Galaga Bartop (99.9 percent done with pics) Update 11/16/2010

[BobA]

I am starting another bartop since I enjoyed putting the kit bartop together.  This one is a Galaga bartop with a very slim profile using an LCD monitor.

Progess to date.

Sketched out the side view and calculated the lengths of internal components.

Cut out sides and internal pieces.  Sides and CP piece slotted for T molding. Sides were cut with a template and a router to allow for easy replication.  All internal pieces were laid out on the template.

Internal pieces will be attached using screws and a Kreg Jig to cut pocket holes.

Here is a sketch of the cab and the components cut out.


edit: Added a completed pic so you do not have to go thru the whole tread.

[leapinlew]

Very cool Bob.

When I built mine, I connected the control panel to the kickplate part and used a roundover bit. I did this to try and emulate the stand up machine and it allowed me to use 1 piece of art. The downside is accessing the arcade. It's a pain!

How many buttons you plan on using?

[BobA]

Plan on a 3 buttons along with P1 P2 and Coin.  Joystick will be a Wico 8 way or a 4/8 way Ultimarc top switchable.

Edit this may change to 2 buttons instead of 3 as I hear 3 are not usually used.

[IG-88]

Very nice!    What kind of material are you using for the cab itself? Has it already been laminated? How about the hardware and software? Artwork?

[BobA]

Material is 5/8 inch black melamine coated mdf shelving. Two 6 foot shelves give enough material for both sides, interior pieces and left overs.  Exact hardware will not be discussed as I don't want to start a firestorm here.  There is no software required for the hardware. The screen is a 14 inch LCD mounted vertically with overall dimensions of 11 inches wide by 14 1/4 high. Artwork will probably be a Galaga marquee and side art reduced in size to fit the cab.  An atx power supply will power the screen and all other hardware, light and fan.

Thanks for asking

[BobA]

Looking at the access I think I will keep the front and CP separate to  make it easier to work on.

[jmike]

Another one?
      Wish I had your dedication to the hobby and time.  .
Can't wait to see more pics.


 

[IG-88]

I think I know what you are talking about with the hardware. Got a couple of those myself. 

Never thought of using black shelving. You get that at your local hardware store? I've seen white and blond or natural "wood" color but never black.

[BobA]

Got the shelving at Home Depot.  It is not in the shelving area.  It is usually found in around the area where they have melamine coated particle board 4 x 8 sheets and pine shelving.  

[BobA]

Used the Kreg jig to make pocket holes in all my interior pieces.   Ready now for assembly. Only piece that does not have pockets is the back panel which will be hinged with a lock.

[BobA]

Here are some assembly pics of the bartop.  

First pic - lots of clamps are needed - assembly being started.
Second pic - assembled side view
Third pic - front view - control panel needs to be laid out and drilled
Fourth pic - inside back view - fan panel needs a hole cut for fan and back piece needs hinge and lock. Neither piece mounted.

Note: in the last pic you can see the back view where I used the bull nose edge of the shelving to finish the sides as well as the
top and bottom of the cab.  The front sides and CP are slotted for t-molding. 

Note: the small power screwdriver.  Since the cab is only 13 inches wide inside there is no way a regular sized drill will fit inside.

[leapinlew]

Nice Bob, your on a roll!

Whats the price/time tally on build vs buy so far?

[BobA]

I think the bare cab will cost me about $35 in material vrs $135 for a kit plus shipping.  But since I used shelving for the melamine coated MDF I could not cut the size required for the kit that I purchased. The cost is only based on the slim galaga design cab.  Time to plan and cut the galaga cab about 1 week.  Time to receive the kit about 1 week.

Cost for the finished cabs is much much different.

Kit cab based on a dual core CPU and 500 GB hardrive and 2GB memory with 19 inch LCD and encoder, amp joystick and buttons etc about $650

Galaga scratch built cab with you know what hardware and PS with 14 inch LCD joystick and buttons about $350.

