Re: First build - XtremeArcade (COMPLETED!)

[misterbeeez]

Hi!!

First post here. And sorry for my english!! First, I'd like to say that you guys are doing great stuff! This forum was a true inspiration for my project.
I know not a lot of you are doing arcade using an Xbox, but mine will be, as the Xbox was the central point to do all this! It was laying there in the basement, so I tought, why not put him in a nice big box!! And since I am not a electrical guru, I will keep things simple.

So my plan is :

- Using a modded Xbox with plenty of game in it. Also already have the Capcom Classics, Midway Treasure, etc.
- Using an X-Arcade controller. Already dissambled to make my own CP with colored buttons to match the Xbox controller.
- My own artwork for Marquee and CP is already done also. It's kind of "tribute" to Xbox, with a green scheme.
- Cabinet made of 5/8" MDF. Not much done on that since there is too much snow outside to work.

So short story to say that I am realy excited to be here, and I hope the finished project will meet my expectation!

Here's some pics of what I have so far.

Thanks for your input and for your future help!

Ben

[kahlid74]

Welcome!  Stay motivated and keep at it!  Using the X-Arcade control panel is a good idea for reusing something already made.  Light up buttons are always the JAM as well.

The only thing I would tell you to think hard about is the XBOX.  Is it an original or a 360?  2D games should be good but 3D games could prove problematic as the XBox may not be powerful enough to run them.

[misterbeeez]

Yes, it's an original XBOX. It's the main reason why I decided to build my own arcade. I like the fact that it can play cool games (Mortal Kombat, Dead Or Alive, etc.) plus the Arcade Classics, like Namco, Capcom, Midway. And with the Xgaming Adapter, it's so easy to configure the CP.

I wanted something simple for my first build, that's why I choose the X-Arcade controller. Maybe I will try something else if I build another one one day!

As for the build itself, not much more this weekend. Still too cold outside to work the MDF. So I make some little progress on the electrical stuff.
Tested all my buttons with mw switch, etc.

I plan to use an old coin door a friend gave me to put my switchs.

Here's some more pics.

[misterbeeez]

It's finally starting to get warmer outside, so I can start to work on the cabinet itself.
Not much progress, but its certainly going on the right direction!

Here's some more pics... hope to get more progress next week-end.

[misterbeeez]

Wheater was on my side this week-end, so I could finally progress on my cab.
I will be able to finish the rough part probably next week-end. Lots of sanding and patching to do.

Here's a quick look at it.

Thanks for looking!

[BadMouth]

Excellent design! 

[talkgeek]

Looks good!  , thinking I might have to do the same for my old XBOX
What screen are you putting in it (old TV CRT or LCD) ?   

[misterbeeez]

I'll be using a brand new 26" LCD. It fits so flush in the cabinet... I could almost skip the bezel!

I wanted something in 720p to get the most of my XBOX.

Thanks for your support and for looking! Hope to have some progress this week-end.

[segaleeroy]

very good design buddy

looking forward to see it finished

[misterbeeez]

It's been a busy week at home, but I found some time to do some stuff.

As you can see, primer is almost finish. I might give a second coat just in case.

The marquee area is prime in white, to help the marque light to shine evenly.

It need just one more coat of white gloss to work even better. As you can see in the picture, it's pretty bright!

Next step will be to paint the final coat. I will probably choose a dark grey (not pure black), to look like a old xbox case.

Thanks for looking!

Ben

[wordsworth]

I like it! What color T-mold are you gonna use. Seems like a lighter color (white) would really make it pop. Nice work!

[misterbeeez]

I have to admit... I was not aware of T-molding when I started this project.
For this build, I will paint the edge gloss green, to match my marquee and control panel.
It should look ok, since it's well sanded and primed.

There is few mistakes like this here and there, but I hope nobody will notice!! 

[sabreerbasAlpha]

Got to say for your first build mate its looking pretty sharp. I wish you would T mould it though. And mistakes are something everybody makes. Don't go finishing it with things or aspects of the build your not happy with because you will only be at yourself when its finished with what ifs. Correct your mistakes and take your time. Trust me you will be so much happier with it. But like I said, Its looking very nice mate keep going..

[wordsworth]

I'm curious because I've never seen the X-Arcade control panel in person but does it have black T-molding on it's edges or is it just rounded over?

Yeah, I think you'd like the T-molding if you decide to use it. Something like this

http://www.t-molding.com/store/product.php?productid=42&cat=0&page=&featured=Y

[misterbeeez]

hi!

I've seen that T-Molding (after I knew about!), but green color is always 3/4". I've used 5/8" MDF on my build.
Also, it has pretty sharp corner, wich I'm afraid will cause me some trouble. I can live with the fact that for my first build, it will be painted. I am pretty confident that it will look good if I choose the right finish.

And yes, the X-Arcade has T-molding, but I won't be using it as is. It's already dissassemble to make my own CP.

Thanks for your input by the way.

[wordsworth]

You've obviously done excellent work thus far so I agree it will look good in the end. Looking forward to more pics. Nice cab!

[misterbeeez]

Hi!

Not much since last update, but now my CP is done. Remember that this is for an old XBOX. That's why I choose this design.
It's the same layout as the original X-Arcade. I think it's gonna be ok for this first build.
You can also see on the background that my cab is paint in black. Only the edge left to paint... I might be able to do this this week!

So, I am on my way to finish this for the end of the month...!! (I hope...)

Thanks for looking!

[misterbeeez]

Hi again!

Another quick update...! Paint is completly done. Dark grey everywhere and a bright yellow-green on the edge.
As you can see, I think it fits perfectly my artwork on the marquee and the CP.

So next step, is wiring everything! Speakers, TV, CP, lights and the switchs to power all that!

Here's a little preview!

[sabreerbasAlpha]

I really do like the work so far. True to the Xbox Look and some nice lines. Good job mate 

[misterbeeez]

So, finally, it's done. Well, 99,5%! Need a bezel for the TV (wich I have) and few minor things.

It works flawlessly, sound is awesome (way too loud if I want!), picture is clean, controller is great.
I am really proud for my first build... now, I want to build another one!! And correct the mistakes I made with this one.

Here's a short clip I made for my friends (it's in french, but it's nothing important).



And a final pic of the completed cabinet.

Thanks for everyone who encourage me!

[wordsworth]

Impressive! 

[a1pharm]

Very nice work!  Could you describe your XBox software setup and your thoughts related to it?

[edekoning]

Nice cab! I really like the shape near the control panel, where you made the control panel pretty slim, but kept the sides big.

Just one question though, what material did you use for the internal braces/battons? From the pictures it seems like MDF.

[misterbeeez]

Hi there!

a1pharm : My Xbox is using an Executer2 chip. So all my games are on the internal hard drive.
I am using Qwik to upload the ISO onto it. The front end is Evolution X. I will try to take a picture of this on the week-end.
Will be back to you ASAP!

edekoning : I use 5/8" MDF all the way, with lots of carpenter glue and nails. It's rock solid! On the joint, it makes a lot of surface to glue and nail.
I tought using a different wood, but it's all the left over of MDF that makes the braces, so almost no waste on this project.

Thanks for your comments guys..!!