The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls

Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: miles2912 on December 12, 2005, 03:39:53 pm

Title: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: miles2912 on December 12, 2005, 03:39:53 pm
Ok, so the name is still up in the air now but I wanted to make the announcement.  I have most of the parts but still need to order more.  The cab will be based on Scott's Unicade design.  Monitor is a Betson Imperial 27".  CP will be a custom design with side buttons for Pinball.  I have a few Choices for the PC, not sure which way I am going to go with it yet.  Coin Door is a standard Happs over under and the KB encoder is a Mini-Pac with a Happs trackball connector.  Pics will follow...

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/bench.JPG)

Don
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of [Insert Name] Arcade Project
Post by: miles2912 on December 12, 2005, 03:45:50 pm
Here is the Control Panel Design I am about 95% sure I am going to go with.  Notice how the right joystick (Perfect 360 on both sides) is on the opposite side.  I love playing my 1942 - twin cobra games with the joystick in my right hand.  The local bowling alley next to me had a twin cobra game (my fav) set up like this and I am pretty sure that is the way I am going to go.  I feel a little guilty about not having a fighting CP set up but I never played any of the fighting games growing up and really don't care for them.  My friends like them, but will just have to make due.  Maybe they will get hooked on the Pinball piece??  Who knows.

Don

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/miles2912/cp1.JPG)
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of [Insert Name] Arcade Project
Post by: miles2912 on December 12, 2005, 03:47:00 pm
Santa Clause came a little early...  Big Grin

Don

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/dewalt.JPG)
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of [Insert Name] Arcade Project
Post by: miles2912 on December 12, 2005, 03:51:23 pm
Ok, just a few more pics to tide you over.  Garage is a little messy but you get the idea.  I was going to use the cab you see in the pic but it will not take a 27" monitor.  So I am going to build this sucker from scratch.


(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/garage.JPG)

The casters are from Harbor Freight and were $3 each.  The speakers are from a circuit city clearance and were $10.

Don

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/monitor.JPG)
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of [Insert Name] Arcade Project
Post by: jcoleman on December 12, 2005, 03:56:30 pm
A friend of mine built a fighter-style panel with sticks on the right and buttons on the left.
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of [Insert Name] Arcade Project
Post by: TOK on December 12, 2005, 07:40:53 pm
Since it doesn't save you any space, I agree with jcolemans assessment to just  do a standard layout, unless there is a specific reason the backwards layout works for you.
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of [Insert Name] Arcade Project
Post by: miles2912 on December 12, 2005, 10:17:53 pm
Thanks for the feedback.  You guys have me thinking now.  The pluses are that most of the time the right controller will not be used.  Most of the guys playing on this are in their late 30's early 40's.  Pac-man, missle command, joust, dig dug. marble madness, elevator action, 1941.. and one of my favorites asteroids.  It will be a big 1p cabinet most of the time.  The layout is nice for asteroids using the 2 outer buttons and the one under the trackball.

Still, you guys make a valid point and I am going to do some serious thinking about it.  I have to cut all the wood still so I have a while.

Don
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of [Insert Name] Arcade Project
Post by: JonnyBoy on December 12, 2005, 10:27:24 pm
Maybe put two joysticks in for that player? That way you can get the benefits of both but have to sacrifice some extra space.
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of [Insert Name] Arcade Project
Post by: Dervacumen on December 13, 2005, 11:20:12 am
I like to play games "goofy foot" too (with the stick in my right hand.)
Consequently, I think I'm building multiple CP's.  The majority of the time I'll have my preferred single player CP on the cabinet, and when others come over I'll switch it out.
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of [Insert Name] Arcade Project
Post by: unclet on December 13, 2005, 04:26:43 pm
The thing is, since you are going through all this trouble to build the cabinet, you do not want someone who likes fighters to come over very excited only to see they can not play like the true arcades.

After going through the trouble of building, the worst thing to here is .... "You should have done ....."  or "Why didn't you do this .....".

Anyway, my 2 cents.

PS: Keep in mind that you will most likely have this many, many, many years and newer friends down the road or even your kids will experiment with many other games you did not know existed yet.   It would be a shame if you had the games to play but could not play them ......
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of [Insert Name] Arcade Project
Post by: miles2912 on December 13, 2005, 10:40:36 pm
What you guys are saying is making a lot of sence.  I made a rough sketch in Visio of what a new desgin should look like.  I might want to add a 4 way stick to the CP, not sure where to put it.

Don

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/Drawing3.jpg)
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of [Insert Name] Arcade Project
Post by: spriggy on December 14, 2005, 12:29:23 am
also..IMO.. have a try at setting up your main play buttons to suit natural hand/arm ergonomics.  That is, when you 'step-up-to-the-plate' and grab that joystick, your elbows naturally sit out next your ribs, placing your main button(s) hand at a 30-45deg angle.

Like so...........
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of [Insert Name] Arcade Project
Post by: miles2912 on December 14, 2005, 08:35:24 pm
So more like this.

