Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: jkdubb on March 11, 2012, 11:08:57 am
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I started playing with mame and hyperspin last winter and decided after weeks of work that I needed a cabinet to go with my creation. The question was what to build. My then fiancee, now wife was set on building an upright, standard, button filled Mame cab. I however was always a fan of the pizza store cocktail cab. I love the way the games flip, the head to head competition is the best, and you can put your beer on it while playing :). I also really wanted to be able to play the tons of fighting games that make a 4 person cab so much fun. What then should I do? Building 2 cabs was an option but as this is my very first build I had to start small. Here is what I came up with.
Here is the earliest concept.
(http://i.imgur.com/05qxJ.jpg)
The idea is a cocktail table that you can rotate the entire top monitor section up on a hinge that allows for multiplayer controller playing of any game in a horizontal aspect.
Pics to help get the idea. :)
These are the most current renders.
(http://i.imgur.com/qn9V6.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Tkt9o.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/nAQY6.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Nq6t8.jpg)
I've just started the build and plan on making progress updates here as this looks like a great community to share with. :) I will post the scale model pics and the materials and first cuts this week. If you have any questions or suggestions feel free to comment. Thanks. :)
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I really like the boxy shape, and I wish I had your drafting skills. My cocktail gets more play than the upright these days. Do consider however...
1. your viewing angle - it seems like the players are sitting quite far from the screen. maybe move the 'galaga' logos to the side and put the joys closer to the monitor? This will be even more problematic if you go with an lcd screen.
2. there doesn't seem to be anywhere for the players legs/knees to go, and maybe too wide to straddle?
I don't really understand your 4-player rotating monitor and hinge idea from your words and pics. ???
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I lost a lot of sleep over the viewing angle until I bought the tv and then everything was nice. I plan to use this as a virtual pinball machine just as much as a cocktail table, which is the reason for the length.
The leg/knee problem was also an issue with the design of this table. I think it will still be playable without too much discomfort but I am probably choosing style over comfort. ;)
As for the 4 player setup. My idea is to have pneumatic lifts on the top layer of the cabinet that hold the screen up at an angle while players sit across from it with standerd gaming controllers.
It is my first build though so who knows what will happen. :) I'm having a blast building it so far though. :)
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What an interesting idea! Looking forward to more pics ;D
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I updated the pictures in the original post to be a bit bigger. I take pics with my phone so you never know what you're going to get when you upload them. :)
The next step was to build a scale model. I figured this would give me some perspective on how building the real thing would go. I went out and bought some craft wood (birch?) and a set of razor blades, super glue and a sheet of plexiglass.
(http://i.imgur.com/eNJac.jpg)
This turned out to not be the correct set of tools for the job. :banghead: I was hoping to cut the wood like balsa wood using only a razor blade but after about an hour of cutting and sanding I only had 2 pieces cut and my hands were not feeling good. Time to buy a Dremel! The dremel was cool but the wood was still a bit too hard for the standard dremel disks that came with it so after I burnt through most of them and sent chunks of dremel disk shrapnel through my living room I went back to the store and bought this.
(http://i.imgur.com/3G8GT.jpg)
This add on is amazing and cuts thin pieces of wood like butter. :) I was making progress again.
Here are the 3 layers and the glass top.
(http://i.imgur.com/Nojub.jpg)
I cut the body parts and sanded them even.
(http://i.imgur.com/qCV9j.jpg)
All the parts cut and sanded.
(http://i.imgur.com/TzjMS.jpg)
And then the super glue..
(http://i.imgur.com/dqOHs.jpg)
second half..
(http://i.imgur.com/ydaJH.jpg)
building the top..
(http://i.imgur.com/79Hxv.jpg)
And here is the result.
(http://i.imgur.com/Bany4.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/svrLY.jpg)
Everything worked out pretty well. I learned a few things while putting it all together that will help in the final build for sure. (like use a saw) :)
I also ordered the controls, t-molding, and tv. I will update when those come in.
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Good job. By building that model, you've already built more than half the people on these forums.
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Good job. By building that model, you've already built more than half the people on these forums.
:laugh2: TRUE.
l
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Good job. By building that model, you've already built more than half the people on these forums.
Dang. :droid
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I like the design, looks sleak and pretty. Can't wait to see the real build.
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My buttons came in from ultimarc.com. I however got the wrong ones. :angry: I had ordered the clear white led buttons but received the white concave buttons. I did get the correct control stick and 1 and 2 player buttons so that was good. I sent an email to ultimarc and told them they sent the wrong buttons and within minutes they responded with a cool deal. Keep the ones we sent, the ones you should have gotten will be sent out today. :applaud: This is great customer service and I will continue to buy from them from now on because of this.
White concave buttons
(http://i.imgur.com/VFfjL.jpg)
I think we know where this is going. (This wire job screams professional :laugh2:)
(http://i.imgur.com/LgQe2.jpg)
And BAM!!! Control panel.
(http://i.imgur.com/JTeBn.jpg)
I'm not sure if I even need to finish the build now. I am set with my cardboard box controller.
(http://i.imgur.com/JMIqn.jpg)
Only problem I have now is that I think I like these buttons better than the ones I tried to order in the first place. They feel great and look slick. I'm starting to get some color ideas for the final cab as well. I may be looking at a solid black cab with white accents. Only time will tell.
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The leg/knee problem was also an issue with the design of this table. I think it will still be playable without too much discomfort but I am probably choosing style over comfort. ;)
You might want to try rigging up temporary structure that simulates your setup and see how comfortable or uncomfortable it will be. You could keep the sides the way they are and just bring in the area under the control panels for leg room.
:dunno
That's one hell of a smooth design though. That's the kind of cab. you'd put in the middle of the living room.
+1
please rethink the leg room bit before you go to the full size build
maybe a panel that folds in if you must keep the box design ( which I love by the way)
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I love it looks great, if it were me, I would take the kick panels under the the CPs and just put a 1 to 2 inch inset in them would still look nice put could give a bit more comfort for playing.
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Hmmmm... I am looking into the leg issue now. Glad you guys brought it up. :) I will have to set up something similar using furniture around the house to test. If all else fails I'll have to add super long legs and just make it a standing table :laugh2: Has there ever been such a thing? :)
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+1
please rethink the leg room bit before you go to the full size build
maybe a panel that folds in if you must keep the box design ( which I love by the way)
Along the same lines, I think the protruding base although nice, is going to be more of a nuissance for your toes. There isn't enough room for your feet on this type of cab as it is, and that overhang at the bottom is sure to just get stepped on and beat to hell. Most designs of this type finish straight down or have a small toe kick. This area gets so beat up by shoes that some even have diamond kickplates down there. Another consideration is to push out the controls a bit. Looking at the mock up it just seems like and uncomfortable seating position with your feet pushed back and having to lean forward so much. Great job on the mock up. This looks like a build I will be following closely. :applaud:
Edit: I thought of another way you could keep the original design. Make an arched "cave" on the side of hte cab so you can put your feet inside the cab. This could be finished with t-molding and panted black inside. Could even have an angled footrest in there for proper ergo.
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Ok, so I went home and found that my ottoman is about the height from the floor to the control inlay that my cab would be. Here are my thoughts. :) The current leg position requires you to lean forward causing you to arch your back slightly. It is not overly uncomfortable, but when I'm trying to get the new high score on Donkey Kong it will definitely start to hurt my back. I did notice that if there is room at the bottom for my feet to go 4 inches or so, it helps a lot. I may look into adding larger legs on the cab. One good thing that comes from having to lean forward is that your angle to the screen improves a bit. Less parallax is good in the long run. :)
Overall the base of the design should only cost me about $30 in wood. If a redesign is needed I won't be too disappointed. I do like a challenge.
Wait till I tell you how I'm planning on attaching the 3/8" glass top to the top without using clamps. ;D
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Nice job on the small scale model. Even going as far as adding plexi on top :applaud:
A few days a go I completed a similar scale model for an upright cabinet that I am planning to build. It was great to make, and I also learned some valuable lessons. Now my model sits on my desk and each time I see it I get all itchy and want to start on the real deal asap.
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Got my LED buttons!!! Super fast! These things look way cool.
(http://i.imgur.com/nFhK2.jpg)
Glowing!
(http://i.imgur.com/IzRyo.jpg)
So I measured out my controls. I know a bunch of you will say to go with the curved layout because of the comfort but I love the way the offset lines look with this design. And they still feel pretty awesome to me. I will say that I still prefer the solid white buttons that ultimarc sent me on accident. These LED ones are a bit clicky and not quite as responsive. I think in my final build I will use the LED buttons for the 4 side buttons to be used with the virtual pinball. The glowing light should make the side of the table pop.
