* * ARCADE CABINET [TIMEMACHINE] * *

[BEGINSTUDIO]

Thank to all the craftsman and women for the inspiration and information, ArcadeControls.com. 

I'm well into building my first arcade cabinet based on the Dynamo Z-Back.  [I could have picked an easier cabinet, but didn't.  Insert many expletives here!  Glad I didn't cave in and do another.]

Corrected errant milling with Bondo.

Here is what I have thus far:

Materials:

3/4" MDF Board
1" Square Dowels
2x3" Pine Lumber
4x T-Nuts
4x Leg Levelers [Hard Plastic / Slides easily and doesn't mar]
Particleboard Screws
Washers
Bondo


Tools:

Porter Cable Cordless Circular Saw
Porter Cable Cordless Drill
Rigid Jig Saw - Barrel Grip
Makita Router
Makita Orbital Sander
Black and Decker Workbench

That's a START!

[digitalchild]

I see where I went wrong with my cabinet.  I just put a computer inside mine.  You put an actual *child* in yours.   

[yotsuya]

Are those 2" x 4" studs temporary pieces?

[BEGINSTUDIO]

No.  They are structural.  The upper two will frame the ASUS LCD, another will be added behind them for a VESA mount.  I have added another just below the second [from the top].  A 24 x 24 1/4" Lexan plexiglass, back painted black, sans monitor area, will span over 2x3" supports and supported by magnets/washers and steel support. 

The control panel, 16g steel will provide additional support to this 24x24 1/4" Lexan "Bezel".

[yotsuya]

Oh, so you're going widescreen monitor? I was hoping you found a 25" Arcade CRT for that cab.

[BEGINSTUDIO]

Yeah.  I'm going with widescreen for now, plus I have the ASUS.  If I find a CRT/TELEVISION a reasonable price, I'll work with it.  For now, its the wide. 

[eds1275]

If I find a CRT/TELEVISION a reasonable price, I'll work with it.

How are you not finding millions of them for free everywhere?

[BEGINSTUDIO]

Well, there have been a few with burnt in images and such.  I want to play some current games [HD] on the system also.  I was toying around with the idea of putting a Sony Trinitron 27" 4:3 into the cabinet.       

[BEGINSTUDIO]

Here is current control panel mockup and some other pictures.

Control Panel Controls:

2x UltraStick 360 [Ultimarc]
1x SpinTrack [Ultimarc]
1x Tron Stick [Groovy Game Gear]
Illuminated Push Buttons [Ultimarc]
1x I-Pac Ultimate I/O
2x Player 1/2
4x Leaf Push Buttons
1x 3" Illuminated Green Trackball [Twisted Quarter]

[yamatetsu]

That CP looks a bit crowded. I would recommend to make a mockup with cardboard to test it.
There is no space to rest your hand when using the spinner, looks like you might bump your arm
 into the 2P-stick when using the flight stick and you might hit the 2P-stick when using the trackball.

Also I would move the 1P-start button to the left side of the CP as this is where your hands will
be most of the time.

[BEGINSTUDIO]

Thanks for the constructive information, Yamatesu. I will create another cardboard mockup on the standing cabinet.  The crowding bothers me, especially if it interferes with the game(s).   Aesthetics too.  I confined my efforts to a very tight area for the amount of components.   I thought about extending the CP area, towards the monitor, deepening the CP, but the angle seemed to steep and unreasonabl. (Bending the steel might be an option).  Also extending the CP out towards the player.  (I didn't care for the profile of the cabinet). 

After doing some additional mocks and moving components around I'm hoping the CP will rest nicely in the 24" x 10.25". Area.

[gabrielmtl]

Well, there have been a few with burnt in images and such.  I want to play some current games [HD] on the system also.  I was toying around with the idea of putting a Sony Trinitron 27" 4:3 into the cabinet.       

You should! They are cheap and will give you a great image if you set it up properly.

[BEGINSTUDIO]

1. Moved the Trackball Down
2. Moved P1 Button LEFT, Left corner.  Moved P2 Button RIGHT, Right corner.  [Liked the opposition it set up.  Also the convenience of not having to reach over P2.]
3. Eliminated secondary FIRE and SUPER ZAPPER leaf buttons.
4. Moved Spinner and Tron Flight Stick.

