Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: Potts on July 19, 2006, 07:55:27 pm

Title: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design - MAMEY WINNER
Post by: Potts on July 19, 2006, 07:55:27 pm: Hey All,

This is the first post on BYOAC for me and it come in the form of an annoucement - I finished my cabinet and I would like to share it with the world.

This is the second cabinet I have built - and I decided to go a little all out, I built a modern take on a retro design. Let me know what you all think.

Also there is an article writen for a Magazine called Hyper - which is sold throughtout Austraila. Most of you won't be able to get this on the magazine stands so here is the link to download a PDF article.

http://monkeyobarrels.com/images/arcade_cabinet.pdf

I am happy to answer any questions should you guys shot them through

cheers,
Potter
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design
Post by: leapinlew on July 19, 2006, 11:10:41 pm: Wow!

Thats some table top. Well done!

:applaud: :applaud: :applaud:
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design
Post by: theCoder on July 20, 2006, 12:04:07 am: Very clean. My wife might allow a cab in my living room if it looked like that. Good job.
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design
Post by: MikeDeuce on July 20, 2006, 01:11:58 am: :notworthy:

Awesome engineering/execution!
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design
Post by: Effayy on July 20, 2006, 01:18:06 am: Oh wow, that is SEXY!

Nice job! :applaud:

- FA
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design
Post by: vrf on July 20, 2006, 01:26:24 am: You seriously can't come in here with a cab like that and POST ONLY ONE FREAKING PICTURE! Come on, man, get with the program.

Anyhow, awesome, awesome work. I love the design and glossy finish.
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design
Post by: Potts on July 20, 2006, 03:10:06 am: Hey All,

Thanks for the feedback !!

I need to check - were you all able to read the PDF ?

My cocktail cabinet will eventually hold all the major consoles / a Mac / and a PC.

Here are some other photos -

I will post some more building images later :)
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design
Post by: Potts on July 20, 2006, 03:14:33 am: More
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design
Post by: Potts on July 20, 2006, 03:19:34 am: My cabinet was designed in 3D before I built it (see attached render) - the skeletons (biped) you see are to scale so I was able to work out the ergonomics (knee height etc).

cheers
Potter
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design
Post by: Paladin on July 20, 2006, 08:34:33 am: Beautifil cab! I was able to open the PDF with no problems. I couldn't tell from the pics if there's glass over the monitor. Do you always flip up the top to play, or can it be played with it down like a cocktail cab?

Four 80mm fans and two 120mm, sounds like it's pushing a lot of air! Are you running the fans at full speed, just how loud is it?

Great work!
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design
Post by: MYX on July 20, 2006, 08:45:54 am: Now that is arcade stupidity at it's best. :cheers: I meant this as the total compliment. My wife said to me "You spent how much on spray paint?". You went and had it done for $500. Ghaw it is sexy. I am not a big fan of sit downs, but that is nice.

Would have liked to read about it during the process, but oh well. How long did it take?
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design
Post by: javeryh on July 20, 2006, 10:27:41 am: Wow that thing is awesome! Totally original design - nice work! :notworthy:
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design
Post by: yfdgricker on July 20, 2006, 01:05:51 pm: Great article and great cab! I really like the look of that.
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design
Post by: MameMaster! on July 20, 2006, 03:05:51 pm: MAMEY MAMEY!.....WOW.

That's stellar!.....amazing job and what a shine! :cheers:
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design
Post by: arcadefever on July 20, 2006, 05:13:04 pm: :notworthy: that cab is just :o

i love that design, that is pure genius build :cheers:

very nice :applaud:
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design
Post by: Stingray on July 20, 2006, 10:07:47 pm: [quote author=MameMaster
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design
Post by: davieboynj on July 26, 2006, 02:01:58 pm: Absolutely amazing.
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design
Post by: Crafty on July 28, 2006, 12:16:10 am: :applaud:
:applaud: :applaud: :applaud: :applaud: :applaud:
:applaud:

More Photos Please Especially of the build..

The cabinet's around here are looking over the top lately.

Firstly Knieval's Woody .... now This..

