Smithotron: Build finished - Pictures

[monkey puzzle]

Hi. I've been wanting to build a Mame cab for about 3 years now, but struggled getting through the planning stage. After reading through the Project Arcade book and going through this forum, I could never make a decision on what I actually wanted. Which monitor do I use, do I have it vertical or horizontal or rotating, what controls do I use, what size do I want the cab, how much do I wan't to spend? e.t.c.

I realised that I was just going round in circles so in the end I decided to not design the project first (as I originally intended), and instead to just go ahead and build it, whilst making design decisions as I go. I understand that I may make mistakes this way, but thats the way I learn. This is my first cabinet, so if I'm not happy with the results, I can either modify, or start over again.

I'm not sure what artwork I'm going to use, or what PC to fit inside. I am going to try keeping a wood finnish on the sides of the cab by using stain and varnish, but if I'm not happy with this I can always paint over it. I'm calling the cab Smith-o-tron for now, but that name might change.
Anyway, I started construction a couple of weeks ago, I will post pictures and updates as I go. Any advice or critisisms will be welcomed, as I understand there are many people out there who know a lot more than me.


Pictures:

1/   For the sides I'm using a standard size sheet of Brazil ply.
2/   I've decided on a slim cab with LCD screen, so a single sheet should be enough for both sides.
3/   Cut out the basic shape with circular saw and used holesaw for internal radius's.
4/   Trimmed up the edges with router.

[javeryh]

Nice start!  It's best to jump in after thinking about it for a bit otherwise you risk overanalyzing everything.  Do you know how you are going to handle the CP integrating with the side panels?  Are you building the CP in between or putting a box on top?  I only ask because the transition from the flat area to the angled part (that the monitor will line up with) looks a bit tricky...   

[monkey puzzle]

Nice start!  It's best to jump in after thinking about it for a bit otherwise you risk overanalyzing everything.  Do you know how you are going to handle the CP integrating with the side panels?  Are you building the CP in between or putting a box on top?  I only ask because the transition from the flat area to the angled part (that the monitor will line up with) looks a bit tricky...   

I will be putting the CP between the sides, I always thought this looks more like a real arcade machine. I havn't really thought about what you said, but I guess I would cut the back of the CP at an angle, so that it would sit neatly up against the glass, without leaving too much of a gap.

[monkey puzzle]

Ok, Ive done a bit more work to the sides. I recieved my T-molding today from the good ole US of A, and just orderd my overpriced slot cutter router-bit, so that will be my next job.

5/   Stained the sides 'American walnut'
6/   Applied 3 coats of varnish
7/   I'm very happy with the satin finnish
8/   Painted primer on the insides, ready to paint them black

[monkey puzzle]

I've finally finished the sides. I've also bought the monitor and 4mm bronze toughened glass. Next I will have to do the base, top, speaker shelf, monitor shelf e.t.c.

9/    Painted insides of side panels
10/  Cut slot for T-moulding
11/  Fitted T-moulding
12/  The finished sides 

[boomstick]

Looks like your making some good progress

I know where your coming from on the planning stage, I've been wanting to build a cabinet since around late 2005. I've planned, bought some parts, planned some more, seen something new on the net or these forums, re-planned, bought new parts etc, etc, etc.  If i keep up at this rate, I'll be spending my pension on parts, whilst looking at an empty corner in my living room where my cabinet should be, fingers too arthritic to play.

So far I've built a couple of mock-up CP's and a coin box which i hook up to a PC when I play, they do the job, but its not the same.

I really think it's about time that I follow your example and Jump In.  After all, like yourself, it will be my first full cabinet build, so I can always use it as an enjoyable learning esxperience.

Anyhow, I look forward to seeing your progress.  Reading your project thread may well have given me that final "kick in the ass" I need!
Cheers

[monkey puzzle]

Looks like your making some good progress

I know where your coming from on the planning stage, I've been wanting to build a cabinet since around late 2005. I've planned, bought some parts, planned some more, seen something new on the net or these forums, re-planned, bought new parts etc, etc, etc.  If i keep up at this rate, I'll be spending my pension on parts, whilst looking at an empty corner in my living room where my cabinet should be, fingers too arthritic to play.

So far I've built a couple of mock-up CP's and a coin box which i hook up to a PC when I play, they do the job, but its not the same.

I really think it's about time that I follow your example and Jump In.  After all, like yourself, it will be my first full cabinet build, so I can always use it as an enjoyable learning esxperience.

