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Roadcase (somewhat) Portable Arcade

Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved Projects and Themes
arcadevertical screenportable
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  • C
    caver01
    last edited by caver01 5 Apr 2020, 19:33 11 Jun 2016, 01:15

    This is a rebuild based on a system I built back in 2009. The original was a 4-player "cocktail" design with a 15" LCD. Players 1 and 2 controls were situated along the horizontal edge while 3 and 4 were at the vertical ends. This allowed for fantastic 4-player gaming (Gauntlet), 2-player fighter gaming, and best of all, fullscreen head-to-head vertical gaming using cocktail mode (auto rotates 180 for player 2. It was designed as a portable system, but was never very light because I built it out of stock lumber.

    The NEW BUILD
    Fast-forward 6 years and I am living in a new city with a box full of arcade parts (I disassembled it before the move). I also grabbed a 19-inch LCD and a trackball. I decided to rebuild the arcade in the style of a roadcase--think DJ turntables or rock band music gear. This rugged design would accommodate handles, but could also be put away when not in use. Here is the result:
    0_1497066402117_img_2090-e1466617155287.jpg

    The box is completely custom-built using roadcase hardware. The butterfly clasps hold on the lid to protect the screen and controls during storage and transportation. Take off the lid and this is what it looks like inside:

    0_1497066425945_img_2094-e1466615691793.jpg

    And vertical games like Frogger are played from the ends.
    0_1497066447576_img_2186-e1466616812874.jpg

    Over the next few days, I will add a series of followup posts that document the build process. For those keeping score, the final system is based on the following:

    • Raspberry Pi3
    • Sony 19" LCD 1280x1024
    • Ultimarc IPAC4 (early model) PS2/USB Keyboard controller
    • Ultimarc U-Trak Trackball and USB interface
    • 2 - TurboTwist2 spinners (USB)
    • 4 - Happ Super joysticks
    • 24 - Nova ICE pushbuttons (game controls and coin)
    • 4 - Player start pushbuttons
    • 6 - black admin buttons (LR mouse click, Pause, Exit, Vol+,-)
    • Custom LED backlighting (blue for controls and trackball, red for coin)
    • laser cut acrylic top surface
    • laser cut plywood top panel
    • plywood side panels, ABS roadcase laminate
    • Aluminum roadcase extrusions, rivets
    • steel latches, handles, corners
    • USB powered speakers (custom enclosures)
    • nylon zipties galore!

    I think that's it. More details and build images to come!

    My 4-player cocktail style cabinet built as a custom "roadcase"

    1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 22
    • C
      caver01
      last edited by caver01 6 Oct 2017, 04:50 11 Jun 2016, 22:52

      Inspired by my first cabinet (now cannibalized for parts), this version 2.0 was intended to be an upgrade. My first goal was to try to make the construction lighter by using plywood instead of off-the-shelf boards from the local home store. The second goal was to incorporate a bigger display. The original used a 15" LCD. This time, I had a much nicer display that I picked up for a song off the old Best Buy auction site. A 19" LCD would also widen the main controls so I could squeeze in a trackball. Needless to say, this thing got heavier, not lighter!

      Here's the blueprint for the initial layout:
      0_1497066575345_img_1235-e1466616790333.jpg

      The entire build was based on the dimensions of the display and the opening I would need to cut in the top surface. Since the design was completely flat on top, I needed everything to fit nicely under a single piece of acrylic, supported by plywood. The panel top would serve as the monitor bezel all in one piece. Because this had to be perfectly accurate, I hired a local company to laser cut my acrylic and top plywood. Here's the top panel with all of the components outlined:
      0_1497066598792_img_2028-e1466617085347.jpg

      My 4-player cocktail style cabinet built as a custom "roadcase"

      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 2
      • C
        caver01
        last edited by caver01 6 Oct 2017, 04:51 11 Jun 2016, 23:08

        After a lot of time test fitting all of the controls, I started to build. I knew I would need to reinforce the panel, so I started by adding "ribs" across the bottom. This gave the design the structure and stability it would need to stand up to heavy use. The first glue-up was small rectangular pieces of wood to support the perpendicular struts. Once these were dry I added the ribs and coated all of the connections with industrial grade epoxy. These rib pieces had to be drilled to reduce weight, but also to create holes that accommodate the wiring. Tight tolerances forced me to sand the middle of the horizontal member thinner so that the trackball housing would fit!
        0_1497066647663_img_2034-e1466617019215.jpg

        While the reinforcements dried, I worked on the electronics (all while building my Pi image). The pushbuttons I used are all pre-drilled for 5mm LEDs. They push snugly into the bottom and the translucent plastic glows nicely when lit. I realized that leads from the LEDs can be bent in such a way as to stay clear of the button action. I soldered them to 2-pin headers and added the current-limiting resistor for 5V. The header will allow easy connect and disconnect of the lighting power.
        0_1497066661695_img_2039-e1466616845978.jpg

