The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls
Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: MD Draco on February 14, 2013, 06:20:30 pm
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No, not the game! Well; I have it to go on the emulator when I've finished building, but a story from New Zealand!
Obviously (given that this is my first post) I'm new to this forum, and have only looked around for a couple of hours before deciding to join, I've done electronics for friends before now, as to me that's the easy part, but somewhere along the lines last month, I managed to acquire a cabinet from a guy in Auckland who supplies most of the generic cabs for the area, as he was going to scrap them! Seriously! So now I have a project on my hands!!
Anyway, I was looking through, and decided what better resource than a group of like minded people, so figured I would post what I have thus far for your viewing pleasure / constructive criticism ... I guess there are more folks from NZ on here, and I would assume I will end up kicking myself for some of my expenditure as there may be cheaper places over here, but thus far, I've been importing most of the stuff from places I know well from overseas! I've cabled a few cabs for friends, being the resident IT guy for most of my friends, but never have I ever even tried to restore an old cab... so here goes, this is my blog, comments are welcome, and much appreciated, as I probably need all the help I can get!!
http://projectfrankencade.blogspot.co.nz (http://projectfrankencade.blogspot.co.nz)
Hope you enjoy, and can offer hints & tips :)
Dan
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Kia ora from palmerston north.
Il check out ya blog now.
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Nice blog, good luck with your project- it looks like you're on the right track!
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Looks good! :applaud:
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Cheers. Wellington all the way !!!!
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Thanks folks :) much appreciated on the comments front :)
Does anyone know a good place to get the 10 year UV vinyl from in NZ? One of my friends is keeping an eye open for me, but of course if anyone has any hints, always much appreciated :)
I've ordered some carbon fibre wrap for the monitor bezel and controller, as it's pretty hard wearing, and definitely looks good enough to be an inner bezel. When it arrives, I'll obviously add more photo's once that's done, as that means I can actually build the control panel properly, then it should start looking a whole lot better.
Another friend is also trying to get me an L piece of metal to hold the glass in properly, not sure if you can tell but at the moment the glass is being held in by two screws with washers on, just to secure it, as the old control panel held it in properly, but as I've gone with a wood control panel, I haven't got the angle to hold the glass with the wood. If there are any other elegant solutions to this, advice is always appreciated, as I'm completely new to the building aspect!!
Dan
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BTW, $50 delivered is a great deal! :cheers:
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Indeed :) definitely made me happy; though I think he possibly intended to get more than he did, but fortunately; I'm skilled in the dark art of haggling until people just give in ;) ... Initially he wanted $100 for one, and wanted me to take it away ... Got both for the same price, delivered, and my friend took the other for $50, so in reality... $50 works well for me >:D :cheers:
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From across the ditch (Melbourne) welcome. Looks like a fun project, sooner or later someone here will suggest (it might as well be me) that you post your progress pics and updates into the forum. While some folks will check out your blog, you'll get a lot more more feedback if you provide the visuals here as well. It seemed to work for me.
:cheers:
Ond
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Hi Ond, Thanks for the Advice; good advice really, I just didn't want to duplicate to much of what I was doing; however it is good advice, and well taken, so here goes... A picture list of where I've gotten so far; descriptions and whatnot shall remain on the blog for now, but I'll do both as I progress... Today is a work free day though; the carbon fibre I ordered hasn't arrived despite it being ordered on Wednesday and should have been an overnight courier... Oh well!! More to do next week :)
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more photo's...
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This is it for now... Photo's done, explanations on blog thus not to double up ... will post in both places from now on :)
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So where did you purchase your parts from ?
A real lack of suppliers in NZ.
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Yep, I'd completely agree with that! Next to nothing I've bought (barring timber) has come from NZ, which is really disappointing, as you'd expect a few places at least :(
The Trackball came from Tornado Terry, who looking around is quite a popular supplier on this forum, so I was lucky to find him, there is a trader on TradeMe (very easy to deal with and very honest too: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Members/Listings.aspx?member=58796 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Members/Listings.aspx?member=58796) ) that will supply Sanwa parts, but all of the buttons ended up coming from Gremlin Solutions in the UK; was pricey by the time postage was added on for both of those things, but worked out better than buying things separately from multiple sources, just had to suck up the high postage cost :(
It's a real shame there aren't any official suppliers, even the iPac controller had to come from over seas, but it still works out cheaper than buying a keyboard with a control panel good enough to use for arcade controls.
