Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: MameMaster! on April 28, 2005, 04:59:32 pm
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Greets All!....
I've been thinking about doing a desktop machine (mini machine) based on maybe a Stargate or Pac Man design for my office.
I've seen lot's of bartops....but what I'm thinking of is making it look like a regular classic cab....only in mini size.
I'm pretty sure I could pull this off with a 5" screen (Maybe LCD?) and some sort of custom controls....and maybe a Mac Mini or something custom so I can use a small portable TV). I'm guessing total dimensions would be somewhere around 20" high x 8" wide x 9" deep (these are not based on any real scaled down dimensions...just the approx. size I think I would like to make this thing).
Has anyone done this before?.....I'm totally just in the planning stages of this...but I think it might be a fun little project.
MameMaster! 8)
PS- Watch for Mame Invader MODULE 6 coming soon!
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that would be nice! I was thinking someone should use one of those psone lcd screens, they are about 5 inches and good for the price (~$30). They can do 15 khz, and not hard to mod for RGB. Of course they also take composite video as well.
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This is an excellent idea. I believe patrickl did a very small Galaga cab with a iPaq, which is very cool, but it simply looks too small to play regularly.
I think a PSOne screen with a MacMini would be perfect. I think with a 5" screen, to maintain appropriate dimensions, it would need to be somewhere around 18" tall (based on a regular 68" cab having a 19" monitor).
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yeah that's kinda' where I'm going w/this idea. I agree the ipac was awfully cute...but not really all that playable. How cool would it be to have a desktop arcade .....a REAL desktop arcade that it totally playable?
I like the PS One screen idea....where have you guys seen it for $30?....I'll go pick one up in anticipation of doing this.
...uh....if anyone wants to be me to the punch on this go ahead....just send me a copy of your plans!....
...but the MameMaster thinks....this project will come to life over the next few months....hmm...now where's my tapemeasure?.....
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I actually got one from toys r us for 25, but they went pretty quickly. I've seen them on ebay for pretty cheap.
I modded mine to play in rgb, and hooked up some consoles & pcbs. you have to fiddle with the contrast a bit, but it's a great picture considering how inexpensive it is.
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check this out this is perfect!
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...yeah I'm familiar w/that gadget...but the screens too small for what I want to do.
I'm thinking of at least a 5" - 9" screen.
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mamemaster,
So what did you have in mind for the controls?
I think some of the miniature momentary-contact buttons from Happs would work well, and they would be about the right scale for a 5" screen. Any ideas on joysticks?
For a trackball, if you could find an older laptop (early to mid 90s), some of them cam equipped with very small trackballs (less than an inch in diameter). Tabletop Centipede or Missile Command with a tiny trackball, that would be cool!
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Oh, one more thing. It might be a good idea to come up with some standards (scale, buttons, etc.) then multiple people could optionally follow it to produce cabinets that would look good together. Just a thought...?
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....that's funny you just posted this as
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I think the Jakks style devices would be very appropriate. Losing a little bit of realism when your playing on an 18" cabinet isn't going to be a big deal.
Power should be easy, the LCD probably runs on 5 or 12 volts and the Jakks' units run on 6volts. As far as powering on, my current Jakks cabinet has a single switch, powering on the TV, Jakks unit and the light with a single switch. I bet the PSOne LCD can be powered on similarly; does it even have a separate power switch, it's probably designed to simply go on when it gets power from the PS and turn off when it loses power.
Those controls look like the right size. I wonder if a different handle could be crafted on the joystick to make it look more authentic.
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Here you go. Bit-tech's article on converting a PSOne LCD to VGA
http://www.bit-tech.net/article/136/
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Doesn't Happ sell those Mini joysticks and buttons etc; ? You might try asking Pony Boy if he can get you a better price for them.
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Doesn't Happ sell those Mini joysticks and buttons etc; ?
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For a good mini cab?
Buy a 7" Lilliput XGA touch screen
a MII 6000E VIA Mini ITX (600mhz fanless mb which is 17cm x 17cm)
a 60W Morex PSU and a laptop brick for the PSU
you could do cheaper but the 7" screen gives you best res as i've tried 5" 7" and 7.6" lcd's as a mini mame cab and they suck doesn't matter if u make it take VGA in it still sucks.
the lilliput is cheap and has touch screen (non touch screen version avalable) this would make a all in 1 system you run the LCD off the moulex connector from the PSU
I'm using a mini ITX for alot of projects most recently is a Carpc using a Xenarc XGA touch screen (it's the best xga available in the small size lilliput is cheaper but has problems with it's touch screen sometimes)
but if u want it cheap then do it another way :)
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....I'll do a google search...but off hand what would you guess the overcost of those parts would be?
....I would prefer to run mame in a mini cab to be honest.
hmmmm.......
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sean:
what is that thing and where do i get one!!???!!???
I have never seen anything like it.
Todd
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sean:
what is that thing and where do i get one!!???!!???
I have never seen anything like it.
Todd
....google is your friend! ;D
http://search.ebay.com/lilliput-7-xga_W0QQfnuZ1
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Problem is, i don'd even know what it is called!
The link is to a 7" touch screen, the pic above looks like it is mounted to a psx controller. Did someone make that?
Todd
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Problem is, i don'd even know what it is called!
The link is to a 7" touch screen, the pic above looks like it is mounted to a psx controller. Did someone make that?