I can't compete...
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design
Post by: Potts on July 28, 2006, 06:54:16 pm: Thanks Again All !!

More photos and comments to follow
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design
Post by: Potts on July 28, 2006, 07:04:22 pm: Below are some early photos of the building process - The shape was a little tricky but I guess thats why I did it - notice I used 7mm ply to bend around the curve, then I liquid nailed 3mm mdf over the top to leave a smooth surface to spray onto.
As what I said in the article - there were heaps of issues, most of which were solved charging on ahead with total ignorance (oops I mean confidence),

Oh yeah - I tried using lighter material - like chip board on the inside but it still weighs a ton. I really have to learn how to build light cabinets.

I think I am more addicted to building then actually playing - I already have started building a Mini Upright for my son (I will post a new thread so I can get ideas from you all)

I am off to trawl through the old threads to see what you guys have done - so much to learn and so many ideas to steal :P

cheers
Potter
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design
Post by: javeryh on July 31, 2006, 11:59:38 am: Awesome build photos. I love looking at these almost as much as the final project. I know what you mean about enjoying the build more than the actual finished product. I'm really close to finishing my first cab (a cocktail too) and I can't wait to get going on the next one. You have inspired me to think outside the box for whatever I decide to build next...
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design
Post by: SNAAKE on August 11, 2006, 11:28:16 am: AWSOMENESS ! :notworthy:

how did you paint it all shinny like that ? ?
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design
Post by: mikevangels on August 11, 2006, 03:24:45 pm: *Off Topic*

I just read the pdf and one thing blew my mind... your arcades only cost 20 cents? Just think, 5 plays for a dollar instead of the 4 we got in the states.... drool.

*On Topic*

Nice cab. Very innovative. :notworthy:
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design
Post by: Potts on August 11, 2006, 06:32:43 pm: Quote
how did you paint it all shinny like that ? ?

Professional paint job - cost $500AU so around $350US. I delivered it, they patched it up and smoothed off what I thought was already smooth, and then sprayed it with 2 Pak Black Gloss. WARNING fingure prints are a nightmare !!!

Quote
your arcades only cost 20 cents
Yes when I was a little tacker - but they soon became 40 cents then 60 cents then $1 and now you have to put a morgage out on you house to complete house of the dead III
- dam inflation :hissy:
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design
Post by: TehJefe on August 12, 2006, 04:03:01 am: I didnt see it answered, but I only barely skimmed through the PDF... why a PC AND a Mac? Theres not much that either system can do that the other cant, and while I hesitate to mention it, seeing as Ive never been a big Mac fan.. (I dont even know if thats a joke or not) I hear with the latest OS they can emulate Windows without even losing processing power.
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design
Post by: Potts on August 12, 2006, 06:54:53 am: Quote
I hear with the latest OS they can emulate Windows without even losing processing power.

I want to use the Mac Mini - you can get a program called 'Boot Camp' for any Mac nowdays which doesn't emulate at all, but can actually boot Windows XP. I figure if I was going to make machine with all consoles in it why not chuck in a Mac that can boot as Windows aswell. Also have a Mac means very secure internet access - perfect for internet surfing and just being a download server.

I don't know - why not - does everything we do have to make sense :P

cheers
Potter
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design
Post by: danny_galaga on August 12, 2006, 08:25:56 am: Quote from: mikevangels on August 11, 2006, 03:24:45 pm
*Off Topic*

I just read the pdf and one thing blew my mind... your arcades only cost 20 cents? Just think, 5 plays for a dollar instead of the 4 we got in the states.... drool.

