Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: THRobinson on February 11, 2020, 11:28:01 am
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Hey guys... wow... been over a year since I designed a cabinet, bought all the guts for it.... and did nothing. Few car issues and other projects popped up and ate up all my time and 'fun money'. ;D
Anyways... I have a RaspPi 3B+ with RetroPie and 128GB SDcard all running great. I have all the buttons I'll need, Samsung 20.1" 4:3 LCD, and other small items, and this weekend buying some wood (finally).
I also have some LED lights. Small white strip for the marquee, and a big roll of RGB LED's to go around the frame on the back, and at the front under the controller above the coin-slot. It has a remote, so can pick some stuff like strobe, specific colours, etc... basically the same as this link.
https://www.amazon.ca/Waterproof-Lighting-Flexible-Changing-Controller/dp/B07VC3DQQY/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=rgb+led+5050&qid=1581438060&sr=8-7
Long way away from worrying about the lighting, but figured ask now... is there anything more exciting to be done (easily) with these lights?
Basically, something a bit more interactive with the game. I don't know, like sound activation? or knows when the game is over or starting and strobes differently?
I'm fine with just having the pre-programmed lights, nothing wrong with that at all... just wasn't sure if there were some sorta lighting feature I didn't know about with the game/retropie.
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Throw out the Christmas tree lights.
Build an arcade cab and have fun playing arcade games with it. Don't worry about junk that has nothing to do with that.
Your build will be easier, cheaper, and more fun to play when it is done.
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You might try the MAME Arcade Builders group on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2370133573/?fref=nf
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You might try the MAME Arcade Builders group on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2370133573/?fref=nf
Damn that's one of those stealth burns.
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yikes. BARF! I wouldn't trust a group of people who don't know the difference between
die/dye/die
panel/panle
molding/moulding
also...posts that say...i'm just building a super simple control panel with 2 joysticks... and a trackball... and spinner. i may add another joystick for this other game.... and a 4 way/8 way switchable joystick... and a joystick for steam games in the future. and 114 buttons. can i use an ATTINY to interface them to my pi?
money is no object...i want the best possible_______
*suggests something several thousand dollars*
no, not that expensive.... like 100 bucks and under.
:banghead: faceballs are idiots.
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You might try the MAME Arcade Builders group on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2370133573/?fref=nf
Damn that's one of those stealth burns.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200214/6928b59694e1b004b8daa905acce4d46.gif)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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That Facebook group is how KLOVers see BYOAC. Yeek!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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You might try the MAME Arcade Builders group on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2370133573/?fref=nf
Damn that's one of those stealth burns.
I should have probably been more specific because it was not my intent to burn anyone. But I can see why it looks that way.
The point I should have made is that if your interest is more toward "non-standard builds" (not sure what to call them) that have flat screens and LED buttons that Facebook group might be a better resource for you. I'm not saying it is a good group or a better group. It just IS a group that supports that type of build.
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@wp34 - Thanks. I decided to go super easy and cheap, and get a $4 music controller off eBay that basically flashes with the music. Simple and easy solution... I wanted some extra lighting on my build, but fading from colour-to-colour seemed a but boring for an arcade build. :D
So... this site is mainly just CRT screens and non-lit controllers? Like fixing up old cabinets only, not using a PC with Hyperspin or RaspPi and RetroPie?
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In theory we prefer cabinets that are tastefully done...… in theory. ;)
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Where is WP34’s handy Facebook link? Homeboy here needs to find his people...
Oh wait.... it’s in THIS THREAD...
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@wp34 - Thanks. I decided to go super easy and cheap, and get a $4 music controller off eBay that basically flashes with the music. Simple and easy solution... I wanted some extra lighting on my build, but fading from colour-to-colour seemed a but boring for an arcade build. :D
So... this site is mainly just CRT screens and non-lit controllers? Like fixing up old cabinets only, not using a PC with Hyperspin or RaspPi and RetroPie?
To answer your question - most of us are trying to recreate an experience from our childhood, one that didn’t include built in Christmas lights year round.
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Not even sure where to begin with the responses in this thread... forum was way more helpful a few years back when I used it before, less 'catty'...
Was a simple question, not sure why all the snide comments. As for Christmas lights and being tacky etc... when I grew up in the late '70s and '80s, arcades were full of flashing lights and music... so I am recreating my childhood experience.
I'll go check that Facebook group out... probably more helpful and friendly.
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The lights were not on the cabs.