Todd
this should clear that up!--
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,35519.0.html
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Well a Mini ITX motherboard is 17 cm x 17cm so that will fit in the mini cab nicely.
it hs onboard vga, v out, audio , spdif out , usb , firewire, CFII slot, pcmcia slot
you can get 2 types a MII6000e which is a 600mhz but it's a fanless model so no fans are needed what so ever for the MB or you can get a MII 12000 which is a 1.2ghz
These boards support dual screen on the vga and tv out port and have a mpeg2 decoder builtin and are very low power.
the psu is very slim and it will connect to the wall outlet you can get a 60w or 80w version.
You can use a composite LCD but i've tried it on my 7.6" OEM LCD and it doesn't look very pretty thats why i said try getting the lilliput it's the cheapest xga LCD for that size
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/directron/epiamii6000.html
there is the 600mhz version
it's $189 the MII 12000 is only a bit more its the same motherboard just a diff cpu.
its $129 for a morex 80w version
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Dadgum son - think you might have beat me to the punch!
For our second project, we sort of had the same idea.
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If you pull this off well, I can foresee not only a Mamey but HOF entry as well. How clever! I just can't wait to see some photos.
Darryl
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....you know personally I was surprised someone hasn't already done this!.....here's where I'm at to date---
For this first mini cab....I may go with a LCD "universal" console screen that has SVGA and Composite inputs and a hacked Ms. Pac Jakks unit.
But....I'm obtaining enough parts to build an actual "mame" version if I do end up going that route for mini cab 2.
Personally for me I think my hardest step is going to be the cab itself....I'm moving into NYC into an apartment....so the woodwork is going to be a pain (and messy).....
I do plan on making 2 cabs (ok, at least for now I'll cut the wood for 2!) using the same template (I'm working on it now) which is why I'm thinking I may do a mini Ms. Pac (and/or Pacman....I still haven't decided) and a Galaga (they're such similar shapes).
Here's what I've done so far--
Ordered-
Happ micro joys
Happ mini buttons
7" LCD
Ms. Pac Jakks
Started building a foamcore model.
....as I mentioned I'm moving in a couple of weeks so this may stall for a bit...but I'm getting everything together. I hope to have this finished sometime in June and I'll post progress....
Thanks for all of the great ideas!.....
MameMaster!
8)
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if you got a liliput monitor i'll send u a mod for it to turn on automaticlly :)
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FYI-- quick update...(and then I'll hold off until I have some pics to show!)...I just picked up 2 7" Mad Catz Svideo/Composite universal LDC screens from Walmart (via the net).
They are on clearance for $110.00 but they seem to average on the web at various stores approx. $150. to over $200!....
I'll post picks/thoughts of the screen when I get them. They also have built in stereo speakers....so I'm hoping for the best. They were made to retail for $200.
MameMaster! 8)
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I think this is a natural evolutionary path of all byoac'ers i swear. I was asking about doing just this in a thread a couple months back but couldn't justify dropping as much cash as the project needed to get started. I guess I'm going to live vicarioulsy through you.
the problems I couldn't get past were mounting the power supply and motherboard all in one cabinet and still keeping it small without spending a small fortune. i had a shuttle MB at one point but traded it to civic83 for something or other. I then traded (again with civic83) and got the 5" ps1 LCD. I was then going to use this as a power supply (http://www.powerstream.com/mini-itx.htm) but again finances weren't what they needed to be so I shelved the idea... good luck and keep us posted!
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....well to be honest for cab #1 (I anticipate making 2)...I'm going w/ the Jakks controller that I'll hack so keep cost down.
but if all goes well....#2 will most likely be a mame enabled mini cab. Regardless to save time/effort I plan on cutting the wood for both at the same time.
I've already confirmed that the guys at classic arcade graphix (http://www.classicarcadegrafix.com/customers.htm).....will be willing to make the peel/stick full art set for me scaled down to my mini cab's dimensions.
So as of now I have my parts on order; the graphics on standby and my fingers crossed that my wood working/soldering skills are good enough to do this!
I still need to pick up moulding and a mini flourcent light for the marquee.....but I have time for those details.
I plan on using MDF to make this as authentic as possible.....so I'm hoping for the best.
...my only real concern right now is doing all this cutting in what is sure to be messy word working in my apartment. :o
The wifey ain't too pleased about that!.... oh well.
MameMaster! 8)
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are you going to use smaller t-molding and mdf? i'd think that a minicab built with 3/4 mdf would look kinda stupid.
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are you going to use smaller t-molding and mdf?
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I'm now on board and following along. Cool idea and much more ambitious than mine. Let me know if I can do anything to help.
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Thank god... I've been dying to do something like this since like forever. I've given up on making my Mini-ITX portable though. I stopped once I couldn't get my board to read the TV I had.
I'm gonna be watching you young man! I'm really interested in your progress.
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....oh crap. Now I'm feeling pressure! :-[
.....I'll take some pics of the screen tomorrow and post them for those interested as I just got it today in the mail.
I have to say...it looks great (and definitely made to sell for more than the $110.00 I paid for sure).....but let's see if the actual screen looks as good when it's on!
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Any pics yet?
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....sorry I've been distracted by some of my other little arcade projects including my rotary joy module for my Mame
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hi mame master you can try this !!!!
i did build a test bench to check if pcb when i get them so i dont have to open an arcade and try to twick the monitor every time it is a 5" monitor runing on 12v
(http://www.arcadefever.net/TESTBENCH/DSCF0005.JPG[img])
http://www.arcadefever.net/TESTBENCH/TESTBENCH.html
also i did some research for you on ebay and found one here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/5-Arcade-Mini-Test-Monitor-12-Volts-BRAND-NEW_W0QQitemZ6206868332QQcategoryZ13718QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
good luck ....
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....hey that's really neat....but too late for my little project.
I've already picked up 2 7" lcd screens with composite inputs.