(http://i.imgur.com/rXuT0.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/L3oct.jpg)
I have also put a lot of thought into the glass top. I have a desk at home that has metal disk/bolts glued to it somehow. I would love to have a solid glass top with no screw holes or clamps similar to my desk.
Here is a picture of my desk. (kinda reflective, sorry)
(http://i.imgur.com/AVu3k.jpg)
The problem is finding an adhesive that will hold glass to metal that is strong enough to withstand this thing angled up for long periods of time. The last thing I want is the glass sliding off and breaking or taking someones toes off. :cry:
After looking everywhere I have found a substance called nano470. This stuff looks crazy strong. I found a video of a guy using it to repair glass and glue a metal bolt to a piece of glass and then bend it. I'm going to order some and give it a shot.
Here is a video of the stuff being used. Check it out. And if you have any other suggestions, I'm open for ideas. :)
http://youtu.be/5JZn1UY_ZKg (http://youtu.be/5JZn1UY_ZKg)
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Dude that's a great looking idea. I definitely think you should figure out some real controls for the horizontal stuff though. Who want's to play fighting games on a cocktail cab with a pad?
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Dude that's a great looking idea. I definitely think you should figure out some real controls for the horizontal stuff though. Who want's to play fighting games on a cocktail cab with a pad?
I agree completely with you. I def. think there needs to be a side controller setup for real arcade controls. The best thing I can come up with is an attachment that clips/hangs off the side when the top is open. I may have to sketch up a few ideas and see if any stick. This will probably be something that I build after the cabinet is done.
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Huge updates coming. This may take a few posts. :P I got busy with the building this weekend. Well, I'll get right to it.
I live in an apartment so ripping mdf probably wouldn't go over so well with the neighbors so I decided to take over my dad's garage for a couple days. He had no problem with it and has been bestowing many wood working wisdoms along the way.
Started with creating the bottom, middle, and top.
(http://i.imgur.com/iyueA.jpg)
In order to get super strait cuts using a circular saw we decided to measure out the cut and clamp a level down on the line. Then I would run the saw down the edge and get a nice cut.
(http://i.imgur.com/NIm44.jpg)
Lots of measuring to find the center.
(http://i.imgur.com/PFkWy.jpg)
Here is the top with the center cut out. That is going to be a nice screen for pinball. :)
(http://i.imgur.com/QvqA6.jpg)
Tested it out with the TV and the fit was right on.
(http://i.imgur.com/GINpx.jpg)
I plan on routing the edge on the inside to create a nice smooth edge around the tv. I also still have to cut out the spots for the controls to be seen through the glass.
Stay tuned for part 2, the controller layout. (so many pictures to clean up).
I have also received the nano470 and glued a bolt with a large flat head to a piece of scrap glass. This stuff is crazy strong. I think it will do the job for sure. I'll post some shots of the test glue if any one is interested.
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Freeaaking Awesome Man! Looking forward to this, and like the other person stated, your model is more than most have done, True statement, for me anyways, lately.....
NICE WORK! Keep the Pics coming......
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Ok, Here is the rest of the pics from this weekend. :)
Here is the bolt/glue experiment.
(http://i.imgur.com/EIwqX.jpg)
Picked up a bunch of parts from the store.
(http://i.imgur.com/XTOT7.jpg)
Figuring out how tall this thing is going to be.
(http://i.imgur.com/nYTyN.jpg)
Cutting the body parts and the control middle section.
(http://i.imgur.com/qXfoL.jpg)
I've decided to countersink the screws and fill the holes with wooden dowel plugs. After sanding and paint there shouldn't be any sign of the screws.
(http://i.imgur.com/jAbwv.jpg)
Here is the base all put together. I've installed screw on legs. I may take an inch off of the legs or buy some other smaller ones later. They screw right into the base for easy removal. I may even set something up to raise one end for pinball play. (future dream... mechanical leg height) ;D
(http://i.imgur.com/qV5en.jpg)
Here is the top spaced out.
(http://i.imgur.com/0R5mq.jpg)
Put it all together to see how it feels. :) This is starting to look like an arcade cab. :P
(http://i.imgur.com/CUkWe.jpg)
This is a lot of pics... *deep breath :dizzy:
Ok here we go again.
Control panel layout.
(http://i.imgur.com/ozzL6.jpg)
Screwing it all together.
(http://i.imgur.com/6tuRK.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/bxXty.jpg)
Took the whole thing upstairs for safe keeping until next weekend.
(http://i.imgur.com/eGH95.jpg)
Set the glass top on to see the awesomeness.
(http://i.imgur.com/ss8st.jpg)
PROGRESS ;)
(http://i.imgur.com/pgwuR.jpg)
From the one end. Remember the top still needs to be cut to show the controls.
(http://i.imgur.com/mJqYg.jpg)
And now to answer the leg questions. Will my legs cause irreparable back pain when playing? ...... Turns out this is a very comfortable build. I am going to pick up 2 of the seat I am sitting in as it fits perfect. I tried a few positions and I am definitely keeping this base layout.
(http://i.imgur.com/KS9wz.jpg)
You will notice the legs allow your feet to fit under the cab. Very comfy.
(http://i.imgur.com/jqtPZ.jpg)
Pinball hand positioning.
(http://i.imgur.com/G21wP.jpg)
And lastly, the straddle. Not my favorite position to sit in, but it could work for very tall people i guess. :P
(http://i.imgur.com/ab4s9.jpg)
Thanks for reading this massive post!!! ;D
My next step is to cut the top to show the controls and to drill the holes for the controllers and buttons. I will also curve the corners and maybe cut the slots for the t-molding.
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Awesome Craftmanship man, nice project (once again)....also "massive posts" with "massive amounts of pics" Is AWESOME, keep em' coming,,,
Such a cool project!
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Excellent job so far! Damn you've been busy.
Here's a thought... I assume you're going to have some sort of black film on the top to cover the edge of the LCD inset in the wood? Is this going to cover the entire top cutout, or just around the monitor? Reason I ask is that space on the sides of the control panel are just begging for some RGB lights. You could have a hole in your top with lights shining up. Then whatever you use to mask over the wood, you could cut out a logo, design, sign cards, etc. and have them illuminated right there in the bezel. Another possibily is to have something hit sideways to backlight the controls a bit. This could be as simple as small holes with LEDs in them. Just some ideas.
Have you thought of a theme or name yet? Sarcophocade? Coffincade? Just what are we getting here?
Oh and you're idea of bumping up one end, totally doable. Think craftmatic adjustable bed. Roller wheels on square stock pushed down with a single hydraulic pump. This would fit under the cab and not even have to be inside it.
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Have you thought of a theme or name yet? Sarcophocade? Coffincade? Just what are we getting here?
:D These are all great! How about... "The Ark of the Cabinet". :P
I will have to search my soul and this forum for a good name for sure. :)
The LED back-lighting for the controls is def. an option. I have not looked into it too much but I like the idea.
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:D These are all great! How about... "The Ark of the Cabinet". :P
Brilliant! You have to do that one. Use some Indiana Jones theme with the "coming at you" font in orange. That would be killer. If you had poles on the sides you could make the long part of the poles be a seat you actually sit on for the cab! I just have to see that dude melting in your bezel backlit.
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How about "Arkade of the covenant" or maybe just arkade?
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Haha! Going full blown Indiana Jones might be a little much for this build. :P
I do like the sound of "Arkade".
Great Ideas! :D
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You must have missed this one :P
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=76255.0 (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=76255.0)
Looking good though, keep it up!
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Wow! I hadn't seen that cab. Looks like it is still being built. I definitely don't want to make something that has already been done. :P
Pretty good idea though. :)
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Dang that other build goes back to 2008. I just could not imagine working on something that long without finishing it. It's a shame because the build was looking really nice.
Well the ark theme is out, I guess you'll just have to use Ossucade. (No offense to the Jews in the room.) ;)
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Well since it's fairly boxy it reminds me of a luggage trunk. You could give it an antique look with some destination stickers randomly slapped on the side. Maybe the stickers could have arcade/game references. Or maybe just go for the antique table look.