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/cp3.jpg)
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of [Insert Name] Arcade Project
Post by: spriggy on December 14, 2005, 09:04:54 pm
yeh... however... imagine grouping the six buttons, and group rotating them counter clockwise another 15deg or so.
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of [Insert Name] Arcade Project
Post by: TOK on December 15, 2005, 10:24:39 am
Test that ergonomic layout before you decide on it. I didn't like it and went with the straight 6 button Capcom layout. If your stick/panel layout puts your wrist at the incorrect angle for the ergonomic layout, it won't be comfortable at all. My panel has tapered left and right sides that let the player move around a little. That also made it easy to get at a bad angle for the ergo button layout. The straight layout worked better for me.
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of [Insert Name] Arcade Project
Post by: spriggy on December 15, 2005, 10:33:40 am
There ya go mile2912... now you have opinions from the both sides of the ergo fence.
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of [Insert Name] Arcade Project
Post by: versapak on December 15, 2005, 10:41:58 am
I have ergonomic on mine, but honestly I think I would go with straight if I were to do it over.

Ergonomic feels great if I am the only one playing, and can stand with my elbows comfortably out, but when playing with other people there is not that space for spreading out, and the ergonomic layout sucks when you can't be positioned properly for it.

On the other hand, the straight layout is much easier to adapt to, regardless of the angle you are standing.


Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of [Insert Name] Arcade Project
Post by: miles2912 on December 19, 2005, 08:53:09 pm
I am still working out the details for the CP.  Meanwhile..   I made the first cut(s) today.  It has been a while since I ripped 2x4's.  The first few pieces were off.  My advice if you haven't cut wood in years is to practice first on a few scrap pieces to get a feel for where you need to mark vs where the blade actually meets the wood.  Luckily I bought a spare 2x4 so it wasn't a major catastrophe but definitely a learning experience.  My cab design calls for a frame to be built and then attach the MDF side panes to the frame.  The frame will hopefully be done this week and then I can start cutting the sides.  I have to admit that will be the big hurdle getting the sides cut to size and attached.  I would post pics but is just a handfull of pieces of chopped 2x4's.  I will snap some shots when the frame stats to come together.

Don
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of [Insert Name] Arcade Project
Post by: miles2912 on December 26, 2005, 03:20:05 pm
Work continues...  The frame was finally completed and came out pretty good.  I stlll need to attach the casters and fit the monitor.  Next is cutting and attaching the sides.

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/Frame1.JPG)
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of [Insert Name] Arcade Project
Post by: miles2912 on December 26, 2005, 03:22:31 pm
Here is a closer shot of the frame.

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/frame2.JPG)

Don
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of [Insert Name] Arcade Project
Post by: miles2912 on December 26, 2005, 04:34:50 pm
I built a Saw board to help with construction.  There is a great post on the top of Project Announcements that will tell you exactly what to do.  I used it to make the 'base' of my frame and will use it when cutting the MDF sides, back and front.

Don

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/RipBoard.JPG)

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/RipBoard2.JPG)
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of [Insert Name] Arcade Project
Post by: dmsuchy on December 26, 2005, 04:53:01 pm
Lookin good! Should be sturdy as all hell.
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of Arcade Project -
Post by: miles2912 on January 19, 2006, 05:49:29 pm
Been out of it for a while due to a nasty flu.  Need to get back in to the swing of things and start working on my cab again.  I picked up a real cost effective (read cheap) router from Harbor Freight.  Router with a set of bits plus the 3 wing slot cutting bits was $90.  Router was 40 and the bits 50.  Not a bad deal all in all.  It is a low end router but I am not going to use it that much at all.  I tested out the slot cutter and works great.  Routing was much easier than I had thought.

Don

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/router.JPG)

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/router-bits.JPG)
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of Arcade Project -
Post by: c64rulez on January 20, 2006, 10:46:03 am
Lookin good! Should be sturdy as all hell.

Are you kiddin me ?
This thing would survive an atomic blast  ;D

That is some internal frame you got there, and about the cp configuration - just use whatever you feel comfortable with.
Great pics.
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of Arcade Project -
Post by: topher0002 on January 20, 2006, 02:05:32 pm
I love the classic "globe stress ball" in midst of all the computer and arcade parts in the first picture.   This is an ESSENTIAL tool to completing your project successfully!

Cabinet looking great and very sturdy!  Keep it going!

Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of Arcade Project -
Post by: miles2912 on January 22, 2006, 07:58:08 pm
Spent the bulk of today woking on my sides.  Got one side done. With any luck the second side will go a lot quicker.  You will notice that I am doing all my cuts in the front yard.  I could not imagine cutting MDF indoors or even in a closed garage.  Man that stuff gets everywhere!   I guess that is why they make masks tho ...

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/one-side.JPG)
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of Arcade Project -
Post by: Mark70 on January 22, 2006, 08:16:34 pm
Looks like you might have had the same problem I did.  Saw motor hits the clamps?  That top bit of the saw board, I found, needed to be longer.

One other thing I found... the slot bit doesn't fit through the hole in the base of the router.  I had to lock the plunge down, instert the bit, then set the plunge to the right depth and lock it in place.  I was terrified the plunge would unlock and the bit would shatter against the base and send bits of metal into my brain.

These are things not everyone posts before you start.

Looks good.  I think you'll come out of it OK.
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of Arcade Project -
Post by: miles2912 on January 25, 2006, 05:58:01 pm
Looks like you might have had the same problem I did.  Saw motor hits the clamps?  That top bit of the saw board, I found, needed to be longer.

One other thing I found... the slot bit doesn't fit through the hole in the base of the router.  I had to lock the plunge down, instert the bit, then set the plunge to the right depth and lock it in place.  I was terrified the plunge would unlock and the bit would shatter against the base and send bits of metal into my brain.

These are things not everyone posts before you start.


Yea.. the sawboard is a tad on the short side.  I have found that if I clamp in the right spot I can usually clear the saw by just a bit.  The router base hole is close... the bit barely fits and will hit if it is the wrong angle.  I basically just adjust the stop on the router so it can not go that far and I don't have a problem.

