The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls

Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: TazMan on November 23, 2002, 04:08:46 pm

Title: What is the Mametrix?
Post by: TazMan on November 23, 2002, 04:08:46 pm: New project started ;D

Website is a work in progress...bear with me.

http://www.the-mametrix.com (http://www.the-mametrix.com)
Title: Re:what is the mametrix?
Post by: cdbrown on November 24, 2002, 08:08:16 pm: Very sweet looking site ;D Good job - looking forward to seeing the pics

Cheers
-cdbrown
Title: Re:what is the mametrix?
Post by: SNAAAKE on November 25, 2002, 12:04:37 pm: GOOD work :).

super cool flash...professional.
Title: Cabinet starting to take shape
Post by: TazMan on December 03, 2002, 04:00:38 pm: Thanks for the comments guys

The cabinet is starting to take shape ;D

I have started the assembly of the rotating control panel assembly - darn you 1UP, you had to go and make this more complicated by dreaming that thing up didn't you ;)

Was hoping to work on it this evening; but, I have a Java programming exam that I probably shouldn't skip...those student loan people frown upon that.
Title: Re:what is the mametrix?
Post by: Brax on December 16, 2002, 12:40:52 pm: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=748598360

Have you seen this? It would be perfect for your cabinet. ;D
Title: Re:what is the mametrix?
Post by: TazMan on December 16, 2002, 01:11:43 pm: Nope, hadn't seen it.

Thanx for the heads-up! 8)

Unfortunately, I already bought a trigger stick that I have hacked to pieces.
http://www.the-mametrix.com/glowstick.htm (http://www.the-mametrix.com/glowstick.htm)

I think I have got so it should work fine - and it's clear, so with the glow wire - it'll glow Green

I couldn't use the Raider Pro sticks - cause the blue would have clashed with the green theme; but, that Astron Belt stick looks like it would have worked great.
Title: Re:what is the mametrix?
Post by: TazMan on December 19, 2002, 11:20:09 am: Added some more pix.

Getting closer :P

Click Here (http://www.the-mametrix.com/index2.htm)
Title: Re:what is the mametrix?
Post by: Birdtales on December 19, 2002, 12:54:36 pm: Quote from: TazMan on December 19, 2002, 11:20:09 am
Added some more pix.

Getting closer :P

Looking really, really good. I wish I could come up with a rotating design that would work with my Cabinet. Sometimes it seems harder to convert than to build.
Title: Re:what is the mametrix?
Post by: Sasquatch! on December 26, 2002, 11:53:59 am: Cool cabinet theme, and VERY nicely executed. I likes!
Title: Re:what is the mametrix?
Post by: TazMan on December 26, 2002, 12:00:52 pm: Thanks oh "big-footed" one. ;D

I had finals last week - okay, yeah I'm 34 and still in College - but hey these student loans come in handy ;)

The Holiday this week, so hopefully will be able to get back at it this evening.

Bought the wife a diamond necklace for Christmas, that should earn me some brownie points and let me spend some bonus time in the workshop
8)
Title: Re:what is the mametrix?
Post by: TazMan on December 28, 2002, 02:09:15 pm: Making progress. ;D
Added a few more construction / design images.

Hoping to get the monitor mounted this evening. Then, onto the cab finishing work - laminating, t-molding, kickplate, etc.

Wish me luck, I'm goin' in ;)
Title: Re:what is the mametrix?
Post by: SNAAAKE on December 28, 2002, 05:24:48 pm: good luck..i cant wait to see "yet another 1up cabinet"(even though i am not a big fan of older style cabs) and all but things are looking really nice and clean.
Some serious wood working skills you got there :).
;D
Title: Re:what is the mametrix?
Post by: TazMan on December 31, 2002, 05:36:18 pm: Quote from: SNAAAKE on December 28, 2002, 05:24:48 pm
Some serious wood working skills you got there :).

Thanks Bro!

