The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls
Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: CoryBee on October 27, 2012, 08:19:05 pm
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Thought I would try and make a half decent bartop. Got some MDF cut up using a template I created from a failed particle board side piece. MDF is 5/8", ordered t-molding from "gamemolding.com"'s Ebay store. Still attempting to make this rather frugally, will be doing my best to touch it up a bit better.
I have a full roll of that black contact paper to use on the sides, which I think will look much better without screws protruding and a smooth surface for it to be applied to. Or do you think I should go with paint? I have always failed at painting things :banghead:
Also rounded the edges, will help with t-molding as well as give it a little extra something.
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/UnNamed%20Cab/GEDC1689.jpg)
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What pc components will you be running, looks tight in there...
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Painting can work out well if you take it slow. I use a primer followed by blackboard paint followed by some water based polyurethane varnish. If you sand carefully between coats, you can achieve some good results. Example is the base from my Vewlix cab (blemishes on the pic are due to a dirty lens):
(http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc26/SpaceHedgehog/Vewlixslimbaseblack.jpg)
Edit: probably a better pic:
(http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc26/SpaceHedgehog/VewlixSlimplans1.jpg)
Alternatively, you could use a thicker vinyl such as blackboard/chalkboard which is more durable than the contact stuff. Example is from my Vewlix control Panel:
(http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc26/SpaceHedgehog/IMG_0771.jpg)
For this project, I would go with the vinyl.
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What pc components will you be running, looks tight in there...
I am using a laptop, so it will fit. I would like to keep this as small as the others, don't like the idea of a big bartop. I like to take them with me on business trips and what have you.
Not sure if I want to attempt the paint. I might try it on something else to try and get the feel for what it is I am doing. Could always use some practice painting for the future.
Is this the stuff you were speaking of?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chalk-Board-Blackboard-Removable-Vinyl-Wall-Sticker-Decal-Better-than-Paint-/300788410889?pt=Decals_Stickers_Vinyl_Art&var=&hash=item460862ea09 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chalk-Board-Blackboard-Removable-Vinyl-Wall-Sticker-Decal-Better-than-Paint-/300788410889?pt=Decals_Stickers_Vinyl_Art&var=&hash=item460862ea09)
Price doesn't look half bad either, not that much more than the contact stuff. Thanks.
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That does look like the right stuff. From what I can see in the pic, it has a texture to it.
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That does look like the right stuff. From what I can see in the pic, it has a texture to it.
Thanks for the fast response. Does ""7.9 mil Polymeric PVC film"" sound thick enough :dunno
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That does look like the right stuff. From what I can see in the pic, it has a texture to it.
Thanks for the fast response. Does ""7.9 mil Polymeric PVC film"" sound thick enough :dunno
A lot of stickers I've seen are 3 mil, so that seems a bit thicker. You should be OK.
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Yup, agree with yotsuya on that one. Should be good to go.
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Thanks for that guys, will do some measuring and see how much of the vinyl I will need. Seems like it will be cheaper than paint too.
Had a fukton of laptop parts laying around from failed fixes and trades. Was able to piece together an HP pavilion dv2000. It was missing the laptop hdd connector, weird L shape thing, just got done soldering on one from a broken USB sata adapter. I am determined to use all I have before buying anything new. 2gb of ram and 1.8ghz dual core CPU, out beats the junk laptops I was using before, and they ran beautifully on MAME .83 :applaud:
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Here is the laptop. I would just sell it normally but it is missing too many little random things, like a back plate for memory, cracks and scratches, etc.
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1698.jpg)
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1700.jpg)
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I quit using laptops. While the size is nice, usually the plugs and everything required make for a larger unit than an atom based board. However, if you have a laptop, go for it. I squeezed an atom motherboard, PSU, and HD into a 18" Galaga bartop. Overall, it was a smaller footprint than the laptop.
The other thing I don't like about laptops is they usually don't allow you to power on automatically after the power is turned on (AC Power Loss). They require you to hit a button. Not a huge deal, but right now I flip a light switch and all the arcade games come on and I like that.
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The other thing I don't like about laptops is they usually don't allow you to power on automatically after the power is turned on (AC Power Loss). They require you to hit a button. Not a huge deal, but right now I flip a light switch and all the arcade games come on and I like that.
