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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