Golden Tee Live Dedicated Dual Monitor Cab Conversion (Proj. Name TBD)

[dabustop]

I've had the below monstrosity in my basement for almost 5 years now and after finally finding this forum, becoming a member yesterday and reading through a TON of posts here I have the inspiration and time to convert this thing into something special.

I saved this gutted but in very good shape GT Live dual monitor cab from being cut down into a pedestal in the hopes of saving enough cash to restore it to its former GT glory. Afterwards I realized how much I'd have to save to do that.  5 years later I'm only slightly closer to making that happen. Not close enough. Therefore, I'd like to transform it into a multi-emulator cab to run MAME/NES/SNES/Genesis.

Looking for further inspiration, I have yet to see a finished conversion anywhere of this exact type of cab (if you know of one please point me to it), so I'm looking to the expertise and experience on this forum to help structure what I have in my head. I've built two cabs in the past, the first quite sloppily and the second more soundly (both here: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,149598.0.html ) but am still learning as I go, so I'm still figuring out lingo, etc. so bear with me.

Borrowing from ChanceKJ's run-down format, here's what I'm thinking, but am changing my mind all the time:

Controls:
TVs: 42" or 46" LCD mounted portrait (a la Maximus' MvC: Revolution 2.0 http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,139647.msg1444212.html#msg1444212 and Token's Moonshot http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,147277.0.html ) modified to 1080x1080 resolution, with a 25" LG UM57 25UM57 21:9 for dynamic marquee.
Computer: TBD, but prob i3 with decent enough video to run two monitors
Cabinet: GT Live Dedicated Dual Monitor
Electronics: RGB-LEDs, hackable computer speakers to run amplifier board to existing cab speakers

Design Goals:
-Patch up minor dings on the white side wings, replace t-molding.
-Remove topper marquee, or possibly create new art for it once the cab is named
-Original artwork for side wings and CPO, possibly where current GT "Your card is your ID" art is. Would love simple 8-bit art on the cab, preferably Punch-Out!! or SMB3 themed (love the SMB3 box art blue font). I really liked the art job jmike had on his Punch-Out pedestal, but maybe just the ring for simplicity. However I could see something more flat like Token's Moonshot.
-Cab mounted volume control and USB for consoles greater than 16-bit gen, located on front of the cab, maybe where the DBA or card reader was? Then figure out what to fill the hole I don't use with.
-Remove portions of large existing bezel to fit portrait-mounted TV and dynamic marquee
-Move existing speakers and grill to new location between TV and dynamic marquee
-Wire CPU power on/off to switch on outside of cabinet
-HyperSpin FE
-Build elevator in my house so I don't have to lug this upstairs when I move again 

Control Panel:
-Looking for design/CPO art inspiration as mentioned above.
-2 player controls, P1/2 7-button. 8way or 360 joysticks? Recessed trackball?
-2 Start/Coin button sets,
-MAME master control buttons: Pause, Menu, Exit, Aux

I'm sure I've missed something in my recap, but I'm excited to hear what you all think. Good or bad, it's all constructive right? Any ideas are appreciated, especially regarding hacking up the huge one piece plastic bezel that goes all the way up the cab to make both monitors fit. I'll have a lot to learn along the way but hope you stick along for the ride!

[leapinlew]

I have 2 of these cabs.

I finished 1 of them, and will be finishing the other one soon. I can send you some pics if you like.

The monitor I'm using is a 27" widescreen. I used a marquee in the top windows, instead of a monitor. It's 12" wide, and I think a 14" 4:3 monitor would fit in it, but I didn't want to deal with MameHooker and the other mess of dynamic marquees.

All those side bolts can be removed, but you'll want to brace up the whole cabinet first. These cabinets are held together with locks and tumblers, and if you want to get rid of those allen bolts on the side, you'll want to put some bracing in. You'll probably want to keep the 3 bolts that hold in the control panel and plastic insert.

The metal mesh in the very bottom of the cabinet is sharp and pointy.

[dabustop]

I'd love to see some pics! I thought about keeping the 15" 4:3 second monitor (I have one), but really like the idea of maximizing the space for a dynamic marquee and learn Mamehooker, etc. appreciate the advice on keeping the cab braced. I don't mind the bolts on the side but will determine what I keep/change once I get in there. Will also keep in mind on the mesh at the bottom. I've seen it but haven't gotten down there yet.

I'll also be sure to send out the speaker grills to you if I don't use them, I've got the tamper proof T20 and T25 bits already


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dabustop]

Happy Sunday!

Quick update - ripped the new CP last night with my circular saw using 3/4" birch plywood. Fits well and is almost straight (woodworking noob here) but to naked eye can't tell. The former GT CP that sat here was 3/4" with a 1/8" screen printed (second surface) polycarb overlay. I'd love to match that as I love the idea of the CPO art and polycarb piece being one, which would make the drilling that much easier. However, I've only found one site online (beautifuldisplays.com) that provides this service. I sent them an RFQ last night and expect a response early this coming week.

Has anyone else tried getting a screenprinted or printed lexan/polycarb overlay for their CP? If so, who did you use and do you know a ballpark cost? Thanks, and enjoy the rest of the weekend! I'll post the response when I hear back from the one source I found.

