Author Topic: Frogger Bartop for Dad (Marquee Installed new pictures 10/09/07) (Read 11606 times)

stephenp1983 · « **on:** June 13, 2007, 07:57:15 pm »

This project originally started as just a standalone controller that Timoe was going to build for me. It was just to sit on the coffee table and use on the tv at the lake house. After looking around at prices and options I thought it would be alot cooler to do a bartop. So I decided to order the kit from mameroom as I've heard alot of good things about it.

My father is 60 years old, and I honestly was never a huge arcade junkie like alot of us here. He did however have an atari 2600 he got before I was born that he seemed to really love. I am sure being in the army and in bowling leagues he's played his share of the classic on a real arcade, but his real memories are from the atari 2600. The two games I remember him playing the most are space invaders and of course frogger, and now that he plays on my arcade cabinet he always seems to go to frogger. So for his birthday/Christmas I am putting together this bartop with a frogger theme.

This will be my first attempt at wiring, so wish me luck. I opted the easy route and got two u360's with 1 button harness so it shouldn't be too hard. The bartop will be a 1 player with u360 balltop six green buttons, and another u360 balltop for robotron games.

You can view my artwork thread where I had previously designed for the desktop controller. I plan to do something different, yet still use alot of the similar look at what I had. I think I came along way from what I started on the first page to the last: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=64483.0

Pictures to follow:

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 13, 2007, 08:03:00 pm »

Alright so I got in my u360 and my buttons a few days ago from ultramarc. Only problem I had was I ordered a balltop, but got the oval shaft u360 lol. Andy was very quick to respond and is shipping me out the correct shaft to go with the unit. He was very helpful in answering my questions as well. Bartop kit was ordered tonight, so I should be hearing from Scott soon on that. Here are some pictures:

On No it won't fit

Kaytrim · « **Reply #2 on:** June 13, 2007, 10:19:09 pm »

Man what is the deal with the rush of bartops for dear old dad? Joust did 'Irish Luck', I did Centipede and now you are doing a Frogger.

Keep us posted.

TTFN

Kaytrim

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 14, 2007, 07:15:28 am »

I noticed that too. I think its something smaller that most Dad's would allow in their house lol. For me it was because the kit was affordable, and seemed to be of good quality.

ChadTower · « **Reply #4 on:** June 14, 2007, 02:44:23 pm »

I'm doing mine because I have easy access to standup cabs... not so for bartops.

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 15, 2007, 06:10:09 pm »

Nothing big to update, but I thought I'd share the design sketch that scott at mameroom sent yesterday for my bartop. Gives a good idea of the layout:

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 17, 2007, 06:18:25 pm »

Update:

So the bartop kit was shipped today from mameroom, the tracking number isn't up yet so no definate date on when it will arrive. Once it gets here im going to start working on the artwork for the control panel. Still waiting to get the shaft replacement for my u360 but no rush as I wont wire it up until the artwork is complete.

I also thought about using a tt2 spinner in the place of the second joystick for the steering wheel addon. I dont know which I would use more the extra joystick or the spinner. Any thoughts?

leapinlew · « **Reply #7 on:** June 17, 2007, 06:59:17 pm »

Isn't the mameroom kits setup for a horizontal monitor? Can you put a monitor in there vertical?

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #8 on:** June 18, 2007, 08:07:11 am »

I'm honestly not sure here are the instructions that I downloaded with it I'll look and see if I can tell from them:

http://www.mameroom.com/manuals/UABartop_manual.pdf

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 18, 2007, 08:10:53 am »

Yes it looks like from those instructions a vertical monitor wouldn't work. The only thing I didn't like about this design really is not being able to access the back without taking it off. I'm still not sure if I'm going to use a 15 inch lcd or a 15inch crt that I have and how its going to be held in place.

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #10 on:** June 20, 2007, 05:44:51 pm »

The kit just arrived at work, so I will be putting most of it together this weekend. I'm still waiting on the replacement shaft from andy at ultramarc. Pictures will be coming soon.

