NASA themed 4 player build. Custom balltops, laser etched control panel

[scoodidabop]

Balltops www.cuddleburrito.com:



Cuddleburrito is a really nice guy and does some pretty unique stuff.  Hit him up!

Here's the sideart.  I think I'll cut out the shuttle windows and recess the wood on that part with some lighted plexi of the side of the cabinet if it won't interfere with the monitor bracket. If not this looks ok without that;




As for the marquee I kept it pretty simple:



But what if I want to jazz up this marquee? Ahem.  Dolla, dolla bill y'all.  I found a nearly perfect sized LCD (the 32") I was thinking about using for a dynamic marquee but it's like $600 with shipping. Kinda steep for a fun yet basic feature.  Who am I kidding it's more than kinda fun.  It would be spectacular!  Who here has Chinese negotiating skills and can get me a deep discount on this thing?  I'll pay you in Doritos.  Cool Ranch.  Or Spicy Cheetos.  It's a good deal.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Different-Customize-bar-LCD-Stretched-LCD-screen-digital-advertising-moudle-/291192461563?hash=item43cc6c58fb


The control panel graphic is done and printed but after seeing how this guy did some fairly simple laser etching on plexi I'm seriously considering scrapping that whole approach and doing a version of this for my control panel.  How cool would that look with the LED arcade buttons?

http://imgur.com/a/DyQZL

Sorry no build pics of the cabinet yet.  I have the basic frame done but I'll make some real progress in a month or so.  Stay tuned!  Thanks guys!

[pbj]

Those ball tops are pretty cool.

You can find me at the Bayview Duck in San Leon fairly often.  Boondoggles is alright, too.

[rablack97]

Dang sparing no expense......$200.00 in balltop eh?

[yotsuya]

I kinda like the sparse,  NASA-heyday approach and don't think you need to super-bling it out, myself. 

[yotsuya]

I mean, good luck with your build, bro!!!

[n3wt0n]

I mean, good luck with your build, bro!!!

I like the NASA artwork. It all seems to fit together nicely.

[scoodidabop]

Dang sparing no expense......$200.00 in balltop eh?

Almost.  He hooked me up since I got TMNT set for another build. It's steep if you're doing a 4 player unit though, yeah.

I mean, good luck with your build, bro!!!

Thanks!

I like the NASA artwork. It all seems to fit together nicely.

Thanks! Art definitely isn't my strong suit but this came out ok I think. 

I kinda like the sparse,  NASA-heyday approach and don't think you need to super-bling it out, myself. 

That's the thing about doing individual plexi panels - it would be a closer match to what NASA actually uses vs. just buttons on some vinyl decal in the more traditional arcade style.  I dunno.  We'll see if I can come up with something that looks decent.  Sparse is cool though, I agree.

[Pauly]

Digging this! Huge NASA fan here. I think it all looks great and I like the idea of the side indents. Was there a reason behind not having an official logo? I think that would be the cherry on top. Your current design could use the "worm" logo (my fav) or the "meatball" logo as we know today.



NEVERMIND: Just read side art is done. Ignore this dumb post from me.  It looks fantastic either way!

[scoodidabop]

I played around with both of those actually.  In the end I used the NASA logo from the movie Interstellar.  Before you get upset with me for using that particular logo I'll give you some context; The film (rightfully) caught a lot of flack but I took my two kids to it and it blew their tiny child minds.  They were 10 and 12 at the time and we had some really great discussions about space and the universe in the lobby after the movie and on the car ride home.  So I kinda watched the movie through their eyes in a way and the imagery and sense of exploration was seemingly profound for them.  Using that logo is kind of a tribute to them and that experience.  Here's the graphic I did for the control panel - it's decent (I don't have your art skills Pauly!) but if I can pull off that plexiglass panel idea I think that would be really slick:

[DeLuSioNal29]

A custom Earth trackball would be awesome.  I recall someone wanted that once for a Galactus themed cabinet.  My memory is failing me.

Nice concept though!  My brother in law worked for NASA (he was contracted to recover the booster rockets after launches from the now retired space shuttle).  I'll need to show this to him.

DeLuSioNaL29

[rablack97]

can your guy do this with battops?

[EvilNuff]

...But what if I want to jazz up this marquee? Ahem.  Dolla, dolla bill y'all.  I found a nearly perfect sized LCD (the 32") I was thinking about using for a dynamic marquee but it's like $600 with shipping. Kinda steep for a fun yet basic feature.  Who am I kidding it's more than kinda fun.  It would be spectacular!  Who here has Chinese negotiating skills and can get me a deep discount on this thing?  I'll pay you in Doritos.  Cool Ranch.  Or Spicy Cheetos.  It's a good deal.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Different-Customize-bar-LCD-Stretched-LCD-screen-digital-advertising-moudle-/291192461563?hash=item43cc6c58fb
...

I have been looking for something to use for a dynamic marquee as well and also have had no luck!  I have found several manufacturers with displays that would work but they all appear to be made to order and just have inquiry links for price.  I wonder if there would be interest in, or ability to get a better price on a group buy from people on the forum? 

[scoodidabop]

A custom Earth trackball would be awesome.  I recall someone wanted that once for a Galactus themed cabinet.  My memory is failing me.

Nice concept though!  My brother in law worked for NASA (he was contracted to recover the booster rockets after launches from the now retired space shuttle).  I'll need to show this to him.

DeLuSioNaL29

That's awesome! I bet recovering those boosters was a huge undertaking. 

As for an Earth trackball I don't think he has a mold for that size.  In addition the method he used on the joystick balltops wouldn't work because they're essentially just the planet image on a sheet of paper sandwiched between two halves of clear balltop - so when spinning the trackball you would rarely see the Earth image.

Now that you mention it I should do something custom for the trackball though.  Maybe clear?
 

[scoodidabop]

...But what if I want to jazz up this marquee? Ahem.  Dolla, dolla bill y'all.  I found a nearly perfect sized LCD (the 32") I was thinking about using for a dynamic marquee but it's like $600 with shipping. Kinda steep for a fun yet basic feature.  Who am I kidding it's more than kinda fun.  It would be spectacular!  Who here has Chinese negotiating skills and can get me a deep discount on this thing?  I'll pay you in Doritos.  Cool Ranch.  Or Spicy Cheetos.  It's a good deal.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Different-Customize-bar-LCD-Stretched-LCD-screen-digital-advertising-moudle-/291192461563?hash=item43cc6c58fb
...

I have been looking for something to use for a dynamic marquee as well and also have had no luck!  I have found several manufacturers with displays that would work but they all appear to be made to order and just have inquiry links for price.  I wonder if there would be interest in, or ability to get a better price on a group buy from people on the forum?