Thanks though....that thing is really cool!
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Greetings all!...I finally got off my butt and started my desktop Mini Ms. Pac Man Cab.
I am going to be using a hacked Jakks Ms. Pac; 7" LCD screen; mini happ joystick with mini Sanwa (spelling?) buttons.
I just ordered the full side art and marquee/bezel from Classic Arcade Graphix (they did a FANTASTIC job on my Mame Invaders)....but I don't know the cost of the art yet.
For now, I just built a foam core model to get the dimensions down and have templates to cut the wood from.
I anticipate using MDF for the sides, standard Ms. Pac molding and most likely 1/4" pine (so it's smooth) for the rest of the cabinet.
The model only took about 2.5 hours....I just hope the wood cutting goes as well as the foamcore did!
I'm a little bummed that the monitor looks kinda small.....(it's supposed to be 7"); but I already invested a hundred bucks in it and I can't return it....so I'll stick with it.
Other than that...I'm pretty excited about this little project....now I have to get the wood and I live in Manhattan....not easy to carry on the train!.....
Here are some photos...I'll be sure to update as I get further---
Enjoy!
MameMaster!tm 8)
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more pics
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last pic for now!
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[quote author=MameMaster
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I like QB's idea. Make the cabinet fit the dimensions of the monitor. Perhaps, abandon the full size buttons and go to all miniature buttons instead.
Be sure to keep us updated with new pics.
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Congrats on getting this one going!
I like the model. I think I would be tempted to make it less wide. The height is fine, but if you reduce the width, it will look more proportional to the original cab and fit the monitor even better.
I never considered how living in Manhattan would affect project progress. Can you have MDF delivered? Are there Home Depot's on the island?
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to answer all---
yeah, there's a Home Depot here in the City about 40 blocks south of my apt. I realized that I have a closer hardware store near me....but I'm not sure if they have what I'll need.
Re- the monitor....I like the size of the cab as it is now ...but I was considering making it more narrow (a bit)....and seeing if I can find a nice small color TV with AV inputs instead of the LCD.
If not....I'm most likely going to stick w/the LCD....but make is so that I can swap it out at a later date. I would just have to reprint the bezel....so I'm OK with that.
Assuming I keep the size as is stands now...I'll have room for a 14" w x 9.25" high x 15 D tv.
Anyone know of any?
I'm going to check out Best Buy later today.
Obviously I can always adjust my dimensions to fit a larger tv...but I really wanted to keep this to about the size I have it now.
Thanks for the input!
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I think I may bite the bullet and just get this 9" tv and an RF modulator.
.... http://tinyurl.com/7rtca
....I may be selling my LCD for low price soon!....
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sounds like the dimensions of a 13" $59 tv from wal-mart.
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....yeah, thanks for the heads up I appreciate it.
Apparently.... 13" tvs in general are MUCH cheaper than 9"!......
But I'm going to suck it up and stick to the 9" so that I can keep the cab small. This was supposted to be a desktop model....that's already really now a table top.......
But, again, thanks for the heads up! ;D
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That 9" TV you listed doesn't appear to have any video inputs other than the RF antenna input. That would require a converter which will trash the signal somewhat.
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That 9" TV you listed doesn't appear to have any video inputs other than the RF antenna input. That would require a converter which will trash the signal somewhat.
yes....you're exactly right...I bought a radioshack RF modulator to get around that.........but I tested it and on the 9" the picture looks great!.....
So far between art, the TV, various parts and buttons etc...I'm in for $338.00 not including the loss of my 2 LCD tv's.......this is of course before I even buy wood.
The thing that threw me way off was the 9" Tv and modulator..... oh well...I figured the foamcore looked so good....that I might as well bite the bullet and get a good sized Tv for it.
Man this thing better come out friggin' awesome!!!!!
This weekend I hope to get the wood and start cutting....
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He is all excited about his 9" but doesn't even have wood yet.
(http://stingraysmadness.com/EE/images/smiles/beavis.gif)(http://stingraysmadness.com/EE/images/smiles/butthead.gif)
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If I had 9" without wood I would be excited too. ;D
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bah u stole my idea! lol is that u austin?
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Ok....here's the latest.
My brother suggested that I set up the control panel using molex connectors so that I can change plug/play systems......a good idea that I hope to incorporate.
I've rethought the whole 3/4 " MDF and I'm going with 1/2 " for the side. Apparently Home Depot has 2 foot x 4" MDF sheets for $6 bucks!.....so at least the sides of the cab will be cheap!
I hope to pick up all of the wood on Saturday. As of now I still have to get wood and wood clamps but I have just about everything else so I hope to post progress by the end of the weekend.
....by the way, I know I've see posts here and there using the Dremel Router gadget......for the Tmoulding....but does anyone have an extra bit for the Dremel I would borrow?
I would of course pay you for shipping and I'll ship it back......just a thought in case someone doesn't need theirs for a while.
I hope to get a lot done this weekend if possible.....
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I got a lot done this weekend!.....and made it quite far. Man I have to say doing this in an apartment is a real hassle.
On Saturday I put down a drop cloth.....but when I was done literally EVERY surface within 20 square feet was covered in MDF dust.
Today (Sunday) I covered EVERYTHING in plastic....much neater!....enjoy the pics....more progress soon!
by the way....you guys like my makeshift work bench?....it's 2 storage cointainers and a TV box......
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more
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almost done with pics..
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WHAT A MESS!!!!
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Nice work.
Hopefully you are done with the majority of your MDF cuts as you'll be sucking that dust for months ahead. I always make those cuts completely outdoors after my first experience many years ago and that was in the garage. Can only imagine the dust factor in an apartment.