Don
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of Arcade Project -
Post by: miles2912 on January 25, 2006, 06:04:58 pm
Second side done.  I went out and bought a pattern bit for my router.  The bit has the ball bering guide on the top as opposed to a laminate cutting bit that has the bering on the bottom.  Pic from home depot...
(http://www.homedepot.com/cmc_upload/HDUS/EN_US/asset/images/eplus/39404131492_2.jpg)

I put the finished first side on a sheet of MDF and traced it just in case my clamps came loose and I had to realign.  Luckily it never came loose and the marks were not necessary.  After clamping the sides together tightly I rough cut out the shape with my jig saw.
(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/Sides-Rough.JPG)

Next I used my pattern cutting bit and traced the edges counter clockwise.  Took about 10 minutes with me having to stop and move the clamps around and shake the dust off.
(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/Sides-Progress.JPG)

After I had 2 maching sides that were identical.  All I had to do was sand a few spots and use a squared off file in a corner to get it flush.
(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/Sides-Finished.JPG)

Don
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of Arcade Project -
Post by: miles2912 on January 26, 2006, 07:55:05 pm
Routed out the slots for the T-Molding and attached the sides to the frame.  It is a good feeling when your cab starts to look like a cab.  Now if I can just think of a theme and some artwork for her...

Don

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/Sides-on.JPG)
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of Arcade Project -
Post by: Timoe on January 31, 2006, 07:12:21 pm
I have seen this cab in person and it is indeed sturdy.  An especially nice detail is the location and attachment of the casters.  They are solidly built into the frame but not visible from the outside or sides because the of the way the sides are attached and hang low.

The "half lap" joints on the frame are also a good idea.  I may steal some of these ideas on future projects.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of Arcade Project -
Post by: miles2912 on February 01, 2006, 06:32:37 pm
I have seen this cab in person and it is indeed sturdy.  An especially nice detail is the location and attachment of the casters.  They are solidly built into the frame but not visible from the outside or sides because the of the way the sides are attached and hang low.

The "half lap" joints on the frame are also a good idea.  I may steal some of these ideas on future projects.


Thanks for the kind words timoe, and thanks for the joystick.  I am sure it will to to good use.  :)

I am still making progress on the cab.  It just takes a lot of time to plan everything out so you don't make too many mistakes.   I am prepping the cab to be painted.  The side ledgers have been attached and I have patched all the outside holes from the screws.  Next up will be to install the monitor and frame the ledgers that the bezel and plexi glass will attach to.  Once that is done I can paint the entire cab.

Don

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/Patched-Ledgers.JPG)
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of Arcade Project -
Post by: chase017 on February 02, 2006, 03:26:36 pm
Sturdiest, most solid looking thing I think I've seen...  Looks like your planning on handing out some serious whoopin's  :o
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of Arcade Project -
Post by: Santoro on February 04, 2006, 06:20:15 pm
My first cab was also based on Scott's Unicade. (http://www.mamenation.com)  You don't see people using frames that often, But I still think this design is stronger than many others.   

Looks very good so far, keep it up!
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of Arcade Project -
Post by: missioncontrol on February 06, 2006, 09:26:30 am
damn that's some serious framing you got there....
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of Arcade Project -
Post by: miles2912 on February 11, 2006, 03:23:31 pm
First off thanks for the comments.  MameNation was one of the cabinets that inspired me to make this.  I have been to your web site many times.  MissionControl's cab is wonder unto itself.  I love the curved lines and the CP is second to none.

Work contines on the still unnamed cab.  I know you guys are going to kill me if I do the black and blue combo but it works so nicely.  Thaty being said I am trying to think outside the box and come up with at least one original idea for the artwork.

Here is the cab with the Monitor installed and the coin door cut out.

Don

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/front.jpg)
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of Arcade Project -
Post by: miles2912 on February 11, 2006, 03:25:35 pm
The CP box is made.  Total height in the back is 9" tapering down to 8" in the front.  Top dimensions are 33.5" x 15.5".  I am still up in the air on my final CP layout... I keep going back and forth on a few designs.

Don

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/CP-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of Arcade Project -
Post by: miles2912 on February 11, 2006, 03:30:15 pm
I used Allen screws and T-Nuts to attach the back.  That way if I need to get in to the cab I can just remove them with a little work and pull the back panel off.  The plan so far is to go around the bottom of the cab with 4-5" aluminum diamond plating.  This will add some decoration and protect the MDF from dings.

Don

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/back.jpg)
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of Arcade Project -
Post by: miles2912 on February 14, 2006, 02:25:13 pm
Bezel is cut and fitted with a straight edge and an exacto knife.  The plastic easy snaps when scored.  CP is  mounted and ready to be drilled full of holes.  I printed a layout of my buttons and joysticks to see how it felt on the cab.  I still am not sure about the spinner and 4 way placement.  You would have thought that the CP design would be one of the first things you do.  Sigh.

Don

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/Bezel-CP.JPG)
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of Arcade Project -
Post by: Santoro on February 14, 2006, 02:36:03 pm
Naw, I mocked mine up after building the cab too.

(http://www.mamenation.com/images/IMG_1381.JPG)
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of Arcade Project -
Post by: miles2912 on February 26, 2006, 12:37:37 am
Just kicking around some CP artwork ideas.  I am toying with naming the Cab Blackbird after one of my favorite airplanes.  I made a CP with the SR-71and a F-16 escort.   I still want to do some more artwork around the buttons and label everytyhing. 

