New Project - Wasteland cab (Portable)

[Epyx]

Having just finished my bartop and promised a few home reno projects to my wife I am itching to start a new build since I have the room and have learned a lot from each build and reading the posts here. 

The bartop/mini has been awesome. It is easy to transport and when in mini mode it almost feels like a full upright...*almost*.  I started wondering if it would be possible to build an upright that looked like an upright but had the portability of the bartop/mini for not only moving it around inside the house but when moving houses (my current 1st cab can't make it out of the basement intact) or going to a party.

I have an idea that may be suffering from "crack pipe" itis but hopefully the pros can either set me straight or assist in the design.

My bartop has 2 "short" comings...size and of course a small seam where the base and top join (hardly noticeable but it's there).

For the upright I got the idea of routing a 1/16" recess with additional routed recesses for magnets.  I would leave a small border to provide stability for the T-Molding.  Goals for the project are as follows:

• Provide enough structural stability
• Definitely 2 halves but maybe a 3rd/4th? *Must* be 1 person portable
• 24" width maximum. No part to weigh more than 50lbs. Total Height of 69"
• slide in rack for monitor and heavy duty interior latches to join halves
• Everything must be able to fit in the back of the car
• *must* look like a convincing and stylish upright cabinet or i take the hammer to it
• Marquee retainer clip on bottom that is T-nutted in with bolt hiding on hidden side for easy removal/change of marquee

Thanks to Ryglore for the new colour scheme and Ond for this impressive conceptual render (now to start building!):

[Yvan256]

Oh, a competitor for FlatCade. 

I'm finishing MVS-99-6 first, however. But I do already have some parts for FlatCade, so, eh... watch out. 

That animation is a very old version of FlatCade, however. The new one looks much more like a regular upright cab and should be even easier to build.

You might also want to check out Project: Mobile MAME.

I don't quite understand the whole laminate + magnets idea, though. If it's only about the seams then do what designers usually do: if you can't hide it, make it part of the design itself. What I would do is make the bottom fit "inside" the top part. Ex: the bottom is 24x24 and the top is 25x25 and just "sits" on the bottom half, with T-molding going under the sides of the top half. If that makes any sense...

I have seen a cab right here in Project Announcements that used that trick but I can't seem to find it.

[Epyx]

Seen both of those projects...Transformarcade is really too slim to look like an authentic arcade (although its cool in its own way).  And mobile mame is not much different than my existing bartop/mini cabinet...looks very similiar.

The best way to proceed is to start construction I guess

Good call on the seams and I might revise that aspect...

[Yvan256]

Seen both of those projects...Transformarcade is really too slim to look like an authentic arcade (although its cool in its own way).  And mobile mame is not much different than my existing bartop/mini cabinet...looks very similiar.

The best way to proceed is to start construction I guess

Good call on the seams and I might revise that aspect...

Just a quick note: the other thread is about Transformarcade, the animation you saw is my yet-to-be-announced FlatCade project. Transformarcade is actually a Transformers-themed cab. It's just that, like some people in that thread, we thought it would be a transforming cab so that's why I put my animation in my reply.

And yes, that version of FlatCade really is too slim and that is one detail that I have since corrected.

Indeed, Project: Mobile MAME is very similar to your Final Fantasy 3 Piece Bartop, but it does have some built-in features that, IMHO, make it easier to move around (wheels, handle in the back, place to store the control panel, etc).

One suggestion I would make is to go LCD for your project. It would lower the weight and make it possible to leave it in place, making the whole thing a lot simpler IMHO. With an LCD monitor, an upright is probably more than 80% empty space.

I don't know your computing requirements, but the most recent mini-ITX motherboards are really quite powerful, allowing you to have a complete computer in less than 4" height.

From the tests I did in Sketchup, you should be able to have roughly 6" thick modules at the most. The LCD monitor, control panel , computer and coin door/mechs all easily fit in 6" depth (if you tilt the CP vertically, 6" is more than enough to clear the total joystick height).

I can't wait to see your take on the portable upright idea!

edit: this is what I was talking about for going around the seams problem:

[Epyx]

Thanks for the clarifications.  Agreed on the bartop/mini...not really a method of transporting it but it is really light although the mobile Mame shelves/luggage cart idea is pretty cool

My computing requirements are pretty high but with your 6" height idea that still leaves a lot of room for motherboard on tray...IE everything laid out on MDF and maybe just slide it in with cables dangling and ready to just plug in...you have given me a few more ideas thx!

I see what you mean about the seams on the UAII.

