KaijuCade - Done!

[powerlifter]

My first cab was based on Lucid's design, I built this around 15 years ago.  It was lovingly used for many a party but I finally sold it to a friend of mine a couple months ago.  At this time I was building a mini cab for my daughter and once finished I decided to work on a newer much more theater room friendly cabinet.  So I started looking around here and stumbled across this http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,104851.msg1109316.html#msg1109316 from TTA games.  Loved the design, so I took the idea and basic look and decided to build a similar cab.  I have many more pictures at home that I'll upload about the build process but to start off here are a couple.

So far I have way too much money involved, because that's how I roll.  The internal edge is a 45 degree chamfer and the outer panel will have a roundover,  I plan on theming it clockwork/steampunk style.  Long way to go but I'm getting there.

For the sound system I'm using some old car amps I have along with 8 2 inch full range speakers and 1 10" sub.  The sub box is placed in the back on drawer slides for easy access and all of the back panels are mounted with bolts and nut inserts so I can access any area of the machine once complete.  Once I get into the guts and past the woodworking stage I'll explain all in more detail.  I figure this will be my 'showcase' cab and I doubt I build another one unless I just get the bug in another decade or so.....

Anyway here are the latest pics, I'll add some older pics later.  Notice the home made dolly I made, I got tired of calling someone out to the garage to help me move it around...

Here's what I've bought so far, not including the wood, hardware and couple new tools i just HAD to buy to do this

1 x I-PAC Ultimate I/O Interface with full wiring harness.
Cable Type: 4.8mm switch connectors (for all except Goldleaf buttons)

1 x J-Stik Ball-Top
Color: Red Ball Top

2 x Joystick Mounting Kits
Type: 5mm for all other joysticks

1 x Optional Trim Bezel for U-Trak

1 x PCB Mounting Feet

2 x RGB Illuminated Handle for Servostik, J-Stik

1 x ServoStik
Color: Red Ball Top

1 x ServoStik Control Board

1 x U-TRAK FlushMount Arcade Trackball.
Color: U-Trak Pearl

1 x U-Trak RGB LED Illumination Kit

18 x Ultralux Translucent Illuminated Pushbuttons. Includes LED.
Color: RGB White with 500mm wiring
------------------
Total around $550

HP Zr30w 30" 16:10 monitor - $320

8 of these http://www.parts-express.com/hiwave-bmr12-compact-2-full-range-square-speaker-12w-8-ohm--299-208
These little guys put out a decent sound for the size and play down to 150hz which allows me to get away with just a 10 inch sub for the low end. I plan on wiring 4 for each channel, to get to a nice 2 ohm load on the amp.

2 old car amps 1 old 10" JL Audio Sub - free cause I'm a packrat that doesn't throw away much

The other costs will be glass for the marquee and bezel, vinyl graphics for the theme, and of course pc parts and various fans, I'll update this list as I buy stuff. 

[tomstewdevine]

Nice Dolly 

And I have never seen that original one you are basing yours on, it's very cool.  Maybe Vigo used that for inspiration for his(Vigolix), they are very similar.

Nice progress can't wait to see more.

[powerlifter]

Here's a few more pics during the building process. Also a couple pics of the tiny arcade I made for my kids.  Thats a 10inch IPS screen in it. I honestly made it too small, had a hard time fitting everything in the box...

[harveybirdman]

Good so far, I suggest using a bigger monitor than they guy whose project you're basing it off did.

[powerlifter]

I'm trying to figure out the best way to mount the 30 inch 16:10 monitor in the cab. I think I've settled on using black iron pipe going across with split pipe clamps attached to a couple brackets in the vesa mount.  Will allow some fine adjustment if need be.  This is my sticking point right now.  I'll get some pics up when I get the logistics figured out. 

[powerlifter]

Good so far, I suggest using a bigger monitor than they guy whose project you're basing it off did.

Absolutely. I tried a 29inch LED and it would give me a whopping 24 inch 4:3 screen which was a no go.  I finally settled on a HP ZR30w 30 inch 16:10.  That gives me a ~27" 4:3 which is just about right, and a huge viewing area for anything 16:9.  Had to source from ebay but got a decent deal on one. Ended up at $320, considering new they are over $1k I did alright...

[powerlifter]

Bezel done. Look at that picture quality!

