The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls
Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: Speed Racer on July 24, 2014, 07:18:18 pm
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EDIT: Build plan PDF is now attached to this post
G’day all.
The time has come for my first build – a mini pinball cab ;D. I definitely got a lot of inspiration from a few of the builds on this forum, in particular Superfrog’s Kiss Pinball (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,136020.0.html (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,136020.0.html)), Martijn’s Multiball Madness (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=134336.0 (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=134336.0)) and Swaffar’s Digi Pin (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,120248.0.html (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,120248.0.html)). All of them are incredible. I will be happy if my first attempt turns out half as good as one of these!
So… some basic info:
*2 monitor setup – at this stage. Still tempted by a 3 monitor setup, but I feel it will be difficult to get it in a mini cab without the back box being overly large compared to the main cab.However, the 3 monitor setup has more of that pinball “look”….
*Playfield – 27” Samsung monitor. Bought this new. It has a decent refresh rate and doesn’t go dim when viewed from the side.
*Backglass – 19” 4:3 HP monitor. An older (and free) monitor. Does the job well enough. I will change this to a widescreen if I go with the 3 monitor option.
*Hardware – An old computer I had lying around. C2Duo 3Ghz (I think), 4Gb RAM, 500 Gb hard drive. Upgraded vid card to GTX460.
*Software – mostly sorted already!!! (And boy was that a headache!) I did this before committing $$$ to the project. Pinball X frontend. Primarily I’ll use Visual Pinball for its excellent physics. I’ve also setup Future Pinball with BAM because it looks impressive. Will also try Pinball FX2 at some point later.
*Sound – some sort of 2.1 speaker setup. Keeping my eye out for something suitable.
*Other stuff – no plans for anything too fancy. I would like the cab to be simple and look good. No relays or shakers etc. It is a mini cab after all.
*Artwork – TBA. Suggestions welcome!
So that’s it for now. I am totally keen for feedback – it might save me a huge stuff up! I don’t have heaps of spare time so work will happen as time permits.
Lastly some photos. Wood has been cut!
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You may want to search my posts with the keyword "MagnaSave" for some VP considerations and wiring tips. :cheers:
Scott
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You may want to search my posts with the keyword "MagnaSave" for some VP considerations and wiring tips. :cheers:
Scott
Thanks for the tip. :cheers:
That is a pretty awesome idea. Full functionality with just two buttons per side.
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Thanks. :cheers:
BTW, that's 3 buttons per side + 1 on the front for "Up Nudge" if you want L/R/Up Nudge without a plumb bob/accelerometer/sliding lockdown bar with hidden microswitches. ;D
Scott
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BTW, that's 3 buttons per side + 1 on the front for "Up Nudge" if you want L/R/Up Nudge without a plumb bob/accelerometer/sliding lockdown bar with hidden microswitches. ;D
Cool. I'm going to try an accelerometer setup for the nudge.
The nudge is way more important to me than magnasave/upper flippers, so if the accelerometer doesn't work too well the left and right nudge will go on the 2nd button each side.
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I could nudge up/ down/ left en right with my analog stick on the lockdown bar...
That worked good and simpel.
I was planning to nudge with a accelerometer, bud I didn't want to push the machine all the time... I'm a sissy now? :laugh2:
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I didn't want to push the machine all the time... I'm a sissy now? :laugh2:
Maybe you learned your lesson playng this game. (at 7:15) ;D
Giant Bomb - No, No, No! Please Don't Shake the Baby! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMEg6mfTfF4#ws)
If your pincab is properly aligned, this will cause a tilt.
South park - Kick The Baby! (Kyle & Ike) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkcNLtn2gtk#)
Scott
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I could nudge up/ down/ left en right with my analog stick on the lockdown bar...
That worked good and simpel.
I was planning to nudge with a accelerometer, bud I didn't want to push the machine all the time... I'm a sissy now? :laugh2:
Ha, I wouldn't call you a sissy. Not after the amount of effort that went into that cab :)
Bit of an update on the build.
Some general build notes from the photos in my first post...
* For cutting out the sides an other panels, I whipped up a saw board. Highly recommend this - it improved my cutting with a circular saw by a mile.
* With the two sides cut, I clamped them toghether with the factory cut edges lined. I then ran the router around the edge with a flush cut bit. Result = two sides exactlly the same size ;D
* Temporarily assembled the panels with wood screws and brackets. The brackets are ok, but the panels don't always line up perfect. Might have to clamp and glue as well when I am happy with the cab assembly.
Now for the new stuff..
