Dedicated Vertical Taito Classic Style "Satans Hollow 2"

[Epyx]

I haven't sold her but she is lonely.  I have had a 2nd WGD9800 27" monitor sitting in a box for the 3 years since I built the Aliens Themed Cabinet.  It was my initial monitor that I boxed after purchasing a replacement. It has a small scratch in the glass that prisms the graphics a bit on the bottom middle portion. However, in Vertical mode the scratch is not so obvious or annoying.

I have had a bunch of fun with my Aliens cabinet but because it is Horizontal every vertical game I have ever loaded on it has subliminally told me to build a vertical to play them as nature intended.  I have successfully deflected the inner voice for almost three years but after coming back to the forums and reading about the wonderful recent projects others have built the itch is back...badly.

Fast forward an order to Andy at

www.ultimarc.com and a pending order to Randy at www.Groovygamegear.com and here we are.

Objective:

Feedback would be awesome if you have any ideas but basically here are my must have requirements:

• Dedicated Vertical Cabinet
• Will house 27" WGD9800 monitor
• All laminate
• More classical cabinet style, leaning toward Taito but open to any and all
• Laminate will be black or red
• PC is i3 with AVGA 3000 so want to top out at Taito X/x2 era games
• No trackball or spinner on this cab...6 buttons and 2 players (JLW sticks)

And here are my wishlist and leaning toward criteria:

• Leaning toward red trim with Black Laminate or Black trim with Red Laminate but open to artwork custom or existing
• If i go artwork I am leaning towards a "Satan's Hollow" style theme
• Open to commissioned work options sci-fi or Fantasy or cartoon
• Leading cab candidate is Taito style era and that would be the extent of curves (Front Taito portion) as I want more angles
• Open to any tech as long as it maintains classic style cabinet

So any ideas would be appreciated or if you are an artist and want to suggest a style im open and so is my wallet!  I want to document this build a bit more thoroughly than my Aliens and prior projects so that someone could conceivably follow along.

Very excited and glad to be back among this great group and forum![/list]]\

UPDATE: June 30th 2013 - Cab will be titled "Satans Hollow 2". If one of my favourite games (Satans Hollow) had a sequel in my imagination it would look like a classic Taito cabinet with Red laminate...those sexy Taito curves and angles and demonic artwork.

[Jigenjuke]

I really love the shape of the old Taito cabinets as well.  I say go for it!

Jigenjuke

[opt2not]

YEeeeeeeeah!  Epyx is back!
And a dedicated vertical cabinet... be still my heart!   
You are making a good decision here. Vertical games on vertically mounted monitors completely changes the experience.

Question, do you really need 6 buttons?  There are only a handful of 6 button vertical games...don't know if it's enough to merit the full gamut of buttons. 4 buttons would be enough IMO.

If you go with JLW's, Andy's got those octo restrictors for the UltraStik's that fit the JLW's. Personally I prefer octo gates for shmuppin', feels more fluid to me, and they also seem to work better for classic games than the square gates.

For art, how about an artist for your needs?  I know there's a few around here...

I like the Satan's Hollow-esque theme.  You already have a very cool ominous looking Aliens cab, so a Satan cabinet could pair well. Especially if you give it the blinged-out treatment you gave Aliens. Red lights?

Is it going to have side-art?  Or are you going with the glowing window disc again?

[Epyx]

@Opt2not

You are right...with a vertical cabinet I definitely don't need 6 buttons. Only reason I may stay with at least 4 is if I have friends over they can still play some horizontal games on it while the other cab is occupied but definitely don't want to impact the look so you have given me something to think about...maybe just 4 buttons then! Thanks!

As for JLWs, I have tried a lot of joysticks and my JLWs are easily my favourite so i ordered 2 more of them from Andy but I didn't think of getting the Octo restrictors...excellent suggestion! Ill be placing another order with Andy for an Aimtrack gun so will include those then. Thanks again!

As for the rest...yes agreed on the theme nice and sinister.   I definitely am interested in commissioning an artist.  I reached out to Ond but discovered I am blocked so not sure what happened there as I only ever remember getting along with people here! LOL.

