Author Topic: Burgertime bartop-mini (Read 9891 times)

opt2not · « **on:** January 09, 2011, 10:19:08 pm »

I'm in the initial planning stages for a Burgertime bartop-mini! I've been thinking about a bartop-mini project for some time now, mainly for the purpose of having it at work on my desk to play during breaks.

This project is going to start sometime in the Q3, Q4 portion of this year, so I figured I'd get a post going on it now.
Here's a quick mock-up, I will be tweaking it as I concentrate more on this project:

Burgertime is one of my favourite games of all time, as well as one of the nicest looking full-sized cabinets!

The artwork and game seems so welcoming. I love the graphics for both the artwork and in-game sprites. The music is rad, and the game-play is fun!
I was thinking that I could put in a 60-in-1 board in it instead of a mame machine, because it would be smaller and easier to fit into this sized cabinet. I'm throwing in a 8" (4:3) LCD screen from DealExtreme.

I haven't put much thought into the actual dimensions, but I know I want it to be small-formed, and easy to sit on the corner of my desk (I'll have to mock it out with cardboard or something). I'm taking a lot of queues from Ryglore's Centipede bartop (though unfinished!), Leapinlew's Galaga, eaconner's DK bartop, and shrunkenmaster's Dig Dug bartop.
I'm thinking closer to the size of Leapinlew's galaga bartop, though definitely not as deep due to the fact I'll be using an LCD. I just gotta make sure Burger Pete will fit on there!

I like proportions of the joystick/buttons to the cabinet size on his bartop.

Controls-wise, I'm going for a 4-way setup (possibly a JLW that I've got laying around here) w/ micro-switches -- considering using those Versa-micro-switches from GGG and doing Ond's switch mod for silent running. In fact, I should be doing this for all my joystick switches! Also, a single leafswitch push-button. I've got a few white ones laying around here from other cabinets.

I want to keep the CP as clean as possible, so I'm planning on of either small midway cocktail start buttons:

or perhaps, atari cones

.

Progress will be slow on this one, hopefully I can get this one done before year's end (juggling a lot of projects at the moment).

Misc Links:
-Classic Gaming Burgertime page
-Church of Burgertime

jipp · « **Reply #1 on:** January 09, 2011, 10:54:30 pm »

that will make a great little mini bartop.. i do like the look of the burger time cab. look forward to the build.

chris.

IG-88 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 10, 2011, 11:24:06 pm »

Awesome! I have had this very same idea for quite a while. The one thing that has given me fits is how to get the curves right on the top of the cab. Have you any good ideas for that?

I have some plans made up that are just like that first pic of yours but a 1/3 smaller.

opt2not · « **Reply #3 on:** January 11, 2011, 12:31:40 am »

Quote from: IG-88 on January 10, 2011, 11:24:06 pm

Awesome! I have had this very same idea for quite a while. The one thing that has given me fits is how to get the curves right on the top of the cab. Have you any good ideas for that?

Most likely going to rough-cut the curves with my router, then clean it up with a belt sander. Shouldn't be too bad, the curves arn't too round.

Quote

I have some plans made up that are just like that first pic of yours but a 1/3 smaller.

1/3 smaller? Intriguing!
If you don't mind sharing, hit me up with a PM, I wouldn't mind seeing them! Currently the plan is to go for something close in size to leapinlew's Galaga, but slightly smaller since i'm going to use a 8" LCD rather than a 10" CRT (believe me, if I could get my hands on one of those, I'd use it for this!).

DaOld Man · « **Reply #4 on:** January 11, 2011, 07:13:02 am »

Nice project.
Suggesting for laying out the curves for the top of the cab:
Maybe use a piece of 1/2" MDF and make a template.
If you can find the original radius of the curves, you can use a router set up as a circle cutter to make the radius cuts on the template, then lay the template on the side panel and cut the "keeper" side panel with the router, using the template as a guide.
Just a suggestion.

I suggest using a template, because with the router circle cutter I made, you need to bore a hole in the inside of the radius, for the circle cutter's pivot point. This might mess up your keeper panel, but you could always fill the hole(s) with bondo I guess.

opt2not · « **Reply #5 on:** January 11, 2011, 12:42:05 pm »

Quote from: DaOld Man on January 11, 2011, 07:13:02 am

Nice project.
Suggesting for laying out the curves for the top of the cab:
Maybe use a piece of 1/2" MDF and make a template.
If you can find the original radius of the curves, you can use a router set up as a circle cutter to make the radius cuts on the template, then lay the template on the side panel and cut the "keeper" side panel with the router, using the template as a guide.
Just a suggestion.