What do you think?

Don


Going in a different direction with the artwork.
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of Arcade Project -
Post by: WaRpEd on February 26, 2006, 10:46:43 pm
I like the idea of the fighter jets but wouldn't a dogfight scene be more interesting. or maybe the tips of an air to air missile coming from the foreground possibly.
Just my 2 cents worth
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of Arcade Project -
Post by: miles2912 on February 27, 2006, 09:47:25 pm
I am going to use some of mamemarquees stock artwork for the CP and marquee.  Just having too much trouble designing my own.   PixelHugger has some great artwork on the site and I am pretty sure that is the way I am going to go.  The cab will look great with it and I really want to start playing a few games on it!

Speakers are mounted.  I routed out the MDF a little over halfway so the speakers would sit a little lower.  I have some round 120mm grill covers that should look pretty cool when they are mounted.  Once everything is painted black it will hopefully all come together.

Here is the top brace and back piece of wood to secure the speaker.

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/Speaker1.JPG)

A shot from below to make sure no light will leak through.

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/Speaker2.JPG)

Don


Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of Arcade Project -
Post by: c64rulez on March 01, 2006, 07:59:22 am
I just hope to achieve the level of precision you're at. Awesome!
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of Arcade Project -
Post by: miles2912 on March 01, 2006, 06:40:33 pm
On top of the bezel I am going to install a sheet of smoked Plexiglas.  I took some advice here and decided not to fear plexi and don't pay for Lexan.  A local Window/glass shop in the area (Hals Glass in Bellflower in case someone is interested) was great to deal with and had the 1/8" smoked plexi in stock.  There are 2 shades for plexiglass and I went with the light lighter one - I believe it was called bronze although make sure before you buy.  

I stared out by test routing a piece before I jumped in the deep end.  It was sandwiched between 2 pieces of MDF.  Once again my cutting board came in handy and I used the pattern cutting bit that cut the second side of my cab.

TEST PLEXI

Very easy with no signs of cracking.  So I used my bezel to trace a pattern on the plexi.  Did the rest...

ROUTE PLEXI

After about 10 minutes of routing it was done.  Pexi was fit in the cab and all I have left to do is mount it.  The black Happs bezel is under the plexi in the pic

SCREEN INSTALLED

I can use a few clips and not drill any holes or drill a few holes to mount it.  Not sure yet.  I did test drill a few holes in some scrap pieces and there were no problems.  Don't fear plexiglas.

Don
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of Arcade Project -
Post by: Santoro on March 01, 2006, 11:08:31 pm
Yeah, your workmanship is really good, keep it up.
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of Arcade Project -
Post by: c64rulez on March 01, 2006, 11:52:28 pm

I can use a few clips and not drill any holes or drill a few holes to mount it.  Not sure yet.  I did test drill a few holes in some scrap pieces and there were no problems.  Don't fear plexiglas.

Don

By the way it looks I think plexiglass fears Don  ;)
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of Arcade Project -
Post by: miles2912 on March 04, 2006, 08:08:53 pm
Started the CP today.  Basically I brought in a visio drawing of my CP to Kinkos and they blew it up to the size of the CP.  Taping it on the CP I made pilot holes for all the buttons, joysticks and track ball.  After that I pulled the print out off the CP and drilled all the holes.  1 1/8" for the buttons and 1 3/8" for the sticks with 1 1/2 inches between the buttons measured center to center.  Trackball layout was routed to make it flush.

I am still not sure where the 4 way J-Stick and Spinner are going to go.

Don

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/Cut%20CP.JPG)
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of Arcade Project -
Post by: Timoe on March 05, 2006, 01:35:43 am
Dont put the spinner above the trackball whatever you do.   Try and put the jstick to one side and the spinner to the other.
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of Arcade Project -
Post by: miles2912 on March 05, 2006, 04:23:28 pm
CP in the raw is done.  Just needs some primer for the arwork to stick to and some artwork.  Above the right 6-pack of buttons I am going to mount a Top Fire joystick for tron, gorf and any others that I can think of.   Next to it (small hole by the trackball cut out) will be the spinner.  This should work out nicely for tron and buttons are close by for arkanoid, tempest and any other spinner games.  4-way stick is going to mount above the left 6-pack of buttons
RAW CP

The 4-way j-stick was a challenge to mount.  All the other joy sticks will be mounted below the CP.  The 4-way stick was too short so I had to mount it above.  I had to use the slotted holes for the carriage bolts, cut out the inside for the guts of the joystick and finally route it all so the top would sit flush.

J-STICK

Don
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of Arcade Project - "VORTEX"
Post by: miles2912 on March 07, 2006, 07:28:40 pm
While test fitting the CP top to the base I did not like the fit so I routed out a slot for the strip hinge to fit into.  It sits flush now.  In the picture you can also see how the cp base is mounted to the frame.  The L-Shaped piece of metal next to the large cut out will hold a switch to enable and disable admin buttons on the CP.  The Latch in the center will hold the top down so I can go in through the coin door to "pop the hood".  You can also make out the 3 holes on the side for pinball.  

1) Flipper
2) Nudge right/left
3) Nudge Center - Common button on both sides.

