New Project

[PCC]

I just submitted my first attempt at an arcade project and Web site.  I hope my site contributes useful ideas, information, and links.  It sure was a lot of fun to do.

http://pccab.net

[dhansen]

WOW!   great job PCC!! This thing looks like it was manufactured by Hanaho! In fact, it looks BETTER than Hanaho's product!

Many Kudos to you!

Dhansen

[Zipper]

Indeed! That is a great looking cab!
It's a great design, and I love the website too!

I especially like the control panel layout, and your artwork design.

I'm certainly not knocking the excellent job you've done,   but the black monitor surround you have is quite barren, and it makes the monitor look small compared to the cabinet (even though 18" is a fair size).
You are obviously a talented designer, how about you design some sort of purple lines type border?
It will frame your monitor very nicely.
Just as an example, here's a picture of my bezel (not made by myself!) - It seems to make the monitor look bigger than it actually is (it's 19"), as there is less space around it.



Just an idea - looks great anyhow! Well done!

[PCC]

Dhansen, your just saying that because I have a link to your site.    However, thanks for your comments.

Zipper, thanks and I agree about the bezel graphics.  I've been thinking about some sort of graphic that includes an instruction card.

[Elkor]

I really like the laminate on the side. (and am considering doing laminate on my own cab but have never done it before)
Was it difficult?  And did you take it apart to do it (I did not notice the typical carriage bolts holding the side on)
any tips would be greatly appreciated as this is the one thing I am dreading about my project!

-C

[ErikRuud]

I liked the use of the T-Nuts.  I recently saw a bunch of them at the hardware store, and I kind of smacked my self in the head for not thinking of using them.

Graet Job!

[PCC]

Thanks Elkor, the side laminate was quite easy.  I had never done it before either.

You'll need a router or laminate trimmer to cut it flush.  Most people recommend the flamable contact adhesive, but you'll have to use that stuff outside (this is a good time of year to put it on).  It will stay the best on bare wood, I sanded the sides clean before applying the adhesive.

To laminate the sides, I didn't need to take it apart.  Check out Scott's instructions  http://home.austin.rr.com/shumate/unicade/cabinet.htm  for installing it.  Send me an e-mail if you have more questions.

[PCC]

The T-nuts worked out well.  On my first attempt, I covered the nuts with wood putty.  However, when I tightened down the joysticks, the nuts pulled the putty down with them.

Then I decided that a paper disc between the nuts and the putty would prevent them from being drawn down with the nuts.  I found that the wax paper discs that those protective felt pads come on were perfect for the job.  Now the putty sticks to the side of the holes and remains flush when installing my joysticks.

I appreciate the positive comments!

[Lilwolf]

GREAT LOOK

and I love your pictures on your site (before/after ones).  The paint job is GREAT!  Love the pictures of the bottom before and after.

Man... I need to make my cabinet look better... sigh...

[PCC]

Thanks Lilwolf, I was able to prime it myself, but I didn't have the equipment to get a good final coat.  So I found a painter that sprayed houses, and it took him no time at all to spray the entire cab with an oil-based semi-gloss paint.  The semi-gloss finish looks good with the sparkle finish laminate.

[jdsabin1]

What's sad is I work with Brian (PCC) and DHansen, and we all three have cabs, and we have four others who either have cabs or are in the process of making theirs.

Basically we have turned into a MAME Arcade crazed department. As a sidenote we all work for a Fortune 500 Financial Services company so maybe that's why we needed a release.



Oh yeah, nice work on the cab there Brian. It only took you a bazillion years to finally get it on the net and out here on AracadeControls.

-Jeff
http://www.ioweb.com/jeff/arcade.htm

[PCC]

Jeff, I just wanted to make a significant contribution to the community; I suppose I could have slapped together a Site like yours.  Seriously, it's been nice to be able to share ideas with everyone.  My project is better because of it.

[bishmasterb]

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