I suggest using a template, because with the router circle cutter I made, you need to bore a hole in the inside of the radius, for the circle cutter's pivot point. This might mess up your keeper panel, but you could always fill the hole(s) with bondo I guess.

Thanks for the suggestion! I could go either route, template or circle cutter gig. But from the shape of the top, they're not really round circles, but more like oblong semi-ellipses. The thing that I'm contemplating with the design is that the shape on an original cabinet is like that due to the artwork of Pete's hat. In my bartop version, as you can see from the concepts, the hat doesn't line up to the contours. I was thinking two things: either A. adjust the artwork so it matches up more, or B. messing with the contours of those curves to fit the artwork. I might have to compromise the two.
I'll have to put more thought into the design and create a few passes on it.

RetroACTIVE had a good suggestion in Spyri's Star Castle thread about using Masonite (aka hardboard) to template it. I'm more inclined to do this, as Masonite is easy to shape out, and light weight to use as a template.
Besides, I'm going to avoid using MDF as much as I can. Can't stand the stuff. I'm planning on primarily using Plywood.

leapinlew · « **Reply #6 on:** January 11, 2011, 01:13:20 pm »

If I had to do it all over again, I would use 3/4" plywood. I used 1/2" MDF. The bartop I built after this one (Tempest) was using 3/4" - much better. I would suggest 1/2" MDF over the hardiboard as you can shape the MDF very easily and it's thick enough that it's more forgiving to trace with a router.

One of the first things you will want to do is test the monitor to ensure it can handle all the weird resolutions that MAME runs.

Can't wait to see how this turns out.

opt2not · « **Reply #7 on:** January 11, 2011, 02:30:31 pm »

Quote from: leapinlew on January 11, 2011, 01:13:20 pm

If I had to do it all over again, I would use 3/4" plywood. I used 1/2" MDF. The bartop I built after this one (Tempest) was using 3/4" - much better. I would suggest 1/2" MDF over the hardiboard as you can shape the MDF very easily and it's thick enough that it's more forgiving to trace with a router.

One of the first things you will want to do is test the monitor to ensure it can handle all the weird resolutions that MAME runs.

Can't wait to see how this turns out.

Thanks lew! Your Galaga is so kickass looking that it made me want one for my desk too! Thanks for the inspiration.

Definitely going to go with the 3/4 plywood. Also definitely installing some piano hinges on the CP and back door, based on your notes.
Thanks for the advice on the MDF. I was trying to avoid using MDF, perhaps I still might, but we'll see what I can get away with using the hardboard first. If it doesn't work out, I'll go the MDF route.

When I get my hands on the monitor I'll do some vigorous testing on resolutions for sure. Looking to ordering the stuff I need later on, as I'm not going to start this till later this year. All planning for now.

The games I primarily care about running on this machine are:

Burger Time
Galaga
The DK's
The Pac's
Dig Dug

newmanfamilyvlogs · « **Reply #8 on:** January 11, 2011, 04:08:47 pm »

Just putting out some feelers here for interest.... What would you be willing to pay, after shipping, to have two of those side panels custom cut out of MDF/Plywood/Whatever? To further qualify the question, even if you have no interest in actually doing that and want to do it yourself, would mind estimating what you think that would be worth to you?

leapinlew · « **Reply #9 on:** January 11, 2011, 04:21:16 pm »

Quote from: cotmm68030 on January 11, 2011, 04:08:47 pm

Just putting out some feelers here for interest.... What would you be willing to pay, after shipping, to have two of those side panels custom cut out of MDF/Plywood/Whatever? To further qualify the question, even if you have no interest in actually doing that and want to do it yourself, would mind estimating what you think that would be worth to you?

Very little. Probably less than the material and shipping would be. The reason is: if I am going to be cutting everything else (CP, back, braces, floor, marquee) I can cut the sides. I can build the arcade to the size I need for artwork and internals.

