For unknown reasons I've recently had another crazy idea. I'm considering creating a full-size arcade machine. You know, those big cabinets with the arcade control panel and the built in monitor, you put money into them and you play games with friends? Those things....
Well, the innards of what I'm considering would actually be a regular PC running an arcade emulator (MAME) which would allow you to play hundreds and hundreds of classic arcade games in classic arcade style. I'd get some classic arcade controls (which surprisingly aren't actually that expensive http://www.happcontrols.com/joysticks/ultimate_joy.htm (http://www.happcontrols.com/joysticks/ultimate_joy.htm) ) wire them in such a way that they can interface with a PC. Build a cabinet to hold everything (I know a guy who has a CNC machine even...) mount a monitor or TV inside and have something pretty awesome.
It is completely possible, and has been done before. This website (http://arcadecontrols.com/arcade.htm) gives plenty examples of all sorts of instructions and tips. I can scrounge together a decent enough PC to shove in a cabinet and never see again with no problems. Finding a TV or monitor to mount should be pretty easy too. The controls are pretty cheap. About $3 per button and $10 per joystick. If I build a two-player machine that'd be 2 joysticks and 8-10 buttons for $50 total.
They've got a MAME interface called MAMEwah which completely hides the Windows operating system and is designed to be operated by arcade controls. That makes it easy to choose and play games without anyone (who didn't see it boot) know that you actually running a Windows PC.
There are tons of drawings with accurate dimensions of game cabinets. I have no doubt I could (with some help) construct a good looking one. Obviously cabinet materials will add some cost.
The most difficult thing will be the PC to arcade controls interface. From what I've seen there are several methods of doing this. You can buy various things like keyboard encoders (for about $99) or you can take one out of a keyboard you don't need anymore. This will be the most complicated and difficult part of it. I think it is within reach however. I can read a wiring diagram, I can solder and work a multimeter. There are tons of resources about this.
This would be the coolest project I've ever worked on. Seriously considering doing it. What do you guys think? Would you want to help?
I think wiring the buttons to a keyboard would be the easiest way to interface the thing. I'm surprised there is no USB recreation of old arcade controls. Not that that would be *as* do it your self, but you would still be making a cool arcade console with it. I might have a TV for you to use, its a (kinda) big CRT. Not sure of the size. Its just taking up space at the moment.
That would be quite awesome. Though you might want to consider not creating a full size cabinet because they take up a huge amount of space. Then again, you have a lot more space than I currently do.
Anyway, I have a spare 17" CRT, several keyboards...and an entire computer, come to think of it! You're welcome to any of it, if you want it. It's better to put old stuff to use than having it sit around collecting dust.
OK this project is officially going ahead. I talked with Melissa, thought about it alot and slept on it and it still seems aweosme and exciting.
I think a two player machine is the goal. 4 player would be too big. Gonna use 8 way joysticks for more versatility although its not as authentitic feeling for the older games. That will let you play fighting racing and shooter games. Not sure on the number or configuration of buttons yet. Probably a lot though so you can play fighting games. I can always create another control panel to swap out.
Planning and parts collection have already started. A recon trip to Wunderland is needed. Anybody up for that?
Nice. I like recon!
Awesome. Keep us posted! I'm up for a Wunderland trip or two.
...Oh Panic Park, I've missed you so!
Started a randomland page (http://randomland.net/node/2560) for the project. Posted a bunch of design considerations and questions. Would appreciate any input you guys have to offer.
Do I need an amp?
Probably if you want decent sound. Or a pair of amplified speakers. I can hook you up with an old (and free to you) pair if your interested. You should also break out the volume control so you can adjust the sound levels as needed. Or make a button for that.
A few thoughts:
- Subwoofer = very yes. You might want to have it turned way down for most games, but at least have it. I guess what I'm saying is: don't skimp on the sound system.
- Electrical wiring: you probably don't need anything more complicated than a semi-okish surge protector
- Maybe have a flip up panel where the controls are mounted? Or 4 screws, or some other method of easy access (though really, you should never need to get back there)
- Monitors: call me lame, but I think you need a high-res monitor AND a TV. The computer monitor would be set near the ground and only used when needed. Dual monitors is easy and between us, we have plenty of monitors laying around. It really sucks trying to do normal computer tasks at 320x240 resolution. You will have more than enough room, too.
