The Legend of Zelda. Calling it finished.

[Martijn]

sticker and more authentic add ons to make it more industry cab like got my seal of approval

[Wyo]

Haha, that's awesome.

Well, I realized I made a big mistake with CPO layout.  Guess this is why you do test prints.  I hooked up the game pad to the CPO this morning and I realized  I accidentally switched A and B buttons...labeled them wrong.  Attack should be the right (b) and Gadget on the left (a).  I double checked the game manual when I designed it....but I realize now that I just read the first line of what B is and didn't read the whole thing...I saw, "attack" but didn't read the rest.  It's not that big of a deal because I can just switch the buttons for Zelda....but it's kind of annoying for the rest of the NES games.



Im not sure my OCD will let this go. Haha.

[sokignano]

Oh noes! CPO still looks awesome and i cant believe none of us caught it.

[yotsuya]

Here's another vote for keeping the sticker. Especially with the rupees on it.

Funny you're still trying to figure out how you want to run everything. I remember strongly recommending you should just stick with the PC route what seems like ages ago. :-)

[nordemoniac]

You could in theory use a separate emulator just for Zelda though, where A is on the left, and B on the right. And then you have another emulator for the rest of the ROMs where you have A on the right and B on the left, like a NES controller.

[Alejo I]

Haha, that's awesome.

Well, I realized I made a big mistake with CPO layout.  Guess this is why you do test prints.  I hooked up the game pad to the CPO this morning and I realized  I accidentally switched A and B buttons...labeled them wrong.  Attack should be the right (b) and Gadget on the left (a).  I double checked the game manual when I designed it....but I realize now that I just read the first line of what B is and didn't read the whole thing...I saw, "attack" but didn't read the rest.  It's not that big of a deal because I can just switch the buttons for Zelda....but it's kind of annoying for the rest of the NES games.



Im not sure my OCD will let this go. Haha.

Just your subconscient telling you to reboot the project, probably.

/jk

[BadMouth]

I have a question. See the two speakers dangling from the CRT.....what would be the best solution for my speaker panel? I was planning on using a Nintendo style single 6" speaker.   Should I just use one of those speaker lines and connect it to that? Or will I lose sound because there are supposed to be two channels? Or should I use an amp somehow? I have a lapai 2020 amp on order for this build.  Or should I just put both stock TV speakers over the speaker grill?

My first TV rodeo....so opinions and knowledge welcome!

If you're using an original NES the sound is mono, so you're ok using either channel.

You're probably not ok just hooking the speaker leads from the TV up to a different speaker because:
The original TV speakers are probably some high impedance like 16 or 32 ohm.
The larger speaker you'd use would most likely be 4 or 8 ohm, which is too much of a load for the amp in the TV.

I'm not a fan of using the original TV speakers, but it's an option.
Their frequency response is probably centered around the vocal range, so the highs and lows will leave something to be desired.
(even though we're talking about old arcade machines that didn't even use a wizzer cone, let alone a tweeter)

Personally I'd stick to your original plan and use one big speaker with the lepai amp.
It will be more like the original Nintendo cabs and you can mount the amp inside the coin door to adjust the volume.
You may end up only using one channel of the lepai amp if it's not bridgeable.  A lot of times those little amps aren't.
You could get a dual voice coil ceiling speaker, but personally I wouldn't spend that much on a speaker.

On the CP art, I'd redo it to match the controller.   
EDIT:  Strike that.  Since you don't actually have them labeled as A and B, I think they're fine.
The first arcade button in a row which you'd hit with your index finger is usually the main action button, which would be attack.
From an arcade game standpoint, I think it would feel weird for the attack button to be on the right.

[markc74]

Just to add to control panel convo.

Leave it. See how you feel in 6 months when you're playing DK or whatever. You'll either think - that was pretty funny how I messed that up but now I love it cos it's quirky and mine - or GRRRRR. I can't bear to look at this machine because it's not 100% perfect.

Point being. You probably wont care in future - however redoing something that took so long will pee you off, and could stop the build being fun. I took a chunk out of the laminate on the back of my cab today. I cared until the 2nd beer and then thought meh. Only I'll see it - and when I do I'll remember the beer and not the (very brief) anger.

* Not promoting alcohol to solve issues but ... if it works for Homer...

[JDFan]

I'm not sure my OCD will let this go. Haha.

Perhaps you could break out the exacto and cut the 4 button areas out - gold foil the background (like you did the rest of the panel) and use small vinyl lettering to change them up.

[thomas_surles]

That really sucks about the buttons, but for an arcade game I think it works better how you have it now. As long if you go with the Nintendo seal that was suggested, the round one is UK and the oval one is US

[opt2not]

One thing I find when doing something over again is that you end up doing it better and faster the second time through. Just something to think about from a fellow OCD'r.   

[Wyo]

I'm not sure my OCD will let this go. Haha.

Perhaps you could break out the exacto and cut the 4 button areas out - gold foil the background (like you did the rest of the panel) and use small vinyl lettering to change them up.

First of all, thanks to all of you for the great information, especially on the speaker issue!!

Second, I actually thought of that. Possibly cutting them out and leaving the gold...or use my exact skills  and cut them as close to the black line and possibly switch them.....but, I think you guys are right that it would play more naturally the way the layout is now....so I guess I'll leave it.  it is by default a Zelda game, so I guess the orientation should speak to that first.  Thanks so much for helping me be at ease.  Maybe I'll replace it in the future....but like suggested hopefully I'll just let it go when I move on to other projects.

[Wyo]

Haha, that's awesome.

Well, I realized I made a big mistake with CPO layout.  Guess this is why you do test prints.  I hooked up the game pad to the CPO this morning and I realized  I accidentally switched A and B buttons...labeled them wrong.  Attack should be the right (b) and Gadget on the left (a).  I double checked the game manual when I designed it....but I realize now that I just read the first line of what B is and didn't read the whole thing...I saw, "attack" but didn't read the rest.  It's not that big of a deal because I can just switch the buttons for Zelda....but it's kind of annoying for the rest of the NES games.




Im not sure my OCD will let this go. Haha.

Just your subconscient telling you to reboot the project, probably.

/jk

Don't you put that evil on me!! LOL.   

[nexusmtz]

Attack should be the right (b) and Gadget on the left (a)...It's not that big of a deal because I can just switch the buttons for Zelda....but it's kind of annoying for the rest of the NES games.

If we played arcade games with our thumbs, this would be a muscle memory problem for people who spent hours/years playing the game on the NES. But as it's been said, arcade players usually attack/fire with the first button. Your decision to leave it is fine.

You could in theory use a separate emulator just for Zelda though, where A is on the left, and B on the right. And then you have another emulator for the rest of the ROMs where you have A on the right and B on the left, like a NES controller.

It usually only takes an ini file to swap them, but the point is well taken: If you need to, fix it in software.

And if you don't want to fix it in software, just put a DPDT latching push button under the cp so a player can flip them if it's mentally bothersome to them.

[Wyo]

You are right Nexusmtz, I was actually thinking about that tonight.  Why did nintendo put a on the right, and b on the left?....but then I realized it's because you would use your thumb as the main action button....so it makes perfect sense.  So I'm at peace with my flipped button configuration since it's an arcade application.  Interestingly though, the NES advantage has the same button layout as the controllers.

But yeah, I was trying to play super Mario bros and I was finding it tricky to run fast and jump because of all the years I played it with the NES controller.  Haha.  I'm sure I'll get used to it eventually.

[DeLuSioNal29]

B on the left A for NES or GTFO.  I hate playing it any other way and I'm sure others will feel the same.

[Titchgamer]

Dont think it will matter on a cade tbh.
With controllers defo b on left otherwise dont play right.

[BadMouth]

B on the left A for NES or GTFO.  I hate playing it any other way and I'm sure others will feel the same.

But they aren't labeled A and B, they are labelled attack and gadget.

[Wyo]

Yeah, the control panel is gonna stay as is (for now).  I've come to accept the mistake as a good thing....but in the future I may Re print the CPO and switch the labels.,..maybe.  Right now I just want to focus on finishing this project before winter. It snowed already in colorado yesterday....so it's coming.

Which means I still have left to do as of today....

Print and install marquee
print and gold foil bezel
Design and Print side art (and foil) and the 2nd instruction label
Finish wiring up the electronics all clean like. I'm still waiting for the speaker amp in the mail.
Cut and install monitor cardboard bezel.

[thomas_surles]

You might want to step on it before you have to wait until spring. But don't sacrifice quality for time. Also so you can go ahead and win the 2016 uca.

[Wyo]

Some updated progress pics. I got the speaker, speaker grill, and control panel retainer and latched installed.  I pretty much finished wet sanding and polishing the cab except for a few small imperfections I'm still sanding out.  I had to take the t-molding off to replace it because when I pulled the protective film off....I did it at the wrong angle which put tension on the foil causing it to wrinkle in some places....so put in an order for new t-molding.  No biggie.  I'll be more careful next time. 

I also installed the marquee light and cut the mock up bezel to check the viewing angle....which will be perfect for my height a 6'2.  I still need to crouch a bit, but I do with stock Nintendo games as well.  I hacked the NES a controller and made an "encoder" by drilling a small hole in the point of contact on the pad, and then soldered and dabbed hot glue to each solder point.  I tested it and it works great.

I may switch to a raspberry pie in the future....but this works for me for now.

[Wyo]

[Wyo]

I used this online image as a reference to build the encoder.  I had an old, beat up, crusty, yellowed, cracked NES controller I used for this.  Hopefully I won't get strung up by purists, it really wasn't savable.The NES will be completely un modded.

 



Careful with your gold chrome t molding, this could happen.  It only happened in a few small, but very noticeable places.  So replacement is necessary.

[Wyo]

Got the new t-molding today.  Also, the bezel and marquee are at the printer right now.  Next up, design the side art.  I have an idea for it, so we'll see how it goes.  I designed the bezel instruction card last night, which is also at the printer.  This will get a gold border around it.  I should have probably mentioned something about using the shield....but oh well.

[Slippyblade]

Love the "tick, tick, tick".  That made me giggle. 

Though I'm a bit confused why the emphasis on "left/right".  Link can move up and down as well.

[vwalbridge]

Link can also move up and down.


(not just left and right)

EDIT: I see slippy noticed the same thing.

[Wyo]

Link can also move up and down.


(not just left and right)

EDIT: I see slippy noticed the same thing.

Ah, I just assumed by showing link moving left and right, people knew up and down too...and it was demonstrating those two movements and I didn't need to show all four.  Oops. Should posted her first I guess? No biggie, I still gotta print the side art, I'll reprint. Ha.  Thanks for catching it guys!

[Wyo]

We'll wait, does it really matter? Bare with me here.  Because DK, FIFJS, etc...shows the same instructions....for movement left and right....but he goes up and down as well. ?  It's just inferred.  Thoughts?

[vwalbridge]

We'll wait, does it really matter? Bare with me here.  Because DK, FIFJS, etc...shows the same instructions....for movement left and right....but he goes up and down as well. ?  It's just inferred.  Thoughts?

I definitely see what you are saying....

However, on DK, it's not saying jumpman can't move up and down...just that he can only JUMP left or right.

[Wyo]

You're right.  That makes sense.   Ill rearrange some things...maybe eliminate the ground under link and put him in the center with four arrows at east, west, north and south around him.  Then add the words, "up and down". I'll  modify the numbers as well.

thanks!

[Slippyblade]

I'd lose the numbers, honestly.

[nordemoniac]

Diagonal vs diagonally... Is it correct here?

[Titchgamer]

I would just put "moves link" think its obvious its up down left right lol

Also I agree with Slippy, loose the numbers.

[Wyo]

I would just put "moves link" think its obvious its up down left right lol

Also I agree with Slippy, loose the numbers.

Good suggestions guys.  I'll make the changes and post it up later tonight before I print this time. Lol.

Also, I'll just take the diagonal part out. I'm still not sure if Zelda is a 4 way or 8 way game.  Link only moves four ways but the NES pad is 8....so? It seems like link can throw his boomerang diagonally.   It sure plays easier with the joystick set to four.

[Titchgamer]

Pretty sure its classed as a 4 way game though I must say its been a long time since i played Zelda lol

[nordemoniac]

Anyways, at "that time" the user rarely expected 8 way controllers.

[Slippyblade]

Diagon Alley!

[thomas_surles]

Fired up my nes to verify. Definitely 4 way.

[Wyo]

I got the marquee and bezel artwork from the printer today so I went ahead and cut the plex for the marquee and the smoked bezel plex.  I did the plex sandwich for the marquee.  I'd like to do the same for the bezel, to protect the chrome.   I installed the marquee and the new t-molding today.  Tonight, I'm in for a looooooong  date night with the razor blade embossing the bezel artwork. 

Oh, and pay no attention to the instruction card with the bezel.  That was the old design before you awesome dudes helped me figure how it should be moving forward.

[Wyo]