Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: GSXRMovistar on November 05, 2015, 12:56:33 pm
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After an absolute age (on and off for the past year) my latest cabinet is now complete. The CoffeeCade:-
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/565/22792809462_c5f0d4786e_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/AJ87au)
CoffeeCade 01 (https://flic.kr/p/AJ87au) by Andy Baker (https://www.flickr.com/photos/andybakeruk/), on Flickr
The Concept
I wanted an arcade machine that could be placed in the house without looking too much like an arcade machine which would be used as a game encyclopaedia for nostalgia purposes rather than full on gaming.
About 10 years ago I mocked up a cocktail cabinet for this but never got around to making it. Revisiting 10 years later and so much had changed so I decided to just re-design from scratch.
My criteria
- Ability to play both Arcade and retro Console games
2 Player, want it to be a social thing
Focused more towards horizontal games
To be used as a coffee table so glass top and limited height
Side by side controls so it can be played from sofa
Small foot print but big enough to be used comfortably
Controls not prominent
Anyway this is what I came up with and if I can find a bit of spare time I’ll do a write up on the build and include WIP photos.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/678/22780320146_f2ba7d1dd7.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/AH26ws)
CoffeeCade 02 (https://flic.kr/p/AH26ws) by Andy Baker (https://www.flickr.com/photos/andybakeruk/), on Flickr
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5825/22185178563_d4cf1e1027.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/zNqQEF)
CoffeeCade 03 (https://flic.kr/p/zNqQEF) by Andy Baker (https://www.flickr.com/photos/andybakeruk/), on Flickr
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5643/22806308535_e6574d794c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/AKjhY8)
CoffeeCade 04 (https://flic.kr/p/AKjhY8) by Andy Baker (https://www.flickr.com/photos/andybakeruk/), on Flickr
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/576/22780319646_7538afe766.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/AH26nQ)
CoffeeCade 05 (https://flic.kr/p/AH26nQ) by Andy Baker (https://www.flickr.com/photos/andybakeruk/), on Flickr
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/747/22185178163_f403e35849.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/zNqQxM)
CoffeeCade 06 (https://flic.kr/p/zNqQxM) by Andy Baker (https://www.flickr.com/photos/andybakeruk/), on Flickr
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/702/22185178073_25782cb335.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/zNqQwe)
CoffeeCade 07 (https://flic.kr/p/zNqQwe) by Andy Baker (https://www.flickr.com/photos/andybakeruk/), on Flickr
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5633/22387951318_dc7e71884c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/A7m6WE)
CoffeeCade 08 (https://flic.kr/p/A7m6WE) by Andy Baker (https://www.flickr.com/photos/andybakeruk/), on Flickr
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5753/22792808192_d222b48cf7.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/AJ86MA)
CoffeeCade 09 (https://flic.kr/p/AJ86MA) by Andy Baker (https://www.flickr.com/photos/andybakeruk/), on Flickr
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/719/22780318956_7bb6ce4217.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/AH26aW)
CoffeeCade 10 (https://flic.kr/p/AH26aW) by Andy Baker (https://www.flickr.com/photos/andybakeruk/), on Flickr
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Gorgeous :applaud:
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That's purdy. :cheers: The lack of a theme is actually a good thing is this case so that it blends in as furniture.
However, I've always had a personal problem with cocktail style arcades because of the viewing angle giving an awful kink in the neck. How does it feel, comfort-wise, to play on?
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I like how you integrated the control panel as opposed to bolting it on like a big ol' goiter. Good job!
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Superb design. A cocktail table that actually looks comfortable to play, kudos. :cheers:
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Despite two things I hate, great looking project!
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Beautiful! And here the RGB buttons really made a difference! Great work! :applaud: Would love to see some WIP pictures.
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Purdy! :applaud:
We need one more pic -- of the top with the screen turned off.
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That is pretty smexy!! Whose buttons are those?
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That is pretty smexy!! Whose buttons are those?
