The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls
Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: Valence on March 30, 2003, 07:51:32 pm
-
Thought I would include some pics of my machine in a very infant stage. My control panel is only 75% complete. It's going to be made out of fiberglass.
-
Here it is.
-
Heres the top
-
what's going in the center?
-
Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!
Fibreglas! Can't wait to see!!!!
-
...and now for something COMPLETELY different!!!
i can't WAIT to see how this thing takes shape.. looks great so far! ;D
-
Boy I can't wait to see this one come about! Now what the heck is the middle for??? Hmmmm....
-
To answer SirPoonga's question:
The half circle in the middle of my control panel serves a few purposes.
I wanted to be able to have multiple types of controls. Normally people have multiple control panels or try to fit whatever they want onto 1 panel.
Since my panel is made out of fiberglass, it would be a lot of work to make multiple panels. ( would have to almost make complete panels) Also I didn't want my CP to be cluttered.
So I made CP inserts. This way, I wouldn't waste money on identical parts (1,2 player start; 3rd and 4th player buttons and controls) but leave me the options of having any kind of control configuration.
Also with the half circle configuration, they can move to any side and still fit with the proper angles. I prefer to have the joystick on the left of the buttons but I have a few friends that like to have them on the right. I can build one insert this way and then they could use it on either player 1 or 2. Also when there are 4 players, the inserts will be closer together but when there is only two (which will be most of the time) they can slide further apart to allow more elbow room.
Below is a pic of how the CP inserts look. I have them made but do not actually have pics of them yet.
-
Man I bet it will look great.
-
one word...Woohhhh.. >> :o<<
So this whole thing isnt wood? ???
Any more pics lately?
Looks great so far.. :)
-
So this whole thing isnt wood? ???
Nope, read the first post.
Valence: How do you plan on securing the center sections? Many people have done modular designs but not quite like this.
-
Snaaake: were you referring to the picture of it being made out of wood? No. It is made of alumunium, fiberglass, bondo and wood.
Those pics are the latest and greatest. That was the point I was at last night. Its been a slow going process.
SirPoonga
You can't really get a good look of the CP from the top picture but you can make it out on the bottom picture. There is a ledge that is 1/4" thick that the CP inserts are going to slip around.
Like a square C. They will also have dowel pins that fit into holes in the ledge oriented vertically. (in the front). For the back, I'm going to use pins or dowels that are oriented horizontally that poke into the inserts when in use. When you want to change the CP inserts. You push a button that makes it extend out. or I thought of putting in Helix coils into the CP inserts and having a screw that screws into it. This way I can control when they get changed ( I have a bunch of neices and nephews that I don't want changing them out.) I'm not sure which one I will use. I'll wait untill I can go no further till I figure it out, Thats when I'll decide.
Heres a pic of the aluminium when It wasn't completely covered with bondo yet.
BTW how do you post multiple pics?
-
Thought I would include some pics of my machine in a very infant stage. My control panel is only 75% complete. It's going to be made out of fiberglass.
Good idea... I almost thought about doing one using some fiberglass.. (It is also used for a lot of speaker boxes for high-end car audio) but i didn't think of it until after I started.. and since I was on my first control panel didn't want to make it any more difficult than needed :)
Are you going to use what you have so far as a mold for the fiberglass.. or will it remain part wood? Good thing about fiberglass is you can mold it to what you want :) Course easier said than done.. but it is possible..
(PS, to get more than one picture to show up.. you need to use HTML and host the picture on your own webspace)
-
Valence - looks good so far - can't wait to see the final result. What color will it be? what kind of finishing? Any cool overlays?
Heh on a side note it kind of looks like a Jetsons-style piano if you were to sit in the inner part :) Pretty cool stuff.
-
How easy is it to work with Fibreglass? I'm building a control panel at the moment mainly out of wood, but the base has a lot of curves and you solution seems like a step in the right direction for me. Do you have to use a mold? or can it be drapped like stiff cloth over two beams without sagging?
