04:02:25 am
It really is a beautiful machine, very similar to ChanceKJ, I'm just about to start building my machine, but the plans are not mine, I do not block anything xD :banghead: :banghead:. keep trying until something decent to me can be built. congratulations on your machine, this being precious. greetings from Latin America.
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Scotty_C on August 28, 2015, 08:05:24 am
looking really good! What did  you paint the cab with?
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: yotsuya on August 28, 2015, 10:21:41 am
Double-angled marquee still in play?

It's definitely possible. I pretty much abandoned it, but if you twist my arm........ah screw it. It's in play.

Man, you can convince like no other! ;P

LOL! I don't want to make you do it! I'm just curious. Looking nice thus far. Keep it up.

I thought about it after you mentioned it and to be quite honest, it SORTA bothers me a teensy bit that this is considered a clone. So, I need to do something at least to make it a close cousin.

Aw, don't worry about it. It's not like Chance is the one who came up with the original aircraft carrier shape anyway. It's a clone of a clone...  :cheers:
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: scoodidabop on August 28, 2015, 07:41:56 pm
looking really good! What did  you paint the cab with?

Yeah I was wondering the same thing.  I do two coats primer>sand>black vinyl just for consistency and durability.  And because I hate sanding.  After doing it so much it might be growing on me though.
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on August 29, 2015, 11:22:12 am
looking really good! What did  you paint the cab with?

I primed with an Oil Based Primer. Sanded the primer with 500 grit. Then mixed  1/3 Mineral Spirits with Rustoleam Semi-Gloss to thin the paint and applied mixture. Wet sanded with 1200grit and applied second coat of mixture and called it a day. Gives is a nice sheen.
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on September 02, 2015, 03:30:34 pm
Quick Update: I installed the speakers into the cabinet and installed the grills. The wife has convinced me to abandon the 3 sided marquee though...something about "Be done already!" or whatever. NEXT TIME!

(https://igcdn-photos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/e35/11374113_547859688701080_1964685213_n.jpg)
The mount that holds the TV is not pretty, but no one will see it soooo...Looks great to me.


Also, I moved the cab from the garage to the upstairs room. NOTE TO THOSE WITH UPPER FLOORS: This was a  :censored:.

(https://igcdn-photos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/e35/11849989_114006725619367_719024966_n.jpg)
(You cant see me, but I am a ball of sweat at this point. See that couch, I was sitting there for the next few hours)
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on September 04, 2015, 10:20:35 am
Sent my decals to Lucian45 (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,134866.msg1391705.html#msg1391705) late last night and to my surprise I got this email this morning with this pic.  :o

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/w6AOcFSk8ADmkZqmXua4HDArrRAHN1bvpFpKXgeGQqEv-UPmvA-3y0bdvpRkxQgA3LpR0hcqxTob7QMMZMf4vZkrZBRpX1aV-CirZTXi9tONT_LdxztQUKImqszhBJ7b3e4V598CdYm7_3DP-caWE0VM1iXnJMzhSYqBzahJAcmg0HhsjFpHWj1xon0UzVkatPxcuHjabHaWErxGxB7qvY2r_77mWSMOPrHQVqr9zd9wQTyUDOhVQIQGDincXnRSY7NoqUyhlEOHTIU7izCxNNljPf4XiSsKTYvR9Lgb0RMp_r0VQxzWuaXNqp3xSxyu2ZRVZs_tyeQ32ivkykFvM1xPiQCNlvuKERoFTRIn712Se1hNrNqZ8QoMGE4GoqewG0WARd2ehhZgq-b3a8hKXIsfJy9K20FHEuuhy-IamGLOadBwYHCqd9IH_BZgvRgB8c55nUD-etmakXD-Cmu8n1EfKoqKXdfgK7FkiGZgXRN-64wNdb2KIEqrD3APYt1dqfezIdi-Lbn1wi9j9XYjCYc=w2274-h1279-no)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/RHIN07FDfgkuoy58ZHNFzHaVInFxOrojlgRLUSIGcVk9wG0jSR9r0ejmdJM3A3fnrXv8yRRpenQwiQLQ-4j3NW35kIj4WAq9_hyqmF9GdJZZ0GWQGJFpCRDS8YYBE2D_vgZopulEOPycHbIZEbFCuGtYYYoFSgxIG-zZob2D9Xj4YTjwy-xAYBPxZpV7fKTz2srIxHfrk3kzTN1eRsEtDGzh_viVD23Ikgv0mjTSEsMkDaHAnzEGHy9vfMcQgmvAs-VNA4dVYNIPFXWaXBDTiPE3dMzuI6cFAkujHN-uNLAUSe8bVg6X_y_MEHeX7MUnkuzm7LKD4zcTUY0zLcjXNmXD_YoQSbzZKc5_-KhVwEaxLum2C5LhyOz4-N2-y3f8lI-x3mCWVpLKXbDezm8t0o-Z9CZSSYVwH5Dul1f4KTK3ujzljO3IiMTzvMaMEgJ9HvigsqlB9ePaKPNY8--wEmFLdz5DrEUEjrCmSXRKvdQxGNG1ofQhXrfebVLF4V2IOjbLqdSe9eAMDglBWxB0L8s=w2274-h1279-no)

