ArcadeCab

7/29/05

Atari 2600 emulator added to the cabinet
Over the last week I have been fumbling with adding the Atari 2600 games to my cabinet.  These games, in my opinion, are a natural fit for the arcade games.  I used a modified version of the Z26 emulator from here.  This version changed a couple of the buttons to be more "cabinet friendly."  For the layout that is shown to the right, the home of CPViewer provided that, in addition to some other great information. All the details of how Z26 was added into my Mamewah setup can be found on the new Z26 Information page.  

7/9/05

GameMaker
This software development tool was mentioned recently in a BYOAC forum I was reading and thought it might be of interest to visitors here.  GameMaker is a free tool where you can create, with minimal coding, arcade-type games.  It is primarily for creating 2D scrollers but the registered version ($20 to register) allows you to also build 3D-ish levels, ala Doom and Doom 2. 

From the GameMaker site: "Have you ever wanted to be able to design computer games, but didn't want to spend countless hours learning how to become a programmer? Then you've come to the right place. Game Maker is a program that allows you to make exciting computer games, without the need to write a single line of code. Making games with Game Maker is a lot of fun. Using easy to learn drag-and-drop actions, you can create professional looking games within very little time.

You can make games with backgrounds, animated graphics, music and sound effects, and even 3d games! And when you've become more experienced, there is a built-in programming language, which gives you the full flexibility of creating games with Game Maker. What is best, is the fact that Game Maker can be used free of charge."

This looks to be a very useful tool.  The sample games created using it look promising.  It might be worth a look.

7/2/05

News page
You may have noticed that the news has been extremely sparse the last three months.  This will continue for the next several months as my wife and I are preparing for a new addition to the family in September (our first) .  I have been very busy with all those home projects that had been put off before now (plus many new ones), which take priority over the arcade-related ones. As a result, no more orders for the large ArcadeCab Custom Controllers will be taken until further notice.  Note that the Ultra-Trackball Controllers, Ultra-Trackball Panels and the Single-player Panels are still available due to my having built up an inventory of them a while back.

I do have a couple items that I hope to get written up in the near future, two being great additions to any cabinet, Johnny 5 and CPViewer.  I will leave you wondering what they are but I will say they are very cool and easy to add. 

6/5/05

Mameroom's Custom Control Panel Designer
Mameroom has released a great new piece of software, a new custom control panel designer.  From their thread in the BYAOC forums:

"Just a few of the new sofware features:

- Accurate control placement to .001"
- Can draw lines and circles.
- User can now specify the size of the control panel
- Select multiple controls for copying/deleting/moving
- Insert saved control configurations
- User can add controls to side (base) of control panel
- Parts catalogue of part numbers and prices
- Keeps a running total of the cost for added components
- Add backdrops and control panel overlays (see pics)
- Export to BMP, JPG, and DXF (imports into CAD)
- Specify measurements in inches or mm.

...much more and more to come!"

5/2/05

Another Project added
On the Projects page, I have added a little write-up as to how I wired up my coin door lights and enabled the tokens to be registered by the MAME.  This project was completed a long time ago but never got documented properly.  I devised a method, albeit less glamorous than the subsequent designs of others, that enables me to either allow free play , or to require tokens.  Hopefully it will provide some assistance to those in the design phase of their cabinet.

ArcadeCab's Coach Pitch 2005 Team
For the second year ArcadeCab has sponsored a local youth baseball team.  The rules have changed a bit from last year, a key difference being the elimination of the batting tee.  The game length has been modified as well.  Instead of every player batting each of the three innings, there are now a "three out or five run" maximum to each half-inning, and the game can go a maximum of six innings.  The team's coach pitches to their own players and is allowed eight pitches to each player.  The fielding team also rotates the first basemen to give most everyone an opportunity.  These changes are to allow the players to continue progressing as ball players, preparing them for the traditional "3-strikes, 3 outs, 7 inning games" in a few years.

It looks to be another fun year for the kids (and spectators).  For the duration of the season, any player or family member who orders from us will receive a 10% discount.  Contact us if you have any questions.

4/29/05

Happ 2.25" Trackball
I finally made some time to replace the rollers and ball in a used Happ 2-1/4" trackball I won on ebay a while back.  The trackball was in terrible shape when purchased, but the seller had thoughtfully included a sparkling new trackball and three new rollers.  I have discussed the specifics in a bit more detail as well as including a number of photos for your enjoyment.  Check it out on the Projects page.