Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: Rock on March 03, 2015, 05:27:51 pm

Title: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 03, 2015, 05:27:51 pm
After many years of wanting one, a couple of weeks ago I started building my own console. It is based on the 1upArcade design, however I am making a few modifications to suit my needs. I have around 40 pictures so far if anyone is interested.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Generic Eric on March 03, 2015, 05:30:02 pm
After many years of wanting one, a couple of weeks ago I started building my own console. It is based on the 1upArcade design, however I am making a few modifications to suit my needs. I have around 40 pictures so far if anyone is interested.

Yes.  Without pics, you've given us a tweet.

Also, consider on elaborating on your modifications.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Slippyblade on March 03, 2015, 05:33:19 pm
I have zero idea what you are talking about.  A MAME console?  Sooo, yes.  Pics.

EDIT:  Ahhh, by console you mean cab.  Got it!
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 03, 2015, 05:37:25 pm
Also, consider on elaborating on your modifications.

The primary modifications are:
1. Full 360 degree rotation of the control panel with the addition of a Mercotac slip ring
2. Rotation can be done by the user without opening the cabinet.
3. Using the cabinet as a computer also.

Pictures coming in a few minutes.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 03, 2015, 05:50:33 pm
First round of pictures
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 03, 2015, 05:53:12 pm
Round 2
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Slippyblade on March 03, 2015, 05:55:49 pm
Got some serious clamp porn going on there!  Good job so far.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 03, 2015, 05:56:33 pm
Round 3.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 03, 2015, 05:57:43 pm
Got some serious clamp porn going on there!  Good job so far.

You can never have too many clamps.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Slippyblade on March 03, 2015, 05:59:36 pm
Got some serious clamp porn going on there!  Good job so far.

You can never have too many clamps.  :laugh:

I agree completely!  I am seriously under-stocked when it comes to clamps though.  :(
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Generic Eric on March 03, 2015, 05:59:57 pm
Got some serious clamp porn going on there!  Good job so far.

You can never have too many clamps.  :laugh:
All your clamps are belong to Rock

Can you hold what the Rock is clamp'n!?
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 03, 2015, 06:01:20 pm
Round 4.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 03, 2015, 06:05:51 pm
Round.....? I am a bit forgetful at times.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 03, 2015, 06:10:21 pm
Next round. Waiting on glue to dry before doing any more work.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 03, 2015, 06:12:43 pm
I agree completely!  I am seriously under-stocked when it comes to clamps though.  :(

I have broken 2 so far in this project and have discovered one that just will not hold.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: bfauska on March 03, 2015, 07:43:35 pm
Here's where the good stuff starts...
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=144222.0;attach=325258;image)

Fancy schmancy rotatey control panels.
Title: Re: Mame Cabinet
Post by: yotsuya on March 03, 2015, 07:46:57 pm
Too bad you weren't here a few months ago - you could have gotten the original for free:

Anyone for a fixer upper?  My original cabinet is sitting on the curb for anyone who wants it.  It is gutted, but there are a few odds and ends inside, some random controls, monitor brackets, marquee glass, and the control panel frame sitting not far away.  If you have a truck and slme friends, go for it before the dump truck gets it.

12600 Hunnewell Ave
Sylmar, CA 91342

1UP
Title: Re: Mame Cabinet
Post by: Rock on March 03, 2015, 08:43:29 pm
Too bad you weren't here a few months ago - you could have gotten the original for free:

A bit far for me to drive to pick it up as I am on the east coast. LOL! I thought the hard part would be getting my wife to agree to let me build it. She was all for it when I mentioned I could use the 5 sheets of plywood stored in the front room to build it.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 03, 2015, 08:45:51 pm
Waiting on glue to dry again.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Billabong on March 04, 2015, 01:09:17 pm
Looks good so far! Keep the pictures coming!
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rick on March 04, 2015, 01:17:00 pm
I'm watching this one. It's nice to see someone taking their time with a unique build and more tools than I have.

:D
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: SNAAKE on March 05, 2015, 04:39:54 pm
I'm watching this one. It's nice to see someone taking their time with a unique build and more tools than I have.

