Author Topic: "Pint-Sized" Space Invaders FINISHED for Christmas (Read 10180 times)

dfmaverick · « **on:** October 10, 2005, 01:02:26 pm »

Well after a long while of thinking about it and procrastination (Does that seem to be the theme of this board?), I have finally begun construction.

Unfortunately I forgot to take pictures yesterday, but I did create a quickie webpage that follows my progress and blunders. Nothing fancy. I may improve it when I have the chance.

http://home.comcast.net/~dfmaverick/

Hopefully I will get around to taking pictures in the next few days to post. (Oh how I know that you all love pics.)

My original start to this project found here:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=31697.0

DrewKaree · « **Reply #1 on:** October 11, 2005, 06:28:06 pm »

Quote from: dfmaverick on October 10, 2005, 01:02:26 pm

Well after a long while of thinking about it and procrastination (Does that seem to be the theme of this board?),

I'll check around and let you know the results.

Tomorrow, maybe

NICE looking CPO, no outrageous colors and nice and simple still! Mebbe throw some more pics up on the website. I know it sez more coming soon, but I didn't look around much since there weren't ANY pics other than the CPO, and I DL'ed the plans.

Hey, dunno if you can or not, but the layout plans would DEFNINTELY be easier to read with a lighter color for the grid and leave the grid off completely with dimensions outside the panels. If you've only got jpegs or gifs, I could clean it up in Photoshop for you if you'd like.

dfmaverick · « **Reply #2 on:** October 12, 2005, 11:45:49 am »

Quote from: DrewKaree on October 11, 2005, 06:28:06 pm

Quote from: dfmaverick on October 10, 2005, 01:02:26 pm
Well after a long while of thinking about it and procrastination (Does that seem to be the theme of this board?),

I'll check around and let you know the results.

Tomorrow, maybe

NICE looking CPO, no outrageous colors and nice and simple still!

dfmaverick · « **Reply #3 on:** October 12, 2005, 03:26:58 pm »

Quote from: dfmaverick on October 12, 2005, 11:45:49 am

My bezel is done and ready for pickup at Kinko's. I'm interested to see the outcome. I guess I know what I'm doing on lunch break. (UPDATE: Picked it up and my thoughts are mixed. The print job is fine, colors like the bright yellow could be a lot better, although I know to expect that with Kinko's. Hit and miss is their game. I wasn't going to make them redo it either. I figured this is close enough for what I'm trying to accomplish and didn't want to waste any more time on trips to Kinko's. One thing I have figured out though...may be just an isolated happening, but when I keep the art in the original CMYK, I have ended up with mixed results. The one time I changed all the colors to PMS Spot colors, it came out perfect at Kinko's. I dropped the ball on this one by not replacing the CMYK with Spot colors. Oh well live & learn, next time...if there is a next time.)

After going back and looking at the art file, I guess the yellow wasn't supposed to be bright anyhow, so my thoughts on the print job aren't too negative anymore. I guess the bright yellow was just in my mind.

dfmaverick · « **Reply #4 on:** October 13, 2005, 12:47:04 am »

Here are some pics of the printed bezel and CP overlay.

dfmaverick · « **Reply #5 on:** October 13, 2005, 12:47:39 am »

One more:

dfmaverick · « **Reply #6 on:** October 15, 2005, 10:05:58 pm »

Well, I promised pics of the build, so here they come. I was able to get to work with my friend today while watching both the Golden Gophers blow away the game in the last 30 seconds, then the Irish do the same thing in the last 30. Uggh.