I'd be down for this if it's a viable option.  The minimums required to obtain a discount are usually fairly steep from these guys but I'll ask vitrolight where that threshold lies.

[Pauly]

Using that logo is kind of a tribute to them and that experience.

Cannot argue with that one bit! You know what would be cool for the plexi side panels?

[cw]

not seeing a thrust control for lunar lander


do like the theme...

[Scotty_C]

Really liking this!!  That plexi panel would be so awesome! Do it

[matsadona]

+1 one for the Lunar lander thrust handle 

Regarding the trackball, I would search for anyone skilled with an airbrush and have it painted as the moon with craters and such.

[ZexisStryfe]

I have been looking for something to use for a dynamic marquee as well and also have had no luck!  I have found several manufacturers with displays that would work but they all appear to be made to order and just have inquiry links for price.  I wonder if there would be interest in, or ability to get a better price on a group buy from people on the forum?

I would totally be down for this as well. I have been searching for a 32"x9" or 32"x8" monitor for a marquee for a while now with no luck...

[scoodidabop]

Thinking about this plexi thing. Initial layout of possible panels. My local laser guy said he can cut up to 1/4" thick (I need to run a quality test piece with him) but I'm wondering how well that will hold up.  Mashing on arcade buttons gets pretty intense and with some of these pieces being fairly large I would need to leave some wood intact below the plexi for the buttons and stick to mount to. 

I have been looking for something to use for a dynamic marquee as well and also have had no luck!  I have found several manufacturers with displays that would work but they all appear to be made to order and just have inquiry links for price.  I wonder if there would be interest in, or ability to get a better price on a group buy from people on the forum?

I would totally be down for this as well. I have been searching for a 32"x9" or 32"x8" monitor for a marquee for a while now with no luck...

Well I heard back from vitrolight on ebay.  They said qty 10-20 would afford a $20 discount per unit.  Not great.  They hinted at going off ebay for a little more discount but that wouldn't exceed 10% - so a total of $60 off.  Better than nothing but not what I was hoping for. 

@ZexisStryfe their 32" measures appx 29ish by 7ish.  Perfect for my cab but a little smaller than what you're looking for.  The aspect ratio is right, which is why I like these.  Most of the other stretched LCDs I've seen (LG, Dell) are taller than these, like 30"x12", which is a bit too tall for this application.

[ZexisStryfe]

@ZexisStryfe their 32" measures appx 29ish by 7ish.  Perfect for my cab but a little smaller than what you're looking for.  The aspect ratio is right, which is why I like these.  Most of the other stretched LCDs I've seen (LG, Dell) are taller than these, like 30"x12", which is a bit too tall for this application.

See if the screen was 29x7 I would definitely consider it, however the screen is only 27.5" x5.1". That would mean there would be way too much black border for my taste (2 inches+ all around the screen).

[scoodidabop]

See if the screen was 29x7 I would definitely consider it, however the screen is only 27.5" x5.1". That would mean there would be way too much black border for my taste (2 inches+ all around the screen).

Oh, right - good call. On my 30" wide marquee I can live with a 27.5" wide image but that's too much of a waste on a 32" space.  Damn. 

It's a shame these are so expensive at the moment. They're clearly aimed at commercial clients since they're little consumer demand/use for them.  Who needs a kidney?! I have one - cheap! Just $600

[reptileink]

Looks really cool so far!

Back to the "Earth" track ball. Do you guys think something like hydro dipping would hold up?? http://www.uniquehydrographics.com/services.html

Send them the ball, and have them dip it?

Sorry, I don't know much about how a trackball is put together....lol.

Keep it up!

[ChanceKJ]

  love this! Best one I've seen yet!

[scoodidabop]

Looks really cool so far!

Back to the "Earth" track ball. Do you guys think something like hydro dipping would hold up?? http://www.uniquehydrographics.com/services.html

Send them the ball, and have them dip it?

Sorry, I don't know much about how a trackball is put together....lol.

Keep it up!

Hydro dip would work but that eliminates any dimensional depth to the ball.  This might be cool:

http://www.neonhusky.com/JShop/product.php/411/0

I was hoping to find some kind of "bubble" style ball since those have tons of depth and look great lit up but this might look nice.  Ordered one.

love this! Best one I've seen yet!

Thanks buddy! 

[scoodidabop]

Starry night trackball arrived:



The ball is UV reactive so I'll test it with some UV LEDs.

[vwalbridge]

(How the flip do you embed a facebook vid?

Remove the letter 's' from 'https...' and it will embedded the video. (This works for YouTube videos anyway)

[ChanceKJ]

That trackball though....









#MyGodItsFullOfStars.

[Xerobull]

I'm loving this build- between the UV reactive ball and the etched plexi...man, this is some innovative stuff. What trackball do you have & is it working well?

[scoodidabop]

Thanks! I'm using an Ultimarc trackball as usual.  Same one used in my latest build - and of course by everyone and their mama:




The UV ball is maybe 1mm too small so we'll have to see how it performs in a real world scenario when it's mounted to the control board. Hopefully making some progress soon on the etching.

[scoodidabop]

So right now I'm considering the following layers for the control panel

Top layer - 1/8" clear plexi for protection
Middle layer - 1/8" white plexi, laser etched with details/writing
Base layer - 1/2 plexi (whoa mama!) clear for LED light transmission through to middle layer

Seems like that might work.  The next thing I'm considering is maybe a black vinyl instead of laser etching.  Advantage of vinyl would be a one piece construction where the laser cut pieces would be individual small panels.  The one piece idea might lead to lots of light bleed between the different sections of the control panel but that would only be an issue if I did multicolor.  White might be cool for all the laser cut lines though.  I don't know.  In this unit the separate panels allow for different colors and no color bleed between them.  Looks kinda cool.  I also like the SpaceX aesthetic so maybe all white:



I'm awful at graphic design so my apologies.  Hopefully this will improve.  It's a decent starting point but I'm welcomed to any ideas - or if you wanna do the whole thing for me that would be nice! 

[scoodidabop]

First of all laser etching is expensive as balls.  Damn.  The test piece came out good despite the fact that I accidentally left on compression when saving the file so there's some artifacts around the lines.  Not perfectly clean but still, a successful test.  Damn it's expensive. Might still go the vinyl route just to save some serious dough.



Anyway I was so excited about this progress that I worked up a bunch more of the control panel.  Liking it so far. Needs tweaks but it's getting late and I need bed. 



