Author Topic: Cabinet based on mameroom Ultimate Arcade II designs (Read 14554 times)

Doom bucket · « **on:** June 28, 2006, 05:43:49 pm »

Pictures as soon as my template for cutting the wood arrives in the mail(yes, I'm cautious)

Here's how it happened. I was talking to my neighbor about how I was planning on building an arcade cabinet, and the guy says to me, "Hey, I've got some spare surround sound speakers, think you could use those?" I jumped at the chance! My neighbor is a manager at Circuit City, I assume that's why he wanted to give up some speakers to me for free!

The mini-fridge is a birthday present from my uncle last year. When contemplating arcade cabinet design I stared at it and got the most rightous idea to put a mini-fridge in the front panel

. I'll have to cut some ventilation ducts in the back or something to make it happen, but I'm sure heat won't be a big issue. Of course, the thought of a mini-fridge instantly made me think of drink holders! So I'll either mount those on the side or factor them into the design of the arcade control panel.

I'll keep you guy's updated with pictures as I build the cabinet! The cabinet design is taken right off the e-pages of mameroom's Ultimate Arcade II blueprints, but I'm hoping my ideas will make up for that! Wish me luck!

Also, if you guy's have any idea how I'm supposed to connect my speakers to the PC once it's finished, go ahead and give me suggestions!

babydickonboard · « **Reply #1 on:** June 28, 2006, 06:03:43 pm »

heh, i've never seen a mini-fridge in a cab before. ive seen the drink holders in a few cabs tho...

Doom bucket · « **Reply #2 on:** June 28, 2006, 06:52:11 pm »

Which ones are those? I'm not challenging you, just asking so that I can compare and get ideas.

miles2912 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 28, 2006, 07:05:35 pm »

Drink Holders are a must unless you want drinks on your CP. My friends gave me grief for weeks untill I broke down and bought some. PonyBoy has great prices on these Happ drinkholders. We should just call them beerholders.

D-

Doom bucket · « **Reply #4 on:** June 28, 2006, 07:28:53 pm »

Oh I was planning on physically cutting and fitting holes into the control panel.

...

That would make things alot easier

*goes to happcontrols.com *

AtomSmasher · « **Reply #5 on:** June 28, 2006, 07:34:01 pm »

I remember seeing a hideous frankenpanel a long time ago that had built in cup holders. I doubt I can find it, but thats probably a good thing because its not something you would of want to copy.

Doom bucket · « **Reply #6 on:** June 29, 2006, 01:00:59 am »

It's funny that my entire project could be completed right now... if it wasn't for my template being tied up in shipping!

You see, I live in Illinois... just a few miles away from Happ Control's headquarters in Elk Grove. In fact I just picked up two cup holders from there an hour or so ago. And Home depot is a few blocks away!

But the damned template isn't here yet

escher · « **Reply #7 on:** June 29, 2006, 08:16:23 am »

While not a mini-fridge, there is a distinct possibility of a kegerator finding a home in the base of my cab.

Ghoward · « **Reply #8 on:** June 29, 2006, 08:26:30 am »

Surround sound cab - Done before by me and others....

Cup holders - done before.....

mini-fridge - not sure about this one!!

Gary

leapinlew · « **Reply #9 on:** June 29, 2006, 05:11:11 pm »

Surround Sound - why? Why would anyone do this? You plan on watching movies on it? Even if it's a jukebox - 2.1 is an ideal situation. Just curious.

As for the fridge... Would this be instead of a coin door? You should also integrate a trashcan and urinal. It would truly be a 1 stop shop cab then. Is this cab far from the fridge? If it is far from the fridge I can see the advantage of a mini-fridge. At least, I think I can. I had a mini-fridge on the second level of my house. Turns out I was the only one willing to stock it, while everyone else was more willing to check it for cold drinks without ever sticking drinks back in it. I ended up getting rid of the mini-fridge.

The pause button is my answer to needing refreshments now.

One thing I learned coming here is... it is very very difficult to do anything that hasn't been done.

AtomSmasher · « **Reply #10 on:** June 29, 2006, 05:35:36 pm »

Just thought I'd post a link to the other recent arcade machine with a built in fridge: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=54175.0

ChadTower · « **Reply #11 on:** June 30, 2006, 12:21:03 pm »

A freakin fridge? Dude, you really really don't want to deal with refridgeration and condensation in your cabinet full of electronics. Seriously.

That aside, keep in mind one aspect of technology design:

You can design a device to do one thing perfectly, a couple of things well, or a bunch of things poorly. It is almost impossible to design a device that does a bunch of things perfectly.

A cab like this may as well have an outboard motor on it.

waldo · « **Reply #12 on:** July 02, 2006, 05:19:21 pm »

an outboard motor...sweet, i always wante to be able to play galaga while fishing for snapper in the coromandel

Ghoward · « **Reply #13 on:** July 02, 2006, 08:18:49 pm »

Quote from: leapinlew on June 29, 2006, 05:11:11 pm

Surround Sound - why? Why would anyone do this? You plan on watching movies on it? Even if it's a jukebox - 2.1 is an ideal situation. Just curious.