- Computer: leave it in a normal case. Get a small case if you want. Just make sure to put the fan out against an opening and have an air inlet as well.
- I have a 20-something inch TV and a 17" CRT you are welcome to borrow indefinitely.
Updated the randomland page.
As for the monitor, are you going to use an old CRT? I'm a little worried your cabinet could dwarf its fortress....I mean cabinet.
Some quick, rough measurement from the back room (listed width by height):
- 23" TV: is about 19"x14"
- 17" CRT: is about 13"x10"
...so, what's your take?
Nick offered me a 19" monitor or a 27" TV. I think the monitor should be big enough. I plan to make a border around the monitor like you see in arcade games sometimes with instructions or game art on it.
As I have received offers of free stuff I think I am just going to take the biggest one which fits and try to work with it. I can always upgrade the monitor/TV size if one becomes available.
Ahhh, now I see who's got the "big glass" to "fill the cabinet."
Um, nevermind, I'm stupid.
So I got the PC working. It's guts are still spilled all over a table in my garage, but I'll have it packed together and ready to go soon. Screwed around a bunch with stupid freakin emulators and front-ends.
For some reason the newest version of MAME hates certain ROMS. It claims they are missing files. However, the older version of MAME 1.19 loads them all fine. So I just decided to use that. Switched front-ends too. No longer using MAMEwah, now I'm using something called MaLa. So far so good.
Had a weird issue with the monitor Nick generously gave me today. It would screw up the displaying of non-1024x768 modes (such as when booting, or trying to play a video game). It was pincussion smushed and text was on top of it self, it was a big mess. After a while though the problem just went away. Now it all seems to work fine. Maybe something to do with not being used for a long time? I dunno.
The monitor seems to remember setting for different video modes. So you have to adjust the position and everything for each resolution. Perhaps it had all its setting corrupted or something. Who knows. Glad its working though.
Anybody got an extra keyboard they want to get rid of? I've got one for it I can take apart, but I want another one to keep hidden inside the cabinet for actually working on the PC.
Also, the PC is completely finished. Got the sound system figured out too. Everything is pretty much ready as far as computer stuff goes. The PC is a Core 2 Duo with 2 gigs for ram a 256mb video card a 200gb hard drive. Seriously overkill, but hey it was free.
I do want to hack windows and change the gateway and windows loading screens to be something more "arcade-ish". That reminds me. This arcade machine needs a name. I am now taking name suggestions.
Dibs! I seriously have at least 3 unused keyboards lying around. I'd be happy to get rid of one. They come in flavors of PS/2 or USB, though. Take your pick!
As for a name...wow, I can't think of anything. :-\ Usually a system is named after the game you're playing. So I guess you'd be looking for something more like the name of an arcade establishment. The Galleria (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sherman_Oaks_Galleria#Use_in_movies)? Blunderland? Mr. Briles' Entertainment Espectaculár? I seriously suck at naming things (but (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Famicon) so (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wii_Motion_Plus) do (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_Reader) the (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playstation) Japanese (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_your_base_are_belong_to_us)).
So I found a google sketchup model (http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=18779243afd7d7f21c5945d7a6f4ec83) of the exact cabinet I want to make. It's basically the exact type used by the Streetfighter game. It is a 25" wide cabinet so it should work perfectly.
I did find a small issue however. My monitor won't fit in the box at its current size. Not because the screen is too big, but because it is too long. The monitor is kept at an angle, and with this angle it's about 2" too long to fit in the box. Debating whether or I should take it out of it's box to shrink the size a bit, or make the cabinet larger.
I want the smallest cabinet possible, so I don't want to arbitrarily increase the size of the cabinet if I don't need to. Not sure how much space I'll save by removing the monitor case though. At least an inch or so I bet. Gotta way that against the possible electrocution and death.
What about the cabinet would have to change? The overall depth? Taking apart a monitor sounds interesting, but yeah, I don't know how much clearance it'll gain you...
It wouldn't be arbitrary if its to make the monitor fit :P And to think those were the compact line of monitors!
I don't think you will notice two inches of depth one way or the other, but it might be fun to strip the case off and mount it. I don't know if it would be worth an inch though, seeing as enerything around there need unplugged anyway less it start fires. And you would be exposing all those fire hungry electronics opening the case. :P
All of the inputs on the monitor are actually recessed in by about 2". It's the piece above all the inputs which sticks out so far. Plus the monitor is angled, so they'd be even farther away from the wall of the cabinet. Just the stupid bulky back of the monitor.
