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Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: thomas_surles on November 01, 2013, 07:49:34 pm

Title: Budget Arcade- first build -complete with video demo- $250
Post by: thomas_surles on November 01, 2013, 07:49:34 pm
I am on a small budget and can only afford a few parts at a time until I get a new job.
so it is not as cool as the others i have seen.

so here we go...

Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: thomas_surles on November 01, 2013, 07:58:41 pm
I know what your thinking, 1/4 inch plywood? well it was the cheapest at lowes. But on the plus side it is very light, but I can't put t molding on it
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: thomas_surles on November 01, 2013, 08:21:38 pm
The cp.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: thomas_surles on November 01, 2013, 08:24:10 pm
some progress.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: thomas_surles on November 01, 2013, 08:25:33 pm
and the rest of what I have so far.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: Slippyblade on November 01, 2013, 08:36:50 pm
I feel the budget crunch man.  Good progress so far though, keep it up!

 :applaud:
Title: .
Post by: ChanceKJ on November 01, 2013, 08:38:37 pm
.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: matt4949 on November 01, 2013, 08:44:12 pm
what do you plan on running on the inside a pc? a console? looking good so far.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: Slippyblade on November 01, 2013, 09:39:48 pm
what do you plan on running on the inside a pc? a console? looking good so far.

Gerbils.  Lots and lots of gerbils.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: thomas_surles on November 01, 2013, 09:45:34 pm
how is yours any less cool as mine, or any of the other ones on this site for that matter?

This is a brilliant start to something you're gonna love because you built it, t-molding or no t-molding.


I'd be proud to say I built that. For all I know mine will cause grey hair and mysteriously implode before its done......    ;) ;)

Thanks that makes me feel better.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: thomas_surles on November 01, 2013, 09:49:05 pm
what do you plan on running on the inside a pc? a console? looking good so far.

I have a laptop with a broken screen that im using right now. its a newish Hp with 8gb of ram and some huge hard drive.
believe it or not I found it beside a dumpster. Was it stolen? I dont know, could be, or they just threw it out because of the broken screen.

Either way, In the dumpster/by the dumpster, thats fair game right?
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: matt4949 on November 01, 2013, 09:52:06 pm
not everything in the dumpster is up for grabs
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: thomas_surles on November 01, 2013, 09:56:17 pm
Depends on who is around.  >:D
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: PL1 on November 01, 2013, 10:02:58 pm
not everything in the dumpster is up for grabs
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=135450.0;attach=299416;image)

Somebody threw away a perfectly good white girl.   >:D

Someone threw away a perfectly good white boy... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lv8xFI32hJM#)

Better Off Dead white boy 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScbNp0-bvGU#ws)


Scott
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: skjerk on November 02, 2013, 04:27:14 am
Way to go! :applaud:

You know, I've been "working" on mine for the last 5 years, and you are already ahead of me  :banghead:

Will be following you! - Keep it up  ;D
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: Louis Tully on November 02, 2013, 07:17:21 am
.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: thomas_surles on November 02, 2013, 12:07:13 pm
I am considering getting a used trackball mouse rather than an actual trackball.
Has anyone ever tried that?

Something like this.
Title: .
Post by: ChanceKJ on November 02, 2013, 02:01:23 pm
.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: thomas_surles on November 02, 2013, 02:29:17 pm
Most of those old trackballs  have removable balls, and very poor rolling resistance. You take one swing with that thing in golden tee and you'll either drive 5 yards with a power swing or skip the ball through your display.

Here:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/4-5-cm-of-Diameter-Round-Connector-PC-Trackball-mouse-for-arcade-machine-accessories-game-machine/1251402061.html (http://www.aliexpress.com/item/4-5-cm-of-Diameter-Round-Connector-PC-Trackball-mouse-for-arcade-machine-accessories-game-machine/1251402061.html)

Or here:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2-pcs-of-4-5-cm-of-Diameter-Purple-ball-track-ball-For-Arcade-Game-Machine/921897743.html (http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2-pcs-of-4-5-cm-of-Diameter-Purple-ball-track-ball-For-Arcade-Game-Machine/921897743.html)

Or just go here and shop around:
http://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?SearchText=Trackball+arcade&catId=&initiative_id=SB_20131102095851 (http://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?SearchText=Trackball+arcade&catId=&initiative_id=SB_20131102095851)

Wow those are nicer and cheaper than the mouse.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: thomas_surles on November 02, 2013, 02:31:21 pm
Did a little more work today.

