The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls
Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: m1cky69 on May 11, 2014, 05:02:09 am
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K so after building my first arcade i wanted to do a bit better so i decided to build a coffee table arcade. But after viewing forums etc i noticed that everyone moans about viewing angles....my solution......a lift out monitor (in theory should work)
I shall be using this ikea table as a base as its great for hacking and modding.
(http://i.imgur.com/PhCZIMn.jpg)
Here is the parts i have so far with plenty more on the way
(http://i.imgur.com/YJcDzYJ.jpg)
Gluing the frame for the 19" monitor which has already been stripped
(http://i.imgur.com/hZ0y5Bd.jpg)
This is the test framing, so please excuse the rough cuts and scews....only for test purposes.
(http://i.imgur.com/2nJWc9i.jpg)
This is how it will look when extended out of the table
(http://i.imgur.com/JVZLFM8.jpg)
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I shall be mounting an external hdmi also so it can be plugged directly into the tv also and external usbs for moderating purposes and usb joypads should i ever choose to use them. Currently working on the maximus arcade front end.
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I'm liking your approach - subscribed!
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I have a special place in my heart for convertible coffee tables! Looks good! Did you do any designs before hand or just start cutting?
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I have a special place in my heart for convertible coffee tables! Looks good! Did you do any designs before hand or just start cutting?
i tend to run into things full on, i have rough designs and plans but should be prett straight forward. Most my plans are in my head, i know how i want it and just implement it into the build.
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(http://i.imgur.com/cr5CEgl.jpg)
Sprayed up the monitor bezel now just waiting for it to dry. Ordering my logo and button vinyls at the mo......slow progress but progress none the less :)
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I have a special place in my heart for convertible coffee tables! Looks good! Did you do any designs before hand or just start cutting?
This is my kind of planning lol.
(http://i.imgur.com/8QAqGjP.jpg)
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This is what the front panel should look like, again excuse the rough drawing its not to scale or anything just yet.
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Looking good! It would be over the top if you through a few pistons in there and had that thing open up automatically!
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Just to clarify - the joysticks and buttons are going to be on the top of the coffee table (potentially in the way of the coffee mugs holding the coffee ? ) and the flip out console has the power / select and pinball flipper buttons ? :-\
Can I suggest you re think that approach - make the console wider / contain all the controls / buttons etc - so Coffee table can also function as a coffee table :dunno
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Just to clarify - the joysticks and buttons are going to be on the top of the coffee table (potentially in the way of the coffee mugs holding the coffee ? ) and the flip out console has the power / select and pinball flipper buttons ? :-\
Can I suggest you re think that approach - make the console wider / contain all the controls / buttons etc - so Coffee table can also function as a coffee table :dunno
I was going to put them in a drawer but then it seemed that the controls was too low to use.....been trying to think of ways to have the controls so they pop out but im stuck.....any suggestions would be appreciated. Its not gonna act as a coffee table as it will be put away when not in use....more of a portable table but i would like to hide controls if i could. Don't want to make table higher either. I have seen one other person achieve a pop up control drawer but how its done dont know.
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Looking good! It would be over the top if you through a few pistons in there and had that thing open up automatically!
Already got the pistons and lock catches ;)
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Todays work involved finalizing the bezel......
(http://i.imgur.com/QQxmoAL.jpg)
Cutting out the screen hole
(http://i.imgur.com/lzaVJUi.jpg)
Checking fit.......and its like a glove!
(http://i.imgur.com/EvTBpMz.jpg)
Now just reinforcing the cut out. :)
Any ideas for improvement by the way are always welcomed
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If you could route out a hole for a player panel in the top of your table, then add support bars under the table that this rests on. While you play, you have the panel inserted into the cutout hole that fits snugly around it and this holds it in place while you play. When you're done playing, you grab the joystick and lift the panel out and put a blank piece that covers this hole. The panel is fitted with a small harness for stick and buttons that you connect under the table when you are about to play.
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If you could route out a hole for a player panel in the top of your table, then add support bars under the table that this rests on. While you play, you have the panel inserted into the cutout hole that fits snugly around it and this holds it in place while you play. When you're done playing, you grab the joystick and lift the panel out and put a blank piece that covers this hole. The panel is fitted with a small harness for stick and buttons that you connect under the table when you are about to play.
So to be clear your on about a removable joystick panel that you keep elsewhere ( under table lerhaps) then when u want to play ya just pull blank plate out and insert joystick. Possible.....not sure....ill have a think. Gd idea though. Ill have a think just in a rush to take daughter school so have a proper look in a bit :)
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Looking good! It would be over the top if you through a few pistons in there and had that thing open up automatically!
