Author Topic: Mike's Arcade Machine Emulator (Knievel inspired) It's Alive! (Read 41145 times)

gatordad · « **on:** October 16, 2007, 11:47:21 pm »

As the name suggests I am calling my first cabinet Mike's Arcade Machine Emulator. I know, I know, but I'm lucky that the letters match.

I have looked through most of the examples of scratch built cabs and I am most impressed with the talent and quality of projects here. I was inspired to get, build, or modify one of my own.

I looked through the Hall of fame stuff and WOW when I saw Knievel's Neon MAME I thought OH MY is that thing georgous.

After searching and looking for many, many, hours, I kept being drawn back to Knievels NEON cab.

Since I do not have a ton of woodworking experience, I decided to search for a cabinet in good physical shape that would become my very own Arcade Machine Emulator.

Now that I have a destination,

Let the journey begin..............

I found this semi empty nfl blitz cab on my local craigslist

It came with 4 Midway 49 ways

Some more shots

My 2 boys are chomping at the bit to play it already
Looks like its time to get to work......
stay tuned
Regards Mike

Anubis_au · « **Reply #1 on:** October 17, 2007, 07:31:32 am »

Nice looking cab. Good luck with the conversion and adding the Knievel bling to it. Don't forget to post lots of pics!

leapinlew · « **Reply #2 on:** October 17, 2007, 07:55:14 am »

Knievel who?

Green Giant · « **Reply #3 on:** October 17, 2007, 11:12:37 am »

Quote from: leapinlew on October 17, 2007, 07:55:14 am

Knievel who?

Has he made a cocktail yet, that is probably the only type of cab knievel hasn't inspired people with.

gatordad · « **Reply #4 on:** October 17, 2007, 10:47:46 pm »

Had a little time to work on the cab today.

The power supply works!

Can you say BONUS, I struck GOLD ($1.25)was found inside a very clean over under coin door

The surgery begins....... Removing the intestines of this lifeless creature

Now that I have had time to give the cab a very detailed looking over, I have some monitor bracket holes to fill, scratchs to fix, and corners and edges to redo. Anyone have an idea what that large hole on the right was used for?

More tomorrow....

Anubis_au · « **Reply #5 on:** October 17, 2007, 10:56:53 pm »

Quote from: Green Giant on October 17, 2007, 11:12:37 am

Has he made a cocktail yet, that is probably the only type of cab knievel hasn't inspired people with.

A cab that hangs from the roof. He hasn't done that one yet either.

leapinlew · « **Reply #6 on:** October 17, 2007, 11:54:09 pm »

on/off switch maybe?

Cabs looking good. Thats a real good cab for a rebuild. Keep up the good work.

gatordad · « **Reply #7 on:** October 18, 2007, 11:04:06 pm »

The rear access to the cab has a hinged door that needs some fixing as seen here

and here, nothing a little bondo can't fix.

I also pulled off the front kickplate piece as it will be changed to include a sliding drawer, hinges to allow for access from the front of the cab, and some speaker holes.

I also pulled off all of the t-molding

more to come....

gatordad · « **Reply #8 on:** October 19, 2007, 09:00:29 pm »

Started to frame the corners and edges that needed fixing, I used shims and finishing nails gently hamered into the t-molding groove.

gatordad · « **Reply #9 on:** October 20, 2007, 09:02:31 pm »

Broke out the bondo and fixed some edges and dings.

I used wood glue and filled the monitor bracket holes with dowels.

After the glued dowels dried I used a chisel to cut them flush and filled any imperfections with bondo.

gatordad · « **Reply #10 on:** October 21, 2007, 10:50:07 pm »

Now starts the sanding

I'll need another skim coat before this is perfect

I fixed the back panel hinge fracture, turned out pretty good. I used the same technique with shims to create a frame and filled several times with bondo. Here are the results

and here

Some parts for my control panel are starting to accumulate, time to start thinking about that now too.

More Cowbell · « **Reply #11 on:** October 22, 2007, 05:38:31 pm »

Looking great. Your patience is admirable. With my first cab I just rushed through it all doing most of it half-@$$ed in order to get it finished and playable. You're definitely paying attention to the details.

gatordad · « **Reply #12 on:** October 22, 2007, 08:24:49 pm »

Thanks, Cowbell, I am definitly anxious to put it together. I have not had a full day uninterupted to dedicate to the cab yet, just an hour here and an hour or two there.

