First Cabinet Build. ** Artwork Complete ready to print!

[dezmond]

Hello Everyone. 

Well I did my research and started to build my first Cabinet. It's been taking some time but I got a lot of work done Yesterday.  Going with some nice curves throughout this project. Here is what I hope to accomplish..

1. 2 Player Cabinet
2. 32" LED TV
3. LED Accent Lighting
4. Trackball
5. Nice sound
6. Run from a PC
7. Incorporating a Arduino for some cool add on's like switches, hidden buttons, etc.

I am thinking of a 7 button layout for each player and trackball with 2 buttons somewhere in the middle???  I haven't started on a control panel layout yet..  Not sure which way to go on this one.. 

Would love some feedback..  hoping I am building this right   It's been a blast so far..   

[dezmond]

More Pics

[dezmond]

No Idea for a theme yet...  I was thinking Green Lantern...  Not sure yet...  Maybe something Old School....  Dunno.....

Having fun though!!!!

[dezmond]

Since this is a 32" Cabinet, Could I make it a 4 Player?  I would like to play TMNT, NBA Jam, and Gauntlet...

[BadMouth]

Since this is a 32" Cabinet, Could I make it a 4 Player?  I would like to play TMNT, NBA Jam, and Gauntlet...

You can do anything you like, just don't angle the player 3 and 4 joysticks.
The player can stand at an angle and the buttons can be on an angle, but the joystick orientation should be parallel with the first two players.


This hasn't been done many times, but if you put them all in a straight line you can play the dual joystick games like smash TV.
As far as appearance goes, I think they look better offset.


It might get tight with a trackball in there.

No games in MAME use more than 4 buttons for players 3 and 4.  And only two games use 4, the two Dungeons & Dragons games.
The rest in MAME only use 3. 
So if you don't plan on emulating 4 player console games, there's no point in having more than 4 buttons for those players.
Personally I'd only do 3 and then map a combo for the D&D games.

Looks good so far.
Your woodworking puts mine to shame.

[RetroArcadePro]

Having the joystick and buttons laid out like the left player in your picture just doesn't make sense to me. You will either have a weird orientation of your joystick hand or button hand. Definitely don't think I could play like that, would be too weird and would be a wrist killer.

[BadMouth]

Having the joystick and buttons laid out like the left player in your picture just doesn't make sense to me. You will either have a weird orientation of your joystick hand or button hand. Definitely don't think I could play like that, would be too weird and would be a wrist killer.

If you're talking about the top pic with the green and red joystick, please look at where the up arrow points on the original 4 player control panels.  If there is no up arrow look at the mounting bolts.
People instinctively move the joystick in the relation to the character on-screen, not their own body position.
(you still hold the joystick at an angle, no need to twist your wrist)
It's counterintuitive, so ends up being a common mistake for first time builders.  To make matters worse, there are more bad DIY examples than good ones online.  Search the main forum for "angled joysticks" if you want to read some more discussion on the matter.

Not looking to debate it, just giving you a heads up.

The pic is from the BYOAC Wiki FAQ
http://newwiki.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?title=FAQ#Joysticks

[drewjbx]

Nice shop you got to work with there..


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[yotsuya]

Having the joystick and buttons laid out like the left player in your picture just doesn't make sense to me. You will either have a weird orientation of your joystick hand or button hand. Definitely don't think I could play like that, would be too weird and would be a wrist killer.

Yeah, you'd THINK that was the case, but don't overthink it. Orient the joystick up, but rotate the buttons if you want. That's the way all the classic machines were designed, and I'm pretty sure they did their research.

[dezmond]

Nice shop you got to work with there..


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Thanks   Nice and roomy.. That's where I work so I go in after hours, weekends, holidays etc. and get to use whatever I need..   We have to CNC Lazers to cut wood, CNC Router, 2 CNC Lathes and all the machinery for dressing wood, etc..   Love it here

Anywho, Got a bit more done today.  I was able to get the bottom front attached.  All glued and screwed.   Trying to work on a CP Layout today.

Tomorrow I hope to get my templates cut for the top and attached.  Then figure out the monitor mounting. hmmmmmm.....

[BadMouth]

Then figure out the monitor mounting. hmmmmmm.....

Most people just use a board that spans the width of the cab and drill holes in it to match the VESA mounting points on the back of the TV.
If they're in a really wide pattern you can do two boards rather than closing everything in with one wide one.

Do some testing to figure out the best height and angle for yourself or the people who will be using it.

[dezmond]

Then figure out the monitor mounting. hmmmmmm.....

Most people just use a board that spans the width of the cab and drill holes in it to match the VESA mounting points on the back of the TV.
If they're in a really wide pattern you can do two boards rather than closing everything in with one wide one.

Do some testing to figure out the best height and angle for yourself or the people who will be using it.

Sounds good.. I will try that.. Thanks for the advice

[RetroArcadePro]

Having the joystick and buttons laid out like the left player in your picture just doesn't make sense to me. You will either have a weird orientation of your joystick hand or button hand. Definitely don't think I could play like that, would be too weird and would be a wrist killer.