This is happening.This is happening.This is happening.This is happening.This is happening.
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: vwalbridge on September 04, 2015, 12:12:40 pm
I love Lucian's prints. You are going to be very happy.
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: scoodidabop on September 04, 2015, 04:57:13 pm
I love Lucian's prints. You are going to be very happy.

Yep! He does all my stuff.  Quality prints for sure.  Great guy.
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: ChanceKJ on September 04, 2015, 08:32:25 pm
I'm sure if anyone has an exact count on how many FLYNN close there are now its him hahaha.
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: harveybirdman on September 04, 2015, 08:46:03 pm
Nice posters...

Wolfman's got nards!
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: subjimbo on September 07, 2015, 11:53:08 pm
Any news from PA in regards to your order Pauly?
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on September 10, 2015, 01:06:47 pm
Any news from PA in regards to your order Pauly?

Yes, they actually sent out all my stuff and I received it quickly after my post on the Retail Vendors section. From the sounds of it, they are still getting the gears rolling in their new establishment and the move has been pretty difficult on them.

Mini Hardware Update:


Mini Software Update:

That's it for now, when I gather my images together I will post. There just hasn't been a lot of visual movement.
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: vwalbridge on September 10, 2015, 01:11:31 pm

I don't want to sound too proud, but I made HYPERSPIN my ---smurfette---.[/li]
  • Emulators Setup and Working (MAME, Daphne, Neo Geo, SNES, Sega Mega Drive, Dreamcast and Saturn - Next up, STEAM)
  • Hyperspin setup to uncompress and run games, deletes on exit. Made me weep with joy.
  • Signed up for a HyperSync account - WORTH IT.

I'm knew you could do it.  :cheers:  Hyperspin is totally worth it with just a little extra effort. And don't you feel so much more confident knowing exactly how your software works?
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on September 10, 2015, 01:15:54 pm
I'm knew you could do it.  :cheers:  Hyperspin is totally worth it with just a little extra effort. And don't you feel so much more confident knowing exactly how your software works?

Absolutely, thanks for encouraging me to have another look. Oddly enough, I have embraced its complexity. Once you got it, it's actually rather simple. Little trouble shooting here and there and then your set. Plus it looks flippin' impressive when you modify it past its base setup.
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: vwalbridge on September 10, 2015, 01:25:00 pm
I'm knew you could do it.  :cheers:  Hyperspin is totally worth it with just a little extra effort. And don't you feel so much more confident knowing exactly how your software works?

Absolutely, thanks for encouraging me to have another look. Oddly enough, I have embraced its complexity. Once you got it, it's actually rather simple. Little trouble shooting here and there and then your set. Plus it looks flippin' impressive when you modify it past its base setup.

+1   And here is the best part....you just copy the hyperspin folder over to your next build, tweak a couple settings, and wallah! You have virtually zero software work to do on the 2nd machine.
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: ladysephiroth on September 13, 2015, 11:57:42 am
I. LOVE. THIS. It's one of my favorite books.  I would suggest to be true to the book to add Black Tiger and Tempest to that list of games :P
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Highway J on September 21, 2015, 05:50:10 pm
Looking great! Ready Player One is one of my all time favorite books and I bully everyone I know to read it until they do.  Can't wait to start my build!
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: yotsuya on September 21, 2015, 10:11:39 pm
Looking great! Ready Player One is one of my all time favorite books and I bully everyone I know to read it until they do.  Can't wait to start my build!
Oh... you're THAT guy.... :)
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: scoodidabop on September 22, 2015, 01:27:19 pm
Looking great! Ready Player One is one of my all time favorite books and I bully everyone I know to read it until they do.  Can't wait to start my build!
Oh... you're THAT guy.... :)

lol... I'll be the first to admit that I like your arcade build here Pauly WAYyy more than I liked the book.   
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Highway J on September 22, 2015, 02:58:21 pm
Looking great! Ready Player One is one of my all time favorite books and I bully everyone I know to read it until they do.  Can't wait to start my build!
Oh... you're THAT guy.... :)