A combination of wood filler and plaster. Im going to let that harden so I can sand it all down and make the wood smoother.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: PL1 on November 02, 2013, 03:17:44 pm
Wow those are nicer and cheaper than the mouse.
You may also want to consider the Sparkfun trackball here (https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10758).


Scott
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: thomas_surles on November 02, 2013, 04:49:43 pm
Wow those are nicer and cheaper than the mouse.
You may also want to consider the Sparkfun trackball here (https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10758).


Scott
I like that. I might get one if I decide to add a trackball
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: thomas_surles on November 03, 2013, 03:15:12 pm
some more sanding and priming.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: severdhed on November 03, 2013, 09:05:14 pm
That looks good, you should be proud of that.

Sent from my Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 2

Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: LeedsFan on November 04, 2013, 02:41:28 am
I personally find plywood to be much nicer to work with than MDF. It's lighter too. It all depends on what grade of plywood is available to buy. I live in the UK and I usually get my wood from B&Q (large DIY superstore). For my most recent project I got plywood from there and they had three grades available. The cheapest was pretty poor. It was very rough on both sides and wasn't suitable for what I wanted to do. But for just £10 extra I was able to get the mid range stuff which is smooth on both sides. Though in some areas it was slightly rough but I could live with it or avoid those small areas. For £another £30 over the cheapest stuff (so double price) they had a cabinet grade ply. This was excellent stuff but I decided to go with the mid to save a little cash.

And why can't you use TMolding? I'm planning on fitting it to my project and I've done it before with plywood with no problems.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: thomas_surles on November 04, 2013, 08:38:48 am
I cant use t molding because it is the thinnest plywood. Its 1/4 inch
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: thomas_surles on November 05, 2013, 10:59:07 am
I jusy got a new job so I am about to up the budget a bit.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: thomas_surles on March 17, 2014, 09:47:57 pm
I have not disappeared.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: thomas_surles on March 17, 2014, 09:51:08 pm
I ended up just using a whole 32 oz of woid filler on each side of the cab and sanding it down. It worked very well.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: thomas_surles on March 17, 2014, 09:54:03 pm
Added some usb ports to the front. I just made to holes with a chisel and glued in some female usb extentions.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: thomas_surles on March 17, 2014, 09:55:37 pm
Attached the speaker panel.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: thomas_surles on March 17, 2014, 09:57:08 pm
Another look at the front with 2 new buttons.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: thomas_surles on March 17, 2014, 09:58:58 pm
Also cut a new c p because I screwed up the last one.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: thomas_surles on March 17, 2014, 10:01:04 pm
Stll got a lot of sanding to go.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: gabrielmtl on March 17, 2014, 11:37:06 pm
Looking very good, especially considering your limited budget.

Good luck with the rest
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: eds1275 on March 19, 2014, 11:55:35 am
You keep saying 1/4, and I keep thinking... that can't be any thinner than 1/2"... in any case, you can get some pretty amazingly sticky pinstriping for cars in both of those thicknesses that will be a great substitute for t-molding, unless you and your friends constantly pull at the edges. Around here you can get it in your standard rainbow plus chrome, white, and black.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: thomas_surles on March 19, 2014, 03:16:32 pm
You keep saying 1/4, and I keep thinking... that can't be any thinner than 1/2"... in any case, you can get some pretty amazingly sticky pinstriping for cars in both of those thicknesses that will be a great substitute for t-molding, unless you and your friends constantly pull at the edges. Around here you can get it in your standard rainbow plus chrome, white, and black.
Thats actually a really good idea. I was considering painting the trim of it red then taping it off while I do the rest black.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: thomas_surles on March 22, 2014, 07:17:39 pm
Got my conrollers. 2 usb n64 and 2 usb generic ps3 controllers.
The ps3 controllers are for ps1, ps2, gamecube, and most of my pc games.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: thomas_surles on March 22, 2014, 07:32:09 pm
Also cut out some slots for my door hinges so it will mount better.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: gabrielmtl on March 22, 2014, 10:53:04 pm
You keep saying 1/4, and I keep thinking... that can't be any thinner than 1/2"... in any case, you can get some pretty amazingly sticky pinstriping for cars in both of those thicknesses that will be a great substitute for t-molding, unless you and your friends constantly pull at the edges. Around here you can get it in your standard rainbow plus chrome, white, and black.