A kit would be useful, but I never choose a kit. I can't ever justify it. Sure it would speed things up, but I'm forced to shoehorn my equipment into it and hope for the best. Not to mention they cost too much. It's not that I have a lot of time. I value my time, but I don't mind cutting out the side panels. That doesn't take a lot of time in the overall build.

newmanfamilyvlogs · « **Reply #10 on:** January 11, 2011, 04:34:05 pm »

Quote from: leapinlew on January 11, 2011, 04:21:16 pm

Quote from: cotmm68030 on January 11, 2011, 04:08:47 pm
Just putting out some feelers here for interest.... What would you be willing to pay, after shipping, to have two of those side panels custom cut out of MDF/Plywood/Whatever? To further qualify the question, even if you have no interest in actually doing that and want to do it yourself, would mind estimating what you think that would be worth to you?

Very little. Probably less than the material and shipping would be. The reason is: if I am going to be cutting everything else (CP, back, braces, floor, marquee) I can cut the sides. I can build the arcade to the size I need for artwork and internals.

A kit would be useful, but I never choose a kit. I can't ever justify it. Sure it would speed things up, but I'm forced to shoehorn my equipment into it and hope for the best. Not to mention they cost too much. It's not that I have a lot of time. I value my time, but I don't mind cutting out the side panels. That doesn't take a lot of time in the overall build.

Well like I said; custom.
This is the problem with such a DIY community. I've got some great equipment available to me that I'd love to be able to offer services with.. it's just finding what to offer. Really for a small bartop like this we could run all the parts in a single cnc run. But doing the woodwork yourself is part of the fun for a lot of people.

opt2not · « **Reply #11 on:** January 11, 2011, 05:07:27 pm »

Quote from: cotmm68030 on January 11, 2011, 04:34:05 pm

Quote from: leapinlew on January 11, 2011, 04:21:16 pm
Quote from: cotmm68030 on January 11, 2011, 04:08:47 pm
Just putting out some feelers here for interest.... What would you be willing to pay, after shipping, to have two of those side panels custom cut out of MDF/Plywood/Whatever? To further qualify the question, even if you have no interest in actually doing that and want to do it yourself, would mind estimating what you think that would be worth to you?

Very little. Probably less than the material and shipping would be. The reason is: if I am going to be cutting everything else (CP, back, braces, floor, marquee) I can cut the sides. I can build the arcade to the size I need for artwork and internals.

A kit would be useful, but I never choose a kit. I can't ever justify it. Sure it would speed things up, but I'm forced to shoehorn my equipment into it and hope for the best. Not to mention they cost too much. It's not that I have a lot of time. I value my time, but I don't mind cutting out the side panels. That doesn't take a lot of time in the overall build.

Well like I said; custom.
This is the problem with such a DIY community. I've got some great equipment available to me that I'd love to be able to offer services with.. it's just finding what to offer. Really for a small bartop like this we could run all the parts in a single cnc run. But doing the woodwork yourself is part of the fun for a lot of people.

Hmmm...I do have fun doing the woodwork, as I'm someone who "gets by" with the tools I have. But I'd entertain this idea, mostly for the speedier start-time, and precision. I always seem to juggle multiple projects at once, which bottle-necks me a lot, 'cause I tend to have more ideas I want to start up than time!

Yeah, custom is the key here. I would have to give you the exact dimensions which I'd figure out prior, which does makes for better planning in general. Much more emphasis would need to be taken on prototyping.

Though to the DIY crowd, cost would have to be low enough to keep us from making it ourselves, at the same time enough to be worth it to you.

newmanfamilyvlogs · « **Reply #12 on:** January 11, 2011, 07:01:51 pm »

Well feel free to send me a message if you're interested. I've got access to doing vinyl printing also... Could theoretically send you panels precision cut with the art already applied. That's what's so great about CNCs.. what you put in is exactly what you get out.

Send me a number and we'll see if it's do able.

opt2not · « **Reply #13 on:** January 11, 2011, 07:17:51 pm »

PM sent. Lets see where this goes.

Mr.Ian · « **Reply #14 on:** January 11, 2011, 07:53:44 pm »

Great Stuff......Boy, I wish i was in the states, and could order one of these bad boys

IG-88 · « **Reply #15 on:** January 11, 2011, 07:56:01 pm »

Attached are those BT plans that I did a while back. Basically all I did was chop a full sized cab in half and then reduced the size by a third. Too big for what you are looking for probably but someone may be able to get a start from them.

newmanfamilyvlogs · « **Reply #16 on:** January 11, 2011, 08:13:54 pm »

.skp is sketchup?