If you're using a metal control panel, the trademe seller I've linked to above will setup deals on sanwa parts, but I wanted to build a wooden control panel, as those are what I remember playing on when I was growing up, so I feel more of a link to them than the metal ones, that and you get a cleaner looking finish in the end, looking at the machines in the arcade, and to be frank; I'm looking at making this better quality if I possibly can given the fact it's going to be a piece of "functional furniture" for our house, meaning it has to meet with "the bosses" approval ;)
My bezel graphic & Marquee graphic have been ordered from Game On Graphix who again; work out expensive on the postage, but again; seem to be highly recommended. I haven't yet found sideart, though a friend of mine knows someone who does vinyl art, so I'm going to see what he can come up with; if he can't do something that I like, there are a few places around that I can check out, but beyond that; I've found a seller on e-bay (called DigDug haven't found anything on his Rep, but ebay feedback speaks for itself) who will post to NZ for $32, which isn't to bad in the grand scheme of things. Though of course; any recommendations would be welcome :)
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Almost forgot...
Computer parts have either been scavenged from old machines / cable boxes etc, or purchased from PB Tech, I did get my wall bracket from them for $11, which sure as hell beat Noel Leeming's quoted $40 (which apparently included 25% off for Waitangi day sales! ... Rip off!) & a fan for venting out of the rear of the cab for $9.90, not sure on the brand, but it's German built, and is pretty silent when running, so works pretty well :) Only problem is; nobody seems to have the Molex power extenders these days, so I've had to do it with crimps, and some electrical cable, but it's all good :) ... Will photograph it when I install into the cab :)
Having to use e-bay for my new speaker solution, I was going to recycle a set of Creative Labs speakers from an old donor computer, but thanks to this forum, (and I can't believe I didn't think of this myself, but there you go, this is why we join forums) I'm going to use a mini amp, and cab speakers as per:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001RNNX8K/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001RNNX8K/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER)
&
http://www.ebay.com/itm/290534659322?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/290534659322?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649)
I could totally kick myself for not thinking of this particular setup myself, after one of my friends driving me mental for about a week until I came up with a very similar solution for him (for his outdoor speaker setup, nothing to do with arcades) but there we have it, as I said; that's why we're here and sharing ideas. Sadly though; I don't know where I can get either of the above in NZ, though I might drop on Surplustronics who sometimes have things like this in store (sadly not on their website) and see what they have in :)
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First off, New Zealand is an awesome country. :cheers: My wife and I spent three memorable weeks down there a couple years ago. People are great and the landscape is epic.
So what is the actual game The New Zealand Story about? I have seen original arcade versions listed on eBay in the past and always wondered.
That is too bad there are not any domestic suppliers for arcade stuff though. Sounds like an opportunity though for a good small business, hopefully with the retro craze still gaining steam someone local to you will open up a web shop.
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Indeed it is! Hence my moving here permanently; I'm a resident now, but originally from the UK, hence knowing of Gremlin Solutions!! I would highly recommend to anyone who's not sure where to go on a holiday to visit New Zealand! I've been working here for the last 4 years now, and it still kind of feels as though I'm on holiday!!
The New Zealand story background can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_NewZealand_Story (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_NewZealand_Story) I won't repeat what it says; though it's actually a pretty good game!! I remember (primarily) the C64 version as published by Ocean, in all honesty; I vaguely remember the arcade machine for this, but I was 8 when it came out in the UK!! Though I do remember seeing it at the arcades!! Have to admit; when I was playing the arcades, there was a lot of TMNT play going on, and for some reason; our arcade still had a Discs of Tron game, which I still love!! Also remember the Michael Keaton version of Batman, Rainbow Islands, the Metal Slug series and a few others from the late 80's onwards :)
New Zealand actually seems to have a shocking lack of old school arcades, there's usually a little bit at the back of the cinema's, and there's a big Cinema in Central Auckland that has a whole level for an arcade, which is pretty cool, but I really do want my own haven where I can just play whatever I want at home :) I think it's a bit of a lost art, and a lot of my friends are keen, so if I can get them involved, I can get things cheaper as we'll order in bulk... Lots of people keen, but nobody on the band wagon yet!!
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Ahha! As I suspected; now that my button / joystick / trackball purchases are complete, I've found a store in Australia which can supply to NZ:
http://www.ozstick.com.au/index.html (http://www.ozstick.com.au/index.html)
Site appears limited, but I'm sure it's good enough, and I'm sure if they were contacted they'd be able to get stock, though they're not tried and tested, so I couldn't comment at all yet, but I'm sure over time I'll end up ordering something from there :) Will let everyone know if I do :)
I have had a look through, and there is nothing that I've ordered on that site, which does make me feel better; though I'm sure if I asked they could probably get it for cheaper than I've paid, but it's all good :)
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Control Panel test fit out...
