The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls
Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: Jinx911 on May 23, 2013, 01:14:34 pm
-
Ok, I've been looking to have an upright MAME set up for the longest time. I currently own an X-Arcade Dual Stick and originally planned to purchase an Xtension Pedestal Cab and call it a day. After reading up more about creating my own cab I realize that it would be the most satisfying route to go.
My two main issues with getting started on this project are as follows...my woodworking skills are at a novice level at best and every time I think I'm ready to start I see more suggestions and features I want to add to my cab.
Here's what I've decided and here's what I'm stuck on:
2 Player Control Panel, custom built. 7 button layout with an additional dedicated 4 way controller with 2 dedicated buttons and a trackable in the center (spinner optional) - Any link or idea on how I can best create this panel would be great.
For the cabinet, I'm looking to have an upright cab, with a side by side coin slot.
I keep changing my mind because, I cannot determine if I should use an old tv, lcd, or CRT thus affecting the width of the cab.
Also, in regards to the cabinet plans, since I do not have the greatest woodworking skills (I'm willing to try though) I am looking for best plans and best way to get the job done. Does anyone suggest any specific plans for this project, is there a way I can print the sidepanels full size to use as templates (is it recommended) and since I live in jersey would it be more cost effective to find a Machine shop to cut the pieces for me (what would I give them as plans to go off of).
Like I said lots of questions, any help would be great.
-
When I first started, I looked for a design that I liked. Then I contacted the person to see if they had dimensions. Then I built it ;) Don't worry too much about your skills, they get better as you build (yes there will be some costly mistakes) - but it is rewarding doing it yourself.
My biggest mistake though was not planning enough - I kind of built it as I went. This was over 10 years ago. So much has evolved since then, that there are soooo many ideas on how to error proof your build...
-
Welcome to the fold! The best way to get started is to look at build threads around here. I've built 2 cabs...one full size and one Kneivel slim cab. I used the Kneivel control panel on both my cabs.
First things first, though. You'll need some decent tools. I cut my cabs completely with a skilsaw, router, and jigsaw. Check my build threads...I tried to include as much detail as possible.
As for the CP, I have the Kneivel 7-button CP plans in PDF. You can just bring that down to fedex and have it printed full size and get started with that. It's a 2 player with trackball and third dedicated 4 way joystick.
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,117977.0.html (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,117977.0.html)
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,122362.0.html (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,122362.0.html)
Here's the original inspiration...the Kneivel Evolution:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,70519.0.html (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,70519.0.html)
AJ
Ok, I've been looking to have an upright MAME set up for the longest time. I currently own an X-Arcade Dual Stick and originally planned to purchase an Xtension Pedestal Cab and call it a day. After reading up more about creating my own cab I realize that it would be the most satisfying route to go.
My two main issues with getting started on this project are as follows...my woodworking skills are at a novice level at best and every time I think I'm ready to start I see more suggestions and features I want to add to my cab.
Here's what I've decided and here's what I'm stuck on:
2 Player Control Panel, custom built. 7 button layout with an additional dedicated 4 way controller with 2 dedicated buttons - Any link or idea on how I can best create this panel would be great.
For the cabinet, I'm looking to have an upright cab, with a side by side coin slot.
I keep changing my mind because, I cannot determine if I should use an old tv, lcd, or CRT thus affecting the width of the cab.
Also, in regards to the cabinet plans, since I do not have the greatest woodworking skills (I'm willing to try though) I am looking for best plans and best way to get the job done. Does anyone suggest any specific plans for this project, is there a way I can print the sidepanels full size to use as templates (is it recommended) and since I live in jersey would it be more cost effective to find a Machine shop to cut the pieces for me (what would I give them as plans to go off of).
Like I said lots of questions, any help would be great.
-
So I've seen a bunch of uses of Knieval's plans and I think that may be a little too slim. I actually like the BLUE Pill system you built; looks great. I really would want to build something like that with the 7 button layout Knieval style layout.
I was concerned with the Kneival plans original for CPs because there were no admin buttons but I see that many people are adamant that you shouldn't have them. To me, I took time searching for something like Kneivals 7 button with admin buttons just because I know the people who will be playing along with me and having at least a Launch, exit, and Pause button would be great.
-
The basic plans for the woody are in my build thread. I just took out the angled cuts and rounded the edges with things like an old DVD and the outer edges are a tire pressure gauge. PM me your email address and I'll shoot the CP plans over to you tonight.
AJ
So I've seen a bunch of uses of Knieval's plans and I think that I may want to go that route. Can you direct me where I can get his slim cab plans? How big of a monitor can I fit in there btw? I tend to be that guy who buys a 46 inch tv and ends up staring at it everyday wishing he got a 55" haha.
-
So I've seen a bunch of uses of Knieval's plans and I think that may be a little too slim. I actually like the BLUE Pill system you built; looks great. I really would want to build something like that with the 7 button layout Knieval style layout.
I was concerned with the Kneival plans original for CPs because there were no admin buttons but I see that many people are adamant that you shouldn't have them. To me, I took time searching for something like Kneivals 7 button with admin buttons just because I know the people who will be playing along with me and having at least a Launch, exit, and Pause button would be great.
-
I use shifted buttons, or button sequences. For instance, to change emulators, I use button 5 for first player. To exit a game, push player 1 and 2 together. To pause, I use player 1 and coin 1, etc.
The Blue Pill was a mockup of arcadecab plans. I only used the plans for a rough estimate of the side panels, then I built the rest on my own. I really just wanted the overall dimensions of the sides of a cab. I cut 1" off the marquee and 2" off the height to the CP, so the kids could play it easier..
http://www.arcadecab.com/CabinetPlans2/CabinetPlans2_Background.html (http://www.arcadecab.com/CabinetPlans2/CabinetPlans2_Background.html)
PM me your email addy, and I'll shoot you the CP plans.
AJ
So I've seen a bunch of uses of Knieval's plans and I think that may be a little too slim. I actually like the BLUE Pill system you built; looks great. I really would want to build something like that with the 7 button layout Knieval style layout.
I was concerned with the Kneival plans original for CPs because there were no admin buttons but I see that many people are adamant that you shouldn't have them. To me, I took time searching for something like Kneivals 7 button with admin buttons just because I know the people who will be playing along with me and having at least a Launch, exit, and Pause button would be great.