Will cardboard later tonight or this weekend sometime.

Waiting to hear from LITEMAX.

@GabrielMTL - - Admittedly, I have not been looking for one.  I have three little ones running around and I cannot leave this project exposed in any way.  As my workspace in NYC is small a terrace, 25-30 feet up and little nook.  The LCD panels are easier to handle and not leave open to curious hands/feet/ ... other.   However, that being said, if I could find one working I would love to secure one in the cabinet... How long do you think it would take to put one in?   

[eds1275]

Are you going to hide the mounting plate under the art?

I think it looks awesome, and the only thing I recommend would be move the spinner away from the front of the trackball if you plan on playing any golden tee/world class bowling/shuffleshot!

[BEGINSTUDIO]

@Eds1275 - - Thanks.  Good point and I have some latitude there with the spinner.

The CP will be on 16g Steel.  All bolts, screws will be counter sunk, Bondo/Sanded if necessary.  There will be no mounting plate for the trackball.  The thickness of the lip of the trackball housing is at the depth/thickness of the steel.

Made a brake that will bend the metal.  Drill the holes before or after bending?

 

[PL1]

Made a brake that will bend the metal.  Drill the holes before or after bending?

As long as you can accurately bend the metal at the desired position and angle, it's probably easier to drill first.   


Scott

[BEGINSTUDIO]

@PL1 - - Thank you.  That helped.  I am now 99.9% sure I will do that first.

Here are the pieces to be added into the cabinet.

POWER:
1x Modified Monster Digital Power Center.
1x Male Plug Panel Socket
1x Heavy Duty computer cable

AUDIO:
Audio will be serviced by an Altec Lansing and/or Cambridge Soundworks, Subwoofer and satellite speaker system.
2x 4" Speaker Grill Squares / No Nobranding. 
Will make modification to cabinet for a mini plug port or/ may opt for Bluetooth headphones.
Volume will be controlled by SHIFT+ button.

COIN DOOR:
Over-under coin doors w/ lights/switches and locks.

OTHER INPUT:
2x Neutrik NAUSB-W-B A/B USB Feed-Through - Black for Keyboard/Mouse/Controller/Or Other.

VENTILATION:
Four holes in base of cabinet/screened and 2x 12V Fans, top back panel.
Power from computer.

VIDEO:
Asus VS247H-P 23.6-Inch Full-HD LED-Lit LCD Monitor
15.4 Laptop Panel w/Controller/Keypad etc.  [MARQUEE, possible LITEMAX SSD2313, waiting contact]

CPU:
Dell OptiPlex 960, Intel Core 2 Duo 3.00GHz/64bit Dual Core and 4 GB of RAM
300G HD
10 - USB Ports
Display Port, Dual Monitor DVI
Windows 7

NETWORK:
Encore Router: Configured as Access Point

FRONT END:
Hyperspin

CABINET GRAPHICS:
Stencil
Control Panel Vinyl


 

[BEGINSTUDIO]

Heard from the LCD manufacturer.   798.00 FOB Taiwan -- 23.5 inch stretched monitor, 1366 x 382 resolution, VGA & DVI inputs

Well, its very nice and I would like to include it in my cabinet, the price is out of my budget now.  Maybe in the future when a trust fund from someone kicks in.  [sarcasm]  The LG/AOC/Dell ultra wide screens dimensions are too large for my use.  11" is too big.

MARQUEE - - I have a 15.4" widescreen laptop monitor w/ keypad controller that will do.  I will place speakers and speaker grills to the left and right of the screen.  Appr. 8.75" tall, just shy of 13" wide.  I have these items and can use them immediately.  Though, that 798.00 LCD fits the bill nicely. 

The decisions we have to make...

[BEGINSTUDIO]

Still entertaining the idea of picking a Sony KV-24FS120 up and putting it into the cab.  Reading postings, asking questions...  I know some of you have already chimed in, others?  Should I, or should I not?  That is the question.