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A lot of flashing lights are distracting from gameplay. That's why you don't see them on most cabs.
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A lot of flashing lights are distracting from gameplay. That's why you don't see them on most cabs.
Yep - the “flashing lights” back in the day came from the CRTs, not from additional lights added to a cab. Unless there were pinball machines around, but that’s another type of build.
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I mean I get it, we've all been guilty of it in the past. You get excited about a new project and you keep adding to it, but while you were so busy trying to figure out if you could, you didn't bother to consider if you should.
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Not even sure where to begin with the responses in this thread... forum was way more helpful a few years back when I used it before, less 'catty'...
Was a simple question, not sure why all the snide comments. As for Christmas lights and being tacky etc... when I grew up in the late '70s and '80s, arcades were full of flashing lights and music... so I am recreating my childhood experience.
I'll go check that Facebook group out... probably more helpful and friendly.
Build what you want. What you're building, and the experiences that you are trying to recreate are yours. Don't let the naysayers deter you. I didn't have blacklights in any arcade I visited, nor did I recall any crazy carpet, but dudes here do it all the time. Now they build full-on 80's rooms with tons of chachkis, and I never saw that back in the day either. Point is, some guys are just puds.
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Put your cape away Lew.
He wanted flashy lights on his cab. People said it was a bad idea.
He can listen to that advice or he can ignore it. That is what adults do.
He doesn't need you to hold his hand.
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Point is, some guys are just puds.
And some guys, when asked for their opinion, like to give an honest answer. He asked for suggestions. It’s not like he built something and then people rained on his parade.
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I'm an expert on led strips but I wouldn't use them on a cab. I built a control panel with led buttons and lighted joysticks and I wouldn't do it that way again. The more I got into the hobby the more I appreciate having leaf switches on buttons and joysticks and a CRT when possible.
But if you want to make your arcade cab look like my house I am the guy....I wrote most of the software that 1000's of users around the world use to create sequences like this and I created a lot of the effect algorithms:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tz5pgj1oTak (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tz5pgj1oTak)
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But if you want to make your arcade cab look like my house I am the guy....I wrote most of the software that 1000's of users around the world use to create sequences like this and I created a lot of the effect algorithms:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tz5pgj1oTak (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tz5pgj1oTak)
God.. I don't want to know how long that takes to set up, or how bad troubleshooting is. It's amazing, but I don't think I could do it.
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Point is, some guys are just puds.
And some guys, when asked for their opinion, like to give an honest answer. He asked for suggestions. It’s not like he built something and then people rained on his parade.
And here I am giving an honest opinion and what happened? More opinions happened.... Having an opinion and not being a pud aren't mutually exclusive.
The forum is shrinking. Shame to see folks leave.
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You should heed your own sage advice. Pud.
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You should heed your own sage advice. Pud.
Wait, I thought you were a JAFA? Or is it a Narcissist?
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I guess I should be insulted for being called a pud, but I don't know what one is. Maybe I'm a stupid pud? :afro:
I like gilrock's idea for led strips better... I'm actually looking into doing it for next year. You might be getting some PMs come summer time. I think rgb strips can be great for lighting an arcade room as well, just not the individual cabinets in said arcade.
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You gotta admit, puds a funny word. I’m bringing it back! And I would’ve never thought to do it if it wasn’t for you!
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Here you go, Howard.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200227/fcb84cb7a9139d5108ead5a2bdb6f755.jpg)
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zmvt7yFTtt8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zmvt7yFTtt8)
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The "fuddy duddy" is strong with a few in this group :oldman :lol
I'm not sure if anyone has noticed, but illumination is part of virtually everything people customize to make their own nowadays. PC cases, very expensive home theater screens, speaker systems, vehicles, younameit...it probably has accent lights and they are probably dynamically controlled.
We all have opinions about what we think "should" be on a cabinet, but that's all they are, and they don't carry any weight whatsoever with regard to what an individual builder chooses to do on their own machines. The folks who don't like them are likely in the group of folks who want to re-create the classic look, but others might be using the same cabinet also as a jukebox, or want active buttons to light up to make it easier for guests. Or maybe just want something with a bit more visual "punch" to wow the folks who are so young as to have likely never even seen what some would consider an "ideal" embodiment. And if they did, it would likely not be as well-appreciated, as it would by some of us old-timers.
Not everyone is the same, nor are their intentions, and sometimes the advice, though usually well-intentioned, is provided by those who assume that they are. If it's not well-intentioned, however, then it's just someone who is trying to control someone else's decisions to suit their own aesthetic ideals.