Good luck with your project and keep the pics coming....
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Nice work.
Hopefully you are done with the majority of your MDF cuts as you'll be sucking that dust for months ahead. I always make those cuts completely outdoors after my first experience many years ago and that was in the garage. Can only imagine the dust factor in an apartment.
Good luck with your project and keep the pics coming....
I think it took me over 2 hours to clean virtually every surface. It's amazing how much of that stuff becomes virtually vaporized and dispursed. Even though I wore a mask...I took it off between cuts....BIG MISTAKE....my throat was a little scratchy for hours after.
Definitely an outdoors job....unfortunately I'm on the 28th floor with no balcony.
But the bulk of the cuts are done. As a matter of fact the control panel is built....but I didn't have time to take pics yet.
More to come!
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Doing a damn good job in your apt man....
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More updates!....I have the marquee ready with a light (it presently has protective plastic on it)...
Now I'm waiting for my Tmoulding slot cutter, artwork in progress.....and then I have to wire it up.
These photos are a dry run....I'm holding much of it in place with tape for now!......
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more pics....
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It's lookin really good.
When you get the slot cutter and get ready to make the T-molding groove, you will be amazed at the unholy mess it will make. The MDF dust you have seen so far is like a light rain compared to the Hurricane Katrina level of dust you will see when you cut the slot.
If you have someone who can assist you, it would be good to have a Shop-Vac (or whatever vacuum you can use) with a hose positioned right at the blade's output to get as much dust as possible before it goes all over everywhere.
It there is anywhere in Central Park where you can plug in your router, I would try taking it there j/k, or can you go to the roof of your building?
If you have a bathtub/shower, you might put it in there and close the shower curtain around you to keep the dust inside.
OR - You can tape a plastic drop cloth from your ceiling in a square surrounding your cabinet when you do this.
I can't stress what a huge mess this is going to be, so just trying to give you all the suggestions I can think of to keep the mess to a minimum.
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It's lookin really good.
When you get the slot cutter and get ready to make the T-molding groove, you will be amazed at the unholy mess it will make. The MDF dust you have seen so far is like a light rain compared to the Hurricane Katrina level of dust you will see when you cut the slot.
If you have someone who can assist you, it would be good to have a Shop-Vac (or whatever vacuum you can use) with a hose positioned right at the blade's output to get as much dust as possible before it goes all over everywhere.
It there is anywhere in Central Park where you can plug in your router, I would try taking it there j/k, or can you go to the roof of your building?
If you have a bathtub/shower, you might put it in there and close the shower curtain around you to keep the dust inside.
OR - You can tape a plastic drop cloth from your ceiling in a square surrounding your cabinet when you do this.
I can't stress what a huge mess this is going to be, so just trying to give you all the suggestions I can think of to keep the mess to a minimum.
....wow......thanks for the heads up on that. I'm sure my wife will be thrilled with this next step.
Thankfully since this isn't a full sized cab....there is less wood to slot....but I really apprecaite the warnings.
I don't have a shop vac, but I do have a powerful handheld that I may be able to get my wife to hold while I do this.
Unfortunately it would be totally illegal to do this out doors anywhere in NYC without some sort of a building permit.
....and the roof is locked so that's not an option. You know, I did just give my head maintenance man a big tip for Xmas....I may be able to use a storage area in the building instead of my apt.
....you know, since it's so small I may be able to somehow put it into a garden/lawn bag (clear) and somehow cut it in the bag itself.....hmm....
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It really will make a crazy mess, highly advise NOT doing it IN the apartment.
Hallway?
Elevator?
Do it in the middle of the street in the SoHo district and if anyone asks say it's performance art.
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OK...you guys have me totally freaked out now....here's the plan for now...unless I can come up w/a better alternative.....I'll do it on the bathroom and seal off the door w/tape.
Thankfully 50% of the walls are tile....and the rest can be easily cleaned as it's so friggin' small....but there should be enough room to manuver to get it done.
I will definitely be wearing a mask......and I appreciate all of the warnings.
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heh
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....are you serious?....is that your bathroom after such a "brainstorm" like I just had????? C#$P.
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[quote author=MameMaster
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There should be more warnings about MDF around here.
If only I had known about its "qualities" before hand, I would have gladly shelled out the extra cash from some decent plywood.
I will never be working with MDF again. HORRIBLE stuff it is. Heavy as hell, and messier than volcanic aftermath.
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There should be more warnings about MDF around here.
If only I had known about its "qualities" before hand, I would have gladly shelled out the extra cash from some decent plywood.
I will never be working with MDF again. HORRIBLE stuff it is. Heavy as hell, and messier than volcanic aftermath.
Saint has tons of warnings in his book.......but I agree...there should be a label on the wood itself.
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There should be more warnings about MDF around here.
If only I had known about its "qualities" before hand, I would have gladly shelled out the extra cash from some decent plywood.
I will never be working with MDF again. HORRIBLE stuff it is. Heavy as hell, and messier than volcanic aftermath.
Yep, I am a confirmed plywood man myself.
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Do it in the middle of the street in the SoHo district and if anyone asks say it's performance art.
I'm laughing ---my bottom--- off over that one.
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[quote author=MameMaster
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I am a licensed diver, so basically I just hold my breath during routing.
You can check me out in the guiness book of records under "longest period of time holding your breath while routing". Honest.
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M,
You are inspiring me.... to actually start my mini cab.
-Goz
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M,
You are inspiring me.... to actually start my mini cab.
-Goz
....to be honest this is the most elaborate thing I've ever built....but it bascially comes down to ....if you want one....you simply have to build it! ;D
Except for the toxic MDF dust....so far it's coming along quite well.
