Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: vfecde on November 05, 2015, 05:44:00 pm
-
Hello all -
I have been observing from afar for a while and decided to post a build to get some input and encourage me to complete my design.
to set the stage: I bought a few original arcade cabinets at a yard sale recently, pac-man, donkey kong Jr, and rolling thunder. I gave them to my friend, but they got me thinking that I might enjoy having some arcade related entertainment. I dont have any real attachment to any specific arcade games so I didn't want to make or own a dedicated cab (for now at least) so I decided to build a panel for my existing living room entertainment system. I already have a powerful computer set up on my TV which I play games on occasionally with an xbox controller so this will just be a USB 2 player panel that can disappear when Im not playing.
So, I purchased a set of nice JFL joysticks and a bunch of happ buttons. they came with a xinmo, which I was planning on replacing with an ipac2, but honestly it works perfectly fine, so I might just stick with this as I dont really plan on adding a spinner/trackball (i could be convinced...)
My design is basically this: build a simple slanted 2 player control panel that can slide on to a simple "couch desk" This way I can use the couch desk for my keyboard and mouse while im using my computer normally, and if I want to use the arcade I can afix it to the tabletop and have couch-level controls.
(http://www.blogjer.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/drink-tables-for-the-sofa-collection-furniture-furniture-design-project-in-couch-tables-design-drink-sofa.jpg) This is the kind of desk I am thinking of building. (found online)
This is the cardboard mockup.
(https://i.imgur.com/D390csL.jpg)
the space
(https://i.imgur.com/zuvUkOb.jpg)
and then general idea.
(https://i.imgur.com/LinTdMy.jpg)
So before I get started, a few concerns that I have run into so far.
1. I want the control panel to be very rigid, these types of desks are inherently not the most stable. I would like to build it with curved legs, and out of MDO or Ply, not sure how realistic this is.
2. Buttons. I put together what I thought was a logical button arrangement, Ive been playing it for a few days and I dont have any real complaints, but I havent really tried anything else, maybe someone sees something I dont here?
3. Design - I really enjoy some of the simplistic black/white layouts (Blip especially) and want to keep it very simple. I designed something quick, but it still needs some work. I really like the NASA/SpaceX concepts but I don't want it pretending to be something it isn't, if you know what I mean. This is what Im working with right now... The top area with the player buttons is level, then the CP area slants down at a 1" over 12" angle.
(https://i.imgur.com/W25TsEh.jpg)
Thoughts? I plan on starting the real build fairly soon (Im also using this project as an excuse to buy some more tools....)
-
looks like an awesome project
-
What material will you be building the sides from? those player and admin buttons look like they're <i>really</i> close to the edges (unless I'm not appreciating the scale involved). I like the simplicity you have going on, I'd just be concerned about not having enough room under the hood for the button nuts (assuming you're not using snap-in buttons), etc...
-
Im planning on using 5/8 finished PLY. I am open to suggestions here though.
I noticed the same thing on the upper panel when I was modeling it, I will probably extend the horizontal bit where the admin buttons are to 3" instead of 2".
I put together a few images to better explain what I am thinking. The control panel will have a removable base, simple groove routed into ply. I don't think I will need to put any kind of rail in, I will just route 5/8ths and then a little extra so its smooth going in and out. This way I can put a panel on the base when its not on the table, and when it is on the table it is secure.
(http://i.imgur.com/KnrPaac.png)
The table design I have now is very simple and a little ugly. I want to get a little more creative with it, but need to better understand the strength requirements I am dealing with... more to follow.
(http://i.imgur.com/3k72pxK.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/ECk1QUk.png)
And then, with the CP fixed to the table top.
(http://i.imgur.com/hbMIJZh.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/oZtSRJN.png)