Author Topic: Alpha Centuri Soon Open to BYOAC community. (Read 31961 times)

Mike A · « **on:** April 28, 2021, 09:17:01 am »

I am now taking appointments for visits to my arcade room and shop.

Starting June 1st I will take visitors by appointment. No groups...yet. A couple of your family members would be fine.

I am fully vaccinated for COVID. I mention that because that could be a sticking point for people. I don't require you to be vaccinated.

Do you have a project you have always dreamed of doing, but don't have space or tools? Make an appointment.

Do you want to drink beers and play real arcade games in a real arcade environment? Make an appointment.

Do you want to help me with a project? Make an appointment.

If you want to come stay for an hour or the weekend just let me know. I have a guest room with an attached bathroom. It has a CRT TV with a NES and an Intellivision.

I only ask that you buy or bring your own materials. I have lots of ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- on hand. I won't charge any more than I paid for stuff.

If this sparks any interest I will create a separate thread to document the adventures.

bobbyb13 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 29, 2021, 12:40:56 am »

It appears that it is now a race to see who makes it to whose place first.

Only place I can think of that I've been in IL is O'Hare now that I think about it.

In spite of having been born in Cedar Rapids, IA

yotsuya · « **Reply #2 on:** April 29, 2021, 12:51:01 am »

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bobbyb13 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 29, 2021, 03:13:50 am »

Quote from: yotsuya on April 29, 2021, 12:51:01 am

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Now that is funny-

And consequently also how I figured people would feel about flying to a tiny rock in the middle of the Pacific

Mike A · « **Reply #4 on:** April 29, 2021, 07:46:36 am »

It is odd.

Over the last few years I have had multiple people PM me about getting help with projects.

I tell the come on out and use my tools. Nobody has shown up.

Arroyo and Bperkins01 have been out to my place to help me with my stuff and they live on opposite coasts.

I will definitely fly out to Hawaii if I am invited.

I have been to the East Coast to see BYOACers. I have been to the West Coast.

I have been to Zapcon a couple of times.

Get out and meet people.

You would be surprised how much more you learn and how much more fun it is to share the hobby in person.

Gilrock · « **Reply #5 on:** April 29, 2021, 09:31:58 am »

Let me know when they quit requiring masks on airplanes.

Mike A · « **Reply #6 on:** April 29, 2021, 09:44:03 am »

Dude. Just wear the mask.

I really don't want this thread to turn into a COVID debate.

Gilrock · « **Reply #7 on:** April 29, 2021, 09:49:59 am »

I'm not debating anything I just can't wear one except for short periods. A flight would be too long for me.

Mike A · « **Reply #8 on:** April 29, 2021, 10:05:33 am »

Okay. I will let you know when the mask rules on airlines are lifted.

Zebidee · « **Reply #9 on:** April 29, 2021, 10:25:37 am »

Mike, would love to put myself on the list. But my ideas of visits to USA for some time are void, COVID sucks.

Haven't seen kids in flesh for nearly 18 months it really hurts. So international travel well we will see. ---fudgesicle--- COVID.

yotsuya · « **Reply #10 on:** April 29, 2021, 01:15:14 pm »

Quote from: Mike A on April 29, 2021, 07:46:36 am

It is odd.

Over the last few years I have had multiple people PM me about getting help with projects.

I tell the come on out and use my tools. Nobody has shown up.

Arroyo and Bperkins01 have been out to my place to help me with my stuff and they live on opposite coasts.

I will definitely fly out to Hawaii if I am invited.

I have been to the East Coast to see BYOACers. I have been to the West Coast.

I have been to Zapcon a couple of times.

Get out and meet people.

You would be surprised how much more you learn and how much more fun it is to share the hobby in person.

I agree. The best part of ZapCon isn’t the games, it’s seeing all you ---daisies---.

The traditional meet up at the Monastery during the early years was the best. Picking up Vigo and Harveybirdman at the airport blasting Uptown Funk (a BYOAC in-joke). Dinner with Ond and his daughter and Jawhn. Tacos with MikeA, Jrok and the AZ crew... the mixing of you guys and the AZ locals is my favorite part of the weekend.