Looks like Ultimarc RGB Ultralux - http://www.ultimarc.com/ultralux.html (http://www.ultimarc.com/ultralux.html)
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Thanks for the comments.
How does it feel, comfort-wise, to play on?
Actually quite good, been playing it a lot with my daughter and neither of us have found in uncomfortable. Saying that it's not something that’s played for hugely extended times.
Despite two things I hate, great looking project!
Haha I’m gonna have to ask what they are? Guessing 8 button setup, and illuminated buttons?
That is pretty smexy!! Whose buttons are those?
Yes as above Ultimarc RGB Ultralux.
Would love to see some WIP pictures.
Will do it over the weekend, have quite a few throughout.
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Haha I’m gonna have to ask what they are? Guessing 8 button setup, and illuminated buttons?
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=338771;image)
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Gorgeous :applaud:
+25 :applaud:
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How do you like the ultralux buttons? I know they look great, but how do they feel for gameplay? I'm wary to buy them based on the flat button tops. I'm a concave button guy, and am leaning towards the ultimate classic RGB buttons.
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Ok so a quick and dirty build log.
Firstly set about drafting a design in Sketch-up and after several revisions I came up with the following:-
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeSketchup_1.jpg)
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeSketchup_2.jpg)
In parallel I worked on the controls and software; So much has changed over the past ten years so lots of new options and toys to consider.
I opted for a MiniPac with the pre-assembled wiring harness, PacLED64 and UltraLux buttons for some flashy but cheesy lighting (illuminated buttons are all new to me).
With the aid of a empty ice cream container and tupperware box I now had a coupe of prototype controllers. First was to test stick/buttons before ordering more. Second was a full set of single player controls so I could work on config.
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2005.jpg)
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2008.jpg)
This then hooked up to a cheap PC i put together (MSI Z97, 8GB DDR3, Intel Pentium K Anniversary G3258, SSD for O/S, external USB3 drive for roms/data) running Win8.1 and HyperSpin as my fronted. Everything ran very well but later added a cheap Nvida GFX card for Mame HLSL and improvements to some of the heavier console emulation.
With design and internals in hand it was on to cabinet fabrication but first a quick cardboard mock-up to give me a feel for size and layout.
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2010.jpg)
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2011.jpg)
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2012.jpg)
Everything was to be made from 18mm MDF using a plunge rail saw for straight cuts and a mixture of jigsaw and router for curves and bevels. Side pieces and top also had a t-molding slot cut using router and appropriate bit.
Having everything measured up in Sketchup first meant cutting the panels took no time at all.
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2014.jpg)
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2015.jpg)
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2019.jpg)
I used fixing blocks similar to these which allow me to assembly/disassemble throughout the fabrication without having to re-screw any of the MDF (which never ends well).
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/Brackets.jpg)
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2021.jpg)
Side and rear panels were straight forward but I also wanted the front section to be seamless so this is made from three separate pieces, some filler, and LOTS of sanding.
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2025.jpg)
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2028.jpg)
I also wanted to hide as much of the gubbins as possible so speakers, fans, amp controls, switches were all to be mounted on the base. Leaving just games controls and a double USB port on show.
Used the fans and speakers to mark out positions then cut the holes with a jigsaw and bevelled the edges with the router. The results were far from perfect but as this was on the bottom I wasn’t too fussed.
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2032.jpg)
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2033.jpg)
The speakers themselves were an ancient pair of MB Quarts I had in one of my cars probably 20 years ago. However old they were pretty damm good (i.e. expensive) from what I recalled so thought I’d try them out. Probably overkill for purpose but keeps the cost down. Both powered by a little Lepai LP-A6FM amp.
Legs which match another another piece of furniture in the room are from Ikea called Captia. Here I made a mistake, I positioned the speaker/fan holes too close to the corners of the base meaning part of the leg fixing brackets over hang. This was easy to rectify by taking the Dremel to them and notching off a corner on each.