[yotsuya]

Still entertaining the idea of picking a Sony KV-24FS120 up and putting it into the cab.  Reading postings, asking questions...  I know some of you have already chimed in, others?  Should I, or should I not?  That is the question.

Yes, do it. You have plenty of space there.

[rtkiii]

I dig the name 

[BEGINSTUDIO]

Dig yours too, rtkiii.  Nice to be transported back.

[markc74]

If you have the space for a crt then definately use one.

[BEGINSTUDIO]

@markc74

Pursuing the world for a CRT.  A quick question for you: What card are you using in your "Blip" CPU to drive both CRT Monitor and LCD Panel?  This is a large concern for me because I want to integrate a marquee screen, LCD.

Thanks for your help!

[BEGINSTUDIO]

Changes to the CP...

[BEGINSTUDIO]

Moody CP... [Perhaps for some other project.]

[BEGINSTUDIO]

Carboard/test of CP...

[BEGINSTUDIO]

Issues with cabinet:  While routing I angled the router's base and ending up creating a channel too wide for T-Molding on curve.  Solution: Bondo the area sand and rout.

At a stand still with the monitor.  I'm following a lead to grab a 23.1 4:3 LCD screen and still looking around for a CRT that I can/might use.

I will continue with the "Scramble" art for the rest of the project.

[BEGINSTUDIO]

Followed through on a lead, looks like a Planar WS231 23.1 LCD Screen 4:3 is going to be delivered.  The Trinitron fell through.  This weekend was a wash for getting things done. 

Decided to put the Player 1 and Player 2 buttons on the vertical part of the control panel.  Am going to try some other designs, but I will put those experiments into the ARTWORK section of these boards.

Rock and Roll!

[BEGINSTUDIO]

Here are a series of the operation today....

The ventilation vents and speaker ports were changed because of an error with the router.  I totally freaking messed these items up.  I went with my alternative for the speakers, but still pondering what I am going to do about the vents.  Originally I was going to do an array of lines, 1/4", but the router did not perform well and when I pushed it, it was a smoke show.  I will NEVER purchase another 1/4" small router.  Ever.   Unless I'm etching plexi or cutting paneling or doing T-Molding all day.  Even then nope.

I also removed the computer from the box and mounted it on the plywood shelf.  There will be 2x cylinder locks on the front and two blocks on the back to keep the unit secure.

Applied bondo and woodglue to my errors and counter sunk screw holes.

Tomorrow... 

1. Sanding the ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- out of it. 
2. Prime. 
3. Sand. 
4. Paint.  OSHA Red
5. T-Molding
6. Fix Lock
7. Prepare stencil.

Thanks all, time for a Stone Ruination or two.

Cheers.

[BEGINSTUDIO]

Here's what was done today...

1. Fixed Lock - Added an iron bar.
2. Drilled Power Button Hole / Push button on Top
3. Primed and painted.
4. Added Black T-Molding.
5. Added Over Under Coin Door

[BEGINSTUDIO]

Quick test for fit...

1. Planar Monitor in Place, 23.1" Diag.
2. Test fit, prepare for Vinyl Order. Cardboard and printout.  To be mounted on 16G Steel.  Attached by continuous hinge and arcade cabinet hooks and clasps. Adding two mini jacks for headphones/also bluetooth?
2. Ordered 1/4" 24"x24" gray tinted glass, Monitor
3. Ordered 3/16" 24"x9" gray tinted glass, Marquee
4. 1/4" inner part of Bezel needs to be cut out. Paint black.

First cabinet!  Woot!  Neighbors will be please that I won't be doing a lot of cutting and sanding on the terrace anymore.  [My workshop!]

[BEGINSTUDIO]

Some of the gear...

[Rick]

You are a craftsman! (Craftswoman? CraftsPERSON!) Nice work!

[eds1275]

BEGINSTUDIO do you have a thread about the games you are developing?

