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The Hingmy - Arcade

Arcade Cabinet - Installing the Software
by Lorenz Prem on 05-18-2013 8:56 pm

To make the arcade cabinet come to life we needto install a few pieces of software on the PC contained within.This will take some time to complete, but once the work is done thecabinet will be able to play just about any title from the goldenyears of the arcade.

You can use these instructions to turn your PC into an Arcadesimulator. The keyboard won't offer the same experience as anarcade joystick, but the games will run just the same.

Install an Operating system

The operating system of your cabin

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Arcade Cabinet - Computer
by Lorenz Prem on 08-03-2012 6:28 pm

The marquee, the sign at the top of the monitor,is built from two strips of plexiglass. The artwork is sandwichedbetween them. A light source lights the marquee from behind.

Light Source

The light source behind the marquee should be bright and cool.Traditional light bulbs are too hot to install behind plexiglass.They would melt the marquee and could even cause a fire.

A florescent light strip or a couple of LED lights are a betteroption. They keep the heat down.

Tie the light

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Arcade Cabinet - Electrical
by Lorenz Prem on 08-01-2012 6:28 pm

The arcade cabinet requires a fully functioningPC to operate. You can simply place a fully assembled PC in thebottom of the cabinet, or you can install the componentsseparately.

Power Strip

To power the different components of the PC, a power strip mustbe installed. Pin a generic power strip to the cabinet wall.

The power cord of the strip must be routed outside to connectthe cabinet to a wall socket. The simplest solution is to removethe plug from the end of the cord, drill a hole through th

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Arcade Cabinet - Wiring
by Lorenz Prem on 12-22-2009 1:58 am

Wiring the buttons is a tedious, but straightforward affair.

The Interface Controller

The center piece of the control panel is a controller board.This board is the interface between the computer and thebuttons.

There are several types of boards (joystick, keyboard, custom),each with its own way of interfacing with the computer. All typesare readily available at arcade stores. It does not really matterwhich type of controller you choose. The only thing that changes isthe way the software is instal

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Arcade Cabinet - Control Panel
by Lorenz Prem on 10-06-2009 10:14 pm

The control panel hosts the player controls andthe controller interface board. It detaches from the main carcassto allow the cabinet to pass through doorways.

Plexiglass Top

The entire panel is covered with a 1/8 sheet of Plexiglas, whichprovides the actual playing surface the players hands rest on. Thecontrol panel's art is sandwiched between the MDF top and thePlexiglas playing surface. This keeps the art save and clean.

The Design

The controller design used in this build is not

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Arcade Cabinet - Woodworking
by Lorenz Prem on 09-13-2009 10:33 pm

The woodworking starts with building thecabinet.

Cabinet Sides

The two sides of the cabinet are identical. Ideally cut themboth at once.

The angled cuts near the monitor cannot be done on the tablesaw.Start the cuts with a circular saw. Stop short of the line andfinish with a jigsaw.

The edges of the panels can be finished with either T-molding orveneer. If you choose to go with the T-molding, route a 1/16" slotwith a slot cutter on the center line.

Top

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Arcade Machine, 90ies style
by Lorenz Prem on 09-13-2009 10:31 pm

I grew up spending way too much time at thearcade.I still remember the sounds and lights.

The 80ies and 90ies were the golden age of the arcade. Thisdesign is my attempt at recreating an arcade cabinet in thecontemporary look. You'll instantly recognize it.

What's Involved

Building an arcade cabinet is not a cheap project. In additionto the woodworking, the cabinet requires joysticks, buttons,controllers, and a fully functioning PC.

A build requires woodworking skills, el

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