Routed a slot in each of the side panels so that the playfield monitor can slide in without any of the case showing. Was a bit tricky, because of a tiny cable that runs to one corner of the screen. To accommodate this I had to put a tiny step inside the slot.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=313319;image)
Test fitted the playfied monitor.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=313321;image)
Repeated the same process to make the back box and fitted the screen. It's pretty rough right now, but I want to see if it looks and feels right.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=313323;image)
Hooked it all up to the computer for a test run ;D
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=313325;image)
Good fun so far! Now if only I had some more free time ::)
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This is looking like it will be pretty cool. Good idea to figure out all the software first - I think that headache is why I never want to put pinball in my plans.
Might need to reconsider as this looks cool and pinball is so damn fun.
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This is looking like it will be pretty cool. Good idea to figure out all the software first - I think that headache is why I never want to put pinball in my plans.
Might need to reconsider as this looks cool and pinball is so damn fun.
Thanks. It's not too bad once you get started - but you have to make changes one at a time so not screw everything up. There's some detailed tutorials on vpforums for setting up Visual Pinball and adding animated back glass. Future Pinball is a bit easier to get going, until you want to use one of the versions with tweaked physics. Very confusing!
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Yes it is confusing. On mine I built it first and the setup the software because I didn't have my computer yet. I'm still setting up software and trying to get the software to place nice with each other. I actually got a nanotech plunger, everybody says there are junk but mine works fine. The only thing is I count figure out how to set up vp with an analog plunger. Also I have some issues trying to get 3 screens setup on future pinball. I actually like future pinball with bam pretty well. I have most everything done except wiring the solenoids up and mounting and wiring the LEDs up. Mine is sort of a mini with 32 inch tv. You have to plan carefully when u put everything in the cab or u will be moving all kinds of stuff around. Anyway urs looks good so far.
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Yes it is confusing. On mine I built it first and the setup the software because I didn't have my computer yet. I'm still setting up software and trying to get the software to place nice with each other. I actually got a nanotech plunger, everybody says there are junk but mine works fine. The only thing is I count figure out how to set up vp with an analog plunger. Also I have some issues trying to get 3 screens setup on future pinball. I actually like future pinball with bam pretty well. I have most everything done except wiring the solenoids up and mounting and wiring the LEDs up. Mine is sort of a mini with 32 inch tv. You have to plan carefully when u put everything in the cab or u will be moving all kinds of stuff around. Anyway urs looks good so far.
Cheers.
Good to hear you have had some succes with the plunger. I have ordered one from virtua pin, which I think has arrived today. My understanding is that analog plungers work great in future pinball but are not well supported visual pinball... they might require editing of the individual table script files? Will post how successful I am with it.
As for Future pinball with BAM - it's definitely the way to go. Generally I prefer modern tables that have been optimised for Zed Physics and older tables with non Zed physics.
Currently I am thinking about how to get a 3 monitor setup working, but I don't have the right PC hardware to do it. My motherboard has only 1 PCIe slot and doesn't have VGA or DVI out :( Old PCI video cards are almost non-existent and USB powered monitors are expensive, but short of getting another PC I think that is my only real option.
I am keen to know if you have success with Future Pinball and a 3 monitor setup ;D
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Welcome to the Mini Pincab Builders Club. There aren't many of us, but every now and then someone on here seems to like what we do enough to build a mini. After moving back to the states from Germany, buying a house, and spending most of my free time hunting for retro console games (something I couldn't really do in Deutschland) my pincab has been neglected. I really need to get around to finishing this thing. I did remove the 220v smart strip, replacing it with a good ole 'Merican 110v strip, but that's about it. I was truly honored to have inspired Martijn's build, but a bit depressed as well. I knew he would finish before me the day we began communicating.
Cheers.
Good to hear you have had some succes with the plunger. I have ordered one from virtua pin, which I think has arrived today. My understanding is that analog plungers work great in future pinball but are not well supported visual pinball... they might require editing of the individual table script files? Will post how successful I am with it.
As for Future pinball with BAM - it's definitely the way to go. Generally I prefer modern tables that have been optimised for Zed Physics and older tables with non Zed physics.
Currently I am thinking about how to get a 3 monitor setup working, but I don't have the right PC hardware to do it. My motherboard has only 1 PCIe slot and doesn't have VGA or DVI out :( Old PCI video cards are almost non-existent and USB powered monitors are expensive, but short of getting another PC I think that is my only real option.
I am keen to know if you have success with Future Pinball and a 3 monitor setup ;D
If you revisit my thread, you'll see that you don't need a second graphics card for a three monitor setup. I went with a 7" mimo monitor and it works great. It gets power and video through USB, so that solves the graphics card problem. The display is only 800x480, but this is more than enough for a DMD display. My only recomendation is that you stay away from the 710s model, as I had nothing but problems getting it to work with Windows 7. Go with a 720. It's a lot of money, but having a dedicated DMD screen sitting between two 4" speakers really makes the cab come together.