I dunno. I really don't want an extra 3"-4" to the depth. I could change the angle the monitor is placed at... I could shrink up the space between where they normally put the plexiglass and the front of the monitor...
I wasn't planning on making it BIGGER than the real thing.
Alright model modifications have been finished. Changed a bunch of minor things, but the monitor will fit now.
Ordered my controls too. Updated the Randomland page (http://randomland.net/node/2560) with almost no information whatsoever.
Yeah, that page got a lot smaller...You should post a picture of the model. Or the model itself would be cool, too.
What are your plans for paint and graphics?
Tha t is a good question. Considering going the retro look and using art from and old classic arcade game. Or I could just do something to make it look new and cool. Or I could incorporate art from a bunch of different games. Still working on the details.
The parts have arrived!
That's awesome!
I agree, that is totally awesome. I especially like the two-player button for reasons unknown. Have you solidified your cabinet design? This project is cool :)
Cabinet design is finished. Well not the colors or artwork or whatever that is going on it. All the rest is designed though. Just going to need to create some files which the cnc machine can read to cut out all the main parts.
Going to start taking apart the keyboard and mapping out its input matrix really soon.
I think I should have done my project writeup in more of a blog format rather than a static page I keep updating (or rather not updating).
Since Nick asked here is the link to the keyboard encoder I ordered: http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=76_80&products_id=303
It should be arriving either today or tomorrow.
Cool. Microcontrollers. Thats even more fancy then I was expecting. I could have made you an RS232 one :) But not nearly as nice as that one.
Added a bottom and front side to my test control box. This allows you to easily sit it on your lap and play without fear of shorting out anything or pulling out any wires.
You guys are welcome to come over and try it out whenever you like. Also I still have that webcam you wanted courtney.
Cool. I'd like to see it. Maybe I'll stop by tonight before Eve gets off work. Maybe around 6-6:30?
Sounds good I should be home.
So Nick came over to work on stuff and also played around with my arcade control box. He beat Michaels Jackson's Moonwalker ga,e. Spoiler alert: he gurns into a gigantic space ship at the end when the evil fortress explodes. He doesn't seem to take any of the children with him though... however the game claims that they are all smiling because they know Michael will be back to take them on another wonderful magical adventure.
Also, I'll be mailing you the invoice for the $5 in "quarters" you used Nick.
That game is so unintentionally creepy. I support Brads theory that its all reversed from whats actually happening. When the children are liberated, they are actually being taken from parents/social workers. And all the bad guys are actually police and said social workers trying to stop Micheal. Though none of this explains the crazy phallic robot "thrusters."
Here is a good overview of the more disturbing parts.
http://terribleanalogies.com/2009/06/moonwalker-a-childhood-memory-ruined/
Hahaha, oh wow. That 'pants' thing really made me laugh :D
Well I've completed drawn out all the plans in Autocad. The only thing missing is the placement of the controls. I am still debating the merits of a the standard capcom style 6 button layout versus a more rounded one like this: (http://cowboyarcadeproject.com/wp-content/uploads/buttonlayout/sega1_s.png) With only 6 buttons of course. No 8 button layout.
I'm also considering whether I should get a trackball or not. They are about $60, which isn't too terrible but I think I'd have to buy another stupid encoder system to get the trackball to the USB port and that spending $40 for that makes it ~$100 and that is too much. You can buy a regular computer trackball for $30. Still looking into this.
Apparently I have my button rows reversed from proper street fighter style, however I think most all of the other games are correct...
I am partial to the rounded button layout, but for no real reason. I think it looks better; perhaps a more finished and professional flair. I don't know how it plays in comparison to the straight layout, though I imagine it's not worse...
Yeah. So, have you cut any wood yet?
No wood cutting has been achieved yet. I have however completed the basic plan drawing in AutoCad.
Here is the basic plans in DXF format so you can all import it into whatever autocad alternative you have, or get a viewer thing or something.
Still haven't made up my mind about the buttons so they aren't drawn on the control panel. Also deciding about purchasing a trackball.
The trackball seems superfluous to me (then again, I dislike trackballs). The number of games where it'd be useful don't really justify the cost. To me, anyway.