-
Fiberglass is a pain in the ass to work with. If you do decide to use it ( Its a wonderful substance when you work it right). Do some reading on the internet on how to use it. But to answer your other questions. Fiberglass is a very soft fabric. So yes you do need a mold. Otherwise it will sag. Unless you can make it really tight, but It will still sag a little. Once you make a mold. Use some spray adhesive to stick the fabric to your mold. The biggest
pain when working with fiberglass is sanding it. Stuff gets in your skin and makes you itch. So when you use it. Make it so that you don't have to sand it very much.
-
Fiberglass is a pain in the ass to work with. If you do decide to use it ( Its a wonderful substance when you work it right). Do some reading on the internet on how to use it. But to answer your other questions. Fiberglass is a very soft fabric. So yes you do need a mold. Otherwise it will sag. Unless you can make it really tight, but It will still sag a little. Once you make a mold. Use some spray adhesive to stick the fabric to your mold. The biggest
pain when working with fiberglass is sanding it. Stuff gets in your skin and makes you itch. So when you use it. Make it so that you don't have to sand it very much.
And wear a respirator when you sand it!!!!
.or your kids can inherit your cabinet because you'll be DEAD soon.
-
heh...I once asked a fiberglass guy at the boat shop the best way to get the fiberglass off your skin when you get it on you.
His answer? "Don't get it on you"
painfully obvious advice, and something I've followed ever since. ;D
anyway, i don't think I was paying attention in class. Is the wood just a mold that will be removed later, or does the fiberglass cover the whole thing?
-
I've been thinking about this alot. The only pro for using what I have now as just a mold would be that I could create more in the future. and it would be lighter. But thats not really a concern. (I figured without a tv. The thing is only going to way 100lbs or so)
I'm actually expecting to have to counter weight it to keep it stable. The cons for it would be that after I have the mold of it I am going to have to reinforce it and build all the cross bars out of either wood or more fiberglass. It would cost a bunch of money to have to reinforce it. Cloth and resin aren't cheap. Plus all the added work of the cross bars.
So I am leaning on using everything as structural support for the CP. I'll probably try to use it just as a mold first to see how it comes out.
BTW fiberglass comes off real easy from the skin. Well at least the 2nd and 3rd layers of skin.
-
It's been a while since I saw something truely original in a cab (not saying that to be mean... it's just there are a lot of talented, creative people out there building cabs and it's hard to think of something that this group collectively hasn't.)
I think the overall shape of this CP is what stands out to me and the way it looks like Valence is planning on using inserts is different than I've seen before. I'm with the rest of the folks here.... can't wait to see more.
-Zinfari
-
It's been a while since I saw something truely original in a cab (not saying that to be mean... it's just there are a lot of talented, creative people out there building cabs and it's hard to think of something that this group collectively hasn't.)
Yeah, I know people have thrown around using fiberglass, but most of us are poor :(
I think the overall shape of this CP is what stands out to me and the way it looks like Valence is planning on using inserts is different than I've seen before. I'm with the rest of the folks here.... can't wait to see more.
Hey, then you have to check out one of the original modular CP designs.
http://www.jelloslug.mamehost.com/
-
Nice link SirPoonga. Would be great just in case you have a single player game that needs 2 joysticks and 12 buttons! ;D What would that game be like? A spider tank fighting game with fatality moves all in 3D!
I can see it now... Leg 1, Leg 2, Arm 4, Arm 3, QCR-left joy, QCL-right joy, Jump, Duck, Leg 4, Turbo-Arm1 .... Ultra COMBO!!!! Hopefully the joystick are rotary as well! Then think of the combos! :P
Sorry I couldn't resist!
-Zinfari
-
ha ha ha
He has a cool system. I'm tempted to do it on my cocktail cabinet.
My second CP just might be like it. I want alot of controls for it. Just need ot make some filler modules to take up any slack in certain situations.
And only the joysticks need to be secured like he said. You are always pushing down on trackballs and buttons. A spinner probably wouldn't hurt by securing.