Here is the base put together.(Top & Underside). On a side note, I would have made the base top a bit differently to fill up the whole base by making it bigger and cutting notches in the sides. You can see the gaps left when I put on the sides at the back of the cabinet. I made this adjustment on the monitor shelf but forgot to do it for the base when designing the plans.

dfmaverick · « **Reply #7 on:** October 15, 2005, 10:08:00 pm »

Here are some pics of the dry fit of one of the sides so that you can see how they all come together.

dfmaverick · « **Reply #8 on:** October 15, 2005, 10:10:19 pm »

Here are the sides attached. You can see the gap that was left on the base that I could have fixed by cutting the base top differently on the rear view.

dfmaverick · « **Reply #9 on:** October 15, 2005, 10:12:35 pm »

Here is the face attached from the front & rear. One small speaker hole is cut in the front. Mono sound will be used in this one.

dfmaverick · « **Reply #10 on:** October 15, 2005, 10:15:32 pm »

Top attached.

30 degree angle cut on front and back of top piece to make it flush vertically.

Miscut on the back left 1/4" short...Oh well, who looks at the back. Had the guide right and my friend had me change it....oops.

dfmaverick · « **Reply #11 on:** October 15, 2005, 10:17:02 pm »

One more with the top on & a pic of me at work that my pal took when I wasn't lookin'.

dfmaverick · « **Reply #12 on:** October 15, 2005, 10:22:29 pm »

That's where we left off. We have the monitor shelf cut and ready to install when I figure out the exact height I need it at. I think my friend is more exicited about building this than I am and I am excited, especially the more complete it gets. Maybe he is just excited since he gets to use all his tools. Boy, he loved using his router on the CP. lol

Here's a pic of the control panel cut out and one with a dry fit of a duplicate overlay with some of the buttons inserted to see how it looks. Gotta buy some spray adhesive to attach the overlay before I finish up the control panel with the real overlay.

DrewKaree · « **Reply #13 on:** October 16, 2005, 11:54:05 am »

Quote from: dfmaverick on October 12, 2005, 11:45:49 am

One thing I have figured out though...may be just an isolated happening, but when I keep the art in the original CMYK, I have ended up with mixed results. The one time I changed all the colors to PMS Spot colors, it came out perfect at Kinko's. I dropped the ball on this one by not replacing the CMYK with Spot colors. Oh well live & learn, next time...if there is a next time.)

You know as well as I do that there's gonna be a next time, and probably a third and fourth time

I think that was the reason for the differences in color in my CP image as well, and I don't even remember if I have PMS Spot colors and am far too lazy this morning to double check yet. Drop the info on us on how to do that. I seem to remember a drop-down menu for it, but is there more to changing the color pallette than just checking it and saving?

Quote from: dfmaverick on October 15, 2005, 10:15:32 pm

30 degree angle cut on front and back of top piece to make it flush vertically.

Any chance of seeing a side profile shot of that? I think what you're saying won't be readily apparent to a lot of folks, as they normally look flush from straight on. The profile shot will demonstrate better what you are trying to convey. The plans show it perfectly, so if you don't have a shot of it, if there's someone who doesn't get what he's saying, just check the plans and look at the top panel of the cab. BTW, the re-worked plans look THUPER! What'd you use to create 'em?

Dunno how far you are yet, but those miscuts and the notching you have can easily be fixed. You said on your website you went to HD for parts, pick up a 2x2 "Handi-panel" of MDF. Should be large enough and cheap enough to just redo that piece if you want. I know it sucks, but just you mentioning it makes it sound like you're like me....you'll use it, but you ain't happy

Quote from: dfmaverick on October 15, 2005, 10:22:29 pm

Gotta buy some spray adhesive to attach the overlay

3M 75. Just enough tack to it that if you misalign it, you can still pull it off and realign it. The 77 version and other sprays seem to be more "extra strength" which is fine if you're just slapping it down and are an ace at it. The 75 version will hold that thing just fine after you've got it where you want it, with the benefits I mentioned. I used to work at a printing factory where we used the stuff to adhere postal labels, so I've got dozens of cans of it lying around. I haven't seen it in stores, so dunno, but check the uses and if they say it's repositionable. That 77 stuff sets up WAY too quick for my tastes....mebbe take a scrap of paper and MDF and "test 'er out" while you're there to see for yourself

dfmaverick · « **Reply #14 on:** October 17, 2005, 10:58:28 am »

Quote from: DrewKaree on October 16, 2005, 11:54:05 am

You know as well as I do that there's gonna be a next time, and probably a third and fourth time

I think that was the reason for the differences in color in my CP image as well, and I don't even remember if I have PMS Spot colors and am far too lazy this morning to double check yet.