Completely forgot that I didn't put a test fit picture up for the control panel; hopefully vinyl will arrive soon and I can do this properly... According to the post company it was delivered to the wrong delivery branch, so with that in mind; hopefully will arrive tomorrow. Anyway, the control panel test fit, just to make sure everything lined up and fit as I wanted (the answer is yes... Which I'm thankful for; don't really want to be making more adjustments; took me four hours to design this in its current incarnation!!
That's all for now. Still waiting on parts; obviously want to be getting on, but have run out of things to do until more stuff arrives.
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Okay boys and girls... Been another construction day today... For full details, as always, please click here: projectfrankencade.blogspot.co.nz/
However, a quick summary and a load more photo's for you... Vinyl arrived earlier in the week, speakers were purchased, mini amp is on its way from HK, so, bit more prep, built the final control panel (haven't wired it all yet, only the trackball) and covered in Vinyl with the help of my lovely lady (who has requested to remain nameless, so we'll just call her: she who must not be named)... So, photo's for everyone...
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photo's x more...
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last ones for now...
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Seems a shame you didn't undermount the trackball. That big black piece of metal kinda messes up your overlay.
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If you have some spare Carbon fibre You could always cover the trackball mount. Other then that Nice job
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Thanks for the feedback, I'm sure a better wood worker than me would have been able to figure out how to recess the trackball mount, unfortunately; even with the kindness and help of others, I wasn't able to figure this out to satisfactory standards, which is why it's not recessed, as for covering, that's actually a good idea; however I'll wait and see on that for now, as personally, I quite like the look; in real life, the carbon fibre looks much darker than the photo shows and the black trackball mount is a nice contrast, but each to their own...
... Anyway, some more progress today, and some testing before going into the arcade...
I cabled up this morning, tested as working (despite being a huge mess) then tidied (tested as working again) and added the USB light... Then a bit of light testing, now it's all packed away again, ready for going into the arcade now...
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Hokey Cokey folks, a quick update; yesterday saw a touch more work, sadly the Marquee that's arrived is wrong, (should read MD Draco's Arcade; you'll see the mistake in the pic below) but I'm sure GameonGrafix will be on the case for me soon enough ... All the feedback I've seen for them suggests that this will be the case, so I'm not worried about it yet :)
I fitted the outer bezel, and decided that I need to paint a fair bit inside black, but that's a job for another week now, unfortunately there's quite a bit visible that I thought would be hidden, but that's okay, when it's black, the smoked glass will hide what can be seen from the outside, as it's barely noticeable as is (I suspect it's just me trying very hard to be a perfectionist so I'm noticing it).
The Control panel got a test mounting yesterday too; found out I need to make a few slight modifications, but even though it's slightly over size, I've decided to leave it like that, as I kind of like it; though I have some minor modifications to do, but for now... Pictures...
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A quick update...
... Mini amp arrived, and is MORE than enough to power the little 4" x-plods (25% off their list price the other week... http://www.jbhifi.co.nz/car-sound-gps-navigation/speakers/sony/4-inch-2-way-speakers-sku-23955/ (http://www.jbhifi.co.nz/car-sound-gps-navigation/speakers/sony/4-inch-2-way-speakers-sku-23955/) ) that I've put in the cab! I nearly rattled my brains free of my head when testing! I figured 50% volume would be a good starting point for something that claims to only be 20w RMS!! I quickly learned that 25% is more like the start and finish point for these bad nasties!! Very loud, and excellent quality for all those blips and bleeps they'll be doing :)
I also managed to talk to the guys at gameongrafix thanks to their online support, and they should be reposting my marquee artwork today or tomorrow, no hassles at all with them, just as awesome as everyone says... well, hopefully :) will have to see when it arrives of course ;)
So, since I can't actually show you what it sounds like, I figured a quick little photo of the amp now it's mounted in the cab; used industrial grade velcro as I know that stuff is good enough to hold in excess of 100kg's!! I know; I have personally hung off a device that has been stuck using this stuff, and it hasn't budged an inch!! So, photo time; this is just in side the door, so if I do need to make any on the fly changes; just need to open the door and amend. I figure when computer goes in, I'll mix it so the PC is set to 50% maximum volume and adjust the amp accordingly so I can go up or down without even opening the cab :)
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Okay, Arcade is in the house... onto finishing now... Artwork has been commissioned, wood has been filled (will need a final sand down when artwork arrives before application and of course; a clean), waiting on replacement marquee (USPS say it's in the country, but of course; that means it has to clear customs). I've also finished the spray work on the metal... I've actually discovered that I'm very lucky as my spray work has turned out spot on for the rear exit vent (sadly won't ever be seen) and the speaker grill (which will be seen a lot! Can just get a hint of the blue cones through the grill as well, a strange but very cool effect).