Don

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/Inside_CP.JPG)
Title: Re: Offical Announcemet of Arcade Project - "VORTEX"
Post by: miles2912 on March 07, 2006, 07:35:48 pm
Looks like I have a name for the Cab.  VORTEX.  This has been incredibly fun and rewarding building this.. the planning and design both from building it from scratch to playing with all the software that will go into it.  I honestly think that for every hour I have spent woodworking or doing some kind of fabrication on the cab I have spent an hour with software.

Here is a idea for a marquee that I might go with ..

Don

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/Marquee.jpg)
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures
Post by: miles2912 on March 15, 2006, 06:50:47 pm
I have been prepping the cab for painting and going over of the small details of the cab.  One of the goals for the cab is it has to be portable.  It is going to take a few guys to lift it, but I want to be able to move the cab around.  All fixtures need to be firmly attached and that is also one of the reasons I went with a plexi monitor cover and not glass.  The CP has to be removable so all connections to it will be molex type plugs.  PC is bolted to the sides and speakers and light fixtures are held securely.

The marquee and CP came back from mamemarquees last week.  The CP color was off and Scott was very nice about printing a new CP.  The marquee looks good.  I made a light box for the cab will get some pics of it in action when it is finally mounted.  Here is a pic of the marquee and light box.

Don

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/Box-Marquee.JPG)
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures
Post by: MYX on March 16, 2006, 10:46:15 am
Here is a pic of the marquee and light box.
Don
(http://webpages.charter.net/miles2912/Box-Marquee.JPG)

what are you using for lights. Those look like neon (blue?)
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures
Post by: miles2912 on March 18, 2006, 12:54:37 am
Blue Cold Cathode.  No heat and they plug right into a molex.

Don
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures
Post by: miles2912 on March 20, 2006, 07:55:28 pm
PAINT!  Man, 2 hours to paint the first coat of primer.  I used a spay gun and compressor and it looks good.  I have never used a paint gun before so it was slow going.  There are still some spots that look a little blotchy but that might be because it is wet still.  Will get a better look tomorrow and if there is no rain I will start the first coat of black.  I bet the spray gun took me 20 minutes just to clean the dam thing.

If you paint for a living my hat is off to ya.

Don
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures
Post by: miles2912 on March 22, 2006, 08:06:29 pm
First coat of black paint on the cab.  I am sure it will need at least one more and after that I will just see how it looks.  It took me about 2 hours total to paint it with clean up.  Next major step is to assemble and wire the CP.  I am still waiting on the re-printed CP overlay as it should be in any day now.

Don

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/Painted_Cab.JPG)
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures
Post by: Timoe on March 22, 2006, 09:22:54 pm
Did you route a recess on the underside of your CP for the joysticks?
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures
Post by: miles2912 on March 23, 2006, 05:00:33 pm
I did not route the underside.  The perfect 360's and the top mount's throw are fine with 5/8" MDF.  I am not going to use plexi on top.  The 4 way j-stick will be mounted on top because of the short throw.

Don
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures
Post by: tivogre on March 24, 2006, 01:52:50 am
Why in the HELL would anyone build a 2 x 4 FRAME in their cabinet?!?

 ;D

Keep up the good work!
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures
Post by: miles2912 on March 24, 2006, 04:50:23 pm
Why in the HELL would anyone build a 2 x 4 FRAME in their cabinet?!?

 ;D

Keep up the good work!

Good question.

If I had to do thing all over I would go a different route.  However, when I first stared doing research on Cabinets early 2005 I had absolutely no idea what was involved in making one.  I checked out all the designs I could find and liked Scott's over all look of his cab the most.  I ran across a track and field clone cab at a local business and grabbed it hoping that I could make the cab work for a mame machine.  It turned out to be too small for the monitor I wanted and making the CP I wanted would have looked bad.  Real bad.  It was good to see how a cab was constructed and I was able to pull a bunch of hardware out of it.

So, I was back to Scotts cab and just go for it.  The frame adds 50-60 pounds and makes it real sturdy.  Is it necessary?  Probably not knowing what I know now about MDF construction.  It does make it nice to bolt the monitor and PC to real wood and it hides the casters nicely.  All my components are screwed into the frame not MDF- not essential but nice.

If I had to do at all over I would go with a simple 2X4 base frame and find a cab at a local arcade to measure it out to make my sides, back and CP based on those measurements and the width of my doors.  I would then bolt the monitor to the top of the frame using what ever angle I needed.  Hind sight is as they say 20-20. 

Don
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures
Post by: Timoe on March 24, 2006, 06:33:04 pm
tivogre's cab has a 2x4 frame!
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures
Post by: miles2912 on March 24, 2006, 07:53:23 pm
Too funny.  I had no idea.  Overbuilders Unite!   :)


On a cab building note.  Second coat of paint went on today, it is looking like a real cab now.  If it looks ok tomorrow after it dries I will start final assembly.  The reprinted CP overlay has shipped and I am sure the CP wiring will take a day or two.  I have some left over 10 foot cat5 patch cords that have the tips busted off.  The wire works great for buttons and sticks - 80 feet of wire per cable.

I am going to try my best not start plaing it untill it is assembled!

Don
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures
Post by: Jontox on March 25, 2006, 08:30:06 am
Can't wait to see it painted & assembled.

I painted mine using a roller but the finish with a spray gun should be upper class.

 :)
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures
Post by: mccoy178 on March 25, 2006, 09:18:31 am
Great work.  I can appreciate quality wood working.  That's excellent.
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures
Post by: miles2912 on March 25, 2006, 10:52:10 pm
It is coming together.  Got the reprinted CP from mamemarquees today so I need to start wiring it all up.  Started final assembly but it will take all week probably.