:D

yeah "unique" lol
(http://arcadecontrols.com/images/examples/Frostillicus.jpg)

OP even says he's make another 1up arcade
(http://1uparcade.rmfx.com/images/CProtation.gif)
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 06, 2015, 01:39:23 pm
At the moment I am waiting on the the roller latches and slip ring to be delivered. Old man winter has delayed the shipments, so it will be a few days before anything major gets done. I'll use this time to do some of the smaller stuff.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 06, 2015, 08:19:56 pm
Added the main control panel supports.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 06, 2015, 08:23:08 pm
Started making the rest of the housing for the Mercotac slip ring. This part will be vacuum stabilized with resin once I have finished drilling it.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 10, 2015, 05:54:29 pm
The roller latches came in yesterday, so I have started cutting and test fitting the panels for the control section. There is also a short video of the rotation on my project page on facebook.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 12, 2015, 11:05:33 pm
Slip ring came in today, so I cut the wiring recess, finished the mount for the slip ring assembly, put it in a vacuum with resin and it is now baking.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 12, 2015, 11:43:23 pm
Slip ring mount after baking. I will clean it up tomorrow.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 13, 2015, 02:03:26 pm
Finished the slip ring mount.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: keilmillerjr on March 13, 2015, 05:36:18 pm
Great craftsmanship so far!

Here's a video I found of some one else building a rotational control panel: Arcade machine with 5 Rotating Control Panels (https://youtu.be/aYCXYQGIgY8)

My opinion - the only way I would think it's ok to have a rotational panel is if you were trying to mimic multiple original games in one unit that shared the same cabinet but different controls.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 13, 2015, 06:34:41 pm
First set of modified roller latch plates installed.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: johnrt on March 13, 2015, 06:42:36 pm
I must say: I've been extremely sceptical to these rotating multi control panel solutions. But I'm following this with great interest.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 13, 2015, 06:43:03 pm
Great craftsmanship so far!

Here's a video I found of some one else building a rotational control panel: Arcade machine with 5 Rotating Control Panels (https://youtu.be/aYCXYQGIgY8)

My opinion - the only way I would think it's ok to have a rotational panel is if you were trying to mimic multiple original games in one unit that shared the same cabinet but different controls.

Great video, but more than I need.

While a rotational control panel may not be ok for you, for my purposes it was the only build that suited what I needed. It will be used as a computer as well as an arcade game for my workshop. Having limited floor space, I did not wish to give up anymore than necessary. An over sized control panel was not an option.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: keilmillerjr on March 13, 2015, 11:55:23 pm
Great craftsmanship so far!

Here's a video I found of some one else building a rotational control panel: Arcade machine with 5 Rotating Control Panels (https://youtu.be/aYCXYQGIgY8)

My opinion - the only way I would think it's ok to have a rotational panel is if you were trying to mimic multiple original games in one unit that shared the same cabinet but different controls.

Great video, but more than I need.

While a rotational control panel may not be ok for you, for my purposes it was the only build that suited what I needed. It will be used as a computer as well as an arcade game for my workshop. Having limited floor space, I did not wish to give up anymore than necessary. An over sized control panel was not an option.

Ahh... Function seems to make sense. So what will your 3 panels consist of? I assume one will be a keyboard and track pad or ball?
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 15, 2015, 04:55:56 pm
Ahh... Function seems to make sense. So what will your 3 panels consist of? I assume one will be a keyboard and track pad or ball?

One will be a keyboard and trackball. The second will be 2 joysticks and buttons. The third will be an arcade trackball, spinner and buttons.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 16, 2015, 09:04:54 pm
Two coats of Sanding sealer and wood putty applied to both sides (sanded between each). A light coat of primer applied to one side.

Joysticks, spinner, arcade trackball, buttons and interface card are on order.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 18, 2015, 02:59:57 pm
Attached 2 fixed and 2 swivel casters.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Generic Eric on March 18, 2015, 03:19:36 pm
After many years of wanting one, a couple of weeks ago I started building my own console. It is based on the 1upArcade design, however I am making a few modifications to suit my needs. I have around 40 pictures so far if anyone is interested.

Yes.  Without pics, you've given us a tweet.