The top panel I don’t have appeared to have taken any pics of whilst cutting, but the only real interesting (‘ish) bit here was I routed approx 8mm off the bottom of it where the un-cased monitor would fit. Not only did this bring the screen closer to the glass top but also created a snug fit to put the screen into, therefore no issues with placement/alignment when taking the screen in and out. I also bevelled the top side around the screen edge.
With most of the basic fabrication done it was re-assembly to see if everything fit.
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2034.jpg)
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2035.jpg)
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2038.jpg)
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2040.jpg)
Quick trial placement of components then time to take it all apart again.
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2043.jpg)
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2048.jpg)
I originally wanted to cover the cabinet with laminate but due to the curved front piece it wasn’t going to be practical. I did look into heating and bending options but seems you need some specialised equipment. So after looking about at options (wanting to avoid painting) I found a sticky back vinyl wrap material. The finish is great as long as the surface welll prepared. And by well prepared I mean it will show the most minor of defects so lots and lots of filling, priming and sanding to be done.
Covered the base panel and fitted the legs
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2050.jpg)
I opted for a flat medium grey which went well with the room it was going in. Supplier incorrectly sent me a lighter grey first but let me keep it so I decided to use that on the inside to keep things tidy. Speakers, fans, and switches fitted.
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2051.jpg)
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2053.jpg)
The notch out on the left is for the amp controls.
The front panel was without doubt the hardness piece to prep for vinyl, it actually took me two attempts requiring some extra vinyl to be ordered. First time round I found that joins between the pieces were visible plus I managed to stretch a bit of the vinyl whilst going round the buttons holes which meant it wouldn’t lay flat afterwards.
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2061.jpg)
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2064.jpg)
Doh!!
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2066.jpg)
I used P38 for filling (the stuff you use on car bodywork) but it’s also fantastic for wood work, very easy to work with and sand, with the added bonus it does not shrink.
Second attempt and now happy with the finish.
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2069.jpg)
Vinyl covering holes trimmed and buttons fitted.
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2070.jpg)
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2073.jpg)
As this point I finally felt things were coming together and it was on to final assembly. Controls fitted and wired up.
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2075.jpg)
Recently built some PAX wardrobes from Ikea and the glass fronts come in packaging which contained strips of rubber/foam (~15mm square). This stuff is brilliant for mounting all the components on, keeps everything off base and also acts as a vibration dampener to reduce noise. Can see some of it in the bottom left of this photo.
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2078.jpg)
Then one by one, adding all the bits and screwed them down. The fixing blocks worked great and I’ve also laid things out so sections can be (if needed) dissembled without have to cut/break anything.
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2080.jpg)
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2082.jpg)
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2084.jpg)
Hooked it up to the TV to test wiring before putting the top panel which makes access a little harder.
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2087.jpg)
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2089.jpg)
I originally went for a black finish on the top piece but once fitted (only first coat applied) I wasn’t happy with it, far too dark.
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%2096.jpg)
So off it came, sanded down and then applied a grey paint that was intentionally a little darker than the cabinet vinyl; happy with this the t-molding was applied.
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%20101.jpg)
Screen fitted (made simple brackets out of MDF) and attached to cabinet.
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/CoffeeCadeBuild%20102.jpg)
I think the only other thing I haven’t got a photo of is the power setup. The C14 inlet feeds power to a single power socket like the below which is mounted to the inside side panel. Plugged into this is a smart socket so when the PC is powered on it then also feeds power to the screen and audio amp.
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/Socket.jpg)
(http://www.bakersplace.co.uk/Misc/CoffeeCadeBuild/IntelliPlug.jpg)
Glass came from a local firm, it took a lot longer than expected due to a couple of mishaps but happy with the results. It’s 6mm toughened, bronze tinted (which looks grey), with edges rounded and polished. They even put the kite mark and info required by regs along the edge to keep the top clean.