Woa....I never thought about using the power on after Ac Power loss settings for anything arcade related. That is an awesome idea. I don't think I could fit a pc in this size, a rasp pi perhaps. This bartop template makes for a rather small bartop.
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I got some more work done on it, trying to get better quality with this one is going to be fun but is also proving difficult since I don't have time to plan\plot\design properly if I want to get it done before I leave. I enjoy coming up with solutions to problems as they come along so it isn't too bad.
The laptop is widescreen so naturally the bartop has to be wider, this also helps to accommodate the two player controls. I didn't want it to be too wide though so I am making the control panel (not sure if there is a term for it) protrude from the sides.
The mdf is a bit dirty but that isn't an issue with a bit of sanding.
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/UnNamed%20Cab/GEDC1704.jpg)
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/UnNamed%20Cab/GEDC1705.jpg)
I had no idea how I was going to connect the control panel but I think this works out well
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/UnNamed%20Cab/GEDC1712.jpg)
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/UnNamed%20Cab/GEDC1711.jpg)
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/UnNamed%20Cab/GEDC1713.jpg)
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/UnNamed%20Cab/GEDC1715.jpg)
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/UnNamed%20Cab/GEDC1717.jpg)
Sanded a bit, rounded corners of CP and finished the top piece will add pictures. Wont be any screws showing this time I promise :D
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Did a bit of work today. Am really liking the way this is turning out :D
Routed for t-molding, speaker piece shoved in place for now.
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1718.jpg)
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1720.jpg)
Fitting the computer & screen in.
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1721.jpg)
Bother speaker piece and computer in their perm. locations.
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1723.jpg)
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1725.jpg)
This is what i came up with so far on the art stuffs. Chalkboard vinyl most places and a nice marquee. With red n blue buttons\joysticks. Not sure if black control panel or i should print something out and sandwich it between acrylic.....
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/redbluecade.png)
Hold off on the pepsi-cade jokes as my brother sure didn't.......
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Good job. I didn't know you had it in you.
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Good job. I didn't know you had it in you.
Much love to you too :cheers:
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You're doing so well that you can't skimp on the control panel. You have to art it up. How about something like the following.
http://www.gameongrafix.com/products/magic-lightning-control-panel (http://www.gameongrafix.com/products/magic-lightning-control-panel)
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You're doing so well that you can't skimp on the control panel. You have to art it up. How about something like the following.
http://www.gameongrafix.com/products/magic-lightning-control-panel (http://www.gameongrafix.com/products/magic-lightning-control-panel)
I quite like this! Would rather not spend 60 dollars on it though. Wonder if anyone can help me make art for it in the same kind of theme. I have a friend I will ask (great with illustrator) but he is clueless when it comes to arcade stuff.
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You're doing so well that you can't skimp on the control panel. You have to art it up. How about something like the following.
http://www.gameongrafix.com/products/magic-lightning-control-panel (http://www.gameongrafix.com/products/magic-lightning-control-panel)
Leave him alone, do you know how long its taken to get him to something respectable.....
Much, Much better man.... :applaud: :applaud: :applaud: :applaud:
Only thing is it's gonna cost you no matter where you go to get a good printout on graphics....
GOG charges by the size so your doing a bartop it's not gonna be $60.00
PM Griff from this thread, http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,121570.0/topicseen.html (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,121570.0/topicseen.html), he might throw something simple together for you...
Otherwise, get out the paint and get to stenciling....
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You're doing so well that you can't skimp on the control panel. You have to art it up. How about something like the following.
http://www.gameongrafix.com/products/magic-lightning-control-panel (http://www.gameongrafix.com/products/magic-lightning-control-panel)
Leave him alone, do you know how long its taken to get him to something respectable.....
Hey now, plenty of people liked my scratch bartops! Much fun came out of the $60 bucks I put into those things. Also, thanks to the nice parts :laugh:
When I input the size of the control panel the total gets to 40 buckaroonies, and I assume shipping is probably $10 or so. Would be fine with 30 bucks I think if I can get it down some how. CP is 6 1/2" x 21"
I am scared of griff, he might yell at me if I ask.......
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First time messing around in Photoshop to create cool effects. Made some quick control panel art that isn't very detailed but I kind of like it. Idea obviously based off of the GOG CP I was linked. Red Vs Blue lightning.