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THANK YOU to all who suggested that the MameMaster would most likely endure a long and slow death due to MDF dust in his home.....because you prompted me to talk to the head Super in my build who has very graciously offered to let me use an empty apartment under renovation.
He told me to not even worry about cleaning up!!!
SWEET!
Thanks again to everyone's advice.
Now next week I get to see if I know how to use a router.
Stay tuned!
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I highy recomend getting a "Dust Collector".
You can get one as cheap as 100$.
I never knew they existed..else I would have gotten one a lot sooner.
Unlike a vaccume... these dust collectors use blower like fins, and move a Ton of air. For the cheapest ones: 600 cubic feet per minute. 1800+ for 2hp models.
My 1hp moves quite a bit of air. Got it from Harbor Freight. They also have hose kits available. I had to ask them about it, cause it wasnt on the shelves.. but was in stock.
I took my tablesaw off its base, made a wood bottom that held the collector hose.. and sealed most all the air leaks in the tablesaws base itself with some closed cell foam, hot glue, and some thin plastic material.
When on, you can feel the suction right thru the saw opening. When cutting, theres almost no dust at all. The only dust, is a very small amount from the top of the blade which dosnt seem to get arborne. That could be illimimated too - if I hooked up something to the blade gaurd.
The noise level is not bad at all. A lot less intense than a shop vac. A low frequency hum rahter than a high frequency squeal.
For additional dust protection, Ive also got an Ionizer from ebay for 100$. Has 26 ion pins.. and produces 60,000,000 ions per cubic cm !!! The model is:
XJ-2100. The seller is "thewindsurfman".
The ionizer charges the air with ions, and when the ions hit a dust particle, it drops them to the ground like they were stones. At least, thats my understanding of it. It also clears the air of bacterias, smoke and fumes. Works great :)
Finally, Not completely related, but just picked up a memmory foam mattress topper from ebay seller "foambymail". I have a full size bed, but decided to cut a queen topper down just in case the full was too small. I got the 3" topper with
3.5lb density. Im about 170lbs 6ft tall. The add tells you which type of foam to order based on your weight and sleeping habbits. My mattress is actually pretty comfortable, as its got a 'pillowtop'. However, after installing the topper.. its was absolutly amazing! Its like floating on a cloud! :) Just looking at my bed makes me want to sink into its comfotable embrace now! : )
I once bought a tempurpedic memmory pillow from brookstone.. but it was too hard. It wouldnt conform to my light weight - unlike the topper. Putting a pillowcover over it made it worse. This is why its very important to get the correct density foam based on your weight. So anyway, I got another memmory pillow from Sharper Image. One side of it has foam bb's in it, which is nice cause I sleep on my stomache, with arm resting under the pillow. The bbs easily conform keeping my arm from getting squashed. Also nice to be able to switch up from firmer foam, to softer bbs, depending on what you feel like at that moment.
The new topper makes you feel as if youve gotten about 1 extra hour of sleep. More sleep = more energy to do things, like say...build arcade machines ;) :)
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OK....big update today. I spent most of the weekend learning how to use a voltage meter and soldering....and thankfully soldering in particular was WAY EASIER than I had feared. I was really concerned that based on what I've read on the board that soldering was pretty tough.
I guess if you have the right tools.....it's actually quite easy if you have a steady hand and patience.
Any way.....I took apart and wired up 2 plug/play gadgets to use in my mini Ms. Pac. First was of course the Jakks Ms. Pac....the second was the Taito Space Invaders.
I used molex connectors to allow for me to easily swap games with my stationary control panel.
I plan on doing one more using the Frogger/Konami.....but I haven't been able to find one recently. I think they're selling well as Xmas stocking stuffers. I'm sure I'll see one soon.
I'm a bit disappointed at the emulation of the Taito stuff....but whatever...I'm just glad I got everything wired up and working fairly easily.
I made a few minor mistakes....but overall this was much much easier than I had feared.
I used a radioshack 6 volt plug to replace the batteries in these gadgets.....and other than that I just used the gadgets as is.
Enjoy the pics!.....
NEXT UP--
Cutting the slot for moulding, decorating the cab.....and putting the final pieces together. There's a good chance I'll be done by next weekend.
I'm almost disappointed that I'm close to the finish line as I'm having a blast building it!
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more pics
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more
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last pics.
I put the guts into a radio shack project box (one for each plug/play gadget) to keep the wires safe.
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I really like your project. Your cabinet is looking great.
Question about using plug and play devices (Jakks). What are the differences between Ms Pacman on there vs. MAME. I know you don't have the coin option with JAKKS but how close is it to the original?
Thanks,
Rick
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Awesome stuff and great news about the routing. In the pics, can we assume that is the kitchen table? Excellent. :)
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Looks great. Isn't it a real kick in the arse when you first fire up that Jakks PCB and use it with your own controls? I got a real thrill out of that.
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I really like your project. Your cabinet is looking great.
Question about using plug and play devices (Jakks). What are the differences between Ms Pacman on there vs. MAME. I know you don't have the coin option with JAKKS but how close is it to the original?
Thanks,
Rick
....one thing that bothers me is the Inky is the wrong color. On the real Ms. Pac....he's kinda' Teal...on the Jakk's he's more a green.
Other than that it plays pretty close and for the purposes of a 1/3 sized Ms. Pac it's perfect!
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Looks great. Isn't it a real kick in the arse when you first fire up that Jakks PCB and use it with your own controls? I got a real thrill out of that.
Absolutely!....especially when I nailed the wiring down on almost the first shot....that was the best part.