Overall I’ve really pleased with how this project turned out, would I make any changes? Yes but I think just one, and that would be thicker vinyl to reduce the amount of prep work, but hey I can do that with the next project.
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:jawdrop
Dang dude, cocktail of the year material, I had no idea it was even MDF... Lots of WIN here.
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Nice writeup, and great little cocktail cab. :applaud:
Have you overclocked the little Pentium yet? Probably don't need to for MAME, but it is a great little chip.
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Awesome, professional as always. :cheers:
So with the tinted glass I suspect it goes into stealth mode. Looks like a normal coffee table when turned off?
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How do you like the ultralux buttons? I know they look great, but how do they feel for gameplay?
Sorry I missed this, I’m sure for professional type gaming concave buttons would be better but for my needs these have been fine.
Have you overclocked the little Pentium yet? Probably don't need to for MAME, but it is a great little chip.
I had planned to but as yet nothing is running slowly.
Lots of WIN here.
Thanks
So with the tinted glass I suspect it goes into stealth mode. Looks like a normal coffee table when turned off?
You can still tell there is a screen there but it’s a lot less noticeable. To completely flatten the top so the screen isn’t visible it would need a massive tint and then it could be a struggle to see the screen when on.
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Man ridiculously awesome work.....those fixing block are pretty slick, batons are going to be obsolete for cocktail and bartop builds.
:applaud: :applaud: :applaud:
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The bezel shape reminds me of the original Apple Cinema Displays (http://thelawlers.com/Blognosticator/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Cinema-Display.jpg)
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Haha I’m gonna have to ask what they are? Guessing 8 button setup, and illuminated buttons?
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=338771;image)
Really? I thought you hated coffee and tables... :lol
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That )#*@ is tight. I hate cocktails in general, but it's really not a typical cocktail and it looks pretty freakin sweet.
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I enjoy seeing projects that take things I don't care for, but put them together in a way that deserves props. Well done.
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Really? I thought you hated coffee and tables... :lol
Nah, as evidenced by my disgusting desk and GOTG mug....
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=338796;image)
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seriously nice build :applaud:
changes my opinion on aesthetics of horizontal cocktail cabs
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So with the tinted glass I suspect it goes into stealth mode. Looks like a normal coffee table when turned off?
I had the same question. Any pics of it turned off?
Great build by the way!
D
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As others have also stated, cocktails aren't really my thing but this cocktail is a beautiful piece of furniture. To me it looks modern, understated and sleek and after seeing how you built it I can really appreciate the craftmanship that went into it. While you haven't swayed me into wanting a cocktail (yet), you have obviously turned a lot of heads and shown people how badass a cocktail can be.
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I'm shocked by how much I enjoy the look of this project despite my general dislike towards cocktail cabs. The aesthetics, planning and building are just fantastic. Great job.
I only have two small questions: is it actually comfortable? It looks like the glass top may get in the way of the button/joystick action. Also, are those speakers properly shielded? I'd be concerned about their impact on the PSU, although they look like enclosed high end drivers with their own shielding.
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Thanks again for the kind comments, and yes it is actually comfortable to play on. It may not be if the sofa/chair height was higher but the current setup works well. Regarding the speakers yes they are shielded and I haven't noticed any issues with the PSU so far.
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I'm a new guy still working my way through the treasures on this board, and this is simply gorgeous! My head was never turned by a cocktail........ until NOW!
Great work and a fantastic result.
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Absolutely Love your work. So much so that I decided to make my very own.
Here it is.
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It looks like a pretty nicely made replica. The paintjob appears to be well done.
You should consider painting the top black like GSXRMovistar, as it blends with the display and provides a nice depth to it. I imagine that you are looking into using a set of proper legs. Those are cheap and would elevate your build.
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@churchyuk - post your build log in a separate thread so we can all see what you did. It came out nice. :cheers:
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Wow hows that for timing, not logged in for ages and when I do I see this has just been posted. Great effort @churchyuk!
As above would love to see a build thread, did you take many photos?