Author Topic: The FrankenMAME, I'ts ALIVE!!! (Read 17731 times)

AKA Kaytrim · « **on:** November 08, 2006, 02:16:07 pm »

:notworthy:I want to thank Saint for two things. First thing is posting my announcement on the news page. Second thing is opening this up so I can start posting updates on my FrankenMAME.

I setup a new account after the problems started here so I haven't been able to login yet.

Now two things about my project. First thing I have moved my pics to Flickr so every can see them. The link is here http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaytrim/sets/. Second thing you all should be able to read my blog on MySpace and you can follow this link http://blog.myspace.com/joystickjunky.

There hasn't been anything to update since my last blog post because I haven't had time to devote to the project. Hopefully I will have a writeup ready soon on how to print off your own self sticking CPO.

TTFN
Kaytrim

AKA Kaytrim · « **Reply #1 on:** November 08, 2006, 05:12:19 pm »

I have a request to the artists in this community. I am not a good at freehand drawing let alone free mouse.

I have a definite idea for my marquee and some more fuzzy ideas for my CPO artwork and side art.

If someone would like to take on the artwork for this project please send me an email. kaytrim(at)yahoo.com

My ideas are as follows. I want all the art in a cartoonish style not a freaky horror style. For the marquee start with a black background. I would like to have the name "FrankenMAME" in green glowing text. The "Franken" in a spooky type font, think Microsoft "Creepy" and then the MAME logo in blue. Leave room on both sides for the artwork described next. On the both sides of the marquee have a big metallic post with a big ball on top in the background. On the left Frankenstein's monster on a table wired to the post on that side. Tilt the table at about 30 degrees and in a side view. Have him wear heavy work boots, blue jeans, red black t-shirt and red jacket. On the right side the typical mad scientist with wild white hair and lab coat pulling a big throw switch wired to the post oh that side. Finally have lightning arcing from each post and through the name and off into the background, starting in blue on the right and fading to green on the left. Overall size of the marquee is 10" x 26". A rough drawing is here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaytrim/292576130/

I want the CPO for each module to be different keeping with the theme for the marquee. Each module is 11" in height and varying in width from 2 to 8 inches. The artist taking this job would have free reign on the side art but keeping to the theme and I would have the final say. The size and profile of the sides will more than likely change for the final version. The bezel will be simple and might repeat the marquee at the top but have instructions on the sides regarding the admin panel and modular CP.

I plan on having most of the work printed at Mame Marquees but Scott has not been answering my emails except for the original one I sent over one month ago.

I know by reading a thread in the artwork section that his wife has been having health issues so I am going to cut him quite a bit of slack on this. I'd be lost too if my wife was facing serious health issues.

TTFN,
Kaytrim

AKA Kaytrim · « **Reply #2 on:** November 08, 2006, 05:59:43 pm »

Figured out how to use the image tag.

Enjoy and please comment.

Full view

Marquee idea

Control Panel

Admin Panel

Original Keyboard tray and modular system

Rats Nest

New Keyboard tray

pointdablame2 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 08, 2006, 06:14:03 pm »

Where exactly are you going to put a marquee on a computer cart?

AKA Kaytrim · « **Reply #4 on:** November 08, 2006, 06:15:34 pm »

Quote from: pointdablame2 on November 08, 2006, 06:14:03 pm

Where exactly are you going to put a marquee on a computer cart?

This is just the test box.

I'll blow it up and build a proper cabinet later.

pointdablame2 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 08, 2006, 06:18:24 pm »

Quote from: AKA Kaytrim on November 08, 2006, 06:15:34 pm

Quote from: pointdablame2 on November 08, 2006, 06:14:03 pm
Where exactly are you going to put a marquee on a computer cart?

This is just the test box. I'll blow it up and build a proper cabinet later.

ahh... that makes quite a bit more sense.

Houstonwehaveaproblem · « **Reply #6 on:** November 09, 2006, 03:55:26 am »

Quote from: AKA Kaytrim on November 08, 2006, 06:15:34 pm

Quote from: pointdablame2 on November 08, 2006, 06:14:03 pm
Where exactly are you going to put a marquee on a computer cart?