+1 on the thickness. Gotta be more than 1/4 :)
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: thomas_surles on March 23, 2014, 09:16:58 am
I'll do an official measurement.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: thomas_surles on March 23, 2014, 12:19:53 pm
Just over a quarter. The cp however is 3/4 inch.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: thomas_surles on March 31, 2014, 02:11:45 pm
Finally got the layout the way I want it.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: DarakuTenshi on March 31, 2014, 06:30:19 pm
How sturdy is it? I remember on my first build I used only 1/2" ply wood and it was not sturdy at all.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: thomas_surles on March 31, 2014, 07:56:34 pm
How sturdy is it? I remember on my first build I used only 1/2" ply wood and it was not sturdy at all.
Honestly not that sturdy. Needs some more inner braces to make a little more sturdy. I can pick the whole thing up over my head.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build
Post by: thomas_surles on April 13, 2014, 09:47:30 pm
Got some work done this weekend.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build -80% complete
Post by: thomas_surles on April 15, 2014, 10:19:42 pm
Small update.  Cp finally finished!
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build -80% complete
Post by: thomas_surles on April 17, 2014, 09:01:59 am
I got the vynil decals from here http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,130477.0.html (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,130477.0.html)
Really great seller and for 7 bucks I am really happy with the results.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build -80% complete
Post by: Caparo8bit on April 17, 2014, 10:33:35 am
I got the vynil decals from here http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,130477.0.html (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,130477.0.html)
Really great seller and for 7 bucks I am really happy with the results.
i was going to tell you about admin buttons ON the side .... Can i borrow Your tools for mine  :laugh2: .Looking. Good Friend.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build -80% complete
Post by: thomas_surles on April 17, 2014, 10:48:12 am
I got the vynil decals from here http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,130477.0.html (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,130477.0.html)
Really great seller and for 7 bucks I am really happy with the results.
i was going to tell you about admin buttons ON the side .... Can i borrow Your tools for mine  :laugh2: .Looking. Good Friend.
They feel better in the middle. Sorry I borrowed the tools for mine.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build -80% complete
Post by: thomas_surles on April 24, 2014, 12:26:27 am
Took apart some speakers to add extra wire and a volume extention.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build. complete with demo video.
Post by: thomas_surles on April 24, 2014, 10:04:18 am
About as finished as im gonna get.

Total cost around $250

Running maximus arcade

Here is the demo video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGJybbC9zXM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGJybbC9zXM)

Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build -complete with video demo- $250
Post by: eds1275 on April 24, 2014, 06:47:44 pm
And does it feel sturdy?
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build -complete with video demo- $250
Post by: thomas_surles on April 24, 2014, 08:25:56 pm
And does it feel sturdy?
Yeah it does.it doesn't even budge when I try and shake it.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build -complete with video demo- $250
Post by: stigzler on May 30, 2014, 02:33:56 pm
Great work fella and kudos on the budget build. It's not about the dollar.. it's about the effort and imagination.. :)

Nice looking cab too!
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build -complete with video demo- $250
Post by: thomas_surles on May 30, 2014, 03:43:10 pm
Great work fella and kudos on the budget build. It's not about the dollar.. it's about the effort and imagination.. :)

Nice looking cab too!
Thank you for the feedback.  Next up I need a lightgun cab, a driving cab, virtual pin, and maybe a dartboard,  and the distant future foretells a skeeball.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build -complete with video demo- $250
Post by: stigzler on May 30, 2014, 04:50:10 pm
Budget Driving cab would be a community innovation.

:)
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build -complete with video demo- $250
Post by: thomas_surles on May 30, 2014, 09:40:20 pm
It will cost more because now I will need a new pc and monitor, which I already got for free on the mame cab.
Title: Re: Budget Arcade- first build -complete with video demo- $250
Post by: thomas_surles on June 01, 2014, 03:16:29 pm
Small update. I had to change ut my usb ports.