Author Topic: The Vewlix Fighter Cabinet - WIP. The cab is dead my friends. (Read 99678 times)

dkssprs · « **Reply #40 on:** December 23, 2008, 12:32:51 pm »

Very nice pro-tech cabinet. I havent seen something like that before. It looks like a cab from the future.
Very nice artwork (the marquee is awosome) but i think you sould make more visible the words next to the buttons.

Franco B · « **Reply #41 on:** December 23, 2008, 02:07:11 pm »

Looking good to me.

Im torn on what to make for my next upright. Im very tempted for a slim design like this, I think I would base the whole thing of a pair of polished 4" angled tubes.

Gatsu · « **Reply #42 on:** December 23, 2008, 03:45:32 pm »

that'd be sweet. I wanted to make it alot more rounded and more of a candy-cab style. But I just don't have the tools or know-how yet to pull that off.

Maybe later on down the road.

I'll probably start cutting all the pieces out this weekend since I have no work....and plenty of wood. The PC parts will probably be the VERY last thing to go into it.

Gatsu · « **Reply #43 on:** December 25, 2008, 11:12:32 pm »

ok. I've got a coin door question.

I don't want a traditional coin door on this box. I want the actual coin slot to be on the control panel. If you look at the Viewlix cab picture below:

Not sure how I would rig that. Anyone out there know?

HaRuMaN · « **Reply #44 on:** December 26, 2008, 08:18:18 am »

That looks like a candy cab coin slot. If you could get you hands on a candy cab coin mech, you could rig something like that up.

Gatsu · « **Reply #45 on:** December 26, 2008, 08:52:58 am »

Ah. So I'd have to find some replacements parts for a candy cab. hmm.....I think coinopexpress might have something. Lemme go check them out.

Thanks

Gatsu · « **Reply #46 on:** December 26, 2008, 09:00:53 am »

they've got what I need.....problem is they make you order 20+ of the smaller parts. So Im gonna have to go another route I guess.....unless someone happens to have some extra parts they'd be willing to sell.

Gatsu · « **Reply #47 on:** December 27, 2008, 08:10:58 pm »

I decided to redesign the bottom section of the cabinet to make it look more interesting.

Lemme know what you guys think. I hope to start actually cutting the pieces out and beginning construction next weekend since I have off for New Years. I can probably get alot of if done then.

Gatsu · « **Reply #48 on:** December 31, 2008, 02:02:13 am »

Ok. I need some input.

Being a designer...I'm never pleased with my own work. So I need some help deciding on the final cab design.

They are both similar, but one has larger white panels, the other does not. I've decided to not put full panel side-art on the cab, but I definitely wanna get some decals made. Probably the Taito and Capcom logos to put in various places.

So here are the two designs. Which one should I go for?

Option 1:

or

Option 2:

The final colors are gonna be black, white and a dark red for a section of the control panel.

Martijn · « **Reply #49 on:** December 31, 2008, 03:02:08 am »

i like option 1

but maybe you should make more space for the legs

Blanka · « **Reply #50 on:** December 31, 2008, 03:15:45 am »

If I see the last image I ask myself "What is the big box under the controls doing there? It will end up 80% empty" and "Why is the white side panel not the same one as the side panel of the controls". Either clone the Lindbergh, or redesign it completely.

Blanka · « **Reply #51 on:** December 31, 2008, 03:17:48 am »

And slim down the marquee. It can be more in line with the monitor (wider and shallower).

Gatsu · « **Reply #52 on:** December 31, 2008, 08:33:48 am »

Quote from: Blanka on December 31, 2008, 03:15:45 am

If I see the last image I ask myself "What is the big box under the controls doing there? It will end up 80% empty" and "Why is the white side panel not the same one as the side panel of the controls". Either clone the Lindbergh, or redesign it completely.

I would if I had all the measurements. But I do not....so I'm doing a mix and match kind of deal. I'll slim down the bottom and see how it looks then.

Thanks for the input though. It is appreciated. What I'll probably do is keep the side panels, but slim down the bottom case some to add more leg room.

RetroGreg · « **Reply #53 on:** December 31, 2008, 10:44:31 am »

I've been watching this thread because I really like the fighter cabinets and can't wait to see what you end up building. Personally, I like your very first sketch up the best followed by the rounded version as a DISTANT second. I don't like the side panels on the last drawing at all.

Gatsu · « **Reply #54 on:** December 31, 2008, 11:06:50 am »

Thanks Retro.

After really looking them over....I think I agree with you about the very first one. The design is ALOT simpler to implement and overall just looks better.

I do need to add one piece to the sides of the cab though to make it look more like the true Lindberg cabinet.