Anyhow, I look forward to seeing your progress.  Reading your project thread may well have given me that final "kick in the ass" I need!
Cheers

Good luck with your build, and make sure you take lots of pics and post them on these forums! I too have been reading these forums for a few years, but I have already found that you learn a lot more when you actually starting building. You find that you come to hurdles that you never even thought of before, and then you find a way over that hurdle and come to another e.t.c. Each time you find yourself finding out more about that actual part than you already knew. I don't know if that makes sense but you will know what I mean when you start building. Anyway, I've done a bit more to my cab now (built base, top, monitor shelf etc.) and will post more pics soon.

[monkey puzzle]

O.K. time for an update. Havn't done a lot lately but here goes anyway:

13/   Cut plywood for base, monitor shelf, speaker shelf, top, lower back, angled bit.
14/   Made base and fitted wheels.
15/   Painted everything black.
16/   Made some brackets for inside.

[monkey puzzle]

Things are all starting to come together now. It's starting to look a bit more like an arcade machine and a bit less like a pile of wood. I'm pleased I haven't made any major cock-ups yet (except for a slip of the router, but that was easily repairable). I am starting to wonder though if I should have put a bit of a slope on the control panel area, we'll have to wait and see what it's like.
Anyway, I found it relatively easy to put everything together, and managed to do it all by myself no problems. I'm also pleased that I haven't had to put a single screw though the sides from the outside, and yet everything feels very solid.

Hmmm can't seem to attach pictures, it used to be in additional options, but isn't there anymore.

[Kman-Sweden]

Realy nice. 

[monkey puzzle]

Realy nice. 

Thanks I'll get some more pictures up as soon as its working again.

[monkey puzzle]

Ok, I couldn't get pictures up before, but it seems its working again so here goes:

17/   Attached strips of plywood to the inside of sides, and drawer runners for keyboard.
18/   The underneath of the base, I have fitted my brackets to the sides for stability.
19/   All screwed together with monitor shelf, lower back e.t.c.
20/   Also got top on and back angled bit. Its starting to look like something now!

[Si the Sigh]

Hello,

This cab is looking great so far! Do you have the rough sizes of the side panels? If so, could you post them please? I'm about to build a slim cab and this looks like a great project to keep an eye on as an example.

All the best with the build.

Si

[monkey puzzle]

Hello,

This cab is looking great so far! Do you have the rough sizes of the side panels? If so, could you post them please? I'm about to build a slim cab and this looks like a great project to keep an eye on as an example.

All the best with the build.

Si

I'm afraid, I didn't make any digital plans, I just made scetches on paper as I went along, but I'll try to expain as best as possible:

Total height:   1800mm
Distance from bottom to control panel top:  950mm
Distance from control panel top to bottom of marque:  647mm
Height of marque:   203mm

Therefore the 1st dimention equals the sum of the other 3


Distance from front to back:  600mm
Distance from front of marque to back:  370mm
Depth of control panel:   230mm

Hope this helps. If I didn't explain it very clear, or you need any other dimentions, please let me know. Good luck with your build, I can't wait to see it.

[Si the Sigh]

Many thanks. I'll try and knock up a sketch from those dimensions and if it's all looking good, I'll crack on and cut the wood.

Thanks again for the reply.

[monkey puzzle]

Haven't done much in a while. But now I've finally found a shop that sells 15mm (5/8")MDF.

21/  I decided to put a bit of a slope (about 9 deg) on the control panel so I re-routed the sides

22/   Cut and fitted top back panel

23/   Cut MDF for front door and control panel

[Epyx]

I like that slope...not too much but definitely changes the look for the better!

[Vebbo]

Nice progress. Looks really good. 

[monkey puzzle]

Done a little bit more. I decided to paint the bare wood on the inside of the cabinet. I don't know if this was really necesary as you will never see the insides except for repair.

24/   Made a stand for the monitor to bring it to the correct height and screwed it to shelf

25/   Painted the unpainted parts of the inside, and fitted monitor

26/   Fitted a brace to the back of monitor and insides of cab to avoid any wobble

27/   Painted and fitted back panels

[Yvan256]

Shouldn't the monitor be in the center of the monitor area? I mean, at the position the monitor is mounted right now, you will have a very small area at the top of the monitor before reaching the speakers panel and a huuuuuge area at the bottom of the monitor before reaching the control panel. Imagine the monitor bezel artwork and the final look.

Unless of course you plan to do something that I completely missed. 

