Knievel's Evolution

[Knievel]

Thought I'd share my latest cabinet design, calling it the Evolution.
It is what my various cabinet designs have evolved into, to this point anyway.

I started out with the Dynamo-inspired Neon Mame cabinet, had a few variations of that one, then joined the 'LCD movement' with the slim Woody design.

So what have I ended up with? A slim LCD monitor cabinet that incorporates the curves and design elements I liked on the Neon one, without the size and weight.

Click For A Big Pic

[BobA]

Wow.   Just when you think the mark has been set there is a cab that sets a new one.   Great looking cab with classic lines.   Just when I thought your woody was the mark you have provided an even better example.

 

[SodaPopinksi]

Really, really sweet. Nice matching barstools too, are those Cornchip's lighted bat tops? They look awesome!

[Timoe]

If thats a blue power cord then that ROCKS!


Also, please note that at the time of this posting this is Knievel's post number SIX,SIX,SIX.  I'm just sayin'...

[Dire Radiant]

Lovely job as always. I dont know that I'm digging the lighted sticks though. Looks like a little too much bling for my taste.

[arcadefever]

 

Another fantastic job !!!! i will love to play a few round on it 
very nice as usual 

[MameMaster!]

I love those lit bat handles!...nice job all around. 

[Kangum]

That shot with the cab in the corner gives the illusion of a full size cab to me but its not. really cool. is it like that in person. when you look at it in the corner does it kinda look like a full size cab.

[Knievel]

Thanks guys real happy with how the cabinet turned out.

Yes those are Cornchip's handles, he does really nice work. I should mention they are not as harsh as they appear in the pics..and not as white. Just a nice blue glow.

Tim don't tell me YOUR powercord isn't color coordinated??

Kangum I assume you mean it looks like a full-depth cabinet? as the height is full-size.
I guess it does look deeper when it's in the corner. It's really not all that thin to start with though, the side panels are about 24" deep. 6" deeper than the Woody cabinet.

[superbigjay]

Looking good knievel!

Quick question, how is the the cab (and woody) stability?
Do you have to "fix" them on the wall, or are they already balanced to handle rough play without risk of falling down?

Jay 

[Apollo]

Dude, that is awesome, well done 

[patrickl]

That's really well done. Such a professional finish.

Those lit handles and track ball look really cool. Why didn't you go for lit buttons?

[CheffoJeffo]

As always, a superlative example or the art --I really like the added depth.

As for stability, I expect that you see even better stability here that you did with the Woody.

[Certainly more stable that my new top-heavy slot project that my wife knocked over last night while trying to be helpful]

With something that beautiful through, I would throw a bag of sand in the bottom just in case ...

Nicely done!

 

[Mirickle]

I really like this cabinet, so much in fact that it will serve as my inspiration for my first MAME cabinet project

Could you share the dimensions of this cab (screen diameter, cab width, cp width, cp height from floor)?

Also, like earlier replies, I'm wondering how stable it is, and if you took any special measures to make sure it won't topple over when seriously played?

[Timoe]

I'd imagine that a lot of what makes the average cabinet top heavy is the monitor.  With an LCD at the top and a sub woofer, CPU, base panel, etc.  I bet that this style is better balanced than most.

[javeryh]

You've done it .... again!   After seeing this I think I'm going to tweak my current design a little (which was based on the Woody).  Of course you'll probably build 3 more cabs before I get started on my next one...  I really love this design and it's fun to see it really evolve over the course of several cabinets...

One small comment which no sane person would ever notice - in the next cab you build in this style I'd make the speaker panel (beneath the marquee) parallel to the bottom of the arm that extends to hold the CP.  They look like they are at two different (but close) angles.  I'd keep the speaker panel the same and just change the angle of the CP arm.  I'm probably crazy.

Very nice job!   

[Knievel]

Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you! 

Yea no lit buttons on this one. The lighted joys actually cast a nice blue glow over the whole CP so I think it would be overkill. To tell you the truth I've kind of gone full circle with the whole lighting thing, been going with unlit stuff on my own machines lately.