Already got the pistons and lock catches ;)
Oh man!!!! Now I'm pumped!
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If you could route out a hole for a player panel in the top of your table, then add support bars under the table that this rests on. While you play, you have the panel inserted into the cutout hole that fits snugly around it and this holds it in place while you play. When you're done playing, you grab the joystick and lift the panel out and put a blank piece that covers this hole. The panel is fitted with a small harness for stick and buttons that you connect under the table when you are about to play.
Had a think and im actually going to use your idea here :) kudos for the idea :) going to be a hell of a lot simpler
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Ok so this is gonna be the revised version....the cp is gonna be inset, gonna add usb adaptor so all i have to do is insert the usb lead(im using the ipac2), sit the cp inside the inset hole and away i go. had the cp sticking out slightly so i can still have pinball buttons (dunno y i just love pinball games) and then just going to have a piece of perspex to fit once cp is away (under table inside lid)
What you say guys?
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Sounds like a better plan to me :cheers:
just make sure the insert is deep enough / solid enough (or some type of simple pin system) so the console can't move around or dislodge during game play.
looking forward to see the progress - and I promise I won't suggest any more design changes, this is your project after all :-[
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:cheers:
If you rest your hands on the panel when you play along with the friction created by the panel against the sides of the hole, that should make it quite solid. Or you could either weigh it down with something or construct a locking mechanism. But that shouldn't be needed TBH. You'll need to think of a simple way to lift the empty panel from the hole though. Or will you be able to push it up from below?
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I'm gonna hopefully have it snug fit so there shouldnt be any rocking inside it.........shouldnt lol
Anyways today i got the control panel gluing up......while still fresh in my mind
(http://i.imgur.com/wbnfZAL.jpg)
Rough layout of buttons.......
(http://i.imgur.com/smduURb.jpg)
Question though guys.......i seen may cabs with 7 main buttons instead of the 6.....why is this and do you need the 7th button??
i read up and cant find a definitive answer lol
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Question though guys.......i seen may cabs with 7 main buttons instead of the 6.....why is this and do you need the 7th button??
i read up and cant find a definitive answer lol
You don't need 7 buttons. Heck, most of the games use 4 or less. But, the main reasons for 7 is to keep the Neo-Geo 4 button layout intact (row of 4) and/or if you like MK games to have the MK Run button (thumb for most) set down and to the left.
There are lost of threads about this if you search. But, at the end of the day it's about what you want to play and how you want to configure your panel to play those games.
And the build is looking good! Can't wait to see the result!! :applaud:
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I'm building a similar or project without the moving screen but I'm very tempted to do the same !
But with a oak top
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Very nice idea using oak.....im on a budget though(so the mrs says lol) but if i could i deffo would. How are you doing your controls might i ask? The screen only uses fire escape window hinges ( they open more rather that the half open on standard hinges) readily available :)
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Question though guys.......i seen may cabs with 7 main buttons instead of the 6.....why is this and do you need the 7th button??
i read up and cant find a definitive answer lol
As lamprey says, it's a compromise to suit many game systems. If I was building this, I would keep the encoder PCB out of the control panel and instead tailor the panels to the games/systems I mainly play:
1 x 1 player panel with six buttons and 1 start button (joystick and buttons closer to the center as it's more economical) - use button colours to show button layouts*
(If you wanna play 4-way games, get a stick that's easy to switch so you can pull the panel up and switch it)
1 x 2 player panel with six buttons and 2 start buttons - if you play CPS1 and CPS2 fighters a lot
1 x 2 player panel with 4 buttons and 2 start buttons - if you play NEO-GEO games a lot
* Use NEO-GEO button colours for buttons 1-4 (or get black buttons also and have coloured rims only):
(2) (3) (4)
(1) (5) (6)
or
(1) (2) (3)
(4) (5) (6)
Only make two 2-player panels if you mostly play with a friend/spouse.
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You can always make another panel with the extra buttons one day if bugs you they you don't have 7
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(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=139124.0;attach=309020;image)
Have you tested the flipper and button placement on a test panel? (the current positions look too far forward to comfortably rest your thumb/heel of the palm)
How are you handling nudging? (L/R/Up or analog)
Is one of the buttons on the front intended as a ball launch/plunger?
What admin buttons are you planning to have?
Do you want Upper Flippers/MagnaSave?
Search for my "MagnaSave" posts for many details and related considerations like overlaps in VP/FP/MAME default keys.
