"Rainy Days" - 2-player upright cabinet [UPDATED 02/22/10!] - 100% FINISHED!

[dekar24k]

"Rainy Days" - 2-player arcade cabinet

The cabinet is now 100% completed and here is the result:







Click here to see all the pictures!



--

The cabinet features the following:

- Custom artwork

- Two Sanwa JLW-UM8 joysticks (one for each player) in 8-way mode

- One dedicated JLW-UM8 joystick in 4-way mode

- 7 buttons for each player + 3 trackball buttons + 1 button for the 4-way joystick + 2 x 2 flipper buttons + 10 admin buttons (all Happ)

- One U-TRAK trackball from Ultimarc

- One Spintrak Spinner from Ultimarc

- 27" WG D9800 + Ultimarc ArcadeVGA2

- Cabinet is built using MameRoom.com's UAII Kit

--

Thanks to:

Andy @ Ultimarc.com for getting that arcade hardware to my doorstep faster than anyone could, Scott @ Mameroom.com/North Coast Customs for the excellent service and swift shipments, Scott @ Mamemarquees.com for the best printing work I've ever seen, Ole @ CopyCat Oslo for delivering some excellent prints, thanks to my friends and family for all the help, my girlfriend for still sticking with me after all the weird stuff I've been doing (weird to her, that is) and not to forget everyone here at BYOAC for being helpful and friendly as always!

BTW, this cabinet is waaaay too big for my living room, so I will start building a new, smaller one soon.  

[thatitalian]

NICE! I really liked your bartop so hopefully this one will be the same!

I would really love to have a WG D9800, so I would suggest that as it is an awesome bit of kit!

GOOD LUCK!

[dekar24k]

NICE! I really liked your bartop so hopefully this one will be the same!

I would really love to have a WG D9800, so I would suggest that as it is an awesome bit of kit!

GOOD LUCK!

Thanks man.

I'd prefer a D9800 myself, but the problem is that noone sells them here in Norway and therefore it'll cost me nearly $800 (with shipping) to get one from the US. 

[thatitalian]

Yeah, they are hard enough to get in the UK as well.

You could always get one from here and ship if over? How would that work currency wise? Is it worth it?

[dekar24k]

Yeah, they are hard enough to get in the UK as well.

You could always get one from here and ship if over? How would that work currency wise? Is it worth it?

Perhaps. I haven't investigated prices in UK yet, do you know of any retailers?

[thatitalian]

Unfortunately I don't. I have been looking for a short while. eBay has them from time to time.

[dekar24k]

Unfortunately I don't. I have been looking for a short while. eBay has them from time to time.

Ok. I'm also trying to get one from Sweden though. Sweden has more arcade enthusiasts than Norway, unfortunately.

[emphatic]

Unfortunately I don't. I have been looking for a short while. eBay has them from time to time.

Ok. I'm also trying to get one from Sweden though. Sweden has more arcade enthusiasts than Norway, unfortunately.

Hi, it's you who wrote that want-ad for one of these @ Arkadtorget? Have you thought about going with a 29" low res from www.arcadegames.se instead? They do have Panasonic tri-sync monitors as well, but I would personally go with a low res only, as geometry issues are bound to exist on tri-sync monitors.

Edit: You are aware of this Norwegian shop: http://www.parts4pinballs.com/index.php?cPath=1_146 ?

[dekar24k]

Unfortunately I don't. I have been looking for a short while. eBay has them from time to time.

Ok. I'm also trying to get one from Sweden though. Sweden has more arcade enthusiasts than Norway, unfortunately.

Hi, it's you who wrote that want-ad for one of these @ Arkadtorget? Have you thought about going with a 29" low res from www.arcadegames.se instead? They do have Panasonic tri-sync monitors as well, but I would personally go with a low res only, as geometry issues are bound to exist on tri-sync monitors.

Edit: You are aware of this Norwegian shop: http://www.parts4pinballs.com/index.php?cPath=1_146 ?