But thanks to everyone for your input and criticism.

Gatsu · « **Reply #55 on:** December 31, 2008, 06:22:53 pm »

Ok. I reworked the very first design a bit to look more like a real Lindberg cab. I still need to redo the marquee...but I dont need to redraw it in Sketchup. I have an idea of what I wanna do with that.

But anyway....here's the design.

What do you guys think? Better than the last 2?

thatitalian · « **Reply #56 on:** January 01, 2009, 08:10:31 am »

That looks WAY better! It looks like the base is supposed to be there! Is the marquee width the same as the monitor? If not it definitely should be.

Love the design, very different and definitely has a modern touch!

Gatsu · « **Reply #57 on:** January 01, 2009, 02:07:33 pm »

rock on. I really like this design as well. I liked the last 2, but they weren't settling 100% with me.

there's a section between the control panel and the monitor thats gonna have 4 USB plugs, 2 Playstation 2 plugs, maybe volume controls....not sure what else. But I wanted something to be there. Any suggestions?

my main controls for player 1 & 2 are gonna be wired through a PS/2 iPac. But I'm gonna have those USB plugs and Playstation plugs incase someone doesn't like to use the joysticks. Kinda like the newer tekken machines.

How would I need to wire up my controls so that when no controllers are plugged in, the joysticks work, but when a controller is plugged in, that takes priority?
That could take some hellacious wiring couldn't it? Would there be a way to maybe have a switch that I could flip to turn the controls over to the USB plugs instead of the iPac?

I'm also trying to decide between Happ concave buttons, a Happ comp joystick, or all Sanwa parts. After finishing that last stick with all sanwa parts....I really dig them now. But they are SOOOOOO much more expensive. And I heard they don't last as long. But I could make the control panel so much thinner if I used Sanwa..... I dunno.

RetroGreg · « **Reply #58 on:** January 01, 2009, 10:14:27 pm »

I LOVE the new design as well! Great job with the sketch up.

I wouldn't know about the wiring, but would definately put my vote in for the Sanwa parts. That's a serious fighting cab and it needs the japanese sticks! And like you said, the contol panel could be slimmer.

Awesome. Can't wait to see you start.

bgspot · « **Reply #59 on:** January 02, 2009, 12:20:32 am »

Thats awesome!! I really like that last design. You've definitely inspired me to build another cab!

Gatsu · « **Reply #60 on:** January 02, 2009, 01:55:02 am »

I'm glad you guys are digging the new design though.

I'll probably have Happ parts in it to begin with. But as I save up I'll replace them with Sanwa. Unless I can find a bulk deal for 18 buttons and 2 joysticks for less than $100. Sanwas expensive. lol.

$2.95 per button and $25 for the joysticks....ouch.

ivwshane · « **Reply #61 on:** January 02, 2009, 03:09:56 am »

I like the last design as well, just be sure to include a marquee.

Where will the speakers go?

Franco B · « **Reply #62 on:** January 02, 2009, 05:58:08 am »

Looking great Gatsu.

If I was you I would wait and buy your controls when you need them rather than buy them now. I don't know how fast your build is going to be but buying them later will give you more time to save up for the Sanwa's, especially as these things have a tendency to take longer than expected.

Gatsu · « **Reply #63 on:** January 04, 2009, 08:39:38 pm »

Sadly no progress on the wood working phase.....I did draw out the plans and will be printing some example templates tomorrow at work.

Spent most of today configuring my system and recompiling mame to get rid of the nag screens. Worked the first time thankfully.

I've got a coin door left over from my first cabinet project. But one of the mechs is missing some pieces. So thats gonna get replaced. This week I hope to at least get the components of the cabinet cut out. My girlfriend is gonna be out of town tomorrow night, so I'll probably head over to my parents place and test out my new router! muwahahaha.

Im not sure where to order my marquee from. Its a custom job....still only 26"x8", but I want it within a week or so if thats possible. Mamemarquees? or Emdkay?

EDIT/ADD:
Here's another little update. Didnt think it was worth posting in a new reply.
Here's what my MaLa front end looks like. I'm only using Mame, a few PC Games and NullDC....so I didnt bother doing a whole tree.

Gatsu · « **Reply #64 on:** January 15, 2009, 09:47:22 pm »

Quote from: ivwshane on January 02, 2009, 03:09:56 am

I like the last design as well, just be sure to include a marquee.

Where will the speakers go?

Haven't figured that in 100% yet. Im thinking that if I go for a 2.1 system...the 2 speakers will go right above the control panel in the little slanted plate. I plan on putting a couple of USB plugs go there as well. I would put coin slots there...but I have no idea what kind of coin mechs I'd need for that.