Scott
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Im thinking of making 2 panels now as suggested. What emulators use 4 way joystick and hich use 8 way? And would using 8 way for 4 way games work still or would it cause lag or other errors? Still learning ad I go along. I know this is my second build but dont forget my first was a console hack so dont really count as a true build :)
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Very nice idea using oak.....im on a budget though(so the mrs says lol) but if i could i deffo would. How are you doing your controls might i ask? The screen only uses fire escape window hinges ( they open more rather that the half open on standard hinges) readily available :)
I plan to do a draw that leans forward the Same as your original design, it should work better for me as I'm making my table a little higher,could you link me to those hinges
And what are your plans on speaker mounting location?
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I plan to mount my speakers underneith so they wont be on show. I want as little on show as poss.
Link for hinges :)
http://m.screwfix.com/p/era-e1-fire-escape-window-hinge-egress-only-side-hung-324-x-14mm-pk2/70701 (http://m.screwfix.com/p/era-e1-fire-escape-window-hinge-egress-only-side-hung-324-x-14mm-pk2/70701)
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Im thinking of making 2 panels now as suggested. What emulators use 4 way joystick and hich use 8 way? And would using 8 way for 4 way games work still or would it cause lag or other errors?
It's the games rather than the emulator that might cause issues when you play 4-way games with an 8-way stick. Rolling Thunder and Pac Man comes to mind. It also depends on what type of joysticks you wanna use. Japanese joysticks, such as the Seimitsu LS-32 or SANWA JLF are prone to hit corners easier than say, HAPP style joysticks in 8-way mode. I'm not a big fan of 4-way games myself, but I know many, many people visitors of this site are. :cheers:
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Im using happ competition buttons and joysticks so I should be ok then :)
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k so i had a little more progress today
final layout design
(http://i.imgur.com/q8PKSF6.jpg)
Ya gotta love the router trimming bit
(http://i.imgur.com/zl7QXNK.jpg)
gonna be tight lol
(http://i.imgur.com/IOv6s1h.jpg)
cut into the tabletop for the controls
(http://i.imgur.com/veqlwrV.jpg)
and finally how its gonna sit inside it
(http://i.imgur.com/LLwY5FP.jpg)
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Looks great man! Love everything about it. Can't wait to see a finished product :applaud:
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Photoshopped a little layout sheet to hopefully have laminated at hand to use :)
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:cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
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More questions can you link me to where you got your happ buttons and joysticks please
And what did you use to coat the top of control panel ?
All great progress
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More questions can you link me to where you got your happ buttons and joysticks please
And what did you use to coat the top of control panel ?
All great progress
I use www.arcadeworlduk.com (http://www.arcadeworlduk.com) best uk arcade source i found so far :)
I cut the top out of acrylic/perspex ( whatever ya call it....too many names for same material lol). If ya do use acrylic be very careful because it snaps very easily (found that out on my nintendo cab) When drilling/cutting always make sure its supported. :)
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More questions can you link me to where you got your happ buttons and joysticks please
And what did you use to coat the top of control panel ?
All great progress
I use www.arcadeworlduk.com (http://www.arcadeworlduk.com) best uk arcade source i found so far :)
I cut the top out of acrylic/perspex ( whatever ya call it....too many names for same material lol). If ya do use acrylic be very careful because it snaps very easily (found that out on my nintendo cab) When drilling/cutting always make sure its supported. :)
Wow nice work did you use a router to round to smooth the edges?
Also where are your admin/menu buttons?
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Also where are your admin/menu buttons?
No need to clutter the panel with that, just use button combinations instead (credit 1 + credit 2 = exit to frontend or player 1 start + player 1 button 6 = pause, etc). I think. I'm just guessing. :cheers:
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Nice ,what frontend are you going for? Next time cut plastic you need to take some pics
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Wow nice work did you use a router to round to smooth the edges?
Also where are your admin/menu buttons?
I used my band saw to create the corner and then used 280 grit sandpaper to smooth up the corners to a nice bevel. As said by emphatic i'm gonna use shift buttons.
I'm using maximus arcade just for ease of use. I tried mala, didn't get on with it, tried hyperspin......got half way through my emulators then an update came out ( taking a long time ago now) so updated and then half my ones i sorted was messed up so just gave up on it. Game ex isn't too bad either. Hyperspin is the daddy if you can get it setup. I have seen someone on ebay doing a service where you provide the hard drive (3tb) then he will put hyperspin and all emu's and roms on for £60 whii know i'd get it sorted myself. ch tbh ain't too bad. I'd prefer to pay a little less cause i know if i sat down and pulled my finger out my @sse i would be able to sort it myself.......just very time consuming
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Stop it ! You have access to a band saw! That's so lucky great job with it I assumed you would get a rough dull edge if you use sand paper,where did you pick up the plastic?