Another expensive, but equally eye-catching, was the custom lockdown bar. Again, I can't recommend this enough, as it really makes the cab IMHO. You'll have to wait a little while for the fabrication, but you can get one direct from VirtuaPin http://virtuapin.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=45 (http://virtuapin.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=45)
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:cheers: Thanks swaffar. It's nice to be part of the community.
Yeah, I was tempted by the Mimo from the start, but the real killer is the extra $70+ in getting it sent here. The total cost would almost be as much as what I paid for my 27" playfield monitor :o
So as an alternative I am going to try one of these - http://www.dx.com/p/cy-u3-125-usb-3-0-male-to-vga-female-video-graphic-card-display-adapter-cable-for-windows-7-8-260523 (http://www.dx.com/p/cy-u3-125-usb-3-0-male-to-vga-female-video-graphic-card-display-adapter-cable-for-windows-7-8-260523) I didn't know such a product existed until just now. If all is ok I will get a regular 7" vga lcd screen which can be found for about $50.
I agree that the custom lockdown bar does look awesome. I have some time to think that one over, as it's probably the last thing I need to get sorted. I work in a heavy manufacturing industry and know some welders/boilermakers so I might be able to get something custom made for free... we'll see.
Anyway, hopefully some actual progress coming up this weekend. Have been busy this week re-installing all of my cab PC's software after having major issues with my windows install :( The one part of the job I didn't want to do again! :banghead:
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This looks really good! I am hoping to do one of these after I get my mame cabinet finished up, they seem to be more complicated, and I wanted to make sure I could do what I thought would be easier before I do a more difficult build. My hats off to you sir I will be watching for updates :)
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I would also considering going the real dmd tour :)
(http://www.hyperspin-fe.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=20664&d=1349765170)
I first had only a 2 display setup
then later on someone created a dmd underbox for me and i ordered the pindmd and plasma dmd with 12v supply from mouser
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:cheers: Cheers guys.
Time for an update! ;D
I bought a set of doors and a matching coin mech. I realise they are not exactly "pinball authentic" but the doors are a nice size and will suit my smaller cab.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=314248;image)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=314252;image)
I had a couple of problems with these doors though. First, if you look at the door with the hole pre-cut in it, it is closer to the bottom than the top. The problem with this is that when I mount the coin mech, the coin mech internals sit too low inside and hit the lower part of the door frame and prevent it from opening. You can kind of see what I mean from this crap photo.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=314250;image)
I could have just mounted the door up-side-down (with the lock on the left, not the right) but I just don't like the look of it. I've never seen a pinball with a "backwards" door. Instead I decided to cut out a hole in the spare door closer to the top. While I was at it, I removed the ugly tabs from the door, near where the lock is mounted (see first photo). A few coats of satin black paint and we are good.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=314258;image)
Also, I got my PC up and running again. It's surprising how much of the software setup I had forgotten in such a short space of time :dizzy:
I gave the three monitor setup a go using one of these:
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=314256;image)
I am happy to say that these usb to vga adaptors seem to work just fine. It saved me having to find another video card or change my motherboard to get the 3rd vga/dvi out. There is one catch with these though - if you want higher resolutions you must connect it up to a USB 3.0. On USB2.0 the adaptor can only display 800x600, which is fine for me as it will be the DMD :)
Lastly, my plunger kit arrived from virtua pin. I gave it a quick test run in Future Pinball and it works fine. I think it auto calibrates every time it is turned on, so there shouldn't be any issues. Also, the PCB it connects to has a joypad encoder built in which will handle input from the cab's buttons, and an accelerometer to detect table nudging.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=314254;image)
More progress to follow soon...
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And now for the rest of the update...
Originally I decided to mount the playfield screen horizontally like so many other virtual pinball cabs have done before. However after a bit of testing I feel mounting the screen on an angle is the way to go. I didn't really feel like cutting out new side panels so I started by filling the slots for the monitor with "builder's bog".
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=314242;image)
After sanding the filler flush, I routed new slots for the monitor at a slight angle. I kept it neat at the front end since that will be visible above the playfield. The back end is a bit rough because it will be out of sight.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=314260;image)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=314262;image)
Next up I am going to cut holes in the front panel for the coin door, plunger and buttons.
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Well it has been ages since I've done an update, but I finally managed to get some more work done on this build. Things are coming along nicely, even though I've made plenty of mistakes. My work is a bit sloppy in places because everything I'm doing is pretty much a new experience :)
First up, I've partially cut out the front panel. It now has holes for the coin door and the plunger, but I've still got to figure out what I am going to do with start, exit and coin buttons. I also unscrewed the cabinet panels because the alignment was quite bad. Have now clamped and glued them with (most of) the edges lining up good enough to be sanded flush later.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=317454;image)
I've also added a drawer shelf with the back panel attached to it. I've used "push to open" drawer slides which work ok. I'm not 100% convinced I want to use these over regular drawer slides.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=317456;image)
For mounting the motherboard on the shelf I have taken the mounting screws out of an computer case. With a small pilot hole they easily screwed into the MDF. It won't be super strong but is fine for this purpose.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=317458;image)
and up close...