[leapinlew]

What most folks do is printed artwork under clear plexi. Printed plexi would be nice, but I have to imagine it's going to be $pendy!

[dabustop]

Funny timing! Just got a response from Beautifuldisplays.com - Cost for 1/8" polycarb printed on the underside (second surface) at my size needed (16.375"x25.9375") is only $53.09+shipping. Not nearly as bad as I thought. They said they'll be getting a CNC soon that would allow them to cut holes in the piece too.

I may be pulling the trigger on this once I get my art done. Will post when the CPO is drafted!

[rablack97]

Funny timing! Just got a response from Beautifuldisplays.com - Cost for 1/8" polycarb printed on the underside (second surface) at my size needed (16.375"x25.9375") is only $53.09+shipping. Not nearly as bad as I thought. They said they'll be getting a CNC soon that would allow them to cut holes in the piece too.

I may be pulling the trigger on this once I get my art done. Will post when the CPO is drafted!

Im interested in seeing that pulled off.

The graphic is actually printed on the plexi?

My main concern is you have a huge chance of breaking the plexi while cutting the holes etc, plus not to mention your dimensions will have to be spot on.  You get that thing home and lay it on your CP only to find out it doesnt line up correctly, you've got a busted print and piece of plexi.

I'm curious to see how sharp the image is on the underside.  I would have them send you a sample prior to pulling the trigger.

[leapinlew]

From a quality standpoint, the GoldenTee graphics look very vibrant.

As for breaking the plexi, it's not too bad if you use the right tools. A pattern trace bit over a wooden pre-drilled CP should go pretty smooth. Chipping the artwork is a real concern to me, but I've never drilled through printed plexi

[rablack97]

From a quality standpoint, the GoldenTee graphics look very vibrant.

As for breaking the plexi, it's not too bad if you use the right tools. A pattern trace bit over a wooden pre-drilled CP should go pretty smooth. Chipping the artwork is a real concern to me, but I've never drilled through printed plexi

Correct flush cut router bit, i agree, but sometimes no matter how careful you are you risk cracking the plexi.

The worst part is drilling the hole large enough to get the flush cut bit through.  To that use a step bit



It brings the chip and crack factor down tremendously.

So you've seen this pre-printed plexi before?

[dabustop]

Guys, thanks for the tips on drilling. If they get back to me soon before I order about getting their new CNour C up and running I'll just have them cut it for me. Otherwise, I'll definitely grab a step bit and TAKE MY TIME.

To answer your question rablack97 - yes the GT CP that came with the cab I have was a 1/8" polycarb screen printed on the backside and adhered to the 3/4" wood piece. As Lew said, the graphic looks great on it (see pic below), and though it was screen printed (found details in a GT manual), I'm hoping for the same, if not more vibrant effect with Beautifuldisplays.com's printing.

[rablack97]

Wow, that is really cool, and not bad for 50.00....

Would like to know what links you clicked for your order on that site.

[dabustop]

Here's the link to the page, scroll down to see all the materials they print on.

http://beautifuldisplays.com/uv_flatbed_printing.cfm
I emailed info@beautifuldisplays.com asking for a quote.

[dabustop]

Working on the side art for the wings now. A very rough mock up of the right side of the cab - edges quickly trimmed so they're sloppy and not exact.

Thoughts?

[leapinlew]

Love it. There is some space up at the top which could be used to add the machine name.

Also, not sure if it's difficult, but how hard would it be to display the arcade version of punchout on both your monitors? That would be cool.

[dabustop]

I like the idea of the machine name in the space up top, thanks Lew! I'm totally going look into the dynamic marquee acting as the second monitor too!

Also tossing this rough idea around, of actually using a real Manhattan skyline. Thoughts?

[jimmyfloyd]

Any Progress on this? Was wondering if you ever purchased the control panel overlay and the quality of it?

[marcux]

I love golden tee cabs, I have 2 of them




here is what the middle cab it turned into

[dabustop]

Any Progress on this? Was wondering if you ever purchased the control panel overlay and the quality of it?

I haven't yet. As so many projects go, this was and still is on hold as the Mrs. and I purchased a business in August and are prepping for baby #3 this March. I'm still going to get the CPO done, and will certainly begin posting once I get going on this again. The sales rep that I contacted was very persistent about getting this done, like he was working on commish. Three kids under 3 y.o. will prove a big hurdle to getting this done in timely fashion!

[dabustop]

I love golden tee cabs, I have 2 of them




here is what the middle cab it turned into

Very nice marcux! Was wondering how your wrists felt playing on that CP. I'm taller and the angle and height of the CP due to the type of game it was isn't ideal for wrists. I'll likely have to play w/stools.

[jimmyfloyd]

I have a GT Fore Machine just like that I was considering using for a 4 player conversion. Would like to build a Pedestal first though, as I still enjoy playing GT.

[mafiafan123]

Working on the side art for the wings now. A very rough mock up of the right side of the cab - edges quickly trimmed so they're sloppy and not exact.

Thoughts?

That just made me have a flashback to YTMND 

Why is this the art you are using just wondering I like the thoughts so far though.