Hey, that's me indeed.

29" is too big for the cabinet but I'm aware of those two sites. I don't have any experience with any of the monitors they're offering though.

Do you know if this is any good? http://www.parts4pinballs.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_146&products_id=3083 (Intervideo 25" Dual Frequency 15-25Khz)

[emphatic]

Hey, that's me indeed.

29" is too big for the cabinet but I'm aware of those two sites. I don't have any experience with any of the monitors they're offering though.

Do you know if this is any good? http://www.parts4pinballs.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_146&products_id=3083 (Intervideo 25" Dual Frequency 15-25Khz)

I believe that Intervideo is a quality brand, so I think that they're very nice. Don't know if it has the OSD of the WG's though. I really like dual-syncs, and that one has a curved tube which will probably give you a very nice geometry. I'm currently using my dual-sync Nanao MS9 in 24khz mode, and it's gorgeous.  I had a Wei-Ya tri-sync, but the constant need to tweak it made me quite unhappy.

Perhaps emailing parts4pinballs and asking them of the quality of the Intervideos compared to the WG's would give you a better picture of what they're capable of.

[dekar24k]

Hey, that's me indeed.

29" is too big for the cabinet but I'm aware of those two sites. I don't have any experience with any of the monitors they're offering though.

Do you know if this is any good? http://www.parts4pinballs.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_146&products_id=3083 (Intervideo 25" Dual Frequency 15-25Khz)

I believe that Intervideo is a quality brand, so I think that they're very nice. Don't know if it has the OSD of the WG's though. I really like dual-syncs, and that one has a curved tube which will probably give you a very nice geometry. I'm currently using my dual-sync Nanao MS9 in 24khz mode, and it's gorgeous.  I had a Wei-Ya tri-sync, but the constant need to tweak it made me quite unhappy.

Perhaps emailing parts4pinballs and asking them of the quality of the Intervideos compared to the WG's would give you a better picture of what they're capable of.

Thanks a lot for your advice. I'll try calling/e-mailing them tomorrow and ask them some questions.

[dekar24k]

Version 1 of the marquee:



As I did with my last marquee, I found some nice vector graphics on the net which I've used for the background (clouds and rainbow). I tried 20 different fonts before I decided to go for this one, which I think goes nicely with the cloudy background. Also notice the classic game characters on the right side of the rainbow.

[drventure]

I like it. Got that retro vibe going. Though, it seems to me there's something not quite right about the clouds. Their shape just doesn't seem to fit in to me.

But I'd be hard pressed to suggest something to make it better.

[mwong168]

Nice marquee, but I have a question regarding your bartop you completed.  How come you mounted the track ball and plate over top of your nice control panel artwork?  Was it a last minute decision to add the track ball?

[dekar24k]

Nice marquee, but I have a question regarding your bartop you completed.  How come you mounted the track ball and plate over top of your nice control panel artwork?  Was it a last minute decision to add the track ball?

Thanks guys! Well, it was simply because the control panel was cut to fit the 2 1/4" ultimarc trackball and it requires a top mounting plate. I thought of routing the plate down into the wooden panel, but I had no idea how to do that. On this cabinet I will use a flushmount 3" trackball, so it won't be an issue here.

[mwong168]

That's really too bad, all you would have had to do is make a template and a route it out to the correct depth.  Unfortunately the template I made for my 2.25" track ball was a one time use thing but my HAPP one I made to route from under the panel worked like a dream again for me 2 weeks ago when I did my bartop control panel.  Can't wait to see some pics of this project when you start it.

[dekar24k]

That's really too bad, all you would have had to do is make a template and a route it out to the correct depth.  Unfortunately the template I made for my 2.25" track ball was a one time use thing but my HAPP one I made to route from under the panel worked like a dream again for me 2 weeks ago when I did my bartop control panel.  Can't wait to see some pics of this project when you start it.