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/CpBartop.png)
It isn't as exciting as the other one but like I said I kind of like it and have no Photoshop skills whatsoever. Would like to do button surrounds, but can't find much information to make it easy to get it right. Anyways, what you guys think of it? And if you can do better, please....please do :cheers:
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Added it to the paint little thing i did......not bad (also added a fake marquee from the GOG cp)
(http://i.imgur.com/llrsn.png)
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For the overlay just download the correct dpi overlay from slagcoin and import it as a transparent layer to the image.
There may be an easier way, but that was how I did mine :)
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Thanks for the advice Dr. Nick! Pl1 gave me the same idea on this. WIll give it a go as a test but might not have button surrounds, not sure yet.
Got some things to make this perdy.
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1745.jpg)
Cut holes for the speakers. Bought a cheap ass $5 iphone amp thingy off ebay.
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1744.jpg)
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1743.jpg)
Fill them holes
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1746.jpg)
Priming
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1747.jpg)
And now we wait....... :P
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Did a bit of painting and am awfully surprised at how good it turned out with the rust-oleum matte black paint. I could do the sides and actually be happy about the finished product......But I bought a roll of this blackboard stuff...... :banghead:
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/UnNamed%20Cab/GEDC1750.jpg)
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/UnNamed%20Cab/GEDC1753.jpg)
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yeah paint is good if you do it right....
it's amazing how stuff can look when you take your time man..
Go get you some black metallic, and just mist over that black, then put about 3 coats of clearcoat on let it cure for a few days.....
polish it up with some Swirl-x.
Put that bad boy in some sunlight and it's off the chain....
All i can say if you better put a hefty price tag on this one, you sell this low, your other clients are gonna be pissed when they see this one vs. your wal-mart version...
great job man... :applaud: :applaud: :applaud:
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Try a piece of the vinyl out on some scrap - I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by the uniform textured effect. If the bartop is glued together at all, it'd be best to stick with the paint though. Got to agree that with the right paint and some patience, it can turn out great, particularly on smaller surfaces. Anyway, good job so far :cheers:
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Buy more paint.....oh okay. I will try to convince myself to do this. Thanks for the encouragement guys. :cheers:
Awaiting a package today containing my Joysticks & Buttons, always feels like Christmas when I hear that knock at the door.
No comments on the control panel? :laugh:
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Keep at it, Personally with art I'm all for Plagarism I found the below which I quite like, Only got it at 100DPI Though :)
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Keep at it, Personally with art I'm all for Plagarism I found the below which I quite like, Only got it at 100DPI Though :)
True, not like they can sue you :laugh:
I like what I did for the CP, simplistic. Marquee though, might steal something.
Cropped the image you sent to see if I like it as a marquee
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/marquee-test.jpg)
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/redbluecade2.png)
100dpi should be more than enough for the small marquee size.
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lol, graphics were never your issue on the other builds, i'm trying to get you through to at least have something nice to put the graphics on....baby steps dammit baby steps...
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lol, graphics were never your issue on the other builds, i'm trying to get you through to at least have something nice to put the graphics on....baby steps dammit baby steps...
HEY, clam your tits man!
It is pretty, and I like it :angry:
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lol, graphics were never your issue on the other builds, i'm trying to get you through to at least have something nice to put the graphics on....baby steps dammit baby steps...
HEY, clam your tits man!
It is pretty, and I like it :angry:
:laugh2:
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awe hell now you've been distracted.....dont you dare pull out the oscar the grouch techniques.......
i like the marquee, the CP not so much....you have fairy trails in the marquee and electrcity in the CP....
match em up....
in fact i like it the way it was...
most people dont do button surrounds on that staggered layout cause it just don't look right....
if you were to do a 6 button layout straight across 3 and 3 then you could just do a halo around it....
i think i still have my .psd if you want it.. it has the halo layers and some nicer looking buttons.
Sooner or later we are gonna get you totally cleaned up, got dammit man even the buttons on your art look rough....... :soapbox:
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:whap haha, you guys are too much.
I hear you on the CP, I just suck at photoshop. I do what I need with it on other projects, but for art bah! Send me your .psd if you can not sure if I will do anything with it but I will give it a look over. Won't need surrounds. Probably will steal that lightning ball from GOG cp picture.
Did some more work, will have pictures up when I find batteries for the camera.
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Time to take a break, eat some pudding pie and watch my stories. :laugh:
I covered the sides in the chalkboard vinyl, really liked it. Also did the top piece as well. Looks spiffy. Then I did the t-molding, :applaud: I love this stuff!