I will message a few more artists as well (including you!).  Red lights are likely but no rings this time definitely some type of side art the more I think about it. Maybe a re-imagined Satans' Hollow style art?

Thanks again for the feedback!

[Brian74]

Welcome back Epyc, not that you really left. I had my cab basically finished. Then I saw my 27" crt that was replaced with a 27"lcd. Needless to say, crt went back into it. This time vertically! The new name is "Vertical Supremacy" seeing as it has a big --I'm attempting to get by the auto-censor and should be beaten after I re-read the rules-- monitor!!   I went with 2 rotarys 6 buttons each, trackball, spinner and a 4-way. The games just look so much better!

[Epyx]

HI Brian,

Very cool! Was it a project you documented here? Would like to see it.  Agreed...LCD works if you have no CRT and if your CRT option is only S-Video but for component and certainly RGB CRT just can't be beat.  You are right though in that each time I play a vertical game on my horizontal the scanlines going in the wrong direction bug me...a lot!

If you have a link id like to see it!

[Louis Tully]

.

[Brian74]

HI Brian,

Very cool! Was it a project you documented here? Would like to see it.  Agreed...LCD works if you have no CRT and if your CRT option is only S-Video but for component and certainly RGB CRT just can't be beat.  You are right though in that each time I play a vertical game on my horizontal the scanlines going in the wrong direction bug me...a lot!

If you have a link id like to see it!

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=121467.0

Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2

[Epyx]

Thanks Brian, wow nice deal on those cabs!

[mcseforsale]

Subscribed... 

[Seith]

Awesome, another epyx build!  Looking forward to this.

[mgb]

Sounds like its gonna be a great project.

Vertical will be awesome.
My cab is a 27" vertical also and it's fine for horizontals as well.

I look forward to following this project.

Just a suggestion, I see you'll be using JLWs. Great choice.
  I really like the JLW with round gate, heavy spring and cherry switches from a super. It's a great feeling all around 8 way.

I like the classic taito style, it's a great cab.

Good luck on the project.

[Epyx]

@Mgb,

Great suggestion on the JLWs...i like them stock but if they can be improved even more Im all over that.  I really think they are the most underated and versatile sticks on the market. Easily the most comfortable and with the best feel of all the sticks ive used (Mag stick, Super, Competition etc).

[Brian74]

Are these sticks good for fighters? My magstick + make it hard to hit diagonal. 

Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2

[mgb]

Are these sticks good for fighters? My magstick + make it hard to hit diagonal. 

Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2

I would think that the mag stick in 8 way mode would be easy to hit diagonals with it being a square restrictor.
I would dare to say (I know some will disagree and thats fine) that my slightly modded 8 way JLW is great for all around. Fighters, shmups, etc.

[wp34]

Your cab was one of the inspirations for my build.  I'm really glad to see you back at it!

[rablack97]

Hey man welcome back.....

Question are you using 1/16 or 1/32 laminate?

If using 1/32 on 5/8 mdf, I have some 11/16 red or blue t-molding for ya 

I've been laminating alot lately too, theres a laminate thread in the sale section, if your going black theres a guy that has 1/32 sheets at 20.00 a sheet.

I'm always sourcing your hard to find parts aren't I?

Looking forward to the build....

[Epyx]

@Brian74

Are these sticks good for fighters? My magstick + make it hard to hit diagonal.

I was NOT a fan of my Magstick. For me it was easily one of the worst joysticks I have used (aside from the Omni Prodigy which was the worst).  The throw was way to short and I never warmed up to the magnetic centering.  You can get the JLW/JLF with Balltops or Bat tops. In my opinion they are the best all around stick...a real true jack of all trades stick. Very good for 8 way and very good for 4 way. Diagonals are very easy to hit which is important for me in one of my favourite games Black Tiger...where a diagonal jump is key.

@wp34

Your cab was one of the inspirations for my build.  I'm really glad to see you back at it!

Glad to hear and this is certainly the place to be inspired...so many inspired me here the same way.