As for the stability Timoe nailed it on the head. By using the LCD monitor, all the weight is really in the bottom half. Makes for a very stable machine. I did have the whole balance thing in mind as I designed the cabinet, taking into account the CP box overhang, etc.

Javeryh I think I know what you are saying, yes those 2 angles are very close. Would be very easy to match them up, maybe I will give the CP arm on my template a trim. 

Yes I will post some dimensions here for you when I get a chance. What I'm actually considering doing is making this cabinet style my Lusid-type offering. His plans inspired piles of people to build cabinets and I think it would be cool to do that.

I believe LCD-based machines will be the future of this hobby for a number of reasons (WAF being #1 ) and the community could use a set of plans for this type of cabinet.

[theCoder]

The light really makes the t-molding pop.  I almost looks back-lit.

I believe LCD-based machines will be the future of this hobby for a number of reasons (WAF being #1 ).

I'm on my second LCD cab.  They are so much easier to work with.  The significant weight difference and increased handling safety makes it worth the difference in cost over a CRT.

Great cab.

[vrf]

I believe LCD-based machines will be the future of this hobby for a number of reasons (WAF being #1 ) and the community could use a set of plans for this type of cabinet.

I agree!

Awesome, awesome design. This will inspire lots of other cabs, I'm sure.

[Knievel]

Thanks. Yea the LCD's I have been using are 20" 4:3 Acers.
They are $230 Canadian so I'm guessing they'd be around $200 US. A lot of screen for the money.

[Kaytrim]

A profile like this will open the market to more people due to the amount of space it takes up.  It will fit in a lot more places.  I just wish they would keep the 4:3 format in the larger monitors instead of going to the wide screen versions.  Overall a very nicely done cab Knievel.  Of course it is what you do best.

TTFN
Kaytrim

[Mirickle]

Yes I will post some dimensions here for you when I get a chance. What I'm actually considering doing is making this cabinet style my Lusid-type offering. His plans inspired piles of people to build cabinets and I think it would be cool to do that.

Now that would be really awesome

[Trebeck]

Great stuff dude

-Beck

[ARTIFACT]

another HIT frm the legendary knievel!


i agree on the size! very cool

i just wish i culd get the EXACT same look of an old ega/cga on an lcd display ... something about those huge rgb dots i love and dnt recognize when simlated using png image overlay effects...

funny thing is, i am 99 percent sure that a good DirectX pixel shader programmer could simulate any monitor efffect... without any hit on cpu performance (all hardware code on the gpu)... i wonder if the advancemame guys are thinking about that...

what do you do to tweak the pixel/lines aspect on these lcd cabs?

again very cool!

[Wade]

Kneivel,

Nice job!  As always, a very sharp design and the build quality looks superb!

Let me offer some constructive criticism.  Or more accurately, just a differing view on the LCD and slim cabinet.  I'm not a fan of either.

1) Slim cabinets: To me, they just appear badly proportioned.  Is 6" of available depth really keeping people from building or owning arcade cabinets?  I can't imagine that affecting many people.  Most of us have plenty of room for several games.  I'm sure the weight is a little less, but from the cabinet design alone, the difference would be pretty minimal.  Using 5/8" ply versus MDF in 5/8 or 3/4 is probably a more significant weight difference.  I don't see the slim cabinet as much of advantage, if any at all.  Even with an LCD monitor and as many parts in the bottom as possible, I still see the design as a tipping liability, versus traditional cabinets (most of which have no tipping tendency).

2) LCD displays: Weight savings, sure.  Even with the price of LCD's falling though, it's hard to get a display size comparable to many CRT's (25-29" tubes).  Larger display size makes the viewing angle better for multiple players (further distance from monitor+larger display=smaller angle, preferable with any display type).  Size is only one consideration, and in a more classic styled cabinet (like a 19" vert) the difference in size is a non-issue.  I could go into the details of why I don't like their appearance, but it's sufficient to say that LCD's don't have an arcade-authentic look.

Wade

[Knievel]

Whoa, buzz-kill. Wade I can tell you that many people do see the slim cabinet size as an advantage, the goal here was to make it slim but still retro-arcade like. So you think the cabinet above looks 'badly proportioned'? That really bothers me, considering the time I spent designing it. As for being tippy, it isn't, as I said already.