I think the screen size works well

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

[powerlifter]

And it is annoying that the display area is 1/32 off from being square. So tomorrow is going to be dedicated to my fixing it so I don't pull my hair out worrying about it....

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

[powerlifter]

Monitor mount made. Have to adjust a bit but its done. Another week or so of woodworking, then onto finish work...which I loathe.

[powerlifter]

Patina copper on control panel. I have a couple coats of lacquer on it. Need a few more then will have to cut the holes back with a exacto knife through the copper.  Yea its a different look but its unique,  it matches theme I'm going for.



Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

[tomstewdevine]

Bezel done. Look at that picture quality!

I think the screen size works well

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

Humble Brag?

[powerlifter]

Bezel done. Look at that picture quality!

I think the screen size works well

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

Humble Brag?

Hah! No, I was just being a smartass cause there is no screen in there and it was a nice day out.

[tomstewdevine]

Bezel done. Look at that picture quality!

I think the screen size works well

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

Humble Brag?

Hah! No, I was just being a smartass cause there is no screen in there and it was a nice day out.

 

[harveybirdman]

What theme are you going for?  Apologies if you've already stated somewhere.

[powerlifter]

What theme are you going for?  Apologies if you've already stated somewhere.

Steampunk/industrial.  The copper isn't so wild looking in person, the camera brings out the shine of the lacquer a bunch.  Plan on 'rusty' panels on the side and kick panel, with some rivets to give it depth.  Oxidized copper banding on the edges instead of t-molding.  Yeah it make look hideous or cool, guess I'll find out

[harveybirdman]

I thought so, I hope it turns out well.   I'm having trouble seeing a steam punk theme with those angles.   

Have you seen Drventure's thread?

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=88515.0

[vwalbridge]

I always thought that "patina copper" had more turquoise in it?

Either way, steampunk/industrial can be pretty cool if you can pull it off right. I'm curious how this one turns out. 

[powerlifter]

I always thought that "patina copper" had more turquoise in it?

Either way, steampunk/industrial can be pretty cool if you can pull it off right. I'm curious how this one turns out. 

Lots of different options for patina on copper.  Some pretty cool stuff. 

http://www.veneersupplies.com/products/Copper-Veneer-Sample-8-x-10.html

[powerlifter]

I thought so, I hope it turns out well.   I'm having trouble seeing a steam punk theme with those angles.   

Have you seen Drventure's thread?

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=88515.0

.
THAT is a gorgeous build.  I guess here's my thinking, his build is a upperclass victorian steampunk build.  Mine is a working class factory steampunk build.  The base colors/copper are there, I'll add some detail stuff after that is done (pipes, gears, all those things).

As for the design, I'm trying to describe what's in my head..(other than empty space)...  thinking more pure industrial with a bit of victorian flair (i.e. Copper).  I'm sure it will change as I move along, and hell I can always just re-theme it if it turns out too bad.  I'm an engineer not a designer, so keep that in mind... 

[harveybirdman]

I'm smelling what you're stepping in my friend.  Sounds good.

Keep us updated, looking forward to how it turns out.

[powerlifter]

Alright I'm experiencing some serious angst with the theming of the cabinet.  My pseudo steampunk look might not work as that copper is a lot 'wilder' than I expected.  Not sure how to make the sides and kick match that at all while staying in theme.  Please for the love of all that is good, can someone help with ideas on the theme? At this point I don't care if it's steampunk or hello kitty, just need a coherent design.  I can take the copper off or cover it as needed.....sigh I hate not being artistically creative at all..

[opt2not]

Alright I'm experiencing some serious angst with the theming of the cabinet.  My pseudo steampunk look might not work as that copper is a lot 'wilder' than I expected.  Not sure how to make the sides and kick match that at all while staying in theme.  Please for the love of all that is good, can someone help with ideas on the theme? At this point I don't care if it's steampunk or hello kitty, just need a coherent design.  I can take the copper off or cover it as needed.....sigh I hate not being artistically creative at all..

Personally I wasn't on-board with the Steampunk theme.  Mainly because your cabinet is a super angular functional Bauhaus styled design, while Steampunk is best used for a shapes that is more in-tuned with Industrial Antique, Art Deco or Streamline Moderne designs.
At the same time, most steampunk style has a lot of redundancy in functionality...like random pipes, gears and cogs that don't necessary do anything but add to the look. Your cabinet has a clean design that has no-frills in terms of visual elements.

