Arcade Gold

[DreamCast Kid]

Time to show project #2 

This is based on the Jakks Arcade Gold TV game. Marquee and CP are laser-cut plexi (arwork is also laser etched), the bezel uses contact paper that is stuck to clear plexi.

The game is still battery powered, you remove the upper kick plate to replace the batteries.

The 13'' TV monitor is turned on by a dowel that sticks out of the bezel.

I had to buy EVERYTHING to put this together (even the screws and paint) and even so the total cost to make this was $105.00

It's a ton of fun to play, nice and small, light; and best of all -  legal.

I know it's not the prettiest thing, and due to lack of marquee lighting, t-molding, and other critical arcade elements, it's really more of a fancy TV stand. But everyone has to start somewhere 

[RetroBorg]

Not bad for $105.

[DreamCast Kid]

My initial project plan started after I went to Big Lots and saw the small Midway Arcade for $250. I liked the price tag, but after I played it decided there had to be something better.

The only real disappointment so far is the fact that I used a 4-way joystick, so Bosconian plays a bit awkward. Next project I'm definitely going with a switchable stick.

[mashdizzle]

excellent idea using a laser etcher! gives me a few ideas of my own.

[Kevin Mullins]

I really like the laser etched plexi also.... wonder how that would look with some EL light wire strips along the edge of it?

[DreamCast Kid]

Thanks, I really like the laser eteching. I have not tried LEDs, but I have tried a cold cathode kit that people use to light computer cases. It looks awesome! I backed the plexi with the privacy contact paper...Light goes through, but you can't see most of what is behind. I would have left the lights in, but felt silly leaving a computer power supply in there to power it.

[Kevin Mullins]

Ya know that you could probably power the game board itself with that same pc power supply. (instead of using batteries) The 5v from that power supply should be enough.
That way you could use the pc power supply for other options as well.

[DreamCast Kid]

I thought that a computer PS put out 12v? I could be wrong on that...

I picked up a bunch of the Jakks 6v power supplies a few weeks ago on amazon for $2, the next revision will definitely have marquee lights, t-molding, and no battery power.

I really want to try and find the Capcom TV game for my next attempt, but I have not been able to locate one yet (even on eBay). 1942 is one of my favorite games of all time, and would be a prime candidate to try this again.

[Havok]

Nice, but the marble has to go!

 

[waveryder]

Second that. Beautifully laser etched and then yucky marble contact paper 

[DreamCast Kid]

Anyone ever tried spray tint? I'm not against re-doing the bezel, but need some ideas 

[KDOG]

I think krylon fusion would take to contact paper. On another note I don't like turning my head to  look at pics so here you go.

[DreamCast Kid]

Thanks for the rotation work! I'm wondering if I should paint the contact paper, or just strip that off and paint directly on the plastic.

[Kevin Mullins]

Strip the contact paper off...... I've used the black marble before on a couple small projects, but it just doesn't do your cabinet justice, especially against the etched plexi stuff which is really sharp.

Another idea that would be sweet was used on this project to illuminate the plexi so that the graphics jump out.
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=75411.0