Yeah, but I would have to tear off the CP artwork and then I'd have to order a new one. Plus I got tired of that cabinet pretty fast, as it was too small and only a single player cab. I won't get tired of this new one though (I hope).

[dekar24k]

Ok, I'm finished with the marquee:

http://arcadeforum.com/gfx/marquee_final.jpg

Now to start working on the CP overlay (the hardest part IMO).

[mustafab1]

Ok, I'm finished with the marquee:

http://arcadeforum.com/gfx/marquee_final.jpg

Now to start working on the CP overlay (the hardest part IMO).

Wow that looks cool (and rainy )!

[dekar24k]

Ok, I'm finished with the marquee:

http://arcadeforum.com/gfx/marquee_final.jpg

Now to start working on the CP overlay (the hardest part IMO).

Wow that looks cool (and rainy )!

Thanks! Hoping to order the prints tonight, if I can only finish the CPO.

[dekar24k]

Just finished the control panel:

(WARNING: Huge image!)

http://www.arcadeforum.com/gfx/cp_final_with_outline.jpg

It might look a little messy, but I think it'll look cool underneath the controls and buttons.

[Namco]

Wow, great theme and panel. I would never think of using bright blues and greens myself, so I'm really drawn to the bright wispy theme. Very nice!

[Gatsu]

thats very awesome work. Can't wait to see how it all fits together.

[solid187]

I agree.  Very, very cool.  Got sum talent.

[dekar24k]

Thanks alot! Remember I've cheated with the rainbow though, it's a vector I've downloaded. Oh and, of course, I haven't drawn the Burger Time character either. Wish I could draw characters like that though.

BTW, I found this awesome site with tons of free arcade artwork (all vector). Don't know if you already know about it, but it's still pretty cool:

http://vectorlib.free.fr/

[dekar24k]

Ok, now my first "problem" has come up. I decided to get a WG D9800 27" for the cabinet but the only place I can order it is from xgaming (didn't find any other retailer closer to Norway). This means two things: 1. The shipping is hella expensive (almost more expensive than the monitor itself) and 2. Xgaming does not refund any potential shipping damage caused by FedEx (FedEx will cover this, but I'm not sure if they cover anything but the monitor itself). Therefore, if the monitor is damaged in transit I will have to pay for the shipping of a 2nd monitor.

I'm really leaning towards getting a PC CRT now, but I can't seem to find any bigger 4:3 monitors than 21" (are there bigger?).

If I could only find a retailer in Sweden, Denmark, Germany or whatever who sells WG monitors it would be so awesome. Any tips anyone?

Edit: What the heck. I'll order the WG D9800 from XGaming. What are the odds of FedEx breaking it? I've heard they are carefully packaged.

[Kman-Sweden]

Unfortunately I don't. I have been looking for a short while. eBay has them from time to time.

Ok. I'm also trying to get one from Sweden though. Sweden has more arcade enthusiasts than Norway, unfortunately.

Hi, it's you who wrote that want-ad for one of these @ Arkadtorget? Have you thought about going with a 29" low res from www.arcadegames.se instead? They do have Panasonic tri-sync monitors as well, but I would personally go with a low res only, as geometry issues are bound to exist on tri-sync monitors.

Edit: You are aware of this Norwegian shop: http://www.parts4pinballs.com/index.php?cPath=1_146 ?

Hey, that's me indeed.

29" is too big for the cabinet but I'm aware of those two sites. I don't have any experience with any of the monitors they're offering though.

Do you know if this is any good? http://www.parts4pinballs.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_146&products_id=3083 (Intervideo 25" Dual Frequency 15-25Khz)

Does anyone of you know how wide/high the 29" is at arcadegames.se? There's info about that on the 25"-er but nothing much on the 29"..
edit: I like all the artwork as well. 

[emphatic]

Apparently, the stock over at arcadegames.se is dropping fast. So you should hurry up as they say it's the last ones they'll stock. They have Panasonic tri-sync ones that might be very nice.