Putting this thing together in my father-in-law's woodshop. He has all the cool tools ;D

Although, I did burn-up his one jig-saw :( But, stayed in his good-graces by buying him a new one for Christmas with all the bells and whistles.

I haven't been able to get back to it the last few days and it's drivin' me crazy. The holidays can be a real pain...gotta go here, there, and everywhere (but where I want to be) plus my birthday was a couple days ago to add to the chaos.

Hoping with tomorrow being New Year's of being able to get over there and keep pluggin' away.
Title: Re:what is the mametrix?
Post by: TazMan on January 02, 2003, 11:43:17 pm: Got the monitor in!

What a pain in the --I'm attempting to get by the auto-censor and should be beaten after I re-read the rules--
But... it's in and it works :P

I think I can... I think I can... I think I can...
Title: Re:what is the mametrix?
Post by: Cowboy Mac on January 03, 2003, 03:12:17 am: coming along nicely :)
Title: Re:What is the mametrix?
Post by: TazMan on January 11, 2003, 01:05:02 am: Added an animated pix of my cab's rotating control panel to my site - in case anyone wants to check it out :P

*shrug*
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: Birdtales on January 11, 2003, 08:02:32 am: Man I like that rotating panel. :-*

I have the same buttons coming for my admin functions (mine have red lenses).
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: TazMan on January 19, 2003, 10:59:05 pm: I have had a few requests for the marquee art for The Mametrix, so I have put up a hi-res version on a website of mine. Have at it kids - it's a "big-un"

<CLICK ME> (http://www.obfuscade.com/images/mametrix_marquee.jpg)

btw - sorry for the lack of updates on my site, putting on the laminate - tedious stuff, but figure it's important to take my time here. No point in making the cab look like crap at this point ;D
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: TazMan on January 27, 2003, 12:08:57 pm: For those of you playing along at home, I have added some more pix on my site of the laminate, t-molding, marquee retainer, monitor bezel, and other finishing type work. <CLICK ME> (http://www.the-mametrix.com)
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: rampy on January 27, 2003, 03:01:52 pm: Quote from: TazMan on January 27, 2003, 12:08:57 pm
For those of you playing along at home, I have added some more pix on my site of the laminate, t-molding, marquee retainer, monitor bezel, and other finishing type work. <CLICK ME> (http://www.the-mametrix.com)

wow really coming together now...

At first I didn't like the matrix theme, but I admit it's grown on me... looks nice (nicer looking than mine, even...which isn't exactly a gold standard... not even a tin foil standard for that matter)

(wait for it.........)

*shrug*
rampy
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: Sasquatch! on January 28, 2003, 08:28:25 pm: Quote from: TazMan on January 27, 2003, 12:08:57 pm
For those of you playing along at home, I have added some more pix on my site of the laminate, t-molding, marquee retainer, monitor bezel, and other finishing type work. <CLICK ME> (http://www.the-mametrix.com)
Looking cool!

P.S. You actually have a friend that goes by "Stinky"?
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: TazMan on January 28, 2003, 08:32:51 pm: Quote
Quote
Looking cool!

P.S. You actually have a friend that goes by "Stinky"?

Thanks Guys.

As far as "Stinky" goes, no he doesn't go by that name. Although, you'll notice that the Pix after Jeff was in the cabinet is when I installed the fans :P
He's the only person I know that was able to clear the basement with the relase of some pent-up intestinal gas - heck even the dog got up and ran. ;)
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: TazMan on February 03, 2003, 01:28:13 pm: Ok, got the laminate totally completed :P
Installed the coin door and front door lock.

I have the CPOs printed, need to cut out the plexi to protect the art and should be ready to wire this monster.