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Ok. This picking a theme/color is crazy hard to do. :banghead:
From the beginning I have been thinking black with white buttons, t-mold, lighting... Something very slick that will pop and look like an arcade cabinet. I'm definitely not trying to hide this thing when it is done. :P
I made this image to get a feel for the end result. I do think that if I came across/designed some side art for it on the bottom section it would be that much cooler. If you have any design ideas, I'd love to hear/see them. I'm going to mock up some things throughout the day and see if any of them stick. :)
(http://i.imgur.com/qbo91.jpg)
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Reminds me of a coffin.................................Coffincade? :D :D :D
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I managed to get a little more done last night. I cut out the top controller panel section and rounded the corners on all of the layers. I didn't take any pictures of the process cause I was rushing and the MDF dust mixed with the pollen count today was horrible. (Always wear a mask) :)
I marked off the cuts and used a compass for the inner curves. I then cut everything with a jig saw and sanded and sanded and sanded. :P
Here it is put back together.
(http://i.imgur.com/bDUpr.jpg)
Another shot.
(http://i.imgur.com/Sln1Q.jpg)
I can't wait to put in the controllers. That will be the next thing I do.
(http://i.imgur.com/YFdyE.jpg)
You don't know how bad I want to take that plastic off of the glass. Better safe than sorry though.
(http://i.imgur.com/K8aqs.jpg)
Next steps are to install the sticks and buttons, mount the TV, screw the body together, add the hinges, rout for T-mold, paint, install T-mold, wire it up... Wonder if I am missing anything? :P
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Mounted the TV today!!! What a tough bit of engineering. With my father's help and about an hour or so in Lowes we managed a simple solution.
We used these heavy brackets with a thin layer of dense foam padding usually used for keeping furniture from sliding on hardwood. The padding was awesome because it had peel off adhesive right on it. :)
(http://i.imgur.com/6l7IG.jpg)
Sometimes things just fit perfectly and this was one of those times. The brackets were snug to the tv like they were made for it. :)
(http://i.imgur.com/csY4Q.jpg)
I plan on painting them all black with the cabinet so they should look pretty good when it is all said and done. The little white tab is one of 3 keeping the tv from sliding around.
I had to plug it in all put together to see what it looked like. ;D
(http://i.imgur.com/jw7yy.jpg)
I even broke down and took the plastic wrap off of the glass. :P It was bound to happen eventually.
Here is the local inspector coming to make sure everything is within regulation.
(http://i.imgur.com/G5T4d.jpg)
Next up. Routing the bezel and installing the controls.
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:applaud:
Very nice work so far!
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Fantastic job i'm loving it as well.
I can't wait to see what some of the Vertical games look like on that thing.
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I like the Mounts. Simple and effective.
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think i just found my new coffe table so when will you be delivering this to my house? >:D
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Looking good. I know it goes without saying, but take the time to give your old man a hug. It's projects like this that you'll remember for the rest of your life. Good times!
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think i just found my new coffe table so when will you be delivering this to my house? Evil
Depends on where you live and how much money you make ;)
Looking good. I know it goes without saying, but take the time to give your old man a hug. It's projects like this that you'll remember for the rest of your life. Good times!
Indeed. This is definitely becoming a journey to remember. :)
On to other, not so wonderful, news... I made my first big miscalculation. :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: I should have probably seen this from my sketchUp model but I found out the hard way last night that my button layout was about 1/2" too close to the edge of my cabinet.
I drilled all 14 holes...
(http://i.imgur.com/INHFe.jpg)
And installed the buttons and controllers without thinking about the 3/4" piece of wood that is directly below it. :banghead:
(http://i.imgur.com/NLidB.jpg)
Of course then without realizing it I excitedly put the top on the rest of the cab to find it didn't fit. This was about all I could handle, so I called it a night.
(http://i.imgur.com/ckahM.jpg)
After sleeping it off and thinking of ways to fix this problem, I think I have a solution. I am going to rout about 3/8" off of the sidewall that the buttons were colliding with where the buttons are and move the buttons all back and together the tiniest bit to make them fit. I won't know for certain until I fix it but after adding all of my new measurements to the model It all looks like it will fit.
(http://i.imgur.com/DnJYl.jpg)
What a bummer though. I was all ready to wire it up. :P I have an extra piece of wood that I plan on replacing the layer with so the mistake shouldn't cost me anything at least.
Until next time! :)
A few hours later...
So after looking around and studying my table a bit more and a few other nice tables, I think my buttons are a bit too far spred out vertically. I definitely could move them closer together and not feel too bad about it. :) I am starting to think I would have regretted the spacing at some point down the road. This mistake might not be a total loss after all. :) It helps me feel better to say that anyway. :P
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In case you've missed it: http://www.slagcoin.com/joystick/layout.html (http://www.slagcoin.com/joystick/layout.html)
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Wow! How have I not seen that website? Thank you. This is going to help a lot! :cheers:
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+1 on the slagcoin linkage.
Questions;
- #1: Where are you going to rest your right hand while playing? (To close to the edge, those buttons)
- #2: Are you tinting that topglass? In the sketch it is bluish.. what what whaaat? ;D
Nice project!
This is one of those cabinets that might get GF interested in something like this..
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Loving this build...look forward to more updates...
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Questions;
#1: Where are you going to rest your right hand while playing? (To close to the edge, those buttons)
#2: Are you tinting that topglass? In the sketch it is bluish.. what what whaaat?
1. I'm planning on moving in the buttons about an inch and a quarter. It is a small space though so there will not be a ton of hand space. It still feels pretty good to play on.
2. No. The topglass is 3/8" thick so it almost looks like it has a slight tint, but it doesn't. For the render I made it blue to see it easier. :)
Loving this build...look forward to more updates...
Thanks! They are coming. :)
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Got a bunch of stuff done today! Fixed my mistake from last time (turned out to be a blessing) and got some wiring done.
First, we left off with me drilling the holes for the buttons and controllers too close to the edge of the cabinet. :banghead: This made me realize however that the buttons were too far apart and after studying a lot of other layouts and visiting slagcoin.com I came up with a new design.
(http://i.imgur.com/2XQkE.jpg)
Wife testing out the new sizing.
(http://i.imgur.com/KNA82.jpg)
I managed to resize everything to fit without any routing. Here is the new layout before drilling. (I was not going to make any mistakes this time, hence all of the lines ;D)
(http://i.imgur.com/S440L.jpg)
My workspace. The green buttons came in from ultimarc. I actually ordered white. They are sending me new ones. I am going to have a lot of extra buttons from them before it is over with. Good customer service :P
(http://i.imgur.com/DQhCa.jpg)
Double, tripple checked the measurements and went outside and started drilling.
(http://i.imgur.com/WSmtd.jpg)
Buttons in and starting wiring. I am going to wait till I get my other white buttons in before I finish up.
(http://i.imgur.com/umhQa.jpg)
And everything fits!!!! :D
(http://i.imgur.com/tvCi1.jpg)
More money shots.
(http://i.imgur.com/aVz0M.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/LXSlB.jpg)
Put a nice chamfer around the TV opening.
(http://i.imgur.com/7quFA.jpg)
One more pic. :)
(http://i.imgur.com/nPznh.jpg)
Next time I will finish wiring the cab and possibly plug it in. ;D
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I am jealous of your woodworking... nice job!
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Buttons in and starting wiring. I am going to wait till I get my other white buttons in before I finish up.
...
Next time I will finish wiring the cab and possibly plug it in. ;D
WAAAAAAAIIIIT!!! Aren't you going to route for T-molding, fill the holes, sand, and paint before doing the wiring?
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WAAAAAAAIIIIT!!! Aren't you going to route for T-molding, fill the holes, sand, and paint before doing the wiring?
But, but, but, I want to see it work! ;D
I swear I will not fall into the trap of the unfinished working cab. :P
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How do you plan to route the slot for the t-molding on the second tier? Or is this not getting molding?
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WAAAAAAAIIIIT!!! Aren't you going to route for T-molding, fill the holes, sand, and paint before doing the wiring?
But, but, but, I want to see it work! ;D
I swear I will not fall into the trap of the unfinished working cab. :P
I wish I could say the same thing lol. :laugh2:
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Never seen that button layout before. Nice work.
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very quality woodworkin dude. But why did you go for a 6 button fighting layout for the vertical position?
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very quality woodworkin dude. But why did you go for a 6 button fighting layout for the vertical position?
With a monitor that size I would have done the same thing so I could rock some split screen versus play, that's just me tho
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How do you plan to route the slot for the t-molding on the second tier? Or is this not getting molding?
Same way I do it one the other two. The cabinet is still not screwed together. It all disassembles rather nicely right now. After I do a quick button test with Hyperspin to make sure I'm not forgetting anything I am going to take it all apart and start finishing it. (Screws, Sand, Paint, ext.)