Don

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/pre-assembly.JPG)
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures
Post by: c64rulez on March 26, 2006, 01:57:59 am
Looks great!
I love the way the blue molding contrasts with the black, and matches the marquee.

I also see the same issue that bugs me (although hardly noticed): The marquee retainer protrudes from the cab's outline a bit.
Still, it looks awesome. great work!
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures
Post by: tivogre on March 27, 2006, 11:38:59 pm
Too funny.  I had no idea.  Overbuilders Unite!   :)

Don

t'was a joke!!!

(http://www.ogredog.com/images/MAME%20Construction/Frame%20-%20Paint%20and%20Poly.jpg)

I DON'T think I would do it any differently the second time around.  I like the feeling that the cabinet will outlast me.

Keep up the great work on YOUR baby!


P.S.... I also used the same speakers as you did.  How do you like them?
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures
Post by: miles2912 on March 28, 2006, 08:48:28 pm

[/quote]


P.S.... I also used the same speakers as you did.  How do you like them?
[/quote]

They are a great fit for the cab.   Relatively cheap and they sound outstanding.  I am going to use the cab as a big juke box so the speakers need to up to snuff.

Don
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures
Post by: miles2912 on March 28, 2006, 10:58:50 pm
Assembled all the controls in the CP and started wiring it all up.  You can see the mini pac mounted and connected to the trackball.  

Don

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/Start_Wiring.JPG)
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures
Post by: Timoe on March 28, 2006, 11:08:53 pm
What did you do with the green (ground) wires coming from the trackball?


show us the otherside of the CP  :cry:
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures
Post by: miles2912 on March 31, 2006, 05:48:07 pm
What did you do with the green (ground) wires coming from the trackball?


show us the otherside of the CP  :cry:

I am not using the ground wires from the TB.  It is just a big mouse and works just fine with out them.   I will give you an overall shot when I am done.  It is real close now.. just need a few more parts.

Don
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures
Post by: miles2912 on March 31, 2006, 05:50:49 pm
I wired up the CP for the most part yesterday.  Took me about 6 hours total... and for the most part it worked 100% first time.  Notice in the picture that one perfect 360 is totally missing.  It was a defective unit and is on its way back to Happs for warranty replacement.  Some of the wires still need to be secured and cleaned up.

Don

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/almost_done.jpg)
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures
Post by: miles2912 on March 31, 2006, 05:55:40 pm
Shot of the admin switch - enables and disables the Escape, pause, mouse 1 and mouse 2 keys.  So in effect it will lock down the cab when switched.  So if people want to change games at a party I have to come over and switch it.  The wiring block close to the admin switch is a common ground.  Each half of the CP is wired into it along with the coin door, both sets of pinball buttons, the admin switch and the lone blue button.  It is then connected to the mini-pac.  

Don


(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/admin_button.jpg)
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures
Post by: c64rulez on April 01, 2006, 11:45:51 am
What did you do with the green (ground) wires coming from the trackball?


show us the otherside of the CP  :cry:

I am not using the ground wires from the TB.  It is just a big mouse and works just fine with out them.   I will give you an overall shot when I am done.  It is real close now.. just need a few more parts.

Don

Well ???
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures
Post by: AMDman13 on April 02, 2006, 11:54:57 pm
I just spent the last 20 min reading through your build and have to say, "Awesome work!" I hope it's not too late to ask, but what type of paint did you go with. I have been going back and forth about spraying and laminate as I have never used a sprayer before. 
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures
Post by: nullb0y on April 03, 2006, 12:26:43 pm
very nice and sturdy looking ^_^
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures
Post by: miles2912 on April 03, 2006, 05:39:00 pm
I just spent the last 20 min reading through your build and have to say, "Awesome work!" I hope it's not too late to ask, but what type of paint did you go with. I have been going back and forth about spraying and laminate as I have never used a sprayer before. 


2 coasts (should have done 3 really) Interior Acrylic semi-gloss over a coat of Kilz acrylik primer tinted grey.  The can said great for heavy wear areas like trim and kitchen.

Don
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures
Post by: miles2912 on April 06, 2006, 06:31:48 pm
Cabinet is done.  The only outstanding issue wouyld be side art and I am not sure if I am going to put any on.  Here are some completed pics.  I will have to put up some more pics when I can roll it outside and get some better lighting.

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/done2.JPG)

and a side view ...

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/done3.JPG)
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: miles2912 on April 06, 2006, 06:32:54 pm
Shot of the CP

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/cpdone.JPG)
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: miles2912 on April 06, 2006, 06:33:51 pm
Looking from the back into the cab.  Sub woofer, PC and back of coin door


(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/inside.JPG)
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: miles2912 on April 06, 2006, 10:11:56 pm
Here is the cost breakdown of the cab.

... about $1500

I spread the cost over 7 months so it wasn't too bad.  I am sure that most cabs are in the same ballpark.


Don
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: mj147 on April 07, 2006, 11:37:48 am
This cab is sweet looking, Im a big fan of the black/blue themed ones

Dang the price breakdown is insane, just make sure the "finance dept" doesnt get ahold of it.  ;)

I love that blue t-molding, maybe its not too late for mine.....



mj147
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: SNAAKE on April 07, 2006, 07:17:45 pm
nice cabinets congrats !

can you link to the paint sprayer for $15 from ?? I was looking for one of those at home depot but the cheapest one I found was like $100 ???
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: miles2912 on April 08, 2006, 02:46:22 pm
nice cabinets congrats !

can you link to the paint sprayer for $15 from ?? I was looking for one of those at home depot but the cheapest one I found was like $100 ???