Also be careful with buying hyperspin It can be hard to setup,when coping from drive to drive because of file location
Also the forums will offer no support if they find out how you got your hands on it ( you can understand )
Got a finish date for your project ?
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Nah sand paper gives the edges a gd finish so long as you go as fine as ya poss can then buff it up.
I got my perspex from a local shop called soden plastics.
Had an idea for a home made coin acceptor what do you guys think??
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Coin mech....whaever ya call um lol
Basically a glorified credit button lol
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You could make a very simple coin door like that. Kinda depends on how you want it to look and what you're going for. I assume you want it to be fairly hidden or look like it's part of the coffee table...
If you wanted the look of a coin door, this could be an option:
http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=89&products_id=308 (http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=89&products_id=308)
Then you cold cut a slot for your simple coin mech and it would function like real.
Or, the one I use is here:
http://www.xgaming.com/store/arcade-parts-and-accessories/product/arcade-machine-coin-door-led-coin-mech/ (http://www.xgaming.com/store/arcade-parts-and-accessories/product/arcade-machine-coin-door-led-coin-mech/)
It's a real coin door but simple, easy to use, and works well.
But again, it all depends on how you want it to look. Just some ideas... :)
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Had an idea for a home made coin acceptor what do you guys think??
On paper it might work, but it might be tricky to avoid some coins getting stuck in the chute. Without a coin return button like on a real mechanism, it might be more trouble than you want. Also, I don't think you will get the desired "coin drop" feeling many people associate with coin-ops.
Where on the table would you put this? Also, you'll need to have the space for a coin bucket too, do you have room for it? Is this a slot to put coins in from the top (drop down) or from the side of the table?
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Id mount it on the front panel. Cant see how any coins could get stuck as there wouldnt be much to get stuck on. Im trying to keep costs down. :)
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( Trying not to sound like a ass )
But why would you want a coin slot?
I'm still going with your original control panel idea I made a little mock up of the draw I think I'm going to put the light up marque on the back of draw/Control panel
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/17/9e4ada2a.jpg)
Also check your inbox
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Well I want a coin slot for 2 reasons, one I think it adds a little bit of something to the machines and 2 the kids are gonna use it so I will use it as a reward system/piggy bank. They do a good deed they get some money, which can get the credits on games, which will then be saved for them. Ill check inbox now :)
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That's a great idea you could even go a bit further a get your own tokens printed that say "reward" on them in case your don't have any change ; )?
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Well I want a coin slot for 2 reasons, one I think it adds a little bit of something to the machines and 2 the kids are gonna use it so I will use it as a reward system/piggy bank. They do a good deed they get some money, which can get the credits on games, which will then be saved for them.
Point taken. I let my kids play on FREE PLAY, but only once in a few days. If they argue too much or it turns into a giant nag-fest, they don't get to play for at least a weak.
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k so after a hectic weekend (my lads birthday) i have jumped back on it
today i have added my pcb feet to keep motherboard off ground
(http://i.imgur.com/j22vXun.jpg)
Had a mock up of a simple logo done :)
(http://i.imgur.com/WVo4TTo.jpg)
Took my speakers to bits and re wired so that the amp with volume control are out the speaker box so i can now mount the volume control outside on the front panel
(http://i.imgur.com/bWpUtJi.jpg)
And lastly rewired my extension lead so that i can easily use a kettle plug to power the whole arcade
(http://i.imgur.com/E3Veon1.jpg)
All tiny bits but progress is progress non the less. :) Waiting on a few bits to be delivered now.....on a plus note i managed to win a table saw for my super mario bedroom i done for my lad wahooooooo.
http://bit.ly/PQjGFb (http://bit.ly/PQjGFb)
add your vote too as i can be in the chance to win a yearly prize too......ya never know :P
anyway hoping to get the arcade controls started tomoz.
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All coming on very well buddy
Keep up the good work
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Made a good dent in the arcade build today, managed to get the carcass pretty much done and the layout of most the pc equipment.
(http://i.imgur.com/TofSzX1.jpg)
with the top on
(http://i.imgur.com/w1YzTZi.jpg)
and the layout
(http://i.imgur.com/dVUrnc5.jpg)
Still waiting on power switch annoyingly and a few leads so cant get the pc fully built up yet. GRRRRR lol.