On the LCD monitor...I have contemplated that for a while and this 19" 4:3 would work pretty good:

http://www.softchoice.com/catalog/en-ca/monitors-acer-v193b-lcd-display-tft-ET.CV3RP.001-X02641

Great ideas and get going on that FlatCade! ( I hope i wasn't sounding negative...I really like it...just want a normalized upright look for my particular project as 1st cab is FAT and 2nd is Mini )

Oh and you mentioned the Lazy Susan (I had thought of that at one time) in your MVS project thread...any update on viability? Might work well with a widescreen lcd...

[Yvan256]

My computing requirements are pretty high but with your 6" height idea that still leaves a lot of room for motherboard on tray...IE everything laid out on MDF and maybe just slide it in with cables dangling and ready to just plug in...you have given me a few more ideas thx!

There is new mini-ITX motherboards with a Core 2 Duo and on-board dedicated GPUs, I don't know if they're powerful enough, but I would look into it if I were you.

On the LCD monitor...I have contemplated that for a while and this 19" 4:3 would work pretty good:
http://www.softchoice.com/catalog/en-ca/monitors-acer-v193b-lcd-display-tft-ET.CV3RP.001-X02641

It's a problem finding 4:3 monitors bigger than 19" isn't it? If you find a good deal on, say, a 21", please send me a message!

Great ideas and get going on that FlatCade! ( I hope i wasn't sounding negative...I really like it...just want a normalized upright look for my particular project as 1st cab is FAT and 2nd is Mini )

Not at all, in fact I also hate the look of that revision. That was revision 3, I'm now up to revision 10 or something, I can't even remember. I won't show you pictures of the revisions right away, just so you have a clear path ahead of you and you can think of ideas on your own. I don't mean to sound patronizing or anything, it's just that if you're anything like me seeing other ideas will get you stuck in a loop, re-doing the same ideas over and over again. That's why I'm on revision 10, anyway. 

Oh and you mentioned the Lazy Susan (I had thought of that at one time) in your MVS project thread...any update on viability? Might work well with a widescreen lcd...

Well, given that MVS-99-6 uses a 6.4" LCD that weights about 400 grams, I don't think I'll have any problem with the rotating plate. For a 19" widescreen monitor, however, that might be another story especially in a portable cab!

[Epyx]

There is new mini-ITX motherboards with a Core 2 Duo and on-board dedicated GPUs, I don't know if they're powerful enough, but I would look into it if I were you.

I will have to look into that...one of the Mame games I really enjoy is Starblade and that is usually my cut off point...If I can run that at 100% im happy (which on my E5200 is about 3.7ghz).


 

I won't show you pictures of the revisions right away

No worries im the same way but I do want feedback and you have given plenty...next pictures I will clutch a bit closer until I have something that at least works in the prototype stage...lots to dwell on

[Ryglore]

Interesting. I'm intrigued to see how this will turn out. I really liked the Final Fantasy Bar Top.... hopefully you can make it full size, while keeping it as light weight as possible. Too heavy and you won't want to move it and too light and it might break up/ fall over during hardcore gaming sessions. 

[Epyx]

Playing with some designs. One of the things that bothers me most with my first cab (one of many things) is the lack of curves.  I have been playing with some designs (slimmer version of Martijn's cab/Galaxy etc) for use with an LCD.  Top part is joined in the picture but would be removable as per original specs.





Is the orange too garish? I have 2 reels of black t molding and am trying to come up with an excuse to use it.  Wasteland for those who don't know was an old C64 game and essentially the predecessor to Fallout.

[Ond]

Is the orange too garish? I have 2 reels of black t molding and am trying to come up with an excuse to use it. 

Orange looks awsome, go with it.

[Epyx]

Thanks Ond. Anyone know of other cabinets in orange?

I know of a few BYOAC built ones...also Donkey Kong/Mario Brothers...any others?

[Dizzle]

Wastland... I loved that game.

I really like the curves in your design.  And I agree with Ond... definitely go with the orange. 

[Ryglore]

I'd say go with the Orange, or maybe try a neon Yellow and play with the radioactive angle. Maybe add in some of the 50s Sci Fi elements that the series is known for?

But ya, the Orange totally works

[Epyx]

I'd say go with the Orange, or maybe try a neon Yellow

Oooh...the yellow sounds good too...I think I will try the orange though. What I haven't been able to find is those neon subwoofer rings in orange...I can find them in red which may work. I want to outline the nuclear symbol ala the Neon mame cab. 