If you're talking about the top pic with the green and red joystick, please look at where the up arrow points on the original 4 player control panels.  If there is no up arrow look at the mounting bolts.
People instinctively move the joystick in the relation to the character on-screen, not their own body position.
(you still hold the joystick at an angle, no need to twist your wrist)
It's counterintuitive, so ends up being a common mistake for first time builders.  To make matters worse, there are more bad DIY examples than good ones online.  Search the main forum for "angled joysticks" if you want to read some more discussion on the matter.

Not looking to debate it, just giving you a heads up.

The pic is from the BYOAC Wiki FAQ
http://newwiki.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?title=FAQ#Joysticks

Yeah I know that is how commercial cabs do it. It is also the reason why I utterly hate playing on one of the outside positions on panels such as those. Guess it is just me and the few that find it more reasonable as it obviously lost the coin toss when arcades were created. I find it more logical for myself for up/forward of a joystick to be in line of the direction I am facing. If the buttons were rotated a little more counterclockwise than that though then I don't find it too bad.

[yotsuya]

Having the joystick and buttons laid out like the left player in your picture just doesn't make sense to me. You will either have a weird orientation of your joystick hand or button hand. Definitely don't think I could play like that, would be too weird and would be a wrist killer.

If you're talking about the top pic with the green and red joystick, please look at where the up arrow points on the original 4 player control panels.  If there is no up arrow look at the mounting bolts.
People instinctively move the joystick in the relation to the character on-screen, not their own body position.
(you still hold the joystick at an angle, no need to twist your wrist)
It's counterintuitive, so ends up being a common mistake for first time builders.  To make matters worse, there are more bad DIY examples than good ones online.  Search the main forum for "angled joysticks" if you want to read some more discussion on the matter.

Not looking to debate it, just giving you a heads up.

The pic is from the BYOAC Wiki FAQ
http://newwiki.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?title=FAQ#Joysticks

Yeah I know that is how commercial cabs do it. It is also the reason why I utterly hate playing on one of the outside positions on panels such as those. Guess it is just me and the few that find it more reasonable as it obviously lost the coin toss when arcades were created. I find it more logical for myself for up/forward of a joystick to be in line of the direction I am facing.

You think that because you've probably sat at an angle on the couch playing console games, and in your head you're thinking "if it works there for me, it should be the same on an arcade cab". But think about when you make an extreme movement on the gamepad..  what do most people do? They physically move their body or the controller in the direction they want to go relative to the screen. We've all seen it or done it.

Although you might see it one way,  it's generally good arcade practice to orient them towards the screen, and to encourage otherwise can be a costly mistake. Not saying your opinion is wrong, just saying it's been tested and vetted through the years that it's generally not a good idea to angle your joysticks.

[PL1]

A cheap test panel is the best way to find out which way actually does work better for you before you sink the time and effort into making a finished control panel.

It will also let you test button layouts using actual buttons.   


Scott

[dezmond]

Figure I will cut one out of cardboard first and see how it feels and looks.   

Just not sure what I all need for buttons.  I know I will make it a 2 player and 7 button? What else do i need? Player one and player 2, credit p1 and p2, admin buttons? Power? Or???

[PL1]

Figure I will cut one out of cardboard first and see how it feels and looks.   

Just not sure what I all need for buttons.  I know I will make it a 2 player and 7 button? What else do i need? Player one and player 2, credit p1 and p2, admin buttons? Power? Or???

http://newwiki.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?title=FAQ#Number_of_admin_buttons


Scott

[dezmond]

Hey Everyone.   Started to work on a layout for my CP.

Would love to get some input from you all on what you think.  I tried to use the curves from the cabinet itself. 

I plan to cut it out of cardboard tomorrow morning and see how it feels on the cabinet....

Thanks!!!

[BadMouth]

I think the players are a bit far apart and the controls might be too close to the edges to fit, but other than that the design looks good to me.   I like the shape.  My concern would be standing that far left while playing a 1 player game.  Especially if it's a vertical game centered on the widescreen.  If you get the tv in, display some games on it so you get a feels playing from that position.

[Frank Drebin]

I think the players are a bit far apart and the controls might be too close to the edges to fit, but other than that the design looks good to me.   I like the shape.  My concern would be standing that far left while playing a 1 player game.  Especially if it's a vertical game centered on the widescreen.  If you get the tv in, display some games on it so you get a feels playing from that position.

FWIW my cabinet is 27.5" Wide, and the bolt on CP is 32" wide with the P1 joystick 4" from the outside edge, so 12" from the center of the screen?  No issues for me.  But good point I think you need minimum 2.5" from the edge for a joystick.

[dezmond]

Hey Everyone!!!  Been a great weekend on working on the cabinet.  Got a fair bit done. Let me know what you all think

Got the template cut for the formers on the top of the cabinet and routed out 5 of them like I did for the bottom.   They all lined up nice and level.  Glued and screwed and ready for covering.