Anyway, couple of photo updates... Hopefully will mount the control panel tomorrow and we're only waiting on artwork for the sides (Game on Grafix recommended guy Vlad is on the case... I love his examples on Facebook ... https://www.facebook.com/pages/Custom-Grafix/111293578954130?ref=ts&fref=ts (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Custom-Grafix/111293578954130?ref=ts&fref=ts) )
The inside is also complete, waiting for computer (I won't mount this one, as it's not permanent; it's one that's been "gifted" to me, so I intend to load it up with my MAME setup and re-gift when I can afford to put another machine in the cab, as I want to also be able to play modern games on there too, thus the need for a beefier setup) Oh and I also need a coin slot... I'm trying to figure out a way to get the companies that sell coin slots to do me a decent deal on postage, the parts I want to be able to put my own together total about $6 US, but postage keeps coming out to $48.50... stupid!
Anyway... Photo's for you...
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More goings on... Yes, I am addicted, as are so many people!!
Anyway, donor computer was donated on Tuesday night, so that's now in and running the show for me, still having problems creating my XML lists for Hyperspin, but I'll get there... Anyone using this, please feel free to offer any advice!!
So, Computer is in; I've been busily making MAME work, and I found out about this fantastic game call Fallout which I'll play on the arcade, as I did want it to be multi purpose, doesn't have to just play the classics :)
The replacement Marquee from Scott at Game on Grafix arrived, and I do have to say; Scott is an awesome guy, as everyone on here says; a bit slow to respond (but I think he has a lot on work wise at the moment, so I can forgive that; as I disappear for days when I have a lot on) sometimes, but his work is just epic! I simply have to say I've not seen better quality graphics, he really obviously takes pride in what he does, and I can't recommend him enough to anyone who's looking for artwork. Postage is a bit steep, but that's a problem for USPS not Scott, nothing he can do about that!!
So anyway; control panel is mounted, I still love the oversize look (good job as I'm not changing it now!) ... Not to wide, but just a touch to tall and long; just gives it that "custom" look, almost like an engine block on the old American Custom Hot Rod's :) ... Probably not a look for all, but that's how it makes me feel!
I have MAME working, SNES and Mega Drive (Genesis) at the moment, which seems to cover off the main games I like (basically everything most MAME games, but favourites are: 1942 & 3, Centipede, Pac Man (unbelievably simple to play, but still one of the most frustrating games of all time!!) and Golden Axe; I have been informed there are more Golden Axe Games, so I must track them down!! On the Mega Drive; predictably it's Sonic, and the SNES is Earthworm Jim and Killer Instinct; all of which look awesome through the glass; I'm glad I kept the glass rather than going plexi, just gives it that extra sheen.
Anyway, the reason you're here... Photo's... last photo is quite dark; probably should have opened the blind up for that, but was going for the lighting effect...
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Almost forgot; I have had artwork designed by: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Custom-Grafix/111293578954130?ref=ts&fref=ts (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Custom-Grafix/111293578954130?ref=ts&fref=ts)
And to say I'm happy with his work is the understatement of the year (okay, so we're only in March, but I'm willing to say that in this case) ... Everytime I look at his work, it just makes me happier! I gave a very rough brief, and got it all! I love the work so much, but I'm going to keep it under wraps until the actual printed artwork arrives and is fitted :) I did just have to mention though; as it is awesome, and I would recommend Vlad to anybody looking for custom artwork! I have the ideas in my head, but find it difficult to get them down on paper, so am really happy I found someone who could interpret what I saw in my head and put it down on the page for me :)
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This week saw the arrival of more vinyl, so I've covered the coin door now, I'm still looking for a red coin reject button and cover, so if anyone has one of these going, and wants to post to NZ (for a reasonable price) please let me know :)
The end is in site (which makes me both happy and sad; happy because I get to invite everybody over and have a games night, sad because it means no more project for a while) with Side Art on order, I was persuaded by (of all people) my wife to order new t-molding as what's on the arcade presently could probably do with a tidy up. In keeping with the rest of the arcade (red / blue / black colours) I've ordered the bright red, which is supposed to match the HAPP buttons, so I can but hope, as postage costs dictated that I couldn't realistically order a sampler pack and then choose, so hopefully I'm right out of the box, otherwise it's a costly mistake!!