Besides bowling and golf games a trackball is used in Centipede, Rampart, Marble Madness, Crystal Castles, Missile Command, and Sonic the Hedgehog.
I want to play these games but the trackball would cost more than all my other controls combined. If I didn't have to buy the extra $45 interface I'd probably do it.
Another thing I was thinking about today was the fact that I've got an extra Sidewinder analog steering wheel with pedals sitting around that apparently nobody wants.
(http://www.tweak3d.net/reviews/microsoft/swffwheel/images/4.gif)
I'm considering decasing the steering wheel and seeing if I can't create a mechanism for mounting it onto the cabinet. It could be stored inside the cabinet with the pedals when not in use.
That would allow you to actually play arcade racing games such as Cruisn' USA, Outrun, Chase HQ, APB, Grand Prix Star, Night Driver and lots more.
Unfortunately I still can't properly play one of my favorite arcade driving games (they used to have it at the Lancaster Izzy's Pizza) RoadBlasters. That game used a limited travel optical steering wheel which can't be emulated by a regular analog steering wheel. Too bad.
Well, you all know how I feel about racing games (http://randomland.net/forums/index.php/topic,121.0.html). If you have spare parts and spare ports, why not? This is going to be one interesting machine...
Ok, ok... a sort-of steering wheel related question. If I do manage to somehow mount the steering wheel so that it works and doesn't look atrocious, is it worth it to add in more emulation? Basically my front-end can handle multiple emulators. You'd be able to play games on different systems... namely playstation... so gran turismo. It wouldn't have to stop there, but that's sort of what I made me think of it. It kinda went, it'd be cool to be able to play other racing games like gran turismo with a steering wheel and pedals.
So yeah, should I add in extra emulators (and add in games like gran turismo)? Or leave it arcade only to be more authentic. Did I ask this questions before?
I don't remember you asking this question before, no. That's a pretty cool idea. I'm not sure if I can answer whether or not you should do it, as you will be the one using it most of the time. When you say "your front end can handle multiple emulators", does that mean that you wouldn't have to fuss around in any OS-native screen to switch between a 1983 Pac-Man games and a 2004 Playstation 2 game? If so, cool; if not, you kind of lose your pseudo-embedded-system allure.
I can point out the obvious and state that racing games are much better suited to a sitting position. For that matter, many console-system games are. Sure, you could pull up a chair and be perfectly happy with it. This is destined to the garage, after all. Or you could (someday) build another system better tailored to sit-down games. With a nice fancy seat, with butt-rumbling subwoofers and blaring mids on either side of your head, and the whole works. You could even build them back-to-back into the same cabinet, but that'd take a total redesign of your cabinet....[not] to mention another computer, monitor, I/O, etc. And it'd be a huge space hog.
Anyway, I'm sure that doesn't actually help any. I like the idea, but what's that saying? "Jack of all trades, master of none?" Or something like that...
Yeah, that is the downfall of racing games. I'll probably just use a stool but an actual racing cab would be pretty sweet. Maybe some other time after I put a shed up in my backyard to store stuff.
Anyway, yeah the front-end is built for Mame, but can handle multiple other emulators as well. You can switch between them and it to the user it just looks like a separate games list, same format and everything even though there are different programs running in the background.
Now how many other systems lend themselves to using arcade controls? I don't know. But the possibility is there. Not even difficult either.
Because I need to feel like I am making some progress...
I have added nes, snes genesis and gameboy advance games to my arcade front end. They are all listed under their own custom layouts which are seemlessly built into the front end. A secret key press and you switch machine types. I've attached some pictures.
Also because I apparently need something to do I've started switching in arcade game attract mode videos. These replace the screenshots on the game selection screen and also allow me to a screen saver of sorts by randomly playing attract videos if the machine hasn't been used in 15 minutes. No attached pictures off this as it would like exactly like a regular screenshot thing anyway of course.
Cool and cool again. This is something that everyone should have in their living-rooms. Think of how nicely a two or four player arcade box in the corner could bring people together for quick, uncomplicated game playing.
What would be cool for a future version of this is some sort of low power embedded system with a suspend/resume switch for super quick boot up without any big power consumption when the system is not in use. Though I guess you can have the windows system suspend/hibernate after a set time, and put a button on the thing mapped to the sleep command.