[dezmond]

Next Up...   Cut out a sheet of 1/4" Poplar Ply and kerfed the inside to help it bend.  Glued and screwed the roof on.   It went really well!!!  Nice smooth contour.  Will be putting on some bondo to fill my screws so it's nice and clean.

[dezmond]

On To the Monitor Mount

I know I could of went out and bought a bracket and mounted it on wood and blah blah blah..  But hey I got lot's of wood here at the shop so why not do it for pennies instead of dollars.

Made up some 3/4" MDF side brackets with 1/4" Slots to hold the Monitor mount board.  Cut a 10" x 32" Board from 1/4" Birch Plywood and added Stiffeners to the back.  Drilled out my holes to match the back of the monitor.  Attached the monitor and slid it in to the brackets.  Was a Perfect fit.  I like this as well incase I ever need to pull the monitor out it is really easy to do..

[dezmond]

And here are some pics with the monitor mounted and my test CP layout.   

Need to move the joysticks a bit farther from the buttons and also I think I need to put the 2 button above the trackball over to the side of it or maybe one on each side?  I would like to use the trackball as a mouse with buttons in case I need to do something in Windows or whatever but would also like to use the buttons for games.  Missile Command and Centipede.

Any feedback about what you guys think of the layout?

Thanks again!!

Dezi

[Frank Drebin]

looking great!  Love the woodworking.

[BadMouth]

I think the two buttons above the trackball will be fine where they are, assuming you're going to use them as the direction buttons for golden tee.
Personally I wouldn't wire them up as mouse buttons if you plan to run emulators other than MAME.  It is convenient to have mouse buttons, but I'd put them underneath the CP.

A right mouse click can open menus in some front ends and emulators.
Even if there is only a tiny chance of someone being able to mess up your setup with the controls provided, some guests will find it.
It just blew my mind how some guests would just rapidly mash random buttons on the CP while in the front-end trying to get it to do
One of my friend's kids managed to hit the combo to exit the front end and shut the pc down every 10 minutes and then come bug me to turn the games back on.


EDIT: I just remembered something in regard to the placement of the controls on my cab.
On a lot of the old cabs, the player 1 joystick was about even with the left edge of the screen.
Seems to be both aesthetically pleasing and functional.  A reasonable starting point if nothing else.

[yotsuya]

I think the two buttons above the trackball will be fine where they are, assuming you're going to use them as the direction buttons for golden tee.
Personally I wouldn't wire them up as mouse buttons if you plan to run emulators other than MAME.  It is convenient to have mouse buttons, but I'd put them underneath the CP.

A right mouse click can open menus in some front ends and emulators.
Even if there is only a tiny chance of someone being able to mess up your setup with the controls provided, some guests will find it.
It just blew my mind how some guests would just rapidly mash random buttons on the CP while in the front-end trying to get it to do
One of my friend's kids managed to hit the combo to exit the front end and shut the pc down every 10 minutes and then come bug me to turn the games back on.

Tell me about it. Guests would be like "Why is the screen black?" At first I thought it was glitches, then I realized they were exiting out of the front end as well. My desktop is blank for booting purposes. I should make a wallpaper that says "IF YOU CAN READ THIS, RESTART THE MACHINE USING THE RED BUTTON ON THE TOP BACK OF THIS CABINET".

[rablack97]

You probably wont have a need for the two buttons above the tball, even if for Centipede and or Missle Command, they are in a weird spot for firing.

If you using them for maint, that route will get old really quickly.  You will need a keyboard as well not just the mouse.  I suggest getting a 2 neutrik USB pass thru's and hide them under your panel.  That way you can connect and disconnect an external KB and mouse at will, or get a BT adaptor and find a AIO keyboard mouse to do your windows maint etc.

If you connect those buttons as right and left mouse clicks, you chance the issue of your frontend losing focus or the right click function box showing up during gamplay.

You could just re-assign your fire buttons to be bottom right buttons of your 7 button layout for centipedes etc, and do the same for LR views for goldentee.

You've already cut the panel looks like, but configuring your setup using the trackball and buttons is not very efficient.

Very nice woodworking though........

[yotsuya]

You probably wont have a need for the two buttons above the tball, even if for Centipede and or Missle Command, they are in a weird spot for firing.

I agree.

[08091981]

Nice build. I am going to follow. Thanks for sharing.

I would place duplicate buttons under or next te the trackball. Game buttons from player 1 parallel to some buttens at the trackball?

[Token]

Any feedback about what you guys think of the layout?

I really like the overall look of the cabinet. The cabinet curves look really good. 

However, the control panel curve doesn't work for me. I think because it is such a smaller radius than the other curves on the cab.

Also, you might consider tightening up your control panel control spacing and shrinking the overall width of the panel. It looks like you could make it the same width as the cab itself, which IMO is a better look.

Maybe I missed it, but what is each admin button for?

[yotsuya]

Any feedback about what you guys think of the layout?

I really like the overall look of the cabinet. The cabinet curves look really good. 

However, the control panel curve doesn't work for me. I think because it is such a smaller radius than the other curves on the cab.