I'm not going to do it to my main cp because I want custom graphics for that.
-
Here is an updated pic. Finished fiberglassing it. Starting on the wiring harness now.
-
The middle piece of wood is going to have a trackball on it. But when not in windows, it will be turned upside down. You can't tell real well in the pics but the mounting bolts for the joysticks have been countersunk and bondo was used to level it before the fiberglass went on.
-
Looks good...I am excited to see the whole package.
-
Gel Coat? Glossy paint?
Are we going to get to see a high gloss fibreglass Japanese looking control panel or are you going to hide the material under the finish? Just curious.
-
Here's an update pic. It had to pass the 200 lbs test. I sat on the edge to make sure that it wasn't going to break. ( The front of the CP)
-
Whats the black? Front of a computer case? Coin door?
-
I just noticed that I never answered your first question Brax.
sorry
I am going to gelcoat the whole thing. possible colors right now is silver with a little pearl mixed in with possible blue or purple strips of some sort. For the CP. I'm thinking about using a cut out brushed aluminum overlay with the graphics printed directly on it.
The black thing is the front of a computer (my first one, pentium 200) It had interesting curves that I thought would fit the pedestal and it was the right width. I also thought that the front opening would be perfect for a makeshift bastardized coin door.
Valence
-
Just looking for updates on this monster.
-
That's an HP case if I'm not mistaken.
BTW I like where you've chosen to work on this thing. I can just picture little Billy going home after swimming in the pool..., "Mommy, my face itches and by eyes are blurry..." :P
-
Thought I would include some pics of my machine in a very infant stage. My control panel is only 75% complete. It's going to be made out of fiberglass.
Are you going to update with new stuff? I'm dying to see how this turns out.
-
I'm right in the middle of fiber glassing the pedestal portion of it right now. When I fiberglass, I do it in fairly small portions so that I can prevent bubbles easier. So it basically looks like crap right now. Hopefully I will have it done by this weekend. If I do I will throw up a picture of it. Slow going, but its really coming along good.
By the way., The computer was an acer.
Valence
-
Updated Pics/
Fiberglassed the pedestal currently in the process of smoothing out the surface.
-
with PIC
-
It looks like something out of a cheezy 70's sci-fi!
The Dr Who controller! ;)
-
That's funny that you mentioned that.
Its semi-based off of "Computer Space"
I wanted something different and a little more futuristic looking and I ended up going back to the original
Valence
-
I kept thinking of Computer Space when I saw this as well. I hope your machine isn't a disaster. :)
-
I wouldn't consider anything that fails when it is first and then leads to something big, a disaster. It didn't do very well
( not at all )
but then it lead to places like this.
The first car didn't do very well either. Kept scaring all the horses. ;)
Valence
-
Where are you going to put the coin door? Or...are you?
-
Any progress of late?
BillyJack
-
Nice try Valance. You may think you have everyone fooled with your "New Arcade Design", but I know the truth. Don't try and deny it. It looks great. Best of luck with it Valance or should I call you MAX REBO!!!!!!
-
You know your cabinet looks rather like the Sega Swing.
http://www.system16.com/sega/hrdw_cabinet.html
edit: fixed link
-
So here I am and I have new pics to show. Have had a few "bumps" in the road which really slowed down my progress.
First I've discovered that I really didn't know what I was doing when I was trying to smooth it out. While I was trying to smooth it out with bondo, I kept on sanding almost through the fiberglass at different point which caused it to bubble after I "thought" that it was smooth. To fix this I had to cut it away with an exacto knife and bondo it some more. Was a never ending battle. Then I was watching "Motor Cycle Mania" with Jessee and saw how to do it properly.
Then my dog wanted to chase some bird, tripped on my sander that was still plugged in and the cord threw my pedestal to the gound cracking all the way down one side where the computer case attached to the wood. It also cracked the feet really bad.
Then, we had a really violent rain and wind storm and it soaked it causing it to crack in a few places. I guess from the wood expanding.