Edit: The raindrops and other circular details in your marquee seem stretched into ovals, is this intentional? The same (rainbow piece) on the CPO has perfect circles. I thought I'd mention this now, and not when the artwork comes back from the printers in case you'd done this by mistake.

[dekar24k]

Apparently, the stock over at arcadegames.se is dropping fast. So you should hurry up as they say it's the last ones they'll stock. They have Panasonic tri-sync ones that might be very nice.

Edit: The raindrops and other circular details in your marquee seem stretched into ovals, is this intentional? The same (rainbow piece) on the CPO has perfect circles. I thought I'd mention this now, and not when the artwork comes back from the printers in case you'd done this by mistake.

Yeah I screwed up a little bit as I started working with wrong proportions when doing the marquee. As you can see the logo is not affected, so I don't think I'm going to correct it as I'm sure it won't be visible when printed and inserted into the marquee retainer. I can always re-do the marquee at a later time as well. Thanks for letting me know though.

[dekar24k]

So I finally decided to go for the real thing and ordered a WG D9800 and an ArcadeVGA2 on Friday. Can't wait to see if it's as good as (almost) everyone say it is.

[dekar24k]

So, finally an update!

Day 1 - T-molding and assembly of the bottom part of the cabinet

So I received the UAII Kit a couple of days ago from Mameroom. The MDF were in perfect condition,









.. but unfortunately, the monitor plexi and control panel plexi had taken a beating.





When I e-mailed Scott @ Mameroom about this, he instantly replied that he was sending out replacements ASAP. I'm very impressed with Mameroom! I mean; how many companies practice such great service nowadays? Not many. Not at all.

Anyways, as the plexi weren't crucial for the beginning of the assembly, so I started putting the cabinet kit together.



First I applied t-molding, which went pretty fast as I've done it a couple of times before. A rubber mallet and a razor is all you really need for that process.



After t-molding was applied, together with all required pins and inserts, I started assembling the bottom part of the cabinet. This was an easy task, as the MDF is cut to perfect precision and the instruction manual is easy to follow.





When I finished assembling the bottom part I started realizing how big this cabinet really is. It is at least three times as big as the mini cabinet I've previously built.



The funny (and worrying) thing is, my girlfriend has no idea how huge this cabinet is. I wonder how she'll react when I bring this baby home.

--

So.. That was all the time I had for today, tomorrow I will assemble the upper part of the cabinet.

[dekar24k]

Posting another update right away!

Day 2 - Assembly of the upper part of the cabinet

I'm posting another update right away. This time I am assembling the upper part of the cabinet.

Once again, applying t-molding and pin inserts to all the MDF parts:



The upper part of the cabinet was just as easy to assemble as the bottom part and after a little while it was assembled:



When I started planning this cabinet I was thinking of using the biggest 2.1 Stereo speaker setup I could find, but I ended up with a "decent" set of Creative Inspire T3130 2.1 speakers (with subwoofer). The reason was because I had the chance to listen to them first at the electronics store and for a mid-range set of computer speakers, these were really good. The sound is very crisp, loud and the bass is pounding just right for an arcade cabinet. They also feature a wired volume control, which is good for integrating into the cabinet. Also, the speaker wires are long enough to go all the way from the marquee and down to the bottom part of the cabinet (where the computer will be put).



I attached the speakers using what we in Norway call "patent strips", I have no idea what you call it in the US. Very solid, stable and easy way to secure the speakers to the cabinet.



(Spot the dog)



As you can see, the speakers fit perfectly.



Also, the speaker wires are more than long enough to reach all the way down to the PC in the bottom of the cabinet (spot the dog).



That's all for this update. I'm still waiting for the replacement CP plexi and I can't start working on the control panel until I receive it, so there might be a couple of days until my next update.

Have a nice weekend everyone!

[Erik]

is that a garage or an operating room?

[dekar24k]

is that a garage or an operating room?

It's one of the rooms in a triple garage. My dad doesn't use it so I've occupied it with my arcade building stuff.