Never seen that button layout before. Nice work.
Thanks! It feels great too.
With a monitor that size I would have done the same thing so I could rock some split screen versus play, that's just me tho
Exactly the reason. ;D
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Beautiful lines on this one, lookin pro!
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when you get done id like to see a cost tally on these. i think alot of projects miss this part. most the projects miss a itemized sheet. I know for me when i was looking for builds i was looking for the cost of what they was building and seeing where i wanted to save money and where i would not budge. With my Hobo Arcade I have been staying as cheap as i can and reusing everything. Loving this build now i know what i want for christmas.
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Although there are several detailed cost sheets for upright builds, I don't think I ever saw one for a cocktail cabinet. Maybe people just don't want to know the final price tag ;)
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when you get done id like to see a cost tally on these.
Sure thing. I've been keeping pretty good track of everything so far. I will make a cost chart with and without tools I had to buy along the way.
I was going to keep track of hours but honestly with the amount of work I put into the design and time spent thinking about how I am going to attempt the next step it would be a little insane. Maybe a crude "hours worked" chart for days spent cutting and painting and such. :)
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Although there are several detailed cost sheets for upright builds, I don't think I ever saw one for a cocktail cabinet. Maybe people just don't want to know the final price tag ;)
I'm running a pretty detailed cost sheet on my cocktail build thread... Had I known it was going to be so expensive I may not have attempted it in the first place.
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I finished up all of the big cuts on this project. The only woodworking I have left now is to rout the T-molding slots.
Here is a quick test for the T-mold slot cutter bit.
(http://i.imgur.com/m7T3p.jpg)
Don't worry I'm not going with orange or blue. Although it would be cool to see a cab with multicolored segments at some point. :P the "Left Over Cab". :laugh2:
(http://i.imgur.com/Gs1Y2.jpg)
Back to the work of the day. I started off by cutting the hole in the center segment of the cab. Now I'll be able to get the computer in and out and the all important airflow will be available.
(http://i.imgur.com/B88aK.jpg)
Even added a chamfer to the inner cut. It might as well look pretty on the inside. :)
(http://i.imgur.com/E1Btn.jpg)
Drilled the additional button holes for the pinball buttons and 1 and 2 player start buttons.
(http://i.imgur.com/GvkfA.jpg)
Buttons fit!
(http://i.imgur.com/otcyD.jpg)
I really like the player start buttons located on the side segments of each end of the cab. It keeps the control panel looking uncluttered and clean.
(http://i.imgur.com/PYrmb.jpg)
I have white LED buttons for the outside flippers but I am not in love with the way they look or feel at this point. I would really like to find some clear concave buttons but everywhere I look they are sold out. If anyone knows where I can get some def. let me know. :)
(http://i.imgur.com/93E95.jpg)
All put back together. (It was getting dark at this point.)
(http://i.imgur.com/E7FPa.jpg)
Another shot.
(http://i.imgur.com/qB9Of.jpg)
and one more.
(http://i.imgur.com/dTE3P.jpg)
Soon as my replacement buttons come in I'll plug it in and see what's up. ;D
I will also be attaching the glass top soon and adding the hinges. I am excited about testing out the crazy insane glue I purchased. I'll be documenting that process very closely so expect lots of pics and maybe a video or two.
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I really like the start button placement. :applaud: Good job on the rest too of course. ;D
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Shaping up nicely. However as a purely ergonomic consideration, not that anybody is going to get carpal tunnel from using it, but I'm not sure about having a P1 button on the inside panel like that. If not hitting it accidentally while deflecting the stick left, the player will be pressing this button with their knuckles and knocking against the MDF in the process. Ergonomically and aesthetically I think those beautiful shiny buttons should only be pressed with the softest part of one's fingertip, not to be knocked against. I was thinking that as long as you have the pinball buttons on the outside anyway, nothing wrong with putting the P1 button there too.
Forgive me weirdness, but knocking knuckles on wood for some reason creeps me out. :banghead:
Giving a second look, it looks like you can use the side of your hand to press them, which would work fine. :cheers:
On a related note, any plans for a plunger button?
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On a related note, any plans for a plunger button?
No. I'll wait till I build my virtual pin cab for that. I have always wanted a real sized v-pin table with plunger and tilt sensors and the works. Maybe if Zen Pinball releases for PC eventually it will motivate me to spend the money on it. :)
As far as hitting your knuckles is concerned. Unless you are a gorilla and have some serious paws for hands you have quite a bit of space. ;D My hands don't even come close to hitting the button or the back panel. Maybe if you were getting crazy with Street Fighter and your hand flew off it might touch the sides, but for the most part there is lots of room ;)
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I'm really liking this build!
I'd probably be that friend that somehow gets red knuckles because he goes wild with the joystick :laugh:
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I really like the start button placement. :applaud: Good job on the rest too of course. ;D
+1!
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I don't want to get too crazy with this build but here is an idea I had that may happen after the dust has settled. :)
(http://i.imgur.com/38uUt.jpg)
I'd like it to snap right on to the side of the cab when I want to rock some 4 player action or use the extra controllers and then be able to easily remove it . Might even put a gun or two on it to achieve overkill! :P
Anyway. Something to think about. :D
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I don't want to get too crazy with this build
Too late! :D
J/K... Looks like fun... a ling gun through the glass to an angled LCD screen seems like a challenge!
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I know space is a usually a factor, but why not just build a 4 player cab?
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(http://i.imgur.com/38uUt.jpg)
This is a terrible idea. I love your build so far, great lines, nice functionality. Don't tacky it up with a half baked solution to a non existent problem. If you want 4 player then build a dedicated 4 player because I'm willing to bet that this add-on would cost you some good cheddar to execute on par with the rest of this great build and would at best be a side show attraction to an already impressive achievement.
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Is it April 1st again already? :dizzy:
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(http://i.imgur.com/38uUt.jpg)
This is a terrible idea. I love your build so far, great lines, nice functionality. Don't tacky it up with a half baked solution to a non existent problem. If you want 4 player then build a dedicated 4 player because I'm willing to bet that this add-on would cost you some good cheddar to execute on par with the rest of this great build and would at best be a side show attraction to an already impressive achievement.
I'm with the other guys. Although this looks tight. Sitting 4 chairs down and trying to play would be rough. Plus leaning on it would easily tip the whole cab. So you would have to add some support which would get in the way of the 2nd/3rd player.
If your wanting a spinner or track ball maybe create a expansion slot that can be inserted/removed right under the original controls. But even that would be to much for this already sick cab.
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(http://i.imgur.com/38uUt.jpg)
This is a terrible idea. I love your build so far, great lines, nice functionality. Don't tacky it up with a half baked solution to a non existent problem. If you want 4 player then build a dedicated 4 player because I'm willing to bet that this add-on would cost you some good cheddar to execute on par with the rest of this great build and would at best be a side show attraction to an already impressive achievement.
I agree. I've grown to like your build after quite frankly being skeptical at first that it would look nice, but I am really impressed at how it came out. I don't think this would be a good idea.
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:laugh2: :laugh2: :laugh2: Ok. Ok. I swear I won't build this abomination. ;D
It's really cool to see people enjoying the project so much that they would stop me from losing my focus. :)
Wired it up tonight and plugged it in. Very pretty. Pics tomorrow. Must sleep now. :P
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Yeah, much like software, feature creep is an issue with this hobby!
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Ok. Ok. I swear I won't build this abomination. ;D
Crisis averted. Clarence got his wings.
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Ok. Big post, lots of pictures.
I finished beta wiring the cab to make sure everything worked/fit and I didn't forget anything.
Working in the sunlight. :)
(http://i.imgur.com/GSNNQ.jpg)
Here is a step by step of the layers of the cab as of right now. Soon it will all be screwed together forever.
(http://i.imgur.com/TLNeQ.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/inYfi.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/UnIj8.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/oC3RS.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/1Ys0r.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Rz46z.jpg)
First game played. I love how it fits the 16x9 aspect perfectly! :D
(http://i.imgur.com/I36Vv.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/D2M2v.jpg)
From the captains seat.
(http://i.imgur.com/kcWLX.jpg)
Here is a good example of hand space from the player start button.
(http://i.imgur.com/uceQz.jpg)
My mother takes a turn.
(http://i.imgur.com/cdFni.jpg)
Once I showed her how to add a credit and hit start she was good to go. :P
(http://i.imgur.com/raNd3.jpg)
All in all a very successful evening. Now I will take it all apart and start filling the screw holes and sanding. I am also going to add some fan holes on the bottom and rout the t-slots.
