Well...........Almost Done!

When my friend came over last week we were not able to get as much done as we had hoped. He is a real perfectionist and didn't want to do a sloppy job. He knew two of the cabinets were for sale, and instead of wanting to rush them, or simply just make them decent he wanted them perfect. It does make sense, I'd hate for someone to buy a shotty product off me. In the end one bartop was fully wired and playable. In fact I got a few games of PacMan in that Sunday. However during play the game just died. The monitor was fine, as was the board. Turned out the power supply had gone.

I tried to test the other two I had but got really odd readings. When I told my buddy he suggested I bring them to him. Turns out all three were shot. One of them he thought I should save and is doing the repair for me. I'll keep that for testing purposes. He suggested I get new ones, not only for the keeper,but the two cabinets for sale. I agreed, when I do sell these I want them to be great machines. I want people to enjoy them and not feel the got taken for a ride. I'm just waiting now for a quote and expect to order the new parts this week coming.

Since I was going with new power supplies I thought it would be a good idea to switch all the bartops to LCD. From a selling stand point I think that would be a huge plus, from a buyer standpoint replacing the LCD is for easier than an arcade monitor. I'm sourcing out Kijiji for some good deals!

In the end I'll be into the bartops for a little more then I expected, but I think the outcome will be well worth it. No matter what I don't see myself taking a loss on them...so that's good. Not to mention I sold the existing monitors for $50. So that helps to offset my cost.

Top One Is DONE!

Had my friend come over last night to help me out on the bartop's.
Took a little longer then we both had expected, but bartop number one is DONE!
A few minor things, like taping of some wires, and cutting a bezel remain. But the hard stuff is done. I might end up tying the monitor into the power supply that way I only require the one switch. My friend (who is an electrical engineer)said that wouldn't be an issue. Here is a pic of the bartop in action.

I should note the image on the screen is too large. It's cut off to both the left and the right. The monitor is not allowing me to re-size the image. So I will need to find a solution to this.

The Art Is In, And It Looks Awesome !

Not much to report.
Should get these completed for the weekend.
The art came in today and it is awesome !

Final Touches

With the monitors now installed in the last two bartops the end is around the corner.
All that really remains is to wire up the electrical elements of the project and install the power switches. A co-worker friend of mine was formerly an electrical engineer and offered to help. He is going to give everything the once over to make sure I've done it all correctly. He's also going help me to ensure the proper voltage is going out to the monitors and arcade board. With two of the cabinets for sale (prior to the holiday season should all go to plan) I don't want to take any chances.

I've got side art coming in this week, and I also have a lead on some cheap 15" LCD monitors should any of these monitors be on the fritz. I'm excited to have this project coming to a close. They look pretty good ! I'll also have a better idea of what needs to be done once fully wired up. The original incarnation of the cabinets had the protective film left on the back side of the plexi. The middle was cut out serving as a bezel. I've got some bristle board to serve as a bezel should I need it. I'm hoping with the monitors on and the cabinets illuminated the frosted plexi will hide some of the inner workings. If I do need to add a bezel I will.

As is some of the wires are sort of loosely placed inside the cabinet and the monitor support just plain unpainted MDF. Should I need to paint it black I will. If I have to wrap the wires in black electrical tape to hide them, I will. But for now I'm hoping these minor details can be left as is.

Once fully complete I can begin the push on my Donkey Kong Jr project.