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Tron/Gallaga Tribute Cabinet


Markussage

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Greetings programs,

First, I'd like to give a huge shout out to the entire arcade community - from HS and Mame, to BYOAC and everything in between, THANKS! Building my own cabinet has, in a way, completed something in my life.

After thinking of the ideal shape cabinet for me, I thought the classic Galaga was great. Besides being one of my favorites, I love the classic shape.

I am a huge fan Tron which is what was initially driving the whole project. Guess I always wanted both a Tron and Galaga cab.

I have the x-arcade Tank Stick so the inner part of my cab had to be about 30". I decided to make the side panels more narrow (24") as it needed to fit through most doorways. Also, the back 2 wheels are stationary horizontal and the front 2 spin. That way I can move it sideways easily but it won't move front to back when my friends are jamming away on it.

I have 3 florescent lights inside the cabinet, one behind the marquee, one in the whole center to light up my front board, and one underneath for the 'floating' look. I found 5" of translucent blue decal vinyl at a local printing shop. It stuck to the light bulb fine (florescent lights don't heat up.) I mounted it to the bottom and wired it up into the cab, presto!

Helpful links:

I mostly use Hyperspin as my FE. I also have and use Maximus Arcade.

http://www.hyperspin-fe.com/content.php

http://www.maximus-arcade.com/

I found a carbon fiber vinyl decal on Ebay, usually used for covering car parts. Worked great to cover the sidewalls and inside shelf. It was highly adhesive and cut down very easily. I ordered a 5' by 7' sheet and had plenty to work with. $30. Here's an example:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1FT-x-5FT-4D-Professional-Grade-Carbon-Fiber-Vinyl-Wrap-Air-Realease-Bubble-Free-/231066219352?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item35cc9eb358&vxp=mtr

I got the Galaga side art on Ebay as well (or just search Galaga Side Art,) $35 per side:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/331089241799?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

I got a swivel TV/monitor mount from Walmart, here:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Ready-Set-Mount-CC-R25B-Flat-Panel-TV-Mount-13-to-37-Black/11018955

This mount was perfect. Now, I can very easily rotate the monitor (19"Dell) for the classics.

I was able to Shell Hyperspin with this helpful guide:

http://www.hyperspin-fe.com/forum/showthread.php?14319-HyperSpin-Shelled-on-Windows-7-Solved-and-Working!

I was nervous about it but it worked flawlessly. I also shutdown upon exiting HS so the Windows environment is pretty much completely hidden.

Many parts, including the retro Tron joystick, spinner, and more came from GroovyGameGear.com:

http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=73&products_id=335

The very helpful guide for powering on your pc with arcade button is here:

http://coolexpletive.blogspot.com/2012/04/how-to-replace-your-pcs-power-button.html

I have my button slightly hidden so guests don't accidentally hit it. When the system is on, one push of the button will force shut down.

Marquee came from GameOnGrafix.com. Scott is great!

http://www.gameongrafix.com/products/generic-marquee-dot-techno-1

Every build is unique to its builder and that's one reason arcade gaming is so much fun on a variety of levels, from building to actually getting to enjoy your project. Everything on this cab was done with lots of thought and effort. I may install a bezel at some point if I can figure out how to still allow the monitor to spin. Otherwise, here it is and thanks for looking...

Game on!!

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End of line.

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Thanks everyone!!! The input means a lot!

Rfancella, that's cool! I think I'm one of the only gamers here in Pagosa, let alone someone who ownes/built a cab. Most of the small town people here just look confused when they see my cab. They didn't get out much in the 80's let alone these days. Small towns, lol...

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Thanks everyone!!! The input means a lot!

Rfancella, that's cool! I think I'm one of the only gamers here in Pagosa, let alone someone who ownes/built a cab. Most of the small town people here just look confused when they see my cab. They didn't get out much in the 80's let alone these days. Small towns, lol...

LOL.. Right??

I made bank during the summer season fixing peoples computers (those that had them). ;) This was back in the mid 90's for me. I can't believe it's changed much.

I'm sure you could find some game geeks in Durango or Farmington, but not around there... Maybe in Fairfield.

Thanks,

Ron

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looks awesome man! is that a tank stick your using for the control panel? I was under the impression that there wasnt much room for adding stuff into those.

I like the xarcade for a few reasons. I can easily take it off the cab, customize it, etc. It came ready to go out of the box. Their cust support is awesome, etc.....

I added a spinner, classic Tron flightstick, and Tron decal. Also, the 2 black buttons on either side of the P1/P2 buttons both stabilize the vertical movement of the mouse, like for Golden Tee Golf. I thought it would be nice to have them on the CP. I love my micro keyboard I scored on Ebay! Works well to keep it right up front.

Here is a closer look.post-75049-142870619145_thumb.jpg

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loving the blue lighting, why dont you use a bigger screen, seems like you have enough room in the cab?

I actually have a 26" Insignia HDTV that fits nicely. I could then technically just keep the screen horiz.and use the nice bezels in Mame. Or, btter, I could finish off a true bezel giving it a much more 'real arcade cab' feel. It's a thought.

I tried to recess the 19" monitor as far back as I could and it still looks big when you're playing. I'm actually pretty impressed and everyone who plays it says it doesn't need to be bigger.

I'm pretty certain I will end up single after this is all said and done :D

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