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Looks great! :cheers:
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awesome build. I would like to request some pics of UMK3 or KI running. but yea i would of went with the same game as you for the first vertical run love the 1900's games.
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Very cool, Happy Wife, Happy life,,,,,this thing is bad --I'm attempting to get by the auto-censor and should be beaten after I re-read the rules--, Nice man, really nice!
:notworthy:
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Looking good! I like the concept.
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Where did you get the t-molding shown in post #63?
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Where did you get the t-molding shown in post #63?
t-molding.com
You can order free samples off of their site. they sent me a lot of different colors about the size of the ones in my post.
In other news. I cut all of the t-slots in the 3 layers. It was not quite as easy as I had hoped but all said and done it turned out pretty good. :) I also filled all of the screw holes with wooden plugs and sanded. I forgot my phone/camera so no pics of that part yet. I'll update this weekend when I put the rest of the cab together and do a final patching and sanding job on it. I hope to get the glass top on and install hinges as well.
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Loving this build!
I am planning my first Mame build and wanted to do a cocktail machine as well. Will definitely come back here to see the process and pics.
Keep it up!
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Howdy, I just signed up to the board after seeing your project. This is exactly what I have had in mind for a cocktail machine. The option to have it lift pneumatically gives it a nice dual function.
The questions I specifically had was, what is the make of the monitor you chose to use to provide a good viewing angle from the side and also could you show some more detailed pictures of the chamfer you created around the TV bezel as it looks very clean.
If the monitor were to die could you remove it relatively easily from the underside after the glass will be permanently adhered to the top?
Thank you.
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Have you considered making some of the bottom portion into storage somehow? It looks as though you'll have a lot of wasted space.
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I would have to say if the monitor ever dies it would just be a simple task of unhooking the pistons.(remove the screws holding on side on) and then the top would open fully and could remove the TV easier then or just remove the whole top at the hinges.
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What size of TV did you end up using?
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Your add-on side mounting ideas for this cocktail cabinet got me thinking as I'd want the same vertical and horizontal options. I'm from California but currently living in Tokyo and have been trawling all the arcades here looking for classic boxes to get inspiration for future projects. Here is a possibility to consider for side mounting a control panel for games in horizontal aspect ratio and to show that it really does work and looks great.
I'll only post one picture as I don't want to thread hijack but will link the public gallery for the rest. The other nice thing about this horizontal mounted control panel is that the speakers are embedded within so not only do you get sound close but also physical feedback when anything with any bass plays which I didn't realize how nice that was until I played it.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-13HHBTKskrs/T5UsHE6CUAI/AAAAAAAAADE/UL1hyjsld6s/s800/resized_IMG_20120423_161934.jpg)
https://picasaweb.google.com/organizedpervert/MikadoArcade#5734538200614064130 (https://picasaweb.google.com/organizedpervert/MikadoArcade#5734538200614064130)
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First off. Thanks to everyone that is enjoying this build. Your posts keep me motivated and this project moving forward at a quick pace. :)
what is the make of the monitor you chose...
I am using a Westinghouse 32" 720 LED TV. I picked it up at Bestbuy for $200 about a month back. It is super thin and has plenty of inputs for hooking up multiple systems.
If the monitor were to die could you remove it relatively easily from the underside after the glass will be permanently adhered to the top?
Yes. The TV is installed in a way that removing it can be done by removing two 1/2" screws. It takes about 30 seconds and it slides right out. I'll post a few pics of me removing it when I get a chance. Also the glass is removable as well. There will be 4 flat head bolts glued to the glass and then secured into the top piece of wood.
Have you considered making some of the bottom portion into storage somehow?
Yes. I will end up keeping extra controllers and possibly a few other systems in the extra space. I would like to see if I can get all of the major consoles running in it when I complete it.
Your add-on side mounting ideas for this cocktail cabinet got me thinking...
Ssshhhhh!!! We are not supposed to talk about that idea anymore.. :laugh2:
On to updates!!!
I put in 2 full days of work on the cab this weekend and got a lot done despite a few setbacks. I started off taking everything out back and sanding down all of the plugged screw holes and edges.
(http://i.imgur.com/lW0no.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/ecaY8.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/8QgcQ.jpg)
I then began drilling, countersinking, and screwing the whole thing together.
(http://i.imgur.com/886T8.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/IpJxP.jpg)
Piece of wood in the center is keeping the sides from bowing while I put in the screws.
(http://i.imgur.com/dC5Pp.jpg)
My dad putting in a screw. I am always learning something new from this master craftsman.
(http://i.imgur.com/6DPxu.jpg)
Then came the hinges. I would love to say we installed them, no problem, super easy... But lets just say there was a bit of on the fly engineering that had to be done. After screwing in the hinges and realizing that wood doesn't have the ability to move through its self, I took the hinges off and bought new ones. (Thank you mcseforsale for the hinge inspiration) The new hinges would have worked great if my cabinet did not have a 1/2" lip around the top, so I sat and sat and sat......
....blacked out and when I woke up....
(http://i.imgur.com/3cbGm.jpg)
Closed..
(http://i.imgur.com/bBgkZ.jpg)
Opened..
(http://i.imgur.com/XLrhR.jpg)
So the idea was to put pneumatic pistons of some sort into the cab to open it and hold it in place. I have put that on hold for the time being as I have found a nice simple solution to keeping it open. I may upgrade to an auto opening device in the future but for now this is the setup.
(http://i.imgur.com/HhMx9.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/DtU61.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/QMjSj.jpg)
All working and put together ;D
(http://i.imgur.com/fQ0JD.jpg)
From the front.
(http://i.imgur.com/09cs5.jpg)
Next up. Attaching the glass and painting!
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Looks fantastic man! Can't wait to see the glass mounted.
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What color is it going to be?
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What color is it going to be?
Black and white. Nice and clean.
(http://i.imgur.com/qbo91.jpg)
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What color is it going to be?
Black and white. Nice and clean.
I know what you mean (see my build in sig). :cheers:
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I saved the hardest and most unique task for last. :P All cocktail tables should have a nice thick piece of glass to set your beer on and so mine does too. However I want to be able to open my cabinet and play it in the open position as well for all of those games where wider is better (also xbox360 and ps3). Most cabinets use glass clips or possibly glass bolts to hold the glass to the top but I wanted to keep my cabinet as clean as possible and decided to try something different. ;)
I have glued the glass to 4 flat bolts and secured them to the top of the cabinet for easy removal. This required very very strong adhesive. I used a white light curing adhesive called Nano470.
First step was to shorten the bolts.
(http://i.imgur.com/7mYi2.jpg)
Measure out where to put them.
(http://i.imgur.com/Yu7qr.jpg)
Drill..
(http://i.imgur.com/nbJ8e.jpg)
Set the glass on the table and mark with tape.
(http://i.imgur.com/gxB1J.jpg)
Created a nice light rig for the curing time.
(http://i.imgur.com/N2tyG.jpg)
Flip the glass over and glue on the bolts. (15 minute white light cure time)
(http://i.imgur.com/lVgkf.jpg)
Done.
(http://i.imgur.com/8flFI.jpg)
Then remove the extra adhesive with a razor blade flip the glass back over and set the whole thing in the cabinet.
(http://i.imgur.com/PreuP.jpg)
Without the tape.
(http://i.imgur.com/bxklD.jpg)
Sexy.
(http://i.imgur.com/lclz0.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/zwj5w.jpg)
Now the scary part. Will it hold. ;D It does!!!
(http://i.imgur.com/Lgq2d.jpg)
I am currently stress testing this to make absolutely sure it doesn't fail. The glass probably weighs about 40-45lbs.
(http://i.imgur.com/qd1i2.jpg)
Back.
(http://i.imgur.com/hmZHx.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/QmR0C.jpg)
Nice side shot.
(http://i.imgur.com/MUkFx.jpg)
With the TV.
(http://i.imgur.com/hFlAa.jpg)
All that's left is the paint. :D I have a few good pictures of me putting in the TV that I will upload later as this post is a bit large.
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Sexy.
(http://i.imgur.com/lclz0.jpg)
:o Yes it is! :applaud:
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Wow! :applaud:
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.
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Great idea. I really like this build. Your table will have a lot of versatility.
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You are a brave man. You could show me the testing and back up claims with all the data in the world and there's no way I would trust a piece of glass that size to be glued in 4 1" diameter spots at that angle.