Once you start adding parts the cost difference is not very large.  If the Galaga cab was to get the same PC as the kit built cab the price would be about $550.  It is only alot cheaper right now because of the single board arcade being used for the hardware and not a PC.

[abispac]

it looks so nice, i love it. good job 

[leapinlew]

I think the bare cab will cost me about $35 in material vrs $135 for a kit plus shipping.  But since I used shelving for the melamine coated MDF I could not cut the size required for the kit that I purchased. The cost is only based on the slim galaga design cab.  Time to plan and cut the galaga cab about 1 week.  Time to receive the kit about 1 week.

Cost for the finished cabs is much much different.

Kit cab based on a dual core CPU and 500 GB hardrive and 2GB memory with 19 inch LCD and encoder, amp joystick and buttons etc about $650

Galaga scratch built cab with you know what hardware and PS with 14 inch LCD joystick and buttons about $350.

Once you start adding parts the cost difference is not very large.  If the Galaga cab was to get the same PC as the kit built cab the price would be about $550.  It is only alot cheaper right now because of the single board arcade being used for the hardware and not a PC.

Nice. Personally, I think the end goal justifies the path you take. If the journey is fun, than scratch built is the way to go. If the fun is playing, than pre-built is just fine.

Looking good.

[BobA]

leapinlew - Yes I have to agree that your needs should dictate the way to go.   The one thing the kit did was bring back some fun as shown by me jumping right into a scratch build.

abispac - Thanks for the comment.

[IG-88]

What is the width of the shelving? 12"? How bad do you think it would look if you would join 2 pieces together giving you a 24" width? Properly glued and clamped, would the seam show all that much?

I know at Menards they have that shelving in 36" widths tho not in black. Maybe you could order black that wide...

[BobA]

The depth of the shelving is 15.5 inches.  That is why the sides of my cab are a max of 15 inches deep. 

You could probably glue 2 12 inch together but it depends on what the surface is that you are gluing to.  Ideally it should be bare particle board or mdf.  This might mean ripping the shelving down a 1/4 inch if it has finish on all sides. The seam will probably show as the sides are already finished and it is hard to get an invisible joint.

I found my shelving at Home Depot not in the shelving area but in the wood and plywood area.

[BobA]

Here is an oops due to the use of the Kreg Jig.   The bottom plate has 8 pockets in it as it is a major supporting piece.  Of course I cut t-molding slots in the bottom of the cab sides.   The screws ended up interfering with the t-molding slot so I had to cut gaps out of the t-molding to allow for the places the screws blocked the slot.  If I was to do it again I would leave 1/2 inch so the bottom of the cab would be raised and the screws would not interfere with the t-molding slot

Now with t-molding

[jmike]

 
    Awesome work as always. (I'm a Kreg Jig owner as well). Keep those pics coming.
Where are you getting the artwork from?

 

[Bender]

Hey BodA,

project looks great, I'm working on a few very similar to this

I've used the Kreg jig for all my projects and did exactly what you did by cutting little slots out of the spine of the t-molding, and not once has it come lose or had any problems whatsoever, so I'll keep doin' it the same way

I love that I can take the whole thing apart If I need to

[BobA]

    Awesome work as always. (I'm a Kreg Jig owner as well). Keep those pics coming.
Where are you getting the artwork from?

   Not quite sure where to get the artwork yet but there seem to be quite a few higher res pics of Galaga art around.   I was debating whether to make it look like a Galaga cab or combine the Ms Pacman and Galaga artwork to make a anniversary reunion cab.  The Galaga cab is the easiest as the other artwork does not seem to be around in high res.

   Anyone have any preferences?

[BobA]

Hey BodA,

project looks great, I'm working on a few very similar to this

I've used the Kreg jig for all my projects and did exactly what you did by cutting little slots out of the spine of the t-molding, and not once has it come lose or had any problems whatsoever, so I'll keep doin' it the same way

I love that I can take the whole thing apart If I need to

Thanks for the comment Bender.  I absolutely loved your Benderama cab it was a work of art.  Being able to take a panel off if required is a definite plus.