But cool! I greatly approve. Let me know if you want help making the cabinet. It sounds fun.
So I've begun the material collection stage, which presides the actual cutting of the parts and assembly of the arcade cabinet.
The material for most of the cabinet (not the control panel or back pieces) is actually going to be two-sided black 3/4" melamine. All the parts are going to be CNC cut, because I can and because they'll be way more more likely to actually fit together properly. The melamine is going to be great to because I'm not going to even have to paint most of the thing, it'll come out black and smooth and shiny from the beginning.
The control panel will be constructed of plywood as it needs to be able to have a bunch of holes in and still be really strong. The plywood will be painted, covered in a decal and then have a thin layer of plexi-glass screwed in over the top of it. So you can see the decal but can't rip it off while you are smashing around on the controls.
The marquee is actually going to be paper sandwiched between two pieces of glass, with a light behind it. I'm using glass because plexi-glass doesn't sandwich perfectly, it gets kinda bendy which could look weird with light behind it. Plus glass for some reason is cheaper than plex-glass? Weird. I don't think it's likely to get hit or broken way up there.
I'm also looking for places to either print or buy decals. I could get the marquee done if I had access to at least a b-sized plotter. There are plenty of places that sell reproduction decals and stuff.
Awesome. I'd like to see thissome time. Pictures, at the very least!
Also, "yo." How's life, Melissa, and the youngin'?
I decided to splurge and get a trackball. It should be here Friday. Gonna have to make the whole cabinet 2" wider to make room.
Also, I should be able to get a lot of the materials this week, so maybe some cutting and pictures this weekend.
Where is this trackball going to go? What's the new control layout look like?
The trackball goes in the very center of the control panel, as most trackball games are one player at a time. Also I am not going to buy two trackballs for the one game that does.
With the trackball in the center you can use either player's buttons allowing you to use the trackball right or left handed.
I found a bunch of extra trackball games too. I am up to nearly 300 arcade games. They are seperated into lists by genre though which makes it easier to find things,
Cool. That's pretty much what I was visualizing. So, are we going to have some crazy arcade parties once it's all together? :)
Yeah we definitely will!
The getting of the construction materials has been delayed until Monday. Hopefully I will be building really soon after that.
Also I need some sounds for the gui frontend, and maybe some music to play while selecting games. Know anybody who can make sounds or music?
If you're seeking obnoxious, I can help. Otherwise.....?
Obnoxious sounds are acceptable.
Here is a list of all the events which I need sounds for:
Game List Movement (like changing tracks on an iPod or something... a small quick sound)
Game Start
Game Quit
Game List Change
Emulator Change
Also any sort of arcade-ish, video game-ish, techno-ish background music.
Even if you can't create anything, if you anybody can help me find some that might work that'd be awesome.
I'm considering giving up sleep. I'd have a lot more time to work on all these pet projects I seem to collect...
As soon as man kind can give up sleep, so much more could get done. But you realize that everyone would be expected to work 12 hour work days, right? :)
Just become independently wealthy. Then you could spend the waking time any way you like.
Wait people still sleep? I'd forgotten about that.
Seriously though I don't actually expect you to make a stuff for me. It is just a in case you get really bored and feel like making a midi something but don't know what to make sort of thing.
Although if do run across cool sounds while browsing the internet let me know. Good sound effects are surprisingly difficult to find.
Interwebs have it that you've got parts! So what are you ideas about how it's going to look? I saw the link to the trim still. What do you do? Just run a router down an edge and slip it in?
Pictures! :)
Yeah, you use a router and cut a 1/16" slot in the edge of the board, then it just pushes in.
As for the look... well the actual construction is totally planned out, but I need to create the marquee, control panel graphics and side art. But before I can do that I need a name. so....
NAME BRAINSTORMING SESSION!!!
No name is too stupid, just throw out suggestions! Anything and everything you can suggest is appreciated.
Here are some of my brainstorming ideas:
Arcade Invasion
Retrocade
Multicade
Arcadezilla
Gamezilla
Hypercade
Classicade
Mutligame
Ultracade
Starcade
Arcade Assault
Game Blaster
Atomic Arcade (Machine)
Ninjacade 5000
Cavalcade?
I'm afraid that name might encourage too much "horsing around"...
OK, that pun was pathetic.