@mgb

I would dare to say (I know some will disagree and thats fine) that my slightly modded 8 way JLW is great for all around. Fighters, shmups, etc.

I completely agree...of all the sticks I have tried (at least a dozen) the JLWs are easily the best Jack of all trade sticks there are...even the 4 to 8 way switching is easy. They may not be the best at a specific type of game but they are more than up to the task for every style.

@rablack97

Question are you using 1/16 or 1/32 laminate?
If using 1/32 on 5/8 mdf, I have some 11/16 red or blue t-molding for ya 
I've been laminating alot lately too, theres a laminate thread in the sale section, if your going black theres a guy that has 1/32 sheets at 20.00 a sheet.
I'm always sourcing your hard to find parts aren't I?

1/16 red laminate from Lowes on to 5/8 mdf this time around. I want the colour to really pop with the theme im planning. THanks though! And LOL yes you have saved my bacon more than once!

[rablack97]

I thought you used 1/16 the last time wasn't sure...thats the expensive stuff 

Looking forward to the show

[mgb]

1/16" may cost more but I think it's worth it.

[rablack97]

i agree for personal 1 off builds, thicker and easier to work with cutting 1/32 down to size is a pain in the arse....especially doing bartops

[Epyx]

Agreed. I prefer 1/16...besides with 5/8th and 3/4 T Molding it's perfectly flush each time.

Well...no sooner do i go to work and have an English breakfast tea when I get a call to come downstairs and sign for a parcel.  Andy from www.ultimarc.com up to his usual tricks and sending stuff across the ocean in 7 hours and change.

Some nice toys to really kick off the new build. 



I have some cool stuff brewing on the art side of things and will begin the Taito cuts this weekend. My only confirmation will be to ensure that the 27" WGD9800 fits vertically in a standard Taito cab.  Based on my rough math it should but I will confirm Saturday.

[Ond]

Great to see you back on a new project Epyx, you're a top builder and there's quite a few new folks around here that can benefit from your approach to the craft. 

 

Ond

[edekoning]

You're cab was one of the main reasons I started building my own! Can't wait to see you get started.

[TheShaner]

Awesome!  Cant wait to see this pan out.  As with many others, your cab fell right in line with the ideas I had for mine, so it inspired a lot of what I did. 

Have you already bought the laminate?  I was able to get mine relatively cheap on ebay.  Might be something to consider.

[Epyx]

@Ond

Great to see you back on a new project Epyx, you're a top builder and there's quite a few new folks around here that can benefit from your approach to the craft.

Thanks but your design was what made the build possible. I built it based on your awesome render...without your initial vision the cab may have turned out a lot different!

@edekoning

Thanks!  I hope to start this weekend. Purchasing the MDF for sure and the Laminate will be ordered. My hope is to have all the cuts done this weekend and then have the laminate within the next few weeks.

@TheShaner

Good call on Ebay...i was thinking of going into Lowes Canada or Home Depot and doing a special order as only the US Lowes carries formica but Ebay may be a better option as Home Depot only carries a few colours and again it would be a special order through them.

[rablack97]

Yeah the guy shaner and maximimus got that great laminate deal from no longer sells it...I think epyx is looking for 1/16 vertical....the really good stuff

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

[sabreerbasAlpha]

Epyx. Read and followed your first build which was excellent. I will be watching this one closely, Good luck mate. I'm sure it will be amazing 

[Epyx]

Long weekend here in Canada so got to spend a bit of time running around for the build. I special ordered the laminate at Home Depot and expect it to arrive in about a week.  Formica is the brand I went with last time and while I like the quality of the laminate they are a terrible distributor in terms of linking to their own products or even just listing everything they carry. The *Only* place I could find a mention of the laminate (Yes 1/16th Vertical) I ordered was via the US Lowes website.  I was at least able to put a part number (845-48)to the laminate and get Home Depot to order it thanks to Lowes.

I also purchased the 5/8th MDF but will still need to pick up one more additional sheet.