EDIT:

Thinking about using these square buttons for coin/start/esc along the top row to get more of the SpaceX feel. 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2PCS-16MM-White-Square-Momentary-PUSH-BUTTON-LED-ILLUMINATED-24V-AC-DC-5-PINS-/181714839615?hash=item2a4f0c683f

Adafruit has these little RGB leds I can use with those buttons but they need a resistor added to them... might be too labor intensive for this.  Does the PacLED64 put out a full 5v?

http://www.adafruit.com/products/302

Alright.  I gotta go.  I'm tired. Y'all trippin.

[scoodidabop]

This 1/2" clear plexi is heavy as balls.  Jeez.  As much as I hate to use MDF I might need it on the rear panels just to compensate for the weight on the front.  It cut pretty easy freehanding a 1 1/8" forstner bit but I actually got a cleaner, straighter cut using a hole saw. 





EDIT:

Damn I just realized I'll need to router a channel into the top of the 1/2" plexi to house additional LEDs to illuminate the front of the control panel that cantilevers out over the control box.  I considered this routered LED channel method and using a 1/2" wood substrate under the white plexi but with such close proximity to the plexi the LEDs won't diffuse so well.  Having the LEDs shine up through the 1/2" plexi from 3" away in the bottom of the control box should help scatter the light throughout the whole piece.  Except the front of course.  Hence the revelation.

EDIT AGAIN: SORRY:

Considering RGB LEDs with this remote, instead of plain white: http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-12V-Output-44-Key-IR-Remote-Controller-For-3528-5050-RGB-LED-SMD-Strip-Light-/351163107183?var=&hash=item51c2f3c76f
If white gets boring I can change it on the fly.  Plus I wanted the ability to dim the white just in case.  Considered connecting to the PacLED64 but I want some separation from the LEDBlinky software to prevent the control panel lines from doing things like audio reaction and such.  There is a plan to add different system names to the graphic (see pic - SEGA, Nintendo, Arcade, etc...) and have those light up via LEDBlinky when each of those systems are selected.

[Slippyblade]

Regarding the laser etching...  see if there is a Makerspace in your area.  Most of em have a laser cutter and most will either do the etching for you or show you how to do it.  Most I've run into don't even charge if you provide the material.

[jlfreund]

Hey fellow builders!

I've done a couple Flynn clones for friends and thought I should do one to keep for myself.  The sideart is done and has arrived, same with the marquee and control panel but now I'm considering some alternatives here and there.  It's NASA themed (I live in Space City too) and I just received these really slick custom balltops from www.cuddleburrito.com:

Super excited about the custom balltops.  Going to get one for my project (in progress).

Jason

[rablack97]

Regarding the laser etching...  see if there is a Makerspace in your area.  Most of em have a laser cutter and most will either do the etching for you or show you how to do it.  Most I've run into don't even charge if you provide the material.

Yep was about to say the same thing, there is a membership fee, and they dont give you much training on the tools.  It will be trial and error, just bring your own materials, and the space may charge you a usage fee like .10- .20 per minute for your run time.  The money just goes back into replacing the laser tubes.

Very nice build sir....

[rablack97]

This 8 button subject has gone viral lately.

The hobby is evolving, back to the old school.  The days of keyboard drawers and lit balltops is slowly fading away

[scoodidabop]

Regarding the laser etching...  see if there is a Makerspace in your area.  Most of em have a laser cutter and most will either do the etching for you or show you how to do it.  Most I've run into don't even charge if you provide the material.

Yep was about to say the same thing, there is a membership fee, and they dont give you much training on the tools.  It will be trial and error, just bring your own materials, and the space may charge you a usage fee like .10- .20 per minute for your run time.  The money just goes back into replacing the laser tubes.

Very nice build sir....

Thanks. I reached out to my local makerspace.  We'll see what happens

[Malenko]

Just because there's something worse out there doesn't mean what you have isn't terrible too.

[opt2not]

Looking forward to seeing more!

[scoodidabop]

Might treat the sides to this aesthetic via some sintra;



Maybe use black and white, cut into tiles? Either way jazzing up the sides can be done at any time so I'll weigh this option for a bit.

[Malenko]

Ok, here's my 4 player panel:


There are other as good if not better examples.

plenty of room,  no elbow contact, no aircraft carrier shape, no LEDs in the buttons.
Forgive the bezel, I just pulled off the 28" LCD and installed a 27" tri-sync monitor.


You are picking and choosing what is a limit of an arcade machine, so I dont really want to travel down that path. As for ability to pull it off, if you're lazy and want to take shortcuts Im sure your cab would look like a duct work robot too.

[yotsuya]

Interesting - if you look at the post of Jarrett's, at the end of it, after the photos, he posted:

This was never built, but I worked pretty hard on the layout and the design.

So he designed it, but didn't build it. Hmmmm....

[scoodidabop]

Ok, here's my 4 player panel:

There are other as good if not better examples.

plenty of room,  no elbow contact, no aircraft carrier shape, no LEDs in the buttons.
Forgive the bezel, I just pulled off the 28" LCD and installed a 27" tri-sync monitor.

You are picking and choosing what is a limit of an arcade machine, so I dont really want to travel down that path. As for ability to pull it off, if you're lazy and want to take shortcuts Im sure your cab would look like a duct work robot too.

Cool thanks for sharing that

[opt2not]

Good luck with your build!

[Xiaou2]

 However, I do agree that the shape isnt very conductive to actual comfort and viewing angles.


 Im also not a big fan of cramping a CP.   Examples posted here.. are way too close for my tastes.   Id rather have a much wider CP, and have plenty of comfortable space.. rather than feel like Im at a packed rock/metal concert.

 As for the design.. Im having a hard time understanding what your intentions are.   If the CP image you put down is a representation.. or if you are designing a completely new CP image bases on laser etching.

 If the former.. then it would go with the printed ports better.. because the image contains photographically flat images on the CP.

 If the latter..  then its optional.    I think 3d shading done well looks pretty decent on its own.   Although, the top ports look very easy to replicate with simple patterns and a few layers of wood.  And some simple cardboard / PVC tubing for the bottom ports.   They could be used for fan inlets in the bottom..  and maybe some high quality EPI inverted dome (concave)  tweeters for the top ports.  (amazing 3d sound-field)

 Im not sure how that Etching works...   But I think it would be easier for one thing... to have the bottom of the 1/2" plexi airbrushed white.    Or use paper, or viynal..etc.   

 A much cheaper option to try for the Top Detail layer, is to use a laser printer, and transparency film.   You would need to print out many sections.. but I think it would turn out pretty decently.   Ive printed optical wheels this way before.     If you wanted larger prints.. check into a local Circuitboard shop.  They have giant laser plotters.   Not sure what they might charge for the print however..  and it would still probably have to be at least 2 pieces of film.