I am that guy.
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: yotsuya on September 22, 2015, 03:00:57 pm
Looking great! Ready Player One is one of my all time favorite books and I bully everyone I know to read it until they do.  Can't wait to start my build!
Oh... you're THAT guy.... :)

I am that guy.
Hahaha. Everyone I know says "Hey, you like video games. You should read this!". I tell them I have. Twice. It didn't get any better the second time. :cheers:
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Green Giant on September 22, 2015, 06:52:09 pm
Looking great! Ready Player One is one of my all time favorite books and I bully everyone I know to read it until they do.  Can't wait to start my build!
Oh... you're THAT guy.... :)

I am that guy.
Hahaha. Everyone I know says "Hey, you like video games. You should read this!". I tell them I have. Twice. It didn't get any better the second time. :cheers:
Since when do video games and reading books go hand in hand?  I could understand them saying you should watch WarGames or Tron or the wizard or the Last Starfighter.  But reading?
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: yotsuya on September 22, 2015, 07:13:04 pm
Looking great! Ready Player One is one of my all time favorite books and I bully everyone I know to read it until they do.  Can't wait to start my build!
Oh... you're THAT guy.... :)

I am that guy.
Hahaha. Everyone I know says "Hey, you like video games. You should read this!". I tell them I have. Twice. It didn't get any better the second time. :cheers:
Since when do video games and reading books go hand in hand?  I could understand them saying you should watch WarGames or Tron or the wizard or the Last Starfighter.  But reading?
I don't know, I guess they think I'm going to geek out on all the 80s references in the book like they did. While I enjoyed them, I can think of many other books that I liked better. Its not a bad book, but you take out all the references, and it's really nothing remarkable.
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: yotsuya on September 22, 2015, 07:14:42 pm
Honestly, as far as criticism of the book goes, I thought PBJ and Vigo made good points in the thread dedicated to the book.
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on September 23, 2015, 12:51:54 am
Hey guys, massive update. Sorry. it's been a while work has been busy for a few weeks and I figure you were tired of seeing a black box.

First things, first. I thought RPO was an extremely enjoyable story for me. However, I recommended it to a friend and they absolutely hated it. It's like Prometheus and the new Tron movie, you either loved it or loathed it. It's really my favorite book, so you know what side I am on ;). For me, I had to find some sort of pop culture thing I was passionate about to theme it to....and there is a lot, here were my original ideas:


The kids, my wife and I all sat down at the table and put it to a vote - RPO was the clear winner (mostly cause the others were, like, way too ME).

I appreciate all the good vibes I have been getting, thanks so much! - NOW SHUT UP ME and SHOW SOME PICS (and video)

Whats Changed:

This is no joke, my friends, family and work buddies are throwing a "You Did It! Let's Drink!" party when it's done done.  :cheers:

Click Here for a Video Tour (Count how many times I say UM, good luck) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tjHgce9-h0)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/GsiDpjppdpNRk0fJmuess2RClEKWZLWz7K8FP1FY4tQxzYEgU6of8p_HgHaqa4eq_wycGST3QYYwt-EFeQrqmig-k-zWBvAmrHQiUELFNXeOZe8iEVP3VwAqK8eAwN4mCZRjPX6-OSbvgGaPPtSDEdvmUSijoJAZsNVXZjz_GJCLcxP1Gd-MG4_lD94eDQrz1ZPJ567UXNKlvoBTTiPaj-TKYa6ajPgvYUHrkLOA5SnpI2RSMhlYF9XW6DsgxQul4CP5MlfgFysZ31kO3KGOOEFfIntU7l_YOOweMWMTTpjy1PFNsAJdbT8thva8tuRlzAR9lf-OY6aJRmYHioI9mSfjk9UFnZRFjf_7GW_AKmim23XOiFGaTkO6AQ4cKdlcoui0yfenkD6nU7X__-F11jJ3GbFrv70tVXRljIifOrUhcHkDGM3vLNDpeTd7qjIqigec08D9_fVlEAyJ0wepu5cQSEWLezn2M9mg0kgQ2Y8sY0zRo7aoZS_sjKBn8Jryh3_BIvW9Ta2WQUhlsSxmAjlY83EOcoYfp5otPy-_h2Y=w735-h979-no)
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: yotsuya on September 23, 2015, 12:58:17 am
I like your enthusiasm, Pauly.  :cheers:
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: vwalbridge on September 23, 2015, 11:00:11 am
Great work Pauly! I enjoyed following your build and welcome to the Hyperspin club.   :cheers:

And when you are ready, be sure to post some final pics in the "I completed my project" and "Control Panel Database" threads.

And bonus points for calling it a "Game Room" and not a "Man Cave"  ;)
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build)
Post by: Pauly on September 23, 2015, 11:07:08 am
Great work Pauly! I enjoyed following your build and welcome to the Hyperspin club.   :cheers:

And when you are ready, be sure to post some final pics in the "I completed my project" and "Control Panel Database" threads.

