Weecade Bubble Bobble - Parts ordered!

[nordemoniac]

I'm back!

I'm a two year old member, but I haven't been active in more than a year. I used to be on this forum several times a day, and the different build threads were one of my favorites.

Me and a friend of mine started out on a budget upright cabinet, which still isn't finished, due to apartment renovation, job situation etc. I guess that's just life. At the moment, I'm not able to continue with the upright cabinet (which is located at my friend), but I'm now thinking of starting a project I've been putting on hold for a long, long time.

A mini Bubble Bobble cabinet!

The goal is to mainly use parts I have laying around. I haven't decided on which computer to use, or if I should by a new mini-ITX main-board. I'll keep updating with my decisions.

I were inspired by the several years old PixelBox thread, and while I have no intentions on going that detailed on my project, I've loosely based my design on the PixelBox, and the size should be something similar.

It will most likely be made by MDF, this is what I have available. I'm hoping to be able to use 10mm MDF, and glue them directly to each other, which should give enough space for monitor, computer and the different PSUs.

The project is intended to give me more experience with woodworking, planning, and Sketchup abilities.
I've just started with Sketchup, and this is what I've done so far:

[a1pharm]

Nice work in sketchup (especially for being new)

 

[nordemoniac]

Thanks dude! 

Yes, I checked out the first four official Sketchup Make tutorials on YouTube, which does gives a lot of tips on how to get started. I was actually surprised with how simple it was to get started. A bit of problems back and forth with groups and components, but I think I got the hang of it.

I hope I'll be able to get an OK model finished this week, then I'll start looking into more details for the model.

This is my current progress. I added a 120mm fan at top. I'm pretty sure it will be needed. Air intake will probably be at a raised bottom, or at the lower back ( )

[nordemoniac]

Ok... Last update before bedtime.

I downloaded the joystick and buttons from the 3D-gallery. The button's length is with the connectors included. I'm thinking of doing a bit more detailed model, and contribute to the community

Anyways, it's of very much help to have the 3D-models of the buttons. F.ex. the highly detailed Sanwa joystick really gives you an idea of all the places you will have to route. I have never mounted one of these, and as the stick is rather short, I'll have to route it all the way through, leaving only a small plate up and down for the bolts to go through. I guess this is the normal way to mount it?

Also the buttons will have to be routed out through the MDF I guess, so they're snapped into the plexi.

I've hid the plexi which will go over the control panel. I'm thinking of recessing it so much that it will hide the bolts beneath the plexi. I actually like the big carriage bolts on bigger uprights, but on this mini arcade, it will only look strange.

Any comments or opinions?

[nordemoniac]

I'm not sure which color I should have on the cabinet. I'm thinking blue from the marquee, and orange from the bubble bobble logo.

Also the joystick and buttons, should they match the control panel (which will be blue) or the orange sides? I'm not sure if the orange Sanwas will match the color well.

How about the back/top. All orange or orange/blue like the pictures? Also notice below the control panel at front, there's a thin orange line. Should I have this blue as well?

Not a good designer type of guy, so need some help here.

[ppv]

Love the idea, especially the thinness of the bottom!  Looking really good!

[nordemoniac]

I'm considering buying a new Mini-ITX computer. I currently have a 5 year old Fujitsu-Siemens (yeah, that long ago) Esprimo. I think it is 1.8Ghz dual core. It generates a lot of heat, and to be honest, I'm not sure how long it will live. It also has a DVD-rom etc. which I'm pretty sure I won't need anymore.
So... If I'm going to buy a new motherboard, I was thinking of something like the AMD E45M1-I Deluxe, which I'm already using as an HTPC, low power consumption, fanless etc. The problem though is that it won't be powerful enough to run HyperSpin, and it's an old motherboard, hard to find today.

That's why I'm thinking of a cheap S1155 Mini-ITX board + an Intel i3 3225 CPU. This has HD4000 graphics, and should be more than enough for this project. The price is a bit steep though, and I will need a different PSU... I guess a pico 150W should be enough, but it will quickly get expensive. Also as this is a one-person machine with an 8 inch monitor, I wouldn't want to throw too much money in it, then I would rather put some cash into a 2P-controller and a larger screen (I think I have a couple of 17" laying around) and build a tabletop instead.
 
Sorry for my rambling, but it's a bit hard deciding which way to go.
I do have a Raspberry Pi laying around. I might go that way instead, but that will require a lot more software-testing, and I'm not sure of how well it runs MAME?

Three options:

- Use my Esprimo computer. Will have to divide the power brick input to enable power for the monitor etc. Not a very powerful computer, but will run HyperSpin 90% perfectly
- Buy a new mini-ITX motherboard. Will most likely generate less heat, and be way more powerful at the same time. Will require either an internal PSU (way to big!) or a picoPSU + an external 150W PSU (another cost in addition to the $300 for a computer)
- Use my Raspberry Pi, which I'm not using for anything anyways. Will need a simple PSU for both raspberry Pi and monitor. 65W will be more than enough (cheap) and can be built inside the cabinet.