 If you want color.. you can sandwich a few pieces of translucent colored films inbetween the plexglass top and the black/clear film.  That would eliminate any light leaking.  (in other methods, you would need to create light-shields)

 You might try to coat the top layer with a few coats of either gloss or flat clear.   Then when dry, place the protective top plexiglass layer on.    The clear layer may help with sealing up any trace of lines from the film pieces.

 And or...  you could make the detail layer film areas as stylized cut outs..  and just spray paint the rest black.   That way.. you only have cutout lines as nice artistically created boarders.


 I do think that real unique light up control buttons and toggle switches would be cool.   They could be mapped as emulation options.

 I also think that it would be cool to have the ports and other details in 3d parts.

 Some digital led readouts could be embedded into the CP as well... rather than merely etched in as lighting fx.

 bass-shakers are a must.  =)

 If only 2 players... would be cool to incorporate 1/2" plexi windows as sidewalls  (from the CP edge, to the marquee bottom, at a nice angle.. and some aluminum edging + rivets.

 A rounded marquee and rounded CP ... + maybe even rounded side panels.. might be an interesting twist.

 Ohh, and I agree.. that a lunar-lander analog thrust throttle would be great.  You could use a single arm version, that could overhang player 2s buttons.   You could easily lurch it fully forwards towards the monitor, when its not in use.


 Edit:

 I have to add... that pic of your last build..   having the monitor nearly or fully vertical..  becomes a problem for people of different heights.   It gets even more amplified when you are trying to squeeze 4 players into the mix.   One of the reasons why arcade monitors used steep angles, especially with 4 players... was to push the image away from the players eyes a bit.. and provide a much wider viewing angle.   The 3rd and 4th player would otherwise have a lot more difficult of a time trying to see the image well.   Also, having the image too close to the eyes.. creates a focus issue... where you cant easily see the full image well on the screen.   Especially when you are talking a 25" or larger monitor.

[rablack97]

Well,  I've said this and i'll say it again.  If your gonna post and then get your feelings hurt based on folks honest feedback, regardless of how degrading it may be.....DON'T POST

Not everyone is going to like everyone's idea's, but the comments are diverse and provide guidance if you look past the tomatoes.  Bluntness exposes all avenues which will allow the OP to use those criticisms to improve the build or ignore the advice.

The idea is to learn from the posts, it may not even apply to your build, but its good knowledge.  So look deeper at why people say what they say instead of taking offense, otherwise, folks are gonna give the one liners...like build sucks start over, then what?

This is your build, your learning experience, it's very cool and very interesting, but not all responses are gonna stroke you like a cat.

This is my thoughts on the 8 buttons, posted this in another thread.

This 7 button setup was done tastefully.



Most pro-sticks have the 8 button layout as well, so it's not a whether it's needed or not, its a personal preference in regards to what layout allows you to play the game more efficiently.



Some people are good at the combo button presses, but what makes it easier is where those buttons are on the stick.  So the 8 button layout accounts for that, more flexibility for mapping.

To some folks its not all about aesthetics, this is a very nice cab which has the option of maximum mappable buttons to kick somebody's ass in your favorite fighting game.

I wouldn't call adding extra buttons being lazy, he's just optimized his layout for full compatibility across the board.

Do what you're comfortable with, don't do 6 buttons based on what everyone else does, and then play a game and get pissed that you don't have button config that you want, kinda like a recliner, its about your comfort and what options you want available not everyone elses, same with the panel.

Mal and Opt's comments are all valid and make hella sense, but in the end do what you want, its in your house and not one of is gonna play it. 

[Xiaou2]

I just thought Id say a few more things.

 Firstly, I LOVE the Tron Recognizer theme to the Pedestal.


 However, I did want to show a study in Control Panel Design...

 1)   Angled players  - vs -   Non Angled

   As you can see... there really is not much space difference between the two designs.   What do you save?   2 to 4 inches?   What do you lose?  Viewing angle,  as well as the awkward angle stance relative to the monitor.  Nobody really likes being player 3 & 4, as a result.

 Having all in line also allows for easier Robotron / Smash TV / Tank games play.

 2)   Arms over Buttons

  It seems that many people whom put more controls on their CP... do not consider resting their arms on top of buttons... for extended periods of time.   That is not going to be comfortable.

 Furthermore... the controls in the rear..  are often too far back.    You really have to reach far into the CP to use them... and this also can cause strain, and discomfort.

3)  Trackball Sweep

 There should be a minimal of 1ft diameter of free space around the trackball.    The common mistake,  is to place the TB only inches away from player 2s tall joystick.    Being that you often sweep upwards at an Arc...  it allows you to place buttons closer,  but not a joystick.  Even a spinner placed near.. might be ok..  depending on the actual distance and arc.

 This problem can mostly be solved by sliding the TB more towards player 1s buttons..  as well as sliding the TB lower towards the front edge of the CP.   (Lower in position to the joysticks / buttons)    You lose symmetrical look... but you dont have to worry about being careful of smashing your hands into a controller.

 The probably solution people are using.. is to jack up the TB sensitivity..   so that only a very tiny move of the ball... makes the on screen characters move a lot.   The problem with this... is that its cheating.   It makes it too easy to achieve full speed and acceleration.   Its ruins the depth and challenge of the game.    You lose game resolution,  and physical properties.

4)  Sharp Corners

  IMO, its advisable not to have Sharp corners on a CP.   Especially on 4 player CPs..  as it can dig into a person if they learn up into them.  Also... its dangerous for children... whom may run and smack or fall into them.

5) Arc'd buttons

  I completely disagree with doing this.   However, if you do... it should be when using Japanese flat or convex (raised center) buttons.  These are lower activation pressure... and you can press them easier with a flat hand.   I personally prefer traditional concave buttons... as they keep your fingers centered and locked in place... so you never lose track of where you are.   If using an arc with these..  its often that you accidentally lose your place... and end up hitting the harder sidewalls of the button... which does not feel good.

 The brain should never have to think about the controls you use. .. otherwise, your getting killed ... most especially in an intense game.
Your very keyboard is laid out in straight lines.  All for good reasons.    You dont type with your hands and fingers flat.   If you did.. you would find that you would lose your place easily... partly because everyones fingers are different lengths.   What fits you perfectly.. will be an impossible nightmare for others.    You instead, bend your fingers at the joint.. keeping them far more vertically centered over the keys.  This also provides far greater leverage... requiring far less strength... and thus far less strain.

 
 On this Pic,  I could have actually moved player 2s controls a little more closer to player 4s.. which would have given even more breather room to the controls.    I just didnt want to re-do what Id already mocked up.


 Compare arm positions resting on other controls..  or having to reach around them.
 Compare controller Depth into the panel..  and needed Reach.
 Compare Trackball runway space.
 Compare Ergonomics.

 These are some things to consider in your future builds.


 I also recommend making at least one button, a real old school leaf switch... for rapidfire shooters and classic games.
(the lower 7th button nearest the bottom corner of the stick)

 I also say... dont worry about button count.   If you have a use for more than 6 buttons... then do it.   Its your machine.
Do not let people talk you out of things that you want.   However... do spend some time planning and doing physically tested mockups before committing fully to a heavy investment & permanence.

[yotsuya]

All I'm going to say is that this site has been around a lot longer than any of us here, and it will continue to go on as long as people like video games. Saint doesn't need to do anything about anything. Natural attrition will take care of that. If people want to be here, they'll be here. If people get tired of this place, they leave. Not like it hasn't happened before. There's a whole message board out there of former members who don't come around for whatever reasons.

Me, I like video games, & I have an affinity for these cabinets I grew up on.

[opt2not]

ChanceKJ, sorry if I offended you or scoodidabop.  I've gone and edited my posts and replaced what I wrote with one-liner well wishes.  scoodidabop said he would slow down on posting new updates till more progress is made and no one can suggest changes. That's cool, scoodidabop. Do you, man, do you. btw in-case you were wondering, the panel I posted from my project was originally 44 inches when it was a 4-player one. Now it's about 40 since I changed it to a 2-player panel. Sorry if that seemed dumb to you, posting my project as an example, but i thought it was relevant. I'll refrain from posting opinions/advice in this thread from now on and just watch the project silently. I still like your build and will be keeping tabs on the progress. This should turn out pretty great and I do like the theme and black-etching.

As for you CKJ, sorry that I called your CP shape out. I'll refrain from posting in your threads as well, or responding to your posts here or on other forums. I'm glad in the 2-years you've been here you've figured out the spirit of this place. Apparently, I am still figuring it out.

[Malenko]

Good luck with your build!



Note to saint: I'd rather be deleted or post helled over being censored.

[BadMouth]

I think the aircraft carrier works because it's basically the giant 4 player panel with some of the visual bulk removed.
You still have the same controls and people are still the same distance apart, but it doesn't look as bulky and out of place on a slim LCD cab.

Scoodidibop,
On the 6 buttons vs 8 buttons thing.....

I went with 7 because I wanted the Neo-Geo 4 in a row (having a neo geo themed cab and all).
What I discovered is that I very much prefer using the first button in the second row as the 4th Neo Geo button.
It's much easier to hit that with my thumb than use my pinky or move my hand to hit a 4th button in the same row.

All current PC fighting games only really require 6 buttons.
The two extra post combos.  The arcade versions didn't have them, so I consider it not part of the arcade experience and don't map them.

If you're going to run steam games though, there is an argument for 8.
I don't understand why, but current developers feel the need to use every last button.
I've come up one short on a couple games.

If you're using an interface that shows up as an xbox360 fightpad, then definitely go with 8 because a lot of games will be preconfigured to use them all.
On some of the games you can't remap the controls if using a x360 controller either, so you're screwed if missing a button.
This was the case for me with castle crashers.  I had it working fine with a keyboard encoder, but when I switched to hacked x360 fightpads the one friggin button I didn't have connected was required to play.

If you do 8, keep in mind that MAME is preconfigured for 6 in the following configuration:
123
456
If you keep those core organized like that and put 7 & 8 on the ends, then you'll have a lot less remapping to do on individual MAME games.
I'd make the extra two a darker color or something so the core 6 stand out as the main buttons to use.

That's my $.02

[saint]

I think this is awesome and I am jealous.

I played around with both of those actually.  In the end I used the NASA logo from the movie Interstellar.  Before you get upset with me for using that particular logo I'll give you some context; The film (rightfully) caught a lot of flack but I took my two kids to it and it blew their tiny child minds.  They were 10 and 12 at the time and we had some really great discussions about space and the universe in the lobby after the movie and on the car ride home.  So I kinda watched the movie through their eyes in a way and the imagery and sense of exploration was seemingly profound for them.  Using that logo is kind of a tribute to them and that experience.  Here's the graphic I did for the control panel - it's decent (I don't have your art skills Pauly!) but if I can pull off that plexiglass panel idea I think that would be really slick:

[saint]

OK, minor tone control to this thread in progress. Scood, I'll be sad if you don't continue to update this thread here. I love what you're doing with this one. I really want to see the video of the trackball in use as well.

My one constructive criticism is to consider rounding the hard corners at the bottom of the control panel. I can see the left and right most of a 4-player party cracking their hips on the corner.

My other suggestion is to do a mock up. Some people love the angled 3rd and 4th player, some hate it. Having tried both, my brain intuitively orients to the screen, and so "up" to me is straight at the screen, not angled. However, it's just so much a personal preference. If you test with a scrap piece of wood before you put final artwork and cutting in place I think you'll be happier with the end results however you choose.

My 2 bits.

--- saint

[nitrogen_widget]

...But what if I want to jazz up this marquee? Ahem.  Dolla, dolla bill y'all.  I found a nearly perfect sized LCD (the 32") I was thinking about using for a dynamic marquee but it's like $600 with shipping. Kinda steep for a fun yet basic feature.  Who am I kidding it's more than kinda fun.  It would be spectacular!  Who here has Chinese negotiating skills and can get me a deep discount on this thing?  I'll pay you in Doritos.  Cool Ranch.  Or Spicy Cheetos.  It's a good deal.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Different-Customize-bar-LCD-Stretched-LCD-screen-digital-advertising-moudle-/291192461563?hash=item43cc6c58fb
...

I have been looking for something to use for a dynamic marquee as well and also have had no luck!  I have found several manufacturers with displays that would work but they all appear to be made to order and just have inquiry links for price.  I wonder if there would be interest in, or ability to get a better price on a group buy from people on the forum?

What about 2 15" widescreen LCD monitors de-cased & mounted side by side with the two monitors set up as one display?
just something I had thought of.
Cheaper than one ultra widescreen lcd & about the same dimensions.

[scoodidabop]

OK, minor tone control to this thread in progress. Scood, I'll be sad if you don't continue to update this thread here. I love what you're doing with this one. I really want to see the video of the trackball in use as well.

My one constructive criticism is to consider rounding the hard corners at the bottom of the control panel. I can see the left and right most of a 4-player party cracking their hips on the corner.

My other suggestion is to do a mock up. Some people love the angled 3rd and 4th player, some hate it. Having tried both, my brain intuitively orients to the screen, and so "up" to me is straight at the screen, not angled. However, it's just so much a personal preference. If you test with a scrap piece of wood before you put final artwork and cutting in place I think you'll be happier with the end results however you choose.

My 2 bits.

--- saint

Thanks for the encouragement saint.  I appreciate the suggestions.