And bonus points for calling it a "Game Room" and not a "Man Cave"  ;)

Thanks and will do. Boo on Man Cave - This room is for fun, not reminiscing on high school football victories. :blah:

I am going to take some nice photos with the good camera. My phone camera is not doing it much justice.
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build **ALMOST COMPLETE**)
Post by: reptileink on September 23, 2015, 01:57:55 pm
Been watching this from the sidelines as I haven't had much input for you, but now that it's done, I think it looks great! Only thing I'd mention is that the CP seems to overlap the side table close to the couch. I am assuming the depth of the cab clears it, and it may just be the picture.

In any event, clean build, way to see it to completion!  :applaud:
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build **ALMOST COMPLETE**)
Post by: Token on September 23, 2015, 02:46:47 pm
Loving that side art and the yellow t-mold!  :applaud:
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build **ALMOST COMPLETE**)
Post by: Highway J on September 24, 2015, 04:37:13 pm
I somehow missed that you were in the Dallas area...I am also in the Dallas area.
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build **ALMOST COMPLETE**)
Post by: Vidiot on September 24, 2015, 06:21:09 pm
This is really looking great!  :applaud:
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build **ALMOST COMPLETE**)
Post by: futuretrunx on April 13, 2016, 08:47:35 am
Pauly -

Creating an Arcade cabinet is something I've been wanting to do for a very long time - and after just finishing RPO last night this is exactly the theme I wanted to do.  I searched in Google to see if anyone had done this before and lo-and-behold...I found this masterpiece.  I absolutely love it, it's nearly exactly the way I wanted to make mine.  I do have a couple questions for you though:
   1)  Do you have any updates on this build since your last post (I know it's been quite awhile)?
   2)  You had said in the initial post you wanted Laser Guns in the cabinet, have you implemented this yet?
   3)  Why do Player 3 and 4 only have 4 action buttons while Players 1 and 2 have 6? (Just curious)

Thanks for any reply and also thanks for the inspiration - I absolutely love this machine and would love to make one just like it!!
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build **ALMOST COMPLETE**)
Post by: scoodidabop on April 26, 2016, 10:24:54 am
Pauly -

Creating an Arcade cabinet is something I've been wanting to do for a very long time - and after just finishing RPO last night this is exactly the theme I wanted to do.  I searched in Google to see if anyone had done this before and lo-and-behold...I found this masterpiece.  I absolutely love it, it's nearly exactly the way I wanted to make mine.  I do have a couple questions for you though:
   1)  Do you have any updates on this build since your last post (I know it's been quite awhile)?
   2)  You had said in the initial post you wanted Laser Guns in the cabinet, have you implemented this yet?
   3)  Why do Player 3 and 4 only have 4 action buttons while Players 1 and 2 have 6? (Just curious)

Thanks for any reply and also thanks for the inspiration - I absolutely love this machine and would love to make one just like it!!

I can't speak for the updates but I'll take a crack at your other questions since this thread is pretty quiet:

2) For lightguns use the Aimtraks from Ultimarc.com.  They're awesome.  You can even get them with recoil built in these days.  There's tons of info here on setting them up and one member even wrote a really nice program for 2 player gameplay fixes in Sega emulation.  If you run into any issues with them or have any questions let me know. I've encountered all the traditional hiccups with the Aimtraks and might be able to assist in the setup.

3)  Players 1 and 2 take advantage of a 6 button (or more) setup in arcade fighters and some home console emulation where all those buttons are needed.  For player 3 and 4 there aren't really any MAME titles that use more than 4 buttons on those players. Example - TMNT, The Simpsons, Xmen, NBA Jam - all those cool 4 player arcade games only used 2 or 3 buttons.  Dungeons and Dragons uses 4 buttons on all 4 players though. If you want accurate 4 player N64 gaming though you'll want all 4 players with at least 7 buttons. 

Hope that helps!  Good luck.
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build **ALMOST COMPLETE**)
Post by: Asheron on November 05, 2019, 02:23:48 pm
Is there anywhere I can get the artwork files for this build?  Would really like to add it to my collection.
Title: Re: READY PLAYER ONE: Arcade Cabinet Build (First Build **ALMOST COMPLETE**)
Post by: AaronMT on March 28, 2024, 05:35:35 pm
Really amazing work on this! I'm hoping to build a cabinet in this style. But I am too late for getting the information and files from Chance's thread. So I can't see dimensions. I'm hoping to be able to base those off your art files. Are those images you posted to scale? Do you have any of the original files with the template etc?

Thanks for your help!