Gamebox build

[Kenny Powers]

I'm attempting to build a gamebox. I want to make a portable system that I can just plug into any tv. Since I have no woodworking tools and lacking the skills I had a friend help construct a box and drill some holes. I'm at the stage of trying to fit everything in the box and wire up the controls. I still don't have any good ideas for the control panel overlay. This seems to be the tough of part of my build since once again I'm lacking the skills with Photoshop or illustrator. If anyone has any sources where I could find some art to use it would be appreciated.

[HazzardActual]

i think this might help you out.  http://www.slagcoin.com/joystick/layout.html

 

looks like a good start, what guts are you putting into it?

[Kenny Powers]

The photos I posted are not the most up to date. I bought a mini itx PC from eBay. I wanted something small and it had a hdmi port and it was a good price. Here are some newer pics. I'm doing a mock up to get things working.

[Kenny Powers]

Ok, a new roadblock has arisen. The itx PC I purchased does not want to work with mame or retroarch. Mame loads but roms do not and it just crashes. The computer only has 2 gigs of ram so I think that May be the problem. I was able to fit my laptop inside the box but I'm not crazy about this solution.

[SkyHighGam3r]

Seems like we had some similiar ideas, but differant inception.

I wanted a console like experience with a six-button controller setup. So, I actually chose a laptop for my system.

It's, beleive it or not, a Lenovo 2-in1 laptop/tablet combo. It runs through PSX/N64 beautifully. (which in all honestly, any systems beyond that aren't very well emulated {except for maybe GC/Wii})

I can take it anywhere due to it's small size, and I just plug in the 2 controllers I bought and the HDMI cable and viola! It just goes. Custom console.

That all being said, (iunno, maybe you can draw some inspiration from my own ideas), I would definately think about upgrading the RAM in that thing. Anything less than 4GB is really pushing the limits. Especially if you are running anything above Windows XP.

[madhatter3339]

This is one of the files I've used for control panels but it doesn't have any button surrounds or joystick surrounds either. Hopefully you can use the file Ive attached but if you have a problem just message me and we'll get it squared away!!!

[Kenny Powers]

Thanks for the art madhatter. I upgraded the ram in my itx to 4 gigabyte. All the systems are running pretty good now. I also bought a PC which I am going to try to disassemble from the case and install in the box of my control panel. It has a lot more power and hyperspin runs much faster. I have some lights tested and they look good. Now I have to work on LEDBlinky.