By the way....I wanted to thank you and bishmasterb for your "behind the scenes" help in both the cab design and wiring.
Your projects were helpful in me making some of my design and wiring decisions.
By the way....going back to the Jakk's .....I love the ability to swap out the games w/my stationary panel via the molex connectors.....and it was very satisifying to get it all up and running!
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Awesome stuff and great news about the routing. In the pics, can we assume that is the kitchen table? Excellent. :)
....yeah that's my diningroom table. My wife said it looked like I was a mad scientist with the soldering gun, wiring and switches etc. strewn around the table.
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OK....so I tried routing for the first time in my life today....note to self "hold router better next time".
Sigh...the router slipped during my molding cut and I ripped a part of the MDF.
I just patched it with wood filler and am waiting for it to dry....but man was I bummed. I can't believe I got so far only to have the router slip.
Thankfully.....it will be fully covered by trim and art....but what a bummer.
I will definitely post pics in a few hours later today for those interested.
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Ok.....I'm still bummed that I messed up my routing...but I think it will be OK once I've finished decorating the cab. You can see where I slipped and then later used wood filler to fix the error.
For now Tmolding.com only had 3/4 " T molding in "ms. pac" blue...so he suggested that I just install it and trim it......you know what?.....it was really easy.
The molding cuts really easily with a sharp knife. Now if only I didn't mess up my routing........oh well. Again, once I have it all together I think it will be OK even if I have to use a bit of glue to hold the trim in place in a couple of spots.
For now here are the photos of the empty apt. that my super let me use to do the routing....holy cow....you guys were right on when you said it would be VERY VERY MESSY. Thank goodness I didn't do this in my apt!
At this point I have a few details to finish.....and now I'm waiting for my art to arrive for final assembly.
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more pics
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more
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last ones for today!
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Lookin Good!
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Looking at that router mishap why am I envisioning the scene from "The Jerk" when Steve Martin tries to use a buffer on a car ?
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Looking at that router mishap why am I envisioning the scene from "The Jerk" when Steve Martin tries to use a buffer on a car ?
...unfortunately for me that's fairly accurate. :-[
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Man that routing jod looks 100% better then my first one. I truned it on and I didnt think it would have that big of a kick back messed up the side completely.
I browed that router off a friend (old craftsmen) I went out and got me a nice porter cable w/ a soft start ;)
Cabs looking good too :D
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Looking at that router mishap why am I envisioning the scene from "The Jerk" when Steve Martin tries to use a buffer on a car ?
ROTFL
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OK....I took the day off from work (NY Transit strike saved the day!).....and modded another plug/play for use in my mini cab. I used the Konami Frogger multi game and this was the easiest actually of the 3 that I've modded so far.
You can see in the photos that the circuit board is the simplest of the 3 I've done (Ms. Pac by Jakks was the most complex one with a LOT of wires!).....and it's almost as if they set it up to be modded as there were tiny "disks" of exposed circuitry that made perfect soldering points for the wires.
Any hoo....this one like the Space Invaders is pretty disappointing Emulator wise....but the more games for my mini machine the better!....despite the music Frogger plays really well and that's the main game I wanted anyway.
I may do one more.....the Pac Man Jakks version....but aside from Dig Dug and obviously Pac Man....there isn't much on that one that I'm interested in. But...we all know how this hobby is....so it's likely I'll get around to it.
Any hoo....enjoy the pics!
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more
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here are my modded plug/play gadgets all nestled in their little project boxes.....
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Seems like it would have been easier (not that there appears to have been any actual difficulty) and tidier, if you would have just soldered the connections to the solder pads that are already there all lined up.
Aside from that though...
I like the whole plug & play setup you have going.
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Just out of curiosity what was it you paid for these mods after it's all said and done?
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what games are on the frogger unit???
project looks great BTW 8)
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Seems like it would have been easier (not that there appears to have been any actual difficulty) and tidier, if you would have just soldered the connections to the solder pads that are already there all lined up.
Where he soldered to is incredibly easy.
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Seems like it would have been easier (not that there appears to have been any actual difficulty) and tidier, if you would have just soldered the connections to the solder pads that are already there all lined up.
Where he soldered to is incredibly easy. It's an actual contact point in-line from the pad to the processor. To use the pads, he would have first had to score a separation line down the middle of the pad to keep from grounding it out. He did it the surest way that required the least chance of screwing up the PCB.
'
Re- the soldering points....that's exactly what I did. As you guessed....it was really easy since the whole circuit board was already a continuous circuit (where it needed to be).
Mamemaster:
You better quit, you're making me want to build stuff again.
....re building more stuff....I'm in the zone. Last night I modded my brand new Naki wireless joystick (see consoles for that thread).......my wife looked at me and say where does this stop?....I looked her square in the eye and told her "I'm modding you next".
;D ;D ;D ;D
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Just out of curiosity what was it you paid for these mods after it's all said and done?
the plug/plays themselves are only running approx. $35.00 each when you factor in cost for gadget, project box, molex connectors, wire etc....perhaps a bit less.
The problem for me is....I didn't own a soldering gun...solder.....etc etc....so that really jacked up the cost for me in the short term.
Overall....I'm embarrassed to say how much this little project is costing me as I had to buy a lot of tools I don't own....but figured I would use them again in the future.
Let us just say that by now....I probably could have built a full sized Ms. Pac Cab with a 19" color PC monitor.
:P :-[
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what games are on the frogger unit???
project looks great BTW 8)
From Amazon.com..... It's now $9.99.
