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Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: Kaytrim on April 27, 2007, 01:13:35 pm

Title: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style ** Deliverey ** 6/10/07
Post by: Kaytrim on April 27, 2007, 01:13:35 pm: I recently received permission from my step mom to build an arcade machine for my dad and I am looking for some input from the community. As Centipede and PacMan are two of his favorites I used them as a base to start from. I also have an old P4 733mhz machine with 512mb RAM, 10GB HD and 17" CRT. I have TinyXP beast already installed. For the controls, I have a T-Stick set in 4-way mode and Beston 3" trackball. Does anyone know the pin out of the molex connector of the beston trackball?

I have more or less decided to mount the CRT vertically and to build this as a bartop model. I am trying to decide on the profile of the cab. I was thinking of one of the two games listed above and I am leaning towards the Centipede profile but I like the PacMan one as well.

Another aspect that I am still a little up in the air on is the MAME version and the list of games. First requirement is that trackball games are on the list. Second thing is that 4-way joystick games are a must but the number of buttons are up in the air. I can easily add the horizontal and vertical 2-way games as well. I would like to add 8-way games but I don't want to require dad to have to switch the joystick mode. One option is to upgrade the joystick to either a U360 or a GGG 49-way down the road so I can expand the game options at that point.

Thanks for all your input
Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad
Post by: leapinlew on April 27, 2007, 01:47:45 pm: Pentium 4 733mhz? Is it a P3?

I would go with a pac-man profile and skip 8 way games all together. The 17" CRT is pretty deep - make sure you measure one. I would either use a 17" LCD or a 15" CRT.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad
Post by: ChadTower on April 27, 2007, 01:53:47 pm: The decased 17" I just measured, and it was an older/bigger one, was also about 17-18" deep. I wouldn't imagine they get deeper than that one, it has a lot of heavy shielding and had one of the chassis PCBs mounted vertically behind the neckboard.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad
Post by: theCoder on April 27, 2007, 02:35:19 pm: I'd recommend a 4 way JS with three buttons. This gets you all the classics including Missile Command. I'd keep the game list down, say to 20 or less. Switching the JS between 4/8 is easy, but is hard to communicate to a young (or older) house guest. Also, with a CRT in the mix, heat is going to be an issue. Also keep an eye on the overall weight of the thing. Good luck with the build and I guess it's my turn to say it, take lots of pictures.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad
Post by: Kaytrim on April 27, 2007, 02:41:14 pm: Sounds like the CRT that I have Chad. Mine is an old Dell monitor, don't have the model number on me though. I can see the shielding though the plastic case and it covers the entire monitor.

Lew. The only thing that is keeping me away from the PacMan profile is the angle of the monitor in the cab. If I could afford to use an LCD then the PacMan monitor angle would not be a problem. As it sits vertically the monitor is about the right angle for the Centipede profile.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad
Post by: Kaytrim on April 27, 2007, 02:56:23 pm: Quote from: theCoder on April 27, 2007, 02:35:19 pm
I'd recommend a 4 way JS with three buttons. This gets you all the classics including Missile Command. I'd keep the game list down, say to 20 or less. Switching the JS between 4/8 is easy, but is hard to communicate to a young (or older) house guest. Also, with a CRT in the mix, heat is going to be an issue. Also keep an eye on the overall weight of the thing. Good luck with the build and I guess it's my turn to say it, take lots of pictures.

Thanks for the advice Coder. Don't worry I will take plenty of pics on this one. I do plan on having a few vents in the cab. Another reason for the centipede profile. The intakes could be on the underside of the CP. See the pics in my last post. Thanks go to Jack-o-Bud for the original plans. I just cut them off to a bartop size.

What is the JS joystick? In the long run if I do upgrade the joystick I want it to switch automatically. For the time being I have enough invested in this project. If I spend any more on this it will be for a KeyWiz eco encoder. I can hack a mouse for the trackball. All I need to do is build it, paint it, and print off some simple artwork. I plan on using transparencies for the marquee and CP artwork.

TTFN :cheers:
Kaytrim

**Edit added possible CP image
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad
Post by: leapinlew on April 27, 2007, 03:05:40 pm: Quote from: Kaytrim on April 27, 2007, 02:56:23 pm
Quote from: theCoder on April 27, 2007, 02:35:19 pm
I'd recommend a 4 way JS with three buttons. This gets you all the classics including Missile Command. I'd keep the game list down, say to 20 or less. Switching the JS between 4/8 is easy, but is hard to communicate to a young (or older) house guest. Also, with a CRT in the mix, heat is going to be an issue. Also keep an eye on the overall weight of the thing. Good luck with the build and I guess it's my turn to say it, take lots of pictures.

Thanks for the advice Coder. Don't worry I will take plenty of pics on this one. I do plan on having a few vents in the cab. Another reason for the centipede profile. The intakes could be on the underside of the CP. See the pics in my last post. Thanks go to Jack-o-Bud for the original plans. I just cut them off to a bartop size.

What is the JS joystick? In the long run if I do upgrade the joystick I want it to switch automatically. For the time being I have enough invested in this project. If I spend any more on this it will be for a KeyWiz eco encoder. I can hack a mouse for the trackball. All I need to do is build it, paint it, and print off some simple artwork. I plan on using transparencies for the marquee and CP artwork.

TTFN :cheers:
Kaytrim

**Edit added possible CP image

I think JS meant Joystick... ;)
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad
Post by: leapinlew on April 27, 2007, 03:07:16 pm: Also, either of those profiles would allow for some buttons in the kickplate area.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad
Post by: Kaytrim on April 27, 2007, 03:09:36 pm: Quote from: leapinlew on April 27, 2007, 03:05:40 pm
I think JS meant Joystick... ;)

I thought that he might have meant one of the Japanese lines, Sanwa I think. ???

Quote from: leapinlew on April 27, 2007, 03:07:16 pm
Also, either of those profiles would allow for some buttons in the kickplate area.

Kind of what I was thinking, just put them on the CP for reference. The CP image is 20" x 7" and could be smaller too.

Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad
Post by: CheffoJeffo on April 27, 2007, 03:12:28 pm: Quote from: Kaytrim on April 27, 2007, 01:13:35 pm
Does anyone know the pin out of the molex connector of the beston trackball?

My recollection is that Wico, Happs and Betson t-balls all use the same pinout (at least the Betson and Happs units that I have all do):

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?board=1;action=display;threadid=3131;start=msg18232#msg18232

Cheers
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad
Post by: Kaytrim on April 27, 2007, 03:23:19 pm: thanks CheffoJeffo. I'll check that out when I get the chance, this weekend I hope. Another question on the trackball. My mouse hack has only one x and one y input. Would I hook up only one or both of the outputs for each axis from the TB to mouse?
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad
Post by: rockin_rick on April 27, 2007, 05:58:12 pm: It has to have 2 inputs per axis otherwise it couldn't determine direction. Check into it more...

Rick
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad
Post by: psychotech on April 27, 2007, 07:29:53 pm: Sounds good!

But ..maybe with that deep 17" CRT you'd like to check out the Bombjack's profile too ..and, just maybe, design some kind of compromise between Centipede & Bombjack? More "flow" to the profile and a bit "shorter"/lighter marquee.

And yes, I'd go with 3 buttons too. Not so sure on the 4/8-way JS question... Depends too much on the type/brand of JS.