I've used the control panel design before and I really like it, so I'm using it again here.

That aside I feel really terrible that this thread turned briefly ugly.  Actually, I'll go address those concerns in the discussion forum.  In the meantime I am considering an alternate design on the control panel. Something more like this:



lol

[scoodidabop]

I think this is awesome and I am jealous.

I played around with both of those actually.  In the end I used the NASA logo from the movie Interstellar.  Before you get upset with me for using that particular logo I'll give you some context; The film (rightfully) caught a lot of flack but I took my two kids to it and it blew their tiny child minds.  They were 10 and 12 at the time and we had some really great discussions about space and the universe in the lobby after the movie and on the car ride home.  So I kinda watched the movie through their eyes in a way and the imagery and sense of exploration was seemingly profound for them.  Using that logo is kind of a tribute to them and that experience.  Here's the graphic I did for the control panel - it's decent (I don't have your art skills Pauly!) but if I can pull off that plexiglass panel idea I think that would be really slick:

I have the this graphic on polycarbonite vinyl already.  It's just collecting dust - let me know if you want it.

[saint]

I'd love to have a copy to store away to tinker with if I ever start another project!

[scoodidabop]

I'd love to have a copy to store away to tinker with if I ever start another project!

PM me, we can talk about shipping etc.


So now I'm thinking about adding a couple switches for turning the white panel lights on/off.  I found a couple switches that would fit the bill just fine but then I got to thinking about capacitive touch switches.  How fun would that be!  So there's an 8 channel kit on Amazon but I only really need 2.  Do you guys have any experience with capacitive touch switch kits?

[scoodidabop]

The cabinet is about 90% complete.  Still need to add light guns and tidy some things up but I made it playable for the Houston Arcade Expo this past weekend.  In the next few weeks I'll get images together and uploaded to these servers but in the meantime here's a (dreaded) linked image;



Big thanks to anyone here that might've dropped by and played it at the Expo.  Also, big thanks to this forum for support and inspiration, with special thanks to ChanceKJ for originating this cabinet aesthetic.  Check back in a couple weeks and I'll have the thread updated with some details about the build.

[ChanceKJ]

.

[scoodidabop]

You gotta post up some of those Instagram videos of the lighting in action. Or at least a proper video walkthru. This is seriously next level ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---.

Quick youtube upload.  The left button turns on the top right 4 colored buttons and a few backlit logos.  The right button activates RGB back lighting for the rest of the panel.  My buddies like the purple look.  Red or white looks good too though. Here I have it fading between colors to show the range.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfYE7MzMBXo&feature=youtu.be

The system logos are working on a couple of consoles but in MAME they light up randomly based on how I set it up to work for consoles.  I gotta ask u/arzoo about a better programming method for those things.

 

[pbj]

Ah... didn't get enough precious karma on Reddit, so you've come crawling back to BYOAC.....

[scoodidabop]

Ah... didn't get enough precious karma on Reddit, so you've come crawling back to BYOAC.....

Ah, that juicy, meaningless karma.  I posted a quick imgur gallery build log there and yeah, I'm sure some of you redditors saw it already.  The gallery glosses over loads of details though so I'll do a deep dive into various things here for the builders that care about those specs.

We had a chance at the Expo to play through several beat em ups with 4 players.  My friend on the left is 6' 3" so it fits 4 players of any size comfortably.



TMNT, The Simpsons (which is just a little too long for my taste), Night Slashers, Moonwalker, and maybe one or two more were played all the way through.

EDIT: One thing that surprised me was some unexpected gate detachment on the joysticks.  I have an Ultimarc Servo Stick for P1 and a Zippyy for P2.  On day one of the Expo both sticks had their gate come clean off, screws and all.  Very weird.

[pbj]

Skipped the Expo this year.  The guys I know that go are too busy running the thing to deal with the likes of me, and inevitably some smelly assclown will park himself on the games I actually want to play and refuse to leave.  I swear some jackass camped on Wizard of Oz for at least 4 hours before I gave up last year.  Thought I might run out there Sunday but turns out no Expo on Sunday.  Oh well.

How many vendors were trying to hustle unwanted bartops this year?

[Aceldamor]

That CP is dope as hell. I'd be interested in some of that detail, as well as the lighting / programming for the "extras" on it. I just might have found another use for my laser.....

[yotsuya]

Dope as hell? Word to your mother. Go ninja go ninja go ninja go.

[rablack97]

Dope as hell? Word to your mother. Go ninja go ninja go ninja go.

Yot only understands jive.

Jus hang loose blood, sucka be frontin on slangin the crack, PCP'n my man.  Cold got to be.  Shiiiittt...

[yotsuya]

Ain't no thang. Pray to J we don't see the same ol' same ol'.

[mgb]

I'm not sure what kind of drama went on derailing this build thread but that cp is freiking cool.
I'm not a 4-player cp guy my self but I love what you did with the lighting and all that.

I noticed in one of the final pics of the cp, there appears to be no balltops on the sticks.
Are you using the balltops that you show in the first post.
Those are sweet.

[yotsuya]

I'm not sure what kind of drama went on derailing this build thread

Relax, Chuckles, it's just friendly banter that shows the OP people are looking at his thread.

[yotsuya]

Oh wait, this is probably th e first time you have seen this thread in awhile. Nevermind. Carry on.

[mgb]

Hey, no problems here.

i have seen how some advice sessions can get a little tough around here
but I've also seen how they have helped many to perfect their projects to a higher level.

But I do think the lighting on this cp is slick

[yotsuya]

Hey, no problems here.

i have seen how some advice sessions can get a little tough around here
but I've also seen how they have helped many to perfect their projects to a higher level.

But I do think the lighting on this cp is slick

No worries. I thought you were referring to Rodney and my back and forth. Then I realized you probably started earlier in the thread.

[scoodidabop]

Skipped the Expo this year.  The guys I know that go are too busy running the thing to deal with the likes of me, and inevitably some smelly assclown will park himself on the games I actually want to play and refuse to leave.  I swear some jackass camped on Wizard of Oz for at least 4 hours before I gave up last year.  Thought I might run out there Sunday but turns out no Expo on Sunday.  Oh well.

How many vendors were trying to hustle unwanted bartops this year?

There were only 2 bartops, neither of which belonged to vendors.  A welcome change for sure.  Someone had a really nice Nintendo Playchoice 10 Countertop cab set up.  That thing was killer.  The wait for Wizard of Oz was no more than 1 or 2 people deep, so maybe a 5 - 10 minute wait.  I guess the novelty wore off a little since the game has been around a while.

That CP is dope as hell. I'd be interested in some of that detail, as well as the lighting / programming for the "extras" on it. I just might have found another use for my laser.....