Features:
* Play 6 classic arcade games in one: Time Pilot, Frogger, Vie Ar Kung-FU, Gyruss, Rush'n Attack and Scramble
* Test your reflexes and hand-eye coordination
* Relive some great arcade moments
None of these are real emulations. They're all obviously re-written. The music on Frogger is way off...but gameplay is good and is very colorful....Rush n attack is definitely the NES version and I think the same may apply to the others. But they all play decently.
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Just out of curiosity what was it you paid for these mods after it's all said and done?
Shhhhh! We never speak of this. :police:
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Seems like it would have been easier (not that there appears to have been any actual difficulty) and tidier, if you would have just soldered the connections to the solder pads that are already there all lined up.
Where he soldered to is incredibly easy.
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oh yeah....i got ya...... but they're actually pretty tight together.
If you look closely at the circuitboard itself you'll see small round silver spots near each "button" connection on the board where I soldered my wires.
It was way easier than messing with those tiny soldering pads.
While your suggestion is a good one for neatness...my skills in soldering are weak....so this was easier.
I hope that clears that up :D
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[quote author=MameMaster
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[quote author=MameMaster
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Cant wait to see it done. :D
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I said solder pads. :P
(http://ldgonzales.home.comcast.net/pic01.jpg)
There would be no scoring required, and it would be MUCH tidier.
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good job !!!
next year the capcom plug and play is coming with 1942 ghost`n goblins ....
i hope you will show us how to hack it :)
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Have you considered making a switch box (a la markvp) so you can change over without plugging/unplugging? What's another $15? :)
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Have you considered making a switch box (a la markvp) so you can change over without plugging/unplugging? What's another $15? :)
...you know, in retrospect...that would have been a good idea....and I just looked over Markrvp's thread again.
The problem is I "planned" this project in April of this year and only started it a few weeks ago....I totally forgot about that idea.
I can still do it.....but I'm not sure if that would be a "future" upgrade......but it's definitely a good suggestion.
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...just a minor "nothing" update.
I'm still waiting for the art. Apparently the printer at Classicarcadegraphix has been on vacation.
I hope to have the art soon! ::)
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....re building more stuff....I'm in the zone. Last night I modded my brand new Naki wireless joystick (see consoles for that thread).......my wife looked at me and say where does this stop?....I looked her square in the eye and told her "I'm modding you next".
ROTFLMAO
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OK.....I have heard back from my art vendor and he said my art should be along shortly. I ordered highly custom art and between the holidays and new years it got delayed.
I'm a little bummed the progress has been delayed about a month...but I'm eager to see the final product.
I hope it's a great as I have a feeling it will be!
I hope to post pics of the art in a few days.
;D
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You shoulda had one of those NYC taggers come by and spray it up for you. Pizzak in the Hizzouse
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I figured you finally modded your wife and were having too much fun playing that game. ;)
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it's so cute!
reminds me of the LED battery-powered mini-cabinets they sold all over the place back in the early 80's...
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I just found out I may be able to get a hold of an old office PC (P4!).
Sigh...I may have to make this a MAME machine now.
I'm not sure what to do since I've already spent hours creating my "modules".
I may use the PC for a standard table top instead.....with a bigger monitor instead.
Oh the things I have to decide!.....if I do a table top, I may just buy that table top kit floating around BYOAC. I would hate to have to cut more MDF! ::)
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ART ARRIVED!....
Absolutely stunning. Classicarcadegrafhix.com really came through once again for me (they also did my Mame Invaders art).
They printed the pieces in a really neat glossy coated light weight plastic (at least it feels like plastic) that has a super high gloss on it. The control panel is on "control panel" plastic and the marquee is backlit material.
The bezel needs to be redone (minor miscommunication) and that's printed on a nice high gloss heavy weight paper (cardboard?).
This was totally worth the wait and I'm so grateful to them for helping me out with my little project as I believe the art really "seals the deal" on this for me.
I have to paint a few small areas that will not be covered with art and I was able to get an almost exact match to the printed piece using "Anchor's Away" Benjamin Moore paint high gloss.
Enjoy the pics....I plan on moving forward quickly now that I have my art. Horray!.....
;D ;D
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I couldn't help myself and I prepped the control panel!...now I have to wired it back up....
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Major update!...I got a lot done this weekend. I figured out how to solve some minor build issues (ex.- how do I mount the marquee?) and how to mount the control panel securely.
Any way....here are the pics. I'm just waiting on the next Bezel.
Only one minor mishap so far...I unfortunately mounted the kick panel at a slight angle. Unless your look at it dead on....it's not bad....but it's driving me nuts. :o
I may have that reprinted....but I may hold off for a bit.
I used some extra material to cover the TV bezel where it peeks through the one that I'm going to have in front of it when it's in the cab.
I'm really happy with the progress. I think the art really seals the deal !
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Looks great. You're right, the artwork is what makes it look really professional. That's what I found with my mini-Pacman.
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Very Sharp!
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She's lookin good!
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Wow, Mamemaster! This little guy is looking really spectacular. Outstanding work!
-S 8)
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Wow, Mamemaster! This little guy is looking really spectacular. Outstanding work!
-S 8)
thank you very much!...I have basically finished it but have some details to work on. I should be able to post final pics by the weekend.
I did my first test....and even my wife was impressed and she hates all of my arcade stuff.
;D
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Well this has certainly been the most ambitious project I've even done.
The thing that made this complicated for me was the wood work.
My first cab started out as an old Star Gate that I rebuilt into my "Mame(tm) Invaders"; my second was a cocktail kit....and of course I've made my bizzillon "modules" (with a new one in progress by the way!)....
....but was essentially a full cabinet built from scratch....just in mini size.
I think if it was full size some of this might have been actually a bit easier (small stuff is hard to work with!).....but it was real blast to work on.
