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'tis the season to be jolly after all. Being jolly means doing what's fun - doesn't it? Well, having fun for me means building something..:whistle:
I'll give you a hint with a first pic, not that hard to guess what it actually is! :)
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...lax54/CAB1.jpg
More to follow soon.
Hehe...:p
The first A1200 arcade machine?
I was going to say Arcade Cabinet :cool:
Stevie's guessed it completely right.. :D
Arcade Cabinet with an A1200 underneath. :D
No, no, no Amiga to waste! :D Actually, the first machine i ever ran Mame on was my A600, "aeons" ago.. :lol::lol:
But this has got to be a dirt-cheap peecee...
Anyway, here's some more. Pieces are not yet placed permanently, just some fitting tests.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...lax54/CAB2.jpg
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...lax54/CAB3.jpg
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...lax54/CAB4.jpg
Wow great stuff mate! Looking forward to seeing this progress! :) What software game list frontend will you be using?
I was thinking of mGalaxy, but haven't decided on anything just yet.
If anyone has suggestions, they're welcome of course! :)
Building this thing might take some time, so i've left the software part for later....
I do like a photo story, especially a creative one. :D
I'm very interested in MAME cabinets, although I've always wanted to build a cocktail table. Unfortunately I will have to wait until I have a bit more space..
Well Personally I prefer DOS and GameLauncher on mine. It takes a bit of work but its simple and very quick. My Arcade boots in about 10 seconds off CF straight to the GameLauncher front end. I've tried all sorts of other front ends on Windows and Linux (several months of experimentation) but settled on the above combination, which has been running flawlessly for nearly 3 years :) Alot of the PC parts were ultra cheap too as DOS doesn't need anything crazy.
I've recently tried to make a cut down Micro XP install on my next Arcade Project (Bar Top for my Son) using our old retired PIII 1.1GHz Laptop. And this I've managed to hide BIOS, get running with a nice MAME splash screen (instead of the Windows screen) and it boots straight into GameLauncher hiding all the windows stuff like pointer and start bar etc and stays black, using all the same settings from my DOS cab in GL, but it randomly Blue Screens :Doh: I'm only using windows with this one because the Soundcard in the laptop won't work in DOS. This one has taken ALOT of time and hacking to get this far and its really annoying to be hit with Windows randomness.
Saying all that though, I only run MAME 079 (the best version ever made I think) as I don't want to run anything past NeoGeo/CPS2. Its also running MD, SNES, PC Engine, SMS, NES, 2600 and Vectrex, so its nice for DOS :)
mGalaxy looks cool though, I've never tried that one. It seems to have the same simplicity as GameLauncher.
If I were you though mate, i'd start messing around with the software now as it can be a bit of a process finding a frontend that suits you and your cab.
I recommend this site for parts too: -
http://www.ultimarc.com/
My panel controller of choice is the miniPAC :) and I use Jap ball top sticks with a 4 to 8 way switchable mech (pull stick up, twist, then drop) great for the old classics like Pac Man in 4 way, then twist and be ready for some Metal Slug in 8 way :)
Anyways Vasilios, if you need any advice or help along the way i'm at your service mate :)
I registered recently GameEx which I think it's pretty awesome and TOO MUCH configurable.
@Phipscube: Thanks for the help offer Les, i'll keep that in mind :thumbsup:
I've already gotten a pair of Zippy 4-8 way arcade sticks along with a bunch of buttons etc. Am now waiting for the controller circuit to arrive.
I could post the linkie, but it's easy to find once you search for "USB Input PCB - MAME & Custom Input Compatible V2.1" :)
Actually it's a BIN case, but what the heck... LOL
@mfilos: I'd really like to discuss the finer details on that GameEx frontend with you Mario! One thing that interests me a lot is the chance of a package to support N64 emulators, and possibly a couple more but mainly that and Mame is what i want. :roll:
EDIT: Almost forgot: here's today's treat LOL
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...lax54/CAB5.jpg
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...lax54/CAB6.jpg
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...lax54/CAB7.jpg
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...lax54/CAB8.jpg
Just a note: top sheet is left there temporarily, to help viewers get the idear! :-)
Awesome work Bill! I need to come over at some point to see da beast in person :D
Anytime Marios! You're always welcome :thumbsup:
Those who wait for it to finish, will have to make sure they've filled their pockets with 10-drachmae coins... :lol::lol::lol:
No Probs mate! BTW, GameEX is a good solution too (well, for windows). I've got a registered keyfile for it and may end up converting over to it on my Bartop Project. The only thing that niggles me about it is that its quite bloated, and for me it wasn't so hot with key bindings. it also doesn't play well with stripped down micro XP installs. you can use the full XP (which for me boots too slowly) and there is a special tool designed to instantly "Shell" the install so it hides everything windows-y, but in my experience it was quite lethal and took out the whole install if you didn't have everything set correctly in GameEX before you did it. If you do use GameEX, be prepared to trash your drive install a few times before you get the hang of it. If however your not bothered about hiding windows it should be alot friendlier.
Alrighty then, here's an update on the work...
