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Complicated Diversions (Rotating Monitor, Yes or No)
bfauska:
This is how it always starts. Simple little changes, and then, boom, you're surrounded in a cloud of dust creating a cabinet like nobody has ever seen.
It's even worse when people say crap like this... "You should probably automate that."
Seriously though, it probably isn't going to add that much work to make the bezel and monitor rotate, and it will give you a much nicer screen for vertical games. :cheers:
Anubis_au:
--- Quote from: ahofle on October 16, 2007, 06:19:19 pm ---This is just my opinion, but to me the biggest benefit of a rotating monitor setup is to get authentic arcade resolutions. Probably over 90% of arcade games used a standard res CGA CRT monitor either horizontally or vertically oriented. A rotating CRT setup allows you to have authentic resolutions for all those games (AND the scanlines go in the correct direction!).
--- End quote ---
Ahofle, I couldn't have put it better myself. In fact, I couldn't even have put the point across that well. ;D
XyloSesame, perform this experiment: Run a vertical arcade game like Pacman on your monitor, without changing the MAME flags, so that MAME is downconverting the game to fit on a horizontally oriented monitor, with black side bars. Ask yourself, are you happy with playing all vertical games like that. Now, change the flag in your MAME ini file so that vertical games display rotated. Rotate your monitor to its vertical position. Is having the same game full size important enough to you to make the monitor rotating in your cab.
My original cab was a converted cab with a 25" screen. Vertical games were fine on that even with the wasted side bars, as the screen was big enough. Now I've bought a 20" for my build-from-scratch, and I want to rotate that. Mainly for the authenticity as ahofle wrote above. But furthermore, on a 20" screen, the pic is too small if you don't rotate, IMHO.
Also, my cab is also my first build from scratch, and I intend to go all out, because I don't have the space for multiple machines like some. If you are happy to build a second, dedicated vertical cab next, then you might decide to not rotate this one.
csa3d:
I originally wanted to do a motorized rotation system (and still may, but not initially). I ended up making an adjustable cross brace, hacking the VESA mount out of the LCD that came with the montior, removing the tilt portion of that, and mounting it flat to the brace. You can see the results here.
My Control panel flips upwards, which allows access to the LCD under the glass for manual rotation. I figured, in the short term, that the manual method (while less sexy) will be less likely to be damaged. In my opinion, BYOAC member Edge has had one of the most elegant LCD rotation systems, which is s belt driven mount system he created with a vesa mount, some gears, bearings, and plumbing supplies. His system could very easy be retrofitted into my design, which is my now plan b (instead of plan a).
His example as follows:
If you do get this thing designed and motorized, I suspect the following questions are next on your list (as they are still open on mine).
1. How do you limit the rotation to +/- 90 degrees. Limit switches? If you're not using a step motor.. you potentially will have a crooked rotation.
2. Do you trust your limit switches.. what happens when one day they fail? (always plan for the worst I say!)
3. Assuming you figure out step 1... are you expecting there to be a magical software solution to KNOW how to rotate the LCD based on the game selection? This would rock out.. but I don't think anyone has "commercialized" a plugin for Mala (Swindus? Loadman?.. Edge? Fat fingers?) which would I'm guess have to trigger through a printer port to some piece of motor driving hardware.
4. Speaking of which.. this needs to be fabricated by yourself as well. I looked around on some electronics boards.. and felt overwhelmed quickly. How awesome would it be if Team RandyT and Team Swindus got together and made an "out of the box" solution for Vesa mount rotation? Is the market big enough for such venture is probably the real question. I'd pay...
5. Now that you've answered all the hard questions, how does your Bezel work? There's been the round bezel under a square bezel technique, and an inventive camera shutter inspired design. I'm planning on having a disk laser cut from a single piece of plastic, and rectangle cut of out the inside disk.. and permanently affixing the disk to the LCD. Assuming I have this thing centered.. then it should turn w/o issue. I've not tested this with foamcore yet.. but that's on my list of "coming up's"
So this is all not to discourage you. This is me kinda talking out loud to another person who is kinda in a similar boat as me.. and i'd love to start conversations which could help everyone out who's tackling this.
Keep us posted on how you are moving forward if you don't mind.
-csa
ark_ader:
Doesn't it depend on the types of games you are playing? ::)
If most of your collection surrounds the vertical orientation, that that would be a easy one. LCDs are indeed light, as in not as heavy as a CRT. Motors, gears and the guarantee that the mount is strong and stable, is a lot to ask for in a first build.
If your games collection is horizontal then the difference is small compared to having the game rotate backwards and forwards your display, especially if this is your first build. Those considerations would be benefitted to those with experience of woodworking.
I tried rotation, but failed and nearly damaged the LCD. To put it an easier way: when you start your build, have this facility as a future option by having the clearance for the display, then test the orientation with the controls to see if there is any impact. I cannot compare my woodworking skills with yours, but I bet you are like me, and have a strong desire to learn. ;D
But to be perfectly honest, screen rotation is an option I would definitely miss on your first build.
gonzo90017:
I liked bfauska's idea.
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