[jmike]

I vote for the combo Galaga/Ms Pacman art.
Will keep a look out for the high res artwork for you.


 

[BobA]

Thanks jmike, thatitalian, abispac, Jefferson, leapinlew, IG-88, Bender, Rick, BurgerKingDiamond, The Evil Collector, ids

Votes    7 Combo
            5 Galaga

Update 11/15/2010  I cast my vote and went with a simple combo format.

[BobA]

3 combos available 20th Aniv and 25 Aniv and 30 Aniv

Hard to find images of the RH side of the cab for 25 and 30.

Edit:
30 Aniv may not even be released yet.  Actual name Pac-Man's Arcade Party.

This new release will feature twelve Namco classics: Pac-Man, Galaga, Pac-Mania, Galaxian, Rally X, Mappy, Dig Dug, Xevious, Bosconian, Galaga ’88, Rolling Thunder, and Dragon Spirit. For a display it will likely use an LCD monitor, like the 25th anniversary cabinets did. There is no release date or price listed for the unit at this time but it will certainly be released before the end of the year.

No official release yet so probably no artwork or even pics of the RH side.  The original pic looks like a rendering.

[thatitalian]

Wow, that 30th Aniv artwork is crazy! Do we have that available anywhere? I would definitely go with that!

Awesome build!

[abispac]

Ill vote for a combo look, it has to be combo if you are using multiple games in it.... 

[Jefferson]

I'll be the snoozefest that votes for straight up Galaga!

Whats cool about it is that it'd be something familiar, yet miniature. 

The anniversary things always look like a photoshop chop job trying to mesh different aesthetics (like throwing clip art all over marquees as some do here) I especially hate the 'two face' split look of that 20th ann cab.

[leapinlew]

As a Galaga Bartop builder, I vote Galaga.

Now that I think about it - what games are you wanting to play that require 3 buttons? I have a hard time needing more than 2. I usually only put 1 to keep the look clean even though I lose some games.

[IG-88]

1 vote for the combo artwork.

[BobA]

As a Galaga Bartop builder, I vote Galaga.

Now that I think about it - what games are you wanting to play that require 3 buttons? I have a hard time needing more than 2. I usually only put 1 to keep the look clean even though I lose some games.

Gunsmoke has 3 buttons for shooting directions. Left Center Right but it is not one of my favs so 2 buttons are probably good for me.

Edit:  Just checked the dip settings and it looks like there is a one button mode so I don't have to lose the game with 2 buttons.

[leapinlew]

I would like to vote 6 more times for dedicated Galaga.

Why do you guys want his machine not to look as good as it can be? Shame on you!

[IG-88]

I hate to tell ya Lew but Galaga.....    Now Galaxian.... 

[leapinlew]

I hate to tell ya Lew but Galaga.....    Now Galaxian.... 

I change my vote to 1 week ban for IG-88.


 

[IG-88]

I thought that would get a rise out of you. 

[Bender]

one more vote for a dedicated Galaga, those combos look cheesy to me (plus if you go that route I might be able to hook you up with some artwork)

[Rick]

I vote dedicated Galaga, and have it on good authority that Saint agrees with me.

 

[BobA]

(plus if you go that route I might be able to hook you up with some artwork)

Thanks Bender.  I am interested in Galaga artwork as the Galaga vote is increasing and the original title of my project is Galaga Bartop.

[BurgerKingDiamond]

I would really think that Galaga dedicated artwork would go without saying 

[The Evil Collector]

Combo combo combo 

[BobA]

Back to actual construction.  Gathering up the parts to put into the cab and finishing various pieces.

First pic: LCD screen that is going to be used.  Stripped down to screen and bezel.

Second pic: Control panel with button and joystick holes drilled.  Coin button and speaker to be mounted on the front of the cab under the CP. Light for marquee.

Third pic: Test rig and other buttons connected to jamma harness to test the function of the circuit board.  Unused wires cut back as they take up alot of space and probably will never be required.

