The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls

Main => Audio/Jukebox/MP3 Forum => Topic started by: Fat-Johnny on September 03, 2003, 08:42:21 pm

Title: Pics of my VMJ "Jukebox" (actually, more like a "control box")
Post by: Fat-Johnny on September 03, 2003, 08:42:21 pm
I figure that some of you who are not going to build actual full-sized jukeboxes wold like to see my slotion.  Basically, I have my 19" monitor sitting on top of my bar, and I just built a small "control box" to make it easier for guests to operate (instead of using the full keyboard).

Here is a link to some pics of my control box, along with my basement rec room.
www.f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/jsalley@ameritech.net/ (http://www.f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/jsalley@ameritech.net/)

For those that are interested, the pinball in the far corner is a 1984 Zaccaria "Devil Riders", and the arcade game is a original "Smash TV".  I will be selling the arcade soon to fund my MAME project.

Along with the "jukebox", 8' pool table, foosball table, darts, pinball, and arcade, I have just added (3 days ago) a Midway Touchmaster 8000 bartop game (similar to a Megatouch, or any of those touchscreens you see at your local bar).

Whaddya think of the "control box"?
FJ
Title: Re:Pics of my VMJ "Jukebox" (actually, more like a "control box")
Post by: Bill_S on September 04, 2003, 07:23:52 am
I like the control box.  
Is there a way to wrap the monitor in something so it doesn't look like a PC monitor anymore?
Maybe enclose it in a black box wrapped in rope lighting or something.
Title: Re:Pics of my VMJ "Jukebox" (actually, more like a "control box")
Post by: Fat-Johnny on September 04, 2003, 02:58:11 pm
Quote from: Bill_S on September 04, 2003, 07:23:52 am
Is there a way to wrap the monitor in something so it doesn't look like a PC monitor anymore?
Maybe enclose it in a black box wrapped in rope lighting or something.
I was tinking about that.  I was really thinking about disassembling the monitor, and painting the housing "flat black".  Not quite what you suggested, but it will better match the control box, blend in a little more to the "bar" surroundings, plus not look as cheesy as a "big ol' box" covering the monitor.

Dont forget, this is also  my "main" computer in the house.....it just happens to be sitting on my bar.  I really dont want to have to hassle with attaching/detaching a big ol' box every time I have friends over and partying in the basement.  Right now, I have the logitech Elite Duo cordless keyboard & mouse combo.  So all I do is hide the keyboard and mouse underneath the bar, and bring out the control box.  Insta-juke!!

Thanks for the input.  just curious to see what everyone else thinks.  Whaddya think about the idea of painting the monitor flat black??

Later,
FJ
Title: Re:Pics of my VMJ "Jukebox" (actually, more like a "control box")
Post by: aj6500 on September 05, 2003, 08:49:20 am
You shouldn't have to dissassemble the monitor, just tape and paper the screen before spraying.  Should save you some time.
Title: Re:Pics of my VMJ "Jukebox" (actually, more like a "control box")
Post by: chris_lemasters on September 05, 2003, 12:55:20 pm
Very nice bar!  The setup looks nicer than I thought it would with a control box.  Of course, your best bet is a touch sensitive screen overlay for the application you're trying to achieve (then the unit looks like a MegaTouch on your bar.

Here's an idea - how about a "topper"?  Print up a nice logo 'marquee' to be cliped upright on the top of the monitor (again, like a megatouch) -- glossy, with a laminate covering (like a marquee) -- with the black color, makes it look even less like 'just a monitor'
Title: Re:Pics of my VMJ "Jukebox" (actually, more like a "control box")
Post by: chris_lemasters on September 05, 2003, 01:00:51 pm
BTW - here are a few interesting links:

Check out the VIBE - a flat panel touch screen juke

http://www.meritind.com/Vibe/VibeMount.asp (http://www.meritind.com/Vibe/VibeMount.asp)

And here's an example of the 'topper' concept for a monitor-only bartop juke




Here's another idea - how about 'sideart' for the monitor?  Print up a nice adhesive logo for the sides of the monitor.
Title: Re:Pics of my VMJ "Jukebox" (actually, more like a "control box")
Post by: SpAwN on September 05, 2003, 03:33:04 pm
I'm more impressed with your bar, that is a sweet basement. Hopefully, mine will be that cool one day.
Title: Re:Pics of my VMJ "Jukebox" (actually, more like a "control box")
Post by: papaschtroumpf on October 24, 2003, 02:25:04 pm
Hey I just posted a thread asking about removing the kyepad in the VMJ skin and looking at your pictures, it looks like you don't have a keypad (although you still have empy blaxk boxes). Is it true or just doesn't show in the picture?
Title: Re:Pics of my VMJ "Jukebox" (actually, more like a "control box")
Post by: Fat-Johnny on October 25, 2003, 07:42:52 am
Quote from: papaschtroumpf on October 24, 2003, 02:25:04 pm
Hey I just posted a thread asking about removing the kyepad in the VMJ skin and looking at your pictures, it looks like you don't have a keypad (although you still have empy blaxk boxes). Is it true or just doesn't show in the picture?
I have no keypad visible on the screen.  There is an option available in VMJ, I think dating back to version 5.0 or so.
Go into VMJ
go into "Preferences"
Under "Display", you will see "Selection Options" with three major choices:You want to choose either the first or second one.  I use the first.  It basically displays "Whats coming up next" on the Juke.

In your case, you definitely do NOT want the third one.....thats the one that displays the numberpad and stuff on-screen.

Good luck,
FJ

Title: Re:Pics of my VMJ "Jukebox" (actually, more like a "control box")
Post by: Wienerdog on October 28, 2003, 06:57:36 am
Here is a question that you probably didn't expect... what are the dimensions of your room?  
Title: Re:Pics of my VMJ "Jukebox" (actually, more like a "control box")
Post by: NiN^_^NiN on October 28, 2003, 08:20:05 pm
A good thing you could try is them monitor covers

Its a thing that goes on the front of the monitor kinda like a.........omg i can't believe i forgot that work  :o u know the glass that goes over a screen in a cab oh wait bezel :-[ yeah they have that stuff but it just goes on the front of the monitor.

Nickelodeon brang out 1 for kids you can get the same thing for a simple flat look then all yu would have to do is dress it up if u wanted to :)
Title: Re:Pics of my VMJ "Jukebox" (actually, more like a "control box")
Post by: papaschtroumpf on October 29, 2003, 04:24:57 pm
Quote from: NiN^_^NiN on October 28, 2003, 08:20:05 pm
Nickelodeon brang out 1 for kids you can get the same thing for a simple flat look then all yu would have to do is dress it up if u wanted to :)
Huh? ??? ??? ???
Title: Re:Pics of my VMJ "Jukebox" (actually, more like a "control box")
Post by: NiN^_^NiN on October 29, 2003, 10:42:16 pm
Ok think of it as a bezel but for monitors it makes the whole thing not look like a monitor.

There were these pc packs where u got a keyboard mouse and monitor bezel for your pc they had a startrek and nickelodeon 1 for kids.

You could also but a flat smooth frame which made the monitor look quite cool.

I guess a easy way to say it is its like a picture frame the monitor is the picture the frame makes it look cool

i dont explain this well  :P