Also, you might consider tightening up your control panel control spacing and shrinking the overall width of the panel. It looks like you could make it the same width as the cab itself, which IMO is a better look.

Excellent point, Token. When I think of playing games, I think of standing in front of the cab, not off to the side. That design basically makes you as a player stand off to the side to play games. Just some food for thought.

[rablack97]

Thats code for the fleet design is not needed for your 2 player application.

Admin -  Pause, Exit and Go?

Start and Credit are my guesses.

[dezmond]

looking great!  Love the woodworking.

Thanks    Still learning lot's. 

Any feedback about what you guys think of the layout?

I really like the overall look of the cabinet. The cabinet curves look really good. 

However, the control panel curve doesn't work for me. I think because it is such a smaller radius than the other curves on the cab.

Also, you might consider tightening up your control panel control spacing and shrinking the overall width of the panel. It looks like you could make it the same width as the cab itself, which IMO is a better look.

Maybe I missed it, but what is each admin button for?

Ya the front curve is not very comfortable.  It "pushes" you off to the side when you step up to it.  I need to change that for sure.

The Admin buttons are pause, exit and go.

Thats code for the fleet design is not needed for your 2 player application.

Admin -  Pause, Exit and Go?

Start and Credit are my guesses.

You Guessed correct

You probably wont have a need for the two buttons above the tball, even if for Centipede and or Missle Command, they are in a weird spot for firing.

If you using them for maint, that route will get old really quickly.  You will need a keyboard as well not just the mouse.  I suggest getting a 2 neutrik USB pass thru's and hide them under your panel.  That way you can connect and disconnect an external KB and mouse at will, or get a BT adaptor and find a AIO keyboard mouse to do your windows maint etc.

If you connect those buttons as right and left mouse clicks, you chance the issue of your frontend losing focus or the right click function box showing up during gamplay.

You could just re-assign your fire buttons to be bottom right buttons of your 7 button layout for centipedes etc, and do the same for LR views for goldentee.

You've already cut the panel looks like, but configuring your setup using the trackball and buttons is not very efficient.

Very nice woodworking though........

Great idea for the button assignment   I only cut the top of the panel with some scrap plywood we had at the shop.  I will re-do the layout and post it here to see what you all think.  I will use your suggestions as well and see how it looks.

Thanks all!!

Dezi

[dezmond]

Well here is a new layout for the CP...  I used the same contour from the bottom front of the cabinet.  Took out some buttons that were not needed and also pulled things together a little tighter.  Also I made it the width of the cabinet instead of going outside.

Thoughts?

Thanks

Dezi

[Token]

Well here is a new layout for the CP...  I used the same contour from the bottom front of the cabinet.  Took out some buttons that were not needed and also pulled things together a little tighter.  Also I made it the width of the cabinet instead of going outside.

Thoughts?

Thanks

Dezi

Very nice curves! 

[Speed Racer]

    I would like to use the trackball as a mouse with buttons in case I need to do something in Windows or whatever ...

For doing stuff in windows I would recommend having one of these wireless keyboard combos (eg Logitech K400r) stashed inside your cab.

They are fairly cheap (about $30AUD), and I have found on my pincab that the wireless receiver is good enough to work through the cab wall. Just leave the receiver plugged into a motherboard USB. This particular one is battery powered, but has an on/off switch so the batteries last ages.

The best part is that no-one can accidentally change your setup/admin stuff without it, and it keeps control panel clutter to a minimum.

[rablack97]

Well here is a new layout for the CP...  I used the same contour from the bottom front of the cabinet.  Took out some buttons that were not needed and also pulled things together a little tighter.  Also I made it the width of the cabinet instead of going outside.

Thoughts?

Thanks

Dezi

Whats the one button for?

Why not use button 6 on plyr 1 as fire?  There's only a few tball games that require a button in mame, so you could just assign button 6 as the fire button for those games.  It looks kinda cramped right now on the right.

Also those 2 sharp edges, consider your tmolding, if you dont notch it correctly you will have a corner gaps.

[rablack97]

    I would like to use the trackball as a mouse with buttons in case I need to do something in Windows or whatever ...

For doing stuff in windows I would recommend having one of these wireless keyboard combos (eg Logitech K400r) stashed inside your cab.

They are fairly cheap (about $30AUD), and I have found on my pincab that the wireless receiver is good enough to work through the cab wall. Just leave the receiver plugged into a motherboard USB. This particular one is battery powered, but has an on/off switch so the batteries last ages.

The best part is that no-one can accidentally change your setup/admin stuff without it, and it keeps control panel clutter to a minimum.

+1

[dezmond]

    I would like to use the trackball as a mouse with buttons in case I need to do something in Windows or whatever ...

For doing stuff in windows I would recommend having one of these wireless keyboard combos (eg Logitech K400r) stashed inside your cab.

They are fairly cheap (about $30AUD), and I have found on my pincab that the wireless receiver is good enough to work through the cab wall. Just leave the receiver plugged into a motherboard USB. This particular one is battery powered, but has an on/off switch so the batteries last ages.

