Coin-Op Craze (Second Project - Skinny Upright!)

[stace]

Guys,

New here (from the UK) and looking forward to all of your input.  Been perusing this site for a few weeks now and have got the bug to build my second cab.


I built my first mame cab approx 9yrs ago.  It was built from scratch and was based on a Defender cabinet.  After moving into my new home, it kinda of got pushed to the back of the garage due to its footprint (and my wife being in charge  ).  I've recently sold it on but was gutted to let it go........

I'll post some pix of the old cab when I can find them.

   EDIT:  Pic of Cab below, as you can see its been knocked about & is using a temp monitor (the CRT blew up)


Anyhow, todays a new day and I'm going to start my second project.  I want to make the footprint smaller and have a few ideas for a skinny upright.

Hopefully, I can create something you'll like.......but feel free to give it to me with both barrels should the need arise, I've got broad shoulders and constructive critism can work wonders to the end result


One thing I've noticed since my interest has picked up pace again is how many products are available via the web, back when I created my first, I could only get happ controls (I get the impression they aren't massively favoured here).

I've yet to decide on components but it'll be a two player, 6 button CP.

So first quick question for you guys (I have tried to search for an answer)...........in my first cab I used happ ultimates, I can't say I noticed any real issues but get the feeling they are at the bottom of everyones wishlist.  This time I thought of using the supers but kind of get the impression it might be best to ask you guys for a joystick recommendation 


Thanks in advance for the help, and if your still awake, apologies for the long post !!!!


Cheers
Stace 

[spacies]

Bummer about the other cab but at least you get to build another.
Things certainly have come a long way in 9 years so enjoy surfing through all the goodies to find what suits you best.

A lot of us have built, or are building, skinny cabs these days. Its actually quite hard to envisage them looking any good when they are a bare shell, but once the CP and stuff goes on they look cool.

All the best!

[WunderCade]

Nice to have you here Stace. Welcome.

There is an ongoing wiki page of vendors you can browse here.

[bfauska]

Welcome, and good luck on the upcoming project.

I don't think many people disapprove of the Happs products, it's their direct purchasing options that are crumby compared to Groovy Game Gear,Ultimarc, or any of the highly aclaimed vendors in our own Buy/Sell/Trade section of this forum.

[stace]

Thanks for the responses guys !!


So whats your opinions on joysticks what do ya recommend ??

[stace]

Small Update 

Going to get some MDF today so I can hopefully start the cabinet build at the weekend.


I've ordered my controls from Randy

1 x    KeyWiz Max 1.5
2 x    HAPP™ Competition Arcade Joystick - Black
6 x    Micro-Leaf™ Arcade Pushbutton Switches
6 x    Blue Horizontal Pushbutton - HAPP™
6 x    Red Horizontal Pushbutton - HAPP™
1 x    Green Horizontal Pushbutton - HAPP™
1 x    Orange Horizontal Pushbutton - HAPP™
5 x    Black Horizontal Pushbutton - HAPP™
1 x    Player 1 Pushbutton
1 x    Player 2 Pushbutton
2 x    NovaGemCDR™ Coin Drop Replacement Pushbutton


Heres a working pic of my CP, I wanted to go for something simple with a retro feel.  Suggestions/Opinions welcome !!

The cp will be 7.5" deep with a 5" roll off to the front of the box.


Stace 

[stace]

How do I upload pix?  Tried to link to photobucket but doesn't seem to be working !? 

[theCoder]

You built a cab 9 years ago?  Very cool.  Too bad it was banished to the back of the garage. 

Simple with a retro feel you say. Any plans for a theme?  Thinking back...Brady Bunch, disco, tricked out vans & shag carpet.  I've seen a couple of nice retro looking cabs in brown with yellow, orange, and/or red pinstrips.  Or perhaps Scooby Doo with bold colors and big flowers (Did I say that out loud?  Nevermind) 

Welcome and good luck.

[stace]

Thanks

Any ideas on how I upload a picture, doesn't seem to be working for me ?

[javeryh]

Use these tags around the link your picture is at: [img ][ /img] or click "Additional Options" underneath the reply window and attach a pic from your hard drive.

[stace]

Done, Thanks

Please give me your honest opinions !  Its a low quality picture, constructive criticism appreciated 

[stace]

Far from happy with this at the moment but the CP will pair up with a marquee similar to this

[javeryh]

OK here goes...  I really like the marquee.  It has a nice retro feel to it plus it's colorful.

I also like the CP but I have a few suggestions/comments: 

1.  I would move the 2 centered buttons up top.  I don't like the way they spilt the border.  A good spot for them might be the rolled over front installed vertically.  This will make your CP cleaner (no admin buttons on the surface). 

2.  Depending on preference, you might want to layout your 6-button clusters to be more ergonomic.  I've attached the layout I like for you to check out.

3.  Change the "Player 1", "Player 2" and "Amusement" fonts to match the word "Arcade" in your marquee (or something similar if it's tough to read... yellow at least.  Also, change the "Horix" (?) font in the bottom right to match the word "zone" in your marquee.

 

[stace]

I'm still trying to decide on the 'look' of the cabinet, I pretty much know how want it, it more about little changes.

My only concern is whether it will affect player 1 joystick play?  The cab, at its deepest will be only 16" and the cp is integral, in that it will not overhang/go past the front lines of the cab.

[stace]

Guys

Bit of an update, I'm going to start putting the cab together this weekend, I've cut the sides and its proper skinny !!  Pix soon......

I've decided to change the aesthetics of the cab and am now going white with blue t-molding.


Ta
Stace

[stace]

Put the basis of the cab together this weekend and am generally happy with the shape of it.

I think I've finished the artwork and will be contacting MameMarquees unless someone notices a glaring error !!



Have also started thinking whether I should go with a white cab or revert back to black, I just can't make up my mind  !!

All opinions welcomed 
Stace

[stace]

Some cabinet pix.

 

I may play with the pix tonight in photoshop to see what I prefer in terms of cab colour.

[stace]

Very Crude pic but am now thinking white again 

EDIT: Just ordered my artwork from Scott @ Mame Marquees 

[Franco]

I do like the white. Makes a nice change to the run of the mill black cab. 

[metahacker]

what type face were you using on the V1.0 (black background/scan line text) marquee?
the one with the scan lines ... or is it a standard type face that you have worked the scan lines into?

[stace]

[what type face were you using on the V1.0 (black background/scan line text) marquee?
the one with the scan lines ... or is it a standard type face that you have worked the scan lines into?

BoobToob !

http://www.urbanfonts.com/fonts/boobtoob.htm

[stace]

I've now got everything I need to complete this cabinet but I need to paint and its too fekin cold 

Poxy UK Weather