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=317460;image)
Lastly, I removed the back panel to cut some holes and route a recess for some cooling fans. I'm using just a couple of regular 120mm PC fans. I will place another 2 on the underside of the cab to promote airflow in to the cabinet and then out through the back.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=317462;image)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=317464;image)
That's all for now. I'm really enjoying the build process, even though it's hard to find the time and my skills could be better!
Next update - should have some significant progress on the rebuilt back box - with added monitor for DMD ;D
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Well, it’s been a while since I’ve posted so it’s time for an update.
The backbox has been completed, but not after some pain. I had it mostly done when I accidentally knocked it off the work bench :cry: :hissy: All the joints came apart and I had to rebuild it, doing the best I could to smooth out anywhere it had become uneven. It will never be quite the same as before, but overall I’m happy with the outcome.
Since I decided to go for a dedicated monitor for the DMD, I had to make a panel to house it at the front of the backbox. I will also fit the speakers in this panel. I started by routing out a space for the monitor.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=319885;image) (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=319887;image)
I rounded the top edge of the panel, and cut a DMD aspect ratio size hole where the monitor sits. A lot of the small 7”monitor will not be seen, so that the correct aspect ratio can be kept. I also cut out some round holes for the speakers and routed a square cavity behind them where I will eventually put some speaker mesh.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=319889;image) (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=319893;image)
Here is the mostly complete backbox, and a view from the top showing the hinged back panel and where the monitor slides in. That grill at the back should look better once I paint it black.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=319895;image) (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=319897;image)
And here it is with the rest of the cab. I got some authentic pinball cabinet legs – these make the cab look a whole lot more legit.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=319899;image) (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=319901;image)
Some photos from the back showing the slide out drawer for the PC and the backbox access.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=319903;image) (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=319905;image)
I put all the guts inside for a sanity check and to see if I have to make any adjustments to the cab before I start prepping for painting. Everything fits ok but I will have to make some extra holes to run some cables to slightly different places. Lastly I gave it a test run. I think it looks a lot better than my original 2 monitor setup.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=319907;image) (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=319909;image)
So I'm happy with the build so far. I think it is time to start getting some coats of paint on this thing. My plan at this stage is to throw on a few undercoats first, inside and out. The outside sides and front surfaces I am planning to cover with printed vinyl, so I will spray these with gloss black (I read a smooth gloss surface is best for adhesive vinyl). All other visible exterior surfaces will get a few coats of satin black.
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I love these projects.
I'm always truly floored by these.
I'd love to tackle one.
But they seem (A) hard to do (B) costly.
None the less this project rocks !
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Cheers ;D
I wouldn't say building the cabinet itself is that hard. I have never really built anything before this and I'm going alright. I just take time to plan things and test stuff out before I commit. The limited space inside makes things difficult, a bit like building a bartop I imagine. But it's also simpler because you don't have to build a control panel. As stated above, the hard part is getting the software sorted. I might post a "how to" software thread at some point in the future... :dunno
You are right about the cost though... I haven't quite totalled up how much I have spent, but it is already over $1000 AUD (about 850 USD) and that was with a free computer and monitor (for the back box), and does not include extra tools I had to buy! Although stuff here tends to cost a lot more than in the US, and getting anything shipped from overseas hurts the wallet.
Is it worth it? Totally :D
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I love mine. It seems like they are always a WIP though. The toys are what seem to cost a lot. Seems like $100 here or there starts to add up. I probably have $2500 in mine. Much less without all the add ons. Yours looks great. Any art ideas yet?
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=318390)
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Your cab looks great jaharr!
Yes, I have been thinking about artwork. Unfortunately I have zero talent with such things and am considering either:
1) I use something someone else has made previously, or
2) I get some idead together and get someone else to make a custom theme.
I have been checking out Stuzza's art http://imgur.com/a/MhlPm (http://imgur.com/a/MhlPm) over on vpforums - the same guy that did the Scooby Doo theme. Gotta, say the quality of his work is pretty good considering it's given away for nothing. I could use these, but I would need to get it resized for my mini cab, and probably tweaked to my liking.