This is also a cab where I will really take my time and ensure the finish is as smooth as possible ala the Bella endless polishing/sanding.

[Ryglore]

This is also a cab where I will really take my time and ensure the finish is as smooth as possible ala the Bella endless polishing/sanding.

Ya I'm the same way. My Shmup cab is going to be stuck in paint hell for a loooong time. 

[Yvan256]

This is also a cab where I will really take my time and ensure the finish is as smooth as possible ala the Bella endless polishing/sanding.

Are you really sure you want to paint a portable cab? I mean, that's just fine by itself, but talking about polishing and sanding, I'm not sure you'll want to move it once it's completed for fear of scratching it.  

Is the design going to be similar to your Final Fantasy 3 Piece Bartop, where the cab is in three parts? If the computer and power supply are going to be in the top/monitor part, that leaves you room for a "folding back" option in the bottom/coin door part. I'd even go further and do folding sides too, since the coin door only takes a few inches in the middle of the front panel.

[Ryglore]

Or you could do something like one of these. Took the img of yours and played with it a little in photoshop. 

[Epyx]

@Yvan256

Are you really sure you want to paint a portable cab? I mean, that's just fine by itself, but talking about polishing and sanding, I'm not sure you'll want to move it once it's completed for fear of scratching it.

Lol you are probably right...it may get moved 1x per month...food for thought.

Is the design going to be similar to your Final Fantasy 3 Piece Bartop, where the cab is in three parts? If the computer and power supply are going to be in the top/monitor part, that leaves you room for a "folding back" option in the bottom/coin door part. I'd even go further and do folding sides too, since the coin door only takes a few inches in the middle of the front panel.

Yes, at this point 3 parts. I like the idea of the PS at the monitor level and your folding option...can you elaborate?

@Ryglore

Or you could do something like one of these. Took the img of yours and played with it a little in photoshop.

Dayam...some nice variations! Almost makes it look like a thermo explosion with the shades looking like heat levels...very nice!  I love the black bezel ones but cant decide between the bottom and top right options...

Which do you prefer out of the two right options?

[Ryglore]

@Ryglore

Or you could do something like one of these. Took the img of yours and played with it a little in photoshop.

Dayam...some nice variations! Almost makes it look like a thermo explosion with the shades looking like heat levels...very nice!  I love the black bezel ones but cant decide between the bottom and top right options...

Which do you prefer out of the two right options?

I think out of the two black bezel ones I like the Orange sides with the yellow coin door and CP area. Though I would prolly slot the CP top and put black t-molding around it to finish it off. 

[Epyx]

Ya I was leaning towards that one too...found 12" Yellow neon subwoofer rings which would look great around the nuclear side circles as well with that colour scheme.  And agreed the CP will have black T Molding around it as well.  With some nice commissioned wasteland style art on the CP.  Maybe Pip-boy style icons etc?

Yellow Neon Sub Rings

Thanks again, cause that has me sold versus the all orange.

[Yvan256]

Yes, at this point 3 parts. I like the idea of the PS at the monitor level and your folding option...can you elaborate?

Can you make your Sketchup file available? I think it would be easier to show you the idea this way.

[Epyx]

Sure, thanks Yvan256:

http://www.4shared.com/file/128209904/8a28ec5e/Wasteland_Orange_and_Yellow.html

The far side is pooched as I whipped it up quick for just the close side...

[n88n]

upper right looks the best.  Not that anybody asked but I am adding my 2 cents anyway.  Too much of the yellow will burn your retinas.

[Epyx]

Ya we agreed with you on upper right

[Yvan256]

Some details aren't included but it should give you an idea of what I was talking about when I said "folding back".

The idea is that an upright is more or less empty, the only filled areas are the monitor, marquee (because of lighting), control panel, coin door and computer + power supply.

edit: just noticed I forgot the back panels on the complete cab on the right... just imagine it's there. 

[Epyx]

Thanks much, appreciated.

Just noticed that the .zip files are still messed up?

[Yvan256]

You're right, it's like the website isn't configured to assign the binary file type to .zip files... 

edit: I tried to change the .zip for a .dat, but I got this message: "You cannot upload that type of file. The only allowed extensions are txt,jpg,gif,pdf,png,zip." 

[Ryglore]

I dunno, if you put artwork on the CP it may throw off the balance of the Orange and Yellow.... dunno. Throw some place holder art on the CP in sketchup and change the color of the edge of the CP to black and see what that does.