I'm torn between using 2 hacked Xbox 360 controllers for my control panel....or using an iPac. The iPac is much easier....but the PS/2 port vs the USB port....

What do you guys think?

I was also teasing the idea of having a swappable control panel. One with a 2 player Sanwa set....the other with Happ. Just so anyone who comes over will have their stick of preference.

I'd do the Sanwa panel first just to get it completed and add the happ later...but theres alot more electronics to buy if I go with the swappable control panels...

what do you guys think?

Just kinda doing a brain dump. So If i go from my control panel....to a db-25(or however many slots I need) panel like this: http://www.winfordeng.com/products/brk25.php
then from that panel to a terminal strip, from the terminal strip to a 360 controller....would that be logical? I know its probably not very cost effective. But I don't have the patience to make my own cables.

HaRuMaN · « **Reply #65 on:** January 15, 2009, 10:38:27 pm »

I like those DB25 breakout boards, I've recommended them before... but why not go straight from the breakout to the controller? Seems like there would be no need for a terminal strip in between the two.

Also, using 360 controllers gives you the option of hooking up an Xbox 360 or PC...

somunny · « **Reply #66 on:** January 15, 2009, 11:36:59 pm »

Nice job with the sketchup!

I like the latest re-design but I'm wondering where the speakers go.

Gatsu · « **Reply #67 on:** January 16, 2009, 12:10:37 am »

yeah. thats true HarumaN. less wires to cut that way too. Will have to get a bigger breakout board than 25 though. 8 buttons per player and the 8 for the joysticks + grounds.

somunny - I'm not 100% on that. I was thinking if I go with a 2.1 sound system....I can maybe build boxes to either mount on the sides of the monitor, or...see if they will fit on that slanted area between the control panel and monitor.

Thats one of those things that'll come last I think. If I can find a 5.1 system (which'll be too much for this kind of cab...) I'd mount some around the front of the cab where the coin door will be.

I'll most likely end up building boxes for the sides of the monitor though. Easiest and I know it'll fit.

Or if I can find some snazzy looking speakers...I wont have to modify them. Just mount them to the monitor.

Kabukiman · « **Reply #68 on:** January 19, 2009, 04:38:53 pm »

weird just today I was checking out some pics of the Viewlx cab on another forum and thought hey this would be a great idea for a home built cab and I stumble across this thread, This will definitely be a nice cab. Any chance you have that pdf from the lindberg cab?

Sprucemoose · « **Reply #69 on:** January 20, 2009, 02:25:57 am »

I'm diggin' the designs. Love to see new ideas on the forum. My only suggestion is that the control panel feels a bit to rectangular, especially in the first couple options. Good luck with the build.

Gatsu · « **Reply #70 on:** January 20, 2009, 08:33:16 am »

thanky. I'm gonna be adding a few angles to the control panel to make it look more like the Taito Vewlix cabinet. I just couldn't get those drawn out right in google sketchup. I'm still a newbie at it. lol.

I hope to have some progress this weekend. I've just been busy working on arcade sticks for other people this week.

tbg_96 · « **Reply #71 on:** February 05, 2009, 08:42:20 pm »

Very nice plans !
Im also in the process of building my own cab in anticipation for Street Fighter Iv ..
I really like the vewlix cab , and was wondering if you had the link for the PDF of the plans ?!
That would be awsome ...
Can't wait to see how your project unfolds
Looks like a Great start !

Gatsu · « **Reply #72 on:** February 05, 2009, 11:47:27 pm »

Yeah I'm just tweaking the plans measurements a tad because some of them were really odd. I started learning Google Sketchup as I made the design...so by the end of it alot of the parts fit better than when I started.

Took a bit for me to find the pdf file. I've got so much crap on my desktop.

EDIT/ADD:
Found a forum thread the guy that made those plans started. I has some nice build pics and finished photos of his custom Vewlix style cab.

http://www.gamoover.net/Forums/index.php?topic=16976.0

Necroticart · « **Reply #73 on:** February 06, 2009, 02:38:03 pm »

thanks for the Pdf and link that machine is amazing and Good Luck on your machine can't wait to see it finished

Gatsu · « **Reply #74 on:** February 06, 2009, 02:41:03 pm »

Me either. Its just that whenever I decide to start...the weather changes my plans...then I work on a stick order....weather......so I'm glad I finished these last stick orders.

Now I can work on the cabinet. If I focus and get the main pieces cut out over the weekend...it'd take about a weeks worth to get it done since its not a huge cab.

Gatsu · « **Reply #75 on:** March 04, 2009, 03:40:44 pm »

w00t for updates!!

I'll be getting my tax return next week (Im hoping this friday though), so I'll actually have money to work on this project again!