[BEGINSTUDIO]

Yeah, sure...

https://www.facebook.com/BEGINSTUDIONYC

First game released: Dangerous SPACE (Dec 2013)

ITUNES: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dangerous-space-1.1/id851765276?mt=8

GOOGLE PLAY: https://play.google.com/store/search?q=Dangerous+Space&c=apps

AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Begin-Studio-Dangerous-SPACE/dp/B00HES9304/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1409931825&sr=8-2&keywords=dangerous+space+app

[BEGINSTUDIO]

Will be getting some more done tomorrow.

Here are a few picts from the days activity.

1. Ventilation System: Two fans installed.  Vent covers, painted black.
2. Marquee: Two 90 degree angled aluminum, secured by flat head screws and 90 degree brackets, countersunk, painted black.
3. Tron/Flight Stick: Screws painted black
4. Monitor: Velcro and felt laid down for monitor/bezel and glass. 
5. Smart Power supply installed.

Tinted glass arrives Wednesday for main screen/monitor and marquee.

Asus Dual Band Wireless USB adapter arrived for integration.

The painting went wrong.  Left for the day after leaving the painted marquee items on the terrace when it began to mist.  Will need to REDO.

[BEGINSTUDIO]

Received:

1. Vinyl Control Panel
2. Paper Copy of Vinyl

Problems encountered with marquee.  Want 3/4" right angle aluminium, but Home Depot sells it in 8' lengths.  Unwilling to cut at store.  I live in NYC so walking around with an 8 foot aluminum spire could introduce problems, Joust anyone.  Will go to HD tomorrow with hack saw and chop in store if need be. 

Other issue: my design was too tight. 

1. I will be filing metal this weekend to fit the control panel correctly.
2. With a metal punch I will dent the hole areas and cut.
3. File burrs and I will be onto the control panel. 

[BEGINSTUDIO]

Picture...

GameonGraphix: http://www.gameongrafix.com/

[mgb]

This cabinet is really looking great.
I love the z back design.

As far as cutting material right at the store,
 I do that all the time. I have brought my power saw and cut wood in the parking lot and
On a few occasions have done some metal working on the parking lot for stuff needed for work.

[BEGINSTUDIO]

@mgb

Thanks, its coming along.  The design introduced some interest problems to solve, RE: angles, accessibility, ...  I gave each is due diligence and think I found solid solutions.  I've been thinking about accessibility lately and wonder if I should have hinged/lock the upper back panel.  [the panel with the vents].  I confined all access through front kick/coin panel and all accessibility stems from there.  Opening the coin door allows you to unlock the clasps and swing the CP down and access PC and Monitors/Glass.  Marquee you need a screw driver to remove four screws.

RE: Home Depot.  I was in luck this weekend and found exactly what I was looking for.  3/4" angled aluminum for the marquee!  36" size.

Thanks, MGB!

On another note:  I've cut all the button , joysticks, spinner, trackball holes.  [16G Steel]  Filed the holes with bastard file and a double-cut flat file. [Special note on this:  I cut all the holes using a cordless drill with two batteries.  The work on the tool caused the battery to heat up quite a bit.  Would have been better off with a corded drill.  C'est la vie.  Got it done anyways.]  Seeing it cut in steel was quite a sight!  Before that, got a workout filing the edge down appr. 1/16" to fit snugly into the cabinet. 

Marquee has painted aluminum supports to hold tinted glass and LCD screen.  Thinking about putting a small digital clock in the corner. 

Side art: cutting out stencil with Exacto-Knife.  [Painters tape to secure to cabinet.]  Bought, sea sponge and paint to complete task.

Will show pictures soon! 

[BEGINSTUDIO]

Ran into a couple of large problems...

When I measured the CP Steel, I failed to include the glass/bezel support which presents a problem with a button and flight stick.  Solution: Remove glass and raise glass/bezel support .75" which should solve the problem.  After doing this, I'll need to Bondo, sand, prime and repaint the sides.

Monitor FAIL.  I had everything hooked up prior to installation into cabinet.  Was testing the setup in the cabinet and the monitor Planar WS231 failed.  Its not turning on, no led indicator, just a flash and then nothing.  Major disappointment and set back.  Ordered a new power supply.  If that doesn't work I will be abandoning use of this monitor, unless I can fix it.  What a loss! 

