Custom Build Atari themed cabinet

[chubsta]

looks very nice except I'm afraid, the monitor... what size is it, you may find that a 4:3 would look much better in there if you can get a large one, after all the games are generally designed to be played in that aspect ratio.

[Clyde]

I second @chubsta about 4:3. You may get refurbished 21-22" TFTs from specialized shops for relatively little money. For example, the monitor of my own DIY upright cabinet from 2006 is in perfect condition and only cost me 60€.

[karmathing]

@backstander Thanks! You're right - I'll try it out before altering.

[karmathing]

@Clyde Marquee... don't know. probably follow the overall design and give it a name. Ataricade? Atarcade? But it may mean more custom printing which is beyond my wallet at the moment. Balloon was after my youngest's party! I do love a balloon, and so does he.

[karmathing]

@chubsta For the sake of authenticity you're right - and I tried REALLY hard to make it look like it rolled out of a factory. Unfortunately the 16:9 monitor was a freebie so It'll stay for a while. Would be simple to change internally, but it'll have to wait.

[allahandro]

@karmathing If it's the right height for you, the screen should be fine. but aesthetically it does look too high. I would try to bring it down a few inches, maybe 3 or 4 at the most. But if it's too hard, it's your arcade! It looks really good right now!

[wstanek]

@karmathing Really looks great! Very well done, love the graphics. How does it play? A tip for single player setup: when using the left side stick, map the buttons on the right side as well so you can stand centered up on the cab in a proper horse stance.

Ideas since you asked:
I think your screen is ok. With a black bezel, you wont notice the vertical position as much. Consider black (maybe with your graphics in a subtle way and instructions.) I would not drop it down if it interferes with your comfort. If you do drop it down an inch or two, you might also want to angle it back a bit.

Looks really good! Now build another one with a vertical monitor and a 4 way stick.

ws

[Clyde]

@karmathing On the second thought, you could mount the monitor in a vertical position. It won't look as „too anything“ (e.g. too high) like that and you could play vertical games with a bigger picture. Just an idea …

[wstanek]

Here:

[wstanek]

@Clyde You're right on, vertical fits the space very well. You'd have to have a 4 way stick. He's just gonna have to build another one!!

ws

[Clyde]

@wstanek … or that. 😉

[Clyde]

@wstanek … or two. 😄

[Clyde]

@wstanek Not every vertical game is 4-way, though. Many arcade SHMUPs are vertical and 8-way. But with either the xboxdrv (item 2D) or switchable Joysticks like the Ultimarc Mag-Stik Plus (I have two of them built into my upright cabinet, see my review here), that wouldn't be an issue.