The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls

Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: Timoe on September 19, 2006, 09:31:42 pm

Title: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: Timoe on September 19, 2006, 09:31:42 pm
Here is a panel for BYOAC member, Stephenp1983.  It will fit right into the cabinet he has in the works.

It's looking to have a Street Fighter theme.  It will be powered by an Ipac2 and will feature a Happ 3" trackball, 2 Happ Super 8-way sticks, and a J-stick in 4-way mode.

We'll cover this one in Plexiglass and the control panel box will be covered in Formica on the outside.

As usual, I'll be taking many photos.
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Freagin' Sweet Fighter Panel ***
Post by: Timoe on September 20, 2006, 09:18:33 am
Here is a link to the artwork and design thread in the Artwork-Zeleot Forums.   :o

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=58115.0
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Freagin' Sweet Fighter Panel ***
Post by: Macarro on September 20, 2006, 10:34:37 am
Hi, I
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Freagin' Sweet Fighter Panel ***
Post by: Timoe on September 20, 2006, 12:43:46 pm
ooop
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Freagin' Sweet Fighter Panel ***
Post by: stephenp1983 on September 20, 2006, 01:18:10 pm
Everything looks great Tim.  I can't express how well Tim has worked with me so far on this.  He has been very patient and informative on all my questions, and has helped me get exactly what I wanted in a control panel, but couldn't build myself.  Thanks alot Tim

And here is the final layout for the artwork:

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/7569/controlpanelfinalfx0.png
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Freagin' Sweet Fighter Panel ***
Post by: Macarro on September 20, 2006, 04:33:38 pm
Sorry, Timoe, but I think my post is related to yours since you are going to use only 4 screws in the corners.

Anyway, I
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Freagin' Sweet Fighter Panel ***
Post by: Timoe on September 20, 2006, 05:06:14 pm
no problem.  Actually, I will not be using screws.  It will be four (4) dowels.  I will drill matching holes in the panel to accept the dowels.  The fit is very tight and it does not move during gameplay.  However it can be removed when you need it removed easily.

For your situation I would recommend Euro style hinges at the front as they can move the panel away from the outside edges while opening.
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Freagin' Sweet Fighter Panel ***
Post by: Timoe on September 20, 2006, 09:03:50 pm
Today we got the trackball mounting plate installed and cut the plexiglass top.
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Freagin' Sweet Fighter Panel ***
Post by: Timoe on September 20, 2006, 09:50:08 pm
Here is the recess for the trackball.
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Freagin' Sweet Fighter Panel ***
Post by: stephenp1983 on September 24, 2006, 08:32:35 pm
So my buddy and I here finished up the cab tonight other than painting.  It has alot of imperfections but I'm happy with it for my first cab.  The design was based on Mike's Plans at www.arcadecab.com as I originally planned to use an xarcade.  Luckily I found Tim, and now I won't be using one for long.  You can see we changed the control panel design from Mike's to hold both a regular control or a 2 player xarcade.  Somewhere around the road we were off a little bit and thats why the door at the bottom is messed up.  THe cab goes in slightly, but is mostly unoticeable.  So here are the pictures so far:



(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j81/stephenp1983/DSC00425.jpg)

(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j81/stephenp1983/DSC00422.jpg)

(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j81/stephenp1983/DSCN0182.jpg)

(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j81/stephenp1983/DSCN0183.jpg)

(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j81/stephenp1983/DSCN0184.jpg)

(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j81/stephenp1983/DSCN0185.jpg)

(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j81/stephenp1983/DSC00577.jpg)

(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j81/stephenp1983/DSC00572.jpg)

(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j81/stephenp1983/DSC00567.jpg)

(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j81/stephenp1983/DSC00568.jpg)

(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j81/stephenp1983/DSC00570.jpg)

Side art from the movie poster, (still thinking about whether or not to use it)

(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j81/stephenp1983/goon2.png)
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet *** (new pics)
Post by: Timoe on September 25, 2006, 08:52:20 pm
So what is making you think of using a Goonies theme for this cabinet?

And when will you build a street fighter themed cabinet to match the control panel?

And what will be different about the street fighter themed cabinet?

I was just playing Goonies II on the NES a few days ago.  For some reason I played that game alot as a kid.
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet *** (new pics)
Post by: stephenp1983 on September 25, 2006, 09:01:32 pm
Well I originally wanted a Goonies them because its one of my favorite movies, and games growing up on NES, I was planning to have this cabinet which will only house a 20 inch monitor, and then build a larger one like the lusid design that could hold like a 27 inch tv when I had room, but now that I think of it, it will be awhile before I could build another so I'll probably just scrap the goonies Idea for now and make this one a Street fighter theme since that is what the artwork on the control panel will be
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: Timoe on September 26, 2006, 04:37:53 pm
I made some progress on the control panel box today.