Good news on that test, I was able to rig a button to control the CPU by cutting into the ribbon cable to circumvent the micro switch.  No soldering required!  Though I was prepared.

[BEGINSTUDIO]

Opened up the Planar WS231 to discover what looked like blown capacitors.  One looks like it blew out towards the board at the bottom, the other at the top with some brown, rust-like leakage and the other just looks unhealthy.  I am ordering the capactitors and I am optimistic that I'll be able to replace them and have the unit back up and working.  [Ordering a few extras as there are six total on this board.]  Positive to learn something new and hopeful it'll solve the problem.

1. A picture of the capacitors
2. Pictures of the cabinet w/ tinted glass, bezel, monitor in place, speaker grills, steel control panel drilled.

Cheers!

[mgb]

Progress is looking good.
Good find on the cap. Definitely see a popped one there. Should be an easy fix.

Having the player start buttons on the front (vertical) part of the cp is a great  way of freeing up needed space on the cp  itself. I did the same thing and it works great.

As far as access through the coin door. That's normal. I assume  you also have rear access if needed?

I like the way you're building this, its very arcade true with the z back design and hinged metal cp and no keyboard drawer ( I really hate keyboard drawers)

Keep up the good work

[BEGINSTUDIO]

Thanks, mgb! 

I was thinking maybe I should have added access via the back of the cabinet, but I felt like I didn't need it.  Hindsight, may have entertained the idea a bit more. 

As far as the Z-Back.  I loved the modular control panel, hinged on a removable shelf.  I did the shelf and its removable [CPU and power lives on it], its just not attached to the control panel.  Not a fan of the keyboard drawer either.  [I have a bluetooth keyboard and standard keyboard that I can plug in if necessary.]

I hope to replace the capacitors by the end of the week.  I hope it solves the problem. 

More to come!  Have a great weekend!

[mgb]

Ok, so you did the shelf behind cp like the dynamo cabs had.
It seems like everything should be plenty accessable then

[BEGINSTUDIO]

Starts here...

[mgb]

You'll want to remove those kids before you try and mount the equipment

[Monkeyvoodoo]

Great looking cabinet my man. I've been following along while you restored it. I'm working on one too but it ended up being so heavily damaged that I ended up using it as a template to recreate the whole camera. I was wondering if you have the measurement of the marquee area? I forgot to write it down when I tore mine apart. Cheers!

[BEGINSTUDIO]

The cabinet isn't the true width of the Dynamo Z-Back.  I took it easy on myself and made it and 25.5" wide.  The inner measurement is exactly 24". 

The original width of the cabinet is: 27.06", So the marquee area is Length 27.06" - (2 x Side Thickness) x Width 8" (Measured from the middle of the arcs/curves).  I pushed my marquee back a bit to get a full 9" to accomodate an 15.1" diagonal LCD screen.

I have some documentation pulled from this board and elsewhere regarding the cabinet.  I am not restoring the cabinet.  It has been built from scratch using a template.  (I really wanted the cabinet, I located one, but it was too expensive to ship freight.  650++  He may have burned it by now.) 

I'll scan and post the picture later.  I have some other shots of the front, back, sides, insides, control panel, etc.  (I'll post them if you are interested or others are.  Let me know.  My binder is full of images that inspired me and help me construct this cabinet.)

Anything I can do to help let me know.  Thanks for tuning in and the support!

Cheers!

[BEGINSTUDIO]

Closer...  some issues...  Though you can see the monitor here,the bezel was removed because I will replace the monitor due to failure. 

[BEGINSTUDIO]

A quick couple of pictures of the machine...

Getting there,  but still have lots to do.

[BEGINSTUDIO]

Here are some more picts, with one stencil 'mostly' done.  I have some touchups and other things to do.  One side of the T-molding has been replaced with the black/chrome line.

Will be changing out the EL Lighting in 'Tron' flight stick to brighter LEDs.

TEMPEST is ALIVE!

As well as a whole slew of others...

[markc74]

This is coming on really nicely. Has that nice classic vibe to it.  Looking forward to seeing you get the marquee in there - do you have it working yet?