The back light on the line art is just a simple RGB strip with one of those cheap LED controllers w/ remote.  All other LEDs are into the PacLED64 boards including the system name LEDs.  I'll get more details and pics up describing this.

Ain't no thang. Pray to J we don't see the same ol' same ol'.

Cold, got ta be!

I'm not sure what kind of drama went on derailing this build thread but that cp is freiking cool.
I'm not a 4-player cp guy my self but I love what you did with the lighting and all that.

I noticed in one of the final pics of the cp, there appears to be no balltops on the sticks.
Are you using the balltops that you show in the first post.
Those are sweet.

Thanks!  At the Expo I just threw on some cheap red balltops.  The simple, bold red actually looked kinda good in a way. I was afraid of someone jacking my custom balltops but there was no need for the worry.  Totally respectable crowd both nights.  Since then I've put on the custom balltops though.  The red balltops kinda grew on me but the wife is quite sure the custom ones look way more clean and futuristic.

I'm not sure what kind of drama went on derailing this build thread

Relax, Chuckles, it's just friendly banter that shows the OP people are looking at his thread.

lol "Chuckles"

[yotsuya]

Skipped the Expo this year.  The guys I know that go are too busy running the thing to deal with the likes of me, and inevitably some smelly assclown will park himself on the games I actually want to play and refuse to leave.  I swear some jackass camped on Wizard of Oz for at least 4 hours before I gave up last year.  Thought I might run out there Sunday but turns out no Expo on Sunday.  Oh well.

How many vendors were trying to hustle unwanted bartops this year?

There were only 2 bartops, neither of which belonged to vendors.  A welcome change for sure.  Someone had a really nice Nintendo Playchoice 10 Countertop cab set up.  That thing was killer.  The wait for Wizard of Oz was no more than 1 or 2 people deep, so maybe a 5 - 10 minute wait.  I guess the novelty wore off a little since the game has been around a while.

That CP is dope as hell. I'd be interested in some of that detail, as well as the lighting / programming for the "extras" on it. I just might have found another use for my laser.....

The back light on the line art is just a simple RGB strip with one of those cheap LED controllers w/ remote.  All other LEDs are into the PacLED64 boards including the system name LEDs.  I'll get more details and pics up describing this.

Ain't no thang. Pray to J we don't see the same ol' same ol'.

Cold, got ta be!

I'm not sure what kind of drama went on derailing this build thread but that cp is freiking cool.
I'm not a 4-player cp guy my self but I love what you did with the lighting and all that.

I noticed in one of the final pics of the cp, there appears to be no balltops on the sticks.
Are you using the balltops that you show in the first post.
Those are sweet.

Thanks!  At the Expo I just threw on some cheap red balltops.  The simple, bold red actually looked kinda good in a way. I was afraid of someone jacking my custom balltops but there was no need for the worry.  Totally respectable crowd both nights.  Since then I've put on the custom balltops though.  The red balltops kinda grew on me but the wife is quite sure the custom ones look way more clean and futuristic.

I'm not sure what kind of drama went on derailing this build thread

Relax, Chuckles, it's just friendly banter that shows the OP people are looking at his thread.

lol "Chuckles"

Airplane. The universal language of 40 year old geeks everywhere.

[Aceldamor]

Dope as hell? Word to your mother. Go ninja go ninja go ninja go.

Sorry.... let me put it ""traditionalist" :

I thoroughly enjoyed perusing that control panel. It evoked elevated emotions of elation due to the exceptional use of transparent acrylic sheets intertwined with light emitting diodes. Such visual stimulation required that one must indeed express this feeling via this exquisite gathering place of like minded individuals where I attempted to use parlance that quite reminded me of the times in my youth.

/sarcasm

I love you too Yots.   

[Aceldamor]

Airplane. The universal language of 40 year old geeks everywhere.

One of the best scenes in the movie!

[yotsuya]

Dope as hell? Word to your mother. Go ninja go ninja go ninja go.

Sorry.... let me put it ""traditionalist" :

I thoroughly enjoyed perusing that control panel. It evoked elevated emotions of elation due to the exceptional use of transparent acrylic sheets intertwined with light emitting diodes. Such visual stimulation required that one must indeed express this feeling via this exquisite gathering place of like minded individuals where I attempted to use parlance that quite reminded me of the times in my youth.

/sarcasm

I love you too Yots.   

That's wack, bro.

[Aceldamor]

Dope as hell? Word to your mother. Go ninja go ninja go ninja go.

Sorry.... let me put it ""traditionalist" :

I thoroughly enjoyed perusing that control panel. It evoked elevated emotions of elation due to the exceptional use of transparent acrylic sheets intertwined with light emitting diodes. Such visual stimulation required that one must indeed express this feeling via this exquisite gathering place of like minded individuals where I attempted to use parlance that quite reminded me of the times in my youth.

/sarcasm

I love you too Yots.   

That's wack, bro.

Don't diss man...

[Aceldamor]

The back light on the line art is just a simple RGB strip with one of those cheap LED controllers w/ remote.  All other LEDs are into the PacLED64 boards including the system name LEDs.  I'll get more details and pics up describing this.

forgive the ignorance, as I don't know if it's possible, but are the system icons configured to light based on which emulator is used? If not, could it be? That would be pretty damn cool.

[Token]

Well done!      I saw this on Reddit earlier this morning and thought it looked familiar.

We had a chance at the Expo to play through several beat em ups with 4 players.  My friend on the left is 6' 3" so it fits 4 players of any size comfortably.

Yots... it's finally here-- your much asked for picture of four players on a Space Paranoids control panel. 

[yotsuya]

Dope as hell? Word to your mother. Go ninja go ninja go ninja go.

Sorry.... let me put it ""traditionalist" :

I thoroughly enjoyed perusing that control panel. It evoked elevated emotions of elation due to the exceptional use of transparent acrylic sheets intertwined with light emitting diodes. Such visual stimulation required that one must indeed express this feeling via this exquisite gathering place of like minded individuals where I attempted to use parlance that quite reminded me of the times in my youth.

/sarcasm

I love you too Yots.   

That's wack, bro.

Don't diss man...

Yo mmma so fat when she wears her "X" t-shirt, helicopters try to land on her.

[yotsuya]

Well done!      I saw this on Reddit earlier this morning and thought it looked familiar.

We had a chance at the Expo to play through several beat em ups with 4 players.  My friend on the left is 6' 3" so it fits 4 players of any size comfortably.

Yots... it's finally here-- your much asked for picture of four players on a Space Paranoids control panel. 

That's at an event. I'm talking in the home.  & what I would like to see is a close up of the people actually standing at it to see how they're standing.

[Token]

Well done!      I saw this on Reddit earlier this morning and thought it looked familiar.