Hey how bout that Bears comeback, what a finish huh? Poor Andy Reed looked like he wanted to cry

gatordad · « **Reply #13 on:** October 22, 2007, 08:47:35 pm »

Another update.....
I won a few auctions on ebay. A large lot of long leaf buttons that were pretty dirty.
I disassembled them all and soaked the springs and e-clips in coke cola overnight to remove any rust.
I also soaked the plastic parts in bleach and water to kill whatever diseases might have been on the buttons.
After soaking in bleach overnight I used simplegreen, hot water and a stiff brush to clean every button, after cleaning I used my compressor to spray dry the buttons.
I don't know if I'm going to used the atari cone buttons yet.... we'll see
They all look really good as seen here

I also won a trackball with a mounting plate, Ipac and an origional oscar vortex spinner with an oh so cool mame engraved top and 4 sanwa jlf knockoffs for dirt cheap on e-bay. All these items were in like new condition and I could not be happier.

More tomorrow if I have time.

gatordad · « **Reply #14 on:** October 24, 2007, 08:43:01 pm »

Second skim coat of bondo applied to areas that were not perfect.
Entire cab sanded for a second time, I am very pleased with how the dowels and bondo has filled and recreated edges and corners, almost ready for first coat of primer, just need to clean it up a bit first.

More Cowbell · « **Reply #15 on:** October 25, 2007, 11:21:46 am »

Nice hauls on the buttons and stuff. Let me know if you're willing to part with any spare long buttons and we can talk $$.

hatrick · « **Reply #16 on:** October 25, 2007, 12:01:16 pm »

Nice job so far.Thanks for posting the technique for making the bondo edges clean with nailing the wood to the edges. I need to do that on my Donkey Kong cab, but I wasn't sure how to do it. That should save me lots of work and time. Thanks!

I sent you a PM.

I'll be watching your project. Keep up the good work.

gatordad · « **Reply #17 on:** October 26, 2007, 09:06:27 am »

I was able to give the cab a good cleaning, planning on primer this weekend.
I ordered my speakers so I might be able to save the front lower panel after all, (saving even more wood work

)

I went to Lowes and picked up hinges and hardware for the sliding keyboard drawer and front door which will now open.

Still working on my Control panel design, it is almost finished, couple more days / weeks and I should have control placement and artwork finished and sent for printing.

Artwork will be something borrowed and slightly modified.

My goal is to have it finished by New Years eve or sooner as we usually have a new years eve party,
Should be a big hit.

gatordad · « **Reply #18 on:** October 27, 2007, 11:29:39 pm »

Feels like I'm making some progress
I put on the First coat of Primer let it dry and painted it a second time.

I will sand this down and put another coat of primer on when I have time this later this week.

Showing off some curves

I'm also real close, to my almost finished, final control panel design for my cp.

Knievel · « **Reply #19 on:** October 28, 2007, 12:01:17 pm »

Cool looking cabinet, nice job patching it up.

I've got 2 boys myself. I can tell you this machine will make you the 'Cool Dad' on the block

So what are your plans monitor-wise? looks like a big space to fill.

Lakersfan · « **Reply #20 on:** October 28, 2007, 01:37:33 pm »

I've been watching this thread from the beginning. It's a lot like my project, where I purchased an old Sunset Riders cabinet and am restoring it and converting it to a MAME machine.

Looking good! Keep up the good work.

gatordad · « **Reply #21 on:** October 28, 2007, 05:16:40 pm »

Quote from: Knievel on October 28, 2007, 12:01:17 pm

Cool looking cabinet, nice job patching it up.

I've got 2 boys myself. I can tell you this machine will make you the 'Cool Dad' on the block

So what are your plans monitor-wise? looks like a big space to fill.

Thanks for the kind words,

I really like what you've done with your projects, really cool stuff.

I think you and I are the only 2 people on the planet who actually own a Kick Axe LP

Yes my boys are very excited and They.... have..... been .....helping..... me

(if you call it that)

Funny you should ask, I was working on the monitor today.

I bought a Hantarex RGB 29in monitor, the kind that were used in 3X3X3 video walls.
I searched a long time and was going to use a 24in tv but had a stroke of luck and saw it on my local craigslist.
It's perfect! 21in high and only 23 1/2 inch wide with the case on.

I Decased it, because I need to cut the metal housing a bit in order for it to fit the depth of the cab.
I also need to build an angled shelf for the adjustment controls, if I leave them in the current location (in the monitor case) there would be almost no way to reach them once the monitor is installed.
I'll post some pictures once I'm done modifying the case.
Regards
Gatordad

gatordad · « **Reply #22 on:** October 28, 2007, 11:33:21 pm »

Here is the monitor I'm going to use

I was nervous taking it apart

Time to slim down this fatty

What a nice new figure,,,,,,, should fit good now!