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I'm curious about your order of operations... You seem to do things only to have to undo everything you just did? Like the glass top for example... Why did you attach it? because now you are going to have to take it off and unmount the monitor and remove the hinges so that you can paint it then add t-molding then reattach the hinges then reattach the glass then reconnect the monitor... If you painted it first, then installed the tmolding you would be done right now... Not that there is anything wrong with assembling the box 4 or 5 times, but you probably would have been done a couple of weeks ago.... just sayin! How many times did you attach the monitor? :D
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Looks awesome. But too bad the glass doesn't sit flush with the wood top. I knew about your idea to glue the bolts on the glass since the beginning, but for some reason I didn't forsee the gap. Anyway to countersink the bolts in the wood?
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wow its amazing that thing holds with just those 4 bolts glued. Are you not worried that everytime you remove the glass that you will end up causing issues with that adhesive and loosen it over time?
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You are a brave man. You could show me the testing and back up claims with all the data in the world and there's no way I would trust a piece of glass that size to be glued in 4 1" diameter spots at that angle.
Hehe. Yeah. I'm not ready to sleep under it yet but here is a video showing off the strength of the adhesive. http://youtu.be/5JZn1UY_ZKg (http://youtu.be/5JZn1UY_ZKg)
You seem to do things only to have to undo everything you just did?
The reason for building this cab to completion before undoing for paint is that I am not working off of a template. I have had a rough idea of what I wanted but parts like the hinges and glass top had to be fitted and custom built. If I got all of the parts and then painted the whole thing and then checked to see if the glass fit I would be in a bad place if it didn't. Slow and steady is the way to go on a project like this. Also it takes less than a minute to remove both the glass and the TV from the top of the cab.
Slides right in. :)
(http://i.imgur.com/soPgK.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/VpzVv.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/FyZiJ.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/PeYM1.jpg)
Anyway to countersink the bolts in the wood?
Yes. I can get rid of the gap if I decide too but it is pretty small and I like the separation. I am thinking of making some swappable custom artwork that can be placed between the glass and top at some point.
Are you not worried that everytime you remove the glass that you will end up causing issues with that adhesive and loosen it over time?
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little worried about the long term strength of the adhesive. I have the cabinet in the upright position right now and will be leaving it that way until I paint it in a week or so. I will always be cautious when opening and closing the cab and it will probably see more use as a cocktail cabinet in the long run because cocktail cabinets are awesome! ;D
Thanks for the comments. The best part about this is pushing the limits of the design. I'm glad you're liking it. ;D
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The best part about this is pushing the limits of the design
This. :applaud:
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Very nice man! I can also add that in many situations like this I also have to redo things, because sometimes you can't see how something really works until you rig it up. So I know exactly what you're talking about.
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Very nice work. :applaud:
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Do you notice much wash out of the picture on the TV when playing from an angle vs looking straight down at it? I built a small cocktail cab but i used a PC monitor and the picture looked bad from the side looking at it in the position you sat in in your pictures.
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Do you notice much wash out of the picture on the TV when playing from an angle vs looking straight down at it?
The TV I am using has a very good viewing angle. It is an LED TV. When I bought it I just made sure I looked at it from all angles at the store and after testing it out in the cab everything was nice and crisp from the sides.
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MAN! :applaud:
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Man, this project is looking pretty sweet. I am dubious about mounting a CP on the side for horizontal play, I think you'd be too close to the screen for comfort. But I also think you'd lose some of the awesome factor by playing with gamepads. Me, I'd build a stand-alone CP that you could set out of the way when not in use, but that you could hook up and sit down at. Turn that bad boy into a sit-down showcase basically. It's kinda what I'm doing for players 3 & 4 on my upright. Whatever you decide, you should have tons of fun..... :cheers:
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I have been a member here or lurking around for over 10 years, and this is one of the best builds I have seen on here lately, Most Impressive :applaud:
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Thanks so much for the awesome comments!!! :D It really is great to hear what people think about the cab.
Little update. My new side buttons for the pinball flippers came in and they are perfect. :o
(http://i.imgur.com/votn0.jpg)
Finding these things was a pain. Seems like everyone was sold out of the clear ones. I picked them up at Arcadeshop.de
I have started painting a test piece of wood I had left over to make sure I don't screw anything up and everything is looking good. I will start painting on the cab this Sat. if all goes according to plan.
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nice side buttons, anychance you could upload some videos to youtube of the machine running playing a vertical shooter / some pinball, maybe 2 player pac man or ms pac man ? :cheers:
when your finished of course ;)
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Certainly one of the best builds thread here very informative.
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...any chance you could upload some videos to youtube of the machine running playing a vertical shooter / some pinball, maybe 2 player pac man or ms pac man ?
Yes. I have a couple of videos of the test run but I am going to wait till after it is all put together and done to take a decent video. Should be sooner rather than later. :P
Certainly one of the best builds thread here very informative.
:D Thanks! I do my best to document. :P
I took the whole cab apart for painting this weekend. It takes about 10 -15 minutes total to disassemble everything.
(http://i.imgur.com/aEgAH.jpg)
Some work in progress.
(http://i.imgur.com/zdn9N.jpg)
After pics.
(http://i.imgur.com/F2tln.jpg)
The top layer bevel.
(http://i.imgur.com/GMIcM.jpg)
Here is a little contrast test. ;D
(http://i.imgur.com/D9dVy.jpg)
I plan to sand this all down tonight with high grit paper and put layer 2 on. If everything goes according to how my test paint job went, I should be done after 3 coats. After that I will slap on the t-mold and put it all back together again. I'm hoping to have the cabinet back at my apartment for final detailing this week. ;D
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Very nice progress! :applaud: Where do you plan on putting the seams in the t-mold (where both ends meet)? Under the glass right by the controls?
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Where do you plan on putting the seams in the t-mold (where both ends meet)? Under the glass right by the controls?
Good question. ;) I was planning on doing the seam on the back in the center. I'm hoping to get it tight enough to be able to hide it pretty well. There will be a seam on each layer of the cab so they should all line up in the same spot. :)
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Just came to think about this.
What about trying to solder the edges of the trim together. Do some testes. Should be possible to achieve a good resold in melting them together.. with the right tools and gentle touch!
Somebody must have done this before?
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What about trying to solder the edges of the trim together.
That was a thought I had although after a few tests realized melting t-mold is not an easy thing to do. It tends to shrink when heated up and a piece of purple sample molding I had turned bright pink! ;D If anyone successfully melted t-mold together I'd love to see it but I have decided on a clean cut overlap technique for my cab. I'll document the process well as it took a bit of practice to get it to look perfect.
So I have sanded and painted coats 2 and 3 of the cab and I believe painting is all done. I didn't take any pictures of me sanding it because that part sucked and I don't want to remember doing it. :laugh2:
Wet paint.
(http://i.imgur.com/uHD0W.jpg)
Everything drying.
(http://i.imgur.com/QsTKE.jpg)
3rd coat bezel.
(http://i.imgur.com/RpG30.jpg)
Controls.
(http://i.imgur.com/u1zM8.jpg)
I'm putting on the t-mold tonight and trying to take it back to my apartment for complete assembly. Almost done at this point. ;)
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Why don't you tarp and tape the complete project around the t-molding seam then bondo, sand, and paint? Should be able to get a seamless application that way.
Looking good as always.
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Why don't you tarp and tape the complete project around the t-molding seam then bondo, sand, and paint?
I'm not sure what you mean exactly... and it sounds like a ton of work :P :P :P
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Why don't you tarp and tape the complete project around the t-molding seam then bondo, sand, and paint?
I'm not sure what you mean exactly... and it sounds like a ton of work :P :P :P
The seam that you tried to blowtorch, just cover it with bondo and sand smooth. Without dry time maybe 20 minutes of work. You'll want to use a bit of painters tape and/or some plastic to protect the areas around the seam.
Ton of work.... this from the guy that has taken apart and put together his build 12 times.
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The seam that you tried to blowtorch, just cover it with bondo and sand smooth. Without dry time maybe 20 minutes of work. You'll want to use a bit of painters tape and/or some plastic to protect the areas around the seam.
I see now. That might be good option once I see what it looks like put together. Thanks.
And yeah, I suppose at this point in the project a little more work won't kill me. ;D
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I see a wild Nissan 350Z in the background.
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How about painting the seam of the T-mold with white or clear paint to keep it from becoming a possible dust trap?
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I see a wild Nissan 350Z in the background.
That's my Dad's toy. ;)
How about painting the seam of the T-mold with white or clear paint to keep it from becoming a possible dust trap?