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #11 on:** June 20, 2007, 09:09:55 pm »

Alright here are some pictures so far from taking everything out of the box. I'll start assemble on saturday or friday night, and begin the artwork now that I have the control panel measurements.

JeepMonkey · « **Reply #12 on:** June 21, 2007, 02:05:40 pm »

Is there a typical hole pattern they use? Did it cost extra to customize your hole locations?

I can't wait to see your progress. There are a few things I need to figure out before ordering my kit. Mainly finding a monitor that works out with the bezel cutout size. If you can post a pic of the bezel, I would much appreciate it.

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #13 on:** June 21, 2007, 07:54:46 pm »

He will customize the control panel for no extra charge. As soon as I get the bezel out of the box I'll post a picture for you. It should be sometime this saturday.

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #14 on:** June 21, 2007, 07:57:42 pm »

a few things I'm still trying to work out?

-mounting the joysticks.... All that was drilled out was 4 small holes to start a screw, I dont want to go through the other side so I need to find out what size to use.

- still trying to figure out what I'm going to use for the computer.

- need to find some extra wiring for the ground wire as the one that came on the harness is obviously not big enough.

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #15 on:** June 23, 2007, 08:05:28 pm »

Alright, so I got alot done today despite being really busy with school work and diablo 2 ladder reset.

I was able to require a pretty good pc, an older p4 from my mother in law for fixing her new computer. I think I'll take everyones advice and decase the thing and mount it on some mdf.

So here is where its at now, installing cams with your hand hurts like hell after awhile lol. Still holding off on the artwork as Ive been really busy with schoolwork.

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #16 on:** June 24, 2007, 03:07:38 pm »

This is in response to jeep monkey's question. I pmed him but thought I'd post here as well.

I just now got to the part of installing the bezel, and was a little disappointed in it. Basically what it is is just a peice of clear plexi, and the instructions say to use masking tape to mark off where the monitor screen would go. It then tells you to paint it with spray paint to get finish the bezel. I guess this is good because not everyone would have the same monitor, but I was expecting a little more. Also I'm still trying to decide how to mount the monitor, as the instructions say to drill holes in the casing, and I doubt really think it would work lol. Anyway other than that the kit is awesome. Its very sturdy and looks top notch. Let me know if you have anymore questions.

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #17 on:** June 24, 2007, 04:16:25 pm »

And here is what I'm thinking about for the control panel artwork. For the marquee and sideart I'm just going to go with the original:

philby85 · « **Reply #18 on:** June 24, 2007, 04:25:46 pm »

This looks really cool, the original frogger artwork was pretty good.
I'm sure your Dad will love it, especially the time and effort you have put into it. Us dads love that kinda thing!

cheers

Philby

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #19 on:** June 24, 2007, 05:27:25 pm »

Thanks philby I really hope he likes it.

So I've run into my first problem. The pieces that need to be attached to hold the bezel are about a millimeter too long. They just won't go in where there suppose to. I guess I'm going to have to get someone to trim a little off for me.

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #20 on:** June 24, 2007, 05:48:31 pm »

and another art possibility:

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #21 on:** June 24, 2007, 07:56:35 pm »

I'm a little pissed right now to be honest. I've put everything together except the back and the control panel, and have run into some more problems. First I had to wedge with all my might to get the bezel pieces in. This lead to another problem when I put the bottom on. The cabinet was way to tight, and I ended up having to take the tmolding off to even get it in there. Well the directions say put tmolding on first, but dont take into account the tight fit. I ended up busting one of the cam locks through the back. Its still in there but a big piece is missing that I'll have to glue back on.

This leads to the biggest design flaw of this kit imo, the back. The rest of the cabinet is put together with cam locks which is great, however the back you screw on permantly. This would be fine except it leaves not room for any pc maintaince. Your suppose to screw the bezel on like this as well, so your left with no way to get in. I'm probably not going to screw the bezel on and use it for an access point.