So, only one new photo; I have covered the door on the front, and everything is looking much more like a real arcade again! I think next time; I will build my own from scratch (using plans I have found on the interweb) rather than restoring one, it's been a mission trying to figure out how the builder has put certain things together, (the U-Nails debacle still comes to mind at this point) and as this seems to be pretty much his own design, (based on a Neo-Geo by the looks of it) I've literally had to reverse engineer everything to figure out how it's put together, and of course; my own design flair has been added here and there to put the new stuff in, like the new control panel and the monitor mount, which is strong as houses! I reckon I could sit on it and not break it, which is definitely a good thing! Anyway, today's photo...
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Home stretch man, looking sharp! Keep after it. :applaud:
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Thanks LeChuck :) ... Nothing compared to what you're working on, but one day I hope to be at least half as good as you! I think that comes with practice, as I'm already far better than when I started this project!! Next one will be easier and so on and so on :) ... I have to admit, different cab shape, but I like it as it doesn't look all imposing in the lounge area, and the wife is beginning to approve, so maybe, just maybe I'll get to build another when this is complete... space constraints say no at the moment though... but in time :)
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Time for a sad update on the project; my artwork arrived today, and instantly when I opened it (hadn't unrolled it at this point) I thought uh-oh, it's not wide enough (have a good eye for things like this... that and paranoia tells me the size down to the mm everytime I look at the cab, as I re-measure to make sure my dimensions were right) ... anyway, checked and sure enough when I held it up (still in the roll) not wide enough... Well, frankly, I'll self censor, but I did think S*it at the point, I've got my dimensions wrong, so I started to un-roll and it was completely wrong! Not my artwork at all!! So at least I still have hope my measurements were right...
e-mail is away to Scott... He was awesome last time when the marquee was wrong, and I'm sure he'll be awesome again, but I know not how I will wait another 2 - 3 weeks for artwork :( and I'm not entirely sure I like the fact that it means my artwork is probably in the wild somewhere since I paid to have it created... Oh well, these things happen, I'm disappointed, but at least I know from experience already that Scott from Game on Grafix is awesome to deal with, if as illusive as the Scarlett Pimpernel at times... So, the waiting commences again... Still, on the bright side, I'm waiting for the t-molding I ordered to arrive anyway, so wouldn't have actually applied until that gets here too... Looks like updates could be a couple of weeks now, as I've done all that I can do without the artwork, and of course; a couple of other international orders outstanding too; hopefully they will go more smoothly :)
To Vlad, (the creator of my artwork) if you peruse the forums, my apologies as I know I promised you a photo; looks like it'll be another couple of weeks :(
Ah well, sorry to vent... Just depressed about it, as the artwork really was my crowning glory; and this has put a dampener on my excitement for now, as I could see for most of the day that the artwork had arrived and was waiting for me, but it'll be all good; to quote The Dude "it really ties the room together"
I'm still going to keep the artwork under wraps for now, but if anyone on here is short x-men side art, there's a good chance I have it right here... So, sorry about that!!
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Nice Build mate. Again some interesting ideas here. But I am of the opinion that the trackball mounting plate looks out of place on that CP. What was your thought process on mounting it like that and not underneath ?. But that being said if that's how you like it then great. overall nice build though mate.
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Ah, this is my mk. 1 control panel build, and I didn't realise at the time I bought it that A: there's an ultimarc one specifically made for wood panels, and bottom mounting, and B: that I could route down the couple of mm to put this one flush without compromising the strength of the wood to much (complete n00b to woodwork, last time I did woodwork was 18 years ago in secondary school) ... I am considering re-doing the entire CP now that I'm building my confidence back up, but that will be at a later point in time, as I want to really make sure I think it through, and also I want to put a bit of a curve on the front I think. Still, not doing to badly; it took Tony Stark 3 attempts to get the Iron Man suit spot on (Mk. 1 icing issues, Mk. 2 poisoning issues) so must be in good company!! That and some of the ladies and gents here are even more perfectionist minded than that (which is a good thing!) so possibly takes even more than 3 attempts for a lot of things :)
On the whole, I'm happy with what I've got, but I will cede to all that the trackball isn't the greatest; not least because the orange that I've received was advertised as red, so I was hoping for a better match with the CP buttons. I think when the time comes, and I have a CP that I'm 100% happy with I will replace with the ultimarc to try and make life easier, and sell this one on, or keep for another project (because yes, I have the bug now!!).