        0_1497066669949_img_2043-e1466616887623.jpg

        My 4-player cocktail style cabinet built as a custom "roadcase"

        C 1 Reply Last reply 11 Jun 2016, 23:30 Reply Quote 1
        • C
          caver01 @caver01
          last edited by caver01 6 Oct 2017, 04:53 11 Jun 2016, 23:30

          With the button lighting ready, I needed to figure out how to light the trackball. Fortunately, the U-Trak has holes for adding the Ultimarc LED module, but I was going to make my own. I used three of the same LEDs from my pushbuttons and wired them up. I wasn't sure if 1, 2, or 3 LEDs would add the right amount of light for the translucent trackball, so I made little circuit with jumpers so I could adjust it if necessary.

          0_1497066729304_img_2047-e1466616985434.jpg

          Here is the trackball LED module I built. The red jumpers set the number of LEDs that get power.
          0_1497066748205_img_2051-e1466616874588.jpg
          Turns out, three LEDs closely match the buttons.
          0_1497066768387_img_2046-e1466616830802.jpg

          My 4-player cocktail style cabinet built as a custom "roadcase"

          C 1 Reply Last reply 11 Jun 2016, 23:38 Reply Quote 1
          • C
            caver01 @caver01
            last edited by caver01 6 Oct 2017, 04:54 11 Jun 2016, 23:38

            The top panel is composed of acrylic and plywood stacked together. Yet, it's still not enough depth to flush-mount the trackball. Most panel builders have to do some routing to make a trackball sit flush, but here, I need to add depth. I did add the U-Trak bezel to my order, but this was a fallback. I was hoping to mount it nearly flush with the top surface. Using some extra plexi I had from previous projects, I built a spacer:
            0_1497066833771_img_2036-e1466616859292.jpg

            Everything is upside-down and reversed in these views underneath the panel. Here, the flat plexi spacer will create more depth so that the trackball can sit perfectly flush with the acrylic surface.

            Adding more reinforcements and test fitting the joysticks and spinners:
            0_1497066843987_img_2038-e1466617144693.jpg

            My 4-player cocktail style cabinet built as a custom "roadcase"

            C 1 Reply Last reply 11 Jun 2016, 23:44 Reply Quote 1
            • C
              caver01 @caver01
              last edited by caver01 6 Oct 2017, 04:55 11 Jun 2016, 23:44

              Starting to cut extrusions for the roadcase "box" that will be the arcade cabinet itself:
              0_1497066888579_img_2057-e1466616896679.jpg

              Cutting side panels with handle holes and ABS roadcase laminate.
              0_1497066896965_img_2068-e1466617122483.jpg

              Building the box:
              0_1497066908522_img_2088-e1466617029280.jpg

              My 4-player cocktail style cabinet built as a custom "roadcase"

              1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 2
              • C
                caver01
                last edited by caver01 6 Oct 2017, 04:56 11 Jun 2016, 23:51

                These holes will be hidden behind the latch strike plate. They serve as clever audio vents for the speakers. Old-school video games aren't exactly high fidelity, but this will allow plenty of volume to get out.
                0_1497066959988_img_2089-e1466616934332.jpg

                My speakers were built with cheap enclosures that I couldn't mount easily, so I took out the drivers and put them into PVC pipe end caps. They are mounted inside the cabinet behind the holes drilled in the image above.
                0_1497066973345_img_2091-e1466616996100.jpg

                My 4-player cocktail style cabinet built as a custom "roadcase"

                C 1 Reply Last reply 12 Jun 2016, 00:17 Reply Quote 1
                • C
                  caver01 @caver01
                  last edited by caver01 6 Oct 2017, 04:59 12 Jun 2016, 00:17

                  Starting to get fun now, I am adding the power panel.
                  0_1497067126308_img_2070-e1466617052959.jpg

                  Testing the panel. The power button has a built-in LED setup for 5V. Everything inside the box will get AC through this power plug--no additional cords.
                  0_1497067135407_img_2071-e1466617097411.jpg

                  My 4-player cocktail style cabinet built as a custom "roadcase"

                  C 1 Reply Last reply 12 Jun 2016, 00:30 Reply Quote 2
                  • C
                    caver01 @caver01
                    last edited by caver01 6 Oct 2017, 05:00 12 Jun 2016, 00:30

                    Box built, power panel installed. The Display is now resting in place and the Raspberry Pi is mounted.
                    0_1497067200767_img_2092-e1466617167465.jpg

                    The buttons are now installed. Soon, IPAC 4, power strip, USB Hub, U-Trak and spinners interfaces. . .then the long process of wiring.
                    0_1497067215217_img_2096-e1466617133543.jpg

                    I made a mounting bracket for the IPAC to keep it from shorting against the display:
                    0_1497067227570_img_2103-e1466617005917.jpg