DrewKaree · « **Reply #15 on:** October 17, 2005, 12:40:23 pm »

I was just at HD yesterday for something and checked out what spray adhesives they had. Thev've got 40 (or 45, not positive, but it was the only one in the 40 range), 77, and 90. You might have to check an art supply store, and they may even have something better to recommend. If I could ship a can of this stuff in the mail, I would, since I've got several lying around.

Mebbe I'll head up by you to see the game. I hear tickets to the Vikings games are getting easier to obtain as each week goes by

Lemme know if you'll be needing that Axe back anytime soon too

(couldn't resist....ain't rivalries great?!)

dfmaverick · « **Reply #16 on:** October 29, 2005, 05:49:29 pm »

Quote from: DrewKaree on October 17, 2005, 12:40:23 pm

Mebbe I'll head up by you to see the game.

dfmaverick · « **Reply #17 on:** December 15, 2005, 10:31:30 pm »

Quote from: DrewKaree on October 16, 2005, 11:54:05 am

Quote from: dfmaverick on October 15, 2005, 10:15:32 pm

30 degree angle cut on front and back of top piece to make it flush vertically.

Any chance of seeing a side profile shot of that?

dfmaverick · « **Reply #18 on:** December 15, 2005, 10:35:07 pm »

After the weather turned too cold to paint, this project got put on hold.

Finally a couple days ago, I figured if I was to get this done for my nephews for Christmas, I'd have to get going. Cleared room for it in the dining room and got painting done.

Here are a couple pics.
Edges-black
Front-white
Back-blue

dfmaverick · « **Reply #19 on:** December 15, 2005, 10:37:30 pm »

One last pic with some invaders printed out & taped on for visual effects that I will print in color and decoupage on the sides.

I will also do a large doucapage image on the back blue part to simulate an SI cab.

c64rulez · « **Reply #20 on:** December 16, 2005, 12:33:55 am »

Dont leave the front white man. Youre violating your cab

Go for a bright color (blue or green)

Cab's looking great. Fine line of design

dfmaverick · « **Reply #21 on:** December 16, 2005, 01:24:12 am »

Quote from: c64rulez on December 16, 2005, 12:33:55 am

Dont leave the front white man. Youre violating your cab
Go for a bright color (blue or green)

Cab's looking great. Fine line of design

Sorry, stays white.

Only keeping it with the old skool design.

http://www.pixeleye.de/spaceinvaders/flyers/si-alternate.jpg

c64rulez · « **Reply #22 on:** December 16, 2005, 02:36:01 am »

sorry man. Guess your right . Better stick to the original.
Cheers

dmsuchy · « **Reply #23 on:** December 16, 2005, 11:17:42 am »

lookin real good!

quarterback · « **Reply #24 on:** December 16, 2005, 05:58:56 pm »

Quote from: dfmaverick on December 15, 2005, 10:37:30 pm

One last pic with some invaders printed out & taped on for visual effects that I will print in color and decoupage on the sides.

Stencil and spray paint 'em!

clonestar · « **Reply #25 on:** December 17, 2005, 07:20:42 am »

Quote

Stencil and spray paint 'em!

Definitely stencil them, then you can spray the stencil in red first, offset by a few mill and then black to get an effect like the original.

dfmaverick · « **Reply #26 on:** December 18, 2005, 11:09:08 am »

Quote from: clonestar on December 17, 2005, 07:20:42 am

Quote
Stencil and spray paint 'em!

Definitely stencil them, then you can spray the stencil in red first, offset by a few mill and then black to get an effect like the original.

Thanks for the advice.

If this were a full size cab for me, I would. But since this is a budget cab and I don't have the extra time or money to put towards this, it's not gonna be stenciled. The same reason I painted the edges rather than spending the money on t-mold.(Another thing I wouldn't do if this were for me.)