More to come

Knievel · « **Reply #23 on:** October 29, 2007, 10:18:51 am »

Looks like a beauty.

metahacker · « **Reply #24 on:** October 29, 2007, 05:03:23 pm »

does that tv have r/g/b/h/v BNC inputs?

if so, planning to use a bnc break out cable like this?

will probably yield you the best results

ps im very jealous u managed to pick up a cube video monitor.

i was looking for one for quite some time, found a pvm-2950 from a video editor friend that was kept around as a spare (low hours) but it seemed a bit too big for my blitz cab

gatordad · « **Reply #25 on:** October 29, 2007, 06:30:32 pm »

Quote from: metahacker on October 29, 2007, 05:03:23 pm

does that tv have r/g/b/h/v BNC inputs?

if so, planning to use a bnc break out cable like this?

will probably yield you the best results

ps im very jealous u managed to pick up a cube video monitor.
i was looking for one for quite some time, found a pvm-2950 from a video editor friend that was kept around as a spare (low hours) but it seemed a bit too big for my blitz cab

It has plenty of options, as seen in the picture, I was planning on using the DB9 for my RGB with a vga to db9 converter, running soft15 found in software section here on the boards.

metahacker · « **Reply #26 on:** October 29, 2007, 07:25:14 pm »

oh wow! nice.

gatordad · « **Reply #27 on:** October 29, 2007, 11:31:30 pm »

I believe that I am 1/2 finished on my cp design.

Controls and placement_______done
Artwork_________ still need to do

My cp will have a pinball plunger and 2 pinball buttons on each side.

I haven't even messed with any pinball emu's yet....... am I forgetting anything else?

Illustrator is not easy to pick up and use, very frustrating (long learning curve)but I'm making progress.

superbigjay · « **Reply #28 on:** October 29, 2007, 11:55:39 pm »

Quote from: gatordad on October 29, 2007, 11:31:30 pm

Illustrator is not easy to pick up and use, very frustrating (long learning curve)but I'm making progress.

I understand your pain... I just went to that process 2 months ago.
But it usually worth the time spent!!

For your CP, a few questions:
The top joystick? it's another P360? (8-ways) what is it for?? Did you mean a 4-way?

What are the top buttons (trackball buttons, others??)

General comment, build a "mockup" with real or just paper component and place your hand like if you were playing to see if it's comfortable. Try to think if there is any conflict between controls
ex:
- top joystick vs the trackball is you play an intense game of golden T
- the palm of your left hand will probable rest on the CP. Will you clear the P1 action buttons
- distance between action buttons, are comfortable (too wide apart?)
- the button on the right of the top joystick, you could center them to make them a bit more symmetric with the trackball
These are just general comments, just to make sure you thought of everything...

General hint for illustrator.
I see with the trackball crosshair that it isn't square...
you might want to turn on the snap to grid option.
That way you can easily align everyting at every 1/16in.

That's it... good night
Jay

gatordad · « **Reply #29 on:** October 30, 2007, 09:08:10 am »

Quote from: superbigjay on October 29, 2007, 11:55:39 pm

Quote from: gatordad on October 29, 2007, 11:31:30 pm
Illustrator is not easy to pick up and use, very frustrating (long learning curve)but I'm making progress.
I understand your pain... I just went to that process 2 months ago.
But it usually worth the time spent!!

For your CP, a few questions:
The top joystick? it's another P360? (8-ways) what is it for?? Did you mean a 4-way?

What are the top buttons (trackball buttons, others??)

General comment, build a "mockup" with real or just paper component and place your hand like if you were playing to see if it's comfortable. Try to think if there is any conflict between controls
ex:
- top joystick vs the trackball is you play an intense game of golden T
- the palm of your left hand will probable rest on the CP. Will you clear the P1 action buttons
- distance between action buttons, are comfortable (too wide apart?)
- the button on the right of the top joystick, you could center them to make them a bit more symmetric with the trackball
These are just general comments, just to make sure you thought of everything...

General hint for illustrator.
I see with the trackball crosshair that it isn't square...
you might want to turn on the snap to grid option.
That way you can easily align everyting at every 1/16in.

That's it... good night
Jay

Thanks for the comments Jay

Yes the top Joy is a 4 way,
I used Saints templates and the base size is the same so I did not bother changing the description.