[BEGINSTUDIO]

The marquee is having some technical difficulty.  The keypad and controller were working in preliminary testing, but when I mounted the boards, nothing.  I am having the items replaced from way over seas, China.  Now its just a waiting game. 

I left room in the Marquee to add a panel like you markc74.   The current panel to be placed there is a 15.1 Samsung, that I had.  [Actually have two of them, may turn one into a small table top arcade/mame machine]

Hyperspin is great but I'm going to try some of the other FE.  Mala looks good and allows for the customizations.  What are you using?

[markc74]

I'm using mala but the marquees are completely controlled with mame artwork files so mala has no impact on it.  I'm a big fan of mala as it's a nice straight forward frontend and the layout designer does everything i need it to**. I tried hyperspin but it felt like i was playing the frontend rather than the games!

If you're using hyperspin then i think hyper marquee might help you out in displaying marquee files as it will work (from what i understand) on any emulator and not just mame. 

Happy to share my setup if you need it though.

** except horizontal game lists which would rock for a layout idea i have based on arcades in a row...

[BEGINSTUDIO]

MALA looks great from my POV.  I have no problem setting up the mame artwork files.  [Thanks Mr. Do!] 

Yes!  I am spending too much time on the front end and after all, its about the games.   

I'm going to take some time to play with Mala.  Thanks for the info and the share. 

I'll be in touch.  Thanks, markc74!   

[BEGINSTUDIO]

Ok.  Couldn't help this one, but it had to be done. 

One of the games I created for the mobile market is now in and playable on my arcade cabinet!  How cool is that!  Details that are not available in the mobile version are: specular lighting, blooms, ship yaw, detailed textures and the full effect of a fast moving space scene.

Anyways, I'll show some construct pictures soon.  Just excited to play the GAMES. 

Cheers, All.

[BEGINSTUDIO]

Added:

iPazzport Mini Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard with Touchpad Backlit and Laser Pointer for Smart TV and PC KP-810-10BT

Works like a charm and don't have to open the cabinet to retrieve the keyboard and mouse.  [As I didn't want to add the USB ports which I purchased from FOCUSATTACK.

Need to prep the stencil for the other side and paint.  Then add new T-molding. 

Still trying to fix the Planar WS231.  Haven't had a moment.

HYPERSPIN - Adding my favorite games to the favorite list.

[BEGINSTUDIO]

Added marquee, chrome/black t-molding.  Also, added independent power for trackball and coin lighting. 

Modifying *.lay files for the marquee and 16:9 monitor bezels.   Will customize FE with cabinet graphics, Hyperspin main Menu page.

Added some of today's games, Capsized, Witcher.

Haven't been on the boards in a while and happy to see my post pushed down because of all the interesting, cool, fun and creative construction projects happening.  Awesome!


Cheers.

[UFO]

Added:

iPazzport Mini Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard with Touchpad Backlit and Laser Pointer for Smart TV and PC KP-810-10BT

Works like a charm and don't have to open the cabinet to retrieve the keyboard and mouse.  [As I didn't want to add the USB ports which I purchased from FOCUSATTACK.

Need to prep the stencil for the other side and paint.  Then add new T-molding. 

Still trying to fix the Planar WS231.  Haven't had a moment.

HYPERSPIN - Adding my favorite games to the favorite list.

Looks good, but does that Tron style joystick not get in the way of the screen a bit?

I would personally find it a bit of a distraction - does it reflect on the screen?

[BEGINSTUDIO]

No.  It does reflect but it is not intrusive or distracting.  Works well in combo with the spinner, Tron.


At first I thought it might be a nuisance and an awful place to mount the stick, in conjunction with the steep rake to the panel.  The other monitor Ws231 might have been more of an issue.  I'll post if I get it fixed.

Thanks for tuning in UFO!  These games are freaking great.

Cheers!

[BEGINSTUDIO]

If I can't find a 16:9 bezel for my widescreen, I'm making them.  Modifying the lay files as per Mr. Do and Chillin and others, to accomodate the two screens.

[BEGINSTUDIO]

Swapping out the widescreen monitor with a 4:3.  Painted the kick plate.  Installed jukebox and virtual pinball.

Starting a new project: PYRO