Fourth pic: Exhaust fan mounted in panel at the top of the back.

Not shown ATX power supply to power the whole bartop. Power on jumpered to GND so the supply can be turned on and off with the PS switch. Marquee light, coin light, LCD monitor, fan and circuit board all connect to 4 pin drive connectors.

[leapinlew]

Combo combo combo 

C-C-C-C-COMBO BREAKERRRR

[BobA]

Speaker and fan mounted. Going to have to clean cab and touch up some spots when complete.   Thought I would get the hardware in then design the graphics around it.

That is it for tonight.

[BobA]

Installed buttons and joystick on control panel.

[ids]

Great build!

I vote galaxian (waiting for leapinlew to have aneurysm)

Just kidding, dedicated galaga.  I like the 30'th anniv cab, but that's too much artwork for a bartop, imho.  And then there's Galaga - what other game is there?  People might ask what those other characters are?  Were they in a game? 

[BobA]

Great build!

I vote galaxian (waiting for leapinlew to have aneurysm)

Just kidding, dedicated galaga.  I like the 30'th anniv cab, but that's too much artwork for a bartop, imho.  And then there's Galaga - what other game is there?  People might ask what those other characters are?  Were they in a game? 

Pac-Man's Arcade Party
30 Anniversary Edition

Comes with (13) Thirteen Classic 80's Video Games : Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, Pac-Mania, Galaga, Galaga '88, Bosconian, Dig Dug, Dragon Spirit, Galaxian, Mappy, Rally X, Rolling Thunder and Xevious all in one cabinet !

[ids]

Sorry - something got lost in the translation between the voice in my head and the text i typed.  I was kidding - I do know the other games.  Just having some fun along the lines of "what other games exist?" when you have Galaga.

But since I'm here, another vote for dedicated Galaga.

Tho, that 30'th anniv cab would look nice next to my imaginary pins, skeeball, pool table, etc, in the imaginary game room i imagine i have 

[leapinlew]

No angle on the CP? Bob, live a little man!

And I like Galaxian ok the problem with it is the slow game play, poor sound effects, static levels, and no challenge stages. Other than that though, awesome game.

[abispac]

Installed buttons and joystick on control panel.

Hey boba, what joystick are you using? thanks.

[BobA]

Using a Magstick Plus top switchable 4/8.

[BobA]

Screen mounting time.   The bare screen did not have any Vesa mounting holes so I had to open it up and drill holes to screw the screen to the support.

Screen mounted showing back and front.

[BobA]

No angle on the CP? Bob, live a little man!

Good point.   I will give it a try flat and see what it feels like.  I can put it on an angle by unscrewing the back of the panel and lifting it a bit. I will give it a try too.  Good thing the screen is floating.  My original mounting idea would have had it supported by the control panel.

Thanks leapinlew

Edit:  As per leapinlew's suggestion gave the panel about a 5 degree rise for an angle. It is hard to see in the picture but it now has a definite slope.  Also lined the marquee top and bottom shelves with metalized tape for better light reflection.

[BobA]

Here we go today.  If I don't run into any unexpected problems it will be running by this evening.

Mounted circuit board in cab and attached jamma harness.  

Left to do:

Mount Power supply
Connect buttons and joystick
Mount marquee light
Mount back panel with hinge and lock

[BobA]

Buttons and joystick connected.   Service and Test buttons added to interior of cabinet.
Jamma harness tie wrapped and made neat.
Power supplied wired in but not strapped down yet.

It's alive!

GALAGA!

Total time elapsed since original post 7 days.

[BobA]

Now that it is running it is time to finalize the to do list.

Mount Power supply (strapping) DONE
Mount marquee light (HD double sided tape used to mount touchscreens) DONE
Mount back panel with hinge and lock probably add some wood or mdf stops DONE
Cut and install plexi for bezel DONE
Cut and install plexi for marquee DONE

Artwork for marquee, side and control panel. DONE

This is the last little bit that always seems to take the longest.
Have to go play some Galaga.