We had a chance at the Expo to play through several beat em ups with 4 players.  My friend on the left is 6' 3" so it fits 4 players of any size comfortably.

Yots... it's finally here-- your much asked for picture of four players on a Space Paranoids control panel. 

That's at an event. I'm talking in the home.  & what I would like to see is a close up of the people actually standing at it to see how they're standing.

What I find interesting is that it looks like the notches have not changed the way players 3 and 4 are standing. From what I can see, they would be in the same positions if the CP was a rectangle (although its hard to tell with player 4).

[yotsuya]

Well done!      I saw this on Reddit earlier this morning and thought it looked familiar.

We had a chance at the Expo to play through several beat em ups with 4 players.  My friend on the left is 6' 3" so it fits 4 players of any size comfortably.

Yots... it's finally here-- your much asked for picture of four players on a Space Paranoids control panel. 

That's at an event. I'm talking in the home.  & what I would like to see is a close up of the people actually standing at it to see how they're standing.

What I find interesting is that it looks like the notches have not changed the way players 3 and 4 are standing. From what I can see, they would be in the same positions if the CP was a rectangle (although its hard to tell with player 4).

Exactly. That's what I'd like to see.

[scoodidabop]

Exactly. That's what I'd like to see.

Ask and ye shall receive.  I was actually thinking of this thread when I took this pic. Playing Turtles in Time - Oops! TMNT 1 arcade game;

The back light on the line art is just a simple RGB strip with one of those cheap LED controllers w/ remote.  All other LEDs are into the PacLED64 boards including the system name LEDs.  I'll get more details and pics up describing this.

forgive the ignorance, as I don't know if it's possible, but are the system icons configured to light based on which emulator is used? If not, could it be? That would be pretty damn cool.

Yeah they do - kind of.  Here's Genesis



Neo Geo;



The workaround I used is assigning each system name LED to a joystick direction.  It works fine for the ones I've programmed but for MAME you get a lot of system names lighting up since every direction is assigned in the MAME colors ini.   I don't know if there's a workaround for this but having it on everything but MAME might be good enough for me.

[scoodidabop]

Custom ball tops installed

[Token]

This might be the best use of control panel LEDs yet. 

[yotsuya]

Exactly. That's what I'd like to see.

Ask and ye shall receive.  I was actually thinking of this thread when I took this pic. Playing Turtles in Time - Oops! TMNT 1 arcade game;

Thank you, Eddie. Much appreciated.

[Aceldamor]

Yeah they do - kind of.  Here's Genesis



Neo Geo;



The workaround I used is assigning each system name LED to a joystick direction.  It works fine for the ones I've programmed but for MAME you get a lot of system names lighting up since every direction is assigned in the MAME colors ini.   I don't know if there's a workaround for this but having it on everything but MAME might be good enough for me.

That is awesomesauce. Nice work man!!

[emphatic]

This might be the best use of control panel LEDs yet. 

Amen brother.

[ChanceKJ]

.

[mgb]

What!! No lights for Universal, Roc Ola or Exidy??
Good day sir.

[rablack97]

And i got ---my bottom--- chewed for wanting too many lights, and you get praised.   

Bad ass control panel man, bad ass.....



To all the bling and illumination haters out there......classy to ashy......

[scoodidabop]

This might be the best use of control panel LEDs yet. 

Amen brother.

Agreed!

Thanks bros!

What!! No lights for Universal, Roc Ola or Exidy??
Good day sir.

LOL! No but after making the thing I realized there were some other bigger names I could've easily added. 

And i got ---my bottom--- chewed for wanting too many lights, and you get praised.   

Bad ass control panel man, bad ass.....

To all the bling and illumination haters out there......classy to ashy......

Too many lights?  There's a boatload here for sure.  Probably too many 

[Superfrog]

You did what you had to do and nailed it 

Just a great project and I think the next standard 

Have fun with it

[scoodidabop]

Don't worry, guys.  I do indeed see the "WIP" critique thread and I'm certainly guilty of not providing very detailed information about this build.  As mentioned before I'll spend some time in the coming weeks adding detailed photos and documenting everything.  I'm not just looking for a circle jerk here, I do indeed want to deep dive on this thing despite the fact that it's nearly done.  There's still a little to add and some improvements to make in the coming months.  My apologies for the hasty nature of the thread.

[Token]

scoodidabop, I don't blame you for withdrawing after the ugliness that pervaded your project thread.

But any documentation you provide about your build would be very welcome. 

[DeLuSioNal29]

Great job. This came out great!  Congrats!

[BGoulette]

The lightshow is definitely impressive! I'm looking forward to seeing your detailed photos and explanations: that's always been one of the highlights of project threads, in my opinion, though I understand no one is obligated to post more or less than they like.

[Superfrog]

scoodidabop, I don't blame you for withdrawing after the ugliness that pervaded your project thread.

But any documentation you provide about your build would be very welcome. 

For me I don't want a high detailed plan.
It's just very nice to see how somebody step into a project and see the end result, so you can integrate it into your own with your own idea of how you could do it.

that is or me the fun part of building.

And let be honest, the basic is always the same with every build.
It's just the special eye for detail and the right planning before I start a project.

So for me a lot of pictures will do the trick 
 

[mgb]

scoodidabop, I don't blame you for withdrawing after the ugliness that pervaded your project thread.

But any documentation you provide about your build would be very welcome. 

For me I don't want a high detailed plan.
It's just very nice to see how somebody step into a project and see the end result, so you can integrate it into your own with your own idea of how you could do it.

that is or me the fun part of building.

And let be honest, the basic is always the same with every build.
It's just the special eye for detail and the right planning before I start a project.

So for me a lot of pictures will do the trick 
 

 well put

[BGoulette]

I can appreciate being well-versed enough to intuit how someone else solved a problem without the hand-holding, but for neophyte clowns like myself, sometimes more is more!

[scoodidabop]

Turns out the Logitech G27 mounts to the battleship control panel nicely.  A little jig is used for extra support and bite on the G27 fastening clamps.  I'll report back after some play testing to let you guys know if there are any stability issues. 

[DarthBS]

#CPGOALS

i'm slowly convincing myself to build myself a cabinet.

[Vincefaro]

Beautiful work, just awesome, Man these Cabinets keep getting better. One question, I saw your cabinet on youtube, is your Hyperspin, Arcade classics theme  a custom or did you get that from Emumovies? Looks great.

[scoodidabop]

Thanks guys!

The Hyperspin "Arcade" theme I use is one I made for myself.  I've since uploaded it to the Hyperspin forums:  http://www.hyperspin-fe.com/files/file/11292-main-menu-mame-classic-game-room-theme/