EDIT: As you seem to have the space available, why not position the buttons for "the natural curve" of the player's fingers .. Again, shamelessly promoting my solution ..Sorry, but check out the third picture @ this post http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=56653.msg583280#msg583280

Still, PIX :)

Good luck!
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad
Post by: theCoder on April 27, 2007, 11:57:57 pm: Quote from: leapinlew on April 27, 2007, 03:05:40 pm
I think JS meant Joystick... ;)
What he said. Just get'n lazy with my typing.

Those three admin buttons on the top left look kind of awkward. I'd recommend three small ones across the top or along the side, or perhaps putting one in the front as leapinlew mentioned.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad
Post by: Kaytrim on April 30, 2007, 11:35:37 am: Quote from: rockin_rick on April 27, 2007, 05:58:12 pm
It has to have 2 inputs per axis otherwise it couldn't determine direction. Check into it more...

Rick

Thanks Rick for the feedback. I see now where I went wrong with my mouse hack. I rewired it with a better understanding on how it should be constructed. I'll put up pics later of the hack and the other controls that I am using.

Quote from: psychotech on April 27, 2007, 07:29:53 pm
..maybe with that deep 17" CRT you'd like to check out the Bombjack's profile too ..and, just maybe, design some kind of compromise between Centipede & Bombjack? More "flow" to the profile and a bit "shorter"/lighter marquee.

You reminded me of a problem that Lew had on his last bartop. The marquee was too far foward and blocked the screen some. I'll keep this in mind as I work on the final profile.

Quote from: psychotech on April 27, 2007, 07:29:53 pm
And yes, I'd go with 3 buttons too.

This seems to be the favorite number for a vert layout. 3 buttons it is. ;D

Quote from: psychotech on April 27, 2007, 07:29:53 pm
EDIT: As you seem to have the space available, why not position the buttons for "the natural curve" of the player's fingers .. Again, shamelessly promoting my solution ..Sorry, but check out the third picture @ this post http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=56653.msg583280#msg583280

Still, PIX :)

Good luck!

Don't worry about the plugs psychotech. I have been following your BombJack project. In fact it was your project that showed me that I could build this on the cheep so to speak. Where did you get the small buttons for your CP? They might be a nice solution for my admin buttons.

Pics to come...

TTFN :cheers:
Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad
Post by: psychotech on April 30, 2007, 05:00:09 pm: Heh :)

And thanks for the comments (always appreciated!), even though the mirroring option didn't work with the main CP..

Anyway.. again, check out my answer to the theCoder's question about the miniature buttons: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=61679.msg647239#msg647239 ..probably not an option with the current €/$ exchange rate..

Those buttons or something similar are surely available at most specialized electronics parts shops everywhere..?

All the best with the build!

PT
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad **Construction Begins** 5/5/07
Post by: Kaytrim on May 05, 2007, 12:56:48 pm: LET THE FUN BEGIN!!!

I started out scaling the profile down to fit the monitor. I placed the monitor in horizontal format on the wood. This way when the cab is upright the monitor will be in the vertical format. The second pic is a close-up of the monitor in position. The third pic shows the full profile as you can see I went with one similar to the Centipede profile. The next three pics are the controls starting with the trackball and mouse hack. Then the joystick and keywiz and finally the buttons that I plan on using.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad **Construction Begins** 5/5/07
Post by: Kaytrim on May 05, 2007, 12:58:29 pm: Time to make some dust.

I had already cut the first side and was ready to use a patern bit in my router. DARN the bit was for ½” wood and I am using ¾”. Well to get the second piece cut I went back to the circular saw and finished it off. One thing to keep in mind when you are cutting the inside corners don’t finish the cut through the bottom. Watch the blade and stop when it reaches the corner. Then come at it from the other direction and finish the cut with a hand saw.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad **Construction Begins** 5/5/07
Post by: Kaytrim on May 05, 2007, 01:01:47 pm: Now to de-case the monitor.

Here you can see that the shielding is just a loose piece inside the plastic case. The ears are good size and have strong screws. This is perfect for de-casing and mounting on a wood bezel.

I need to pick up a slot cutting bit for my router and a bit more MDF to finish the case. I also have the layout of the CP basicly planed out. The CP is 16x8

I hope to have some more work done this weekend still. I have to try to get this phase done quickly so I can get it painted and complete for Father's day.

TTFN :cheers:
Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad **Construction Begins** 5/5/07
Post by: psychotech on May 05, 2007, 04:52:21 pm: Looking mighty fine !

That's the way to design - a really nice - cab profile ;) ::)

Keep up the good work :cheers:

psycho
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad **Construction Begins** 5/5/07
Post by: Kaytrim on May 07, 2007, 10:27:43 am: Thanks psychotech. I didn't realize how big this was going to be until after I cut out the side panels. Definitely bigger than the ones you've made. :P

I didn't get much else done this weekend though. The wife unit decided it was time to clean up and organize the workshop. And while I was doing that she was cleaning out some old junk in another part of the basement. She needed to to that so I can continue working to finish that part of the basement off. It was a good thing that I cleaned the workshop because I found an unopened big bucket of drywall mud that I had forgotten I had. ::) Now I can finish off my office area and get moved in there. After the wife is done with her corner of the basement I can finish off that area as well.

I was able to get a few little things done though. I was able to mount the cleats on the side panels so I can figure out the miter cuts for the other panels. I was also able to figure out a way to make my T-Stick easily switchable from 4 to 8 way. Now I can add games like 1942 to the list for Dad. I'll post some pics soon on how I did it. One hint, I got the idea from RandyT. ;)

TTFN :cheers:
Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad **Construction Begins** 5/5/07
Post by: Kaytrim on May 07, 2007, 05:00:32 pm: Artwork Request

I have seen a few variations on the Centipede CP artwork floating around. Could someone whip up one for me that would work for my cab? The CP is 16x7. I plan on using the coin button from GGG. This will be put on the front 'kickplate' of the cab. The layout below is what I am looking at for the controls. The second attachment is the measurements from the upper left corner to the center of the control. I have a T-Stick, 3 action buttons and a 3" trackball. The two buttons in the upper left are the player start buttons. I am not sure where I will put the pause and quit buttons but there really is no 'safe' place on the CP. Maybe on the 'kickplate'.

Thanks,
Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad **Construction Begins** 5/5/07
Post by: psychotech on May 08, 2007, 09:16:04 pm: ;D

Can't help with the CP, but...

How big is the bartop going to be actually?

Bombjack: 19" CRT & 2 player CP: Depth 70cm (27,5"), height 80cm (31,5") and width 58cm (22,85").

Tomatocade gets the "miniature award" .. maybe :P

Still, all the best with the build :cheers:

psychotech
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad **Construction Begins** 5/5/07
Post by: Kaytrim on May 08, 2007, 11:04:35 pm: It may be a washout on the size comparison; 17" CRT vertical, 37.25" high X 28.50 deep X 17.5 wide. Tomatocade can't claim the smallest though. There is one here on the boards that is smaller than a house cat and uses a HP PDA.

PICS...

Here is one of the sides with the cleats attached. You can also see my tools to get all the angels and lengths for the rest of the panels. This is going to be a real challenge to get right. With Dad being a finish carpenter I am going to have to really take my time with the cuts and assembly. Wish me luck.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad **Construction Begins** 5/5/07
Post by: Kaytrim on May 08, 2007, 11:07:47 pm: PICS, continued...