Also, consider on elaborating on your modifications.

I can be such a jerk sometimes.  Glad you stuck around.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 18, 2015, 06:23:52 pm
I can be such a jerk sometimes.  Glad you stuck around.

I can give you lessons. Then you can move up to a smart :censored: like me. :lol
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 18, 2015, 06:28:52 pm
Mounted the roller latches and did another test fit. After I extend the Mercotac wires and make a cover for the wire channel, I will start the assembly of the control panel frame.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 18, 2015, 10:08:45 pm
Extended the wires. put the wiring cover in. It will be glued in and sanded flush after testing.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 21, 2015, 01:14:53 am
Controls came in today.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 21, 2015, 01:17:03 am
Testing LED wiring.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 22, 2015, 10:48:16 pm
Starting the rotating control panel section. While this section is removable, I have chosen to build it in place just to make my life easier. Should it need to be removed for any reason in the future, it is a matter of removing the Mercotac and the 8 screws (4 per side) holding the axles.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 24, 2015, 10:40:38 pm
Completed the rotating part today. It will not be much longer before I start putting in the controls. Another short video of the rotation was also posted on facebook.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 26, 2015, 07:23:53 pm
Drilling and test fitting various buttons and joysticks before finishing surfaces.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 27, 2015, 01:33:07 am
Test fitting controls on panel 2.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on March 31, 2015, 10:00:14 pm
Starting the puttying, sanding, sealing, priming and painting. My least favorite part of the build so far.

Partial list of things left to do:
1. Monitor shelf and cover.
2. Control panel rotation lock.
3. Ventilation fans and dust filters.
4. Lights and marquee.
5. Speakers and grills.
6. External USB ports.
7. Order and install computer.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: fmzip on April 01, 2015, 09:08:10 am
Very nice work!

You are the  :burgerking: of CLAMPS!

:)
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on April 01, 2015, 10:49:05 pm
Very nice work!

You are the  :burgerking: of CLAMPS!

:)

Thanks, and you can never have enough clamps. LOL!
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on April 07, 2015, 08:10:29 pm
First coat of paint on the sides. Oh the irony...... the color is called "Cheerful"
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on April 18, 2015, 08:20:09 pm
T-molding installed.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Slippyblade on April 18, 2015, 08:21:57 pm
How's the rotation action?  Smooth or does it bind & skip?
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on April 19, 2015, 05:52:59 pm
How's the rotation action?  Smooth or does it bind & skip?

Very smooth. It does not bind or skip at all.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Ond on April 19, 2015, 07:43:22 pm
I like the mechanical design and fabrication innovation going on here, very nice!
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on April 19, 2015, 11:42:37 pm
I like the mechanical design and fabrication innovation going on here, very nice!

Thanks! Originally I was going to draw all of it out in 3D cad first. After fighting with the software just to make simple pieces, I decided I would be able to build it 2 or 3 times over by the time I could get it drawn.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on April 22, 2015, 05:04:09 pm
I ordered the control panel covers and marquee panel yesterday. Once I have those I will start wiring. I want to get all of the controls in before I install the monitor shelf. The computer hardware has been delivered, set up and tested. Running the latest version of Linux Mint.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on April 29, 2015, 08:15:14 pm
Sorry for the poor focus on these. I will take pictures with my camera instead of my phone when I am finished.

The back and top are painted now. The sides and front still need another coat or two. Power cord socket has been cut in. I have started on the power wiring and cut holes for ventilation fans.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on April 30, 2015, 08:53:30 pm
A little better focus on these. AC wiring is completed and tested.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on May 11, 2015, 10:00:53 pm
Warranty voided, speakers ready to go into cabinet. I am still waiting on the control panel covers and marquee plate.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on May 23, 2015, 10:25:41 pm
First set on panels and controls in place.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Malenko on May 23, 2015, 10:39:42 pm
So couple of questions,hope you dont mind.

What made you choose rotating panel over something like, swap-able panels?

Is the rotation "infinite" ? Like can you just keep spinning from the bottom up or do you eventually have to spin it the opposite direction?

Why did you do the first panel the way you did? symmetry? I would hate to be player 1 on that panel
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on May 24, 2015, 12:30:59 am
So couple of questions,hope you dont mind.