Worked like a champ..

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=47016

Don
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: Timoe on April 08, 2006, 09:34:39 pm
I like how the computer is mounted and not just sitting on the bottom.  That's slick.
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: c64rulez on April 10, 2006, 12:25:38 pm
Congrats!
Very nice and clean work!
Great molding color, and I think you should consider some blue oriented sideart.
It would look great
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: AMDman13 on April 18, 2006, 09:26:09 pm
miles,

Sorry to keep bugging you, but I can't get over how clean your monitor, plexi, and bezel look! From the pictures it appears that your bezel and plexi slide up behind your speaker shelf. Is this in fact the case or does it just butt up against the bottom of the speaker shelf?
Thanks for all of your help..
Love your cab!
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: miles2912 on April 18, 2006, 11:25:27 pm
miles,

Sorry to keep bugging you, but I can't get over how clean your monitor, plexi, and bezel look! From the pictures it appears that your bezel and plexi slide up behind your speaker shelf. Is this in fact the case or does it just butt up against the bottom of the speaker shelf?
Thanks for all of your help..
Love your cab!

It butts up against the bottom.  Once I had the monitor mounted I cut the bezel to fit.  Placing the bezel where I wanted it I traced the perimeter.  Using the guide lines I mouned all the ledgers ( 1x2 white wood ) that the bezel and plexi would attach to.  So the speaker panel actually has a ledger attached to it.  Once you paint it all black it covers up any small mis-alignments and looks pretty clean.

Don
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: AMDman13 on April 18, 2006, 11:42:21 pm
miles2912, Thanks again. I may attempt to slide the plexi behind my speaker shelf. Time will tell. Depends how well I manage to position the monitor I suppose. One more question and I swear I'll quit bugging you ;D. What did you do with the area behind the CP. Is there a gap from the back of the CP to the glass?

Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: motorfish on April 19, 2006, 03:44:06 am
Black and blue always looks good! ^_~

- Dan
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: miles2912 on April 19, 2006, 03:46:55 pm
miles2912, Thanks again. I may attempt to slide the plexi behind my speaker shelf. Time will tell. Depends how well I manage to position the monitor I suppose. One more question and I swear I'll quit bugging you ;D. What did you do with the area behind the CP. Is there a gap from the back of the CP to the glass?



I have a temporary solution that might just turn into a permanent one.  There is a 2 1/2" or so gap between the CP and plexi.  I had some leftover bezel material that just about fits in the gap.  I attached it to a piece of wood and it just sits in there.  The nice thing about this is that if I need to take the CP off it is easy to get to the bolts by just removing the piece of wood.  I snapped a few pictures to show you what I mean.

Here is what it looks like in place.  You hardly notice it unless you built the cab  :)

CP BACK

Here is the piece removed

CP HIDE

Don
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: AMDman13 on April 19, 2006, 08:40:35 pm
miles2912

Actually that looks pretty darn sweet if you ask me! Afterwork today I stopped by an arcade to see what other cabinets have done to accomplish this. I found that many of the CP box based Cabs use some type of L metal material. One for the bottom of the glass and on that sits on the back top of the CP. It looks a lot like marque holder material except it is smooth with a black finish.

Thanks for taking that pic I might do the same thing. Seems logical as I know I will have plenty of left over bezel available.

Thanks again!
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: miles2912 on April 21, 2006, 03:00:58 pm
Picked up a new 10 MegaPixel Camera and took a few shots of the cab outside.  I used the 5 megapixels setting for the pics.. the 10 is just too big of an image.  Here are the links in case you want to check out the final pics.  I am seriously considering some side art...

Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: AMDman13 on April 22, 2006, 11:40:24 am
Looks sweet! How happy are you with the smoked plexi? Did you have to increase the brightness of the Kortek to compensate?
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: dpz147 on April 23, 2006, 12:24:03 pm
Wow...loks awesome!!  Congrats!!
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: miles2912 on April 24, 2006, 09:05:35 pm
Looks sweet! How happy are you with the smoked plexi? Did you have to increase the brightness of the Kortek to compensate?

When the cab is up and running you really can't tell.  The games look great and I didn't adjust the brightness.

Don
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: miles2912 on April 25, 2006, 08:58:42 pm
OK so maybe the cab will never be 100% done because there is always some mod that will need to be done.  I wanted to turn my cab on from inside the CP so I didn't have to bend down and reach in the coin door. So... first thing is to make sure the PC can turn on when it detects power.  It is a BIOS setting under power options.  Sure enough it worked like a champ.  Next step is to hack a power strip.

Here the power strip is opened and you can see the set of "deans plugs" that will connect the power strip to the CP.  I want to remove the CP so the switch, like everything else in the CP, has to have a plug.  

POWER STRIP

New switch is soldered in and ready to be installed.

MODIFIED STRIP

Here is a shot of the open CP with the new switch installed.

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/New_Switch.JPG)

Don



Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: AMDman13 on May 13, 2006, 12:31:30 am
miles2912 I gotta ask where did you get those speaker grilles? Are they 120mm fan guards? They look fantastic! BTW I finally have my Betson mounted! Thanks for your help on that!
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: miles2912 on May 16, 2006, 02:58:52 pm
miles2912 I gotta ask where did you get those speaker grilles? Are they 120mm fan guards? They look fantastic! BTW I finally have my Betson mounted! Thanks for your help on that!

