first arcade build.

[ShadeValryn]

keep in mind that i'm not that handy, so don't be surprised if you see any craftsmanship decisions along the way that make you cringe.  the most experience with tools i had before this was building a prop sword.  anyways, back to the arcade.  it still has a ways to go, but all the parts are here.  the arcade parts are as follows:

-silverstrike bowling 2007 base cabinet
-mameroom quad control panel blanks
-4 ultrastik 360s
-groovygamegear zippyy changable joystick
-turbotwist 2
-happ horizontal pushbuttons with 20g softtouch
-convex chrome led start and credit buttons
-happ 3" trackball
-27" crt vga monitor i got for cheap on craigslist
-chrome strip t-molding
-2 ipac2's daisy-chained (so i can use ultimarc's 360 adapters when they're commercially available)
-minipac


the computer running the cabinet had to be capable of running SFxTekken but MAINLY had to be able to emulate gamecube and wii games with no issues whatsoever.  so.... i kind of went a little overboard for an emulation computer.  but hey, had to put the analog control of the ultrastiks to use for brawl

-560w psu
-intel i5 2550k quad
-128gb SSD (fast boot, quick load)
-8gb ddr3 RAM
-gigabyte gt 220 oc (free from my brother, might have to upgrade that when a deal comes along)

some of the miscellaneous items
-krylon fusion paint in red, blue, green, and yellow for the analog sticks (also had to get adhesion promoter and clear coat)
-smartstrip powerstrip


there are more pictures and possibly better explainations on my fb album (i'll attach pictures to this post later tonight):
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150901042463062.411684.556753061&type=1&l=d896572e7f

here's a little video that might show some of what's been done (this was done today):
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10151009409528062#

so yeah.  right now i'm focusing and getting a few more of the hardware logistics done, but it's coming along nicely.  i'd say it's about halfway there.  got all the parts, just have to throw em together.

[Mat]

Why do you have so many buttons for the outside players?  As far as I know, three and four player games use a maximum of four buttons per player.

[ShadeValryn]

Why do you have so many buttons for the outside players?  As far as I know, three and four player games use a maximum of four buttons per player.

well, for one, smash brothers

[Le Chuck]

The mock up shows the screen at a more upright angle than the current cabinet.  Is that correct or just the image?  4 player and screen almost at 90 don't always go together that well.

[ShadeValryn]

The mock up shows the screen at a more upright angle than the current cabinet.  Is that correct or just the image?  4 player and screen almost at 90 don't always go together that well.

that's just a mock up using mamerooms little previewer thing for custom ordering them to build a cab.  i just used it to try and get a feel for how i want my button colors to be organized.  my monitor will be angled.  i remember reading about how that's a MUST for 4 player cabs.

[the_gamer]

Could you point me to that article/tell me why it is so bad? I want to build an arcade cab with 4player/currently building but i also want to use it for other supposes where that upright monitor would be better.

Those arguments would really help me to decide for the best angle?

[ShadeValryn]

Could you point me to that article/tell me why it is so bad? I want to build an arcade cab with 4player/currently building but i also want to use it for other supposes where that upright monitor would be better.

Those arguments would really help me to decide for the best angle?

from what i gathered, if you have a crt that has a mostly flat screen and you can put it slightly further back into the monitor, it'll be able to be seen by all 4 players just fine and you'll have an easy time with lightguns and other functions for it.  i have a curved crt and the tilt helps all 4 players see the entire screen.  i'm having trouble finding threads on it.  strange.

[Le Chuck]

Could you point me to that article/tell me why it is so bad? I want to build an arcade cab with 4player/currently building but i also want to use it for other supposes where that upright monitor would be better.

Those arguments would really help me to decide for the best angle?

Best advice is to look at some great commercially produced 4p cabs like Simpsons, TMNT, NBA Jam, or even Gauntlet for that matter.  You'll note the cutaway sides and the laid back design. It really helps.  If going upright you need to pull everybody back further from the screen.  A pedestal or showcase cab design is a good choice when you can't angle your monitor.

There are always compromises, if you're seldom going to have 4 players at the same time but just want the functionality then don't worry about it as much.   

[the_gamer]

There are always compromises, if you're seldom going to have 4 players at the same time but just want the functionality then don't worry about it as much.   

I think for my purpose that will be the best. Thanks a lot and sorry for going a little off-topic here.

[ShadeValryn]

There are always compromises, if you're seldom going to have 4 players at the same time but just want the functionality then don't worry about it as much.   

I think for my purpose that will be the best. Thanks a lot and sorry for going a little off-topic here.

hey not a problem.  when i get my monitor mounted in i'll get some photos from the perspective of the 3rd and 4th players