[Rick]

This is the last little bit that always seems to take the longest.
Have to go play some Galaga.

We'll check on you in a couple months, to see when you're ready for your next update.

 

[BobA]

Hopefully it will not be that distracting since I have a full featured bartop with MAME and other emulators.  This unit is actually a present for a family friend so I had to make sure I got a jump on it to be finished for Christmas 

[Rick]

Hopefully it will not be that distracting since I have a full featured bartop with MAME and other emulators.

You're the lucky one.  I have promised myself I won't wire up the joysticks and buttons until the entire cab is ready.  Let's see how long that lasts.

 

[Bender]

looking sweet!!! It's like a twin of one I built
I have art for the Marquee, side, CP and Bezel PM me the dimensions and I think I can hook you up

[leapinlew]

Looks good. The only issue I have is the clarity of the LCD with Galaga. It's just a little too sharp. Know what I mean? Not much you can do about it. It's one of the few games I prefer a CRT with.

[BobA]

Looks good. The only issue I have is the clarity of the LCD with Galaga. It's just a little too sharp. Know what I mean? Not much you can do about it. It's one of the few games I prefer a CRT with.

I use the scientific additive method to reduce the sharpness.   Just add BEER 

[Rick]

I use the scientific additive method to reduce the sharpness.   Just add BEER 

Just remember, when the display suddenly disappears (this has been known to happen with this method) rotate 180 degrees.

 

[BobA]

Went with a combo look.  Pac-man and Galaga art.  Hate the split front panel on anniv cabs so I just left it alone for now.

So here it is at about 98 percent done.

Finished back panel.  Used a cutout for the ATX power supply so I could use it's AC cord and on/off switch.  Fan is reversed to blow air in and the fan at the top of the cab blows air out.

Pac-Man art for the left side of cab.
Galaga art for the right side of the cab.
Combo marquee for Pac-Man and Galaga.  I know - wrong game on screen  

Total elapsed time 11 days

[Encryptor]

Very nice machine Bob. 

Encryptor

[IG-88]

Never thought about reversing the PSU fan. How hard was that to do?

[BobA]

Never thought about reversing the PSU fan. How hard was that to do?

It only takes a few minutes.  The fan is held in by self tapping screws from the outside.  Remove those and the top and sides (1 piece) of the power supply.  Usually you can slide the fan around and reattach using the self tapping screws. 

[IG-88]

Never thought about reversing the PSU fan. How hard was that to do?

It only takes a few minutes.  The fan is held in by self tapping screws from the outside.  Remove those and the top and sides (1 piece) of the power supply.  Usually you can slide the fan around and reattach using the self tapping screws. 

Brilliant!!    

[jmike]

  
Amazing work as always BobA! What front end are you using?

[BobA]

There is no front end required as the circuit board has it all built in.

[BobA]

Bezel installed. Completed  

Total time elapsed 12 days  

Thanks for all the comments!

[Termin8tor]

Excellent work, congratulations on a stunning bartop.

[jipp]

looks great.  keep up the good work

chris.

[emphatic]

Pac-Man's Arcade Party
30 Anniversary Edition

Comes with (13) Thirteen Classic 80's Video Games : Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, Pac-Mania, Galaga, Galaga '88, Bosconian, Dig Dug, Dragon Spirit, Galaxian, Mappy, Rally X, Rolling Thunder and Xevious all in one cabinet !

Are all of these games on that same PCB? I don't really see how Rolling Thunder fits in, as it's horizontal.  Also, do all games run perfect, i.e. is this a recommended product?

[BobA]

That list has not been verified as the actual 30 Anniv cab has not been released as far as I know.  The list was only from the advertising.

[emphatic]

That list has not been verified as the actual 30 Anniv cab has not been released as far as I know.  The list was only from the advertising.

Thanks! I totally misread that post and thought that it was describing the PCB that you've used in your bartop. Would be really sweet to buy an official JAMMA multi-PCB with those titles running perfectly. *drools*