Now for the T-Stick modifications. The first pic is of an unmodified T-Stick lever. See the tab in the circle? This helps to lock the lever in the 4-way or 8-way mode. This has to go so it is easier to move. The second pic shows the material removed. The last two pics show the allen wrench that I used to extend the lever above the CP.

TTFN :cheers:
Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad **Construction Begins** 5/5/07
Post by: superbigjay on May 09, 2007, 12:16:01 am: Wow, good progress on Dad's bartop.
nice mod for the joystick!

These projects are time consumming. so much to do and so little time to accomplish them :dizzy:

Keep us posted!
Jay
:cheers:
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad **Construction Begins** 5/5/07
Post by: psychotech on May 09, 2007, 12:46:30 pm: Well, yeah.. actually meant that of the two I've built only the Tomatocade actually is a miniature bartop :)

Great progress and a nice joystick hack :applaud:

Still, we need more pix !

psycho
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad **Construction Begins** 5/5/07
Post by: Kaytrim on May 09, 2007, 01:41:20 pm: Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix Pix

Is that enough? ;D

Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad **Construction Begins** 5/5/07
Post by: psychotech on May 09, 2007, 03:37:27 pm: Well...

...not really :laugh2:

Oh, you actually mean to build it.. >:D Well, maybe we'll get the pictures later ::)

pt
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad **Construction Begins** 5/5/07
Post by: Kaytrim on May 09, 2007, 03:39:51 pm: Yes this is a Work In Progress. :laugh2: I intended to WIP it before it wips me. ;)

Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad **Construction Continues** 5/9/07
Post by: Kaytrim on May 09, 2007, 11:11:16 pm: LETS GET 3D

I got the rest of the panels cut tonight and assembly has started. :woot Loctite and drywall screws are all I needed. I'll let the pics speak for themselves.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad **Construction Begins** 5/5/07
Post by: Kaytrim on May 09, 2007, 11:14:03 pm: LETS GET 3D Continued

More pics of the assembled cab. The CP and the CP front are not glued in but are glued together. I will add a cleat to the joint to give it some strength later.

TTFN :cheers:
Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad **Time for some Assembley** 5/9/07 :woot
Post by: theCoder on May 10, 2007, 12:20:59 am: It really feels good to get the majority of the wood cut doesn't it. Way to go.

The allen wrench approach is possibly going to cause problems. Are you going to have a slot in the CP for the wrench? Is is intended to be permanently mounted, or removable? Either way, it introduces a few more points of failure. I'd go with a top selectable JS like the Mag-Stik Plus from Ultimarc. They cost about $30 plus shipping. I used one on my last project. It is clean, functional, has good action, and is easy to switch. For what it's worth....
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad **Time for some Assembley** 5/9/07 :woot
Post by: leapinlew on May 10, 2007, 12:35:23 am: Looks good. :)

I have a question about your t-molding. Are you still planning on cutting a slot? If so, some of those screws look like they might be a problem. Some of your screws are in the way of the bit that would make the slot - potential dangerous situation with a router.

Another question - how do you intend to hold a marquee on?
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad
Post by: leapinlew on May 10, 2007, 12:39:03 am: Quote from: Kaytrim on April 30, 2007, 11:35:37 am

You reminded me of a problem that Lew had on his last bartop. The marquee was too far foward and blocked the screen some. I'll keep this in mind as I work on the final profile.

I just noticed this comment and your right to learn from others. The angle of view on the multi-williams bartop is more limiting that I would like. With a LCD it's not all bad since your angle of view is limited anyhow. I resolved the issue mostly, but on the new bartop I'm making I cut the marquee back to allow a larger range of viewing angle.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad **Time for some Assembley** 5/9/07 :woot
Post by: Kaytrim on May 10, 2007, 09:47:21 am: Quote from: theCoder on May 10, 2007, 12:20:59 am
It really feels good to get the majority of the wood cut doesn't it. Way to go.

The allen wrench approach is possibly going to cause problems. Are you going to have a slot in the CP for the wrench? Is is intended to be permanently mounted, or removable? Either way, it introduces a few more points of failure. I'd go with a top selectable JS like the Mag-Stik Plus from Ultimarc. They cost about $30 plus shipping. I used one on my last project. It is clean, functional, has good action, and is easy to switch. For what it's worth....

This is a T-Stick plus joystick, it works just like the Mag-Stick plus you menton. I wanted to easily tell which mode the stick was in. The alen wrench is not 'permanentaly' installed but the hole I drilled is slightly smaller so friction will keep it in place. Once the stick is mounted it should be no problem.

Quote from: leapinlew on May 10, 2007, 12:35:23 am
Looks good. :)

I have a question about your t-molding. Are you still planning on cutting a slot? If so, some of those screws look like they might be a problem. Some of your screws are in the way of the bit that would make the slot - potential dangerous situation with a router.

Another question - how do you intend to hold a marquee on?

Lew, thanks for the warning. I will remove the screws prior to routing for the t-molding. The glue and cleats should hold it together. The issue that I am concerned about at this point is that the Centipede CP is rounded. To get that profile I think that I will have to use my belt sander because the angles prevent a router from doing a good job. The marquee mounting is not fully fleshed out yet but I will have it finished before painting starts. If you want to offer suggestions I am all ears.

Thanks everyone for all the encourgement. I plan to finish the costruction by the end of this weekend so I can start painting.

TTFN :cheers:
Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad **Time for some Assembley** 5/9/07 :woot
Post by: leapinlew on May 10, 2007, 10:27:18 am: Good luck on the routing and be careful. If that router hits a screw - you may wake up in the hospital.

As for the marquee...

You didn't give yourself much room to use angle iron or happs marquee retainers. Using any of those solutions adds some height to the marquee retainer and it would actually bulge and give the cab a bit of an unsightly profile.

As a possibility, cut and fire some plexi. Sandwich a high quality print on photo paper and use some chrome bolts to bolt it directly to your wood. The way I'm envisioning is a non-lit marquee, but I suppose you could also do a lit marquee. I don't think I like this solution much.

If it were mine, I would cut back the marquee area about 3/4" and drop it down about 1/2". :(
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad **Time for some Assembley** 5/9/07 :woot
Post by: leapinlew on May 10, 2007, 10:28:01 am: Also -

Thats some nice organization in that garage. Did you clean it just for us? :)
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad **Time for some Assembley** 5/9/07 :woot
Post by: Kaytrim on May 10, 2007, 11:43:55 am: Quote from: leapinlew on May 10, 2007, 10:28:01 am
Also -

Thats some nice organization in that garage. Did you clean it just for us? :)

:laugh2: That's not a garage, it's my basement workshop. I just did a massive cleaning and reorg over the weekend by order of the wife unit. It was needed too, there was a path from the door to the bench and that was about it. I still need to finish the bench cleanup there are a few piles of stuff that need a more perminant place to stay.

I don't like the lit marque much either because it would be right in your eyes while you play. What do you mean by 'fire' the plexi? I do have the option to modify the profile slightly to handel retainers. I was thinking of getting the plastic wallpaper corner protectors and while heating them redo the bend to match the angles I have.

I ment to route for the t-molding on the side panels but I got ahead of myself. ;D Again thanks for the warning.