                    Mounting the IPAC4:
                    0_1497067246583_img_2105-e1466617072808.jpg

                    My 4-player cocktail style cabinet built as a custom "roadcase"

                    C 1 Reply Last reply 12 Jun 2016, 00:37 Reply Quote 2
                    • C
                      caver01 @caver01
                      last edited by caver01 6 Oct 2017, 05:02 12 Jun 2016, 00:37

                      Wiring the pushbuttons and joysticks:
                      0_1497067359432_img_2106-e1466617108753.jpg

                      Wiring complete. This is the inside with everything done, including the power for the LED lighting.
                      0_1497067365975_img_2126-e1466615834682.jpg

                      My 4-player cocktail style cabinet built as a custom "roadcase"

                      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 4
                      • C
                        caver01
                        last edited by caver01 6 Oct 2017, 05:05 12 Jun 2016, 00:40

                        The build is finished! This image shows early gameplay tests using AdvanceMAME:
                        0_1497067493157_img_2124-e1466617062415.jpg

                        Vertical games play in cocktail mode from the player 3 and 4 positions on the sides:
                        0_1497067499805_img_2133-e1466617040834.jpg

                        My 4-player cocktail style cabinet built as a custom "roadcase"

                        9 1 Reply Last reply 12 Jun 2016, 01:27 Reply Quote 9
                        • 9
                          93sugar @caver01
                          last edited by 93sugar 6 Dec 2016, 02:28 12 Jun 2016, 01:27

                          @caver01 Awesome! Great idea implemented excellently and explained wonderfully. Thank you! I'm looking to upgrade a cabinet I built about 6 or 7 years ago. UA Arcade Cabinet
                          UA Arcade Controller

                          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                          • dankcushionsD
                            dankcushions Global Moderator
                            last edited by 12 Jun 2016, 20:26

                            really really nice!

                            C 1 Reply Last reply 12 Jun 2016, 20:42 Reply Quote 0
                            • C
                              caver01 @dankcushions
                              last edited by 12 Jun 2016, 20:42

                              @dankcushions @93sugar Thanks!

                              My 4-player cocktail style cabinet built as a custom "roadcase"

                              1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                              • PingSpikeP
                                PingSpike
                                last edited by 14 Jun 2016, 19:29

                                Absolutely AMAZING project build!!!

                                Props man, I am seriously impressed and ever so slightly jealous lol :))

                                Here's my RetroStation project - http://www.pingspike.com/retrostation-part-4/

                                :D

                                C 1 Reply Last reply 14 Jun 2016, 20:26 Reply Quote 0
                                • C
                                  caver01 @PingSpike
                                  last edited by 14 Jun 2016, 20:26

                                  @PingSpike Thanks! This was literally years in the making. It came together nicely once I started the build, but I was "building" it in my mind for years.

                                  I appreciate yours for different reasons. There's something to be said for portability and versatility--you can hook that up to any TV setup, bring it to a friend's house etc. Mine is a little more of an imposition.

                                  My 4-player cocktail style cabinet built as a custom "roadcase"

                                  1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                  • C
                                    caver01
                                    last edited by caver01 26 Jul 2016, 23:46

                                    Wow. I finally have my images working again. Sorry about that. At first they were too big, then my free provider clamped down on the bandwidth usage (own fault I guess) so I moved them to another site and accidentally set that site to private (can you believe this?). All better now though!

                                    My 4-player cocktail style cabinet built as a custom "roadcase"

                                    1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                    • C
                                      chigundo
                                      last edited by 28 Jul 2016, 12:56

                                      The inspiration from this build is palpable. I like how you stripped that LCD from its casing and was able to accurately measure it's fit to the back of that plywood/acrylic. That step alone would have me pulling hair out.

                                      C 1 Reply Last reply 28 Jul 2016, 15:58 Reply Quote 0
                                      • C
                                        caver01 @chigundo
                                        last edited by 28 Jul 2016, 15:58

                                        @chigundo Thanks! That step was definitely a risk. I probably had plenty of tolerance with the plywood, as I ultimately fixed the position when the screws went in. As for the flat acrylic bezel (beneath the clear)--this needed to cover the metal frame on the display, but not encroach into the viewing area more than a couple of mm on all sides. That was a gamble, as I had a local service laser-cut the acrylic with Illustrator files I provided (actually, they laser cut the plywood and the clear acrylic top for me too). This helped because all of the button holes were a guaranteed match, and if the screen cutout was off a little, I could adjust the position of the display before screwing it down tight.

                                        My 4-player cocktail style cabinet built as a custom "roadcase"

                                        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                        • D
                                          drizzt77
                                          last edited by 25 Mar 2017, 00:28

                                          This is fantastic! I would love to build something similar. I wondering what you used to design and print the layout for the top to have it cut? Is there some software or did you draw it by hand?

                                          C 2 Replies Last reply 25 Mar 2017, 06:11 Reply Quote 1
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