But even before that, we locals in Arizona spend weekends fixing things and repairing things and getting them ready for the show. We teach each other, we help each other out. That camaraderie extends way before and way after the actual show, and it pleases me to no end that people like you Mike, and Vigo, and Opt2Not, and Neph and Jim (both the PBJ and Nexusmtz Jim’s) take the time and spend your hard earned money to come out and play with us. That’s what this hobby should be about to us at this age - reliving memories, and making new ones.

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opt2not · « **Reply #11 on:** April 29, 2021, 03:45:34 pm »

One of these days I would love to make it out for a visit to Alpha Centuri.

TacoTownCharlie · « **Reply #12 on:** April 29, 2021, 04:24:33 pm »

At MikeA’s.

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yotsuya · « **Reply #13 on:** April 29, 2021, 04:42:49 pm »

At MikeA’s.

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bobbyb13 · « **Reply #14 on:** April 29, 2021, 09:06:24 pm »

Quote from: Mike A on April 29, 2021, 07:46:36 am

It is odd.

Over the last few years I have had multiple people PM me about getting help with projects.

I tell the come on out and use my tools. Nobody has shown up.

Arroyo and Bperkins01 have been out to my place to help me with my stuff and they live on opposite coasts.

I will definitely fly out to Hawaii if I am invited.

I have been to the East Coast to see BYOACers. I have been to the West Coast.

I have been to Zapcon a couple of times.

Get out and meet people.

You would be surprised how much more you learn and how much more fun it is to share the hobby in person.

Consider yourself officially invited.
Others here too if someone can vouch for them being house-broken!

I just need to hammer out the habitable space so nobody needs to spend $500/night on a hotel room- unless they feel like it.

Plenty of things in life not worth having unless they get shared.
This place would be one of those.

I've been here 15 yrs and it is remarkable how few of my friends who say they will come out actually do- even with a free place to stay.

For a while I thought it was me but I stay at their houses back on the east coast when I go so I suppose not.

Mike A · « **Reply #15 on:** May 18, 2021, 09:18:03 pm »

Hell free place to stay? No brainer.

Ask pbj what happens to chicken wings in my vicinity.

bobbyb13 · « **Reply #16 on:** May 19, 2021, 03:57:02 am »

Quote from: Zebidee on April 29, 2021, 10:25:37 am

Mike, would love to put myself on the list. But my ideas of visits to USA for some time are void, COVID sucks.

Haven't seen kids in flesh for nearly 18 months it really hurts. So international travel well we will see. ---fudgesicle--- COVID.

The current climate for travel just sucks.

In a former life I used to get around a lot, but even without coronavirus crap I have a ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- load of responsibility at home still at the moment that means I can't go anywhere for the near future.

I will absolutely make an excuse to get to Alpha Centuri on my next trip East.

Would be rad to see any/all of you out here if you can manage (it IS a long ---smurfing--- trip from damn near anywhere) if for no other reason then I need somebody to teach me how to fix this ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- I have re-fallen in love with recently.

Quote from: Mike A on May 18, 2021, 09:18:03 pm

Hell free place to stay? No brainer.

Ask pbj what happens to chicken wings in my vicinity.

The Arcade Loft is rather Spartan for your average bourgeoisie (although I could probably happily live out my days in my workshop/The Pouty House) but my buddy Alex's family at the Pa'ala'a Kai Mini Mart makes some damn fine chicken.

Mike A · « **Reply #17 on:** June 04, 2021, 11:12:42 am »

There will be two big additions to Alpha Centuri on Sunday.

Stay tuned for details. You will not be disappointed.

Hoopz · « **Reply #18 on:** June 04, 2021, 11:19:05 am »

Environmental Discs of Tron?

Mike A · « **Reply #19 on:** June 04, 2021, 11:22:12 am »

Dude. That almost happened. I saw a listing for one too late that was a 5 hour drive a couple of weeks ago.

It was in bad shape. I told the guy that I could be there in 5 hours and 15 minutes. He already had people in front of me.