Edit: It's definitely not an operating room. 

[Gamester]

Hrmmm... it's hard to judge the exact depth of everything in the photo, but those speakers sure look like they're going to be problematic to me.  I'm trying to figure out how you're going to light your marquee with those sticking up so far?  It doesn't look like there's room to put the light(s) in front of them, and if you put the light behind, I would think the speakers are going to create large shadows.

Hope I'm wrong...

[dekar24k]

Hrmmm... it's hard to judge the exact depth of everything in the photo, but those speakers sure look like they're going to be problematic to me.  I'm trying to figure out how you're going to light your marquee with those sticking up so far?  It doesn't look like there's room to put the light(s) in front of them, and if you put the light behind, I would think the speakers are going to create large shadows.

Hope I'm wrong...

It's hard to see in this picture, but there's plenty of room above them.

[dekar24k]

I'm still waiting for the replacement CP plexi and the WG D9800, but here's a quick artwork update!

My friends over at CopyCat printed the artwork on adhesive, laminated vinyl while I waited.



The marquee might look a little washed out on this picture, due to the light, but it's really crisp and colorful:


The CP artwork:



I also received a box full of toys from Ultimarc



As soon as I receive the replacement CP plexi I will start working on the control panel. Expect a new update with tons of pictures very soon. Happy Holidays everyone!

[dekar24k]

Day 3 - Monitor mounting and control panel assembly

Sorry for the slow updates, but I've been sick all New Year's weekend, so I haven't had the time to party or work on the arcade.

I was actually going to use second-hand hardware, but I figured I could might as well buy everything new (since everything else on the cabinet is new).

The hardware specs are as follows:

- Intel Core 2 Duo E7600 @3.06GHz w. a Scythe Kabuto fan for maximum noise reduction (I might overclock this one a little)
- Some Kingston DDR2 valueRAM I don't remember the specs on
- Mist 500W ATX PSU
- Seagate Barracuda 7200RPM SATA 320GB HDD
- ASRock 4CoreDual-SATA2 R2.0 S-775 (S775 mb with AGP and PCI-Ex sockets)
- Ultimarc ArcadeVGA2 (AGP, they didn't have PCI-Ex in stock, hence the dual-motherboard)





The ArcadeVGA2. Too bad I had to get the AGP version (the PCI-Ex version were out of stock and I wasn't patient enough to wait)



As you can see, it's got regular VGA and DVI inputs.



I mounted the PC inside the arcade cabinet using bolts and wooden screws. Very secure.



Every arcade cabinet needs a powerstrip and this powerstrip was something I accidentally stumbled upon while shopping for some other stuff a few days ago. It is not an ordinary powerstrip and it's perfect for arcade cabinets. Why? - I'll tell you all a little later.



Top and bottom parts of the cabinet mounted. Had to get a little help from my dad on this one, heavy stuff!



Marquee light mounted. Fits nicely.



.. And here's a close-up to show that it is not interfering with the speakers in any way. Plenty of room.



Dad's working on a way to mount the huge 27" Wells Gardner.



It wasn't easy to mount the monitor to be honest. It's damn heavy and there's not much space on the sides for fingers/hands when trying to slide it inside the cabinet.



This might not be the most pretty looking way to mount a monitor, but I can ensure you that it's rock solid.



Securing the top frame of the monitor (I have added more screws and bolts after this picture was taken).



We had to build up the bottom part a little. Again, this doesn't look too pretty, but it is very secure.



Then it was time to start working on the control panel.



Attaching the artwork was painless and luckily, every hole turned out where they were supposed to be.



Plexi mounted and secured with a few buttons.



The last thing I had time to do that day was mounting the marquee. It's really starting to look like an arcade cabinet now and I can't wait until it's done!  

--

So, that's all for now. Another update will follow shortly. Thanks for watching!

[njay]

Sweet work dude

[Kman-Sweden]

Nice. Well done.