But I wasn't going to give up and I fixed it all. Right now its all sanded down to 400 grit with a coat of primer on it. I'm not going to gel coat it until the second half is done so I can make sure that the color matches.
I have also completed the wiring for the control panel. That was quite an undertaking. All tested and ready to go.
(http://home.austin.rr.com/valence/images/FullCP.jpg)
(http://home.austin.rr.com/valence/images/CPTop.jpg)
(http://home.austin.rr.com/valence/images/TopCPSwitch.jpg)
Here are pics of the wiring. Let me explain a little about it. I went with the keywiz, well because I'm cheap. So I ran into a few problems. I have a 4 player CP. Player 1 and 2 have 7 buttons and 3 and 4 have 4 buttons. That gives me 34 joystick/button inputs needed and then I have 10 utility buttons. Well, the keywiz has 32 direct inputs and appox 20 shazaam key inputs. I could have hooked it up to all 32 direct inputs and then used the extra two buttons with the shazaam function. But every time those buttons would be used it would have shifted it to the shazaam function. It would have been a logistical nightmare. So what I did was I used a switch that shifted the buttons between all the players. When in 2 player mode. All seven buttons are active for players 1/2 but players 3/4 only have 1 active button. In 4 player mode. Three buttons from 1/2, the far two left and the stand alone bottom button inputs are shifted to 3/4 giving players 3/4 4 total buttons. I don't think that this is going to be a problem, as I can't think of any 4 player games that need more than 4 buttons. If there is. Well, guess I won't play them.
I've included a pic of a visio drawing that I was using to keep track of all of this. Also, I just ordered the rest of the stuff that I needed (2 more joysticks and 8 more buttons.) But the wiring has been completed for it.
(http://home.austin.rr.com/valence/images/FullCableCP.jpg)
Here's a closer shot since my camera sucks.
(http://home.austin.rr.com/valence/images/CPCableLeft.JPG)
(http://home.austin.rr.com/valence/images/CPCableMiddle.JPG)
(http://home.austin.rr.com/valence/images/CPCableRight.JPG)
The Viso pic looks pretty bad. My layout is actually about 5 feet and when I reduced the size for the pic, it lost a lot of detail. But it should give you an idea.
(http://home.austin.rr.com/valence/images/WireLayout.JPG)
Here is a link to the original file. Its only 280kb. But for some reason my web host wouldn't let me upload a .vsd file. So make sure that you rename it to .vsd to view it.
File (ftp://home.austin.rr.com/valence/file/WIRED_DONE1.test)
-
Well, it's about time we had an update! Looks good. I'm suprised you haven't been storing that thing inside, where the rain couldn't get it.
And what's wrong with the KeyWiz? It's a good, solid product. The I-PAC would be priced similarly if it wasn't for the shipping.
-
It kinda looks like something from the Star Wars prop department. Very unique, keep up the good work.
-
The way I read it, it was more of a problem with running out of inputs on the board, and having no stackable keywiz for more inputs. Relying on shift keys for anything, under either board can cause problems.
-
Ya I have nothing against the Ipac. As IIOIOOIOO said. It was all about price and what I needed. The Ipac4 is almost 50 dollars more. In the future I have plans on replacing it with an Ipac since I'm going to daisy chain it with an optipac. But I'm already a few hundred in with this thing and anywhere I can save a few bucks the better. Especially when my wife asks me why there is a cut out in the center and I explain what its for and the next thing she says "So you are going to waste more money on it" She only half meant it, but its that half that I am concerned about. But in a twist, we were walking through an electronics store and I was talking to her about what kind of monitor I'm going to use and she points to a 3,000 dollar plasma TV and asks me why I don't use one of those. I thought that that might be a little over the top. Maybe. If I win the lotto. What I meant by the logistics of it was the planning of what inputs went where to prevent when player 4 pressed button 1 and player 2 pressed button 2 and pulled down with the joystick it wouldn't exit the game. As it is, I spent some time decided which secondary function buttons went to which inputs to minimize any interaction like that.