This is just the test box. I'll blow it up and build a proper cabinet later.

glad to see it's only a test box... I realy didn't want to have to say anything negative

are you planning a swapable panel or is that just scrapwood that you were using while making a mock CP?

AKA Kaytrim · « **Reply #7 on:** November 09, 2006, 09:55:14 am »

Quote

glad to see it's only a test box... I really didn't want to have to say anything negative

are you planning a swappable panel or is that just scrapwood that you were using while making a mock CP?

This is based on Doc's Modular MAME machine. Most of the modules I currently have will be part of the final CP system. I am trying different configurations as I add new controls to see what I like and don't like. I might shorten the length a few inches as I do have quite a bit of empty space in fighter mode. There is even more empty space when in simple mode (spinner, trackball, single player). I hope to have several different button panels like Doc has on his machine and a few different joystick types as well. Unless someone has a real good all around stick they like to recommend.

I like the T-Stick Plus joysticks that I currently have except for one issue. In 8-way mode it is hard to hit the true up, down, left, right points.

There should be a little more space where only one switch is pressed. Does anyone know a way to tune this action on the T-Sticks?

I see that Ultimarc no longer has the T-Sticks but has the new Mag-Stick in it's place. I am assuming that the action is the same only without the clicking noise. I am also looking at getting top-fire sticks, rotating sticks and an analog stick.

I don't want to have the huge FrankenPanel just the FrankenMAME system. So as you can see with the plans that I have for the available controls the modular system is the best fit.

Houstonwehaveaproblem · « **Reply #8 on:** November 09, 2006, 10:00:03 am »

ah yes modular panels, that's what I ment to call them...

the left joystick panel must not be beveled yet or it appears that way in the picture...

AKA Kaytrim · « **Reply #9 on:** November 09, 2006, 10:18:32 am »

Quote from: Houstonwehaveaproblem on November 09, 2006, 10:00:03 am

ah yes modular panels, that's what I ment to call them...

the left joystick panel must not be beveled yet or it appears that way in the picture...

Player one is an under mounted stick while player two is top mounted. I like the cleaner look of the under mount while my daughter likes the top mount because of the longer stick. I might use a router to raise the stick in the under mount mode so there is more stick to play with. Or I can try and find a longer stick with a ball top to replace the bats that I have now. When I am ready to paint the panels I will remove all the hardware and do all the finish work on them.

TTFN
Kaytrim

AKA Kaytrim · « **Reply #10 on:** November 13, 2006, 05:41:19 pm »

Trackball is on its way!!!

It is a 3" Happs blue translucent TB with light and USB/PS2 connections. All I need to do is mount it on a 8" panel and supply 12volts from the PC for the lamp. I got it on ebay for $56 from someone that bought it for a build but never got around to it.

On other fronts I built a three button panel with standard Happs buttons red, green blue. These are set up in a 45 degree upward angle on a 4" panel. I also used white button blaster LEDs from GGG Even though these are not translucent buttons they light up nicely. It is all run on a single CAT 5 cable I had one wire still free on the normal button keystone connection. All I had to do was hook it up to the GPWiz 5 volt connection. Eventually I plan on lighting all my buttons in this manner.

I might have to get a separate 5 volt connection from the PC to power them all. There are a max of 23 buttons does anyone know if I'll need a separate 5volt supply or will the GPWiz be able to handle it? I'd like to get a LED-Wiz but I don't know if it allows more than one LED per connection. Looking at the documentation I think that this might be possible.

If someone reading this could get a PM of to GGG, I know that they have an account on the boards, I would appreciate it.

I'll get some pics up as soon as I can get them taken. I also have a few other modifications that I will talk about when I have the pics.

TTFN
Kaytrim

AKA Kaytrim · « **Reply #11 on:** November 14, 2006, 10:37:27 am »

Last night was a sad one.

My computer crashed.