Oh yeah I went ahead and checked the back, and its too tight to fit in to, so I'll have to take the tmolding off a third time and try to wedge it in as well.

leapinlew · « **Reply #22 on:** June 24, 2007, 08:55:03 pm »

Quote from: stephenp1983 on June 24, 2007, 07:56:35 pm

I'm a little pissed right now to be honest. I've put everything together except the back and the control panel, and have run into some more problems. First I had to wedge with all my might to get the bezel pieces in. This lead to another problem when I put the bottom on. The cabinet was way to tight, and I ended up having to take the tmolding off to even get it in there. Well the directions say put tmolding on first, but dont take into account the tight fit. I ended up busting one of the cam locks through the back. Its still in there but a big piece is missing that I'll have to glue back on.

This leads to the biggest design flaw of this kit imo, the back. The rest of the cabinet is put together with cam locks which is great, however the back you screw on permantly. This would be fine except it leaves not room for any pc maintaince. Your suppose to screw the bezel on like this as well, so your left with no way to get in. I'm probably not going to screw the bezel on and use it for an access point.

Oh yeah I went ahead and checked the back, and its too tight to fit in to, so I'll have to take the tmolding off a third time and try to wedge it in as well.

I wonder why it says t-mold first. Thats almost always last on my projects.

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #23 on:** June 24, 2007, 09:20:25 pm »

Im not sure either, I'm thinking about making my own back door with some sort of hendge on it for access. Atleast the broken panel is on the bottom so you can't see it.

Kaytrim · « **Reply #24 on:** June 25, 2007, 09:37:13 am »

I like the first version of your CP artwork better. One thing you might want to try for grins and giggles is to put frog images under the buttons so only the back legs stick out, up for the top row and down for the bottom row. Then you can put the button number between the legs.

For the busted out cam lock use some good quality wood glue and a clamp. Make sure the cam is out of the hole or it may get glued in place. If you have a power sander you might want to take a bit off the tight bottom and back panels before you try and squeeze them in place.

TTFN

Kaytrim

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #25 on:** June 25, 2007, 01:14:04 pm »

Thanks for the advice on the cam, I'll try that. Thats an interesting idea on the buttons. I did something similar when I had the trackball on there. I'll do a mock up and see how it looks.

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #26 on:** June 30, 2007, 01:55:22 pm »

Here is where the progress is now. I have pretty much everything together, minus the controller and the back. I am waiting to finish to artwork and get it put on the controller before I add it on.

For the back I am thinking about cutting a new peice adding a hindge and cutting a whole for a pc fan. This will allow me to work on the computer if I need to, and give a little more airflow.

I've also included a picture of where I accidently damaged the back, I'm going to try do glue it back later on.

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #27 on:** July 02, 2007, 10:15:54 pm »

I decided to go ahead and start wiring the control panel, because I'm not sure when I'm going to have the art done. Like I said before this is my first attempt at wiring, so I'm pretty excited but a little nervous as well. I plugged in just the u360 the other night and it was awesome. It was a total different feel than my happs 8 ways. I was afraid I wouldn't like it, but I actually liked the feel.

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #28 on:** July 03, 2007, 12:46:57 pm »

Moment of truth coming up.... I have everything wired up minus the coin and player 1 buttons, so I figured I might as well see if this thing works. Wish me luck

Kaytrim · « **Reply #29 on:** July 03, 2007, 12:56:08 pm »

Quote from: stephenp1983 on July 02, 2007, 10:15:54 pm

Looking at this pic I think that you are crimping the quick disconnects wrong. You want to crimp them close to the blade not on the end. The metal part of the blade where the wire makes contact dosen't reach all the way through the shield. The one I am looking at is the one on the right at the top of this pic. That crimp may have a good contact or it may not work 100% of the time.

TTFN

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #30 on:** July 03, 2007, 01:18:39 pm »

Success!!! It may not be that pretty, but it works

I'm really excited about this, as wiring was the one thing I was really worried about doing myself. Even though this is a 1 player with a wiring harness I feel I've come a long way from first having an xarcade, to second having timoe build and wire me a cp, to actually doing it myself.