The best part is that no-one can accidentally change your setup/admin stuff without it, and it keeps control panel clutter to a minimum.

+1

I got me one of those somewhere around here   Thanks!!!  I will make sure to tuck it away for this one...

Also I removed the button beside the trackball and taking the advice to use Button 6 on P1 when needed...

Going to be a crazy week for me at work.  We are just finishing up forming the shape of a F4 Jet for a customer and getting ready to start laying up fiberglass...  I hope to get a little bit in on the cabinet but it may have to wait till the weekend...

Here is what I am working on right now...  Gonna go outside on a pole at a guys business somewhere in the USA

[dezmond]

Hey Everyone...  Need some input please....

Can you let me know which one of these to CP layouts you like?

Button layout is the same on both, it's the outside of the CP that I'm not too sure about...

Let me know..

More pics to come   working on the Monitor Bezel today/tonight and going to start to cut out the back doors

[thomas_surles]

I like the top one. it's kinda cool

[dezmond]

Thanks   got more layout and mock up done on the front of the cabinet tonight.  I like the look.  I am going to do a curved marquee to match the lines of the CP.  Speakers are going to be mounted under the monitor instead of above.  I think I am going to do some custom Fiberglass work to make the extruded out as well.  We shall see

Dezi

[Vidiot]

I think that looks really cool man. And it's unique. I say go for it! 

[wp34]

Those wings look great. That's a neat look. I love seeing something new and unique like this.

[thomas_surles]

Those wings lfook great. That's a neat look. I love seeing something new and unique like this.

it has that 50's feel to it. I'm thinking  red and white.

[Token]

Will the CP be hinged for access?

[dezmond]

I'm thinking about making the whole
Control panel removeable. Use fowls and magnets.

I have a few ideas

[Dal1980]

Great cab, looks very well put together and the shape is fantastic! Looking forward to seeing it develop.

Didn't know what fowls where so googled it but got birds... Are you some how tying the control panel in with a magnetic chicken?


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[dezmond]

Bawawawa.   Ya my fat fingers don't work so well on my iPhone.   Meant dowls.   

[Dal1980]

Haha, sounds less interesting than the magnetic chicken idea but probably more practice I guess. Know what you mean about the iDhone tho, I'm always making mistakes and the autocracy feature usually choices the wrong worlds


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[Token]

I'm thinking about making the whole
Control panel removeable. Use fowls and magnets.

I have a few ideas

OK, I was wondering if you would have issues hinging it with those wings on the CP. Magnets and birds ought to work. 

BTW, this new CP design is looking great!

[BGoulette]

I don't know if you went out of your way to use the wrong words in the response below, but I kinda hope you did!

Haha, sounds less interesting than the magnetic chicken idea but probably more practice I guess. Know what you mean about the iDhone tho, I'm always making mistakes and the autocracy feature usually choices the wrong worlds


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[Dal1980]

Don't worry I did except for 'practice' my phone corrected from 'practical' :/

Dezmond, the curved board on the front under the CP area. Is that just a normal flat board that's just pulled in to the profile of runners behind? If so what kind of board is that, it looks like plywood but also looks to thick to be pliable like that.


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[dezmond]

That is 1/4" birch ply running the grain cross ways.  Glued and screwed to formers behind it.    Will never move. 

[Dal1980]

I imagine looking at how well this is built you could throw it down the stairs and it still wouldn't fall to bits.

Meanwhile in my world I adopt the measure once cut twice rule and everything is held together with 'hope'


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[dezmond]

I imagine looking at how well this is built you could throw it down the stairs and it still wouldn't fall to bits.

Meanwhile in my world I adopt the measure once cut twice rule and everything is held together with 'hope'


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Funny Funny

I tend to overdue it sometimes..  But ya this is going to be built tough for sure

Going to try to make some progress with making the control panel this week...  See how that goes... I also think I am going to try to make the Bezel area removable so it will be easier to take the monitor out if it quits working or ?

[Alejo I]

Mad props for making a flat monitor cabinet that doesn't look overtly thin and fragile like most. Just a bit of extra thickness goes a long way to make them look substantial. Loving those curves, too. You rarely see curvy cabinets so well proportioned.

[dezmond]

Hey Everyone

We a pretty good day yesterday working on the cabinet..   I was able to router out the control panel top and bottom as well as the marquee housing.  Looks really good and everything is fitting up nice.

Next on the list is putting the control panel together and figuring out a way to attach it to the cabinet.

Also I have been playing around with the button colors. 

Need your opinions on what one of these 3 would look best

Thanks all

Dezi

[08091981]

Nice!
Inlike next setup best. All colers the same

[Frank Drebin]

Same colours.  Amazing build!

[Token]

You really can't go wrong with player 1 red and player 2 blue.

[Dal1980]

Yeah I agree too. It's less on the eyes and it won't interfere with the background having them like that. Very nice panel, it looks so well spaced out and comfortable. I'm no expert though but certainly the colours should not be fighting with the eyeballs.