I tried laying on the charm and I couldn't fight my way to the front of the line.

Hoopz · « **Reply #20 on:** June 04, 2021, 01:27:22 pm »

That would be incredible. I sucked at the game but always played.it just because of the cabinet. It felt awesome to get in one.

That sucks that you couldn't get that one. Had to be disappointing. $:-\$

Mike A · « **Reply #21 on:** June 04, 2021, 02:40:08 pm »

The fact that it taunts you for being bad was the best part.

bobbyb13 · « **Reply #22 on:** June 05, 2021, 02:36:35 am »

DOT was a favorite (never thought much of the TRON machine though really) and I had no idea how lucky I was to have played an environmental one long ago.

Just thought, "oh, that was cool..."

Would love to play that one again someday.

So...

Did you buy that pair of driving cabs....?

Mike A · « **Reply #23 on:** June 05, 2021, 08:38:01 am »

Nope. Not driving cabs this time.

Mike A · « **Reply #24 on:** June 06, 2021, 08:52:56 pm »

Definitely a good day.

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bobbyb13 · « **Reply #25 on:** June 06, 2021, 09:17:31 pm »

Nice haul.

Not like I needed another reason to visit, and I suck at Robotron (still)...

But Star Trek Pinball?

Beam me over

Zebidee · « **Reply #26 on:** June 07, 2021, 01:44:47 am »

God I miss the old Bally pinballs.

All we need a really loooooooooooooooooong travel bubble that extend from Mike's place to Bobby's in Hawaii and mine in Thailand.

Just got my first jab in anticipation.

yotsuya · « **Reply #27 on:** June 07, 2021, 11:12:30 am »

Quote from: Zebidee on June 07, 2021, 01:44:47 am

God I miss the old Bally pinballs.

All we need a really loooooooooooooooooong travel bubble that extend from Mike's place to Bobby's in Hawaii and mine in Thailand.

Just got my first jab in anticipation.

Good for you! Plan it around ZapCon next year and pick up Bobby on the way!

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Mike A · « **Reply #28 on:** June 11, 2021, 07:15:03 am »

I replaced all of the rubbers on the Star Trek pin. Safety first I always say.

I ordered some paste wax to rub on the playfield.

There are a couple of other things pbj recommended I should do at minimum.

When I get to that I will start a restore thread.

Robotron works great. I just need to put the correct length sticks on it.

I am moving 3 or 4 games from one arcade room to the other. I could use some help.

Come on out this Sunday. Drink some beer. Do a little manual labor. Grill some animals and throw them on a bun.

Respond here or PM me.

Mike A · « **Reply #29 on:** October 22, 2021, 05:32:21 pm »

If anyone is interested.

I have 3 or 4 monitors that need to be capped.

If you always wanted to learn to solder, this is an opportunity for you.

Come on out. Setup a time and day with me. I will show you the basics.

And as always, my shop is open to anyone who wants help with their own projects.

Zebidee · « **Reply #30 on:** October 23, 2021, 02:30:00 am »

I can't, but wish I could click like or something, so I'll just post this instead

bobbyb13 · « **Reply #31 on:** October 23, 2021, 02:54:31 am »

Quote from: Zebidee on October 23, 2021, 02:30:00 am

I can't, but wish I could click like or something, so I'll just post this instead

Ditto.
I'm working on our visitor space here this weekend again finally so hopefully soon be ready for any who could visit here.

I have plenty of monitor work for someone who knows what they are doing!

Mike A · « **Reply #32 on:** November 22, 2021, 11:52:28 am »

Two weeks ago a fellow arcade nerd made the trip out to my place.

I taught him how to use a ROM reader.

I showed him the first steps I use for fixing a broken PCB. These steps were taught to me by Bperkins01.

He owns a Captain's Chair that is in more complete shape than mine so I am borrowing parts to duplicate.