It was behaving strangely so I did a defrag and checkdisk. Eventually it refused to boot into windows. The BIOS would boot fine but it got stuck loading the drivers for windows. I finally took the plunge and reformatted the drive

and started the install fresh. At least I had all my roms and MAME saved off on an external drive. So once the computer is done installing updates to windows I can copy that off the external and install GameEx with my registration and we are playing again.

Let this be a lesson to everyone, back up your HD on a regular basis.

TTFN

Kaytrim

AKA Kaytrim · « **Reply #12 on:** November 15, 2006, 11:31:11 am »

The rebuild is progressing. I have service pack 2 installed to windows and further updates are progressing automatically. I also have anti virus and firewall installed as this computer will be on the net. It could be used as a back up PC if the kids need their single computer at the same time for schoolwork. I started the copy of MAME and other associated files from the external last night and went to bed. I hope that all went well but didn't have time this morning to check it out.

While the copy was in work I took the time to reconfigure the CP. I have taken the rails that hold the dowels and turned them on their sides to give a bigger profile to the modules. Then I attached one side of Velcro to the rails and the other to the modules. This solves the problems I had with the dowels not lining up with the holes in the bottom of the modules. Thanks to Eric(Goddahavit) for the idea. They hold Ok but things are still loose. Does anyone have an idea on how to tighten the modules without using the shim that I jam in one side? It sticks out and I got a few joking comments about it at the party two weeks ago.

I have a few other questions as well. Would it be advantageous to upgrade from MAME .106 to the current version (.110)? I know how to update the roms, I'll just need to get an updated copy of CLRMAME. Or is there a better program out there now?

TTFN

Kaytrim

AKA Kaytrim · « **Reply #13 on:** November 16, 2006, 12:16:44 pm »

I have the software setup almost done. I was able to get my camera out last night to snap some shots so here they are.

First up is a test on control panel artwork. This is an mirrored image printed in a piece of transparency. I noticed that the ink was see through and the spots that were white in the image had no ink at all. To solve this I painted the ink side with flat white spray paint. After the paint dried I sprayed some adhesive on top and stuck in the panel and cut the holes for the buttons. Now the artwork is visable through the transparency and it is protected at the same time.

I took some time over the weekend to decase the computer and mount it inside. This worked out great because the case had a removable panel where the motherboard sits. Here a few shots.

I mounted the CD drive where it was accessible on the front of the cab. Notice the placement of the computer power button.

Here is the current setup of the test cab. Notice that I have a new set of speakers and they are mounted on the bottom of the shelf not the top. No more Mickey Mouse Ears.

I also used the shelf that the computer case was sitting on to make the kick plate and protect the computer mounted inside.

AKA Kaytrim · « **Reply #14 on:** November 16, 2006, 12:24:06 pm »

Now for the new rail system. I took the rails that were there currently and turned them on their sides. This was to give more room for the Velcro to attach to. I also stapled the Velcro here to prevent it from coming off.

Here are some of the panels with the Velcro stuck on. After some testing I decided to just put the Velcro on the front end of the panel because the top is held in place by the top cover of the enclosure.

Here are some blank panels to fill in the empty spaces.

I made a three button panel to be shared with the spinner and trackball, which hasn't arrived yet. The flash on my camera was too bright so it washed out the buttons. The second pic is without the flash.

AKA Kaytrim · « **Reply #15 on:** November 16, 2006, 12:36:10 pm »

How did I get these buttons lit you ask. Well I'll show you.

First I created small boards that had the LED and resistor on them. CAT5 network wires work perfectly here because of the small size. These LEDs are button blasters from Groovy Game Gear they even include the proper resister for 5 volt power and they are quite tiny.

Sorry about the focus folks, I wasn't set up properly in my shop for the small size of the subjects. Front and back pics.

Then I drilled some holes in the buttons for the LED to poke through.

Next I put the LED boards in place. You can see one of the little resisters in the green button.

And finally the switches, making sure that the LED wires were out of the way of the button tabs.

AKA Kaytrim · « **Reply #16 on:** November 16, 2006, 12:43:31 pm »

Now lets say that you drilled out the holes in the wrong place.

