Scott's Home Arcade

[Scott]

Yeah, I've wanted an Arcade at my house for quite awhile. So I did the next best thing and put a bunch of consoles into an Arcade Cabinet.

http://members.lycos.co.uk/c4rd0nl1ne/index.html

It's a work in progress, which means it isn't done. I eventually plan to make controls for at least one system and add some more systems and a better screen.

Any suggestions?

 

[MP3skaterNC]

that rocks.

Wire up the controls, that would be cool. Bigger tv, then sell it to me.

 

[chino]

Pretty cool Idea !!! I would paint the wood surrounding the screen black or even look at having some plexi cut once you get a screen you like! Also I am not ragging on you but with all that work maybe you should step up to THIS generation of consoles?

 

[Scott]

Well, I have a few sheets of ABS plastic I'm going to cut to make a marquee for this screen and one for a bigger screen.

Then I'm thinking of switching to clear Lexan instead of this tinted stuff. It's a little too dark (although it is MUCH easier on the eyes when all the lights are off).

As for newer consoles, I just loaded up my Gamecube and I'm considering swapping out the PSX for my PS2. The Xbox just takes up too much space in there.

The controls would be wired for just one system. It's too tough to have real arcade buttons setup then switch the system they work on without crazy custom adaptors. One thing I never understood though is why people put computers in them just so they can play the old Arcade emulators. My computer is wired to it via S-video and I don't need to lock it up inside the cabinet.

Now, as for making them for other people, I'd actually love to do this. It's just not always $114 to make one of these. I happenned to get lucky with the free cabinet and already have a sizeable collection of games, systems, and tools. But if anyone was ever serious about wanting one, I'd defenitely enjoy doing it.

 

[StarvingRussian]

Thats freakin bad ass. I've always wanted to do something like this, or make a frame with a seat along with a steering wheel and pedals for gran turismo.

what are you going to do about cooling for the systems?

 

[Scott]

Thats freakin bad ass. I've always wanted to do something like this, or make a frame with a seat along with a steering wheel and pedals for gran turismo.

I'd like that to be my next project. I just need enough space to work with. The blueprints for mine include a full enclosure (except for the side exits), a 27" TV, a PS2 and Xbox, Force Feedback wheel/pedals, racing seat, and surround sound. I already have everything except for the TV and the wheel/pedals. It's just a matter of not having anywhere to put the damn thing once it's built.

And as for building your own cabinet. It's really quite simple. All you need are some basic tools, a bit of patience, and very basic carpentry skills.

Edit: For cooling, I just have the back open. I'm going to add Luon to the back to close it all off, then wire up a couple of CPU fans and some vents to push the air. But that all depends on how hot the thing runs after some testing.

 

[Dexter]

i was going to do this. i had a sega virtua fighter 3 arcade board and i was going to build a cabinet, but the thing about the vf3 board is that it required a medium res monitor, and not many places carry used med res monitors, so i would have to buy new. ~$400 and that wasnt even including a cab, i couldnt find anyone throwing it away. or anything, so i just sold the damn board. oh well. :\

nice job

 

[Scott]

Dexter, I know what you mean about finding a replacement monitor. I wasn't even going to bother with Tempest once I saw that the monitor was busted.

I am planning on selling the arcade board and sound board for Tempest considering they're both in great shape for their age.

 

[loj68]

that is bad ass. I've got an "Aliens" arcade game at my place that also has a "Robocop" board and I can switch to and I've been thinking of putting together a MAME cabinet for a while now cuz I really like the old stuff more. I think most guys build a MAME cab with a PC in there for convenience plus you can do it for next to nothing since it doesn't take but some old PC parts to run MAME on Linux. Also a company called HAP controls makes these cool ass USB junction boxes that allow you to plug their arcade joystics and buttons right in and it's plug and play. No more soldering that s*** to the innards of a keyboard. Maybe that's a winter project for me

Can't wait to see your finished product.

 

[Scott]

Soldering wires really isn't that bad once you get used to it. Plus that way you can select the layout for the buttons.

 

[03Speed]

Scott that thing is bad freaking ass.

 

[Scott]

Well come over and check it out, Cory. It's only an hour away.

 

[03Speed]

im think i might just have to come check it out