Zebidee · « **Reply #33 on:** November 23, 2021, 05:05:01 pm »

That would’ve been very useful for both of you. We learn a lot by just sharing ideas and knowledge. I could use some rom reader instructions and pcb repair tips, would love to do similar one day.

leapinlew · « **Reply #34 on:** January 02, 2022, 04:11:28 pm »

Was the DOT in St. Louis? If so, I think I saw it and remember thinking it wasn't going to last very long.

Good job on the Star Trek pinball. I have fond memories of playing that at a diner that had great chicken sandwiches and crinkle cut fries. I can only imagine how much that thing is going for.

Mike A · « **Reply #35 on:** August 10, 2022, 08:39:52 am »

I figured I would put the offer out there again.

My shop is open to anyone who wants to work on arcade stuff.

I have:

good table saw

small band saw

Bench top drill press

12" sliding mitre saw

abrasive wheel chop saw

30 inch metal brake up to 18 gauge steel

13 inch planer

router table

12x24" CNC machine

12x16" 60 watt CO2 laser

small air compressor

all of the basic power tools and hand tools

Mike A · « **Reply #36 on:** August 10, 2022, 08:42:24 am »

Electronics bench

good multimeter

JAMMA bench test rig

soldering iron

desoldering gun

tons of wire

tons of connectors molex and otherwise

capacitors, sockets, resistors, etc

ROM reader and writer

Mike A · « **Reply #37 on:** August 10, 2022, 08:44:20 am »

I have about 30 working arcade cabs

So tons of different combinations of hardware to test on.

Oh and feel free to come out and just play games too.

I play my games and I encourage others to play them as well.

bobbyb13 · « **Reply #38 on:** August 10, 2022, 01:14:22 pm »

If I could drive there I would be harassing you regularly.
Sounds like a stellar setup.
Heheh

Mike A · « **Reply #39 on:** November 02, 2022, 10:28:02 am »

I figured I would bump this thread.

I will be working on random arcade stuff this weekend.

If anyone wants to learn how to do a cap kit, or wire a control panel, contact me.

I will be playing games, drinking beer, and working on games.

spisi · « **Reply #40 on:** June 15, 2023, 09:44:40 am »

Hey, sounds like a great hangout spot! Where are you located?

Mike A · « **Reply #41 on:** June 15, 2023, 09:45:50 am »

Wonder Lake, IL

spisi · « **Reply #42 on:** June 15, 2023, 12:58:49 pm »

Hmmmm long ride from Long Island

Zebidee · « **Reply #43 on:** June 16, 2023, 11:08:53 pm »

Must be why they call it "Long Island"

Mike A · « **Reply #44 on:** February 06, 2024, 05:41:43 am »

Still putting the new shop together.

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Mike A · « **Reply #45 on:** February 06, 2024, 05:43:32 am »

Assorted stuff.

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Mike A · « **Reply #46 on:** February 06, 2024, 05:44:24 am »

Picked up Sinistar

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Mike A · « **Reply #47 on:** February 06, 2024, 05:46:52 am »

Picked up Turbo at an auction. Got it working with help from bperkins01 and Arroyo.

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Mike A · « **Reply #48 on:** February 06, 2024, 05:49:13 am »

My buddy helping me dig a trench for electrical service to the shop.

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bobbyb13 · « **Reply #49 on:** February 06, 2024, 01:01:10 pm »

Infrastrucure projects are where it's at.
Always good to have a friend with heavy machinery.

And Sinistar?!

I thought you liked yourself more than that.

Let the masochism begin!

Mike A · « **Reply #50 on:** February 09, 2024, 06:51:01 am »

The last wall in the first third of the shop is done. The center support for the ceiling is done. I will be hanging joists sometime this weekend.

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bobbyb13 · « **Reply #51 on:** February 15, 2024, 11:45:37 pm »

Sweet!
Couldn't tell how big the building was from the trench activity shot.
This will be awesome.

Mike A · « **Reply #52 on:** February 16, 2024, 05:38:58 am »

Ha.

That is only 1/3 of the building.

There are still cars and a boat stored in the rest of the building.

I will be building that out in spring time after all of the vehicles are out.