There are some minor things that I'm not happy with....but considering I've never really built anything before....I'm really happy with the final results.
If I were to re do it, I would have preferred to recess the tv more or put it in at a true "ms. pac cab angle" as ultimately I had the space.
The one thing that's driving me nuts...is that I attached the kick panel on a slight angle. I already put in another order for a new one...and I'm sure it's overkill to fix it.....but man that really bothers me! :'(
A neat thing I can do it to turn the whole thing on/off via remote!....that's a by product of the 9" TV I used. You'll notice a small black "disk" just below the monitor...that's the infrared port. Since I'm using a bit strip.....I can control the whole thing from the remote!
Thanks again to the folks who've made some great suggestions (MarksVP in particular) and many other's great and very helpful comments. Classicarcadegrafix.com's fantastic artwork and ability to follow my arcane art direction really made this for me. Thanks again!!!
...by the way, I have plexi infront of the screen but it's hard to see.
Well....here she is in all of her 30" glory....behold....Mini Ms. Pac Man!
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After almost 2 years....the MAMEMASTER IS FINALLY REVEALED IN THE PHOTO BELOW!..........
The funny thing is, I really built a FULL SIZED Ms. Pac cab...I'm just 12 feet tall.
(by the way....YES, my kick panel is crooked (I'm fixing that) making the machine look crooked.......but, yes the machine it totally level. ;)
;D ::)
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Are all the horizontal panels that crooked or is it an artifact of the camera angle? That pic makes it look like a Wacko cabinet.
Other than that, the artwork really does make it look good.
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Nice job, the artwork makes these little guys. I don't normally do this but I have an idea that you might want to consider. There's probably a few ways you could go about making that area black if you think it's an improvement..
(http://members.shaw.ca/knievelgod/frontfin.JPG)
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Are all the horizontal panels that crooked or is it an artifact of the camera angle? That pic makes it look like a Wacko cabinet.
Other than that, the artwork really does make it look good.
the kick panel is slightly off...so it creates the optical illusion that the control panel is off. As I mentioned, I'm going to replace the kick.
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Nice job, the artwork makes these little guys. I don't normally do this but I have an idea that you might want to consider. There's probably a few ways you could go about making that area black if you think it's an improvement..
(http://members.shaw.ca/knievelgod/frontfin.JPG)
hmmm....that's actually interesting...not a bad idea. For now I'll leave it...but that looks good too.
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here's a better photo for scale then the photo with me in it.....my Mame(tm) Invaders was originally a Stargate....and it's about 6 feet tall or so.
...my friend's 1 1/2 year old was here the other day....and it was the perfect size for him.....
...hmm....a toddler arcade.....
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Smooth. I have always wanted to build something similar. This thread definitely refuels that particular fire. Again, nice job!
-S
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Smooth. I have always wanted to build something similar. This thread definitely refuels that particular fire. Again, nice job!
-S
thank you....and by the way...Kerry over at classicarcadegrafix.com just offered to reprint the kick at no additional charge....that was way above and beyond.
I can't recommend them highly enough if anyone needs super high quality art! ;D
Again, thanks to them for taking my art, ideas and personal request and turning this into a true one of a kind art project! Just so you know, this stuff is not for sale over there on their website....so it was great of them to help me with this!!!
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Looks awesome. Nice work!
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kudos a very nice job :)
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Got to love those Mini Cabs . Nice work
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Nice cab, but didn't your original plan involved making it office desktop sized?
Couldn't you make a cabinet 1'x1' to play all your mame games?
Why did the display have to be CRT based?
Is your next project going to be mini-desktop sized?
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I mentioned that I was planning on putting Ms. Pac in my office....well here she is!
I'm a big hit in the office now....I get a lot of comments along the lines of "where did you buy that?"....that's always fun to hear!
...and yes...that REALLY is my office! (I'm a VP at an advertising agency in NYC).
;D
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Freakin sweet. :applaud:
3 small suggestions...
Widen the marquee.
Black out around the monitor area.
Some kind of coin door.
And maybe fashion a ball top for the stick.
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I've got another suggestion - send me that Coleco Ms Pac-Man you;ve got in the photo under the cabinet :)
Seriously (not that I'm not serious about you sending me it) - very nice effort.
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Very nice! I'm happy that there are other people who spent a lot of time building a micro-cabinet: my friends, after looking at mine, told me I was a little crazy... Now I can show them that I'm not the only one :)
Ms Pac Man forever!! :cheers:
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Very nice! I'm happy that there are other people who spent a lot of time building a micro-cabinet: my friends, after looking at mine, told me I was a little crazy... Now I can show them that I'm not the only one :)
Ms Pac Man forever!! :cheers:
6 Year necro bump?
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6 Year necro bump?
Are these words supposed to have any meaning? I'm not English or American, so I really don't get it..
If you meant something about posting on an old thread, the author paid a visit to a thread I started, pointing me here.
And actually I'm glad he did, because I've never read this thread. I appreciate his efforts, I don't see any problem in letting him know, even 6 years after.
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Nothing wrong with it in my eyes. Fine looking cab. This will get it more looks. :cheers:
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Are these words supposed to have any meaning? I'm not English or American, so I really don't get it..
If you meant something about posting on an old thread, the author paid a visit to a thread I started, pointing me here.
And actually I'm glad he did, because I've never read this thread. I appreciate his efforts, I don't see any problem in letting him know, even 6 years after.
Necro is derived from Greek (Nekro) :angel:
But yeah, you posted in a thread that no one posted in for 6 years. I agree its a great build, and one of my all time faves, why not nominate it for the hall of fame?