You are right on the surround sound, I put it in my cabs as I thought it would be great for music, but to be honest you are just as well off the a normal set of speakers on a cab.

I have built a Jukebox and that doesn't have sourround sound and it sounds great.

The fridge thing is just plain silly, but each to there own I guess!!

Gary

GadgetGeek · « **Reply #14 on:** July 06, 2006, 12:52:38 pm »

If you are in a dorm room or other restricted space area, putting the fridge in the bottom makes some sense. If space isn't an issue, why multi-task.

If you are set on doing this, be careful with your wiring since every time the frige kicks on, power-spike. If possible, you would want the fridge door on the side so you don't have to pause every time someone wants a beer. Also, plenty of ventilation for the coils.

SuperRabbit0 · « **Reply #15 on:** July 07, 2006, 08:53:30 am »

If you are in a dorm room, than maybe a full-size cab in general might not be the best use of space...

A controller only might be a litte more practical.

theCoder · « **Reply #16 on:** July 07, 2006, 10:28:54 am »

If you are in a dorm room, chances are the fridge will kick on a lot, given the door will be opened a lot.

ChadTower · « **Reply #17 on:** July 07, 2006, 10:48:35 am »

Quote from: GadgetGeek on July 06, 2006, 12:52:38 pm

If you are set on doing this, be careful with your wiring since every time the frige kicks on, power-spike. If possible, you would want the fridge door on the side so you don't have to pause every time someone wants a beer. Also, plenty of ventilation for the coils.

That would be a power dip, which needs to be addressed differently than a spike.

webgeek · « **Reply #18 on:** July 09, 2006, 12:44:12 pm »

My arcade machine has both a mini fridge and cupholders as well.

GadgetGeek · « **Reply #19 on:** July 09, 2006, 06:36:04 pm »

Quote from: ChadTower on July 07, 2006, 10:48:35 am

Quote from: GadgetGeek on July 06, 2006, 12:52:38 pm
If you are set on doing this, be careful with your wiring since every time the frige kicks on, power-spike. If possible, you would want the fridge door on the side so you don't have to pause every time someone wants a beer. Also, plenty of ventilation for the coils.

That would be a power dip, which needs to be addressed differently than a spike.

You are correct, and I knew that...I just didn't type what I meant.

Doom bucket · « **Reply #20 on:** July 11, 2006, 04:35:08 am »

Everyones suggestions and comments have been taken to heart and contemplated on. Under careful consideration and more measurements I have decided not to include the minifridge. The main reason is, that that way I can fit my Dreamcast, Xbox, PS2, Gamecube, and Sega saturn in it, instead. Oh well.

In any case, I've already finished cutting the wood. But I did bad, in some parts. Ah well. I'm sure my mistakes can be easily fixed.
http://img204.imageshack.us/my.php?image=workedit9wu.jpg
^There I am, in the workshop. It didn't occur to me to take pictures of the actual project, however.

Here's the deal. I've got the cut pieces, I've got the T-molding, the router, all that jazz. But I don't have the laminate. Nope, forgot the laminate, won't be able to pick it up until friday. So, I'm wondering if I should just install the T-molding and paint the insides in the meantime. I should paint the insides, right? You know, to put a coat on it?

Havok · « **Reply #21 on:** July 11, 2006, 08:12:03 am »

Paint, but do the t-molding after laminate. Don't rush it - you'll be glad you didn't after the fact.

BlinKY1337 · « **Reply #22 on:** July 12, 2006, 10:51:53 am »

My friend was over playing on my machine yesterday and told me I should add a mini fridge to it I thought that was funny reading this post today.

Doom bucket · « **Reply #23 on:** July 23, 2006, 05:55:49 pm »

Ugh

I haven't updated my progress because of a few complications that arose. WHen routing the slots for the t-molding, the bit flew off and ripped the skin on my knee right off.

I had borrowed it from one of my friends, and when I got it I tried it out on some test wood. Oddly enough the bit wouldd change position after a few seconds, and I couldn't get an even cut. I had my friend come over and he said he fixed it, and after that I got straight cuts. But then after the first pice of wood(which came out flawless and perfect) it started smoking and wobbling a bit. Again, I readjusted it, let it cool down, and started over. Then, suddenly, the bit flew off sideways, and ripped into my knee. It wasn't as bad as it sounds, but the bit was really damn hot and hurt like hell.

So in addition to my knee which had to get stictches(but is mostly ok) the area where it came off at is really screwed up. I'm not really sure what I'm going to do, now. In any case I'm not sure if I'm up for getting laminate to laminate the cab, as I'm pretty sure you need a laminate bit to do that. Ugh.

leapinlew · « **Reply #24 on:** July 23, 2006, 06:58:10 pm »

Sounds like you didn't have the proper saftey equipment on. Next time make sure your wearing the proper gear. Here is a picture of me before I begin routing anything:

Doom bucket · « **Reply #25 on:** July 24, 2006, 01:51:40 am »

yes well

...

