Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Zathras on January 23, 2004, 11:49:38 am

Title: Some Newbie questions (finishing, etc)
Post by: Zathras on January 23, 2004, 11:49:38 am
I did try searching but couldn't find the answers so here goes.

I am planning to build my first cabinet based off the Ultimate Arcade I plans with a few modifications (modular control panel and an inch wider for a bigger tv) and I have been wavering back and forth on how to finish it,  first I was going to paint it, then decided to laminate, then decided to do the Happs vinyl that is on sale, then decided on a laminate side/vinyl font combo (and even went ahead and ordered some vinyl since I was ordering some other parts), but the more I think about that I don't know how much I would like the two tone black look so I may just end up going the full laminate route (well maybe using the vinyl for top/back).

But my question is this - In the UA1 (and many other cabs) the front/back panels are recessed about an inch or so.  What do you do to that inner lip portion?  Just paint it or cut little strips of laminate or  . . . ?  

Ok second question - In planning the modular panels - so far I've decided on the generic 2 person 6 buttons per with a trackball in the middle, a single joystick old school panel with a variety of buttons,  and a trackball panel.    But when laying these out in my head I realized that I would have to have a joystick on the trackball panel to select games won't I?  (mamewah will be my front end)  I may have to switch to a tron/trackball panel if that is the case.  Guess I'll have to order another spinner :)  My wife is really going to regret telling me to go ahead and buy the stuff you need for it.

I would say now that I've got about 90% of the stuff purchased so it won't be too long till I can get started.


Thanks!

Title: Re:Some Newbie questions (finishing, etc)
Post by: Stingray on January 23, 2004, 01:21:28 pm
I realized that I would have to have a joystick on the trackball panel to select games won't I?

Just a thought, but you could have a couple of buttons assigned to up arrow & down arrow.

-S
Title: Re:Some Newbie questions (finishing, etc)
Post by: Zathras on January 23, 2004, 01:29:08 pm

Just a thought, but you could have a couple of buttons assigned to up arrow & down arrow.

-S

I think that would make too much sense and not cost enough money  ;D

Thanks I may do that - sometimes you don't see the obvious.
Title: Re:Some Newbie questions (finishing, etc)
Post by: Stingray on January 23, 2004, 03:19:02 pm
Glad to help. I've got a cab in the early stages of development myself at the moment. I find myself spending more and more time contemplating CP layouts (usually when I should be doing something else).

-S
Title: Re:Some Newbie questions (finishing, etc)
Post by: cj1 on January 23, 2004, 09:45:09 pm


But my question is this - In the UA1 (and many other cabs) the front/back panels are recessed about an inch or so.  What do you do to that inner lip portion?  Just paint it or cut little strips of laminate or  . . . ?  


I had the same question when I started my cab (which remains unfinished - curse you, cold weather! CUUUUURRRSSEE YOOOUUU!!). Anyway, I used strips. The "inside" part - that is, the part the faces the back of the cab- would be hidden by the thickness of the front panels, so I just rough cut that to shape with some tin snips. The front facing part was trimmed with a router as usual. This can be seen in my incredibly crude graphic.

I'm pleased with the results, and saved a lot of laminate by not doing the entire inside of the cab. Also, this gave me a chance to work with the laminate on a small scale which helped me get used to the whole process.
Title: Re:Some Newbie questions (finishing, etc)
Post by: Zathras on January 23, 2004, 11:20:03 pm
Ah that explains it well - cool thanks.