You do you.
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In short, light ‘em up!
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I'm with Randy on this. If you want some illumination on your cab, if it suits your theme, your design, then go to it. If you don't like LED lighting on your cab then don't use them. next.
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I'm with Randy on this. If you want some illumination on your cab, if it suits your theme, your design, then go to it. If you don't like LED lighting on your cab then don't use them. next.
Right. And if you ask people WHAT THEY THINK, and they don’t think it’s a good idea, don’t get mad when they share their opinions and you don’t like them. It’s that simple, right?
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I'm with Randy on this. If you want some illumination on your cab, if it suits your theme, your design, then go to it. If you don't like LED lighting on your cab then don't use them. next.
Right. And if you ask people WHAT THEY THINK, and they don’t think it’s a good idea, don’t get mad when they share their opinions and you don’t like them. It’s that simple, right?
Yeah. I think the original question was not "should I use them" but "how can they be used, if I do use them" Take Arroyo's cab for instance. That is an excellent example of lighting working well with a design theme. If I was providing USEFUL feedback, I'd point the OP at that project.
I've called overused LED lighting Christmas tree lights myself. Used poorly they look bad, agreed. They have their place in the hobby though as various contributors have shown.
Just to be really clear. If I ask what BYOAC community thinks I expect friendly feedback not a terse ---smurfette--- slap for different ideas/tastes. ENUFF.
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I'm with Randy on this.
Whoa OND sighting! Does this mean we might see some updates to the threads?
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I'm with Randy on this.
Whoa OND sighting! Does this mean we might see some updates to the threads?
yeah mate ;)
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To OP:
If you can incorporate lights in a tasteful way, I’m sure it would be well received (if you are interested in others opinions). I think there have been some pretty slapped together examples over the last few years that have put a lot of skepticism on it looking good.
In general diffused lights (i.e. can’t see individual LED’s) look a lot better then as Mikey aptly put it, Christmas tree lights (you can see each individual light).
Doesn’t hurt to bounce off some of your ideas to get opinions, but then again as others have said if you have a clear idea in your head then just run with it and see if you like it.
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I'm with Randy on this. If you want some illumination on your cab, if it suits your theme, your design, then go to it. If you don't like LED lighting on your cab then don't use them. next.
Right. And if you ask people WHAT THEY THINK, and they don’t think it’s a good idea, don’t get mad when they share their opinions and you don’t like them. It’s that simple, right?
I think this is where the disconnect is. When someone asks for an opinion, it doesn't entitle a response to berate, belittle or be a jerk. I'm betting the written word is to blame for some misinterpretations, but some of the comments are just down right mean spirited. Most of the issues aren't with a difference of opinion, but with the delivery.
To the OP:
I went with lighting a few key buttons (Credit and Player). I light my trackball and of course I light my coin returns. I added some lights to my speaker grills. I also added lights behind my cabinets that rotate and provide some nice ambiance.
I like some indirect lighting, like under the cabinets. It's a bit cheesey, but I like it:
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=159740.0;attach=381448;image)
The speaker grills use Halo eyes, that I flipped inward.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=159740.0;attach=381447;image)
No one who visits yet has told me to "get that junk off my cabinets".
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Yeah. Calling people puds doesn't seem jerky at all.
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Yeah. Calling people puds doesn't seem jerky at all.
lol, pud - still funny. I didn't call anyone a pud. If you self-identify, that's on you. ;D
And besides..... worst case is you're saying I'm a jerk, for calling you a pud, for you being a jerk. :dunno
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Yeah. Calling people puds doesn't seem jerky at all.
Yeah. Calling people puds doesn't seem jerky at all.
lol, pud - still funny. I didn't call anyone a pud. If you self-identify, that's on you. ;D
And besides..... worst case is you're saying I'm a jerk, for calling you a pud, for you being a jerk. :dunno
ENUFF!!!!1!
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Yeah. Calling people puds doesn't seem jerky at all.
Yeah. Calling people puds doesn't seem jerky at all.
lol, pud - still funny. I didn't call anyone a pud. If you self-identify, that's on you. ;D
And besides..... worst case is you're saying I'm a jerk, for calling you a pud, for you being a jerk. :dunno
ENUFF!!!!1!
Don't be jelly. You can be a pud too. There's enough pud to go around. :)
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:jerry
This place never gets old.
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Not even sure where to begin with the responses in this thread... forum was way more helpful a few years back when I used it before, less 'catty'...