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1755.jpg)
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1756.jpg)
Measured out the inside of the cp box to make sure everything will fit. And used a modified version of one of Slagcoins templates, sega hybrid layout shortened to make room for player two. (Could of had more pics, but batteries)
I knew from the beginning if I wanted to fit everything in this size control panel I would have to modify the Joystick a bit. Cut the top right corner from both red & blue to make room for the Player 1 & Player 2 buttons. Cut it quick with a jig saw, it works.
(camera phone)
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/110812023818.jpg)
Everything fits!
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1757.jpg)
The vinyl needs to be wiped down cause of dust but I am liking it.
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1759.jpg)
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1763.jpg)
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:applaud: :applaud: :applaud: :applaud: :applaud: :applaud:
sawing up your jstiks with a jigsaw :whap
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Looks good. Now throw a photo on there of Arizona Cardinals Hall of Fame Running Back/Dancing With The Stars Champion Emmitt Smith, and you can get at least $400 for that bad boy in Texas.
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sawing up your jstiks with a jigsaw :whap
Yea, thought about not sharing that part.....scared to death of my dremel since it has started wobbling something fierce recently :scared
Looks good. Now throw a photo on there of Arizona Cardinals Hall of Fame Running Back/Dancing With The Stars Champion Emmitt Smith, and you can get at least $400 for that bad boy in Texas.
I think I will stick with the lightning, and don't yell at me but I have someone buying it for $550 already. I really want to keep it though...... Need the money for my trip, tis why I am not taking it slow.
Thanks guys! :cheers:
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$550? Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaammmm! ;D
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Glad you liked the vinyl - you'll be ordering square meters of the stuff soon to satisfy your appetite.
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Glad you liked the vinyl - you'll be ordering square meters of the stuff soon to satisfy your appetite.
You might be right, didn't take much more money to make er perdy :dunno Don't see why I shouldn't build more if this turns out well.
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Modified a lightning picture from deviant art. duplicated it to the other side flipped, and colored it blue. Think I will add some more bolts to it to differentiate the sides and fill it out more.
-Marquee-
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/red_lightning_storm.png)
-Control Panel-
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/CpBartop-1.png)
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$550? Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaammmm! ;D
Ok i'm beginning to believe hes quoting storage wars prices....where they just just toss stuff out and say, i can get 50.00 for this, 40.00 for that chair, just so it seems they make all of their money back....
You get 550, just for putting soap and water on your builds..........INCONCEIVABLE
Looks good. Now throw a photo on there of Arizona Cardinals Hall of Fame Running Back/Dancing With The Stars Champion Emmitt Smith, and you can get at least $400 for that bad boy in Texas.
Damn you to hell.......that's blasphemy..
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Ok i'm beginning to believe hes quoting storage wars prices....where they just just toss stuff out and say, i can get 50.00 for this, 40.00 for that chair, just so it seems they make all of their money back....
You get 550, just for putting soap and water on your builds..........INCONCEIVABLE
I haven't gotten that much from it yet buddy, just what was offered for it when it is done. If he commits to it then :cheers: if not then I can sell it to someone else. Or keep it like I had planned, still spent under $100 to build it so no stress.
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Ok i'm beginning to believe hes quoting storage wars prices....where they just just toss stuff out and say, i can get 50.00 for this, 40.00 for that chair, just so it seems they make all of their money back....
You get 550, just for putting soap and water on your builds..........INCONCEIVABLE
I haven't gotten that much from it yet buddy, just what was offered for it when it is done. If he commits to it then :cheers: if not then I can sell it to someone else. Or keep it like I had planned, still spent under $100 to build it so no stress.
:applaud: :applaud: INCONCEIVABLE
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Played with it a bit more
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/UnNamed%20Cab/MarqueeBartop.png)
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/CpBartopcorrected.png)
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Traced joystick support thingy and routed it out.
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1769.jpg)
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1770.jpg)
Also painted the CP box and sanded to get ready to put the vinyl on it
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1774.jpg)
Going to staples and home depot to get some final things. Acrylic for CP and art printed.
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Jesus, just noticed photobucket changed their layout and made the uploads a bigger size. "Edit: Switched to old version"
Art printed, soooo shiny
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1775.jpg)
My brother wants me to build his son a mini-lowboy. He is 5 and loves playing on the bartops and my semi completed full size. Will create a log for this as well, he wants it done in 3 weeks......we will see. I have most of the parts and wood and he will chip in with work (probably not).