My favourites so far are below. I really like the Back to the Future one. If I was to use the 50s theme I would probab change "pinball memories" to something else. If anyone has any thoughts or suggestions, fire away.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=320035;image)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=320037;image)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=320039;image)
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I like the BTTF and the 50's both I was going to do a WW2 bomber theme something like this
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,113707.0.html (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,113707.0.html)
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Well after spending some time fiddling with the above cab art I downloaded, I figured out that these files are only compatible with Photoshop, and wouldn't open properly with Paint.net or Gimp, even though they both programs have some level of support for .psd files. Without Photoshop or help I can't resize them to fit my cab. D'oh :banghead:
But that's ok cos I decided to have a go at creating my own, despite my total lack of creative experience. I chose an F1 theme - not really anything to do with pinball but what the heck. I like it, and it's something my wife and I both follow.
I can't really draw as such. I just pinched some high res pics and upscaled them and worked them into my design. The white parts are either the edges of the cab or where the image will be covered by buttons/plunger etc. The grey is to give an indication of where the side rails and lock down bar will be.
So... honest opinions: is it ok? Or total garbage? I wasn't too sure about the logos on the side of the back box. Initially I didn't have them there and felt it was too bare, but now :dunno
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=323504;image)
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Honest opinion, the F1 design looks just Ok, something about the scale of the images or the border seems to throw it off for me at least. The more I look at it the more I think it's the border, especially on the backglass.
Enjoying the build so far though, I'm a big fan of mini.. well most everything. Here's my tabletop minipin, at the playable so not ever going to be "done" stage.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dex6q2Zk_G8/VDHwiZvYvjI/AAAAAAAABJo/TiFfXu4I3x8/s640/2014-10-04%252016.42.24.jpg)
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I like your pinball memories the most.
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Well after spending some time fiddling with the above cab art I downloaded, I figured out that these files are only compatible with Photoshop, and wouldn't open properly with Paint.net or Gimp, even though they both programs have some level of support for .psd files. Without Photoshop or help I can't resize them to fit my cab. D'oh :banghead:
But that's ok cos I decided to have a go at creating my own, despite my total lack of creative experience. I chose an F1 theme - not really anything to do with pinball but what the heck. I like it, and it's something my wife and I both follow.
I can't really draw as such. I just pinched some high res pics and upscaled them and worked them into my design. The white parts are either the edges of the cab or where the image will be covered by buttons/plunger etc. The grey is to give an indication of where the side rails and lock down bar will be.
So... honest opinions: is it ok? Or total garbage? I wasn't too sure about the logos on the side of the back box. Initially I didn't have them there and felt it was too bare, but now :dunno
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=323504;image)
If you want the BTTF artwork, I can set it up for you so you can use it in a other paint program.
If you send it Photoshop file to me, I shall take a look for you :cheers:
Greetings
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Thanks for kind words/offers and honest opinions guys :cheers:
Honest opinion, the F1 design looks just Ok, something about the scale of the images or the border seems to throw it off for me at least. The more I look at it the more I think it's the border, especially on the backglass.
BorgDog - can you say what it is in particular about the image or border that might need work? Border too thin or big? Yellow stripe or the colour around the outside of it? Should I remove the border from the back glass etc? I can do some quick mock ups post back.
My initial concerns were that the images on the sides of the cab don't "match" each other (in terms of style that is)... but you won't be able to see both at the same time, and they're not that dissimilar. I'm also not so keen on the large open space under the F1 logo on the left side of the cab.
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If you want the BTTF artwork, I can set it up for you so you can use it in a other paint program.
If you send it Photoshop file to me, I shall take a look for you :cheers:
Greetings
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This rocks. I love virtual pinball builds. I wish we had more of them! I can't wait to see more.
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If it was me I'd probably just lose the borders altogether. I like the background you have on the backglass, see what it looks like extended all the way out maybe. I do like the two different colors and how they blend together on the front/coindoor side. In the end, it's really what you like that counts, hopefully some others will chime in, there are some pretty good artist types on this site.
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I agree with BorgDog. With those borders it somehow looks like you just took some stickers and put them on the cab. If you have to have the borders, I would at least have them follow the contours of the cab.
If this was my cab, I would extend the graphics so that they merge at the front. The borders would be replaced with two stripes, one at the bottom and one at the top. Both stripes would go around the entire cab, the top one following the contours of the cab, the bottom one just a straight line.
That way you would have something that flows around the entire cab rather than having a collection of single pieces.
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OK - I've done some quick mods to my existing art just for comparison.
No borders
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=323578;image)
No borders and no logos
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=323576;image)
Stripe at top and bottom only
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=323580;image)
With the first two I have removed the borders as BorgDog suggested (and the logos, just to see what it looked like).
The last one was a quick attempt at what yamatetsu suggested. I don't think I can extend the graphics to the front - the source pictures just aren't wide enough. I like the idea of running a border at the top and bottom only, except for the mismatched colour I get where the left panel meets the front.