TTFN :cheers:
Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Time for some Assembley** 5/9/07 :woot
Post by: Donkey_Kong on May 10, 2007, 03:09:30 pm: Awesome craftsmanship Kaytrim. Going for the son of the year award with this gift eh? :applaud: ;D
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Time for some Assembley** 5/9/07 :woot
Post by: Chris G on May 10, 2007, 03:27:53 pm: Great job so far, and great job documenting. It must be very motivating to have a hard date to be working toward! I'm sure your dad is going to be thrilled - be sure to have someone take a picture of his expression during the grand unveiling.

And good luck with the finish work. ;)

:cheers:
Chris
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Time for some Assembley** 5/9/07 :woot
Post by: psychotech on May 10, 2007, 06:36:29 pm: Looking really good!!

Just have to ask if you're sure about the speaker panel's front edge angle? (Possible marquee mounting problems ..?)

Otherwise, keep up the great job!! Hope you'll get it done in time !

psycho.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Time for some Assembley** 5/9/07 :woot
Post by: psychotech on May 10, 2007, 06:49:13 pm: Never mind.., if you were to cut back the marquee area like lew already recommended, you'll be able to "fix it in the mix"..
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Phase 1 construction complete** 5/14/07
Post by: Kaytrim on May 14, 2007, 10:24:23 am: Busy weekend finishing up phase 1 of construction. Rounded the CP front edges. I got the t-molding slot cut. Thanks again Lew, without your warning I would have had a serious problem. Filled the screw holes with bondo. My first time working with this stuff. Good thing I moved the cab out to the garage this stuff stinks. It also sets up rather quick. Back door and CP mounted with locks and hinges. I'll have pics up later today.

I also started playing with Virtual PC 2007 from M$. I intend to use this to play around with various front ends and operating systems. For those who are interested here is a link to a free download (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/virtualpc/default.mspx).

TTFN :cheers:
Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Phase 1 construction complete** 5/14/07
Post by: mountain on May 14, 2007, 12:25:29 pm: Looking great Kaytrim!

Yeah, Bondo definitely stinks up the place. Well worth it though. I think my next project will be a bartop.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Phase 1 construction complete** 5/14/07
Post by: Kaytrim on May 14, 2007, 01:04:23 pm: Thanks mountain, coming from you that is a big complement.

Pics are ready and I'll be posting them in batches of 4. This first set is the rounding of the CP. I temporally screwed the CP into place. Then I used my belt sander with 80 grit following up with my random orbit and 150 grit. The belt sander was used from side to side while the random orbit was used from from bottom to top.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Phase 1 construction complete** 5/14/07
Post by: Kaytrim on May 14, 2007, 01:07:50 pm: I removed the CP so you could see the rounding and the cleat I mounted underneath. The cleat was a single piece of wood that was cut in half using the same angle as the CP. The other two pics are of me routing the t-molding slot. A BIG Thank You goes out to LepinLew. Without his warning about the screws I could have been making this post from the hospital. I should get my t-molding in the mail today from GGG as well as the coin button.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Phase 1 construction complete** 5/14/07
Post by: Kaytrim on May 14, 2007, 01:10:18 pm: After routing the t-mold slot I re-installed the screws and filled with bondo. Bondo really leaves a smooth finish when sanded. ;D Here you can see the finished side and the back with the hinges and lock. I really like these hinges. They are similar to the European hinges without needing to drill a hole. Around $2.50 each at Lows.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Phase 1 construction complete** 5/14/07
Post by: Kaytrim on May 14, 2007, 01:15:09 pm: Here is the CP mounted with the piano hinge and lock. It is keyed the same as the back. I used bondo to fill in the gap where the piano hinge was mounted. To do this I screwed the CP back into place with a folded piece newspaper in the gap. Then I mixed up a small amount of bondo and pushed it into the crack. After the bondo cured I sanded it down and removed the CP. As you can see there is hardly any gap left. 8)

Next on the list is to cut the monitor board and the CP for controls. Then on to the paint.

TTFN :cheers:
Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Phase 1 construction complete** 5/14/07 **
Post by: Kaytrim on May 14, 2007, 03:44:54 pm: The last of the parts have just arrived! :woot

20' of black leather t-molding (http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=75&products_id=221), player 1 (http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=73&products_id=241) & 2 start buttons (http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=73&products_id=242) and the GGG Nova Gem CDR (http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=295&zenid=55f3b8df1dd7f44dd697150e164c363a)

I also got an upgrade to my 49-way stick. >:D Green Translucent ball top stick (http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=262) and new grommet (http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=275).

Thank You Randy :cheers:

TTFN Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad **Construction Begins** 5/5/07
Post by: Kaytrim on May 14, 2007, 04:27:26 pm: Quote from: psychotech on May 09, 2007, 12:46:30 pm
Still, we need more pix !

psycho

I hope that there are enough for you psycho. :laugh2:
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Phase 1 construction complete** 5/14/07 **
Post by: leapinlew on May 14, 2007, 06:18:07 pm: damn man... thats looking pretty sweet.

Around this point, I start worrying if I'll mess it up by painting it. Whats the paint plan?
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Phase 1 construction complete** 5/14/07 **
Post by: Kaytrim on May 14, 2007, 08:44:36 pm: Thanks Lew, I am a sculptor not a painter so the paint plan is rather simple. I am trying to stay with the Centipede theme all the way through. So basic white sides black t-mold and the blue CP with star burst. If I can get CP artwork that will work. I am definitely out of my league there. I have played around a bit with Illustrator and the vector artwork for the CP but it is going to be real slow if I even can do it at all by Father's Day.

TTFN :cheers:
Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Phase 1 construction complete** 5/14/07 **PICS
Post by: Timoe on May 14, 2007, 08:57:10 pm: The new thread to watch. Great profile Kaytrim.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Phase 1 construction complete** 5/14/07 **
Post by: theCoder on May 14, 2007, 09:52:40 pm: Quote from: Kaytrim on May 14, 2007, 03:44:54 pm
The last of the parts have just arrived! :woot
...20' of black leather t-molding
I just installed black leather t-molding on my Xcelerator project. I think you'll be pleased with the look.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Phase 1 construction complete** 5/14/07 **
Post by: Kaytrim on May 15, 2007, 01:02:59 pm: Thanks for all the positive feedback guys. Keep it coming, I'll need it when it comes to the final push. I worked on the CP artwork some last night. I posted my progress and roadblocks over in the artwork forum (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=66538.0). I need all the help I can get on this. I also need to locate the side art.

TTFN :cheers:
Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Phase 1 construction complete** 5/14/07 **
Post by: leapinlew on May 15, 2007, 11:36:20 pm: I met some of the "nicest" girls playing centipede.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Phase 1 construction complete** 5/14/07 **
Post by: NIVO on May 16, 2007, 09:41:32 pm: Quote from: leapinlew on May 15, 2007, 11:36:20 pm
I met some of the "nicest" girls playing centipede.

....and then spanked them. And beat their scores as well ;)

Very nice work so far Kaytrim, keep 'er goin!
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Phase 1 construction complete** 5/14/07 **
Post by: Kaytrim on May 17, 2007, 10:24:32 am: I got the first coat of primer on the cab last night. The HDF rollers work very well but it will defiantly take more than one or two coats to prime MDF and Bondo. The second coat should look better. The wife unit is starting to get a little peeved at me because I am doing nothing but this for the last week or so. I have to finish getting the downstairs office so I can move in there and she is chomping at the bit. So tonight I will spend working on the house and not the cab. Though I might sneak in another coat. ;) No pics yet but I will try to remember to take one or two before I add the second coat.