:) Yolk (http://www.virtual-tm.com/L172.JPG) Yolk (http://www.washoe.k12.nv.us/americanhistory/elementary/si_07_jpegs/Hast_ox_yoke.jpg) Yolk. (http://www.crossfitinvictus.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/musk-ox-one-am-light-vert-_l8x9225-nome-alaska-399x600.jpg)
While washing a pan in the kitchen, I decided that "Name Collision" would be an awesome name for something. Not your arcade machine, I don't suppose. Maybe a band or the maiden voyage of a 600HP motorcycle. Or a horse. But then "Mane Collision" would be more fitting (since we seem to be in an equestrian mood).
Really what I'm saying is that I suck at naming things. I am partial to the aforementioned "Retrocade". Probably because it combines retro, arcade, and teases with "retrograde" all in the same word.
Yeah.
Name collision would be a punk metal band made up of software developers.
I second the use of the name 'retrocade'
"Name Collision" could definitely be one of those geek-punk bands.
Or maybe Arcamedia DRT!..Like arcade + media != Archimedes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archimedes) and Death Ray (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archimedes#The_Archimedes_Heat_Ray) + Cathode Ray Tube != anything.
Hey, you said no suggestions was too stupid. Still, I throw all my votes at Retrocade. That's like butter on the tongue. Well, maybe buttery cinnamon roles because just straight butter on your tongue isn't all that great.
kbye.
Ok I have started working on a marquee using the name Retrocade. Will post results soon.
All the parts arrived! Cutting and constructing tomorrow! Pictures to Follow! Still! Working! on! the! Marquee! Going! to! construct! without! control! panel! decals! Will! have! to! take! that! apart! to! add! them! later!
You've been reading too many Register articles on Yahoo (http://www.theregister.co.uk/Tag/yahoo!).
So yeah... absolutely no construction was got done yesterday. I am in need of another part for the router to cut out the slots for the t-moulding. Also there was a bunch of problems with the crappyness of the design of the trackball assembly housing.
Should be able to get the part on Monday and then start cutting and constructing... soonish?
Also, I have to decase and possibly rewire at least one of my speakers. Going to try to move the volume control and headphone jack to another location.
Will post pictures soon.
Whats up with the speaker?
Because of the way the speaker is shaped I can't just put it in and the cabinet and still have access to the volume control and headphone jack. Actually it sticks out at a weird angle and makes it impossible to mount properly. So I need to decase it and rewire those things to a different location. Then build a new speaker box for it. It is one of those creative pc speakers from a 5.1 system.
I still have my old 4.1 Creative set, if you want. It has that external knob switch thingy. I think Nick had a similar se once upon a forever ago. I can post a picture if you have no idea what I'm talking about.
I actually finished decasing it last night. The wires were held in place by agiant glob of hot glue. Grrrr. I will probably still use the same case just move the control's pcb somewhere else. Going to cut holes in the bezel to put them through.
Yeah! I still have mine too. One day it will be of use again, I am sure.
The external volume control might make a nice addition to the cabinet. Unless, that is, you want to keep all the internal with only the knob part exposed.
Man, I haven't used those speakers in several years. We should make...something!
Here is my current design for the marquee...
Nice!
Has kind of a Caesars palace feel to it, but I like it. Definitely retro looking.
The font is an imitation of the font used for this game:
(http://www.gameongrafix.com/sc_images/products/Arkanoid%20Romstar%20marquee.jpg)
Its the 'C' that does it. Its a good font for the retro feel, but the 'C' looks like this one (http://lasvegasblog.harrahs.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/vintage_caesars_logo_500w.jpg).
Not a criticism, just an observation.
Yeah I see what you mean.
Working on a design for the control panel. Going to have costco print it for me on a 20" x 30" then cut out the 27" x 9" piece I need. It'll cost me like $9 rather than the $50 a specialty place wants. Since it is placed between the wood and plexiglass, the material it is printed on doesn't matter much.
Here is a design... going for simple so as not to obscure the buttons. Buttons graphics added to help visualize the control panel, not necessarily reflective of the exact positioning of the buttons. The colors are correct though...
I like! And only $9 for a print like that is cool.
Going to keep updating with designs as I think of them... please give feedback. Need to order soon, must have it before I can put the controls together...