Good idea. I may give that a try if it needs it. :)
So the paint looked great and I really really wanted to take the cab home for assembly but it was raining pretty hard so...
I wrapped that beast up and took it home anyway!!!
I'm not letting rain slow this project down. I wrapped everything in plastic and then covered with towels and whatever else I had around the house.
(http://i.imgur.com/FyNgu.jpg)
I got the whole thing unloaded and into my apartment around 9:30. With the late night help of my father we got the whole thing assembled. I would love to show the pictures but I haven't put the t-mold on yet and it almost looks like a completed project without so I'm going to hold off until tonight when I put on the finishing touches.
Here is a teaser pic though so you won't go home empty handed. ;D
(http://i.imgur.com/GokTM.jpg)
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What about trying to solder the edges of the trim together.
I didn't take any pictures of me sanding it because that part sucked and I don't want to remember doing it. :laugh2:
LOL!
Wet paint, it just looks soo good!
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Can't wait to see it fully assembled.
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Can't wait to see it fully assembled.
Your wish is my command. :D
Ok. The cab is pretty close to done now. All that is left is fixing up some of the wiring for the controls and making minor adjustments and additions with LED lights and customizing the software a bit.
Once I got it in my apartment I put it all together.
(http://i.imgur.com/x8jNU.jpg)
Dropped the glass on. ;D
(http://i.imgur.com/guvTa.jpg)
Installed the hinges and braces.
(http://i.imgur.com/LaxBn.jpg)
Shut with a few buttons dropped in to get a feeling for the color combo. ;)
(http://i.imgur.com/7ktx5.jpg)
Then I went to bed cause that was a lot of work.. :P
Woke up and started the t-mold! Here is an example of how I overlapped the t-mold and then pushed a razor blade through both halves at the same time.
(http://i.imgur.com/RaiL0.jpg)
This was the result. Not to shabby. :)
(http://i.imgur.com/xcRil.jpg)
And now for the fun part. Though not quite complete, here is what she looks like now. ;D
(http://i.imgur.com/DlCim.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/mpmNx.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/862fA.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/mSB3P.jpg)
Turned on. :D
(http://i.imgur.com/OZub1.jpg)
Opened up wide. I can not wait to throw my PS3 and xbox360 in this thing and see how it looks. ;)
(http://i.imgur.com/JLvHC.jpg)
Like I said. Still not quite done. I have a few really cool ideas how to polish this up a bit and I will be taking some nice videos and such after the weekend. Hope you like. It has been a heck of a long process and it feels good to finally be able to play! ;D
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:notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
:cheers:
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That thing looks pretty slick! Nice job! :applaud:
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I really liked this before the final pictures... but now we all know this is one sexy beast! :cheers:
This thing looks sooooo clean, and I love the way the tilt up monitor works. Most wifes would probablly let this one into the main part of the house.
Great job! :applaud:
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MoFug that's purty.
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Looks great man! Very sleek and to the point.
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Oh my!
This is clearly a strong candidate for the best build of 2012 throphy! :applaud:
Love the black&white theme of this cab. And the t-mold splice worked out great!
I'm only curious to how it would have been with tinted glass on this one, not much.. just a little tint..
But yeah, that is details. Imma shuddup, your awesome!
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Congrats on the amazing result! :applaud:
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Amazing results! What brand tv did you use ?
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Great looking cab. Your workmanship and attention to detail are superb. Your cab must be an award winner for 2012. :applaud: :applaud:
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Wow! Thanks for all of the awesome comments!!! :D It is so cool to know people like something that I spent a lot of time working on. ;D
I am still actually working on the cab. I am waiting for a LED harness to come in from ultimarc so I can shed some light on the side buttons. I am also working on putting some ground lights under the cab as well.
I have hit a small problem however. ??? I want to make an on off switch that works for the computer and the tv but I really have no idea how to do that. ??? I assume I can take my tv apart a bit and add some wires leading back to an external switch but I would really like to see someone who has done this already so I don't make a mess of it. If anyone can help that would be awesome.
Here are a few more pics of the machine up and running. I opened the windows to get some nice glass reflection. ;)
(http://i.imgur.com/hTvuV.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Sm1EG.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/A3zTw.jpg)
I also spent all weekend getting hyperpin installed and visual pinball running. (not as easy as I had hoped :P)
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Wow! Thanks for all of the awesome comments!!! :D It is so cool to know people like something that I spent a lot of time working on. ;D
I am still actually working on the cab. I am waiting for a LED harness to come in from ultimarc so I can shed some light on the side buttons. I am also working on putting some ground lights under the cab as well.
I have hit a small problem however. ??? I want to make an on off switch that works for the computer and the tv but I really have no idea how to do that. ??? I assume I can take my tv apart a bit and add some wires leading back to an external switch but I would really like to see someone who has done this already so I don't make a mess of it. If anyone can help that would be awesome.
Here are a few more pics of the machine up and running. I opened the windows to get some nice glass reflection. ;)
I also spent all weekend getting hyperpin installed and visual pinball running. (not as easy as I had hoped :P)
Playing pinball on the cab is a ton of fun!
Thanks again for the comments. I'll post more pictures when the LEDs are all in place.
Again if anyone has a solution to installing a master power switch let me know. :D
What you need is a smart strip:
http://www.bitsltd.net/ (http://www.bitsltd.net/)
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/smalltownguy2/bits.jpg)
Plug your computer into the 'master' outlet, and your TV into the 'slave' one.
But better yet, doesn't your 16x9 display have a VGA input? Most times those displays go to sleep (or low power state) if the video signal goes away. I know my 47" Vizio does that. But only when connected via VGA. If I'm connected via HDMI, it doesn't shut off when my home theater computer is shut off, it simply stays on and says 'waiting for input'
Try hooking your PC up to the display using the 15 pin d-sub connector and see if it goes to low power mode when the computer is shut off.
Of course, if you use the 'smart strip' approach, you can also hook up your speakers to it too, and have them power on/off when the computer powers on/off. Saves electricity.
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Does Hyperspin handle vertical layouts now, or do you just have it horizontal?
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Does Hyperspin handle vertical layouts now, or do you just have it horizontal?
As far as I know Hyperspin is still being updated for vertical use. This has been going on forever... I am tempted to write the code my self for a vertical layout. It would not be overly hard to do. For now though it is only horizontal.
As far as the smart strip. I don't think this will work for turning on the tv and computer. When power is cut to the tv and the computer they both need to be turned back on by pushing their separate power buttons once the power is turned back on again.
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Get a DPDT (or SPDT) momentary switch. Wire one side for your computer's power, and the other side for your TV's power.
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Get a DPDT (or SPDT) momentary switch. Wire one side for your computer's power, and the other side for your TV's power.
This is looking like a good idea. :) Thanks. I am assuming most momentary switches on tvs and computers use ground to activate so attaching them to the same switch would be fine. I guess I'll find out either way. :P
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:applaud: Maaan is this a classy build.
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Get a DPDT (or SPDT) momentary switch. Wire one side for your computer's power, and the other side for your TV's power.
This is looking like a good idea. :) Thanks. I am assuming most momentary switches on tvs and computers use ground to activate so attaching them to the same switch would be fine. I guess I'll find out either way. :P
Probably a good idea to keep your TV ground and computer ground seperate, this is why I suggested a double throw switch (one switch to control two seperate circuits).
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Ok. So for start up I would just toggle back and forth and both would turn on. That makes sense. Thanks. :) :cheers:
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First off... Looks awesome! :applaud: Now question.... I may have skipped the answer already but here goes..... Where is the speakers? If you are using the tv's speakers don't those fire down and into a sealed box? I can't imagine that sounding any good when you are playing in cocktail mode! ???
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Ok. So for start up I would just toggle back and forth and both would turn on. That makes sense. Thanks. :) :cheers:
If you want single button press on/off, try this.
You'll need a DPST momentary pushbutton. (green)
Wire (red) the two individual sides in parallel with the power switches on the TV and computer.
Scott
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This is absolutely stunning. So Classy. Jealous! Enjoy it.
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Very cool! Good job!
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Hadn't seen this build since you finished it.
Fantastic job! I love the ability to play pinball on it as well.
:applaud:
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Love this build! Would you be willing to share the measurements so I could build one like it?
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Wow. It has been a long time since I posted. Maybe I'll add some videos one of these days. :)
Love this build! Would you be willing to share the measurements so I could build one like it?
Thanks!
I have been putting off taking final measurements of the cab for months. I will see if I can motivate myself to put together a build sheet in the next week. I had original 3D models but the sizing changed a bit when I built it. I'll make sure I post here once I get everything figured out.
