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

[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...