This is him whining because he had to leave.
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1777.jpg)
Time for me to cut the lexan!
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Routed the Lexan.....and it attacks! :angry: Little bits of the lexan flew out at my right arm like flaming hot spiky demons! Wasn't too bad just annoying, and it came out perfect-o.
I samiched the lexan in between the CP and a piece of particle board, then routed away with the flush trim bit
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1786.jpg)
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1787.jpg)
Drilling the button holes, used the same spade bit as I did on the MDF. Ran the drill on the number 3 setting so if it snags the drill stops. Pretty much let it scrape with a fair amount of pressure.
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1788.jpg)
Would have finished but the drill died.....waiting for recharge. :tool:
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um, clamp your lexan on the template drill a hole big enough so the flush cut router bit can pass through and make your holes that way...less chance of splitting your plexi, and make the hole alot cleaner....
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um, clamp your lexan on the template drill a hole big enough so the flush cut router bit can pass through and make your holes that way...less chance of splitting your plexi, and make the hole alot cleaner....
I had planned on doing this but was scared I might break the lexan, I am going to play with the extra lexan and see how it turns out for science. :laugh:
I really like the CP with art, really makes a difference. I HATE THE STATIC ON THE LEXAN!!!! :banghead:
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1801.jpg)
Close-ups - CRACK SMOKIN DUSK ATTRACTIN FLOOZIE :angry:
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1802.jpg)
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1805.jpg)
Underside
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1806.jpg)
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Gah, first time using t-molding and I didn't think to compensate for the acrylic on the control panel. :banghead:
It and is quite annoying. I am out of the thinner stuff to make another CP out of....... I think I am going to route the extra space from the top of the CP, this will give me the height desired. If this doesn't work well then I will have to either buy some smaller wood for it or buy bigger t-molding. Both things will cost me money, :hissy:
Time to get dusty.......
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Looks like it worked out fine removing a lexan sized layer from the Control Panel :applaud:
The test piece
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/111012134902-1.jpg)
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1811.jpg)
Pieces of the same size MDF to surround it and support it while removing the layer.
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1809.jpg)
And the layer removed
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1813.jpg)
Sanded it and painted it black again.
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Glad to see you fixed the issue :) for a moment I thought you had taken the excess off the bottom and not the top. But looking again I can see properly :)
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Officially salvaged :applaud:
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Glad to see you fixed the issue :) for a moment I thought you had taken the excess off the bottom and not the top. But looking again I can see properly :)
I would have lost it and done evil things to the dead CP :timebomb:
Officially salvaged :applaud:
Yes, yes it is :laugh:
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1816.jpg)
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1817.jpg)
Collects so much dust on top when working with it (screwing buttons in, etc.)
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1818.jpg)
Edit: Purchasing a router was the best investment to date involving my set of tools, electrical or otherwise. So versatile I am in love with it every time it eats away at the wood.
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So what you got planned for the screen bezel? Paint silver bit black and then smoked glass? Painted Lexan?
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So what you got planned for the screen bezel? Paint silver bit black and then smoked glass? Painted Lexan?
I figure I would tape the lexan off, the ol' score it and painter's tape thing. Paint it a flat black on the back. Have more of the lexan left so that will be the cheapest route.
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Got the wiring done for the Control Panel.
White "Player One" button is "Pl1 Start" "Pl1 Coin" and "UI Select" in Mame, same goes for Player Two's controls except "UI Select".
Player One's "Black" button is "UI Cancel" in Mame and "Select" button for bother Players in console games.
CP box with hole drilled for USB cords
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1821.jpg)
Wires threaded through and CP in place
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1822.jpg)
Under the hood
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1823.jpg)
Close up
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1824.jpg)
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1827.jpg)
Cheers :cheers:
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Got the marquee installed. For a marquee retainer I followed "mcseforsale" in using the clear wallpaper edge protector for this. Came in an 8' long piece, leaves me with much for later.
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1832.jpg)
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1829.jpg)
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1830.jpg)
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1833.jpg)
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1836.jpg)
Without changing the design of the side panels and the addition of the bigger screen it left me with little room for a proper sized marquee. To rectify this instead of painting the inside of the retainer black I painted just the top part as to leave the front pieces clear. This worked out well :applaud:
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No sir, you will not leave the fronts clear.........