This forum has always been catty...
It goes with the territory of highly passionate people with strong personalities and opinions.
The same people that gave helpful advice back a few years ago are the same people that are here giving it now.
Was a simple question, not sure why all the snide comments. As for Christmas lights and being tacky etc... when I grew up in the late '70s and '80s, arcades were full of flashing lights and music... so I am recreating my childhood experience.
Hmm, where I grew up, arcades had their flashing lights outside of the arcade, not inside flashing the lighting on every screen. The most we got were black-lights installed inside. There were no strobes, no neon, or trim lighting inside where the machines were...a majority of arcades were dark, smokey and noisey from all the clashing sounds of cabinets running. Also keep in mind, these were the days were all lights were either incandescent bulbs, or neon. Both of which produced a lot of heat, while inside arcades were already hot and stuffy from the machines.
But, that doesn't mean you can't make it look good. If done properly, anything could be made to go with the overall theme and look of your projects.
Use your lighting tastefully, and sparingly. If you're going for recreating your childhood experience, then keep in mind that arcade cabinets did not have many lights installed on the actual machines. Of course every machine had marquee and coin door button lighting, very few had backlights on monitor bezels artwork (Universal cabinets like Lady Bug, Magical Spot), and even fewer had lit buttons (Atari cones and Williams start buttons are the ones that come to mind).
If I were you, I'd use those LED strips for some kind of additional wall sign, or foliage for your the room you're putting your cabinet into.
Or perhaps for a topper piece. Underlighting/Backwall lighting always looked so tacky, like when you see it on a car. It holds no real purpose other than to try to look cool.
I'll go check that Facebook group out... probably more helpful and friendly.
Honestly, those FB groups are trash. You think we're catty? FB is worse and a majority of them don't know what the heck they're talking about.
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:jerry
This place never gets old.
Welcome back Pud. ;D
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Welcome back Pud. ;D
STILL funny!
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:jerry
This place never gets old.
Welcome back Pud. ;D
Good to be back. Quick question. Four player cab so I want to angle the joys for players 3 and 4 right? More elbow room!
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:jerry
This place never gets old.
Welcome back Pud. ;D
Good to be back. Quick question. Four player cab so I want to angle the joys for players 3 and 4 right? More elbow room!
Actually you want to angle all 4. How are you going to play 4-player Smash Q*Bert if you don't?
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Lets be real - if we had access to inexpensive and readily available LED's in the 80's, we would've put them on everything. The 80's were all about flash and pizzazz. Proof is in the arcades of today - extra lights, accessories and everything is over the top. You may have been to arcades without a lot of sizzle back in the day, but I definitely went to a few arcades that had lots of extra lights, sounds, etc.
The 90's were all about being cool and look like you're not trying (wrinkly clothes, unwashed, etc.) Terrible decade.
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I'm all for some cool leds as long as the quality of the control doesn't suffer. My led buttons on my Mame panel just don't feel as good as the old school leaf buttons I've used elsewhere. Maybe those Electric ICE buttons with true leaf switches would be good but they were out of stock forever when I was building so I don't know how they perform.
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For a modern feel the ice buttons are pretty good. They feel a bit cheaper than the happ stuff, but they don't make 'em like they used to and that's nobodies fault. The thing is, light design is tricky..... anybody can add lights to a cab, but only a few can add them and have it look tasteful. I don't think it's something you should be adding if you are a beginner.
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For a modern feel the ice buttons are pretty good. They feel a bit cheaper than the happ stuff, but they don't make 'em like they used to and that's nobodies fault.
True.
These buttons are awful.
(https://gameroomsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/chrome-led-buttons-not-lit.gif)
So bad.
My personal preference is a concave button, so I don't like to compromise on anything else. I don't light my playing buttons, but it's no big deal if someone does. It just doesn't have the wow factor it did when I first saw it.
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Well the problem there is Randy created a monster. His stuff is quality product, but since his lit buttons became fashionable, Chinese companies pulled any lighted button they ever produced to the forefront. I don't believe those were even for arcade machines originally, but they are marketed that way because they are cheap to make.
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Here's another couple pics of the back lighting on my cabinets:
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=156713.0;attach=366212;image)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=156713.0;attach=366214;image)
I lifted PBJ's idea and put a couple of those projection globe things that rotate and are sold around Christmas time onto the back of the arcade. It makes a pretty cool effect. These scream "I'm trying to be cool" because.... well, I want it to be cool looking.