I'm leaning towards the Raspberry Pi. Less cost, less heat etc. for a small cabinet, and rather build a table top or upright in the future with brand new hardware (and more space).

[nordemoniac]

Love the idea, especially the thinness of the bottom!  Looking really good!

Thanks!
This was one of my key concerns, I want it to be as low as possible, and with the possibility of mounting a mini-ITX motherboard at the bottom, under the monitor (see attachment).

Still not sure if I would want the outside all orange, or orange/blue.
I think orange all around might be a bit nicer?

[nordemoniac]

Current design. Orange outside, blue inside. And a couple of orange lines below marquee and control panel.

[nordemoniac]

I do have a Raspberry Pi laying around. I might go that way instead, but that will require a lot more software-testing, and I'm not sure of how well it runs MAME?

I figured I'm going to test with PiMAME, seems to be a simple install!!

Btw. anyone have comments on where I could put my admin/player/coin buttons?
I'm thinking of an escape-button on the back or top, or beneath the marquee (on the speaker plate). I guess I won't need an enter-button, I could just use the player-buttons to start a game.
If I can set the MAME-emulator to have free play on everything, then I won't need a coin-button either.

The escape-button will be needed to shutdown the OS. As the Raspberry Pi doesn't have an On/off switch, I'll have to use a main on/off at the back, cutting the power to a USB-hub. Not sure how I'm going to do this yet. Anyways, I guess shutdown should be done properly...

[nordemoniac]

So I figured I'll go for Raspberry Pi with PiMAME.
This seems like a good solution for a simple 1-player cab. I'm thinking of adding a USB-joystick input, or maybe a double SNES-controller input. This is for 2-player, so both players can sit further from the screen and play. As I already have a 4-player solution on a 55 inch TV, I might just skip it, and keep it simple.

Before I can continue on my model, I need to find out which monitor I'm going to use. I already have a 8" 1024x600-something 16:9 touch VGA display, which hasn't been used for years and years. Could I use this one? Vertical or horizontal? Bubble Bobble is more of a 4:3 game, so I guess the screen will be more like 6,5-7" when 4:3, which made me consider buying a new 1024x768 4:3 9,7" from eBay. Approx $185, and has a tiny bezel which I can cut. It won't give me any space for an overlay, but will be the largest screen I can fit. It's 266mm with bezel, my cab is 264mm, so it will definitely be a nice screen for the small box.

What do you think? The 8 inch I already have will fit, and I can have a larger bezel, but it might be a bit strange with the 16:9 resolution. Also if I put it vertically, it will be too narrow, and look strange.

I might create a simple 3D version of both monitors, just to get a feel of it. It is tempting to buy the 9,7" inch though, as the MAME games will fill most of the screen, and be less strain for the eyes, AND it has HDMI, which makes it easy to hook up from the R-Pi.

[nordemoniac]

9,7" 4:3 "installed". Hopefully the bezel is empty inside, or else I might have a problem. Could always add a couple of millimeters in width of the cabinet to make it fit though.

As the monitor has its buttons on the side, maybe there's just empty plastic around, so that they could be relocated if I remove the bezel, or cut it to fit.

What do you think, monitor too big? It would look awful in an upright cab, but this is a very tiny cabinet...

[BobA]

Looks like a good fit for the size of the cab.   I would try to hide the buttons with a bezel but it is your choice.
Good start with your planned cab sketches.

 

[nordemoniac]

Thanks!

Yes, I will most likely make the cabinet 12mm wider, which will make the inside 266mm, the same as the monitor, and mount a plexi bezel in front of it, hiding the buttons. As it will only be approx. 1cm to each side, bezel art will be impossible. But I'm thinking of just painting it the plexi black around the edges.

Atm. I can't even find the monitor, but I think it's only 19cm wide, so it's much more narrow, which might look weird on a small cab.

Thanks for the comment!

[nordemoniac]

I imported the other 8.4" monitor as well. This was actually a pretty pricey monitor with touch and everything, so it's a shame that it hasn't been used for anything... But, I don't think this is the right project. Take a look at the attachment, it's pretty small! Sorry for the a bit sloppy made image, but it was just to get a reference over the size difference with a normal 1024x768 resolution (the Bubble Bobble in the background is a remake with new resolution).

So... should I go for the $185 china monitor?

[nordemoniac]

*Phew*, it might not look much, but I've pretty much rebuilt the entire model, except the sides.
I've made the cabinet 12mm wider, but I had to do a bunch of re-creation, as sketchup had done some strange things when I imported a 3D object.

