Author Topic: Rob's Arcade (Read 6928 times)

ViperStrike · « **on:** December 11, 2008, 06:10:38 pm »

Hey Guys,

New poster here. Figured I'd start a thread on my MAME Box Project so I can post status and get some help and tips from all of you.
This is my first ever attempt at an arcade machine.

So why am I calling it Half-Pint? Well I made my first error long before I even started. I told my wife what I planned on doing
So, to make a long story short to keep the peace I will not be building a full size machine. I personally do not like small Bartops so I will be building a combination of the two. My cabinet will basically be a large bartop with 2 player support.
Now full size!

The electronics I will be using:

Computer: I will chop this up to reduce weight
P4 2.8 Ghz CPU
1GB RAM
80 HD
Geforce 5200 Video Card
19" LCD Monitor

Software:
Maximus Arcade Front End

Controls:
2 Mag-Stik
I-PAQ
HAPP Buttons

Others:
a Smart Switch to control turning everything on and off at once.
Logitec 2.1 Speaker system

As for the wood I am still undecided on MDF, Plywood or Particle Board. I want it to be light but I will be using T-Moulding.

I have learned a lot from this site. My only real questions are on the control panel. I understand how to set it up. What I still need to figure out is:

1. What layout to use
2. Where to get everything I need

Is there any software out there to help with creating a layout? I know I saw some but at the time I was going to use the X-Arcade and ignored it.

Current Progress:

Computer setup and configured
Custom art work completed

Status:
On hold till after Christmas

Here is the graphic for the side of the machine and for the front end:

Any tips or suggestions would be great!

Thanks

All pictures are now here: http://imgur.com/a/ybR2j/all

leapinlew · « **Reply #1 on:** December 11, 2008, 08:15:16 pm »

You may want to do the cardboard mockup first. This thing has some funky measurements. Also, I don't know if it'll be wide enough for 2 people to play comfortably.

Good luck.

ViperStrike · « **Reply #2 on:** December 11, 2008, 08:18:14 pm »

Yeah the measurements are a mess, I need to fix that before I do anything.
I'm thinking of making it 24 inches wide.

hammyysu · « **Reply #3 on:** December 11, 2008, 09:12:17 pm »

i agree with the cardboard mock up first it is important. so if you want to change something it is easier to do with cardboard instead of wasting precious wood.

ViperStrike · « **Reply #4 on:** December 12, 2008, 11:54:45 am »

I agree with the cardboard mock up, thanks for the ideas guys.

I ordered 2 Mag-Stiks and a I-PAC today from Ultimarc.
I also ordered all of my buttons, T-Moulding and LED Marquee from Groovy Game Gear.
This will give me a good chance to mock up the controls before I start buying wood.

Best news of all, I showed my wife the rough size of this cabinet and she agreed that it was too big to be a bartop.
I'm now going full size

I'm going to be using plans I found on arcadecab.com.

ViperStrike · « **Reply #5 on:** December 19, 2008, 05:46:01 pm »

Well we had a snow day here in NY so I took advantage and did a mock up of my control panel.

I had some 1/2 inch plywood laying around so I used that. I am very glad a I did a mock up. Plywood is the wrong material for a control panel.
I will use MDF.

I went with a 26" X 14" size and I am happy with it. The cabinet will be 20" wide.
I took some pictures so you can see how bad the plywood splintered.

The overlays before drilling

After drilling straight through on the first holes I decided to drill half way and finish from the back.

You can see the splinters

More here

Finished mock up. I realized when I went to install the sticks that I had no bolts. Large zip ties worked for now.

Overall it was very educational for a first timer like myself.

ViperStrike · « **Reply #6 on:** December 28, 2008, 01:14:39 am »

I took advantage of the long weekend and finally began building the cabinet.
I decided to to use Birch plywood instead of MDF. I am very happy with my choice even though the plywood is $50 a sheet.

Portnoy · « **Reply #7 on:** December 28, 2008, 07:11:49 pm »

My 2 player cab CP is 25" wide. I'm 6' and my friends are about the same or bigger, none of us exactly thin. All games can be played comfortably side by side although i would not venture any smaller than that.

P

ViperStrike · « **Reply #8 on:** December 28, 2008, 09:16:26 pm »

I made the cabinet 22" wide so I might expand the control panel to 28"
My wife wants a spinner control so that will give me extra room. Not sure yet.
None of my friends are tall, we are though a little "wide"

I made some great progress today. She's now standing on her own.

ViperStrike · « **Reply #9 on:** December 30, 2008, 09:32:51 pm »

Even more progress.
I added the keyboard drawer and the front panel.
Both have spring loaded catch/releases on them, very smooth.

Up next, the control box.
I also got word that my slot cutter finally shipped so I will be doing that as well.

DaOld Man · « **Reply #10 on:** December 30, 2008, 09:34:33 pm »

Looking good!

ViperStrike · « **Reply #11 on:** January 02, 2009, 06:38:01 pm »

Thank you

I got the control box done and cut the Lexan.
Everything has just been sanded and will be primed soon.