Here is a way that I fill those holes.

Poorly drilled holes, these are too low in the panel and interfered with the rail system.

First thing to do is put some of the handyman's secrete weapon on the back side of the panel covering up the holes.

Here we are with the plugs from previous drilling.

Here is the wood filler that I use, make sure it is well mixed. You can see the plugs in the holes here.

Fill the spaces up with the wood filler making sure you push it in there.

After the filler dries you can sand it down nice and smooth.

AKA Kaytrim · « **Reply #17 on:** November 16, 2006, 02:02:22 pm »

I have asked several questions via my various posts in this thread but nobody seems to want to answer them. Is it because I am

. Or maybe I am so funny that you can't see them because you are

too much. Or is it that

the regulars who know their stuff don't think to look at this board.

Any help is welcomed here.

TTFN

Kaytrim

AKA Kaytrim · « **Reply #18 on:** November 17, 2006, 01:35:13 pm »

My trackball came in and it is just like new. The guy I bought it from didn't even use it. I plugged in in via the USB connection and it tracked perfectly.

I can't wait for the mount to arrive so I can get this baby installed on a panel and give it a whirl.

Hopefully this next summer I can get the MDF to make a real cab. I can't do it now because almost all our finances are geared to pay for the trip this winter to Disney in Florida.

TTFN

Kaytrim

CheffoJeffo · « **Reply #19 on:** November 19, 2006, 06:14:05 pm »

Quote from: AKA Kaytrim on November 16, 2006, 02:02:22 pm

I have asked several questions via my various posts in this thread but nobody seems to want to answer them. Is it because I am . Or maybe I am so funny that you can't see them because you are too much. Or is it that the regulars who know their stuff don't think to look at this board.

Perhaps all 3 ? Or perhaps some of your questions are answered elsewhere.

For myself, in response to the one obvious question, I don't "upgrade" MAME versions unless there is a compelling reason to (which typically there isn't, but I haven't changed since v.9, so what do I know?).

Cheers

AKA Kaytrim · « **Reply #20 on:** November 21, 2006, 11:58:21 am »

My mount came in last Friday and I spent some time carefully routing out the hole and recess for the mount so it is flush. I plugged it in via the USB and it was mounted 90 degrees to the right.

At least I can configure it in MAME to reverse the X & Y axises.

CheffoJeffo, thanks for the reply. I have done some searching on the boards and I am unable to find an answer to the question I had on the GP-Wiz so I sent them an email via their website. Neither have I found an answer to my CP Module question they are loose and I use a shim jammed in one side to tighten them up. It is rather tacky and I am looking for a better solution. As far as the problems I am having with the T-Sticks I just might as well send Ultimarc an email as well.

TTFN

Kaytrim

AKA Kaytrim · « **Reply #21 on:** November 30, 2006, 04:59:11 pm »

Artwork Update!!!

I have linked up with another BYOAC new member, Mista-FraggadeliX. He has kindly accepted to take on my artwork. Attached are his first drafts. Please comment on them as both he and I would like to hear your thoughts, thanks.

Logo

Monster

Mad Scientist

TTFN

Kaytrim

Xam · « **Reply #22 on:** December 02, 2006, 10:59:07 am »

Looks like a good start on the art work.

Xam

Kaytrim · « **Reply #23 on:** December 04, 2006, 12:40:27 pm »

Note to moderators...

I was wondering if this thread could be moved to the Project Announcements forum It fits better there. I am also wondering if the posts by AKA Kaytrim (my guest name) could be credited to my account?

Thanks

Kaytrim · « **Reply #24 on:** December 06, 2006, 04:25:22 pm »

Good news and bad.

The bad news

With the cold weather and lack of funds the progress on my cab will have to be put on hold. I also have to finish off the basement before I can work on the cab again. At least it is in a playable condition so the kids can enjoy it for the time being.

The good news

My Dad who is an expert finish carpenter has gladly accepted my request for help in building the final cabinet. He is rather interested in knowing how I am building the guts of the machine. Progress can still continue on the artwork as well. I'll keep you posted on that progress.