My nephews aren't gonna care. Besides, the exact artwork for the SI sideart is not available yet. I'm just mishmashing art from the AAL for this to simulate an upright SI cab.

That said...here are some new pics with the plexi and bezel cut out and temporarily in place. The bezel is sandwiched between two pieces of thin plexi. Bezel was printed at Kinko's on vinyl.

quarterback · « **Reply #27 on:** December 18, 2005, 12:44:42 pm »

I love your custom CP, BTW. I'm thinking of stealing it for my own machine perhaps.

dfmaverick · « **Reply #28 on:** December 19, 2005, 01:33:42 pm »

Quote from: quarterback on December 18, 2005, 12:44:42 pm

I love your custom CP, BTW.

dfmaverick · « **Reply #29 on:** December 19, 2005, 01:48:43 pm »

Countdown to Christmas is on...

I'm giving myself until Friday to get this done. Mainly minor details but all necessary.

Here's the list of what I can think of at this moment. I'll try to check them off as I go. Starting tonight with the CP.

~~1. Attach CPO~~
~~2. Install buttons & joystick~~
~~3. Wire up buttons & joystick to IPAC (Hoping the IPAC works since I haven't tried it since I got it last spring...that could kill the whole project.)~~
4. Program IPAC
~~5. Install speaker.~~
6. Permanently install monitor and brace it so it won't move.
~~7. Install computer and brace it so it won't move.~~
~~8. Install power strip.~~
~~9. Secure wires inside to make for clean insides.~~
~~10. Permanently install bezel and plexi & remove protective film from plexi.~~
~~11. Double check software.~~
~~12. Play it all night before giving it away.~~

babydickonboard · « **Reply #30 on:** December 20, 2005, 04:55:32 pm »

that looks really nice....keep up the quality work!

dfmaverick · « **Reply #31 on:** December 23, 2005, 12:42:54 pm »

A brief update with pics.

It's Alive!

Stayed up late after coming back from Harry Potter last night and finally got to wiring up the control panel after a lot of procrastination.

I'm foregoing programming the ipac and wiring up the admin buttons for now just to get this done and ready for Christmas. I left wire for the admin buttons to wire in the future.

The presets on the IPAC2 work fine and I disabled the conflicting keystrokes in arcadeos to make this as kid-friendly as I could.

Here's a pic of the control panel:

dfmaverick · « **Reply #32 on:** December 23, 2005, 12:49:00 pm »

I'm also foregoing the sideart for now and I probably won't get a chance to secure the monitor.

I did get to mounting the computer and securing it with shelving brackets on the side. However, I'm routing out a recessed circle for the monitor to sit in to help it from sliding around, but I just won't get to firmly securing it.

Also secured the power strip to the base. The computer and monitor automatically stay on and come back on when the power is supplied so it's a simple one switch on the power strip to start the whole thing. (Running dos helps from having to worry about any set shutdown..even though I will highly encourage them to shut down to dos prompt anyhow.)

Here are some pics of the front with the control panel on and the inside with the computer.

markrvp · « **Reply #33 on:** December 23, 2005, 05:03:45 pm »

You're a good man. Merry Christmas.

dfmaverick · « **Reply #34 on:** December 23, 2005, 07:18:04 pm »

Quote from: markrvp on December 23, 2005, 05:03:45 pm

You're a good man.

Cobra · « **Reply #35 on:** December 29, 2005, 09:46:38 am »

Hehe Pint sized - looks nice

erikthecat · « **Reply #36 on:** December 31, 2005, 07:06:12 am »

dfmaverick,
this is fantastic, just waht i was going to do, damn you!

please check out you private mailbox.
have a happy new year,
TIA,
GaRy


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Author Topic: "Pint-Sized" Space Invaders **FINISHED for Christmas** (Read 10180 times)

Author Topic: "Pint-Sized" Space Invaders FINISHED for Christmas (Read 10180 times)