ViperStrike · « **Reply #12 on:** January 16, 2009, 06:17:33 am »

Been a while since I updated but I am nearing the end.
I got my Marquee and CPO for Mame Marquee and I could not be happier with the quality.
Really top notch stuff. I also got some labels from Pongo that look great too.

Here is the complete control panel:

Here you can see the speakers and marquee light installed:

I hope to be done this weekend.

IG-88 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 16, 2009, 06:32:02 am »

Looks really good. The CP turned out nice.

ViperStrike · « **Reply #14 on:** January 18, 2009, 02:21:22 pm »

Thanks!

Had a party last night so I worked through the night to get it done in time.
It came out great, Everyone who played it had a lot of fun.
I won't say it's done as there are things I need to fix, but it's mostly done.

mccoy178 · « **Reply #15 on:** January 19, 2009, 02:03:49 pm »

Pretty good quality for a first timer! That looks fantastic.

DaOld Man · « **Reply #16 on:** January 19, 2009, 03:57:59 pm »

I agree!
That CP looks fantastic.
Any plans for a trackball? One with a blue light in it would match good.

ViperStrike · « **Reply #17 on:** January 19, 2009, 07:08:02 pm »

Thanks Guys,

I'd love to put in a trackball but this CP does not have the room. Maybe if I make another machine some day.
I also wish I had some rotary joysticks and a steering wheel and some pedals.
I don't even know where to get that stuff.

I still have to add the side art and get a second gun. I already have 1 Top Gun II and it's working well. The sensor bars are in back of the glass, I left the LEDs exposed so it would work. I'm thinking tinted plexi might be a better solution.

mr_doles · « **Reply #18 on:** January 20, 2009, 09:59:09 am »

That looks great. I have been a little worried about going with a 20" monitor myself.

Quote from: ViperStrike on December 28, 2008, 09:16:26 pm

I made the cabinet 22" wide so I might expand the control panel to 28"

What size did you end up going with on the width of the cab, 22"? And did you expand the CP to 28"? What size bezel did you use for the monitor?

ViperStrike · « **Reply #19 on:** January 20, 2009, 10:09:35 am »

The cab is 22" wide, I left the control panel at 26" x 14" and it's a nice size for 2 adults side by side.
It is a bit small though if you want a trackball, everything pictured just fit snugly in the control box.

The bezel is a piece of Poly cut 18" H x 20.5" wide.
I then taped off the screen and LEDs and spray painted it. After it dried I pulled the tape and flipped it.
I still need to measure the boarder.

ViperStrike · « **Reply #20 on:** July 31, 2009, 10:38:20 am »

Fixed all the missing pictures.

Shortbus · « **Reply #21 on:** August 29, 2009, 11:41:16 am »

I'd say for a first arcade machine build, you did better than myself, yes the birch plywood, although heavy and expensive, is a good choice, like a well made piece of furniture, rather than a bookshelf made of particle board from wal-mart. I agree. personal preference.

just wanted to add that the pics are great, good craftsmanship, sure this isn't Norm Abrams? from this old video game?LOL. good deal man, I'll keep checking on your updates. I like it alot...

peace

sham69 · « **Reply #22 on:** September 07, 2009, 08:21:44 am »

Cab looks great.
I love the Control Panel, a very neat finish.
I am currently getting a panel cut for my cab (to replace my metal panel) and am basing it on yours (hope you don't mind)

Can I ask you a question.
How did you get the lexan/plexi to stay on the control panel, I don't see any screws (I can see a glare from the photo so I assume it is plexi)
Thanks
Sham.

ivwshane · « **Reply #23 on:** September 07, 2009, 02:37:57 pm »

Quote from: sham69 on September 07, 2009, 08:21:44 am

Cab looks great.
I love the Control Panel, a very neat finish.
I am currently getting a panel cut for my cab (to replace my metal panel) and am basing it on yours (hope you don't mind)

Can I ask you a question.
How did you get the lexan/plexi to stay on the control panel, I don't see any screws (I can see a glare from the photo so I assume it is plexi)
Thanks
Sham.

The buttons hold down the plexi. No need for screws, so long as you have the buttons in place.

sham69 · « **Reply #24 on:** September 08, 2009, 03:24:00 am »

Quote from: ivwshane on September 07, 2009, 02:37:57 pm

Quote from: sham69 on September 07, 2009, 08:21:44 am
Cab looks great.
I love the Control Panel, a very neat finish.
I am currently getting a panel cut for my cab (to replace my metal panel) and am basing it on yours (hope you don't mind)

Can I ask you a question.
How did you get the lexan/plexi to stay on the control panel, I don't see any screws (I can see a glare from the photo so I assume it is plexi)
Thanks
Sham.

The buttons hold down the plexi. No need for screws, so long as you have the buttons in place.

Thanks for the reply.
I have seen some people that screw it down so was wondering.
It seems so obvious now....
Is it difficult to get a curve on the plexi?


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