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...lax54/CAB9.jpg
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB10.jpg
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB11.jpg
Enough with the wood for now, here's what just arrived!
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB12.jpg
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB13.jpg
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB14.jpg
That's all for now, will keep y'all posted.. :)
Awesome stuff bro!
@mfilos: Thanks 4 da kind words man!
@all: Santa came a bit early today, and gave me an unpleasant present...
I have broken my right ankle just this morning, and by luck have missed an operation. Now it's all in cast, so the project will be delayed for quite some time. I'm actually typing this by left hand. This couldn't if have happened in a worse time than this.
Time for reading a bit, and watch movies i guess :)
So much for arcade fun on new year's eve...
Later,
salaxi54
Oh damn! :(
I hope you'll get well soon man. Περαστικά!!!
Damn, that's really sad. Wish you a full and fast recovery Bill. :)
Thanks for your kind wishes folks! :thumbsup:
You see, that's the problem with lap dancing these days... no job security... literally...Quote:
Originally Posted by salaxi54
Joking aside, truly sorry to read of this my friend, get better SOON =)
*those tables aren't going to dance themselves =D
Latest update on the situation is: 4-6 weeks on cast, x-rays every Friday for comparisons, once the cast is removed we start physiotherapy...
In other words, this project won't proceed until at least mid-February... :(
I'm sure i can persuade the orthopaedic that using arcade joysticks will aid in the physiotherapy exercises! :D
Good luck with that :pQuote:
Originally Posted by salaxi54
At least we could consider your recovery as the new project for us to follow. We could rename the thread's title to something like "Another new recovery project". :D Keep us posted Bill! Wish you the best for the new year, for your name day that's about to come in 1 day and of course the fastest recovery possible. :)
Gee, thanks folks!
@Portarinos: you think a pictured story of the whole "broken ankle" project would've been of interest to our fellow members? Should i think of any bizarre modding on the cast? :lol:
Darn! i hate not being "productive"....
Oh craps! Bad luck mate, best wishes for as fast a recovery as poss
Darn, my English is getting worse! (or i'm getting old?) :lol:
Sorry folks, but when i said ankle i meant elbow! hahaaaaa
Latest news is that the cast was off today, but it will require a lot of practice to help the arm get a full-extend motion. Six weeks of immobility have affected swinging it, and have also affected wrist movement, due to the fact that it was all covered in cast.
No loads allowed, -well unless it's something "Amigish" i could swear i heard the doctor whispering- no driving etc.
Bad news is that depending on the case, it could take up to 5-6 months for a "perhaps" full recovery...
Anyway, having said that, i just wanted to explain why i could only type with my left hand; i know it really sounded funny! :Doh:
I just caught up with this thread & wondered why you were just typing with your left hand if you had broken your ankle? :DQuote:
Originally Posted by salaxi54
Good luck with the therapy m8y & get well soon. :thumbsup:
Kin
Just a minor update..
Doc saw my arm last Friday, and said i can start regular activities but "with caution", no sudden moves etc. Physio still continues, and it's all getting better day by day. I haven't yet achieved full motion on the elbow, roughly need about 10 degrees to fully extend, and about 15 degrees to fully retract.
Anyway, enough with anatomy :D
Got this set yesterday; it will be placed behind the marquee for lighting...
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ARQUEELAMP.jpg
That's a 45cm lamp, transformer and starter. I'd start work on setting it up, but it's too darn cold here today! :)
Not much today, but at least we're moving along... :)
These two photos are of the marquee light assembly.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...x54/LIGHT1.jpg
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...x54/LIGHT2.jpg
What would regularly take no more than an hour, took all morning. Gotta keep a slow pace. :)
It's getting really nice my friend!!! Don't worry about the slowness. Better safe than sorry :)
Can't wait to gief it a test once it's ready \o/
Been busy today; and noisy! :lol:
Here's an operational check on the fluorescent lamp.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...x54/LIGHT3.jpg
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...x54/LIGHT4.jpg
Starter, and ballast... It needs some tidying up, but we're a long way from being finished. :)
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...x54/LIGHT5.jpg
This glass sheet will be put in place for the marquee, when the stickers arrive! (ETA Tuesday)
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB22.jpg
Wood frame for supporting the monitor glass.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB21.jpg
Just a glass-fitting test..
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB23.jpg
These two pics will give y'all a rough idear of where the frame will reside:
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB24.jpg
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB25.jpg
And last, but not least, my work-buddy, DA SAW!!! (can't live without it) :D
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB26.jpg
Stay tuned fellas, it can only get better.... :roll:
Getting better every day Bill :)
Keep us posted
Looking good mate! :thumbsup:
Thanks for the kind words folks! :thumbsup:
Here's the recent updates:
Stickers!
This is the marquee sticker, i chose Galaga Legions, lots o' black in that logo :D
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB27.jpg
There were two candidates, the second one being something simple. Had them both printed at a shop, but chose Galaga..