Kaytrim · « **Reply #25 on:** January 19, 2007, 02:17:40 pm »

Party time again.

My son is having his 8th birthday party Saturday and we will have a house full of 7,8 & 9 year-olds running around, mostly boys. To keep them occupied for the 3 hours I plan on having a few gaming tournaments for them. The first one will by on the air hokey table, reverse of my pool table. The second one will be on his GameCube system. And the third will be one of the Street Fighter games on the FrankenMAME.

If I can find the USB cable for my camera I'll try and put up some pics from the party.

On another note I have a real cool idea for the final cab design when I start the build later this year. I just need to finalize how I am going to accomplish it before I show it to everyone.

L8R

Donkey_Kong · « **Reply #26 on:** January 19, 2007, 09:26:59 pm »

IT'S

ALMOST

ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Looking great dude! If you get any young bucks in the 4,5 year old range. Put them on Robotron...Good luck getting them off though!

Happy B-day son!!

Kaytrim · « **Reply #27 on:** January 21, 2007, 11:25:12 pm »

There was a small turnout of 5 boys. We had Super Street Fighter II on the arcade machine, Air Hockey and Bomberman on the GameCube. The party went well. As soon as I can get the pics off the camera I'll post a few to give you and idea of how the game room is shaping up. One kid swept the tournament on the Air Hockey. My son had to have a tie breaker to be called the champ of the SSF II game and things got messed up on the Bomberman game so no winner declared.

I also got a chance to talk to two of the mothers that came to pick up thier boys. I might have an order or two for a cabinet. If that is the case then I'll be building one for someone else before I get to build mine. I can live that though because it would be nice to make some money to put twards my toy.

We also got some regular friends for my son to come over so there will be time for the Robotron game at another time.

(+_+) · « **Reply #28 on:** January 23, 2007, 03:57:47 pm »

Quote from: AKA Kaytrim

I like the 2 lightning rods with the electricity. I was looking for some nice shots of something like that since at one point I was considering calling my cab 'Power Station'. I wish I knew how to draw like Mista-FraggadeliX. I'm Mr. Stick man. Thank god for the power of Photoshop and the internet otherwise I'd get nothing done.

Kaytrim · « **Reply #29 on:** January 23, 2007, 04:22:27 pm »

There is a discussion on the artwork over in the artwork forum.
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=60917.0

Take a look and leave a comment. I am still open to suggestions.

Kaytrim · « **Reply #30 on:** January 30, 2007, 10:24:54 am »

I just found the opening sound for my cab.

IT'S ALIVE

Kaytrim · « **Reply #31 on:** February 12, 2007, 06:04:33 pm »

(Take two, images were too big)
(Take three, didn't know that I couldn't use bmp files)

As you may know I am working on a modular system for my CP. I have recently goten my hands on a pair of Midway 49-way Joysticks. As these can represent almost any joystick with the GPWiz49 I figured that I would create a more permant solution for my CP.

Below are images created in CP Sketcher. I have moved my admin buttons to the top of the CP and off the bezel. The first image is of the entire CP in Street Fighter mode. The boxes around the buttons represent the modules. The second image is a trackball module. The third is a spinner module. And the last on is a sample Defender/Stargate module. I am also concidering Neo-Geo and Top Fire Joystick modules.

Each module will connect automaticly when it is locked in the CP. This will be via CAT-5 connectors with the locking tab removed or USB depending on the control set in the module. I'll have more information on this system as I get into construction. I have the ideas in my head and on paper it just doesn't translate to this medium easily at this point.

Please let me know what you think, Thanks.

TTFN

Donkey_Kong · « **Reply #32 on:** February 13, 2007, 12:26:01 pm »

Quote from: Kaytrim on January 30, 2007, 10:24:54 am

I just found the opening sound for my cab. IT'S ALIVE

Perfect!

Kaytrim · « **Reply #33 on:** March 15, 2007, 11:29:13 am »

Update Time

It has been a while since I updated this thread and this is a three way update. I have been working on a new version of my new modular CP. There is a link to the thread in my sig. I am hiring a new artist because my old one is missing in action and I am moving faster than I had planned on this project. Finally I have some new parts.