[monkey puzzle]

Shouldn't the monitor be in the center of the monitor area? I mean, at the position the monitor is mounted right now, you will have a very small area at the top of the monitor before reaching the speakers panel and a huuuuuge area at the bottom of the monitor before reaching the control panel. Imagine the monitor bezel artwork and the final look.

Unless of course you plan to do something that I completely missed. 

Good point. I wanted the monitor at this height because it is the correct height for my eye level (and I will be playing it the most). The distance above the monitor is about the same as the distance at the sides (you can see this more clearly in picture 28). This leaves a much bigger area at the bottom. I was thinking of painting a black border around the edges of the monitor, and have the bottom border the same size as the top and sides. The remaining area at the bottom I was going to fill up with the same artwork as the control panel. Tell me what you think this would be like. If need be, I can always have a re-think and change it.

 

[drventure]

Very nice. I love the stained wood finish, but then I'm a sucker for nice woodworking 

And the black tmold looks great!

I thought  about something like that a while back, but I was always concerned that a vast amount of detailess stained wood sides would detract from things. I'd considered traditional cabinet panel design (rail and stile), but, well, that's a little beyond me right now.

But this is looking good, so maybe my concerns were unwarranted...

[Yvan256]

The remaining area at the bottom I was going to fill up with the same artwork as the control panel. Tell me what you think this would be like. If need be, I can always have a re-think and change it.

I think the best thing right now would be to do a 2D drawing/sketch with the appropriate dimensions and see how it would look like. One way to merge the CP and the extra area under the monitor (minus the bezel) would be a rounded CP of some sort, though that would make the whole thing harder to build.

[monkey puzzle]

The remaining area at the bottom I was going to fill up with the same artwork as the control panel. Tell me what you think this would be like. If need be, I can always have a re-think and change it.

I think the best thing right now would be to do a 2D drawing/sketch with the appropriate dimensions and see how it would look like. One way to merge the CP and the extra area under the monitor (minus the bezel) would be a rounded CP of some sort, though that would make the whole thing harder to build.

Good idea, I'll try and knock up a scetch.

[monkey puzzle]

Very nice. I love the stained wood finish, but then I'm a sucker for nice woodworking 

And the black tmold looks great!

I thought  about something like that a while back, but I was always concerned that a vast amount of detailess stained wood sides would detract from things. I'd considered traditional cabinet panel design (rail and stile), but, well, that's a little beyond me right now.

But this is looking good, so maybe my concerns were unwarranted...

Thanks. I like a stained and varnished finish too. Also I thought it would be the simplest route to take for me. I have never fitted laminate before, and I think that with stained wood it doesn't matter as much if there are any imperfections. And I think it ages well too.

[monkey puzzle]

The remaining area at the bottom I was going to fill up with the same artwork as the control panel. Tell me what you think this would be like. If need be, I can always have a re-think and change it.

I think the best thing right now would be to do a 2D drawing/sketch with the appropriate dimensions and see how it would look like. One way to merge the CP and the extra area under the monitor (minus the bezel) would be a rounded CP of some sort, though that would make the whole thing harder to build.

Ok, I don't know if this will help but heres something I just knocked up in Paint. It doesn't have the type of artwork I will use but it gives an idea of scale and hopefully gives an impression of what it could look like. Telll me what you think. I don't think I could do a rounded CP.

[Yvan256]

Ok, I don't know if this will help but heres something I just bodged up in paint. It doesn't have the type of artwork I will use but it gives an idea of scale and hopefully gives an impression of what it could look like. Telll me what you think. I don't think I could do a rounded CP.

One thing you could do is put all the credits/players/admin buttons on that panel, clearing up space on the main CP for the actual game controls and maybe have room for extra controllers you thought you had no room for.

[monkey puzzle]

Ok, I don't know if this will help but heres something I just bodged up in paint. It doesn't have the type of artwork I will use but it gives an idea of scale and hopefully gives an impression of what it could look like. Telll me what you think. I don't think I could do a rounded CP.

One thing you could do is put all the credits/players/admin buttons on that panel, clearing up space on the main CP for the actual game controls and maybe have room for extra controllers you thought you had no room for.

Hmm, I like the way you're thinking. Unfortunately it is part of the glass covering the monitor and you can't put holes in glass. But maybe I could mount a peice of plexiglass over it at an angle and put buttons in that.

[Yvan256]

Hmm, I like the way you're thinking. Unfortunately it is part of the glass covering the monitor and you can't put holes in glass. But maybe I could mount a peice of plexiglass over it at an angle and put buttons in that.