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #31 on:** July 03, 2007, 01:22:06 pm »

I see what your saying, I am putting the wiring all the way through and not just putting it to where I'm crimping. Is that what your refering to? I have quite a bit of naked wiring running through the disconnect, I just crimped it on the end. So are you saying I should crimp it further up and not on the end?

I appreciate your advice.

Kaytrim · « **Reply #32 on:** July 03, 2007, 01:25:34 pm »

Quote from: stephenp1983 on July 03, 2007, 01:22:06 pm

I see what your saying, I am putting the wiring all the way through and not just putting it to where I'm crimping. Is that what your refering to? I have quite a bit of naked wiring running through the disconnect, I just crimped it on the end. So are you saying I should crimp it further up and not on the end?

I appreciate your advice.

Thats correct. You want to crimp the metal sleeve that goes around the bare wire. This will keep the wire in place and give good contact for the signal to pass through.

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #33 on:** July 03, 2007, 01:30:43 pm »

Thanks I'll go back through and recrimp further up.

Timoe · « **Reply #34 on:** July 04, 2007, 10:57:03 pm »

Looking Good

rockin_rick · « **Reply #35 on:** July 05, 2007, 07:16:57 pm »

When crimping, position the crimp tool so that the part that pokes into the connector is in the middle of the barrel that surrounds the wire. As previously mentioned, the insulation sleeve on that connector covers the barrel, and then some more over the wire. Most likely the barrel is where the insulation is of the smaller diameter. Center the crimp on that smaller diamater part and you should be fine.

Perhaps you already know this, but....

Before crimping, look at the barrel of the connector. You should see that it's just a flat piece of metal that has been rolled to make a circle. Thus, there is a seam. You want the part of the crimp tool that 'pokes' into the barrel of the connector to poke into the side OPPOSITE the seam. Looking at the pic that kaytrim quoted, the 'poke' should be on the back (which if that connector is crimped, then it is correct.) IOW - don't crimp (poke) the seam into the wire.

Good luck,
Rick

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #36 on:** July 07, 2007, 12:41:05 pm »

I continue to run into problems with the kit and the way everything is lining up. I am adding the control panel and front today, and there is just no way that they will fit on the kit the way its described. I dont know if I the cuts are wrong or what, but I'm pretty pissed. NO matter how you maneuver the peices that are not going to fit. I plan on emailing scott to see what he says.

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #37 on:** July 07, 2007, 02:15:47 pm »

The only thing to do to fix this is to cut some of the bottom off of the coin/player 1 piece. I'll have to let a guy at work do this as I dont have the tools to do so. Its off by atleast a centimeter.

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #38 on:** July 09, 2007, 09:42:51 pm »

Here are some pictures of what I was refering to. I emailed scott and he is going to try to remedy the situation by sending out a replacement part. I must say he has had great customer service, I've just been a little bit frustrated with a couple of things on h is product. Hopefully everything will work out:

Kaytrim · « **Reply #39 on:** July 10, 2007, 09:38:31 am »

Steve,

I just took a look at your early assembly pics and I see a possible reason for the problems. Normally when I get one of these some assembly required furniture pieces you put one side on the floor. then you attach all the horizontal pieces to the one side piece. Finally you button it up by attaching the other side.

Now I am not there to look at the pieces nor have I built one of these cabs so I may be totally off base here. I hope you can get all the little problems with assembly fixed and you are happy with the end result.

TTFN

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #40 on:** July 10, 2007, 06:02:12 pm »

Thanks for the suggestion Kaytrim. I think what your saying will work for most of the issues other than the last one I'm facing with the control panel. The bottom and back pieces are just tight, but the front and control panel are just too big to fit on the pegs. I sent the pictures to scott today to see what he says. Thanks for the advice again.