Anyways, thanks again to everyone.

Artifact I have to say I tried the real arcade monitor route in the beginning and wasn't impressed. I much prefer the sharpness and detail of a PC monitor, I guess I'm just weird? Anyway I have used 21" PC monitors in all my machines and now I'm using the 20" LCD monitors. As for recreating scan-lines I'm not into it but yea, why can't they do that? Seems like it should be an easy thing.

When you are finished your cabinet, coming along nicely by the way , I wonder if you would be interested in doing some Sketchup drawings of the Evolution for me?
You seem to have mastered the program and even with your tutorials I'm having a slow time of it.

[jtbullet]

knieval, bravo, the control panel is awesome. I have not seen your cab before, but it is sweet. You really should try a complete wall mount, and get it even thinner. I think the design is great. I love MAME, but I believe the new designs are what I like best. Make my games old, but make my design new please! My mame shuei cabinet will surely draw a ton of rock throwers if wade has that much criticism for your beautiful work. To each his own as they say! Great work!

[theCoder]

Thanks. Yea the LCD's I have been using are 20" 4:3 Acers.
They are $230 Canadian so I'm guessing they'd be around $200 US. A lot of screen for the money.

I just picked up a new 19" Viewsonic for $145 US delivered off EBay.  Just think what they will cost next year.

[Strokemouth]

Kneivel,

Nice job!  As always, a very sharp design and the build quality looks superb!

Let me offer some constructive criticism.  Or more accurately, just a differing view on the LCD and slim cabinet.  I'm not a fan of either.

1) Slim cabinets: To me, they just appear badly proportioned.  Is 6" of available depth really keeping people from building or owning arcade cabinets?  I can't imagine that affecting many people.  Most of us have plenty of room for several games.  I'm sure the weight is a little less, but from the cabinet design alone, the difference would be pretty minimal.  Using 5/8" ply versus MDF in 5/8 or 3/4 is probably a more significant weight difference.  I don't see the slim cabinet as much of advantage, if any at all.  Even with an LCD monitor and as many parts in the bottom as possible, I still see the design as a tipping liability, versus traditional cabinets (most of which have no tipping tendency).

2) LCD displays: Weight savings, sure.  Even with the price of LCD's falling though, it's hard to get a display size comparable to many CRT's (25-29" tubes).  Larger display size makes the viewing angle better for multiple players (further distance from monitor+larger display=smaller angle, preferable with any display type).  Size is only one consideration, and in a more classic styled cabinet (like a 19" vert) the difference in size is a non-issue.  I could go into the details of why I don't like their appearance, but it's sufficient to say that LCD's don't have an arcade-authentic look.

Wade

I see where you're coming from, but disagree on some parts:

1. Yes, 6" can make a huge difference. For some, being able to move the cabinet is a factor. For example, on my first cab (which is, of course, still in preliminary stages), I'll initially be putting it in my office upstairs. When a kid comes along, I'll be giving up my office as the nursery and relocating the cab to my theater in the basement. Not only is weight a factor (which also goes towards the LCD preference), but being able to maneuver the cab through 2 separate landings on the stairs is key as well. Half of me wants to create something that is reminiscent of classic cabs, but the other half wants to create something that is both unique and customized to my own needs.

2. There is definitely some worth in going with an authentic monitor, or even a large CRT TV, to get a more authentic feel, but that also limits you in what you can do with the cab. If you want to tie in other components, such as say an Xbox 360 or something, you can't take full advantage of it as you are limited by the display. Same goes for adding things like a jukebox or something. Not to mention the previous point of size/maneuverability. However, I totally agree about the size issue. Trying to find a 20+" 4:3 LCD is damn near impossible.

Knievel, I love this design and can't wait to see the dimensions. Good thing I haven't cut that MDF yet!
 

[ARTIFACT]

Artifact I have to say I tried the real arcade monitor route in the beginning and wasn't impressed. I much prefer the sharpness and detail of a PC monitor, I guess I'm just weird?
(...)
When you are finished your cabinet, coming along nicely by the way , I wonder if you would be interested in doing some Sketchup drawings of the Evolution for me?
You seem to have mastered the program and even with your tutorials I'm having a slow time of it.