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Ah, this is my mk. 1 control panel build, and I didn't realise at the time I bought it that A: there's an ultimarc one specifically made for wood panels, and bottom mounting, and B: that I could route down the couple of mm to put this one flush without compromising the strength of the wood to much (complete n00b to woodwork, last time I did woodwork was 18 years ago in secondary school) ... I am considering re-doing the entire CP now that I'm building my confidence back up, but that will be at a later point in time, as I want to really make sure I think it through, and also I want to put a bit of a curve on the front I think. Still, not doing to badly; it took Tony Stark 3 attempts to get the Iron Man suit spot on (Mk. 1 icing issues, Mk. 2 poisoning issues) so must be in good company!! That and some of the ladies and gents here are even more perfectionist minded than that (which is a good thing!) so possibly takes even more than 3 attempts for a lot of things :)
On the whole, I'm happy with what I've got, but I will cede to all that the trackball isn't the greatest; not least because the orange that I've received was advertised as red, so I was hoping for a better match with the CP buttons. I think when the time comes, and I have a CP that I'm 100% happy with I will replace with the ultimarc to try and make life easier, and sell this one on, or keep for another project (because yes, I have the bug now!!).
Cant knock any of this thought process. AND :laugh2: At iron man.....
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What I've learned today? I should get out my proper camera as none of these photo's look particularly good... However; phone is always convenient!!
Anyway; over the weekend, as I've not had anything to really do, (waiting on deliveries again!) I decided to apply one of the ideas I'd gotten from some of the cabs on the forum, and that was to apply a "glow" effect underneath the cabinet, so you can see it from the front and rear... I already have a design in my head for a Mk2 version of this on another cabinet, but for now; this is a very basic version of what I've seen others apply...
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Like what you've done - hoping my Big-Red Low Boy resto goes as well (though i'm sticking to JAMMA for my first one)
Totally agree with you re lack of good local suppliers, have ended up forming a buying group in Welly and bringing stuff in for mates (and myself ;D)
...and (FYI) have ordered and conversed with the guy from OZStick.com.au - good guy easy to deal with, postage not as bad as from USA/HongKong & has good knowledge on VisualPinball if that bug hit you (is def on my project list)
Also have interacted with Scott from GameOnGraphix, same problem with slow response, but my marque did eventually turn up and was very nice - but opted to use a local company called BlueCat Graphics to do my sideart (etc) a lot cheaper than other options (especially after factoring in freight)
All the best
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First off, thanks! Still working hard, but still waiting for parts!!
Was going to wait until finished to do some reviews, but thought I should try to help you out with what I've learned so far...
The best postage rates I've got from overseas thus far are from arcadeshop.de, and Jan is easy to deal with; though I would advise make sure you can pay via paypal (e.g. order enough stuff!!) As there's a minimum order cost to pay via paypal. I'm still waiting on the bits to arrive, but I will say; he dealt as efficiently as his Germanic stereotype would suggest with me, so hopefully the stuff I get back is good quality :) https://www.arcadeshop.de/ (https://www.arcadeshop.de/)
To get the best postage costs, it's worth getting a US PO forwarding box, however this means instead of waiting 3 - 10 days, you'll be waiting up to 6 weeks depending what you order. Various companies can set this up, and they all have varying costs, even NZ Post do an option now. Sadly; I can't make recommendations as I have been to impatient to set one up, though in retrospect, I have now added up my final post bill, and wish I'd had more patience and set one up!!! Still, next time!!
