2 replies to this topic

[wrd1972]

 

 



 
Well its finally time to show off my VP/MAME Pincab that I completely designed and constructed from an authentic 1962, Williams Trade winds pinball cabinet. Ironically, I also own two fully functional Trade Winds machines so making my Pincab from a third TW machine, makes it a bit more unique and special.
 
The Visual Pinball and MAME emulators are managed by PinballX and the Gameex. In order to switch from Pinball machine configuration to coin-op arcade configuration, it simply requires opening the front door and switching out the lock-bar plates. The custom joystick/trackball/buttons control panel is simply bolted to a second lock-bar plate and there are four USB connections to the left side of the cabinet. Conversion to the other configuration takes less than 15 seconds and when the MAME control panel is installed, it is rock solidly attached.

 

The computer and video card were purchased used but the 40" LED TV and the dual 21" TVs were bought new. The very powerful Dell Core2 Quad workstation I have was purchased for $120 shipped on Ebay and operates flawlessly even with demanding VP10 tables. I am also using the VirtuaPin analog plunger and controller for the cabinet buttons interface.
 
For VP, I have full DOF right down to the replay solenoid that dings the original 5” bell in the Tradewinds cabinet. The eleven 1965, Ford Mustang starter solenoids are powered using a 12V gel cell battery with automatic re-charger.[/size] The solenoids provide a very realistic force feedback to enhance the pinball experience.
 
The LED accent lights are autonomous and function independently of the rest of the pincab. There are several pre-programmed modes that have different lighting effects and can be activated based off of sound.
 
All functions and features run 99% flawlessly with very few stutters or glitches. Total cost of the Pincab is estimated at around $2100 for all hardware and an estimated hardware R&D time of around 100 hours including systems programming. Overall, the appearance and design is very professional looking and very serviceable. The TV and computer can be removed in less than 3 minutes when needed and all other components are easily accessed.

 

Lastly, I have multiple system backups to ensure this hard work does not become lost in the event of hard-drive crashes. This include redundant harddrive images and cloud backup.
 
The basic specs for my rig:
40" Sony LED TV (VP playfield and MAME coin-op game display)
(2) 21" LED TVs for the backbox
Dell T3400 workstation Core2 Quad at 3GHZ, 4GB RAM, 550 watt PS
120GB solid state HD
Nvidia GTX7600 video card
Virtuapin analog plunger and controller interface
(2) Sainsmart 8-relay USB controllers
(11) 12v Ford starter solenoids for DOF
LED accent lighting activated by sound
2.1 channel stereo w/ subwoofer
Custom coin-op arcade control panel (inspired by the X-gaming Tank-stick)
Plumb-bob mechanical tilt

Edited by wrd1972, 06 July 2016 - 04:40 PM.

[Carny_Priest]

Very nice idea for mounting an arcade control panel. And nice work modifying the TankStick with dual spinners.

 

The great part about this is that you have a modular system for mounting other types of controllers. Could do one with a wheel and shift for racing games. Another one with a flight yoke, etc. 

[wrd1972]

Thanks but I must clarify. The control panel is all custom built...but inspired by the Tankstick. Its actually smaller (not as tall) overall with slanted buttons. I could have used the TS but I saved money by going custom.