I never would have thought I would have needed anything more then goggles and breath-mask

webgeek · « **Reply #26 on:** July 24, 2006, 08:17:41 am »

Quote

WHen routing the slots for the t-molding, the bit flew off and ripped the skin on my knee right off.

I've never routed t-molding before but I feel pretty safe in saying that the bit should NOT have flown off. I'd seriously look into why the bit did that. Was in not tightened in all the way?

javeryh · « **Reply #27 on:** July 24, 2006, 09:21:25 am »

Quote from: webgeek on July 24, 2006, 08:17:41 am

Quote
WHen routing the slots for the t-molding, the bit flew off and ripped the skin on my knee right off.
I've never routed t-molding before but I feel pretty safe in saying that the bit should NOT have flown off. I'd seriously look into why the bit did that. Was in not tightened in all the way?

I agree - also, the wood shouldn't smoke when you cut - this might mean your blade was installed upsidedown (I did that once and the wood burned before I figured out what I was doing wrong).

I also had my flush trim bit go flying because I was doing something completely stupid - I wanted to flush cut about 2 inches from the base of the router so I didn't tighten the bit all the way in the router - I had it down as far as I could to get the extra length - big mistake. I'm lucky I wasn't seriously injured.

Doom bucket · « **Reply #28 on:** August 06, 2006, 01:23:52 am »

In retrospect I'm kind of regretting not putting the minifridge in. I shouldn't have listened to you guys... Even if you guys thought it was a bad idea, I should have just put it in there regardless.

Oh well, what's done is done. But, more importantly... When looking through the Project Arcade book, I saw the coolest, most excellent cabinet. It was made by uh, GSXRMovistar... with the really cool blue grid design and AWESOME control panel. Unfortunatly, his website seems to be down! Is he still here?

TehJefe · « **Reply #29 on:** August 06, 2006, 01:53:56 am »

I agree. If less afraid of posting with the bigboys when you first made your announcement I would have definately been on the minifridge side.
If I ever have the floorspace for a standup cab, you can bet Ill go all out with it..

Over the top is just where I likes to be.

Doom bucket · « **Reply #30 on:** August 08, 2006, 12:39:55 am »

This seems to be all I can find of GSXRMovistar

http://web.archive.org/web/20030622124025/http://www.runriot.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/arcade/

Damn! It's not as if I was hoping to completely copy his design, but I really like that grid sideart! Hmm...

Doom bucket · « **Reply #31 on:** August 08, 2006, 08:51:51 pm »

Does anyone have any suggestions?

M3talhead · « **Reply #32 on:** August 09, 2006, 09:46:32 am »

Power issues aside, one of the biggest reasons I didn't go through with installing a keggerator in my cab was heat buildup. No matter how many fans you put in it, the excess heat will always pose a threat to your display board and cpu. Cabs didn't need fans early on because the heat buildup was minimal and they had enough space to dissipate the increase in temperature during gameplay before it became an problem. Add the heat exchanger from a refrigeration unit and you're talking about 20*F+ to the interior of your cab with poor to marginal air circulation. Filling up that empty space with a heat-generating box and electronic components WILL fail prematurely.

Just something to think about.

ChadTower · « **Reply #33 on:** August 09, 2006, 11:37:31 am »

Yep, plus the power on/off kicks to the power supply will wreck your electronics before the heat even has the chance.

Doom bucket · « **Reply #34 on:** August 20, 2006, 09:35:23 pm »

Alright, So I've finally started assembly. No excuses for the long wait except for procrastination

Ah, looking good, kind of! Once again though, laziness took hold and I had to stop after only getting the bottom done, barely! But it was a good few hours of work anyway.

Doom bucket · « **Reply #35 on:** August 20, 2006, 09:49:50 pm »

I got more done than that, but that was the only picture I had taken.

Doom bucket · « **Reply #36 on:** September 23, 2006, 08:42:26 pm »

Now, all that's left is to paint and construct the control panel... and get a marquee and side art...

Doom bucket · « **Reply #37 on:** September 23, 2006, 08:59:39 pm »

Finally my cabinet is completed. To all the nay-sayers who doubted me, or didn't care enough to comment, I did it. Victoly.

Anyways, my main concerns have shifted from the actual construction towards... art. I have not built my control panel yet because I am not sure how that works. Should I have someone make the art to fit the control panel, or the control panel made to fit the art?

Not only that but personal construction of the control panel is not an option. Nor is personally making the art myself. Mameroom.com seems to have a sturdy ready to assemble kit so I may just get that. But then it comes down to art. What I originally wanted was the GSXR Movistar side art, and I liked his control panel design as well. Yet, he has not appeared here for a while it seems...

Timoe · « **Reply #38 on:** September 23, 2006, 09:10:33 pm »

Control panels look so cool when it appears that they have custom artwork to match the controls. My recomendation is: If you can, pick your art first and desgn the panel around the art.

Doom bucket · « **Reply #39 on:** September 23, 2006, 10:09:08 pm »

How much is too much for custom artwork? I've been asking around and getting quotes from all over the place.

That is, for sideart + marquee + control panel


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