About the weather. It was under my poarch and I saw the clouds roll in while I was at work. I called home to see if someone was there to move it but no one was. The drive home was spent thinking about how messed up it was but when I got home, it wasn't so bad.
Speaking of starwars. I decided on a base color of a white/silverish color. Like from clone wars, when obi one goes to that water planet with the lanky people.
-
*giggle*
"Planet of the Lanky People!"
-
You should get a eurethane paint job, With some blue pearl that would look PIMP!
-
looks like a giant banana :o
-
The concept and the idea is probably the most original around here! But i like the classic cab concept! The idea here, besides playing is to bring up the arcade memories with those huge "boxes" that filled our eyes between hours in a row! That cab reminds me a freakkeen Alien resurection movie... creepy :-\
But it also deserves a mamey! [] Congrats pal!
Are you some kinda designer or architect? ;D
-
Valence how about a update on your progress.
Gary
-
Valence,
I just have to say WOW!!!, that really looks great and I like the use of fiberglass for the design. Have you thought about adding translucent buttons to the panel and also adding some lights or EL-tape? I personally think that would give it a nice Sci-Fi touch.
-
Very sexy!
-
Very nice! I have quite a bit of fiberglass experience myself so i totally understand what a massive undertaking this was. It's a real pity pictures of the finished product never got posted. I do hope it got finished!
-S
-
I was checking back to when I originally made this post after seeing it pop up and I'm happy with my progress. In's not finished, not by a long shot. But well on its way.
I'm currently working on the other half. I've had a few snags and glitches and I kindof stuck right now, but it will soon have progress.
Everyone was coming over to my house, admiring it, but then disappointed when I said that it didn't work yet. So I started configuring it, but just enough to play it. Well, people could play it with Mame32 but not much else. So I decided to get the software aspect of it configured. Even wrote a software app to do a function that I felt was missing from mame or any frontend(I'll be sharing it shortly) but this is all done now. Found a piece of metal I needed to hopefully get me passed my rut right now.
I've got the frame completed for the base of the TV. Right now I am having a hard time deciding how I want the TV platform to connect to the base while being strong enough to hold 200 pounds of TV. The base is made with 4 post of steel tubing bent at the top to give it a 'forward' arch. It is also bent to make the bottom narrower on top. Bending tubing is not fun when you don't have the right tools. This is all in preperation of being 'skinned' with fiberglass.
I am also working on the marqee.
Gamecab - Yes, it's in the works
-
Good to see that this wasn't abandoned! I look forward to your next update pictures!
-S
-
Finally enough progress to post some pics.
Pace has picked up in the last couple of weeks. Decided to use as much cardboard and tape as possible for the mold. Seems easier to work with. Thats where it is at right now. Still molding it. The base has the basic finished shape but the TV just has the begining of the bezel and a basic support frame.
-
Another
-
1 More
-
Damn.. that looks similar to my new design I'm working on. And I thought I was going to be "somewhat" original. Guess there's no such thing anymore. ^_^ Mine isn't exactly like yours, but there are some things that look the same. Of course mine isn't going to be molded, but made out of wood. Lookin' good so far, keep us posted.
-
This is a nice looking project, very unique.
I was wondering if there's been any progress or updates. I'd love to see more photos.
-
One other thing, how is it being flat? That's a bit strange and looks less comfortable. Is that the case?
-
One other thing, how is it being flat? That's a bit strange and looks less comfortable. Is that the case?
I'm not sure what you are referring to? The CP? If that is what you are talking about, the cp has a few degrees of tilt down that you can't really tell in the pictures.
I am also going to attach a thin band of padded leather around the front edge.
-
Progress check........
-
Last active over a year ago...
-
No update pictures???
i am realy interessed in this cabinet design!
-
No update pictures???
i am realy interessed in this cabinet design!
Two years gone by now.
Methinks it's a done deal.