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Just in case you weren't aware, this build was nominated for a 2012 BYOAC User Choice Award (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,129985.0.html) in the cocktail category. :applaud:
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I didn't know. Very cool! Has a winner been picked?
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Not yet. Voting ends on the 17th I believe.
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How do you like playing on this neck or back pain? I've been playing with the idea of doing one with a 32" LCD and play 2p games in cocktail mode
Sent from my SCH-M828C using Tapatalk 2
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Not yet. Voting ends on the 17th I believe.
Awesome! Fingers crossed. ;)
How do you like playing on this neck or back pain?
I find it to be pretty comfortable. I wouldn't put more than an hour into it or your back might get the best of you but for a few games with friends it works nicely.
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Don't forget to go vote for yourself. Every vote counts.
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Thanks for helping with the measurements - looking forward to them when you have a chance. Regards!
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i love this build i want me one. best idea ever. still waiting on you to deliver it :P
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Really cool looking... the only thing I've found with cocktail cabs is bumping my knees on the cabinet.
Nice job... wish I had the patience for that kind of work. :)
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Well it has been a good long time since I last updated but better late than never. I updated my cpu the moment Pinball FX2 was released on Steam and added it to my cab. It was so pretty I had to take some video and so here we are.
http://youtu.be/Hfv_d3Por90 (http://youtu.be/Hfv_d3Por90)
Thanks again to everyone who was excited about this project and kept me going till the end. :) I guess I need to build a number 2 now. :)
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It's cool to see PFX2 played vertically, but I always need to lock my view when playing the game.
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It depends on the table I'm playing. Fixed with no trails gives a nice simulation feal. If they ever release pinball arcade on steam Ill probably play that fixed.
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(http://stimpert.bugs3.com/pics/measurments.png) Could you take these measurements for me? Looking for the same type off setup... Maybe not a monitor as big but I like the idea. Any help would be great! Thanks in Advance!!
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A 49
B 24
D 23
E 48
C from floor 26
From bottom of cab 21.5
Be sure to comment here with a link to your build post. I'd love to see how it turns out.
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Thanks for the reply. Your measurements are almost spot on to mine.. Give or take an inch. I have also got a friend of mine (carpenter by trade) completely set on building one, but with a nice PC capable of playing modern PC games, and a 37" TV
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Honestly I don't like it at all.
I LOVE IT!!!!!!!! Looks like it came out of a factory. Your skills are without question very very good.
I goes in the front room very nice too.
Beautiful build beautiful machine. Love it.. :notworthy: :notworthy:
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I'm jealous of how gorgeous this custom build is. Seriously. You should be really proud.
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How do you get fx2 vertical like that. Sweet Cab!!
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curious, how many inches is it from the end of that middle shelf (bottom CP board) the the CP Back plate? 5 something inches?
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Wow, i love this.
Best comment on a build "And lastly, the straddle."
Did you ever find a list of games that are great on a cocktail.
Im running MAME, and some just dont like flipping.
Loving the black, the contrast is awesome.
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Thanks! ;D
I've slowly been going through all of the games and rotating them in MAME if they work well on cocktail tables. I am also looking into getting a shortcut of some kind that will flip the display for non-mame games like pinball fx.
I also may be getting access to a workshop soon where a new design may be underway. >:D
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Yeh im thinking i will have to do the same.
I want as many games as possible to flip. But thats going to take a while, going through 800 games.
You come across any way of getting non flipping games to flip?
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Great build! Did you ever post the SketchUp files? I'd love to take closer look at the model to see if it something I can make.
Thanks,
Ken
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In all seriousness, I would start on this build TOMORROW if you could provide even the merest hint of a suggestion of an idea of a plan!!! Anything at all to get me started, even basic measurements. This is amazingly beautiful, and exactly what I am looking for in a cocktail cabinet. I'd probably leave off the tilt part, but other than that this would really really be perfect. Any chance?? Please please please???
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Hi
I hope that you can post some plans!!!
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I love the mirrored display for horizontal games. I've searched everywhere and all I keep finding is the cocktail setting which flips vertical games. Can you tell me what setting allows the head to head mirroring on the same display? I making a smaller tabletop cocktail and that would be a perfect setup. Thanks for the help.
Chartman
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I've searched everywhere and all I keep finding is the cocktail setting which flips vertical games. Can you tell me what setting allows the head to head mirroring on the same display?
Welcome aboard, Chartman. ;D
Try selecting Cocktail in the MAME "Video Settings" menu instead of the "Dip Switches" menu.
Scott
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I've searched everywhere and all I keep finding is the cocktail setting which flips vertical games. Can you tell me what setting allows the head to head mirroring on the same display?
Welcome aboard, Chartman. ;D
Try selecting Cocktail in the MAME "Video Settings" menu instead of the "Dip Switches" menu.
Scott
Thanks for the reply. I've played with the dip switches and MAME menu to set cocktail mode and that works on all the roms that allow it, which is great. But what I'm specifically looking for is the setting that allows for horizontal games to be mirrored to both sides of the screen so 2 players on a cocktail machine can play together like it shows in the YouTube video of the cabinet. Not sure if it requires a specific version of MAME that supports that feature, or if the combo of the flipx/flipy command with some command for mirroring. I'm currently getting ready to build a mini tabletop cocktail machine and would love for the horizontal games (i.e Street Fighter 2, Cadillac's vs. Dinosaurs, etc..) to be able to be played by two players as well as the standard vertical cocktail games (i.e Pacman, 1944, etc...). It would be an awesome feature to add. It also may effect my intention of using Retropie if the MAME emulators it supports don't have that feature. I may have to go to an inexpensive x86 machine that will fit the low profile of the cabinet.
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It also may effect my intention of using Retropie if the MAME emulators it supports don't have that feature.
Not sure if the MAME versions that run on a RasPi can mirror the screen, but more recent versions can. (0.107 and newer IIRC)
You may also want to ask about this in the Raspberry Pi & Dev Board (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/board,57.0.html) sub-forum.
Scott
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It also may effect my intention of using Retropie if the MAME emulators it supports don't have that feature.
Not sure if the MAME versions that run on a RasPi can mirror the screen, but more recent versions can. (0.107 and newer IIRC)
You may also want to ask about this in the Raspberry Pi & Dev Board (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/board,57.0.html) sub-forum.
Scott
If they don't and you are still in the design phase could always just put 2 monitors into the cabinet and have them mounted so each player gets his own screen to do the same thing. (perhaps put in a second PI and switchbox and set it up so you could play as 2 separate systems when you each want to play a different game or as a single 2 player setup with screen mirrored for those times you want to compete.)
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It also may effect my intention of using Retropie if the MAME emulators it supports don't have that feature.
Not sure if the MAME versions that run on a RasPi can mirror the screen, but more recent versions can. (0.107 and newer IIRC)
You may also want to ask about this in the Raspberry Pi & Dev Board (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/board,57.0.html) sub-forum.
Scott
Thanks for the help. Posted on the PI board and then started digging into LR-MAME2010 on the PI, and found in the TAB menu a video options that has cocktail mode for horizontal games. Just enable it and it mirrors the screen (Squished Horizontally), then go down to config items and rotate 90% and bingo, nearly perfect horizontal games for both sides of a cocktail table. My RetroPie build was set around LR-MAME2003 and the 0.79 ROMSET, so looks like i'm going to have to find a 0.139 ROMSET. Thanks for the help.
Chartman
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If you can't find that set you can create it using the current set and the rollback set. Though IIRC 0.139 is a pretty easy to find set.
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Thanks for posting this project. I used some elements of your machine in the design of mine. You can see what I did here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93hmveNZ9qw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93hmveNZ9qw)
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I love coming back to this post after years and reading through again!
Thanks for posting this project. I used some elements of your machine in the design of mine.
This is amazing! Great job. It is super cool to have inspired someone. :cheers:
If anyone is interested in what I've been up to you can check out my site. www.neontoken.com (http://www.neontoken.com) or on instagram @neontoken
I've built three new cabs and restored a bunch more. Keep making cool stuff! ;D
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A 49
B 24
D 23
E 48
C from floor 26
From bottom of cab 21.5
Be sure to comment here with a link to your build post. I'd love to see how it turns out.
Hi everyone. Love the forum. I'm making this post so i could ask if anyone can give me the measures? Because the picutire don't exist anymore and i'm starting to build one cab just like this one.
Thank everyone and especially jkdubb gor this great inspiration.