If I were you, I'd go with a theme that caters to the angular nature of your cabinet shape. What that actual theme is depends on you, I'm not sure what I could suggest since I don't really what you're into. But my point is to try to pick something that works with the clean nature of your cabinet. I mean if all else fails you could go with just a nice Piano Gloss paint-job, or take queues from the Vewlix cabinets which are more solid colours I guess.

[powerlifter]

I agree with what you are saying for sure. My first inclination was just to paint the whole thing but I was lured into a torrid love affair with the steampunk look when
 I saw that copper.  I would like to avoid painting as I've painted too many cars and other items and hate the prep work.

On the Bauhaus note, and spartan lines, do you think using stainless or aluminum panels would work better? Things I'm into might be hard to theme in that style cab. (powerlifting, Godzilla, giant robots, sci-fi, fantasy, audiophile, etc)
 
My goal is something that I can place in the house that doesn't look goofy in 5 years, more art than anything if that makes sense?


Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

[yamatetsu]

I have been extremely impressed with rockyrocket's Gran Trak 2010 design. Here is a pic :



A link to his build : Gran Trak 2010

I'm thinking of an adaptation to your build. This is obviously very crude, but you get the drift :

[powerlifter]

That would look very very cool, but I'm back to painting on that.  But you are right, I might have to bite the bullet and do some paint work and use more minimalist graphics like you are suggesting.  Thanks!

[opt2not]

Foam roller and multiple sandings is not very hard at all. You can easily do this, especially since it looks like you have the space for it.

I agree with yamatetsu on this one. I'd go more towards some sort of line-work, or racing-type stripe pattern for this. It could be as simple as the Gran Trak, or subtle as the Hori Vewlix sticks:





Personally I love the combination of light and dark blue lines on CPO, in conjunction with the metal panel. 

[powerlifter]

Foam roller and multiple sandings is not very hard at all. You can easily do this, especially since it looks like you have the space for it.

I guess my idea of painting is a bit more involved as I wouldn't roll on paint for a piece of 'furniture' to go in the house, that's just me though, not a judgment on painting technique. It's more sealing, sanding, filling, sanding, priming, sanding, filling, sanding, shoot base coat, wet sand, another coat, shoot clear. I know HOW to do it, done it way too many times, I'm just honestly trying to avoid it as I'm lazy... but yeah you are probably right that it's the way to go.  I'm still thinking of themes though, temperature isn't real conducive to solid paint work right now (too cold)

I do like the simple basic colors like you mentioned.  I'll figure it out eventually, with pestering enough people and enough time for me to get angry enough to say screw it and start prepping for paint

[powerlifter]

To expand on that, how bout making the lines, circuit board traces? And then even PCB's for the side art, that would fit with the more 'modern' look of the cab?  Just spitballin...

[yamatetsu]

Bonus points for designing a CP 'circuit' for the buttons and the trackball so that each sits in a circle with a line leading to it.

[powerlifter]

Almost a tron vibe with the blue circuits.  Hmm.  might be on to something with this. 

[powerlifter]

So I have actually made some progress. With the help of arcadepix.com for the graphic design I present Kaijucade.  The side panels aren't on yet, and I have a ton of wiring to do but its finally coming together.  Arcadepix was fantastic in coming up with a design and working with the design of the cabinet. I would highly recommend him.



 

[powerlifter]

Control panel

[05SRT4]

Is it just me or do the CP buttons look angled different from each other?

[powerlifter]

They are. It's on purpose.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

[05SRT4]

Got it, artwork look's sick by the way!!

[powerlifter]

Layout is same as some Japanese game.  I liked the way it felt so figured I'd try it.  Thanks, I'm really pleased with the art work.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

[harveybirdman]

Astro City Layout...

I like the art,  uniform, succinct, no horrible joynicorns! Nice job!

[powerlifter]

Here's the messy guts. Computer, two power supplies, and two car amps. Gotta clean up wiring but at least it's all in place.

[Montani]

Nice build! Looking forward to seeing more!

[rablack97]

Here's the messy guts. Computer, two power supplies, and two car amps. Gotta clean up wiring but at least it's all in place.

Are you using the PC power supplies with the amps, by connecting all of the 12v rails together?

How many amps is each supply and will you be using crossovers or going full range through all speakers?