I think I like the original design with the borders better, but I can still be persuaded! ;D
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I like those better, definitely keep the logos unless you come up with something else for the backbox. I like the no borders look.
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Number three does it for me. One small detail somehow bothers me though : The top stripe going through the driver's left hand, that kinda looks like the finger gets cut off.
I would put the hand to the foreground, so that the stripe goes behind it, maybe even do gradients so that the stripe fades out at the left side of the finger and fades in again at the right side.
Oh, and one small niggle should you decide to go with the initial design : The border on the front plate. I think it would look better to have the border follow the contours of the white edges so that you get a complete border rather than having the cab's legs covering parts of it.
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One small detail somehow bothers me though : The top stripe going through the driver's left hand, that kinda looks like the finger gets cut off.
I would put the hand to the foreground, so that the stripe goes behind it, maybe even do gradients so that the stripe fades out at the left side of the finger and fades in again at the right side.
Yeah, totally agree. I didn't bother fixing at the time, but I've moved the hand in front now.
I'd dig a no logo stripe combo. But that right side has the Red Bull stuff all over it. Is it possible to make that just a generic car?
That is definitely beyond my skill level. I'm not so bothered about the Red Bull logos. Even if I removed them, the car's colours are immediately identifiable as Red Bull anyway. My best (easiest) option for a generic car would be to mirror the left side on the right instead of having two different sides.
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OK – update time.
A lot has been happening lately, but I finally got the chance to get some work done on the pincab. I have given everything a coat of black spray paint. As stated before, I will put down top coats of gloss black for the front and sides of the main cab and the back box. This should give a smooth surface for the vinyl print to stick to. The “exposed” parts of the cab (dmd panel, around the screens) I will finish with semi-gloss black because it is a nicer finish. I’ll do the top coats once I have printed art work ready to go on.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=328206;image)
Also, I had been thinking about making some hinges to attach the back box to the side of the main cab (like how real full size cabs have). I abandoned this idea because genuine parts will be too large for a mini pincab. Instead I have put some dowel in the top of the main body to locate the back box, and then used some lock down levers on the inside of the cab to secure (you can see the lever on the right side of the photo. I have since put a second one on the other side). The back box won’t fold down, but at least I can remove it if I ever have to.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=328204;image) (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=328208;image)
Lastly, I have cut some lengths of aluminium angle to use as side rails. It’s nice and cheap and the perfect size for my build.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=328210;image)
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If you are thinking of adding a wiz with some lights, check out zebsboards.com :) i bought his light bar and it rocks you can check my build topic :)
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As a die-hard McLaren fan i offer my skills to remove that RB8 filth off the side of your art. ;D
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As a die hard McLaren fan I'm not enjoying this season much... :badmood:
Initially I thought of doing a McLaren theme, but struggled find good source material to work with. I guess I took the easy option :)
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Every team needs time.
I'd be surprised if we start winning races before the 2017 season. Its the price you pay for not wanting to be the whipping boy of another engine manufacture, We'd never win a title again with a Merc power plant, well, not with them having a works team anyways.
Why don't you do an early 80's theme and do it up like the livery on the Marlboro MP4/x's. If you sent me your template you're working from i could do up something cool.
(http://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/68430/2632564-8540097412-Marlb.jpg)
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Yeah, McLaren will get back up to where they should be. I just hope it doesn't take as long as it took Williams!
Why don't you do an early 80's theme and do it up like the livery on the Marlboro MP4/x's. If you sent me your template you're working from i could do up something cool.
That's a very tempting offer thanks Chance. The MP4/4 is one of the greatest F1 cars ever built and a favourite of mine... I think for now I better stick with the art I have done so far, otherwise I'll never get this thing finished :cheers:
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...I know, but... JUST SAYING:
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8892/17120227667_8a00bf7762_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/s5RDe6)
It would need all black buttons, red coin return buttons, and all black parts, with a chrome plunger knob.
(http://www.f1scalemodels.com/Gallery%20-%20Te%20Papa/McLaren_MP4-4.JPG)
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;D
If you don't, I'm sure someone else will...
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:o :o :o :applaud:
Ok - I think I'm persuaded! I'll PM when I get home from work.
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...yeah, that's what I thought. 8)
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I'd also like to point out that today is the 21st anniversary of his death.
:(
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...I know, but... JUST SAYING:
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8892/17120227667_8a00bf7762_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/s5RDe6)
It would need all black buttons, red coin return buttons, and all black parts, with a chrome plunger knob.
(http://www.f1scalemodels.com/Gallery%20-%20Te%20Papa/McLaren_MP4-4.JPG)
Here a McLaren fan to ;)
Hope they got a better update for Barcelona and get back in the game.
But you did a GREAT job on the MP4 artwork here :cheers:
Way better then the RB >:D
ps: for a dutch guy, this year the F1 has a new local hero ..... MAX Verstappen .. :cheers:
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So I have been doing a little bit of work trying to make a lockdown bar for the cab. Since my build is not a full sized I can’t use a genuine part. I looked at what virtuapin.net had to offer. They will make a custom sized lockdown bar, but the combined cost of the part and shipping was over $200 – a nice product but too much for me ;D.
So I got some 3mm aluminium flat bar and cut it into strips to join together. Ideally I would find someone to braze or weld these together, but I decided to try something novel – epoxy, specifically JB Weld. I figure it should be ok since the lock down bar won’t see any real load applied to it. If it all fails I’ll just make another and get it TIG welded.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=328438;image) (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=328440;image)
With the right surface prep the joints seem to be super stiff once cured. I sanded the excess epoxy back and gave all surfaces a good sand and clean before priming with etch primer. I sprayed a couple of coats of so-called “chrome” paint (more like shiny silver but whatever). Great effect, but the paint dulls as soon as it is touched or clear coated, so I will sand back and prime again. Final colour/finish yet to be decided.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=328442;image) (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=328444;image)
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After a few busy months at work, I’ve finally got back to doing some work on this. I had a hard time deciding which way to go with the art – I think the McLaren MP4/4 is the better design, but I felt like I had come too far with the other design to let it go (and also had already bought parts to match). So I got some test prints done in black and white to confirm everything was sized correctly.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=333478;image) (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=333480;image)
I trimmed the protectors that came with my pinball legs. They were just some cheap ugly grey material and I didn’t want any showing from behind the leg itself. I also wanted to do this step before any art work was applied to prevent accidental damage.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=333482;image) (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=333484;image)
I got my art finalised and decided to get it printed and sent from Soul Draw in China. They were quick and super cheap – I got charged the minimum order which was $65USD including postage! The prints themselves turned out great. However, the vinyl that they used to print on was very difficult to work with. It wanted to curl up constantly, so applying it was definitely a two person job. Luckily my wife was keen to help out :)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=333486;image) (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=333490;image)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=333492;image) (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=333494;image)
I didn’t have a good squeegee, but I found a flexible rubber spatula wrapped in a micro fibre cloth work pretty much perfectly to apply the vinyl and smooth out air bubbles.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=333488;image)
Some final pics with the cab assembled…
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=333496;image) (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=333500;image)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=333498;image)
More to follow soon: the wiring, PC and components install
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...I think the McLaren MP4/4 is the better design...
:cheers: thanks. :D. I might just have to build it myself one day anyways. I'm surprised you didn't update the Williams logo before going to print.
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Yeah not sure why I didn't go with the Williams Martini logo now I think about it... I like the old one too, so I can live with it.
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Work continues on installing all the components and wiring the cab up. Generally going well, but not without difficulties in some spots. Most of them are to do with routing all the cables around the sliding drawer, or leaving enough slack in the cables that attach to something on the drawer. With hindsight, maybe not the best design choice… oh well.
The items at the front right of the cab are quite tightly packed. I had to fit the plunger and the flipper buttons below the slot where the screen slides in, but I didn’t want the plunger or the buttons to be placed a long way down the cab. Overall I am happy with how it looks and functions. Oh, and that scrappy work in the bottom of the cab is an underside pause button and a hole for the volume slider that came with the speakers. If you’re going to have pause and volume controls I figure they should be out of sight.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=333808;image)
Main power is handled by an “eco” power board (smart strip). I have the PC hooked up to the master outlet, and the 3 screen and speakers on the slave outlets. Works great! Screens go off with the PC, not just into standby. This was particularly important because the little DMD screen displays a blue screen when it has power but no signal.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=333810;image)
I cut the plug off the power board and hooked the wires up to a panel mount socket. Other work done on the back of the cab – installed a power button (connected to the PC on/off switch), and a panel mount USB for quick updates. Grills installed over the rear fans – I would have mounted them at 45deg, but the mounts were on the exact same diameter as the fan mounts and the screws would have fought for the same space. No big problem, but just doesn’t quite look right.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=333814;image)
Inside, I have put the PC, PSU and the HDD on the drawer. Towards the front I have a small sub woofer that came with the Logitech 2.1 speakers I am using. The speakers themselves will be in the back box next to the DMD screen.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=333812;image)
A pic of the front of the cab with parts installed. Gonna have to put inserts in those buttons.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=333816;image)
That's all for now. I'll wire up the control next and install everything in the back box
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I gotta say... the green-yellow-red buttons you have on the front are brilliant! Perfect for a car themed cab!
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The green/yellow/red IS a great little design nugget, however, red goes on top ;)
Wished you would have went with the "pinball memories" theme, but this one is looking slick too!