They are just 120mm fan guards from newegg.  I wanted some silver on the cab so I used these, diamond kick plating around the bottom and sivler carrage bolts to hold the joysticks.  Gratz on the monitor...

D-
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: AMDman13 on May 18, 2006, 09:10:59 pm
miles, how did you get your Betson's mounting holes to line up with the angle iron? I had to cut my angle iron into pieces in order to get them to line up. So, now at the bottom and top I have 3 seperate pieces that are 2" long. One at the left, one at center, and one at right. I drew a template and took that to both lowes and HD to no avail. Not even the corners would line up with the holes.  :(
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: miles2912 on June 22, 2006, 10:58:46 pm
More mods to the cab.   My friends wanted a place to put their adult beverage so I ordered some cup holders from PonyBoy.  Talk about a life saver on shipping costs and slashing the original price compared to what Happs wants.  Sheez.  Thanks Pony!

First off I had to make a buffer to move the cup holders away from the cab.  They would be too close with the top overhang.  So, I grabbed some spare MDF measured, cut and painted it black.

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/cupholder.JPG)

After that it was a simple matter of placing then where I wanted on the CP and drill a few more holes. 

(http://www.donsnet.net/cab/cupholders1.JPG)

D-

Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: miles2912 on August 30, 2006, 03:36:01 pm
Just an update.

Friends and family love it.  We are having a great time playing with the cab.  The fighting games and galaga are the big favorites.  If you want to play the fighting games build the cab sturdy.  My friends (big boys) play hard and the CP takes a beating but no probs so far.

I wiped the plexi covering the monitor with a shop rag that was wet then dry and was a little crusty?  Think dried out shammy.  Anyway it scratched the plexi to the point where I removed it.  I could not get the scratch out.  It still looks fine without it and the games are a little brighter.  No big deal really.. I could have made it without or I might replace it with a smoked glass.

D-
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: dudebozo on August 31, 2006, 08:12:46 pm
very nice mame cabinet.  that thing looks awesome.  i have one quick question.  where did you find that diamond plate kickplate thingie at?  was it at a home depot, lowes, osh, etc.?  or did you go somewhere to have it cut at a steel place or what not.  thanks for your help
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: miles2912 on September 04, 2006, 08:07:14 pm
It came from  http://www.cutsmetal.com/index.htm .  $30 shipped.  They were great to deal with.

Don
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: miles2912 on May 22, 2007, 08:04:43 pm
Just wanted to say a big thanks to Andy over at Ultimarc.com .  I  was swapping out a cherry switch and hooked up the wire backwards causing my programming not to work properly.  Andy replied back to me promptly and knew exactly what I had done and the best way to fix it.  For the record if your shift key stops working something is wired wrong.

The mini-pac is a great deal if you just need a solid 2 person CP with TB and a spinner.  After over a year of constant use it is still going strong.  Thanks again Andy!

Don
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: miles2912 on March 25, 2008, 05:18:50 pm
Well almost 2 years later and the cab is going strong.  It gets used just about every week.   Talk about a gift that keeps on giving. 
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: BadMojo12 on November 08, 2008, 03:03:02 pm
Sweet cabinet dude.

Ryan
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: miles2912 on June 13, 2009, 06:46:10 pm
Hey an update.  The cabinet is still up and working like a champ.  Needs a little cleaning every now and then but still runs like the day it was made.  It seems to pull duty as a juke box a lot but the games still get their fair share of play.
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: miles2912 on June 06, 2010, 11:18:51 pm
Yearly Update.  Cab is still up and working like a champ.  It gets played at least once a week.
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: miles2912 on March 30, 2011, 08:03:30 pm
All of the pictures were stored at an old ISP.  I found a back up and uploaded all of the pictures.  They should be here for good now.

Keep in mind that this is a 5 year old cab that still plays like new.  I am out there at least once a week and friends and family have a blast.
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: DataWest on April 07, 2011, 11:22:39 am
Hey I have a question. Im using 2x4's to build my cabinets frame too, what kind of wood screws did you use?

And what kind of joints are in these places? I cant see what you are screwing into.  :lol



(http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/1901/screenshot20110407at102.png)
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: miles2912 on August 21, 2011, 02:43:16 am
6 YEAR update.  Cab works like new still.  Just amazing that I have had this for 6 years now.  We still play  a lot of arcade games on it and it gets used as as juke box.  It is solid and built like a tank.  I designed it to move around if need be, but so far it has stayed put.

To answer DataWests question, those are lap joints made with a dado blade.  Just google all that to find the answers.  I have no regrets about overbuilding the cab and a heavy cab was the right choice for me.

To everyone who is building or on the fence about building, do it!  You will not regret it!  
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: miles2912 on March 24, 2014, 08:24:43 pm
9 Year update.  The PC went out.  So I picked up a used computer cheap and am in the process of setting up new ini files so the games show up properly on a real arcade monitor.  Kind of a pain but you need to do it to get the correct resolution.

We are still playing games on it, but it does a lot of juke box duty.  If you build it right they last a LONG time.  This cab is still solid as a rock.
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: miles2912 on August 08, 2018, 05:51:53 pm
13 Year update.  Cab is still going.  Needs a new PC, but the monitor and all controls are working great.
Title: Re: "Vortex"- Scratch built Upright with lots of pictures - COMPLETED
Post by: Mike A on August 08, 2018, 08:07:30 pm
Nice.