:whap
You are doing soooo good man, do not i repeat do not cut corners for the convenience of simplicity....
I tried using that stuff, and it just don't look right on a bar top due to the size....
If your not gonna light up your marquee, there are other options to hold that in place, and that aint one of em....
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Looks like there's a whole lotta' lip goin' on here.
And I don't just mean Rodney. . . :lol
Sometimes they come with different length sides.
(http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/053538/053538565060.jpg)
The bottom is 1/2", the upright is 3/4" -- first example I could find.
Scott
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go to lowes or home depot.......go to the window screen repair section.
in that area you will find these long black plastic strips of what looks like miniature marquee holders.
They are black and cheap and can be cut to length. I can't find a photo, but you will see what i'm talking about when you go....
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But you guyyyyyyys, I already bought and installed it! :hissy:
I will take a look at the home depot tiny marquee retainers you mentioned "rablack97"
I looked all over home depot for something that had a small lipon it but to no avail, the metal ones were still too big. The acrylic doesn't look bad at all I promise!
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The example pic was from Lowes.
You might find some more options there. :dunno
Scott
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These things.....
Bad photos, phone camera....
(http://i.imgur.com/3bof3.jpg?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/kkRgS.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/bdnEK.jpg)
no, no, the graphic is not suppose to show through your marquee...... :whap
The retainers your using is for the grown up full size machines, your making a tiny arcade, so you dont put oversized clear marquee retainers on a baby...
Take it off, take it off......... :angry:
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(http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/400x/30125327.jpg)
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Yes your 2nd choice would be a lot more appropriate for this size machine :)
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:laugh2: :laugh2: :laugh2:
---smurfin---' aye guys.
Alright, I will find the marquee retainers you guys requested. Hmmm..... Too late to route a section for the marquee to fit in then t-molding the edges.... trying to use what I have, but if I must by more things to appease the byoac gods then I know it is what's best for the build.
:cheers:
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Got most of the bartop done now, all that is left is cleaning up the dust, tweaking a few things and trying to find a better marquee retainer.
Drilled holes for back panel controls and routed the MDF to fit their corresponding nuts that hold them in place.
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1866.jpg)
Controls Installed
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1867-1.jpg)
Painted the back panel already and added t-molding to the top of it, Will update with more pictures when I get it cleaned up. Software is done as well, just need to find a quicker way of making the collection of roms perfect (no missing files).
:cheers:
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Just took some pictures of the 99.2% complete 2-Player Bartop - (Still need to find a better marquee retainer)
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1872.jpg)
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1875.jpg)
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1876.jpg)
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1878.jpg)
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j227/corydrippon/GEDC1879.jpg)
Will add the video I took once it is done Uploading to Youtube. :applaud:
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Quick Youtube video, not very pretty but shows off most of it.
www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=yqAxB53Y3mw (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqAxB53Y3mw#)
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Still need to find a better marquee retainer
The thought just occurred to me that if you can't find thinner marquee retainers, a custom full-wraparound retainer using thin acrylic bent into a C-shape by a heatgun might work. :dunno
Scott
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Still need to find a better marquee retainer
The thought just occurred to me that if you can't find thinner marquee retainers, a custom full-wraparound retainer using thin acrylic bent into a C-shape by a heatgun might work. :dunno
Scott
hmmmm, no heat gun. I do most of my reflow work in a converted toaster oven. But I have a nice pen torch....
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This turned out really well! Very clean bartop, surpasses your other builds like crazy. I don't think I am 100% digging the marquee retainer, it looks ever so slightly off. Do you have any kind of tiny black clips you could use to secure it instead? Kind of like the ones they use on picture frames on the back. Of course it's only a suggestion, everything looks really good!
And kudos to the immense amount of patience you've had in this thread. I noticed a lot of pretty harsh 'direction' handed your way. You responded quite politely, a true gent if I ever saw one!!
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hmmmm, no heat gun. I do most of my reflow work in a converted toaster oven. But I have a nice pen torch....
Rather than use an open flame, you may want to invest in a heat gun (http://www.harborfreight.com/professional-heat-gun-with-digital-temperature-settings-97114.html) and accessory kit (http://www.harborfreight.com/9-piece-heat-gun-accessory-kit-68695.html).