Gremlin Solutions are awesome, but a bit over priced depending what you're getting, again; postage doesn't seem so bad from the UK though, so kind of compensates. http://www.gremlinsolutions.co.uk/ (http://www.gremlinsolutions.co.uk/)
Tornado Terry's rock; so much cheaper than buying direct from HAPP, and one of the first companies I found, so had to tolerate all my questions!! Though I would say; this is the perfect example of needing a Post forwarding box, as this is expensive postage (heavy items though) http://myworld.ebay.com/tornadoterrysdot (http://myworld.ebay.com/tornadoterrysdot)
Game on Grafix are just awesome to deal with, I've had a couple of hick-ups with them, but would never have any fear buying from them again, and for the overall quality of the vinyl, I just can't recommend them enough; even with the time consuming mistakes; it happens, just seems that I got the short straw on a couple of occasions, but I'd never complain about Scott because he's so easy to talk to, and he really does go out of his way to make things right, everything I've read about him is spot on! I spent about half an hour talking to him on chat one night after the first marquee arrived, and after the mess up with my artwork, I found out he was on holiday after I sent my e-mail, but he still took time out to reply to me personally, and my new artwork is on the way. http://www.gameongrafix.com/ (http://www.gameongrafix.com/)
Unfortunately up here in Auckland; the vinyl printers seem to be a bunch of pirates that can't resist a huge profit, and with the high NZD (only +15% to get US prices right now!!!) it works out just as cheap to buy from Scott, who I have complete faith in for the quality of work. I'm really glad you've found a good printer though, as they seem to be worth their wait in gold! I'm keen to find a local supplier, but have yet to find one that doesn't want to charge more than I paid to Scott, even including postage.
Mitre 10 Mega have been as good as ever with the tools I've needed along the way, Bunnings for whatever reason just seem to want to charge more, which is odd, as everybody repeatedly tells me they're cheaper, maybe I just got the good sale prices in Mitre 10 (can but hope!).
For the bits that use vinyl, I found a seller on trademe that did auto grade vinyl which seemed to work well; it's not a final solution by any measure for the control panel, but it's a first solution, and it works for me for now, though eventually; I think I want to artwork the control panel up.
Computer bits for the main part came from PB Tech, (ex lease for the main part) or relied on donations.
The hong kong company that sold me my amp were really easy to deal with, and postage was almost a week ahead of predicted, so can't grumble there, and I ended up using a set of 4" car speakers even though I had a donor set, as I wanted everything to look and sound as good as I was able to make it. Cabling & Speakers came from JB, but again; with Post Forwarding, there's no reason you can't get everything in one go to avoid heaps of freight costs.
The absolute best person I've dealt with though, without a shadow of a doubt has to be Vlad who does the custom artwork for Game on Grafix, and has created mine for me; he's just wonderful to deal with, though I think I just happened to click really well with him, as he liked my idea! At the moment, I am still keeping that under wraps, because I want to be able to add photo's of the finished cab, so I can put the full effect on here :) You can contact him through Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Custom-Grafix/111293578954130?fref=ts (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Custom-Grafix/111293578954130?fref=ts) or through the custom artwork request on Game On Grafix, and he is amazing! His interpretation of what I asked for far exceeds what I was hoping for, and looks really spectacular! His work doesn't come cheap, but as the saying goes; you get what you pay for!
I will also add the obvious caveat with these reviews that your mileage may vary; I obviously can't guarantee these will be awesome providers to deal with, but they've been really great with me on all counts :) even the people I have contacted, but not purchased from have been great, and it shows how good the community is that people are so easy to deal with.
Anyway, hope that helps you out some :) If there's anything at all I can do from Auckland, let me know and I'll try and sort things out for you... I think this hobby (especially outside of the US) really does rely on us helping each other out as much as possible.
Also; welcome to the game :D hope you have as much fun as I'm already having!!!! & if I offer just one piece of advice; before you even buy anything; thoroughly think through what you want to do, and check out your options on here if in doubt, and ask many many questions. The biggest (glaring) mistake I have made is the trackball, but, as with everything; in time, this can be resolved, so nothing to worry about, and it was a learning curve for me :)
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One more thing I almost forgot... Listen to OND and LeChuck... These guys are the guru's!! :notworthy:
One day we may be worthy, but I suspect that's a long way off!!
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Time for an update...
Artwork arrived, and it's spot on this time... Right size, right art, thanks Scott (game on grafix) :) ... It looks amazing! Vlad (GoG's recommended artist) is a genius designer, as he got what I wanted down to a tee :) So, just had time the other day to lay it flat and take a photo on my way to work... Then I fitted it... and now, t-molding is currently letting glue set in place, so it's all taped up... but impatient as I am, couldn't wait for an unveil... So, here we are... The artwork (the important bit for a lot, I would assume!).
