Hi. I while ago I promised to be more active on BT forums. I have nice project starting that I've been wanting to do for years. Perhaps me posting something here about it will push me actually finishing it someday. So, here are the parts that I received today from Arcadeshop: It didn't take too long to get everything wired up for the first test. Jipa already commented that I took the prototyping too far and I'll never get this finished now... let us hope he is wrong. And naturally the Internet of today demands a video too: Comments, ideas, suggestions? Thanks.
I need to alter that template with something that lifts it from the table top. The button placement doesn't seem perfect...
Would installing this in a little laptop box be more comfortable? I know most guys find working a joystick in their laps more natural. (let's skip the dual shock jokes this time.) It's good to see you here, by the way.
I'm planning on integrating this as part of a systems that houses the screen etc. Just wanted to make something separate for testing out the button placement first. Thanks, it is good to be back.
Long time no updates... here are some photos from the progress: Image would need more explaning to fully make sense but you'll see the finished project soon. Had to start making a bar top model too... I'll be using a 15" TFT, ~3 GHz P4 etc. for this one... Something new to help me do the cutting and engraving in the future... First try for the side panels. This was done with a 1 flute 1 mm endmill to a 12 mm baltic birtch plywood. More images on the arcade project: http://allthemods.com/userinfo.php?userid=1&album=759 More images on the CNC: http://allthemods.com/userinfo.php?userid=1&album=762
Needed to alter the plan a bit. The hardware that I'm planning on using needed more space so I had to make an "extension" to the box. In the end I believe this is only a good thing as it brings mode details to the finished build... Testing out the cut pieces... The "extension" does double duty working also as a monitor support. Some paneling already done. Pair of hinges coming up... And finally one of the stops being cut for the TFT panel and the acrylic sheet that will be placed in front of it... I was planning on being able to paint all these two days ago but it takes surprisingly long time when trying to do thing properly.
Nice work with attaching the extensions to the original panels. Supporting the screen with the panels is a clever idea! Nice bandsaw you have there. Can you give us a shot of the workshop?
Way too hot to work but gotta get this finished for the Assembly event! Piece of acrylic being cut for the window that will be placed on top of the TFT screen. The new and improved monitor and window support system. Only couple of pieces to cut and I'm ready to start painting. Javerh asked about the workshop so here it is.
Should we bet on who gets his project done the first? The first Burgers at ASM are on the loser... Feel your pain on the heat, it's unbearable here as well. Better take care of the hydration.
Nice work ! One question about the arcade controller : I saw you use an iPac VE, once the soldering work is done, does it need special drivers/software to work, or just plug it and voilà ? Thanks.
Plug'n'play, no separate drivers needed. It acts like a HID controller (a keyboard) and most modern operating systems will handle it on their own. In short, it is an USB keyboard of sorts.
That's a really nice workplace! Even Jipa has dedicated space for modding. It's a pain to start every modding session with cleaning and getting the gear out. When you're done you still have to clean up again! The heat's not too bad. It's the sunlight that kills you! I was all day in the sun trying to paint. I could have done it in a shadow but then the birch seeds would have stuck!
Thanks for the feedback ! It's very interesting, now I know what will be my august "homework". Thread subscribed, I like arcade stuffs !
And off to paint... Sanding the primer has to be "a dirty job!" I have to remember this moment if I'm ever diagnozed with lung cancer in future. "Primed and ready for paint..." I used a regular brush paint that is meant for furniture etc. used both indoors and outside. Black and yellow color scheme. The controls will be red/black so hopefully they will go well together. We'll see when the paint dries... I have to say that after this project, I'm going to use wood stain instead of paint in every project that involve wood. Too much hassle with sanding, priming etc... Using wood stain was the original plan but I wasn't able to find the correct color shades that I wanted so I "had to" use paint.
The project is currently at the Assembly event. I'm doing some finishing work with electronics etc. Looking good so far and hopefully I get it finished tomorrow... Semi-finished state 1. Semi-finished state 1. Doing some wiring. A way too thick cable used here but when the bottom access door gets closed, nobody will know. I had a better control panel overlay done but I changed the button placement at the last minute and didn't have an access to a printer any more. Well, this gets the job done for now. So, hopefully we will get the final images tomorrow...