Scott
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Rather than use an open flame, you may want to invest in a heat gun (http://www.harborfreight.com/professional-heat-gun-with-digital-temperature-settings-97114.html) and accessory kit (http://www.harborfreight.com/9-piece-heat-gun-accessory-kit-68695.html).
Scott
I know there is something better I can use for the marquee, I will source something that wont involve me buying more tools. Although I should have a heat gun in my arsenal.
This turned out really well! Very clean bartop, surpasses your other builds like crazy. I don't think I am 100% digging the marquee retainer, it looks ever so slightly off. Do you have any kind of tiny black clips you could use to secure it instead? Kind of like the ones they use on picture frames on the back. Of course it's only a suggestion, everything looks really good!
And kudos to the immense amount of patience you've had in this thread. I noticed a lot of pretty harsh 'direction' handed your way. You responded quite politely, a true gent if I ever saw one!!
Yea like I mentioned I am not all too happy with the marquee retainer either. You gave me some ideas though, I am going to go rummage through my garage and see what I can find. Had these black things for making thin picture frames 2 years ago....wonder if I still have them.
Best thing about this build is it has still only cost me about $100 or less, need to tally some things up properly, which makes me happy. The guy that made the offer wants to come see it tomorrow and I still don't know if I want to sell it.....but at that price I couldn't say no. ( MORE BARTOPS! :laugh: )
Finally if you don't have patience when it comes to the internet and forums, you will lose your ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- quick. :cheers: Thanks for the compliment!
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You could always cut the existing ones down and paint the back black, Get the line as straight as is possible and all will be well. A 0.00$ solution :) It would also mean you wouldn't have to worry about the existing screw holes as those you would leave existing size.
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Okay, so you guys might be mad at me but the bartop was sold to someone who came for a laptop I had for sale and he bought it on spot for $500. Hadn't gotten a chance to change out the marquee retainer but he didn't care, he had a blast play testing it (marvel vs capcom 2).
I plan on making more bartops so I need to find a way to make a better retainer or just leave room for a taller marquee (this is a better choice I think).
Thanks again for the push to produce better quality projects, you guys are a great help and inspiration! :cheers: (Pumpkin Ale for all)
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$500? :cheers:
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$500? :cheers:
yotusa! :cheers:
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I say go all out on Clydes corner, make that into a good solid full sized machine and then do a single player Bartop with an automated 4/8 way joystick and spinner. Make it a semi classics machine so fit it with a Vertical screen.
Alternatively if you can keep on getting 500 a pop for the same configuration as the last build then perfect that, churn a couple out a month and enjoy the cash. :cheers:
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I say go all out on Clydes corner, make that into a good solid full sized machine and then do a single player Bartop with an automated 4/8 way joystick and spinner. Make it a semi classics machine so fit it with a Vertical screen.
Alternatively if you can keep on getting 500 a pop for the same configuration as the last build then perfect that, churn a couple out a month and enjoy the cash. :cheers:
I feel bad for forgetting about clyde's corner....
I have wanted to build a Bartop single player with vertical screen (better quality this time) and throw in a hacked trackball mouse as a mini trackball. But a spinner seems like a better idea for vert. games anywho. I think I should go that route.....or just go full speed ahead on the full size I have been putting off.
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Nice one ! Could you let us borrow some of your pics to post at our batop-dedicated site ?
We have a little topic to make a "census" of the nice bartops all around the net
Thx
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Nice one ! Could you let us borrow some of your pics to post at our batop-dedicated site ?
We have a little topic to make a "census" of the nice bartops all around the net
Thx
:laugh:
Edit: "Fry"
(http://i.imgur.com/fLQtI.png)
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'kay. Forget it
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Oops! Just lost your chance at some major recognizition, Cory!
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Oops! Just lost your chance at some major recognizition, Cory!
Ohhh snap!
I don't mind if you use my images, a link to your site would be nice ;D
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Oops! Just lost your chance at some major recognizition, Cory!
Ohhh snap!
I don't mind if you use my images, a link to your site would be nice ;D
It's in his signature...
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Oops! Just lost your chance at some major recognizition, Cory!
Ohhh snap!
I don't mind if you use my images, a link to your site would be nice ;D
It's in his signature...
Well if it is good enough for le chuck, than it is good enough for me. Please except my humble request Eldritch to be part of your new bartop building site.