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[dezmond]

Perfect!   Same color's for each side...

It is a really nice CP... I love the feel of it and it's at a perfect height for me....

More progress reports shortly

Dezi

[dezmond]

Hey Everyone...

Small update...  Got to play with the slot cutter this weekend.  First time for me and was pretty sweet..   Got a decent cutter and it sliced through the MDF no problem.

I also recessed an edge along the control panel so I could add my front and sides to it.  I am going with a nice flush look on the control panel..  After it is sanded and cleaned up and painted, the T-Molding will cover the seams if there are any visible.   

The top of the CP will be removable and help in place with dowels and magnets.

Also I got to make my Bezel mount for the monitor which I am doing the same dowel/magnet idea...  This way if I ever have problems with the monitor it will be a lot easier to come out from the front.

Still have to figure out the backdoor for the cabinet... 

[dezmond]

More pics

[Brouhaha]

Go Habs Go!




Oh and nice cab there... 

[08091981]

Nice! Have You cut a slot for those plastic band? Is that going tot work in the corners?  Nice machines You have!

[dezmond]

Nice! Have You cut a slot for those plastic band? Is that going tot work in the corners?  Nice machines You have!

Thanks   Yep it will work really nice on the front corners...  As long as I do a couple small releif cuts in the ribbed part of the t-molding, it will bend really nice and no kinks

[08091981]

I.am.exited Nice pictures. Van wait for next updates

[Dal1980]

Amazing work! I enjoy following this build just for the woodworking not to mention the cab which is really got some nice thoughts and nice lines!


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[reptileink]

Always nice to see a Habs fan! I live in New England, and it Bruins territory here. Makes great adventures watching the game at the local watering hole....lol. 

This build is coming along great! Loving the CP! Keep up the good work, can't wait to see the artwork!

[dezmond]

Always nice to see a Habs fan! I live in New England, and it Bruins territory here. Makes great adventures watching the game at the local watering hole....lol. 

This build is coming along great! Loving the CP! Keep up the good work, can't wait to see the artwork!

Artwork..... Hmmmmmmm.... No idea yet   But I will for sure keep ya all posted

[dezmond]

Well back to the drawing board for the control panel skinning   I didn't like the way it was holding together so I have come up with another idea that I think will be much better.

Just trying it out now... Will post some pics shortly..  Guess the old CP can be used for firewood now 

[dezmond]

Hey Everyone..  Sorry been a while..  Been busy at work and trying to figure out some new ideas for this build.  I didn't like the way the plywood was forming to the sides of the control panel so I decided to try something different..  I built some new sides with plywood and stick building to give it it's form but also strength to hold the plywood.

Working really good this round.  Here are some pics of what I did...

More updates tom come today on the cabinet and some wiring for the audio setup..  I want to post them separately.

Thanks for the feedback

[dezmond]

Put the new plywood on the CP sides and MUCH MUCH better..   Got some bondo on and letting it dry before I start to sand...  Also got some neat ideas on how to attach it to the cabinet and make it easy to get access to the wiring.

[dezmond]

Soooooo.. Trying to come up with a nice way to attach the monitor bezel but also make it removable so if I need to do anything with the monitor it will be easy to get in there..  Came up with using dowels and magnets to hold it in place and it works pretty good

[Frank Drebin]

I feel that...I would have a hard time replicating this build.

[dezmond]

I feel that...I would have a hard time replicating this build.

Thanks   It's been a real challenge so far but I am having a blast 

Well an old buddy of mine came by yesterday for a visit...  Haven't seen him for over a year and a half.  We had a good chat..  He also helped me out with my Audio controls.   I picked up one of those cheap 12 volt Motorcycle amps online and decided I wanted to have easier access to the controls.  So we got to work and pulled the pots off, added extension wires and now all set for re location.   Since I hadn't seen Kevin for a while I had to give him a hard time and made him wear these sexy magnifying goggles for a pic

hahahahah

[dezmond]

Hey Guys

Question for you..  I have a 32" LED TV that I got a great deal on that I am using in the cabinet..  My question is how is the best way to turn it on and off and make sure it is on the right input?  My bezel will be hiding the IR  on the TV itself so I figure the remote won't work correct?  Or can I cut a small hole in the Bezel and since I am covering it with glass, just leave that small area with no paint so I can use the remote?

Any tips or guidance is greatly accepted

Thanks

Dezi

[yamatetsu]

Use the remote to turn on the TV, switch it to the right input. Pull the TV's power cable. Put the cable back in. If the TV turns on and remembers the right input, you are golden.
In the cab you can use a smart powerstrip to power the PC and the TV. If you turn on the PC, the TV will automatically be powered on too.

[dezmond]

Awesome Thanks!

Will check that out tonight

[dezmond]

Update***

Got to work on the marquee box..  I wanted it to be removable in case I need to fix or change something..  So I designed a nice support box and laser cut it out of ply and used sticks to build it up.