Mike A · « **Reply #53 on:** February 22, 2024, 06:18:50 am »

AC is installed.
Joists are hung.
Ceiling goes up today.
We tried last week but we miscalculated and then ran out of time.

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Mike A · « **Reply #54 on:** February 23, 2024, 07:50:21 am »

Half the ceiling is up.

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javeryh · « **Reply #55 on:** February 23, 2024, 03:35:54 pm »

Quote from: Mike A on February 06, 2024, 05:49:13 am

I think there is more property shown in this one pic than there is on my entire block. I'm jealous. Looks like it's coming along nicely.

Mike A · « **Reply #56 on:** February 23, 2024, 04:08:02 pm »

Thanks. Lots of work, but the end result will be well worth it.

Anytime someone wants to visit, I have a guest room.

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bobbyb13 · « **Reply #57 on:** February 28, 2024, 03:02:09 am »

Looks like it will be awesome.
If for some reason I'm not busier than the proverbial one legged ass-kicker guy before I become stardust again I will be knocking on the door.

Is this project why we won't see you at ZapCon I assume?

Mike A · « **Reply #58 on:** February 28, 2024, 06:39:36 am »

I am taking too many trips this year.

Something had to give, unfortunately.

yotsuya · « **Reply #59 on:** February 28, 2024, 12:44:52 pm »

He has sexy new bros to hang out with. We’re not shiny and new anymore.

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Mike A · « **Reply #60 on:** February 28, 2024, 01:26:47 pm »

I crash for free at people's houses.

Zapcon rooms were over 300 bucks.

But I really wanted to go.

I will make a trip out your way next year or maybe sooner.

Mike A · « **Reply #61 on:** March 08, 2024, 08:46:18 am »

Ceiling insulation

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pbj · « **Reply #62 on:** March 08, 2024, 10:28:53 am »

Going to lay down a floor? That is precious, precious storage space. Get a winch and you can drag pinball machines up there.

Mike A · « **Reply #63 on:** March 08, 2024, 10:34:57 am »

I don't have a storage space problem.
I don't have to shove things up in the attic.

pbj · « **Reply #64 on:** March 08, 2024, 10:39:25 am »

For now.

Mike A · « **Reply #65 on:** March 08, 2024, 10:43:20 am »

I can just build another barn. Hehe.

Mike A · « **Reply #66 on:** August 09, 2024, 05:04:40 am »

Well progress has been zero.
I had a friend lose his storage space suddenly.
Dozens of arcade cabs suddenly had no home so I am storing them in my barn.
To make space in my barn to continue my work, I needed a concrete floor in my detached garage. The contractor I hired had delay after delay.
It is finally done and on Sunday I can move stuff into my garage and start working on my shop again.

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MiteWiseacre · « **Reply #67 on:** September 19, 2024, 04:32:07 pm »

My goodness, now would you look at that?

Mike A · « **Reply #68 on:** September 19, 2024, 05:18:01 pm »

Hehe.

Electric went in today. Gas is going in Saturday.

MiteWiseacre · « **Reply #69 on:** September 19, 2024, 09:53:38 pm »

Sweet, too bad Illinois is like 22 hrs away lol. Looks like nice work man.

Mike A · « **Reply #70 on:** October 30, 2024, 08:20:05 am »

I know this is probably a waste of time, but I will post anyways.

My annual board repair and arcade party is on Friday November 8th.

There will be a board repair expert teaching a class on basic arcade PCB diagnosis and repair.

There will be multiple workstations with multimeters, oscilloscopes, logic probes, anal probes....

Well you will have to pay extra for the last one.

Soldering and desoldering lessons will be taught.

If you have something you need help with, bring it.

The whole day is totally free, unless you opt for the anal probe.

At night time I will turn on all of the games. I have about 30.

There will be food, drinks, and beer.

bobbyb13 · « **Reply #71 on:** October 30, 2024, 05:41:18 pm »

Wish I was closer!
Not because I need to know what is behind door #3 mind you.

Mike A · « **Reply #72 on:** October 30, 2024, 05:57:38 pm »

Well the grass skirt does make it easier.


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