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB28.jpg
These are the side stickers:
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB29.jpg
A rough look at placement
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB30.jpg
I'm sure you getthe picture, lighting isn't ideal :roll:
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB31.jpg
Here's the marquee in place
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB32.jpg
Next up is the monitor frame, it's mirroring the ceiling of the building... ;)
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB33.jpg
Some more pics of the frame, where you can see the hinge. It was necessary to fasten the frame to the cabinet in a way, where i could simply and fast lift the frame and be able to reach the monitor for whatever reason..
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB34.jpg
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB35.jpg
Well, that's all for today. Would've done a lot more, but it's still too freakin' cold. We had snow last night.. :(
Excellent work so far, I love it:nod:
@nivalis: Thanks mate! :)
Here's a couple of today's pics, the monitor frame is in place, attached by the hinge.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB37.jpg
There's still some work with the monitor getting tilted and secured...
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB38.jpg
Need to find some magnets so the frame can be kept in place, and a discrete small handle so i can pull the frame up whenever needed.. Stay tuned! :)
Looks ultra cool bro. Keep it up :)
Thanks Marios! The pace is getting better day by day..Quote:
Originally Posted by mfilos
Today, for your viewing pleasure i have the drawer! lol
This will hold the keyboard and mouse...
Some details of the launching -errrr- guiding rail :D
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB39.jpg
This is the left rail
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB40.jpg
Drawer fully retracted
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB41.jpg
Drawer fully extended.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB42.jpg
This is not the specific keyboard i'll use, but just to give you an idear.. :)
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB43.jpg
That's all for today!
Here's part of the rear. The sheet is attached to the cabinet by a big hinge.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB45.jpg
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB44.jpg
This will help me have access to the computer and other electric components...
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB47.jpg
It will be kept closed by using a couple of sliding latches like this:
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB48.jpg
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB49.jpg
To be continued... :)
Not much today, a Sunday is for peace and quiet! :)
Anyway, i prepared (masked) the monitor for spraying the front.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB50.jpg
Just about enough for the beige plastics not to show when the screen is at place. Here's the freshly-sprayed screen.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB51.jpg
This is the result after tape was removed...
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB52.jpg
And this shows it placed behind the glass in the cabinet.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB53.jpg
Not the nicest pic there, but it was nice n' shiny today, so we had lots o' light.. :D
that looks great mate :thumbsup:
@johnim: thanks mate, i'm glad y'all like it. It's not perfect, but i have decided to finish this soon; lots of other projects awaiting for my attention! :)
Anyway, today's progress. Here's the "control panel" lol
Some fit-tests
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB54.jpg
A closer look at the stick
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB55.jpg
Here's a part of the cabinet that was square-angled, and i decided to round it a bit.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB56.jpg
And the panel placed in position, although you'll be seeing more pics of it soon. It's been sanded, and freshly painted. I'll up a few as soon as it's dried :-)
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB57.jpg
---------- Post added at 16:30 ---------- Previous post was at 15:37 ----------
Ok, here's an update!
Panel painted, stick and button fitted for optical consideration..
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB59.jpg
A close up of the stick area..
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB60.jpg
And a couple of pics with the panel in place.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB61.jpg
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB62.jpg
That's all for today. :)
P.S. I forgot to mention that the paint is the same kind i used on the Walker replica case. It has fine rubber-particles in it, giving that rough surface look. A coat of that, some flat varnish, another coat, and a final coat of varnish. I hope this will help it stay in place and not peel off...
Next job was to place buttons and sticks.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB63.jpg
Maybe not the most ideal color combination, but that's what the package had.. Will prolly purchase a few individual buttons in the near future :-)
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB64.jpg
Here's some wiring, that's part of the common ground for the second player's buttons.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB65.jpg
You might wonder why i didn't place both sticks with right or left orientation, but i simply thought that perhaps a left-handed "opponent" would like to play, or there's actually right-handed people who find the stick to the left more convenient! I recall (aeons ago lol) players crossing their hands playing a left stick with right hand and pushing buttons using their left one. :D
Been quite busy the last couple of days, trying to program a bike's ECU.. :)
Anyway, here's some updates:
Started ironing the uncovered edges. This is made by using heat-adhesive tape. Stuff looks like this
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB67.jpg
I actually wanted to use some T-molding, but it's not available locally, and it's quite expensive combined with heavy shipping charges.. :(
This is some fine-trimming of the tape once it's ironed in place.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB68.jpg
Once the trimming by blade finishes, it needs some light sanding, and presto! :D Here's some of the cabin covered..
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB66.jpg
Later folks! :)
Todays' work involved cabling...
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB69.jpg
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB70.jpg
It doesn't look that hard, but it sure takes a lot of time. :)
Next up is mounting the computer.
This is a full-size ATX mobo, P4@2.4Ghz, 1GB RAM, GF 5200 AGP graphics card.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB71.jpg
The VGA card had to be secured some way, so i dismantled the expansion bay from an old tower... :)
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB73.jpg
It's rock-steady now!
The psu is secured at the bottom of the cabinet.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB72.jpg
This is the main switch, illuminated version.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB74.jpg
Placed discreetly at the rear of the cabinet.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...ax54/CAB75.jpg
And that's all for now..
I heard if you turn it on and off it gives you free goes :)