Portable arcade

[pumaking82]

What I'm trying to build here is a arcade that is easy to move around, even easier than a bar top, this is the first concept build, next build will be smaller, this concept build was built around an X-arcade controller panel, that determined the size, although I didn't document much of the work done, the next build I will.  This project is still not complete, next steps is to Fiber glass the control panel box.  I need to put a cooling fan inside box also, I have a laptop mobo running @ 1.6 ghz, 2 gigs of ram I need to keep it cool.  Need to wire the power button on the laptop to a happ button. Adding USB ports mounted on the control box for support of external devices for adding games via flash drive etc easier than opening the box every upgrade etc.  The idea on this project started off just building a control panel with a computer inside that would be easy to carry around and just plug it in to a screen via vga or HDMI, I also thought of having a retractable screen come out, but that would have made the control box big and fat almost like a small suit case.  Also planned to make a panel compatible to plug and play on Xbox 360and ps3.  Since the lcd and mount are detachable it can simply be used as a control panel  Input and ideas anyone?  I would appreciate it.
 We just had a street fighter 2 tournament on this machine it was a blast, however I need to add rubber support on the bottom, as the arcade was moving around once the action got tense lol

[rablack97]

Check out bender's Benderama thread for some ideas......

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=84113.0

And ninja squirrel's

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=101426.0

Arcade vortex

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=99724.0

R-type R-cade

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=101184.0

I was thinking of doing something like this as well, but somehow have in all in a suitcase type enclosure.  I would think your really not gonna get around big and fat.  Another Idea woulbe to get rid of the monitor and rig a low profile projection device in the cp.  That might help with big and fat, and you get a 70" +  playfield wherever you go.

Fold down screen etc. You would want this thing to be self-sufficient, going around attaching to TV's and other monitors can be a pain.  Also attaching and detaching your monitor will eventually lead to terminal issues.

I just finished my big cab so I'll have to wait awhile to do anything else.......

Maybe you could build a cp deep enough to fold the screen under the CP top...... That way its pop a few latches, unfold, plug & play.



It may take some planning but would be pretty cool.  

[Epyx]

I built a portable bartop/mini as well which I have since sold. It was very easy to port around and consisted of a bartop top, base and CP each of which was removable so you could throw it in the backseat of a car and and re-assemble (in about 30 seconds) at a friends place etc.

Portable Bartop Mini

Looking forward to seeing what you come up with

[Franco B]

I was thinking of doing something like this as well, but somehow have in all in a suitcase type enclosure. 

The words portable and suitcase brought [this]. ---smurfing--- awesome if you ask me.

You could easily add TV/Video out to something like that an have an awesome all in one gaming machine that could also output the video to a larger screen.

[rablack97]

That's the one I was looking for earlier........That's portability at it's best........

[pumaking82]

Another Idea woulbe to get rid of the monitor and rig a low profile projection device in the cp.  That might help with big and fat, and you get a 70" +  playfield wherever you go. 

That would be sweet, I might add that to my bill of materials but the total price including a projection device,  well, that might be the only set back. Thanks for the links everyone 

[rablack97]

Be patient and shop, if this is gonna be your baby for authenticity, then it will be worth it.

Here is the justification, if your were to build an upright, you would automatically spend $300 - $600 on a 27" - 29" arcade monitor.

Your cutting costs on mounts, wood and lighting alone, due to it being just a modified CP.

I just looked on craigslist in my area and people selling projectors for 1/3 of the original cost.  I found a couple for $400 - $600, but thats for the possibility of a 110" screen.

Another idea if you want killer portability is go with Virtual Theater glasses...So no screen or monitor at all....Split the signal to 2 sets of these and your good...Two people looking at 50" or 80" screens.  Since the earphones are built into the units, no need for external speakers etc.  When your done, lift the lid on CP, put the glasses in.  Simple and portable....Which might be better as you might not be able to find a wall big enough to show the projector image

http://www.zetronix.com/Video-Glasses/c26/80%22-High-Resolution-3D-Capable-Virtual-Video-Glasses-with-Remote(105)/product_info.html

The price is about the same, but different concept, and pretty freakin cool....

Good luch either way...

[Epyx]

That suitcase cab is the bomb...couldn't resist the bad pun

[rablack97]

+1 on that

[jmike]

Will keep on eye on this thread. All the possibilites sure sound great but of course they add up $$$$$. When I built my control panel I had the same idea of a projector. Here's a quick pic. You just can't beat a big screen 

 

[pumaking82]

Jmike, love your panel, did you have the projector inside the panel?  And is that Mugen your running? if it is how stable is it? I have tried playing Mugen but they (various versions) keep crashing after a while.
 
This weekend I'm installing the fans for better ventilation, and cutting holes for speakers, trying to come up with a way to hide the wires coming from the LCD, also need to find a power source for the fans within the panel.  Its my first build not very experience, looking at all these other projects here, lets me know I'm far from building a perfect cap/panel but I've learn alot just from the threads, before this site I was just going to mickey mouse things, leaving all these loose ends hanging lol, glad I found this forum.  BTW Rablack seen your Black's Majic youtube vid....     

[jmike]

The projector is located inside the CP stand on a shelf and over the couch when the CP is off the stand. Here's a link to the my project:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=83337.0

The mugen i'm running is MugenHardcore Extreme, (doesn't really crash but sometimes the life bars disappear with all the button smashing). The theme to my arcade was mugen. I had a good friend of mine draw everything from scratch.

Yeah this forum is great. With the help of everyone I was able to build my CP. I guess I've come a long way from using PS2 Street Fighter anniversary Sticks and a dual x-arcade controller. Remember just ask for help, everyone's always ready to give a hand.

 

[Bender]

Will keep on eye on this thread. All the possibilites sure sound great but of course they add up $$$$$. When I built my control panel I had the same idea of a projector. Here's a quick pic. You just can't beat a big screen  

 

What game is that? A Simpsons fighter? that looks cool

EDIT: Ahhh Mugen Zero?

[shateredsoul]

yup mugen..

the characters can be downloaded seperately and added

or you can find packs to download

[pumaking82]

Updated final Version.  Has carbon fiber sticker placed on unfinished wood.  Screen is detachable, Snap on/off by push of a button.