You're not weird ... I just love to see the dots the way it looked when I was a kid (memories). I can't stand the pc monitors for that (although some of it can be "simulated")

Regarding sketchup drawing of your Evolution cab: I have to warn you that I am going to be suuuper busy soon, family reasons, BUT I always enjoy doing these things so I can try to squeeze some of it here and there - let's chat over PM. I just can't promise, but know I'd love to if I have the time.

(check the update on my project .............)

[Gutshot]

Looks great Knievel!!
I can't believe that you have finished another one, and I'm still trying to finish my first 
Great job 

[xmenxmen]

If I ever stop butchering old cab, this will probably be the 1st one I would want to build from scrap.  Guess there's also the bartop.

Awesome work!!!!

[Knievel]

Thanks guys!

Artifact I have to admit, when I'm playing the Atari 2600 EMU I have the scanline effect on. I spend the better part of my youth playing that on a TV and I like to see it as it was.  

No biggie on the Sketchup. All I really need done is a sketch of the cabinet side with dimensions and maybe another one with a cut list for the other parts. I'm crazy busy with the kids these days as well so I probably haven't given that program a fair chance.

Strokemouth you make a good point on how 6" can make a big difference in some cases. I know a lot of the people who asked me for the Woody dimensions said they were apartment dwellers. Usually space is at a premium there, and if you need to lug a cabinet up a few flights of stairs you'd want it as small/light as possible.

I agree that those who want a 4-plyr cabinet, or just a large monitor, will not want to go the LCD route. Personally I've been happy since day 1 with the 20" viewing area of my monitors..I grew up on 19" arcade monitors after all.

Jtbullet I have done 2 wall-mount machines so far. I'll try and find a pic for you.
Basically they consisted of my usual CP/CP box mounted to the wall from behind so it appears to be floating, with an LCD panel mounted to the wall above it. The computer in both cases sat hidden on the other side of the wall.

[bfauska]

Knievel,
I could probably find the time to make a CAD drawing of your cabinet if you have some dimensioned sketches you would let me work from.  I spend most of my day in front of a computer drafting theatre sets, so a cabinet would be quick.  I was going to draft up my Dynamo HS-5 but the hold-up on that was the measuring, not the drafting.

Let me know if you're interested, PM or just in this thread.  I can save as PDF, or almost any CAD file type.

[markrvp]

FWIW I think the cabinet is very elegant and represents what a modern designed arcade cabinet should look like.  I prefer the look of a CGA monitor, but I think we're going to have to come to grips with the reality that they won't be around forever.  Moving toward LCD screens is a logical progression and I think a cabinet redesign for the lighter, flatter screens is warranted.  I've always been a big fan of Knievel's work and I think this is just one more example of why he's the best.

[Knievel]

Thanks Mark.

bfauska that'd be great. I'll make a few starting measurements and PM you.


The e-mails from people wanting plans for this one are already rolling in.

I also had an e-mail from one of the major arcade cabinet companies out there...will Knievel sell out???
....stay tuned

[Cornchip]

  A man's gotta eat..right? Sell if the money's good. Why not. 

 Cornchip.

[Knievel]

Eating isn't an issue, it's whether I want Kraft Dinner or T-Bone's every night.

Loving the joys! If you've got the time my bro is still interested in a red and a blue for his machine..

[Cornchip]

 I had plenty of KD when I was growing up. I'm on to better things. Make my steak medium/well.   

 Those sticks should be in a box somewhere in the house. I'm confident that they didn't get lost in the move. I'll PM you later when I dig them up.

 Cornchip.


 I should add...the move went well. The basement begs for a gaming room. It has nice high ceilings and is super dry (I personally did new drainage tiles myself after moving in...it was hell!). But that's why older homes are so much fun.

[javeryh]

Alright Knievel, if this is going to be the next "LuSiD" cab I'd expect you have tons and tons of build pics that you are about to post any second now... right?   

I can't wait to see the plans!