I'm debating whether or not to get a 64gb ssd for my windows 7 tho and also thinking about switching to game ex.....anyone out there ever tried game ex? I had a brief play with it and seems not too bad.........more functionality than maximus arcade but doesnt look as cool although a different theme would prob solve that.
SSD is now my main thought though as id have the roms etc on my sata hdd. Verdicts??
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Nice work
What's the fan setup one blowing in one blowing out ?
Also what the PC set Gf card etc?
As for ssd unless you plan to turn on and off
Loads what time do you need save the emulator and rom should run ok on new systems
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yes fan is one in and one out.
Setup is amd athlon II duel core 3ghz, Nvidia 8800 gtx, 550w cooler master psu, 500 gb hdd ( not gonna be having massive games so dont really need any more than that lol.
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Amazing, i like this project so much, congratuletions
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Really liking the way it looks, only thing I'm thinking is you may regret not having a bigger lip between table top and underneath cabinet re feet/knees etc
But really nice job, really enjoying watching this build. :applaud:
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Really liking the way it looks, only thing I'm thinking is you may regret not having a bigger lip between table top and underneath cabinet re feet/knees etc
But really nice job, really enjoying watching this build. :applaud:
Cheers, i did think that but i tested it sitting on my sofa with the coffee table in front and i found my legs or feet didnt go underneith so though bonus i can hide it all and make it look nice. Time will tell though.
I'm already thinking of my next build eeeeek. Well i got 2 new projects i want.
1. I really want to do a jamma restoration and i got my eye on a shell at the moment.
2. I really want to make a digital hyperpin pinball table too......This is frighteningly addictive.
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Trust me it does
First,second ,third ; )
I Also wanted to do a pin cab it just seems a lot of cash for a few tables
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Trust me it does
First,second ,third ; )
I Also wanted to do a pin cab it just seems a lot of cash for a few tables
Nice bartops :)
It does seem a lot for a few tables but if you gumtree lcd tvs u can pick a 32"( which will be more than adequate for a pin table i think) for about 50 quid, then a lil 19" for the scoreboard (i got a 19" for £15!!) then its just a core 2 duo motherboard and ya buttons really. I got spare buttons etc and spare wood for another project so im trying to decide what to do now. If you do a youtube search for some pin cabs they look bloody impressive. I normally make a project then sell it 6-12months down the line.....i just like having a project to keep me busy and love the next big challenge.
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Ahhh so your the other guy on gum tree pickng up the bargains
I did start a mini pin project using a 19"
Wide screen as play field but I abandoned it
As I could not find a PC cheap enough to run it.
Here's my crude mock up,
I had a idea for a play field that slots in to the end of Bartop to make a pinball machine and then unplugs when you play arcade games, it was inspired by your coffee table control panel idea
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That looks mint mate id crack on with that. I really want a pinball one but hyperpin scares me after hyperspin. not checked it out yet but im guessing its similar ballache
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That looks mint mate id crack on with that. I really want a pinball one but hyperpin scares me after hyperspin. not checked it out yet but im guessing its similar ballache
It's worse! Visual pin is difficult at best !
I scrapped this it was kinda ugly I may try another in one piece to give it a smoother look
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Its a shame ya not closer we could have helped each other out lol. I had the idea of making a collapsable pinball table. Scoreboard screen would fold down onto playfield screen and legs would collapse so it could be stored away (not that ya would really want to but mrs would want it to lol)
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Its a shame ya not closer we could have helped each other out lol. I had the idea of making a collapsable pinball table. Scoreboard screen would fold down onto playfield screen and legs would collapse so it could be stored away (not that ya would really want to but mrs would want it to lol)
Sorry I seem to be hi jacking your coffee table thread
I have some spare wood I'll cut of the new shape I had in mind I'm sure a few adjustment could make it fold down,
My plan is to fit the spare monitor & buttons
I have and leave room for the PC but at the moment just plug it into my big cab the Gf card I has three ports for monitors
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Sounds gd man......I made some progress today.
Got my os installed and controls wired up. Got my front end up and running. Not setup controls for it yet as I dont wanna get playing n leave the build unfinished. ( as it can happen)
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Not setup controls for it yet as I dont wanna get playing n leave the build unfinished. ( as it can happen)
Did that happen anyway, or what happened to the updates? :cheers:
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Hey guys not had much to update as been teying to get some work in......hard times I'm afraid. I have added a my external power button with light but thats about it. Mainly been sorting controls for the different systems when I can. Also been looking at maybe wrapping the coffee table top. Not sure yet. Hoping to have finished updates soon tho :)