Cyber Sled Cab

[SafTguY]

So, I wanted to build a stand-up Arcade cabinet for a while. I messed around with MAME for a while, and couldn't get it to work the way I wanted (chalk it up to my lack of computer savvy).

I ended up building a cabinet from scratch and mounting a 26" TV screen into it for my PS2. It turned out OK, but, like most of my capentry work - a little half-assed.

So - I started looking for an actual cabinet. Something to replace the one I built. I already had the screen and I had bought an X-Arcade dual joystick for it with the Playstation adaptors.

After many months of searching E-bay and Craigslist.org, I foud one that I wanted for $20.

And here it is - The CyberSled Cabinet!



Once I started stripping the hardware from the cabinet (after I got it in my basement anyway, Don't ask how many scrapes and pulled muscles THAT cost me) I realized that the cabinet had some hidden issues and I was going to have to (groan) do some carpentry work to it.

I already was expecting to have to build a holding bracket for the joystick, but the four bottom corners were broken as well once I removed the metal protectors. Also, the side art, that I had intended to touch up and keep, were more damaged than I originally thought.

I pulled the monitor bezels, the coin door, the marquee and all of the miscellaneous wiring from inside the cabinet and prepared to strip the stickers. Blading the stickers off took a lot of time, but I eventually had a clean cabinet that I was ready to fill in the cracks/holes, etc and prep for paint.

Being the carpenter I am, I used drywall mud (joint compound) to fill the imperfections in the cabinet and sanded it smooth. I then set the cabinet aside to build the add-ons for the bottom and the controls, so I could paint the whole thing at once.

[Gatsu]

oh please tell me you're gonna make that a verses fighter cabinet! that would be so sweet!

[SafTguY]

My intent is to have MAME on one side (I know a guy who's gonna help with the software). I have a Gateway with a juiced video card that has s-video out so - another 26" TV screen.

The other side wil be set-up for the PS2. I got the OK from Wifey to buy another X-arcade dual stick.

I AM, however going to install a switchbox on the screens so that I can play vs. someone on both sides with both systems (ex. Soulblade on both screens). Also installing some Playstation extension controller cords to both sides of the front for regular controllers (X-arcade only works for so much - yaknow?)

Last thing is - Cable IN to the switcher. I only have so much room in the basement between the bar, the touchscreen juke I'm (also) working on and the sit-down I'm (again, also) working on for the kids. So the cable will be nice for sports and whatnot during get togethers.

Ordered the Amp and Speakers today too - check it out:

[Blanka]

What amp is that?

[SafTguY]

Cheap 200W from China I got off ebay. $10.00 and 10.00 to ship.

Thought I'd try it out. It's a car amp, but it's a standard 12v adaptor.

[system01]

Dont be so hard on yourself about the wood skills;  from the last pic it looks like youre only about 7.

Seriously, this looks like an interesting project.  I keep looking at that center yellow piece and thinking of all the feature-creep possibilities.

Good luck!

[SafTguY]

New Red and Blue T-molding arrived today and Speakers arrive UPS Tomorrow!

Yee Ha!

[SafTguY]

Update

OK - The cab is painted, the foot bar is on.

I got the speakers and I'm looking at some red and blue neon tubes for the speaker plenum, under the control panel and under the foot bar. (pics to come soon...)

Also - I think I have the theme for the cab - Heaven and Hellcade

Soul Calibur characters on both sides (Siggy and Nightmare) and on the front panel. with MAME logo on one side and PS2 logo on the other.

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g85/SafTguY/CyberMAME/nightmare.jpg
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g85/SafTguY/CyberMAME/Siggy.jpg

What do you think?

[system01]

Oh ---Cleveland steamer---!  I think that's an sweet idea!

Dont know your stance on using the MAME logo, but I remember seeing (can't find it now) angel and devil logos on one of those arcade-art sites.

<edit> Couldn't find the source, but found these:
http://www.gdilly.com/images/pic-mamegoodbig.jpg
http://www.gdilly.com/images/pic-mamebadbig.jpg

[SafTguY]

Those are Awesome! Thanx, exactly what I need.

[SafTguY]

ARRRRGGGHHHH!!!

Too much stuff going on! Hopefully be able to work on it this weekend. (send the kids outside to play so they leave me alone)

[rol]

That is a beast!

I've never seen that in an arcade before, but I googled it - looks like it had some chairs that went with it...the possibilities of that cab are awesome...

Good luck!

I'm going to keep an eye on this one - high expectations!! 

--Tom

[foleykoontz]

You're missing the biggest opportunity for these cabinets! Get 2 PS2s, link them, and play dual screen Time Crisis 2 and 3! Use a rock band bass pedal or some other switch for the pedal.