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Cheers guys :cheers:
The green/yellow/red IS a great little design nugget, however, red goes on top ;)
Ha I know - but I couldn't have the "exit" button at the top now ;D
I have been trying out some inserts for the buttons - this is what I have in mind... the yellow is a dollar coin if you can't tell.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=333955;image) (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=333957;image)
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Its hard to see, mainly because it's not a coin i'm used to seeing.
Why don't you have this guy engrave a copy of the Concord Agreement onto the button? That means money, Right?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/8315313/Worlds-smallest-engraving-on-the-edge-of-a-razor-blade.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/8315313/Worlds-smallest-engraving-on-the-edge-of-a-razor-blade.html)
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...Concord Agreement ... That means money, Right?
Only if you're Ferrari, McLaren, or Red Bull!
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exactly, no one else really counts :)
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Cant believe I missed this this first time around. That cab looks exactly like the sized cab that would be perfect for me. Got any plans/dimensions to share?
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I'll search for my CAD file and post when I get home tonight. I think its pretty close to what I ended up building.
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The green/yellow/red IS a great little design nugget, however, red goes on top ;)
on a starter tree yeah, but on a traffic light he has them in the right order :p
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Cant believe I missed this this first time around. That cab looks exactly like the sized cab that would be perfect for me. Got any plans/dimensions to share?
I've attached a build plan PDF to the first post in this thread. It's pretty rough - it doesn't include every detail but gives most dimensions.
NOTE: I found the cab dimensions to be HIGHLY dependent on the size of the de-cased monitors (I didn't leave myself much spare room to work with). Basic cab dimensions would have to be changed to suit whatever monitors you choose.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=334690;image)
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Well after much screwing around…
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=334803;image) (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=334805;image)
….I finally got this thing fully wired up.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=334811;image)
I made a huge mistake – I didn’t allow enough space for the playfield monitor cables (power and VGA) to connect to the sockets on the PCB. With the drawer fully closed the cables would hang down into the CPU fan! (You can see where it would be in the above photo if look at the CPU fan). Rather than move everything around, I figured it would be easier to get some 90degree connectors that would give me the clearance I needed. The one for the power cable was an unusual size but I found what I needed from a laptop spares seller. Pic below shows the "extension cable" I made out of a laptop socket and power brick cord and the original cable below it.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=334809;image)
Why not just move the screen PCB? Any movement of the PCB meant that the panel ribbon cable would not lie flat and would get caught on the video card when it moved in and out :banghead: At least it all got sorted eventually.
When I put the playfield screen in, a little of the panel edge was showing. To hide this I ran some black electrical tape over the edges. Turned out real good. The finish of the tape is very close to both the semi-gloss (satin) black paint I used inside the cab and the black of the screen when it is turned off. Photo below shows 3 sides done for comparison.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=334807;image)
Not much more to do now… I have everything I need and will complete this week ;D
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With a few distractions of late (kitchen renovations and holidays) I have had some time to rethink some of the hardware choices in the pin cab. First up, I ditched the Core2Duo based system, as it was running a bit slow in the frontend with the multiple screens and videos going at once. Replaced it with a 3rd gen i5 system I found on eBay for cheap. May end up changing the HDD for a SSD, but it’s less critical.
Also, sadly the plunger kit from Virtua Pin wasn’t performing as well as I had hoped. It worked ok in Visual Pinball, but it was very jittery in Pinball FX 2. Also, it would not always get detected by the PC when it was plugged in. I noticed that the Virtua Pin web site doesn’t stock these any more, presumably because there have been too many complaints. I replaced the kit with one from Zeb’s Boards and it works great. It has a mechanical sensor attached to the plunger rather than the optical sensor the VP kit used. I just wish I bought this first!
So with the hardware and controls all sorted, it was time to finish up the cab itself. I used some weather strip seals on the side edges, so that the glass would sit snug under the side rails. I also glued some 1mm foam strips on the underside of the side rails, so that the glass wasn't hard up against the metal surface. I can slide the glass in and out if I want, but it won’t move around on its own.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=340459;image)
Applied some T-Molding (from GGG) around the back box and installed side rails, glass and lock down bar. Rather than finding a lockdown mechanism to fit in my mini cab, I found some 3M Dual Lock strips did the job nicely. They are like adhesive backed Velcro strips on steroids, holding the lockdown bar to the top of the side rails. Everything is quite solid, but can be opened up when needed. Here are some photos of the completed cab. All up I'm pleased with how this turned out :D
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=340461;image) (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=340463;image)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=340465;image) (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=340467;image) (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=340469;image)
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Holy crap this is cool! I got my hands on a 40" LED TV on Black Friday that just might become a playfield! Very nice project!
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