*On Topic*

Nice cab. Very innovative. :notworthy:

just a note. in the early eighties the aussie dollar was worth more than the US dollar. so we didnt really have it THAT good! we can never win! damn nice cab by the way (",)
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design
Post by: dtw_2000 on August 12, 2006, 03:24:23 pm: That's a really nice job on the cabinet
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design - JUST WON A MAMEY
Post by: Potts on August 13, 2006, 06:05:22 am: Special thanks to the Mamey Judges - it means a great deal getting the respect from season professionals such as yourselves - awesome news - :o

5/5 ;D

http://www.mameworld.net/massive/NEWMAMEY/mod.htm
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design - WOW - I JUST WON A MAMEY
Post by: gamecreature on August 13, 2006, 11:23:01 am: Congrats on the Mamey. Hopefully this doesn't mean that I have to take out a loan to get my own! ;)
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design - WOW - I JUST WON A MAMEY
Post by: danny_galaga on August 16, 2006, 02:45:25 am: yes, congratulations from the previous winner (",)
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design - WOW - I JUST WON A MAMEY
Post by: lobes on August 20, 2006, 11:25:18 am: im in australia and currently making my mame cab....i think wen i bought the hyper mag it inspired me to keep going at it.

alas im in yr12 so its hard :lame: :hissy: :cry:
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design - WOW - I JUST WON A MAMEY
Post by: Potts on August 20, 2006, 07:48:42 pm: Hey Lobes (and everyone else)

Building a cabinet is no harder then anything else in this world - I have always said there are 2 types of people in the world there are - the people that do and the people that talk about doing. It's really not to hard to become a doer

Always ask questions - I and everybody else are very happy to share their opinions :angry: hehehe Keep thrashing through, and expect to make errors. Me personally I prefer to hack quickly through the work and fix the errors as I go along - I know others that don't do anything until in been designed a million times and they never finnish the job. Never use the wrong tools - borrow them if you have to. And most of all have fun doing it - I actually enjoy the build better then the play which is why I always have a project on the go.

Hey Lobes start a Thread of your build - this will help a lot

cheers
Potter
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design - WOW - I JUST WON A MAMEY
Post by: Santoro on September 06, 2006, 09:15:59 am: :o

Holy Crud. Truly awesome. :cheers:
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design - WOW - I JUST WON A MAMEY
Post by: DrewKaree on October 29, 2006, 06:04:59 pm: Hey Potter, something I didn't recall being asked or seeing an answer if it was: What type of monitor do you have in there and how was it mounted? Any pics of the mounting of it, and how you keep it upright when in use?
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design - WOW - I JUST WON A MAMEY
Post by: Potts on October 30, 2006, 05:36:11 am: I used a 24 Inch Dell LCD - it's a perfect screen for mame

To mount the screen I used basic clothes line wire (see images)- I know it's not the prettiest of jobs but it works is very stable and it doesn't damage the screen in the slightest. But removing the screen takes about 10min.

I prop the lid up with a basic metal rod (see images)

Later DrewKaree - I am off to finish my sons MiniArcade 'Super Ruben's World'

Later
Potter
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design - WOW - I JUST WON A MAMEY
Post by: Bones on October 30, 2006, 07:49:51 am: Wow! That really is impressive.

Great work. :applaud:
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design - WOW - I JUST WON A MAMEY
Post by: Potts on April 07, 2007, 04:53:19 am: I just got my PS3 - I will upload photos soon - :censored: awesome - match made in Heaven
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design - MAMEY WINNER
Post by: Loki on April 07, 2007, 06:53:25 am: That is an awesome cab! Congratulations on the MAMEY! :applaud:
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design - MAMEY WINNER
Post by: WunderCade on April 07, 2007, 12:13:33 pm: It looks like something the people over at Lay-Z-Boy would design. That's a compliment BTW. :notworthy:
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design - MAMEY WINNER
Post by: kizer on April 07, 2007, 06:06:49 pm: :scared
WOW

That thing is with out cussing. Awesome.
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design - MAMEY WINNER
Post by: spystyle on July 03, 2007, 09:18:28 pm: Wow!

That is a masterpiece of engineering and artistic design.

It looks like it's from the future.

"Good on you"
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design - MAMEY WINNER
Post by: psychotech on July 03, 2007, 09:40:10 pm: Yeah!

Awesome design and great attention to detail......... :applaud:

The screen mounting, even if it is stable, still makes it ...

MAMEY -

>:D
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design - MAMEY WINNER
Post by: Crowquill on July 05, 2007, 03:39:00 am: Why have I never seen this project before? That thing is beautiful.