Anyways, controlpanel is 12mm wider as well, and the 6 buttons has been moved 12mm right, which creates a bit bigger space between joystick and buttons - nice

I've added the plexi bezel, which hides the monitor buttons. If I buy the monitor, I'll open it and actually remove the buttons from the monitor, so the bezel can be attached straight on it.

I've also added the speaker mount, but not yet created any holes for speakers. I have to check my USB-powered ones for dimensions, and sound quality...

[nordemoniac]

Measured my cheap eBay speakers, they mounting hole will be approx. 6cm, and the opening at front 48mm. I don't think I'll need any covers, the speakers are mounted from the back, and do look pretty nice. Of course the crappy soldering will have to be checked. Several components are loose, and causes loud pops and crackling noises 

I've now tilted the monitor and bezel a bit more (the bezel will still be directly on the monitor). I know, not authentic, but everything is so small here, I need the space for the speakers etc.

How about painting the bezel blue, like the CP and marquee?...no?....

Btw. I moved the fan from top to back, there won't be as much heat with a Raspberry Pi, so it's better to just get it out of sight. Need to find a nice way to mount an air intake. I'm thinking of doing a power button + ESC at the back, and some mesh for air intake.

Last update today, pictures are attached.

[nordemoniac]

Yet another SketchUp post. I added speakers and a couple of buttons.
What do you think of placement for the white ones (Player 1 and coin)? They are 24mm sanwas.

[nordemoniac]

Hmm... I guess some 3D models from the market are out of scale... 

[nordemoniac]

10 days has gone since the last update, I'm trying to keep this thread as updated as possible.

I have ordered the 9.7" monitor, and it's on its way. I guess it should be here before the end of the month. Will do some testing then with the R-Pi and monitor.

Joystick and buttons are also on their way. All original Sanwas. I've also ordered a bunch of white 24mm sanwas for the system buttons.

I already have a USB-interface, a simple eBay one which supports 5-pin cable for Sanwa joystick and has sanwa button crimps with locking. Will post some pictures later.

I also ordered a new couple of USB-speakers, as the mainboard on the ones I had was so poorly made!! To be sure, I'm going to resolder the speaker wires on the new set, and mount the amplifier next to the R-Pi. This way I only have to replace the amplifier, and not the wires or speakers, should something go wrong. It will be rather hard to remove the speakers after the cabinet is built. I will most likely have a hinged backplate on the cabinet - that's it. The rest will not be easily removed.

Currently being shipped:

- Sanwa 30mm buttons, 6pcs
- Sanwa 24mm buttons, 6pcs
- Sanwa JLF-TP-8YT joystick
- D-link DUB-H7 USB hub
- PCB feet for mounting
- RJ45 female panel mount
- 30cm HDMI
- 9.7" 4:3 LCD
- USB speaker/3.5mm pair

Will also have to figure out something for the 5V to the R-Pi and the 12V to the monitor.

[Locke141]

Is this build just for Bubble bobble?

I love my R-pi but you should play all the games you want on Pi Mame before you start. Its baste off an old version of Mame, and is far from the best way to play.

After playing around, if your happy with it,  go for it. I would go with a gutted PC.

[nordemoniac]

Is this build just for Bubble bobble?

You should play with some games on Pi mame, its bast of an old version of Mame and is fare from the best way to play.
If you happy with how it plays the games you want go for it. I would go with a gutted PC.

Thanks for the heads up!!
It's definitely not just for Bubble Bobble. I'm thinking mostly MAME, but a bunch of NES/SNES/GBA emus as well.

I will do a bench-test of the electronics when the parts arrive. I don't want to suddenly have a R-Pi without the ability to even run BubbleBobble!
I'm pretty sure it will struggle with f.ex. BB2, which is much more demanding.

I am still deciding on how many games to put in it, and whether to add a second controller. I do have SNES-controllers and an interface, so there is the possibility to make it a two-player system, but 1-player with joystick. I will have to test with the 9.7" monitor first (iPad sized). If it's too small, it might just be stupid to have 2P.

While we're on it, any nice 1P MAME games to test on the R-Pi? Maybe a couple of 2P as well, if I decide to go with SNES...

[nordemoniac]

Screen position! Anyone have examples on good angles?

I'm afraid mine will be at a bit sharp angle, and might be hidden behind the marquee.

But as a crooked-back-gamer it shouldn't be a problem...right?

[PL1]

There are lots of variables when it comes to screen angle/position.

Get some cardboard and make a 3-D mockup shell based on your current plans.

Put some tinfoil or smooth plastic where the screen is going to be for reflection/glare checks.

Put it on the table(s) and sit in the chair(s) you plan to use.

You'll be able to tell if there are going to be problems with visibility/reflections/ergonomics.


Scott

[nordemoniac]

Tinfoil! That's a great idea! As this is a small cabinet, it will be played different places, but again, this means just moving the model to all the locations I can think of having it. I need to balance between speaker placement and monitor angle.

Great! I would never have thought of that!