I prefer formica on anything that will get handled alot.  It's really durable and it always comes out perfect, unlike paint.

I started with the four box pieces cut to size.  I left some extra material for the front and rear pieces.  I use 2x2 material for the frame and start by attaching the frame to the front and rear pieces with glue and countersunk screws.
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: Timoe on September 26, 2006, 04:44:11 pm
I dry fit the pieces on a flat surface to mark my angle cuts for the front and rear pieces.
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: stephenp1983 on September 26, 2006, 05:49:32 pm
Look great Tim, I was curious as I'm not much of a wood worker, how are the sides attached to the four wooden blocks in each corner?  Are they glued or screwed in some way?
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: Timoe on September 26, 2006, 07:06:02 pm
Look great Tim, I was curious as I'm not much of a wood worker, how are the sides attached to the four wooden blocks in each corner?  Are they glued or screwed in some way?

They are glued and screwed so this panel should be plenty sturdy.  I just installed the dowels and even before glueing the bottom of the dowels to the box I can lift the whole thing just by the control panel top.   ~tight.

Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: stephenp1983 on September 26, 2006, 07:14:05 pm
Cool, I was just trying to get an understanding of how it was put together.  So the dowels are what holds the top on right?  I assume the top part has holes that the dowels fit into.
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: Timoe on September 26, 2006, 07:17:20 pm
Cool, I was just trying to get an understanding of how it was put together.  So the dowels are what holds the top on right?  I assume the top part has holes that the dowels fit into.

Yup.  I tried panel clamps before but they are not necessary.  Besides, there is not enough room inside the box to use panel clamps anyway.

I use this same set up on my panel and it works great.


If you click on the pic below, I have highlighted the screws and such.
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: stephenp1983 on September 26, 2006, 07:22:36 pm
Everything is looking great, I just checked on the artwork and it should be shipped out pretty soon.  I hope it turns out ok after all the revisions I had to do.
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: Timoe on September 26, 2006, 11:14:37 pm
First pic shows the t-nuts covered with the putty.

The second pic is after 2 coats of primer.
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: stephenp1983 on September 28, 2006, 05:01:47 pm
I should be bring the arcade home tonight.  I'll probably paint it this weekend after I get paid friday.
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: stephenp1983 on September 29, 2006, 05:57:27 pm
Painting begins tonight, going to lowes right now after work :)
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: Timoe on September 29, 2006, 06:00:01 pm
where is your digital camera?
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: stephenp1983 on September 29, 2006, 09:24:04 pm
I lied I didn't get to the painting tonight because I was just too tired.  I did start sanding the cabinet and filling in the gaps with the silicon chalk.  I got that done and will start the paint tomorrow.  It took me an hour at Lowes to get the paint I needed as the guy there wasn't too bright:)  I'll be sure to take some pictures once I get some of it painted.
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: stephenp1983 on September 30, 2006, 12:24:04 pm
2 coats of primer have been added, I'll take some pictures shortly and post I'm taking a break before I start the paint
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: stephenp1983 on September 30, 2006, 03:16:51 pm
Here are some pictures after the second coat of paint.  I know the paint job is bad, but I'm hoping I can get it to look a little better after the 3rd coat.  And my cat just because he is sitting funny.

(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j81/stephenp1983/DSC00590.jpg)
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j81/stephenp1983/DSC00589.jpg)
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j81/stephenp1983/DSC00588.jpg)
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j81/stephenp1983/DSC00587.jpg)
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: stephenp1983 on October 08, 2006, 06:50:02 pm
update:

I got the plexi in for the marquee and the bezel.  I also added a third coat of paint to the cab and it turned out pretty good.  I borrowed my father in laws sander, and that made it alot easier to sand.  It looks liike I will have to add one more coat on one side that turned out kinda messy.  Other than that its almost done.
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: Timoe on October 08, 2006, 07:23:51 pm
I'm just waiting on the parts and the artwork to arrive.  We should be finished with the control panel in the next few days.

Here is a shot of the underside painted blue.
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: Timoe on October 13, 2006, 06:57:05 pm
Opinions?
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: Timoe on October 13, 2006, 08:06:49 pm
Stick options
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: theCoder on October 13, 2006, 11:37:11 pm
Stick options
I'd go with the first.  The ball sticks are more "traditional" than the bat.   As far as the button color mix, you get a better contrast with the red on the right, given the colors of the characters.  You can't really go wrong either way. 

On the blue backside picture, are those black squares tie wrap tie-downs?
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: Timoe on October 14, 2006, 09:24:29 am
On the blue backside picture, are those black squares tie wrap tie-downs?