The buttons on top corners are player 1-2, coin 1-2 and lt rt mouse.

Something about snap to grid .....got it

I intend on doing a mock up before I drill to check comfort level (excellent advice thanks)

gatordad · « **Reply #30 on:** November 01, 2007, 10:32:33 pm »

I put a total of 4 coats of primer on the outside of the cab and sanded it down till it's oooohh sooo smoooth.
Bling bling arrived, so I was finally able to measure the inside diameter of the neon rings and borrowed my father's rotozip to cut some holes.
I picked up my bezel as well. Just had time to cut the width, I am going to mount my shelf and monitor before final placement and vertical cuts are made.

Rotozipping was fun for my first time, I'm Pleased with the results.

Flipped the cab over and repeated for the other side

As my brother in-law says "good enough for this job"

I have just found someone I know with a table saw, got to use it to make my cp box and a few odds and ends........can't wait to cut something off.

javeryh · « **Reply #31 on:** November 02, 2007, 09:53:15 am »

Really nice job so far - I like the unique shape you have going on there.

blueznl · « **Reply #32 on:** November 05, 2007, 03:45:33 am »

Nice shape! What colour is it going to be in the end? (I actually like that white

)

hatrick · « **Reply #33 on:** November 05, 2007, 11:29:00 am »

Looking good!

If you want to sell those Atari cone buttons (if you don't use them) I'd be interested in buying them. I need a set to restore my Centipede.

Keep the pics coming!

gatordad · « **Reply #34 on:** November 05, 2007, 02:29:59 pm »

Thanks guys,

answers:

Hatrick, I did receive your PM, Thanks, but I intend to save the cones for the time being. If I change my mind I shoot you a PM

I am going with a black and blue color theme.

I like the shape as well, I don't know if this cab had a previous life prior to being a Blitz, anyone recognize it?

Update:

Received my plexi and gray tinted tempered glass yesterday.
The grey tinted glass looks amazing, did a test fit for the glass and it was perfect.
I made some final tweaks on my cp design, I'll post that and some minor additional prep work I did tonight when I have a chance.
Regards
GD

hatrick · « **Reply #35 on:** November 05, 2007, 04:44:16 pm »

Quote from: gatordad on November 05, 2007, 02:29:59 pm

Hatrick, I did receive your PM, Thanks, but I intend to save the cones for the time being. If I change my mind I shoot you a PM

Sounds good. I wasn't trying to be a pest, but some people don't check thier PM's, so I wasn't sure if you got it.

I'm enjoying your build photos, so keep us updated.

gatordad · « **Reply #36 on:** November 05, 2007, 09:45:20 pm »

Here is my cp design after a few small changes, This is the one I will mock up to see how it feels, Hopefully this weekend.

gatordad · « **Reply #37 on:** November 05, 2007, 10:51:04 pm »

I primed the inside of the cab and started to spray paint the inside black. But after looking at it I wasen't happy (I know nobody will see it, but I want the inside to look good when its accessed for storage or whatever) so I decided to just spray paint all the inside corners and hard to reach areas, and I went out and bought a 8.00 quart of flat black and painted the inside with the 6 inch foam roller. I still have to take a picture of how it looks with the inside paint finished. Turned out nice.
This is how it looked after being primed and I started to spray the inside

I'm excited about this coming weekend I have Friday off and I hope to build my cp box and top, cut my new front kickplate, cut speaker holes, build the shelf for the monitor, build the shelf for the monitor controls, and build the slidding keyboard drawer.
More soon.....

gatordad · « **Reply #38 on:** November 08, 2007, 09:42:48 am »

Well I learned a few things yesterday,

I printed out my cp design to scale and taped it to some cardboard.
It looked absolutely fantastic on the screen and I was done, finally done.

Well....... after printing to scale and seeing it full size I noticed a couple of things

1st thing was, my cp was too deep... It was uncomfortable reaching the top buttons and joy.

2nd thing was, the second player joy is in the way while reaching the top, with my current top row button layout.

Sigh.........

I am going to make some ( final?) changes tonight because tomorrow I am planning on making my cp box and cutting the cp top, not cutting and routing control placement but just cutting the top.

Doing a full scale mock up sure helped me visualize things and get a feel for the faults of what I thought originally looked good.

More pictures this weekend.
Regards
GD

Gangor · « **Reply #39 on:** November 08, 2007, 03:43:10 pm »

What program did you use to make the control panel diagram? Looking good so far, keep it up!


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