The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls
Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: StudioQue on April 21, 2009, 02:09:02 pm
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Hey everyone, been lurking for awhile and finally got an account and joined in some discussions. There's some incredible projects on here – I've been amazed at the craftsmanship. This is my first project like this so I'd appreciate all the advice and feedback I can get! :notworthy:
Ok, so here's the deal on my first ever attempt:
I've always wanted to have an arcade cabinet but money, time, and space have always gotten in the way. All three are still an issue, but I'm trying to come up with an alternate take on a showcase build that would be more adaptable and functional. Keep in mind I'm terrible at woodworking and electronic wiring, so i'm looking to make the most of the things I already have to make a more simplified pseudo-cab. I'll have some quality help with the woodworking, the wiring i'm trying to avoid.
The primary components are
• X-Arcade Tankstick for the CP (I know, I know...but I already have one so no custom CP here -- at least for now >:D )
• 36" CRT TV (this is currently our primary TV, but will be upgrading to an HDTV soon so this will be available)
• Laptop (screen is busted so video out is the only way to use it anymore) and Dreamcast (DC from here on out) to run games.
I've attached 2 GIFs with an overview of what I'm looking to build and how everything will be connected. Please keep in mind none of the designs are even remotely close to being finalized – just an idea of the basic setup. I think of the project as two separate pieces, a pedestal to house the x-arcade and a housing for the TV.
The first part I want to build is the pedestal for the x-arcade. I'm currently planning on storing the PC and DC in the pedestal as well for easy access (although I'm worried about vibration disrupting the DC). Ideally this won't be super heavy so I can move it out of the way if we want to play console games or watch a movie on the TV. This would also mean I could take it to a friend's house or to work (we like to play games in the conference room on occasion).
The monitor housing needs to be large and rugged to hold the weight of the TV - obviously we won't be moving this around. Planning on just having it on a flat shelf and not angled. I do want to build a bezel and tinted plexi to make it look more "arcadey". Planning on having a cabinet opening under the TV for stereo and game storage/misc older consoles.
Concerns:
• Building pedestal lightweight enough to move that won't rock or tip when playing. – I see most showcase cabs connect the pedestal and monitor casing. Is this purely for wiring? I'm assuming this adds support to the cp as well. Planning on being able to connect them in the end. Are there issues with using the pedestal as a standalone (for instance with a projector at the office?)
• Are there any special considerations in having a TV that size that high?
• It sounds from reading other posts that encasing the TV/stereo receiver blocks the remote sensor. Any ideas on how to turn the TV/stereo on and off. Also, how to adjust the volume on the stereo?
I'm sure there's 1000 things I haven't thought about that are going to be problems with this setup. If you have a moment please let me know what you think will work or not work with what i have in mind. Also looking for designs for a pedestal...no engineering experience so not sure what would work and what wouldn't.
Thanks for checking it out!
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The only thing that would concern me is the size of the tv. a 36" tube is flat out huge! and heavy.
Mine barfed (a 1991 era Mitsubishi) a while back and just getting it into and out of my Jeep at the junkyard was tough.
It's a big screen to be that close to, also.
But, the plan sounds pretty good. It'd definitely make for an impressive cab!
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Got some help getting some plans together. Wasn't sure if some of the existing plans would meet my needs with the detachable pedestal. Got some great advice!
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=91760.msg963548#msg963548
I'm planning on using the Jakobud Showcase plans for the pedestal. As that's phase 1 I'm going to focus on that.