I have created some new modules for the CP and you can see them in pic 1. The trackball mounting plate is sunk into the wood and leveled off with wood putty. I'll take off the controls and sand it smooth later. The other modules here are the 7 button layouts.

In pic 2 you see the cup holders and PC board feet I ordered on ebay from Twisted Quarter.

In pic 3 is a shipment of Button Blaster LEDs from GGG the little smiley stickers show the color of the LED. You can also see the resisters in each bag. This is why I tell everyone to get their LEDs from Randy.

In pic 4 you see that I broke down and got two Happ Competition 8-way joysticks. GGG has these in stock now in several colors.

In pic 5 you see the pride of this order. My GPWiz49 interface and cable. Unfortunately this is not the new version that Randy is working on but I will be getting the new version of the interface when he has it ready. I have it connected it to one of my Midway 49 sticks in this pic.

In the last pic you see the results of the Happ Supers. Robotron is one of my top favorite games. My old high score was ~107,000 and it was a lot of work to get that using my old Ultimarc T-Sticks. After I installed the Happ Competitions I gave Robotron a try. On my first game without hardly trying I smashed my old high score. This proves that you need the right controller to play your best. I wonder what would happen after I get both of my Midway49 sticks setup? I have only one interface card so I will have to try the stick in one side then the other. I am going to have to try Sinistar first. "BEWARE I LIVE!"

TTFN

Kaytrim

*EDIT I got the Happ Competitions not the Supers.

Chris G · « **Reply #34 on:** March 15, 2007, 04:33:52 pm »

Oh ya! Gear arrival day is the best!

Nice-looking job on the woodwork.

Your Robotron-fu still needs some work, though, Grasshopper (like mine).

Chris

castlesteve · « **Reply #35 on:** June 05, 2007, 02:59:59 pm »

With the Midway 49s... plays robotron very well.

I thought I had a pretty good score at 2,300,xxx until I realized I work with someone who once held the WORLD RECORD back in the 80's on Robotron. I was thinking...hmm.. what... 100,000,000? NO... he played this game for a WEEK straight... and would even get 3-4 hours of sleep inbetween... letting his men die off while he slept.

anyway... you'll like the 49 ways for Robotron I swear!

(+_+) · « **Reply #36 on:** June 06, 2007, 09:47:53 am »

Hey Kaytrim,

If you like Robotron, you may like Mutant Storm, Veck, Grid Wars 2, and Smash TV. I just stumbled across Grid Wars and Veck the other day.

http://smayds.com/
http://worldofstuart.excellentcontent.com/grid/wars.htm

Kaytrim · « **Reply #37 on:** June 06, 2007, 10:07:51 am »

I have played grid wars and I like Smash TV. Grid wars is like asteriods on steroids and viagra.

Now that Dad's Bartop is nearly complete I can turn my energies to the honeydo list around the house and then back on this project. I have other projects in mind as well so I don't know which one to tackle first.

TTFN

Kaytrim

abrownbear · « **Reply #38 on:** June 06, 2007, 11:28:21 am »

Project is looking good, that took some guts to drill through the pushbuttons! The effect is nice though.

Hehe I halfway wish you would keep it on the computer cart, i think it looks pretty hillarious.

Kaytrim · « **Reply #39 on:** June 06, 2007, 02:18:29 pm »

Quote from: abrownbear on June 06, 2007, 11:28:21 am

Project is looking good, that took some guts to drill through the pushbuttons! The effect is nice though.

Hehe I halfway wish you would keep it on the computer cart, i think it looks pretty hillarious.

It didn't take as much guts to drill the buttons as it did to use the computer cart.

I do have plans in the works to build a proper cab. Look at the modular CP link in my thread. Then look at Dad's Bartop. These two projects give me the experience to hopefully tackle the full scale cab I am planning.

BTW thanks castlesteve for dredging this up from the depths of the forum. I will continue to work on this in the future no doubt.

TTFN

Kaytrim


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