On another front the artwork is coming along as well. I have done some changes to the Centipede CP and they are posted in the artwork forum. I could still use some help from someone with Illustrator experience to clean up my mess and scale it to fit my CP area. I wish I could afford to have MameMarquees print all this off for me but the wife is watching the money I am spending and I only have about 3 weeks left.

3 WEEKS LEFT!!! :scared I still have to finish setting up the PC, mount the monitor, mount the controls, bend the plexi for the CP, finish the paint, finalize and print the artwork. :dizzy: Am I going to make it in time?? Why did I set a deadline like this for my first full scale cab. :hissy: AHHHHHH!!!!
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Phase 1 construction complete** 5/14/07 **
Post by: shardian on May 17, 2007, 10:51:33 am: Quote from: Kaytrim on May 17, 2007, 10:24:32 am
I got the first coat of primer on the cab last night. The HDF rollers work very well but it will defiantly take more than one or two coats to prime MDF and Bondo. The second coat should look better. The wife unit is starting to get a little peeved at me because I am doing nothing but this for the last week or so. I have to finish getting the downstairs office so I can move in there and she is chomping at the bit. So tonight I will spend working on the house and not the cab. Though I might sneak in another coat. ;) No pics yet but I will try to remember to take one or two before I add the second coat.

On another front the artwork is coming along as well. I have done some changes to the Centipede CP and they are posted in the artwork forum. I could still use some help from someone with Illustrator experience to clean up my mess and scale it to fit my CP area. I wish I could afford to have MameMarquees print all this off for me but the wife is watching the money I am spending and I only have about 3 weeks left.

3 WEEKS LEFT!!! :scared I still have to finish setting up the PC, mount the monitor, mount the controls, bend the plexi for the CP, finish the paint, finalize and print the artwork. :dizzy: Am I going to make it in time?? Why did I set a deadline like this for my first full scale cab. :hissy: AHHHHHH!!!!

I would highly recommend you skip the cp plexi and splurge on a laminate cpo from mame marquees. It will save you time and cost on the plexi to appease the wife, plus it would only be like $30. Side art is fine to print on photo paper. Just make sure to clear coat it very well.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Phase 1 construction complete** 5/14/07 **
Post by: leapinlew on May 17, 2007, 11:05:42 am: Quote from: Kaytrim on May 17, 2007, 10:24:32 am
The wife unit is starting to get a little peeved at me because I am doing nothing but this for the last week or so.

Ah yes... this situation. It's annoying to me, cause here we are, a couple good guys who want to stay at home and work on our hobby. It amazes me that sometimes our wife/gf can get as mad about us working on arcades as some of my buddies wife/gf when they go to a strip joint and stay out all night. :dunno
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Painting Begins** 5/17/07 **
Post by: Kaytrim on May 17, 2007, 11:47:33 am: Quote from: shardian on May 17, 2007, 10:51:33 am
I would highly recommend you skip the cp plexi and splurge on a laminate cpo from mame marquees. It will save you time and cost on the plexi to appease the wife, plus it would only be like $30. Side art is fine to print on photo paper. Just make sure to clear coat it very well.

That is true about the cost if I could get by with 10x23 but I would need to go to the second size 18x26 for $40. The CP size is exactly 16 X 10.25 and I would want to have it oversized a bit as well. If I would get MM to print the CP I might as well get the underside of the CP covered as well. I just realized that I am damed if I do and damed if I don't. :banghead: The plexi could get in the way of the hinge. That and the side panels are flush with the CP. >:( I might as well bite the bullet and get MM to print it off. I still need to get the artwork done quickly so MM has time to do their normal turn around of about 2 weeks.

Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Phase 1 construction complete** 5/14/07 **PICS
Post by: javeryh on May 17, 2007, 11:56:30 am: Kaytrim - this cab is coming together quite nice. I especially like how you handled the CP. Keep it up! :cheers:
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Painting Begins** 5/17/07
Post by: Kaytrim on May 19, 2007, 07:36:33 pm: Ok folks time for an update. Second coat of primer is on and it still will need one more to completely cover. However instead of painting I installed the PC and Monitor. Cutting the monitor mount board was a pain and a lot of trial and error. I'll not bore you with the details (I didn't take pics) but show you the end result. The pics below are of the first coat of primer.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Monitor Mounted** 5/19/07
Post by: Kaytrim on May 19, 2007, 07:40:57 pm: As I said in the previous post the mounting board was a pain to cut. It took three cuttings The first one was too small, so I re measured and cut again. That one was still small but close enough that I could get a good line for the final cut. Even after the final I still had to use a wood rasp to finish the fit. The images below are of the monitor in the final position.

In all my work I negelected one minor issue. I forgot to protect the screen. Now I have minor scratches all over the center of the glass and a few in other spots. :cry: Does anyone know of a product that can repair them? I don't want to find another 17 inch CRT and do it all over again. :hissy:
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Computer Install** 5/19/07
Post by: Kaytrim on May 19, 2007, 07:59:31 pm: ;D After I got the monitor installed I decased the computer. I have all the components shown in the first pic and the second pic shows them mounted on a 1/4"pice of MDF The whole thing is then slid into the lower compartment and two screws hold the board in place. The motherboard ports are accessible from the front of the cabinet. All that is left to do for the hardware install is to setup an exterior power button. Hack a power strip with a relay. Finally install the controls.

:dizzy: I started to install MAME and Mala but I now have a crick in my neck. iRotate won't work with the built in graphics chips, Intel 82810 even with updating the driver. I purchased a cheap PCI graphics card on ebay in hopes to get the rotation I need. Unless I am missing something. If anyone knows another method to get the screen to rotate in windows so the FE can work properly let me know.

:notworthy: I still need some help with my control panel artwork. I have a post in the artwork forum but nobody had come forward to help.

TTFN :cheers:
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Painting Begins** 5/17/07
Post by: Kaytrim on May 19, 2007, 08:37:20 pm: I just found a program called Pivot Pro. It got the screen rotated so I don't kill my neck anymore. ;D I am making this post from the cab. The down side is that it costs $40 and uses up some resources. At lest I can use the 30 day trial to get things to a more suitable setup.

TTFN :cheers:
Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Computer Install** 5/19/07
Post by: leapinlew on May 19, 2007, 09:05:48 pm: Quote from: Kaytrim on May 19, 2007, 07:59:31 pm
;D After I got the monitor installed I decased the computer. I have all the components shown in the first pic and the second pic shows them mounted on a 1/4"pice of MDF The whole thing is then slid into the lower compartment and two screws hold the board in place. The motherboard ports are accessible from the front of the cabinet. All that is left to do for the hardware install is to setup an exterior power button. Hack a power strip with a relay. Finally install the controls.

:dizzy: I started to install MAME and Mala but I now have a crick in my neck. iRotate won't work with the built in graphics chips, Intel 82810 even with updating the driver. I purchased a cheap PCI graphics card on ebay in hopes to get the rotation I need. Unless I am missing something. If anyone knows another method to get the screen to rotate in windows so the FE can work properly let me know.

:notworthy: I still need some help with my control panel artwork. I have a post in the artwork forum but nobody had come forward to help.

TTFN :cheers:

I can't get the built on graphics card to work either. I usually buy a decent pci card in the $50 area.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Status Report** 5/25/07
Post by: Kaytrim on May 25, 2007, 02:14:16 pm: Ok folks, this week has been rather slow on the updates and progress on the cab. There are a few things but no pics at this point. I have found software to help me with the vertical setup of the monitor. However it is $40 to register. I hopes of avoiding that cost I purchased a Matrox Millennium PCI Video card on eBay for $10 shipped. It arrived today so I'll get a chance to install it this weekend.

I've also been testing this setup using a keyboard and so far there are no issues with MAME other than getting the ROMs converted to version .89 as well as selecting the ones to have on the machine. I am starting to see issues with the HD though. On boot up there is a HD seek error. I am going to check the cables run chkdsk and possible reformat. If none of that works I have a spare HD I could use. I also have the option of going solid state with a CF card.

Artwork on the other hand is not going as hoped. I have not received any help from anyone in the artwork forum even after begging. So I guess I am going to have to bite the bullet and keep pluggin away on the CP myself. I should have the side art and marquee in hand soon though.

On the cab itself though I have the holes cut for the speakers. The monitor bezel is almost complete and the plexi is cut and tinted. I have the power switch hacked to a button on the back of the cab. Next I need to hack a relay into a power strip (http://spystyle.arcadecontrols.com/01/index81.htm) for the one button power on solution. Install the speakers and hack the volume control. After I finish the artwork I can install the controls and button it up.

The final area of possible problems is the marquee. I am going to try and light it using LEDs instead of a florescent tube. The plan is to sandwich the artwork between two pieces of plexi with the back piece sanded to give it a frosted look. This should help with dispersing the light. I have several white button blaster LEDs from GGG, these should provide all the light I need.

Other than the artwork and hard drive issues I should be able to meet the deadline of Father's Day.

TTFN :cheers:
Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Pic Update** 5/27/07
Post by: Kaytrim on May 27, 2007, 08:11:38 pm: Time for a brief update and some pics. I still have tonight and hopefully some time tomorrow to get some additional work done but here is what I have so far.

:woot Final coat of paint has been applied. Below are the latest pics took this morning. Other completed items include Power Strip hack (http://spystyle.arcadecontrols.com/01/index81.htm), external power button mounted, Speakers mounted and wired, CP artwork (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=66538.msg680500#msg680500) completed, CP mostly drilled, Back door remounted, Bezel painted and mounted, Plexi cut and tinted.

I have more details and pics later. Still left to do...

~~Mount LEDs for Marquee lighting~~
~~finish cutting the CP~~
~~mount CP artwork~~
~~mount and wire controls WIP~~
~~supply power to LEDs~~
~~Print and mount side art (waiting on CD to arrive)~~
~~Print and mount marquee~~
~~format and reload the hard drive~~ using CF card on IDE to CF adapter
~~setup MAME and Mala~~ using DOS
~~hide OS~~ using DOS
Deliver cabinet on Father's day. :cheers:

TTFN
Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Near Compleation** 5/29/07
Post by: Kaytrim on May 29, 2007, 01:35:33 pm: Lighter 'er up. I have setup my lighting for the marquee. I started with 4 button blaster LEDs from GGG attached to a small shelf inside the cab. Then I took the first piece of plexi and sanded both sides with 80 grit using my random orbit sander. Nice frosted look achieved and look it lights up. ;D This last pic was taken with lights on and no flash, a nice even glow. Can't wait to get the marquee artwork setup and in there.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Near Compleation** 5/29/07
Post by: Kaytrim on May 29, 2007, 01:53:25 pm: The trackball just fits and I have it glued in place with loctite. I may add a few screws through the CP into the TB casing to really lock it down but it is solid as is. I also populated the holes just for looks at this point just to see how it lays out. I think it will be serviceable. The blue action buttons are almost lost in the blue paint though. We will see how they look once the CP artwork is in place. I may have to swap them out for another color.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Near Compleation** 5/29/07
Post by: Kaytrim on May 29, 2007, 01:58:56 pm: The joystick is a little special in the fact that I modified the restrictor to be changeable from the top and show what mode it is in, 4 or 8 way. I used my dremel tool with a rotozip bit to cut the slot. I am going to have to add a little paint inside that slot or it will stick out like a sore thumb. I have to add another coat anyway to some spots so it won't be a total waste.

That is all for now. Let me know what you all think.

TTFN :cheers:
Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Near Compleation** 5/29/07
Post by: Kaytrim on May 29, 2007, 03:52:28 pm: :banghead: DOH!!!! I just read through this thread and realized I am missing a few key parts.... ADIMIN BUTTONS. :banghead: Mainly the quit and pause buttons. I don't know if I should put them to the left of the start buttons or above the marquee. They won't work on the bezel because the area is too thick. They won't fit around the trackball either. The TB takes up all the available space on that side of the CP.

Any suggestions??

Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Near Compleation** 5/29/07
Post by: polaris on May 29, 2007, 08:14:09 pm: i think they'd look just fine next to the start buttons, the cp overall is not symmetrical in design and thats the only thing that would stop me from putting them there.
nice design mate, a bartop is something i'd not seen before joining these boards, but the effect you and lew have created with your two cab designs both make me think of full size cabs , really reminiscent looks to them.
:cheers:
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Near Compleation** 5/29/07
Post by: IG-88 on May 29, 2007, 09:00:09 pm: Hey Kaytrim,

What did you decide on games for this machine? I think I remember you saying that you were going with vertical only on it. How did you decide what games you wanted? (more importantly what were they) Also, did you end up using Spystyle's boot CD with GL to get the orientation the way you wanted?
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Near Compleation** 5/29/07
Post by: TOK on May 29, 2007, 09:00:49 pm: Quote from: Kaytrim on May 29, 2007, 03:52:28 pm
:banghead: DOH!!!! I just read through this thread and realized I am missing a few key parts.... ADIMIN BUTTONS. :banghead: Mainly the quit and pause buttons. I don't know if I should put them to the left of the start buttons or above the marquee. They won't work on the bezel because the area is too thick. They won't fit around the trackball either. The TB takes up all the available space on that side of the CP.

Any suggestions??

Kaytrim

I used little momentary switches and couternsunk them on my Stargate bartop. Not sure if I have a good pic. I put them on the side.

Edit to add: Found a pic that shows them, but its not so great. These are on the lower left side. Front one is coin-up, rear one shuts the whole thing down. I use the Shift functions for exiting the front end and games.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Near Compleation** 5/29/07
Post by: Kaytrim on May 30, 2007, 09:27:55 am: Quote from: polaris on May 29, 2007, 08:14:09 pm
i think they'd look just fine next to the start buttons, the cp overall is not symmetrical in design and thats the only thing that would stop me from putting them there.
nice design mate, a bartop is something i'd not seen before joining these boards, but the effect you and lew have created with your two cab designs both make me think of full size cabs , really reminiscent looks to them.
:cheers:

Thanks polaris, that is the effect that I was shooting for. ;D Once I get the artwork printed off and applied it will be even more reminiscent of the Centipede cabinet. 8)

Quote from: TOK on May 29, 2007, 09:00:49 pm
I used little momentary switches and couternsunk them on my Stargate bartop.