Yes, they are the wire tie downs.  When I go to do the wiring I will make big loose loops with the zip ties.  Then I route the wires through the loops as I go and zip it up at the end.
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: leapinlew on October 14, 2006, 04:10:50 pm
Stick options

Seeing as how it's a Street Fighter - it probably makes more sense to go with the bat.
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: Timoe on October 15, 2006, 04:24:49 pm
Look at this tangled mess!
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: stephenp1983 on October 15, 2006, 04:47:53 pm
Awsome pics Tim its looking great.  After all the mess with the artwork, I think it really turned out good.  Ok I believe the way I want to do the buttons and the stick is as follows.

I want to go with the baton black joysticks, just because that is what I am use to and prefer.  For the buttons the last picture lay out that has the 7 blue buttons for player 1 and 7 red for player 2.  I like the player b uttons to the left of the coin buttons. I pretty much like the layout of the last picture, but what do you think about having the coin buttons match the particular side and then the 4 ways alternate like blue on the left and red on the right.  Just asking for an opinion as it may look better like you have it in the picture


http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=58197.0;attach=59250;image
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: stephenp1983 on October 15, 2006, 05:03:38 pm
After looking more closely I think I like the red buttons with bison on player 1 and the blue buttons for akuma as player 2.

But if you have already wired it for the blue on player 1 that is fine too.  Dont want to be to much trouble.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=58197.0;attach=59217;image
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: Timoe on October 18, 2006, 10:34:22 pm
Here it is.
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: Knievel on October 18, 2006, 11:06:54 pm

Looks great Tim.

I think having the Supers color-coded to the buttons would look much nicer than the black sticks.
They've got them in blue and red now so why not take advantage?
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: Timoe on October 18, 2006, 11:11:50 pm
I had these black supers on hand and I wasn't using them so I offered em.

I've always wanted to use one of those colored supers though.

Stephen, maybe down the line?
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: Brumaz on October 19, 2006, 12:16:12 am
fantastic looking CP there!
keep the ball tops!  ;D
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: sealslayer on October 19, 2006, 06:37:42 am
Very nice CP, how did you trim the laminate on the CP as I can't see any edges, did you use a standard laminate trimming bit?
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: stephenp1983 on October 19, 2006, 07:58:25 am
Tim, it looks awsome.  I really can't wait to get my hands on it and start playing.  It will be a big step up from the x arcade I was using.  Now I just need to get my cab up stairs and finish the monitor bezel and I'll be ready to go.  You really did a great job on this I appreciate all the work.
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: stephenp1983 on October 19, 2006, 10:02:41 am
Tim,

Question on the Ipac.  Which intereface did we end up going with.  By the picture it looks like ps2 is this correct?  Just curious, also why are there two ps2 or usb outputs included on it?
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: Timoe on October 19, 2006, 02:21:02 pm
Tim,

Question on the Ipac.  Which intereface did we end up going with.  By the picture it looks like ps2 is this correct?  Just curious, also why are there two ps2 or usb outputs included on it?

I only have a PS2 cable, though I could easily go get a USB cable or adapter if you want.  Let me know.

The ipac has an extra ps2 port on it for your keyboard passthru, so you can connect your keyboard directly to your ipac and your ipac to your computer. 
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: stephenp1983 on October 19, 2006, 05:13:30 pm
Nevermind :)
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: Timoe on October 20, 2006, 09:52:46 am
Very nice CP, how did you trim the laminate on the CP as I can't see any edges, did you use a standard laminate trimming bit?


Yes I used a standard laminate trimming bit.  When I put the box together, the front and back pieces were already laminated (see photo 1)

Then I squeezed the sides on, which were flush with the outside edges of the front and rear pieces. (still photo 1)

Then I laminated the side pieces.  The laminate for the sides was rough cut to fit over both the side pieces and the front/rear edge pieces.  I put some tape on the already laminated front and rear edges so that the bearing (or whatever) would not tear up the already installed laminate (front and rear).  Then I trimmed around the side, took the tape off the front and rear and used a sharpie to make the joint disappear. (photos 3 & 4)
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: stephenp1983 on October 21, 2006, 09:16:52 pm
Here are a couple of new pictures.  I got the arcade in the house today, and just have to wait til someone can come help me take it upstairs.  I have my xarcade in there until I get the SF one from Tim, which should be very soon :)  I had alot of issues with making the bezel, and pretty much ruined a peice of plexi painting and having to repaint.  Im going to try some black foamboard and see how that does before I retry with another sheet of plexi.

(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j81/stephenp1983/DSC00592.jpg)
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j81/stephenp1983/DSC00593.jpg)
Title: Re: *** StephenP1983's Arcade Cabinet ***
Post by: Timoe on October 21, 2006, 10:46:36 pm
Looks great.  I'm having issues with the keyboard encoder, I sent you a PM.  Sorry for the inconvenience.    :dizzy: