This is Ground Control

[gabrielmtl]

Hy everyone, long time reader/dreamer of having his own MAME cabinet here... but life always found a way to stop me. As I get older... life can now suck it. 

I have cleaned out my small guest bedroom and prepared the area for the build. I have decassed a Sony 24" Trinitron (KV-24FS100) and will use a Soft15hz compatible card, connected to a Crescendo TC1500 VGA to YPrPb Transcoder (thanks rCadeGaming, your threads on VGA to Component have been highly helpful in convincing me to go with a TV).

My main question, if I may, is related to proportions and measurements (or whatever else I might be missing). Based on the two images below, is there something that I am not seeing, that might be bitting me later? I'm at the point where I can't continue reading threads and hoping to find info I haven't read yet... my mind is numb.




cheers and thanks

[Generic Eric]

A couple of minor points.  I think the edges for the t molding on the CP are too square.  Also on my cabinet, I have it on a platform the width of a 2*4.  Think of it as a sacrificial base in case of water on the floor.

Otherwise it looks great.  One other suggestion.  I labored for longer than necessary on the angle of my monitor.  Sure enough I have to change it a second time despite my wait.  I would recommend setting up a test of sorts to determine the right look angle for your monitor.

[yotsuya]

Love the classic design, my friend. Keep it up! 

[Generic Eric]

I noticed that there aren't any player 1 or 2 start buttons on the CP.

[gabrielmtl]

Thanks for the feedback. I actually just received my Crescendo this morning, I'll put it to the test later today.

I will indeed round up the corners of the CP. I still need to add the 1&2 player buttons, as well as Pause and Exit buttons.

In all it's glory :

[Yvan256]

Other than the sharp corners for the T-molding, the missing Player 1 and Player 2 buttons, if you like to play Neo-Geo games, that button layout will not be optimal. Otherwise, it seems like you are on the right path.

[CaptainMarvel]

Totally looking forward to seeing your progress with this project !!!


In other words  . . . WE EXPECT TONS OF STEP-BY-STEP / WORK-IN-PROGRESS PHOTOS along the way.


 

[Dawgz Rule]

I absolutely love the classic look and feel of this cab.  Can't wait to see the build.

[CaptainMarvel]

I absolutely love the classic look and feel of this cab. 

As do I  . . .  My only thought/concern (if this were my project) would be comfortably fitting in a trackball and spinner onto the control panel. 

[a1pharm]

This design is looking pretty sweet.  If you plan on using emulators for consoles, consider putting 2 USB ports in the front somewhere (perhaps under the CP on the panel that is facing the ground).  Also, put a volume knob somewhere on the outside of the cab.  You may also want to put a dimmer on your marquee (or an on/off switch), as it is sometimes annoying to have it blasting your retinas while you're trying to play something.

These are just suggestions, mostly based on my personal preference.  Your design looks just fine without them.

Keep up the good work,
Cheers!
 

[gabrielmtl]

I should have mentioned that the CP layout isn't final. I am trying to fit a trackball but I don't want the left joystick to be moved too far right (currently 4"), I still haven't found a compromise that I like. I also want it to look somewhat centred. I'll post my drafts in a couple hours.

[gabrielmtl]

I am meeting an artist friend of mine later tonight. He agreed to help me for the marquee, side panels and CP art. He's going to do small 8.5 x 11 drafts of what it could look like... the side panels would most likely be the same art, flipped.

Here is some of his work. I don't want any type of character on my cab, but this should give you an idea of his skills (all by hand).




He's also the artist who made this cool short :

http://cargocollective.com/somnium

(do you guys care about these types of details??)

[Ond]

(do you guys care about these types of details??)

Yes, we care.     I like your friends art very much, very nice.  Ond watching.

[a1pharm]

Commissioned art by a real artist? Do we care? Of course! Keep the updates rolling.

[eds1275]

To me, an arcade machine looks best with the control panel fitting between the sides. Good job!

[gabrielmtl]

To me, an arcade machine looks best with the control panel fitting between the sides. Good job!

You know what, it was one of the dilemmas I faced during planning. I almost went with a MK2 looking cab, but it felt wrong for what I was looking for. Between sides makes me warm and fuzzy.

[eds1275]

Like bacon, lettuce and tomato between 2 slices of bread...

[emphatic]

I really dislike control panels that stick out of the sides, so I know I'll enjoy this build. And the art is all sorts of badass as well. 

[gabrielmtl]

empathic, I have to be the biggest TPB fan this side of Canada... 2 smokes, let's go

[gabrielmtl]

While trying to round up the CP corners, it gave me the idea of simply eliminating the front T-modling by routing a 1/2" curve on the top part of the CP. Green is the top part (24" x 1/2") and orange the other vertical piece, which would line up.

Has anybody ever played around with curving plexiglass? It would be amazing if I could stick the vinyl art under a curved piece of plexi, all seamless.

(soon, the picts will be of actual MDF

[SavannahLion]

That's where my cab is headed. I curved or joined the pieces and, before I realized it, all of the T molding was gone. I really really want to do the lower portion (below the CP) in a metal such as aluminum. We'll have to see if I can pull it off.

[gabrielmtl]

That's where my cab is headed. I curved or joined the pieces and, before I realized it, all of the T molding was gone. I really really want to do the lower portion (below the CP) in a metal such as aluminum. We'll have to see if I can pull it off.

Is the bottom part visible? A part from weight (and coolness), is there an advantage with the aluminum?

[gabrielmtl]

Finally started building over the weekend. I managed to finish both side panels. I HAVE SIDE PANEEEEEELLLLS!!1

No way I was cutting that much MDF inside - I had to go the ghetto route and cut outside in the dark... the next pictures will be better.

First panel done.


Tracing the second panel


Clamped both sides together for some sanding.. dat curve..


Back in the house, ready for the next step : building the base, side supports and tv support. Lots of work ahead.



I love how the shape turned out.

More soon!

[Yvan256]

gabrielmtl, as in Gabriel of Montréal?

Let me know if you need any 6x4 inches, 3/8" thick MDF plates cut by CNC. The smallest holes I can cut are 3.5~4mm in diameter.

[harveybirdman]

Lookin good bro. I'm looking forward to hearing all about the tv pc interface. Powerstrip the transcoder the whole 9.

[gabrielmtl]

gabrielmtl, as in Gabriel of Montréal?

Let me know if you need any 6x4 inches, 3/8" thick MDF plates cut by CNC. The smallest holes I can cut are 3.5~4mm in diameter.

Yes, from Montréal. I'll definitely keep your offer in mind. Where about is the machine?   

[gabrielmtl]

Lookin good bro. I'm looking forward to hearing all about the tv pc interface. Powerstrip the transcoder the whole 9.

Thanks man. Powerstrip all the way for sure. I don't plan on having 6000+ roms but rather a good selection of games all calibrated properly.

That 24' trinitron is my sweet spot, I'm trying to buy them as much as possible. I might do a 27' at some point with a different cabinet style, but for now I'll stick with 24". I should probably finish this project before talking smack about an other one

[thomas_surles]

I love the design. I am looking forward to seeing this finished.

[gabrielmtl]

The angle works well. For my next build, if ever there is one, I will make the CP a bit more horizontal, with a less accentuated slop towards the player. It still feels pretty comfortable, even on the ghetto mock up.




Starting screen mount tonight. I haven't been looking forward to this step,

[eds1275]

Starting screen mount tonight. I haven't been looking forward to this step,

Best to do it and get it over with then! The hurdles give you more joy than the easy stuf... after you get over them!

[gabrielmtl]

Life got to me... 2 weeks with no work done... this weekend I shall make it so.

[ppv]

Salut de Laval!

Looking good so far, will be following this one!

[gabrielmtl]

Alright, here's a rather big update. I haven't been able to put many hours until recently.

Funny how I get excited after each little step is done. I can't wait to play, yet it seems it will never happen

Installing remaining supports. I went with hard wood, harder to work with (cracks easily if not predrilled properly), but the result is better, IMO.


Installing the base to the right side. I changed the structure design midway so I am going backwards here, attaching the 2x4s to the sides instead of the base and then fixing the sides. The weight is still mostly being transferred to the base. 


Last minute spacing verifications..


On it's side, ready for assembly.


Routed the two sides for the t-molding. Here is a quick test I did. Since the t-molding is just little bit wider than the 3/4 MDF, I made the cut so the t-molding would come out on the outside of the cabinet for both sides, which will technically protect the vinyl print (not sure that made sense, it's 1 am and I'm dead tired) FYI the blue is just the test piece and not my final choice. The color will depend on the final art.


Here it is standing up for the first time. It's only 24" wide inside, but appears wider here.. perhaps my camera phone lens.


The safely de-cased Sony Trinitron 24", ready to be installed.


My assistant holding the speaker piece in place so I can get an idea of the finished look.



I nailed nails to hold the TV in place while I fixed it properly.




Back view


Starting the control panel :


Just before rounding up the main corner :



The main CP, with the rounded corner. The bottom piece is fixed to the cabinet.


I haven't finished sanding the rounded corner but this gives an idea of the final look :



Tomorrow I will experiment with bending acrylic over the CP (top and front, following the rounded corner).

Quick question : what do you guys recommend to patch holes I made in the MDF?

cheers

[BAMBOO]

The main CP, with the rounded corner. The bottom piece is fixed to the cabinet.

gabrielmtl, did you use wooden pegs and glue to keep those two pieces together for the CP?

[emphatic]

This is looking fabulous. Way to go on installing the TV.

[rablack97]

Bondo or any woodfiller would work, or you could just laminate the sides.

Nice work on the CP, how did you connect the top to the front, the seam is very nice.

Looking with interest, might use this as a commissioned build, as it needed to be less than 30" wide to fit through a door....

 

[mcseforsale]

I like this one.  Reminds me of my wee-cade attempt (yeah, it's still sitting there.).

subscribed.

AJ

[gabrielmtl]

An other update! This is f*$# fun. <--- Not being sarcastic

I did not use dowels/wooden pegs for the CP, I don't trust MDF enough to rely on pegs, especially since I needed to router a 1/2" round corner, I could have further reduced the strength by cutting through them.

Instead, I used a pine piece I had, cut the same angle as the top part so it would retain the shape, and screwed both sides to it, with predrilling and glue :


Starting the acrylic bending process :


I used a heat gun on High and patiently softened the acrylic. It's a rather long process but oh so worth it. I might redo it since I made a couple mistakes (it shrinks when heated, so it's not 100% flush with the CP, something like 1/16 off on each side.. no big deal EDIT : Acrylic does NOT shrink when heated. My technic just wasn't good. I ended up making something like 5 pieces (really), the last one was good. I made it a bit wider and sanded it down so it was perfectly flush with the MDF).


Then I did the second bend, which goes at the bottom. This allows me to drill the piece in place where the screws are not visible. The buttons and joystick will hold the top part in place.


The piece, once the drilling holes were made :



I couldn't resist inserting a piece of tmolding and some old movie posters on the CP to see what it will look like. The effort is well worth it!!



What do you guys think of a simple but strong magnet solution to hold the CP? Hinges will be a pain in the ass since I will need to use kitchen cabinet style...

[emphatic]

Beautiful!

[gabrielmtl]

I bough a coin mech today, complete with 25c canadien mech (I obviously don't know the lingo . Hopefully I'll manage to link it to Hyperspin. I have to change the 2 lightbulbs but the rest seems intact, I'll just have to rewire it. I've never wired anything beyond electrical house work.

40$, not sure if it's a good deal or not, but it's what I was looking for and it was at hand reach.




That's a lot of games (13 605 $ worth) I'm thinking it's rather old... anyone can confirm? It says Vendal SF-2 on the back..


I disassembled everything in order to clean and repaint. I removed the big coin metal container, I'll build a much smaller one. Any suggestions on the type of paint?


cheers!