[Epyx]

I will, that's a good idea.  I was thinking of keeping it primarily yellow still but just including a bit of the pip-boy style art around the buttons/trackball/joys.  Or go with the yellow bezel then to maintain the balance...won't know until i try it. Either way I like the colour schemes and whatever I end up with ill try to balance.

[Yvan256]

I will, that's a good idea.  I was thinking of keeping it primarily yellow still but just including a bit of the pip-boy style art around the buttons/trackball/joys.  Or go with the yellow bezel then to maintain the balance...won't know until i try it. Either way I like the colour schemes and whatever I end up with ill try to balance.

If needed, you could use colored T-molding for the control panel. T-molding.com has yellow, orange, red and bright red in 3/4".

[Ryglore]

Ya I was thinking the same thing. Colored T-Molding would work, but he said he was trying to use up his old black, so that's why I suggested black. 

[Epyx]

Exactly, but I could always place another T Molding order...im pretty sure this new cab will have me placing a few orders on the net...

[Ond]

I thought you might like to see that subby ring glowing    please build it! I love the theme.

[Epyx]

Omg Ond...that rocks!!!!  That is EXACTLY what i had in mind with the ring...sweet!

Btw...that plywood you  used is it hard to bend? I am assuming not if you get the right thickness?  I am thinking it would look good on the back as an outer shell to a straight piece of mdf to curve along the back and just below the front of the CP like in your pic above...

[Ryglore]

I thought you might like to see that subby ring glowing    please build it! I love the theme.

 

[Ond]

Omg Ond...that rocks!!!!  That is EXACTLY what i had in mind with the ring...sweet!

Btw...that plywood you  used is it hard to bend? I am assuming not if you get the right thickness?  I am thinking it would look good on the back as an outer shell to a straight piece of mdf to curve along the back and just below the front of the CP like in your pic above...

Glad you like,  I wasn't sure about 1 or 2 player so made it 2 player (easy to make 1 player as well). I couldn't sleep this morning so got up early and mocked it up, I was just impatient to see it like you describe.  The main thing with plywood is the grain, i.e. the way it lies, go to your supplier and bend a few pieces just with your hands, try for at least 1/4 inch thickness (or thereabouts).  When you build the cab just make some circular forms for the plywood to wrap around out of MDF, two should do, then glue and nail with fine nails to hold it in place till glue drys.  Later, tap nail heads right in, bondo fill etc etc.

If you need any  mods to the design let me know.  BTW I'm a C64 fan too, I've just started playing with some of those old games that I remember in emulation - Minter's 'Attack of the Mutant camels'  and others

[Ryglore]

Sweet Ond, I was wondering the same thing about forming. 

I don't remember too much about the C64. But I know I used to play the crap out of Lode Runner on it... loved that game. Wish I would have had the chance to play Wasteland, but I'm a huge Fallout geek now. 

[Epyx]

@Ond

Awesome thanks for the information and again for the render.  Minter is cool (like the arcades the days of the one man programming team are fading) and that is a great game of his. I have posted on his forums to make his latest games a bit more cab friendly which the gridrunner+ will be (SPace Giraffe wasn't so...)

One thing I might do is stray from the coin door like you did and create something (not near as complex as yours as my brain hurts just thinking about it...) like a circular vault door out of Mdf as opposed to a conventional coin door. 

I dunno though...it is still a conventional cab and that might ruin the look...its not a worry for a while so will decide later.

Can't wait to make the cuts tomorrow on the main part of the frame.  Definitely will be 2 player though.

@Ryglore

Im assuming since you are an arcade player you are probably not totally hung up on graphics and prefer gameplay over graphics...if you do then get the VICE c64 emulator and give Wasteland a try (*AFTER* you finish your cab!)...considering it was released in the 80s its got a lot of the beef of the 90s RPGs...it took a lot of cool functionality from the other rpgs of the time (Bards Tale, Ultima, Might and Magic etc) and gave it the post apocalyptic twist.

[Shortbus]

Very Cool Design, says you used Sketch-up, is that difficult to learn? Is it the basic model(free)....I've seen several on the site, never used it, and just curious if you need a degree in graphic design to navigate it, I really like the looks of the design. Nice work. I will be following this project for sure.

Let me know if there are any useful guides to using Sketch up, or how you got started using.

thanks for sharing!

[Ryglore]

Im assuming since you are an arcade player you are probably not totally hung up on graphics and prefer gameplay over graphics

Yep I am totally Gameplay > Graphics. Hell, when I set up my entertainment center in my living room I added an old 13" tv to my set up and hooked up my NES, SNES and Genesis to it.