So, what did I want? Well, as with most here, I've grown up with the arcade, and seen its evolution, and eventual demise in most cases (thankfully there are still a few around... but largely just in cinemas over here now), so, I wanted something to reflect that... but my artistry skills go about as far as drawing Garfield on people's white boards at work, so I needed help!! I had a look around, and I decided to go with Vlad (who's work is showcased at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Custom-Grafix/111293578954130?fref=ts (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Custom-Grafix/111293578954130?fref=ts) ) who also happens to be the recommended artist of GoG, as I've said above, and he is good, very good! I gave him this brief, and a few pics of characters and asked what he could come up with... He liked the idea of showcasing the evolution, and I love the end result... so, open season on whether it's liked or not... just have to remove the tape from the t-molding when the glue has set tomorrow, and maybe some more photos...
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Its awesome love the artwork !
Great work
(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f225/imlived/podcastlogo_zpsc5a2f0fa.jpg) (http://"http://www.nerdjackers.com")
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Thanks Monkeychunkuk! I'm going to do some better photographs when I've got the tape off (did the other side last night, so that's just setting now too) ... What you can't make out on these photo's is that the background starting right at the bottom is a a grid, actually I thought I should upload the sample .jpg confirming what I wanted from the artwork, though the grid really isn't that visible on there either, but perhaps a better example until I can do photo's with my actual camera, and during the day :)
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Really like what you have done!
.....unfortunately is making me re think my artwork for my LowBoy CAB (same size/style as yours) - was planning just to do a Street Fighter II theme (already bought the Marque), but given i'm putting in a 355-n-1 JAMMA game board, now thinking it should be a mixture of the KOF, Metal Slug, Street Fighter and Moon Patrol images ...hmmmm
I see you also have the same coin door as me, are you planning to put a coin mech in? ..and if so have you found one to fit the size of cut out? (I haven't and am seriously thinking of bringing in a new door and coin mech to replace).
all the best
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Hey Talkgeek :)
Thanks for the compliment!! Always welcome and gratefully accepted :) ... It took me long enough, and after nearly 3 months, I've shed blood on 3 separate occasions for this build! (nothing major, I'm just clumsy)
Anyway, If you're good at artwork, and it's a more than 1 game, I would say do it... I paid for someone else to do mine, because whilst I have ideas in my head, there's some kind of hardware fault between head and hand which doesn't allow me to put them down on paper in anything other than words (thankfully, I am never shy of a word) ... My reason for saying do it, is because, well... It's not just a Street Fighter ][ machine, it's so much more than that; advertise that fact, and if you can, make something completely custom :)
I had this idea in my head since the day I got the cabinet, because to me games have encompassed my life; I was raised as the Arcade hit its high point, and I saw its ultimate demise to an unloved room at the back of every cinema you go in, but I still have the love for the arcade, and I wanted something that showed the evolution of games, rather than just showcasing one, my issue was, I couldn't find anything that did that, and believe me, I looked everywhere... There were ideas that came close, but nothing that was quite right for me, so I got in touch with Vlad (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Custom-Grafix/111293578954130?fref=ts (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Custom-Grafix/111293578954130?fref=ts) ) who drew this up for me after I gave him my ideas :)
As for the coin door, I've seen one or two on ebay (all seconds, which is fine by me, as I'd rebuild anyway) going for *reasonable* prices, right up until I get a quote for postage, which for me, adds 150% to the overall price :( So, I decided to scratch that idea, and I'm working on making a new item; I'll make a blanking plate to go there to fill the hole, but make it useful by putting a power button in (extended from computer) and I picked up a USB port from arcadeshop.de (http://www.arcadeshop.de/Connectors-Neutrik-NAUSB-W-B_1011.html (http://www.arcadeshop.de/Connectors-Neutrik-NAUSB-W-B_1011.html) ) so there'll be a front jack; meaning for those times a keyboard is required, it can be attached easily and without having to open up the cab :) ... Hopefully it should look good when I build it, otherwise it's back to the drawing board!! And by the drawing board, I mean pretty much following your lead and getting a whole new door with coin mech... Postage is about the same as just for the coin mech, and more justifiable as it's for the whole unit :)
Curses to the price of postage living in NZ!!
Anyway... As it was reasonably daylight this morning when I left for work, here's a quick shot of it with the tape off the t-molding... glue seems to be holding okay, otherwise I'll have to figure out somewhere that sells t-molding with a 2mm slot!!
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Finally got the good camera out... Apparently; turns out my rechargeable batteries have exceeded their LE to the point where they charged (got very hot, which concerned me!) then after cooling down, I tested them... Got one photograph and they packed in... 3 years & goodness only knows how many charges, can't really grumble... Just have to remember to buy some mroe... But anyway... The one good photo before the camera suffered an ignominious death due to the battery failure...