Brad's blog

Most of the arcade cabinet got thrown together yesterday. Still need to cut out a new control panel and the plexiglass. Also need to cut wire holes in the inside and vent holes on the outside.

Should have this thing together and working by Saturday or Sunday.

Overall I am very pleased with the result. A couple of things I would change if I could start all over, but I think these are pretty minor issues, mostly relating to the angle and position of the screen. I do think the green trim actually looks pretty good, wasn't completely sure how that would turn out when I started.

Check out the gallery for more images.

All of the pieces to the arcade cabinet have been cut out. The cutting was done by Dixon Woodworking, using a precision CNC machine. Everything looks really good. There is still some cutting of edges and drilling to do. The plexiglass also still needs to be cut. Cabinet construction should be complete by Monday.

All the electronic components are collected and ready, so minus the marquee (which is still being ordered) the project should be completed by next weekend.

Check out my image gallery for more pictures.

Finally I actually have some building materials! More are still being shipped.

I have two sheets of 3/4" black melamine which will be used for the sides, front and bottom. Also have one sheet of 1/4" black melamine for the back. That is all the wood necessary to build it, and since it is melamine I won't even have to paint!

On its way is 40' of 3/4" bright galaxian green t-moulding. This will be the trim for the sides and control panel. Construction will begin as soon as the t-moulding arrives.

Now that the color scheme is known, the name brainstorming has begun. Check out the forum to join in the brainstorming session!

The plans for my arcade cabinet are basically finished. I've decided to go with the more modern looking curved button layout. I think this will make playing a little bit more comfortable. The dimensions of all the pieces are layed out, but not how they are going to fit together. Also missing are the holes for speakers and air vents as well as the shelf which will hold the monitor in. I'm currently seeking advice from some more knowledgeable craftsman to help me figure these things out. I most likely won't be updating the plans when that happens though I'll just be building the thing.

Anyway, I've uploaded the plans here in DXF format in case anyone else might find them marginally useful.  If you want them in any other format, just e-mail me or post on the forums.

Get the plans!

So I was playing around with my test control box and I came to a realization. Not having high score saving really kinds sucks. I mean, that's really the point of a lost of arcade games right? Get the highest score? Well, without saving scores there can be no real competition. In real arcade games the high scores save because nobody turns the power off. In the case of a multi-game emulator that just doesn't work.