What made you choose rotating panel over something like, swap-able panels?

Is the rotation "infinite" ? Like can you just keep spinning from the bottom up or do you eventually have to spin it the opposite direction?

Why did you do the first panel the way you did? symmetry? I would hate to be player 1 on that panel

There are a few reasons I chose a rotating panel.
1. I can quickly switch from one set of controls to the next for different games.
2. It takes up less floor space (that side of my shop is only 20x20.)
3. It takes less time to rotate the panel than it would to swap out.
4. I don't have to give up space to store other panels.

The rotation is infinite. There are no wires to tangle/twist/break

Since I will be running linux on this box, the controls will be scripted based on the game. For single person playing or games where each player takes a turn, you would use the right joystick and left buttons. This will put the player in front of the middle of the cabinet. I might even script the opposite for left handed players. For two players it will be scripted for one on the left and one on the right. The distance between the 2 was what was comfortable for me to use both joysticks at the same time (Robotron)
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on May 24, 2015, 08:01:38 pm
Control surface #2. One more to go before the wiring starts.   :)
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Malenko on May 24, 2015, 09:59:11 pm
I'm used to the stick on the left buttons on the right, but it's your cab!

I don't think I have the brain power to engineer that kinda panel but you did a great job documenting the pictures and process  :cheers:
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on May 24, 2015, 10:11:44 pm
I'm used to the stick on the left buttons on the right, but it's your cab!

I don't think I have the brain power to engineer that kinda panel but you did a great job documenting the pictures and process  :cheers:

It can be used either way, it will all be controlled from scripting. Working from 1uparcade's drawing, making my own small changes were not very difficult. My biggest issue is thinking of other things I want to add. LOL! I will be starting the wiring tomorrow and hopefully be ready to run a test in the next week or so.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Malenko on May 24, 2015, 10:15:33 pm
It can be used either way, it will all be controlled from scripting. Working from 1uparcade's drawing, making my own small changes were not very difficult. My biggest issue is thinking of other things I want to add. LOL! I will be starting the wiring tomorrow and hopefully be ready to run a test in the next week or so.

Well in a 2 player simultaneous it cant be used either way :p

1 major thing I'd suggest adding, would add a 4th button, that adds the entire NeoGeo library at the cost of almost no real estate.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on May 24, 2015, 10:23:56 pm

Well in a 2 player simultaneous it cant be used either way :p

1 major thing I'd suggest adding, would add a 4th button, that adds the entire NeoGeo library at the cost of almost no real estate.

Since its primary function will be internet, google hangouts and lightweight 3D cad there will not be a lot of 2 player simultaneous. Gaming wise it will be mainly old school arcade that only need 1-2 buttons, however, I did order extra buttons in case I decide to add the NeoGeo library later. There will likely be another build in the future for the house. That one will be a completely different design and be for gaming only.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on May 24, 2015, 10:45:43 pm
Final panel started.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on May 26, 2015, 10:53:11 pm
And now for the fun part!
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on May 29, 2015, 12:21:04 am
First panel done.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Slippyblade on May 29, 2015, 02:11:05 am
I'm totally confused on infinite rotation.  Does it go to a wireless encoder or something?
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Green Giant on May 29, 2015, 12:36:01 pm
I'm totally confused on infinite rotation.  Does it go to a wireless encoder or something?
He is using a mercotac slip ring that allows 4 wires to rotate infinitely.  My only question is what are those 4 wires connected to?  I was thinking the USB but then how will he get power. 