Probably ought to finish my Java Client Server App before working on my cab though, right? ::)
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: TazMan on February 17, 2003, 10:34:10 am: Ahhh....

progress ;D

Got 2 out of 3 panels completed (lexan, cpo, controls)
For those of you playing the home game <CLICK HERE> (http://www.the-mametrix.com/index2.htm)
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: rampy on February 17, 2003, 11:35:30 am: Quote from: TazMan on February 17, 2003, 10:34:10 am
Ahhh....

progress ;D

Got 2 out of 3 panels completed (lexan, cpo, controls)
For those of you playing the home game <CLICK HERE> (http://www.the-mametrix.com/index2.htm)

wow.. really taking shape. The artwork/lexan etc all look very sharp.

I'm sure this was asked before, but... why the downward button angle on CP #1? Just curious.

Another question: When you play it does the bacsplash seem "tall" or the monitor elevated higher than usual, or does it just feel right or ????

I'm sure when anyways see's the mametrix no one goes, "hey is the monitor mounted a little high....?" they all say, "wow, hellah cool..." and " holy shnickeys the control panel rotates!?!?" =P

Just wondering... form and function and all that.

rampy
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: TazMan on February 17, 2003, 12:00:56 pm: Quote from: rampy on February 17, 2003, 11:35:30 am
wow.. really taking shape. The artwork/lexan etc all look very sharp.

Thanks! ;D

Quote
I'm sure this was asked before, but... why the downward button angle on CP #1? Just curious.

When I rest my hand on the buttons - my index, ring and pinkie fingers rest naturally in a down diagonal like the buttons - I tried different layouts (in cardboard) and this ended up being the one I liked the most - so others may have to get used to it - or they can build their own (heh heh)

Quote
Another question: When you play it does the bacsplash seem "tall" or the monitor elevated higher than usual, or does it just feel right or ????

The backsplash may seem a little high on the trackball / spinner / tron panel - that's because the glowing trigger stick (http://www.the-mametrix.com/glowstick.htm) was too darn tall and wouldn't have cleared when rotating; but still seems fine, I don't feel hunched over or leave with a kinked up neck - I'll try and get some "action pix" of me in front of the cabinet playing to give a better height perspective of the monitor vs. the cp, etc.

Quote
I'm sure when anyways see's the mametrix no one goes, "hey is the monitor mounted a little high....?" they all say, "wow, hellah cool..." and " holy shnickeys the control panel rotates!?!?" =P

Actually you guys / gals are the only ones whom have seen it so far. Along with my father-in-law (building it in his woodshop afterall) and my friend Jeff. The wife and kids (3) did stop over last Thursday and checked it out - the kids didn't get a chance to play it - Mom wouldn't stop playing long enough ;D And to think she wasn't to keen on me building this... actually she now doesn't want it in the basement, she thinks it should go in the family room. I don't think I'll tell her the button to push for insert coin and make her use quarters (start the fund for the next cab) :P

Quote
Just wondering... form and function and all that.

rampy

What no *shrug* ??? ;)
Appreciate all the questions / comments - keep 'em coming bruddah'
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: TazMan on February 22, 2003, 10:23:39 am: Well, 3rd CP is done (lexan, cpo, etc). Now, just have to install the 3 steel plates and I can wire this whole thing up :o

(http://www.the-mametrix.com/images/rotatenew.gif)
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: Birdtales on February 22, 2003, 10:32:02 am: Drool :)
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: TazMan on April 16, 2003, 04:14:02 pm: Almost Done.

1 more joystick (the Tron trigger stick) and I can turn this beast on and see what doesn't work ;)

Been way too busy with school this tri. Got another final this evening - Java is my life! :P

Added some pix to the site.
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: MameMaster! on April 18, 2003, 11:29:13 am: Love the intro!....great work. I'm sure this is going to be a fun project for you! ;D
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: TazMan on May 28, 2003, 11:54:58 am: May 28, 2003 - God, I wish I would have finished College about 10 years ago when I could have....but I digress. Anyhey, in my haste to finish my wiring, I managed to cook my Ipac :(

DOH! Yep, I grabbed what I thought was the +12v wire for my coin door LEDs and hooked 'er up to the juice. Well...it was actually the common/ground wire for the coin mech. No damage was done, that is, until I dropped a quarter in the slot - that momentary closure of the circuit gave the 12 volts a path to the Ipac and whammo!

However, after sharing my tale of sorrow with Andy at Ultimarc, he said I probably just needed to replace the plug-in chip instead of the whole card. So, the replacement arrived yesterday along with directions stating something like: Hey Dumb --I'm attempting to get by the auto-censor and should be beaten after I re-read the rules--... ;)

Seriously though, the chip came in and I popped it in and all is well with the world. Andy is one heck of a good guy.

Oh & I have added a few pix of the "purty" lights in the Construction area.
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: mastercave on May 29, 2003, 11:31:53 pm: well taz, i see you're gonna be sticking with those green buttons on black scheme.... ;)

note: in case you missed it, in a thread also with the name mametrix, i called taz's cabinet ugly thinking that guy was him and not knowing that taz is around on the forums.
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: TazMan on May 29, 2003, 11:34:58 pm: Yep... as Kermit would say...It's not easy being green. ;D

Mastercave - did you see the "Hulkade" that Birdtales is working on?
More Black and Green for your viewing pleasure ;)
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: HeadRusch on May 30, 2003, 01:05:59 am: Wow, thank you so much for making the big black monolith I just got done messing with look like a gigantic hunk of MDF CRAP! :D

This is whats called "Aiming High to begiin with". When I started I would have been happy with 2 actual true angles on my cab. When it was finished, I had abandoned that dream..........and settled for working :)

Nice
freakin
cab
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: Mametrix-Reloaded on June 03, 2003, 10:50:56 am: Hulkade? hmmm. I just bought three new cabs Saturday at an auction, but am going to make a couple cabaret cabinets since I missed out on those.

Maybe a MiniHulkade? Sheesh, I gotta come up with some original names.... first Mametrix Reloaded, now this.. :)
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: mahuti on June 03, 2003, 01:48:07 pm: Orange county??? I bought 2 there myself. I bought a Terra Cresta and Rough Ranger. Rough Ranger is outrageously dumb and has terrible art. The guy next to me laughed when I bought it, but it has pretty great parts for a cheap price.

http://homepage.mac.com/mahuti/altcab
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: Mametrix-Reloaded on June 03, 2003, 05:57:22 pm: Yup, OC. There were a few deals there but there was also a lot of garbage. One of the three will become a MAME cabi via a j-pac. (Rolling Thunder Conversion)

Another is a Roller Games that I wasn't planning on bidding on (hadn't even paid attention to it) but then they said it was in a Pac-Man style cab and I ended up getting it for 70. Once the sun hit it outside you could see the pac-man graphics under the black paint. That one will end up getting restored back to it's original Yellow Glory as my first arcade restoration project.

The last was a Dedicated Rolling Thunder cabinet. Not a bad game and from what I've read, not too many dedicated ones were made. Most were conversions.

Anyway, I've hijacked yet another thread so I'll go now.. I'll post pics of the new cabinets if anyones intersted at http://www.mametrixreloaded.com (http://www.mametrixreloaded.com) tonight.
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: Birdtales on June 03, 2003, 06:36:37 pm: Quote from: Mametrix-Reloaded on June 03, 2003, 10:50:56 am
Hulkade? hmmm. I just bought three new cabs Saturday at an auction, but am going to make a couple cabaret cabinets since I missed out on those.

Maybe a MiniHulkade? Sheesh, I gotta come up with some original names.... first Mametrix Reloaded, now this.. :)

Had to laugh at this one how can you do a "MINI" Hulkade. Sounds like an oxymoron to me. :)
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: spectre on June 03, 2003, 07:38:00 pm: OMG MORE MATRIX HYPE! DAMN IT! Anyway, I am biased against the matrix... i think it sucked...
nonetheless that cab is kick ass and the art is top notch ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---... very nice cab... 1 thing tho...even tho i hate the matrix... lol... u gotta get that matrix screen saver i see people with, it would look mad fresh on ur cab... =) have fun with it, looking good
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: TazMan on June 03, 2003, 09:00:04 pm: Quote from: spectre on June 03, 2003, 07:38:00 pm
1 thing tho...even tho i hate the matrix... lol... u gotta get that matrix screen saver i see people with, it would look mad fresh on ur cab... =) have fun with it, looking good

Thanx Spectre!
Are you referring to this screen saver....
(http://www.the-mametrix.com/images/52803/frontlit.jpg)
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: spectre on June 04, 2003, 12:22:30 am: thats the one :P
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: Mametrix-Reloaded on June 04, 2003, 06:42:04 pm: Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the Mini Hulkade (or at least a vision of it.)
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: TazMan on June 04, 2003, 07:19:37 pm: Said in my best Mel Gibson imitation, from "Ransom"...
"Give me back my thread!"

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: Brax on June 04, 2003, 07:44:43 pm: Aww, finish your cabinet already! Sheesh, we're all waiting!
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: Mametrix-Reloaded on June 04, 2003, 11:42:26 pm: Hey now, you're the one that brought up Hulkade.. ;D ;D ;D ;D

Besides do you really think the mini Hulkade is worthy of it's own thread?

Not only that now you've got a two pager thread... ;D ;D ;D ;D

And just to bring it back on topic.... check out http://www.mametrixreloaded.com (http://www.mametrixreloaded.com) and see what the original Mametrix has inspired.. (did I really just do that?) :D :D

We now return you to your regular program already in progress....
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: said7 on June 05, 2003, 08:59:33 am: You did the Matrix and now the Hulk.
Why not some up with an origional idea for a cab?

Im not bashing im just curious. :)
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: TazMan on June 05, 2003, 09:27:00 am: Quote from: Brax on June 04, 2003, 07:44:43 pm
Aww, finish your cabinet already! Sheesh, we're all waiting!

I'm right there with ya bro!

I have figured out that perhaps I should have waited until I graduated to start this monstrosity. Hmmmm..... or maybe I should drop out of college and just build cabs :o
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: TazMan on June 05, 2003, 09:31:31 am: Quote from: Mametrix-Reloaded on June 04, 2003, 11:42:26 pm
Hey now, you're the one that brought up Hulkade.. ;D ;D ;D ;D
Guilty as charged :P

Quote
And just to bring it back on topic.... check out http://www.mametrixreloaded.com (http://www.mametrixreloaded.com) and see what the original Mametrix has inspired.. (did I really just do that?) :D :D

Lookin' good Mike,
Keep up the good work!
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: Mametrix-Reloaded on June 05, 2003, 03:19:46 pm: Quote from: said7 on June 05, 2003, 08:59:33 am
You did the Matrix and now the Hulk.
Why not some up with an origional idea for a cab?

Im not bashing im just curious. :)

Well, I thought we had something original when we gave our cabinet the mametrix name. Halfway through the graphics designs we came across TazMan's site and cabinet. He was more than gracious in offering his photoshop files and even customized a part I couldn't get figured out. The mini-hulkade, well that was more or less a play on words which Birdtales seemed to get. I am making a couple of cabaret cabinets, but don't know what they'll look like yet. The one I posted in this thread was just a photoshop mockup/joke. However the side of it does look fairly cool with just the eye on it.

I think my Mametrix-Reloaded cabinet is an original. The only similarity between it and TazMan's cabinet is the Mametrix name which we both came up with on our own.
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: jakejake28 on June 05, 2003, 09:46:39 pm: do you have a font for that matrix-esque marquee?
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: TazMan on June 05, 2003, 10:32:32 pm: Yep, I downloaded it off the net.
I could e-mail you a copy if you'd like.
Title: Re:What is the Mametrix?
Post by: jakejake28 on June 05, 2003, 11:19:44 pm: if you could, that'd be grat. my email should be on my profile. thanks a lot.