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #41 on:** July 12, 2007, 12:36:15 pm »

With the help of a couple people at work I've been able to work through a few of the problems I've encountered. For the piece that didn't fit one of my co workers cut off 1 centimeter off the piece and it fits without a problem now.

My other co worker started on the back replacement that I plant to use. I will connect the two pieces with a piano hindge to allow for easier access. I still haven't decided if I want to paint the mdf or use laminate to match the rest of the kit.

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #42 on:** July 13, 2007, 06:34:54 pm »

wiring is now complete, just waiting for my buddy at work to finish the back peice. We decided it would be best to cut both the b ottom and top piece for fans.

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #43 on:** July 14, 2007, 03:33:01 pm »

Today I went ahead and decased the computer since I dont really have any work I can do on the bartop. It went pretty well, although I had to get the drill out after I removed the mother board in order to get the metal piece that the risers sit on. It was attached with some of the pieces that you can remove. I finally got it off after about 15 minutes and got the motherboard put back on.

This hp has a speakers that came with it that dont attached to the sound card, but another similar piece that is attached directly to the motherboard. This lets them work without having a seperate power supply which will help out on things. You can see the attachment in on top of the dvd drive in the first picture:

Aquarius_Milo · « **Reply #44 on:** July 14, 2007, 05:28:41 pm »

really nice arcade kit xD

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #45 on:** August 16, 2007, 08:19:50 am »

Alright, its been awhile since I've posted, but I've been waiting for my buddy at work to get done with the modification to the back. I think it turned out pretty nice. He added fan's to the top and bottom, and made it so I could easily lift open the bottom section to do work. Alot better than just putting everything in there and bolting it together

I started priming the back last night, and will try to finish up the painting by this weekend.

Pictures:

Neilyboy · « **Reply #46 on:** August 16, 2007, 02:37:54 pm »

Lookin real good man! I cant wait to see this thing all completed and running.

neil

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #47 on:** August 16, 2007, 05:36:10 pm »

Thanks alot.... I hope to get alot done this weekend. I plan on finishing up the computer software part and peicing the remaining parts together

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #48 on:** August 19, 2007, 08:49:25 pm »

Update:

I spend the weekend painting the back piece which didn't turn out great, but hey its the back piece. I also setup the computer and install mame etc on it. Having a little problems with a gameex plugin to run the u360s but hopefully that will work out. Next step is to attach the back and then fit the computer in.

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #49 on:** September 03, 2007, 10:15:13 am »

Here is the marquee I put together last night. I'll probably get it printed at a friends print shop, and then have the sideart printed at mame marquees.

leapinlew · « **Reply #50 on:** September 03, 2007, 12:45:29 pm »

Quote from: stephenp1983 on September 03, 2007, 10:15:13 am

Here is the marquee I put together last night. I'll probably get it printed at a friends print shop, and then have the sideart printed at mame marquees.

Think it would be cool if you put your dads name on the briefcase?

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #51 on:** September 03, 2007, 05:14:45 pm »

That is a good idea lew. I had considered doing something like Richard's Frogger, but didn't want it to take away from the cabinet. Putting it on the briefcase is a good idea because its not to overwhelming. Thanks for the idea.

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #52 on:** September 03, 2007, 05:24:39 pm »

Hows this look? Not sure about the color or the angle, so if anyone has some suggestions please post. I know you can't really read it, because its been reduced but you still get the idea.

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #53 on:** September 22, 2007, 12:51:07 pm »

Here some updated picture of everything running and the montior mounting. For the monitor mount I got some hardboard at home depot and had them cut it to what size needed. Then I just attached it to some L brackets and screwed everything to the cabinet.

Next step is to get the laptop mounted in the case, get all the wiring sorted, get the marquee light, and mount it.

stephenp1983 · « **Reply #54 on:** October 09, 2007, 12:00:58 pm »

Here are some pictures of the marquee once I got it installed. All that I have left is the bezel and the sideart which I won't be doing right away. The bezel didn't turn out to well when I spray painted the plexi, so I'm going to try something else out.


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