80s-style blue grid lines with a snoozy-gray background? I tried finding a picture of an 80s Toyota SR5 dashboard but found nothing. Which is unfortunate, because it was done in quintessential 80s style. You could probably make one in Illustrator in about 45 seconds. :)
No blue on the cabinet unfortunately, just greens, blacks and grays...
No blue? No problem. But I still say nothing says retro-80s like a nice grid pattern!
Find me an example please!
Ooooooo! Like this:
http://www.knightridershop.com/New%20Finished%20Dash%20001.jpg
But probably more like this:
http://pic.phyrefile.com/c/cr/crazyrussian540/2010/02/06/digidash_toyotacorolla.jpg
Brilliant! I've always been a fan of those huge wrap-around consoles (in giant semi-trucks, at least). Yep.
OK! I think this is what I'm going with.... it's not retro at all, but it is kinda cool looking (I think). It isn't my design, but I modified it to be large enough for my control panel...
I think all of those companies are represented on my arcade machine...
I officially give it the Sweetness Seal of Approval!
That is very nice. It lacks the glaring busyness that the brightly colored collage of names. And that, in my opinion, is a good thing to lack.
Subtle and professional looking. It has my vote.
So as you may have figured out, I have an arcade cabinet in my living room. However, there was an issue with the control panel so I need to get another one cut, this time out of 3/4" plywood rather than the melamine.
Without a control panel to wire I was still able to test the other components. The sound system that I tore apart, ripped the PCB out of, cut wires off of, glued the face plate to, and then screwed to the back of the cab actually does work. As does the monitor and computer. I played a couple of games tonight using a regular PC keyboard. Not quite the same experience though...
I still have the ocassional seemingly random focus issue. Sometimes when exiting out of an arcade game and returning to the front end the front end does not get focus back. This means you must press alt-tab or click the mouse to restore focus. Not exactly easy to do on a control panel without a mouse or a tab key...
What was wrong with your control panel? I'm sure it's not the same with a keyboard and mouse...yeah. Anyway, sound fun and it looks good!
The control panel plus the plexiglass was too thick to properly use the joystick. Also, the melamine cracked and started breaking in a weak spot. We cut a new control panel out of some oak plywood stuff.
After the control panel was fixed and installed, I started on wiring. It took me quite a while but I am FINISHED. My hand hurts from all the crimping...
Anyway, the arcade machine is currently playable, with a temporary sound system setup and the on-off button on the cabinet not being wired up yet. No marquee either. Also the two-player's button 5 and 6 are mapped wrong in most of the fighting games. You should come over and play anyway!
Will post more pictures in the gallery later.
Yeah, that'd be fun. I'm curious to see how a 2 player game works out. I'm usually home by 6 or so.
I succeeded in wiring the PC power on/off to a pushbutton on the back of the cabinet. It was easier than I thought.
Still need to wire in the fan as well as the sound system and marquee.
I took a bunch of pictures of the wiring and stuff but haven't got around to uploading them yet.
Upload, upload!
I also have pictures of things I've been meaning to upload, but haven't. If the uploader were a little less painful, I might get to it 2% faster. :-\
I uploaded more pictures to the gallery, some with wiring and whatnot. At least one is a good example why it is a bad idea to take flash pictures in a room filled with sawdust.
It's full of stars! Cool.
That is considerably more awesome then anything I have done in a while.
The newest addition for my arcade machine just arrived today... an actual working coin door. This coin door has two slots (required for certain games like Guantlet) and accepts quarters. It uses the exact same type of switch as an arcade button or joystick so it should be easy to wire into my arcade system.
This will replace the existing yellow buttons on the control panel which currently serve as an emulated coin insert. These buttons will be used for showing additional information on the game select screen and as the SELECT button on console game systems.
I am thinking of taking pictures and writing up a blog entry on the reasoning behind using actual coin entry rather than a coin button. Maybe I'll post it to the new test blog.
Does your reason for adding this have to do with children?
Maybe you could keep the buttons, but hide them. Or...I don't know.
Just set it out in front of your house and let the neighborhood kids pay for it :) Though it would probably end up being the neighborhood thirty-somethings that play it.
I would love to see a write up/build log for it. And if we are going to start putting things on the test blog.... should we test it out first?
I am not removing the buttons just reassigning them to different tasks. The reasoning for this part "this would be really cool" and part "risk vs reward" philosophy.