The woods been sitting in the garage...just itching to be cut.

I've had to modify the design a bit, adding some size to it, for more leg room and to provide easier access to the guts of the control panel...and just to make the damn thing easier to cut out.

I've got the artwork for the control panel close to finished. And I'm gonna go with all sanwa parts in this one. I'm gonna keep it japanese-based as much as I can. The ONLY real american cab giveaways are the marquee box and the coin door...but only because I can't find the right parts to fit the coin slots close to the control panel. Oh well.

I need to get a metal plate cut out and drilled for the control panel though. Does anyone on here offer that service?

Anyway. here's the new CP artwork.

Gonna order the PC parts to go into it next week. The case is going to be black and white, with the dark red control panel sections. Buttons & joysticks will be white. Gonna stick with Windows XP and MaLa for my interface. They are the easiest to setup for me.

Gonna use a iPac I had in my old cabinet for now for all the CP wiring, since I know it works well. The cab will have a 5.1 surround sound, and the front panel of the case that sits between the CP and the monitor will have a volume control knob, headset plug, usb ports for easier PC upgrades (or if someone wants to use a controller instead of the joysticks). Still gotta figure out how to swap those around easily enough.

This weekend if I can't start cutting, I'm gonna at least clean and repaint the front of the coin door, probably print out some new labels and wire up new lights to go in it.

Will probably need to get new mechs for it though...they are pretty ragged.

Anyway. That's it for now. I'm glad to finally be able to start working on this again.

Gatsu · « **Reply #76 on:** March 10, 2009, 11:20:16 am »

Finally got started this past weekend. Didn't get a lot of cutting, but did some plan modifying to make sure I have enough leg space, the cabs the right height...all that.
I also modified the design a little to make it easier to cut out.

Took apart the old coin door and I think I can get them all working again. It'll save me some money. Only part i'll have to buy is a bulb for the coin return button.

But I need some assistance with some metal work. I have zero metal working tools and can't really afford them right now. So if someone would be willing to help me out and cut out a metal control panel for me and drill the button holes, I'd greatly appreciate it.

PM me if you are willing to help. I'll pay for the materials and whatever you need for labor, and shipping.

I'm gonna start all the major cutting this weekend. I forgot my camera so I haven't gotten any shots yet. But I will next time Im working on it.

Gatsu · « **Reply #77 on:** March 29, 2009, 11:48:30 pm »

FINALLY some real progress.

The cutting has officially begun. So far I've got the bottom, top, front, back and 1 side of the lower portion of the case completed. Though sadly no pictures because I forgot my camera......

Now a question to all the builders out there. What should I use to put this thing together?
I was thinking of building up a frame out of 2x4's and just screw or glue the cut out pieces to that. I think that'd be pretty stable wouldn't you say?

I've gotta say once I got the pieces cut out....it looks a little on the short side. When I post pics you'll see. I might have to add some caster wheels just to give it a little extra height.

So next weekend I've gotta go buy another sheet of MDF, finish cutting the control panel, spine piece, side and marquee box out. Once thats done I can begin assembly.

I decided to stick with Happ parts for now. I'm getting Franco B to make me some custom Happ competition replacement shafts that will take the Sanwa balltops. So it will have a japanese look, but play how I like it. hehe.

I'll be sure to post pictures up next weekend when I get my camera out there.

ivwshane · « **Reply #78 on:** March 30, 2009, 04:26:18 am »

Quote from: Gatsu on January 04, 2009, 08:39:38 pm

Sadly no progress on the wood working phase.....I did draw out the plans and will be printing some example templates tomorrow at work.

Spent most of today configuring my system and recompiling mame to get rid of the nag screens. Worked the first time thankfully.

I've got a coin door left over from my first cabinet project. But one of the mechs is missing some pieces. So thats gonna get replaced. This week I hope to at least get the components of the cabinet cut out. My girlfriend is gonna be out of town tomorrow night, so I'll probably head over to my parents place and test out my new router! muwahahaha.

Im not sure where to order my marquee from. Its a custom job....still only 26"x8", but I want it within a week or so if thats possible. Mamemarquees? or Emdkay?

EDIT/ADD:
Here's another little update. Didnt think it was worth posting in a new reply.
Here's what my MaLa front end looks like. I'm only using Mame, a few PC Games and NullDC....so I didnt bother doing a whole tree.

How or where do you get that font in your layout?

Martijn · « **Reply #79 on:** March 30, 2009, 07:13:23 am »

wow gatsu, nice to see you got to the real building

Good luck with it. i think you will do a excellent job seeing your joystick builds

I constructed my panels with 2x4 and glued and screws from the inside


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