In some ways it kind of reminds me of the Holosseum cabinet. Similar aesthetic.
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design - MAMEY WINNER
Post by: rackoon on July 05, 2007, 04:35:38 pm: I think you could totally sell those like crazy if ya wanted. If you could find a way to make the control panel roll back to make a simplistic and sleek looking coffee table you could hit the market of rich guys that have wives that wont let them have such a machine in their living room. :cheers:

regardless, WOW THAT THING FREAKING ROCKS! :applaud: :notworthy: :applaud:
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design - MAMEY WINNER
Post by: spystyle on July 05, 2007, 05:37:09 pm: That's a great idea - the cab could collapse into a table.
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design - MAMEY WINNER
Post by: Green Giant on July 05, 2007, 06:29:03 pm: It would be more than meets the eye.
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design - MAMEY WINNER
Post by: Potts on July 05, 2007, 07:31:31 pm: thanks for compliments :)

I did plan on selling them but to actually manufacture them would be very expensive - I just couldn't work out how to get the curves in the cabinet and allow the customer to assemble it at there end. It's also very heavy and paint job had to be touched up to finish it properly before painting (something not possible in the mass production process)

cheers guys and girls
Potts
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design - MAMEY WINNER
Post by: Quaternion on March 30, 2008, 11:31:01 am: Does anybody have an archive of Potts' PDF file in the original post? It doesn't seem to be available from where he uploaded it any more.

(Sorry to bump the thread after this long, but not that sorry. Other noobs like me may not have seen it, so it won't hurt.)
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design - MAMEY WINNER
Post by: Potts on March 30, 2008, 05:24:35 pm: Hey Quaternion

Heres a permanent link - http://monkeyobarrels.com/images/arcade_cabinet.pdf

cheers,
Potts
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design - MAMEY WINNER
Post by: Quaternion on March 31, 2008, 05:27:15 pm: Quote from: Potts on March 30, 2008, 05:24:35 pm
Heres a permanent link - http://monkeyobarrels.com/images/arcade_cabinet.pdf

Awesome, thanks. (And very inspirational, too!)
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design - MAMEY WINNER
Post by: MazzMn on March 31, 2008, 11:21:13 pm: Ditto on this cab, Potts, do we have your permission to add this to the Example Wiki?
thanks
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design - MAMEY WINNER
Post by: Potts on April 01, 2008, 01:45:07 am: Sure - why not :applaud:
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design - MAMEY WINNER
Post by: MazzMn on April 01, 2008, 08:58:35 am: Thanks, I started this wiki entry, feel free to fill in or pass on more updated details
(I know you talked about changing to a mac mini and putting consoles in the box, not sure if we have the latests specs on this cab)
thanks
Mazz
Here is the post
http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Modern_Cocktail
Title: Re: Modern take on a Retro Cabinet Design
Post by: Ummon on May 03, 2008, 05:44:49 pm: Quote from: mikevangels on August 11, 2006, 03:24:45 pm
*Off Topic*

I just read the pdf and one thing blew my mind... your arcades only cost 20 cents? Just think, 5 plays for a dollar instead of the 4 we got in the states.... drool.

*On Topic*

Nice cab. Very innovative. :notworthy:

This is an old topic but I found it a roundabout way. It's interesting in that some time ago I was thinking about just this general design, but with a 27" monitor in upright fashion. Anyways, about game credit cost: there were arcades around here that, when they went to using tokens, were for a time five for a dollar.

<at end of thread> Oh. Looks like someone else fished it out before me.

Potts, maybe if you simplified the design so that cam locks held it all together, perhaps even the CP, and offer unfinished and laminated (instead of painted) options. You could even offer 'retro' (in which someone could use either an LCD or figure out their own mounting for a CRT) or variable like yours.

Also, to reclaim the space on the sides, there are spring-loaded hinges (like they had on hi-fi doors) that could eliminate the need for the struts - or you could just forget both and leave it to the assembler, depending.

On the monitor mounting, before seeing underneath, I had the idea you just built a cubby that the monitor slid into.