I guess either another slip ring or wireless USB and the mercotac thing is simply for powering it all.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Slippyblade on May 29, 2015, 03:48:48 pm
Ok, that makes sense.  USB actually only uses 4 wires.  Ground, Vcc, Data+, and Data-
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on May 29, 2015, 10:27:56 pm
Ok, that makes sense.  USB actually only uses 4 wires.  Ground, Vcc, Data+, and Data-

Correct. I will be feeding USB data on the two 4 amp connectors, ground on one of the 30 amp connectors and either 5 or 12 volts on the second 30 amp connector. If it ends up being 12 volts there will be a 5 volt regulator inside of the control panel section. I will be making up my mind on 5 volt vs. 12 volt in the next couple of days.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on May 29, 2015, 10:38:19 pm
Almost 300 feet of wire at this point, 14 feet of heat shrink tubing and around 200 connections.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on May 30, 2015, 11:29:46 pm
Waiting on a few parts to come in, but I ran my first test tonight. Played a game with my wife.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on May 31, 2015, 12:15:39 am
Just a recommendation to anyone building a cabinet. If you get the pre-made wiring harness from Ultimarc, check all of the connections with an ohm meter. I have repaired several high resistance connections so far.  :censored: While they may work when you first put things together, they will eventually cause problems.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on June 02, 2015, 12:58:03 am
Marquee lighting installed
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on June 05, 2015, 03:16:44 am
USB wiring inside control panel completed, hub installed, Mercotac floating torque arm installed. Work is progressing a little slower now that it can be played.  ;D
I also have the amplified speakers installed and the spinner knob dialed in for Tempest.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on June 09, 2015, 03:17:43 am
Marquee panel installed and lit.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on June 10, 2015, 10:58:32 pm
Monitor and bezel installed.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on June 13, 2015, 10:42:51 pm
After trying a few games I decided to install computer controlled servo motors to switch the joysticks between 4 way and 8 way mode. The last 3 LED clusters are now wired.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on June 15, 2015, 12:42:46 am
Added external USB ports. Trim plates to be added later.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: yotsuya on June 15, 2015, 01:40:35 am
Added external USB ports. Trim plates to be added later.

Why so high?
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on June 15, 2015, 02:22:28 am
Why so high?

A couple of reasons. The first being limited floor space in my shop. Lower limits how close I can set things next to the cabinet. The second is that those will be used for mainly for charging devices, leaving the top to be used as a shelf, and for hooking up my shop webcam. Thumb drives would go in the ones above the keyboard on the front.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Green Giant on June 15, 2015, 11:34:58 am
Why so high?

A couple of reasons. The first being limited floor space in my shop. Lower limits how close I can set things next to the cabinet. The second is that those will be used for mainly for charging devices, leaving the top to be used as a shelf, and for hooking up my shop webcam. Thumb drives would go in the ones above the keyboard on the front.
Then wear will the beers go?
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on June 15, 2015, 11:58:14 am
[A couple of reasons. The first being limited floor space in my shop. Lower limits how close I can set things next to the cabinet. The second is that those will be used for mainly for charging devices, leaving the top to be used as a shelf, and for hooking up my shop webcam. Thumb drives would go in the ones above the keyboard on the front.
Then wear will the beers go?

In the house, away from the power tools.  :laugh2:
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on June 16, 2015, 03:15:17 pm
USB hub wiring complete and final test of ports.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on June 17, 2015, 01:40:43 am
While this is more software for the system, it is worth noting that now I can listen to MP3s  :applaud:
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on June 17, 2015, 10:33:06 pm
USB faceplates added and computer secured
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on June 30, 2015, 10:02:39 pm
Sorry, folks. This project is on hold for a bit while I recover from a heart attack.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: vwalbridge on July 01, 2015, 12:03:33 am
Holy moly man! Best wishes to you making a full recovery!
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: emphatic on July 01, 2015, 08:46:11 am
Sorry, folks. This project is on hold for a bit while I recover from a heart attack.

 :o

Take it easy man! :cheers:
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: BGoulette on July 01, 2015, 01:01:01 pm
Sorry, folks. This project is on hold for a bit while I recover from a heart attack.

Holy smokes! I hope you make a full recovery, and soon!
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on July 07, 2015, 09:28:16 pm
Holy smokes! I hope you make a full recovery, and soon!
Take it easy man! :cheers:
Holy moly man! Best wishes to you making a full recovery!

Thanks for the well wishes!

I did do a little on it tonight. I finished up the external network jack which was what I was working on when the heart attack started. The first picture is the hinge for the control console lock.
Title: Re: Mame console.
Post by: Rock on August 05, 2015, 08:59:03 pm
I hope to be back working on this project full swing after next week. I go in Monday for a second stent and should be as good as new after that.