Covered the inside with 1/16 Birch ply (bends really nice) and put a few coats of glossy white so I can get some good reflections.  I have 5 strips of SMD Led strips that I will be wiring up to make the Marquee glow

Lot's of fun.. 

[wp34]

I don't believe I've ever seen a marquee light box done that way before.  Pretty impressive woodworking there.   

[dezmond]

I don't believe I've ever seen a marquee light box done that way before.  Pretty impressive woodworking there.   

Thanks

It's awesome to work in a wood shop that builds large scale models..  It gives me a chance to come up with other cool ways to build things....

This slides in and out really nice.  I am going to put a couple magnets on the backside so it stays in place..  If I ever need it out..  Just pull

[Peabo]

Very impressive marquee light.  5 strips is going to burn retina's though...  I used a single strip of 5730's on my Pretendo and it's plenty bright

[dezmond]

Good to Know... I guess I will play around with the amount of Led's to use..  I figure if I had to I could put a var resistor in there to adjust output.

[dezmond]

Hey Everyone..  I am looking for some help on a name for my cabinet...  The theme I will be doing is going to be the Montreal Canadiens.  I want to put the name in the Marquee..  I am really having a hard time coming up with something and I was really hoping you guys could give me some suggestions?

Thanks in advance...

Dezi

[rablack97]

Hey Everyone..  I am looking for some help on a name for my cabinet...  The theme I will be doing is going to be the Montreal Canadiens.  I want to put the name in the Marquee..  I am really having a hard time coming up with something and I was really hoping you guys could give me some suggestions?

Thanks in advance...

Dezi

I might be missing something here, but aren't your answering your own question?

If your doing a specific team theme, team name goes in the marquee and along with some logo art for the sides and CP.



Look at Knievel's thread for some hockey style ideas

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,119606.0.html

Hey Guys

Question for you..  I have a 32" LED TV that I got a great deal on that I am using in the cabinet..  My question is how is the best way to turn it on and off and make sure it is on the right input?  My bezel will be hiding the IR  on the TV itself so I figure the remote won't work correct?  Or can I cut a small hole in the Bezel and since I am covering it with glass, just leave that small area with no paint so I can use the remote?

Any tips or guidance is greatly accepted

Thanks

Dezi

If your sensor is in the front of your TV, i drilled a small hole where the sensor was in the bezel and popped in a smoked lens cap, just in case.



As stated, some televisions remember the input prior to shutting down, it also remembers the power state.

So if you turn it on and set input, then unplug it and plug it back it, it should turn on and go back to that input once it senses signal from the PC.  The smartstrip will shutdown the power to the TV when the PC turns off.

[harveybirdman]

Hey Everyone..  I am looking for some help on a name for my cabinet...  The theme I will be doing is going to be the Montreal Canadiens.  I want to put the name in the Marquee..  I am really having a hard time coming up with something and I was really hoping you guys could give me some suggestions?

Thanks in advance...

Dezi

So wait a minute, you're custom building an arcade cabinet with a unique CNC'd design and you're theming it after a sports team?   

[vwalbridge]

I was really hoping you guys could give me some suggestions?

Honestly?  I'm turned off when I see a machine with a sports team theme. I suppose you could get away with it if you were building a dedicated hockey game machine...but I think you should reconsider your artwork theme choice.

[yotsuya]

[dezmond]

hmmmmmmmmm...   

I don't know what I should do now...

Here is the first round of artwork I was planning on using.  A few changes to it but nothing noticeable.

Not a good idea???

 

[yotsuya]

Your cabinet, your art. Do what you want, my friend.

Having said that, I agree with these guys. I would also add TV shows, movies, universities and alcoholic beverages to the list of things that I just don't care for. Stuff like that just screams "man cave must have!!!" to me.

[yotsuya]

Although, to be fair, your artwork is actually nicely done. I'd lose the hot chick though. Stuff like that seems kind of, I don't know, juvenile.

[vwalbridge]

I noticed that your joysticks will be left-handed. That always fascinates me. I see it every once and a while on BYOAC but never in person. I that a Canadian thing?

I know there are a lot of left-handed people in Canada from growing up with Hockey but that also made it's way to arcade controls too?

EDIT: Never mind, I see your real CP is standard.

[a1pharm]

I noticed your CP and front kick panel have a red to blue color scheme, but the marquee is solid red.  If I were you, I would consider also making the marquee go from red to blue, in the same fashion as the other front facing art.

As for the sides - your cab is looking absolutely amazing, and I bet everyone here wants your artwork to be just as amazing as the woodworking.  I'm not familiar with that team, so I'm not sure if that "hot chick" is significant to the team or not (the Dallas Cowboys' cheerleaders are significant to their team).  If the answer is no, I'd drop that subject as side art.

Final art comment - and this isn't something I feel strongly about - change the side art on the right to include a blue background instead of red (to match the front panel artwork).  This would definitely complicate your side art production tasks, and I'm not sure if it's worth it.

In the end, it's all up to you.

As for that woodworking... damn that's impressive!

Cheers!
 

[harveybirdman]

I'm okay with the chick, but flip her on the reverse side.


