The original plan was to simply stick a computer in an arcade shape box
and work out a way of connecting up some controls. However after seeing
what had been achieved on some websites notably BYOC (Build
Your Own Arcade Controls) it became apparent some sort of plan was
needed.
The main aims were:
These were at least partially achieved as follows:-
A single external switch should power up the
whole machine.
A four way adapter's flex cut and the cut end fed through two
holes to an externally mounted fused switchbox that allowed an earth
connection.
The television chosen which would power up (rather than go
into standby) after an AC power failure
The computers BIOS could be set to power up on AC failure
(and also boot up from standby on any keyboard button press).
A 12 volt power supply connector from the computer (yellow)
wired and soldered to pin 8 of the TV SCART plug to switch the
television to VCR on on computer power up.
Sound and lighting connected to remaining two sockets on
adapter.
Use existing tools where possible
MDF easy to cut with handsaws and pad saws
Used wooden moulding rather than T-molding
Results not as slick as many cabinets however acceptable for
this design.
The cabinet should be controlled externally
without access to a mouse or keyboard.
Buttons and joysticks were mounted on the control panel.
Ipac keyboard encoder from Ultimarc
provides the link between the controls and the keyboard input on the
computer.
MAMEWAH front-end allows total control without
keyboard or mouse.
All high voltage components such as
television monitors, computers, marquee lighting, power leads and
switches should be as safe inside the cabinet as they would be if used
in a normal domestic setting.
All internal cabinet cabling uses domestic flexes and
wires.
All appliances kept within their original casings.
All bare high voltage wires kept within domestic earthed
switch box.
The cabinet should resemble a classic
coin-operated video game machine.
Design based upon classic defender cabinet dimensions reduced
in size by 10% to get it through the cellar door and the control panel
depth extended slightly (by 3"). (see links page for plans)
Arcade controls, marquee light and display to look the
part.
Coin Door installed
painted matt black to disguise hand painting
The controls should be like true arcade
controls.
purchased from Ultimarc J-sticks, buttons and IPac keyboard
encoder,
purchased from learning centre, discontinued, trackball
The normal Windows interface should be
hidden.
MAME Windows XP bootscreen downloaded from Theme XP
Could not find replacement welcome and windows is shutting
down screens for Windows XP.
The video display should look bright, clear
and not flicker.
New television purchased with RGB (SCART input)
AMD 2600+ PC purchased
Arcade VGA video card to provide native flicker free, non
interlaced arcade resolutions.
The artwork graphics should look as good as
possible with limited artistic abilities.
Draw on vector program to avoid aliasing.
Print onto inkjet photo paper
keep designs simple and within artistic abilities.
Everyone would want to play the machine again
and again.
make sure basement is warm and dry enough.
otherwise have had no problems here.
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