Thanks for the input TOK. I'll look into them only they will more than likely be next to the start buttons or maybe on the underside of the CP. I'll have to think about that a bit.

Quote from: IG-88 on May 29, 2007, 09:00:09 pm
Hey Kaytrim,

What did you decide on games for this machine? I think I remember you saying that you were going with vertical only on it. How did you decide what games you wanted? (more importantly what were they) Also, did you end up using Spystyle's boot CD with GL to get the orientation the way you wanted?

It will be vertical games only at this point IG-88. I used the sortinfo program that SpyStyle mentons on his website (http://spystyle.arcadecontrols.com/01/index1.htm). The information on this is in chapter 11 about 3/4 the way down that page. I will have trackball, 4 & 8 way games on here. The list is mostly done I need to play my way through them to make sure they all work and will fit what he likes. I will be putting a few shumps on there since they are like the 194X series games.

As far as using his DOS CD that is in testing mode now. I have a IDE to CF adaptor card with a 512MB card installed and DOS is loaded. The rotation issue is not a problem in DOS as he said in his software thread here (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=58809.msg680631#msg680631). I still need to copy over the roms but I am having problems with the motherboard and video at this point. The MB is having drive scan problems. I thought it was the HD but there is still the problem with the CF card. I even swapped IDE cables. I picked up a few free old PCs (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=67218.msg681250#msg681250) last night so I have the option of swapping out the motherboard and finding the right setup. The video crashes when GL launches. I'll spend some time this week figuring it out.

Thanks again for all the replies. :cheers:

TTFN
Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Near Compleation** 5/29/07
Post by: Kaytrim on May 30, 2007, 10:02:32 am: One other thing that I forgot during construction was the airflow. I did plan for it I just didn't do the work yet. I will have a few slots in the underside of the CP where the air can come into the cab. I also used a holesaw on the back of the monitor shelf to cut three good sized holes. The final cut will be at the top Either it will be a few slots like the intake or a single hole for a fan. If I go with the slots I will put a fan in the monitor shelf where the holes are cut.

Suggestions??

Below is an airflow diagram to show what I mean.

TTFN :cheers:
Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Near Compleation** 5/29/07
Post by: leapinlew on May 30, 2007, 11:24:51 am: The only suggestion I have is to make sure you spend some money on a good fan. I went with some cheapies that I had to replace because they were too loud. My latest bartop has a 120mm fan in it with ball bearings and has a 19db loudness rating. Super quiet. Cost $20 but worth it.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Near Compleation** 5/29/07
Post by: Kaytrim on May 31, 2007, 10:29:58 pm: Marquee Printed and ready for installation. I can still make a few changes but I like the way it turned out. If anyone has any suggestions I am still open to improvements. ;D
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Near Compleation** 5/29/07
Post by: theCoder on June 01, 2007, 10:44:55 am: If you are concerned about exposing a fan/hole in the top of your cab, you could put both the input and output on the bottom. With the volume of air so small in a bartop, if you have any airflow at all, there will be very little difference in temperatures from the top to bottom. You could put a fan on one side sucking air in, and a fan on the other side, drawing the air out. If possible, you would want the input fan blowing directly at your hottest component (usually the CPU.) You can quiet them down a lot by slowing them down with a 30 - 80 ohm resistor, or go with a more expensive fan as leapinlew recommended.

On your marquee, I assume these are games your Dad likes to play?

Great progress so far.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Near Compleation** 5/29/07
Post by: polaris on June 01, 2007, 05:01:02 pm: Quote from: Kaytrim on May 31, 2007, 10:29:58 pm
Marquee Printed and ready for installation. I can still make a few changes but I like the way it turned out. If anyone has any suggestions I am still open to improvements. ;D
im not 100% with the dad bit, i think it needs artwork or something, to stop it from standing out so much as different from the rest, just my thoughts :)
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Near Compleation** 5/29/07
Post by: Kaytrim on June 02, 2007, 10:44:57 am: Minor update...
Marquee installed, ventilation holes cut, external power cord installed, Compact Flash drive is installed and loaded with SpyStyle's DOS CD (28 sec boot).

Next items on the list include loading the roms, printing and applying the side art, applying the CP art, installing the rest of the controls, final install of the monitor Plexiglas and final testing of the setup.

I'll have some pics later.

TTFN
Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Near Compleation** 5/29/07
Post by: Kaytrim on June 02, 2007, 10:44:47 pm: Time for some pics.......

Construction is complete except for wiring the Trackball and sealing the side art. Let's start with the finishing of the control panel. I started out piecing the prints together. Not the best job mind you but it is ok for now. After they were one piece I sprayed them with several coats of a clear lacquerer. Once the lacquerer was dry I trimmed it down and sprayed the back with some adhesive and stuck it to the CP. After cutting the holes I returned the CP to the cab.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Near Compleation** 5/29/07
Post by: Kaytrim on June 02, 2007, 10:51:40 pm: Now to the controls. I don't have a pic of the admin buttons but they are on the bottom of the CP hidden from plain site. Pause is on the left and quit is on the right. This way there is no accidental pressing of these buttons. Here you can see the controls installed both from the top and underside and finally with the wiring in place. I still have to wire the trackball.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Near Compleation** 5/29/07
Post by: Kaytrim on June 02, 2007, 11:00:56 pm: I mentioned previously the cooling plan I had. Here you see the fan that I am using to move the air from the bottom to the top sections of the cab. I also have two 7/8" holes in the bottom of the CP and at the top of the cab to let the air flow through. In the first and second pic you can also see the power cable system I used. I hacked an old non working power supply for the plug and cord. Cut the hole in the back panel, soldered the power strip and used hot glue to seal it all in place with two screws on the front.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Near Compleation** 5/29/07
Post by: Kaytrim on June 02, 2007, 11:06:49 pm: The marquee is also in place. As you can see in the pics it is lit nicely by the 4 button blaster LEDs from GGG. Not too bright so it won't blind the player whose eyes will be quite close while using the controls. You can also see that I have the plexiglas in place with the tint applied. All you can see is the light from the monitor, sorry for the bad focus and flash.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Near Compleation** 5/29/07
Post by: Kaytrim on June 02, 2007, 11:11:27 pm: And the icing on the cake, the side art. I assembled the pieces better than what I did for the CP and trimmed it down. Next I used the same adhesive and attached them to the sides. I still need to seal the artwork with some clear lacquerer to protect it though. I also installed the t-molding at this point. I am calling the construction phase complete. All I need to do is finish the install of the software and it is ready for delivery. :cheers:

TTFN
Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Compleated** 6/2/07
Post by: Kaytrim on June 03, 2007, 08:42:15 pm: I now have Game Launcher working. :woot I used the information in this thread (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=1127.0) to finish the setup. I am using Spystyle's CD (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=58809.0;all) for DOS and MAME. He has just started working on his project again just in time for my project.

I cannot get my mouse hack to work properly so I ordered an OpitWiz from GGG. This way I can finish this bad boy for delivery this coming weekend.

I am still thinking on printing the Centipede marquee full scale to replace the one that is in the cab currently. Does anyone else agree?

TTFN :cheers:
Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Compleated** 6/2/07
Post by: Kaytrim on June 04, 2007, 02:38:49 pm: Ok final tally of parts and pieces.