And if you do that, it's not much of a stretch to put curved joints (say, 5-10 cm radius) between the CP, the admin CP and the monitor glass...

[monkey puzzle]

And if you do that, it's not much of a stretch to put curved joints (say, 5-10 cm radius) between the CP, the admin CP and the monitor glass...

Sounds good but I've never worked with plexiglass before. I don't know how to go about putting a curve in, it sounds difficult. Also how would I go about putting a curve in between the admin CP and the monitor glass? I can't think how this can be done without the join being highly visible.

[monkey puzzle]

As well as being a gaming machine, I also want to use the setup for normal PC useage, so its important that I have a keyboard shelf that slides out easily. But it will be hidden away when not in use. It's also the right height to use with a bar stool.

30/   Made keyboard shelf from old peice of blockboard found in the shed and varnished

31/   Fitted to drawer runners. Shelf is actually quite sturdy and doesn't wobble on the runners.

[monkey puzzle]

Ok, I've now reached the point now where I have done all the woodwork and put everything together except the control panel, artwork and all the electronics. I've kept a log of the costs and so far its £230.78 ($383.45). This is quite cheap because a lot of the wood used has been odd bits I've found in the shed which I havn't included in the costings. £116 of the cost went on the monitor. I am going to have to start spending a bit of money now though before I can do any more (which could be tricky in my situation).



32/   Front door fitted using regular kitchen unit sprung hinges

33/   Front door on, control panel top layed in place (there will be something to hide the keyboard shelf)

34/   Glass fitted (yet to be painted around edges), speaker shelf fitted

[monkey puzzle]

I can't believe it's been 20 months since I last worked on my project! One divorce and one house move later and I've finally decided it's time to continue working on my cab. I've bought Utrak and U360 sticks (with stiff springs) from Ultimarc, and I also have some buttons on the way from Groovy game gear. I'm gonna get a lot of the smaller jobs out of the way before I work on my control panel. This will give me the time to design it properly.

35/   I broke the monitor case and soldered a couple of wires to the button for changing the monitor to widescreen mode. I'm gonna put another button on the back of the cab to make it easier to change.

36/   Painted the area around the montior black on the monitor glass.

37/   Trackball and joysticks from Ultimarc.

[GibsonRiddler]

Welcome back!!! Our hobby's always seem to take a back seat to life.

Really like the look of this. A very clean design. Nice to see it being finished.

[monkey puzzle]

Latest update: I received pushbuttons from GGG and made a mock-up of my control panel on a scrap peice of chipboard. I've noticed a few things I'm not too happy about with my design so the actual real control panel will be slightly different from this. I de-cased a set of PC speakers and fitted them to the speaker shelf along with the amplifier pcb from the speakers. The speaker grills I fitted were from a 1989 Nissan Sunny (the best car I ever owned), I knew there was a reason I kept them when scrapping the car.


38/   Mock-up of control panel

39/   PC speakers and circuit board fitted to inside of speaker shelf

40/   Speaker grills fitted

[Yvan256]

Latest update: I received pushbuttons from GGG and made a mock-up of my control panel on a scrap peice of chipboard. I've noticed a few things I'm not too happy about with my design so the actual real control panel will be slightly different from this.

It's better to make a simple control panel for testing than to regret it and have to make a second complete control panel with the overlay, the drilled plexiglass, etc. 

[monkey puzzle]

Latest update: I received pushbuttons from GGG and made a mock-up of my control panel on a scrap peice of chipboard. I've noticed a few things I'm not too happy about with my design so the actual real control panel will be slightly different from this.

It's better to make a simple control panel for testing than to regret it and have to make a second complete control panel with the overlay, the drilled plexiglass, etc. 

Thats exactly what I thought. Before I made this I was sure that the pause and exit buttons at the back would look great. Now I don't like them. Also, I think the sticks and buttons can come forward a bit, and player 2 controls can move to the right a bit to give more space between players. I'm still not sure where to put the player start buttons though.

[Yvan256]

I'm still not sure where to put the player start buttons though.

On the Neo-Geo, the player start buttons are above and a bit to the left of each player's joystick.

Another setup would be to put both buttons in the middle, roughly where your square buttons currently are.

[monkey puzzle]

I'm still not sure where to put the player start buttons though.

On the Neo-Geo, the player start buttons are above and a bit to the left of each player's joystick.

Another setup would be to put both buttons in the middle, roughly where your square buttons currently are.

I think I might put them either in the middle like you said, or above and between the joysticks and buttons.

[monkey puzzle]

Or maybe on the front edge of the control panel.