It's an okay scheme, but like Yots said, it's like making it blend into a tacky mancave.  With all due respect to Kneviel of course...

[rablack97]

Yeah you should of started this thread with Hockey Themed Cabinet - Name TBD

It would of prepared the brute squad before hand of your purpose for the cab.

I would lose the guy and the girl actually and the split left and right blue red thing, the rest looks pretty clean and defined.

A team themed cabinet is not a bad idea if your a true fan and your game rooms screams your fave team, then why not.

Its like a cab w/o a coin door, its just not the norm, but as Yot said, its your cab going into your domain, if it fits well in your house, what we say don't matter.

We arent gonna look at it everyday, and the fact your building it, there is not one soul that will walk into your house and not say holy crap that is sweet.  Mainly cause they dont own one.

So you need to figure out why your building this, is it to appease the masses or appease your fancies?

Your not making bad decisions so far in the build, the theme, well, if your intent wasnt to build an authentic purist arcade cab, then your good to go.

[rablack97]

To further extend my point if somebody built this man a custom arizona cardinals cab it would go right into his already awesome collection.

 

[harveybirdman]

To further extend my point if somebody built this man a custom arizona cardinals cab it would go right into his already awesome collection.

 

You should have seen the one he almost bought on Craigslist....

[yotsuya]

To further extend my point if somebody built this man a custom arizona cardinals cab it would go right into his already awesome collection.

 

Naw, never. Puro arcade, esse.

[rablack97]

LIESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.......

LIESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS....

LIESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.......

Homes........

[yotsuya]

Honestly, sports theme aside, I kinda like what he's done there. But I'd lose the girl and maybe put an active skate or goaltender. The chick is too mudflappy.

[rablack97]

Honestly, sports theme aside, I kinda like what he's done there. But I'd lose the girl and maybe put an active skate or goaltender. The chick is too mudflappy.

Agreed, the girls says my mind was in the gutter when i put this on there.

I'd go with a goalie mask or some crossed hockey sticks or like a flipping 3d puck.

Theres better ways to integrate team colors, its not a vs. cab, so dont do a half red half blue blended effect on the CP and the kickplate area.

[Frank Drebin]

Lose the chick.  Price, Galchenyuk, Subban, Kovalev, Koivu, Roy......

[yotsuya]

I will say if it came down to the chick or Roy, I go with the chick...

[dezmond]

I will say if it came down to the chick or Roy, I go with the chick...

bwaawawawawaw   Ya I thought of Roy....   Then Richard....  Then "Screw it no players or chicks...  Keep it clean.." If I put someone current, they will get traded or something knowing my luck...

I have a little collection of Canadiens memoribilia and my son and I watch the habs play all the time..  I don't have a man cave either.  This one is going in our rec room...

I am designing a couple more cabinets that won't be sports themed.  No worries..  I love designing and building things.  It sure is relaxing   

As soon as I have the changes to the artwork, I will have them up here.  All your feedback is greatly appreciated and taken into consideration to make this a great build!

Thank You All for your help!

Dezi

[n3wt0n]

I'm not a sports cab fan but I get your motivation behind it. I also dig the artwork you have put together so far but I do have one suggestion... given that the sides, top, marquee, everything... is red and blue and assuming that you are going to use red buttons for P1 and blue for P2 would you consider putting something more neutral on the control panel or even just behind the button areas? Perhaps a stock image of scratched up ice just to break up all the red/blue going on. My 2 Canadian cents. Your build is looking great.

Jeremy

[Dal1980]

Here's my British 2 pence worth (): flip the chick so she is mirrored on the right side. Everything else looks pretty cool.

The most disappointing thing about this whole build is hiding all the clever woodworking that's been used to fit it all together. Your going to need a website photo album to show off the project step-by-step so people can see the 'engineering' and thought that's gone into it.

Well done so far!






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[dezmond]

Happy to say that the artwork is complete.  I took all of your advice and did a fair bit of changes and I really like how this is going to look.

Now on to the finishing of the wood and primer and paint then ready to start to put it all together

[yotsuya]

Much classier!

[dezmond]

Much classier!

Thanks Boss

[Brouhaha]

Habs fan. Not a fan of team themed cabs... With that said, I'm finding myself loving that CPO!!! Very clever about the trackball.

And again, awesome build! 

[n3wt0n]

Nicely done. The artwork is now going to match the fine woodworking skills you are about to cover up. 

[a1pharm]

Well done, Dezi!

 

[yotsuya]

Although I am a sports fan, I'm not a fan of sports team themed cabs. Having said that, I'm a bigger fan of subtle, tasteful art as opposed to something that screams, "Hey, look at the cool art I grabbed off deviantART!" So for this cabinet, I think you can easily say you hit a homerun.

[dezmond]

Do you guys think blue t moulding would look ok?

[yotsuya]

Do you guys think blue t moulding would look ok?

Get a dark blue one.

[a1pharm]

Do you guys think blue t moulding would look ok?

Get a dark blue one.

+1