I purchased the longer JLW shafts from Ultimarc:



Here is a nice side by side comparison with one installed in a JLW next to a standard length:



I also purchased the AVGA 3000. The AVGA 3000 is an Ati Radeon RV630 HD2600 card.  I will put this into the horizontal cab as there are more games like SF IV that I will play that will take advantage of it. I will put the older RV610 AVGA HD2400 into the new vertical cab.  Here is a side by side of the cards...while they look similar the AVGA3000 is almost double the speed in most benchmarks:



Next up either later today or tomorrow are tracing the measurements onto the 5/8th MDF. That is when the fun really begins!

[TheShaner]

Awesome!  It's nice to see you back in the swing of things Epyx!  Im sure this will be another killer build, I'll be watching this intently.

On the laminate, you should try eBay.  I was able to get mine a lot cheaper there.  I had to buy 5 sheets, but I'll use it.  I think I paid 125 for the 5 sheets.

Ive got one of those video cards in my cab as well, it rocks. Those shafts look pretty cool as well.

[Epyx]

Not available in red on Ebay unfortunately. The special order from Home Depot is the kind im looking for and should be fine

[rablack97]

Not sure if this is the thickness your looking for but worth a look....

http://www.reliablehardware.com/laminates.aspx

Looks like it's 1/16th   

Awesome!  It's nice to see you back in the swing of things Epyx!  Im sure this will be another killer build, I'll be watching this intently.

On the laminate, you should try eBay.  I was able to get mine a lot cheaper there.  I had to buy 5 sheets, but I'll use it.  I think I paid 125 for the 5 sheets.

Ive got one of those video cards in my cab as well, it rocks. Those shafts look pretty cool as well.

That guy no longer sells it on ebay, i was looking for it a few months ago.  He must of had surplus, sold it off, then split....

[Epyx]

Thanks Rablack97,  That's a nice red but not 1/16.  I already placed the special order at Home Depot so unless its really bad the colour I will go with that for now. If it is bad or too pink I will take another look at this one just not sure about the 1/22 width as it seems a bit thin for vertical application.

[rablack97]

I think this is textured too...you might be going for the smooth...was worth a shot though...

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

[Epyx]

Still planning and finalizing the dimensions and look of the cabinet.  I have art being worked on and a colour scheme in mind (spectrum red Formica 845-58 with black trim).  The first Formica special order laminate arrived at Home Depot yesterday and I was very pleased with how it looked in person.  So pleased that I ordered a 2nd sheet.  As usual something is lost colour wise in the picture but it is very close to what the eye sees:



I have one sheet of 5/8" MDF already and will pick up the 2nd sheet once the 2nd sheet of laminate arrives...I should have the dimensions and final look nailed down by then.  So if all goes well the first cuts will be made mid June.

[opt2not]

That's a great looking red! It's really going to make the cabinet pop!
 

Can't wait to see the artwork on this cab!

[Epyx]

Me either!! 

I will have more details that you asked for later this week...still debating!

[Gamester]

Hey Epyx, welcome back!  You and I are apparently on similar project calendars. 

It's funny, I've been having the same thoughts about doing a dedicated vertical cab lately.  After I recover from my pinball build, I may pursue that. 

Looking forward to following your build!   

[Epyx]

After I recover from my pinball build, I may pursue that.

That's hilarious...I was mulling back and forth between a dedicated vertical and a pinball build for my next project but went with the familiar

I do eventually want to do a Hyperpin LCD build.   


Now I have to go check out your pin build!

[rablack97]

Still planning and finalizing the dimensions and look of the cabinet.  I have art being worked on and a colour scheme in mind (spectrum red Formica 845-58 with black trim).  The first Formica special order laminate arrived at Home Depot yesterday and I was very pleased with how it looked in person.  So pleased that I ordered a 2nd sheet.  As usual something is lost colour wise in the picture but it is very close to what the eye sees:



I have one sheet of 5/8" MDF already and will pick up the 2nd sheet once the 2nd sheet of laminate arrives...I should have the dimensions and final look nailed down by then.  So if all goes well the first cuts will be made mid June.

Whats that stuff running you shipped to home depot per sheet?