Hardware
17" Dell branded CRT monitor rotated vertically
Dell computer PIII 760mhz processor
Matrox video card
512 MB RAM
512 MB Compact Flash card
CF to IDE adapter
CD Drive
PS/2 Keyboard
Hacked Power strip
Powered speakers

Controls
T-Stick plus joystick, modified
3" Bestons trackball
3 Action buttons
2 Player Start buttons
2 Admin buttons
1 power button
1 NovaGem CDR coin button
KeyWiz max
OptiWiz PS/2 connector

Software
DOS 7.0
DMAME .085
GameLauncher

Aesthetics
4 button blaster LEDs for marquee
Automotive tint kit for monitor plexiglas
Artwork printed on photo paper
Marquee printed on transparency paper

Construction materials
3/4" MDF
1 1/2" drywall screws
Loctite Construction adhesive
pinewood cleats 1/2" square profile
1/8" Plexiglas sandwiched for Marquee, single sheet for monitor
12" piano hinge
2 europien style hinges
2 cam locks - 7/8" depth
White and Dark Blue paint
Clear Coat spray paint
Bondo
20 gauge stranded wire
quick disconnects
hot glue sticks
3M drywall corner bead spray adhesive

Thank you to everyone who followed this thread and made comments along the way. It has been a good learning experience.

TTFN :cheers:
Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Compleated** 6/2/07
Post by: leapinlew on June 04, 2007, 04:40:25 pm: :applaud: :applaud: :applaud:

Nice work! I'm really liking how well the marquee is lit. Good job.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Compleated** 6/2/07
Post by: Kaytrim on June 04, 2007, 04:43:00 pm: Quote from: leapinlew on June 04, 2007, 04:40:25 pm
:applaud: :applaud: :applaud:

Nice work! I'm really liking how well the marquee is lit. Good job.

Thanks Lew,

The LEDs are about 15" back from the marquee and evenly spaced about 3" apart. Sanding the back plexi on both sides was the key to dispersing the light evenly. Randy says that his button blaster LEDs put out over 1000 mcd.

Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Compleated** 6/8/07
Post by: Kaytrim on June 08, 2007, 03:02:30 pm: I got the cab into the garage the other day so I could put clear coat on the side art. Even though this is a bartop style it is still quite heavy and hard to handle by yourself.

The last part I needed has arrived today, a PS/2 Opti-Wiz from GGG. I trashed two mice trying to get a hack and gave up. I'll install this little gem tonight. All I need to do is a little tweaking of the software and it is off to Dad's with a little surprise in the trunk. :angel:

TTFN :cheers:
Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Compleated** 6/2/07
Post by: unclet on June 08, 2007, 04:25:49 pm: I did the same type of marquee as you, but I decided to have the "Dad's Arcade" text overlay the little marquees. In my opinion, this tends to allow the "Dad's Arcade" text to stand out more when you approach the cabinet.

I would recommend doing something like this since the little centered "Dad's Arcade" on your marquee was hard to distinguish among the other marquees next to it when I first saw it. Just my opinion.

here is pic to show you what I did .....
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Compleated** 6/2/07
Post by: Kaytrim on June 08, 2007, 10:11:13 pm: Thanks for the suggestion unclet. However the marquee is the least of my problems right now. :timebomb: The trackball is going haywire, see post in main forum.

Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Compleated** 6/2/07
Post by: Kaytrim on June 09, 2007, 10:38:22 pm: I was able to finally find the problem. It seems to be related to certain rom files. After going through the small I was able to keep Centipede, Millipede, Capcom Bowl and Krazy Bowl for trackball games.

I am going to print off a full size Centipede marquee and call it done. Then I can deliver it tomorrow.

TTFN :cheers:
Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Compleated** 6/2/07
Post by: BobA on June 10, 2007, 11:06:14 am: Always seems to be some little gotcha at the end . Glad to see you got it working. Your Dad is a lucky man.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Compleated** 6/2/07
Post by: Kaytrim on June 10, 2007, 03:44:27 pm: Delivery Complete :woot

Dad is pleasantly surprised and will get hours of enjoyment out this project. I'll have a few pics to post later. The cab 'just fit' in the back of our car, Toyota Prius. I have also saved a link to this thread on his computer so he can read about all the work I put into this little project at his leasure.

TTFN :cheers:
Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Compleated** 6/2/07
Post by: Donkey_Kong on June 11, 2007, 06:42:24 pm: Looks great Kaytrim, hopefully you have pictures of it set up at Dads house. ;D

So, how long before FrankenMame is done, week or two? 8)
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Compleated** 6/2/07
Post by: Kaytrim on June 11, 2007, 10:48:07 pm: Quote from: Donkey_Kong on June 11, 2007, 06:42:24 pm
Looks great Kaytrim, hopefully you have pictures of it set up at Dads house. ;D

So, how long before FrankenMame is done, week or two? 8)

I wish that is all the time I needed. Unfortunately I have other things that need done first.

TTFN :cheers:
Kaytrim
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Compleated** 6/2/07
Post by: psychotech on June 15, 2007, 08:03:22 pm: Great!

That really turned out good :cheers:

..and so, what next ?

psychotech.

PS. Thank you for all the pictures :)
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Compleated** 6/2/07
Post by: Kaytrim on June 16, 2007, 01:02:42 pm: Quote from: psychotech on June 15, 2007, 08:03:22 pm
Great!

That really turned out good :cheers:

..and so, what next ?

psychotech.

PS. Thank you for all the pictures :)

Thanks for all the comments psychotech. Next item up for bids is something small and easy to carry. There is no monitor nor is there a PC involved. The artwork will be custom. The final item will be for sale. If you need a bigger hint look at my avitar. >:D
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Compleated** 6/2/07
Post by: Kaytrim on June 17, 2007, 02:58:39 pm: Delivery shots. I was darn lucky to fit the cab in the back of our Prius. We wonder if Dad's wife is more excited than Dad about the machine as you can see in the first shot. She was really amazed at the attention to detail I put into this project. I didn't have time to get the bezel artwork done so I had to give instructions on how to use the machine. It was all worth it though as you can see in the final pic. :D
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Compleated** 6/2/07
Post by: Chris G on June 18, 2007, 07:45:43 pm: Very cool - glad it all worked out KT.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Compleated** 6/2/07
Post by: psychotech on June 18, 2007, 08:06:04 pm: Nice!

Congratulations ..to all involved, actually :applaud:

---------------------------

On another note, how's the trackball..?

See "Main" for additional trackball trouble :) / :(
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style **Construction Compleated** 6/2/07
Post by: theCoder on June 19, 2007, 01:28:12 am: Congratulations. It must feel great to build one for your Dad. I would have paid $20 to be there when you delivered it.

You know, you have just single handedly started the demise of his health. We will be in the house, playing the part of a vidiot. No more football, extreme skateboarding, or marathon runs. His sports buddies will wonder what happened to him.

Great job.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style ** Deliverey ** 6/10/07
Post by: Kaytrim on June 26, 2007, 08:36:38 pm: Got an update this last weekend. Dad says the machine got a serious workout with family and friends. He also got tones of surprised looks when he told them that I built it. ;D You could hear the pride in his voice over the phone.

Mission Accomplished.
Title: Re: Bartop for Dad Centipede Style ** Deliverey ** 6/10/07
Post by: stephenp1983 on June 26, 2007, 09:46:24 pm: It really looks great, I'm glad he is enjoying it. My dads going to be totally suprised about his as well :)