I'll have to see if I can convert those to some format that my cad software uses. Can scale them / redraw them freely after that.

IG-88 · « **Reply #17 on:** January 11, 2011, 08:19:55 pm »

Yes, sorry, that is sketchup. You can get a free version easy enough. Keep in mind they are really basic and something I just threw together in a couple hrs.

Got a couple others too if you want them. Looks like a Tron, Asteroid (yes not plural, the 1973 machine) and a Gunfight.

opt2not · « **Reply #18 on:** January 11, 2011, 08:29:37 pm »

Quote from: IG-88 on January 11, 2011, 07:56:01 pm

Attached are those BT plans that I did a while back. Basically all I did was chop a full sized cab in half and then reduced the size by a third. Too big for what you are looking for probably but someone may be able to get a start from them.

Wow thanks! A good starting point for me to fiddle with.

IG-88 · « **Reply #19 on:** January 11, 2011, 08:32:52 pm »

No prob. I HAVE to find time this summer to knock a couple of these out. I just love those old 70's style cabs. Not to mention BT and Tron!

Encryptor · « **Reply #20 on:** January 12, 2011, 05:50:04 am »

Could you post the plan for the Tron one? Thanks.

Encryptor

IG-88 · « **Reply #21 on:** January 12, 2011, 07:06:10 am »

Encryptor · « **Reply #22 on:** January 12, 2011, 10:05:53 am »

Thank you very much.

Encryptor

IG-88 · « **Reply #23 on:** January 12, 2011, 02:04:42 pm »

Before I forget AGAIN, I should give full credit to Gozer for the initial designs. He has a ton of fullsized cabs posted in Google 3D warehouse. All I did was take his fine work and modify them a little.

BurgerKingDiamond · « **Reply #24 on:** January 16, 2011, 06:52:46 am »

I can't believe how serious they make BurgerTime sound. I love this guy.

MaineEvent · « **Reply #25 on:** January 16, 2011, 12:51:13 pm »

Quote from: BurgerKingDiamond on January 16, 2011, 06:52:46 am

I can't believe how serious they make BurgerTime sound. I love this guy.

Ohhhh now I see why I'm no good at BurgerTime.... Cause I'm not certifiably insane.
Is the full interview available somewhere?
I'd still like BurgerTime tips.

BurgerKingDiamond · « **Reply #26 on:** January 19, 2011, 03:16:13 am »

Quote from: MaineEvent on January 16, 2011, 12:51:13 pm

Quote from: BurgerKingDiamond on January 16, 2011, 06:52:46 am

I can't believe how serious they make BurgerTime sound. I love this guy.

Ohhhh now I see why I'm no good at BurgerTime.... Cause I'm not certifiably insane.
Is the full interview available somewhere?
I'd still like BurgerTime tips.

I don't know. I stumbled across it last week just looking up stuff from King of Kong. The bald dude is in KOK... Anyway, I would be so interested to see the full interview with this guy. He is intense.

Jigenjuke · « **Reply #27 on:** June 30, 2011, 08:42:55 pm »

Any updates on this project?

opt2not · « **Reply #28 on:** July 01, 2011, 02:08:35 pm »

Sadly none. Life and other distractions keep getting in the way.
Plus, I can't justify starting this one yet, till my Robotron restore is finished.
So it's going to be a while.

pinballwizard79 · « **Reply #29 on:** July 02, 2011, 01:23:30 am »

Get r dun before burgertime HD is released!

LeedsFan · « **Reply #30 on:** July 02, 2011, 01:42:12 am »

That mockup in the first looks great! I love how colourful the Burgertime artwork is. This will make a great looking bartop.

Did you buy that 8" monitor you linked to? I'm in the market for a small size monitor like that and I wondered how it performed for PC and Mame use. Viewing angles, brightness etc.

Ryglore · « **Reply #31 on:** July 09, 2011, 03:31:37 pm »

How is it I never posted in this thread? Love the entire design and look of this project. I'm also interested in that 8" monitor, it'll work perfect for my Centipede project once I can afford to finish it.

GreenBoy · « **Reply #32 on:** July 10, 2011, 02:46:57 am »

Man, loving this, will be an awesome cabinet. Makes me want to copy it


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