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WHAT'S NEW?
09/17/2009
New Section - arcadecontrols.com File Repository!
A new section has joined the main site, forum, and wiki here at arcadecontrols.com -- the File Repository!The file repository is a place to host arcade, pinball, and build-your-own related documentation, guides, pinouts, backdoor sheets, manuals, etc -- things to help the coin-op collector and the build-your-own hobbiest alike.
There's a lot of great information floating around out there on the net, but sometimes it can be hard to find or a site that you used to use has gone offline (this was prompted, by the way, by Geocities shutting down). BYOAC has been here for over 11 years now and won't be going away anytime soon. I hope providing a repository here will prove useful to the various communities.
I'm not interested in hosting arcade artwork (other than instruction cards, which I really consider documentation more than artwork), or ROMs, or warez of any kind of course. I'm open to suggestions on other categories of files to host, please let me know.
Anyone can upload and download files. Uploaded files will not be visible or downloadable until verified and approved by an admin. Registered users can vote, comment, and email postcards of files hosted on the site. User accounts are not related to the forum accounts, though I suggest you make them the same for simplicity.
Site's still in beta. The theme will be changing, and I hope to implement thumbnails shortly. Right now thumbnails are generic icons, but once implemented the thumbnails will be actual representations of the various files.
So far about 5 gigs online. Comments and feedback welcomed!
(Posted By: saint)Andy from Ultimarc has done it again!
OK the wait is over...
Check out the discussion thread for more details! (Posted By: saint)
We looked at all the requirements of users on here, and listed them out, then started designing from there.I think we got them all:
- Can be installed in existing guns
- Easy to calibrate and use
- Inexpensive
- Can be used with any monitor
- Usable at a distance of 2 feet (19in monitor) or 3 feet (28in monitor) or greater.
Also a few others which were not mentioned:
- No drivers required
- PC sees it as a mouse and moves the mouse pointer
- No software required for calibration
- 7 inputs configurable as mouse buttons or gamepad buttons
- Flash ROM storage of all settings
Until further notice the good folks over at GameEx (www.gameex.com) in partnership with BYOAC are offering 15% off the price of the registered version of the software (normally $25) for all BYOAC forum members with more than 300 posts!To qualify you’ll need a post count of over 300 and to PM the author of GameEx (tspeirs) from the forums here ensuring to include a valid email address.
(Posted By: saint)
09/01/2009
Received this in my email today, short and simple:U. S. Amusement Auction is out of business and no longer conducting auctions. The amusement industry has diminished to the point that there is not enough equipment available for sale to supply regularly scheduled auctions.
:( (Posted By: saint)Thank you for the support you have given in the past.
USAA
08/25/2009
Added All wood bartop Pacman to the examples page.The author had this to say about their project:
A bartop based on the Namco plg n play Pacman. (web site in french). Warning, bad language on top of page.
This makes 1249
projects in the new database so far! (Posted By: saint)Added Galaga Themed Bartop to the examples page.The author had this to say about their project:
This is a bartop that I made for my father for Christmas 2008. When I was a kid, he used to take me to the arcade and Galaga was the only game I ever saw him play. The cabinet is vertical only and plays about 50-70 games. It is limited because of the 4-way joystick and single fire button but perfect for a man in his 60\'s.
This makes 1250
projects in the new database so far! (Posted By: saint)Added to the examples page.The author had this to say about their project:
A homemade cabinet using a pentium 4 PC, 19" lcd monitor, 30-watt computer speakers and subwoofer, mini-pac encoder, two joysticks, eight gameplay buttons (including pinball flippers), trackball, spinner, six illuminated function buttons, and a custom-designed marquee.
This makes 1252
projects in the new database so far! (Posted By: saint)Added RAZRCADE to the examples page.The author had this to say about their project:
A full size upright MAME cabinet based on LuSiD\'s plans, with slight modifications.
This makes 1253
projects in the new database so far! (Posted By: saint)
07/05/2009
Two retrogaming powerhouses have (re)joined forces: RetroBlast.com is merging with GameRoom Magazine to create the new GameRoomMag.com web site. The new web site is a fusion of both sites, with RetroBlast's daily news and reviews and GameRoom Magazine's 20-year strong collection of articles. In addition, the site features forums, a web store, and user galleries where game room enthusiasts can share pictures of their game rooms and games.The new site is kicking off with a giveaway, a GameRoom 20th Anniversary Digital Archives DVD (a $149 value). Just register on the site between now and August 6th, 2009 for a chance to win!
(Posted By: saint)
06/11/2009
RAM Controls has come out with another one!Press Release:
RAM CONTROLS NEW RELEASE ITEM It's been talked about, it's been considered by others, it's even been poo-poo'd just as many times.
The 720 controller handle (not the entire controller, mind you, JUST the handle - shaft and knob) has finally been reproduced and made available to the arcade community by RAM Controls.
The knobs are made from precision ground and drilled phenolic resin, polished to a high gloss. The shafts are made from precision ground 304 stainless steel, machined and drilled to original Atari specification.
BYOAC, as always, is the first to be informed of the development! The discounted offer made to the BYOAC community will be significantly under the RAM Controls website pricing, so take advantage of it.
The reproduction control handles turned out really nice if I do say so myself!! There was a lot of decision making during this phase of the project, but all turned out well.
Take a looksie:
More info, including discount offer, at the link!
(Posted By: saint)Seattle, WA, June 2009 -- Thousands of pinball and arcade game fans from across the U.S. will be attending the 2009 Northwest Pinball and Gameroom Show this June at the Seattle Center. The show is the biggest of this type of event in the Northwest. The 2008 show featured over 100 games and drew 2,000 visitors. 2009 promises to be twice as big, with over 200 pinball and arcade games, the most ever seen in one place in the entire Northwest. Featuring games from the 1950s to today, attendees can play all the games for free with the price of admission. The event will also include tournaments, raffles, guest speakers and over a dozen top level players competing for new world record scores. (Posted By: Paladin)
05/21/2009
Added Millercade to the examples page.The author had this to say about their project:
Neon Rotating Panel Arcade Cabinet, complete with authentic Tron Stick, Starwars Yoke, and Pinball Shooter.
This makes 1243
projects in the new database so far! (Posted By: saint)Added Wes' Mini-Mame Cabinet to the examples page.The author had this to say about their project:
Built a countertop system for my son.
This makes 1242
projects in the new database so far! (Posted By: saint)Added Linux Arcade to the examples page.The author had this to say about their project:
My project is somewhat different from many other excellent cabinets you may find on the nice BYOAC website because it uses *only* open sources applications, from the operating system (GNU/Linux) to the various used emulators programs. I simply don\'t use and even have any microsoft software. Also, the provided plans are in metric measurements, thus easier to follow by european people. I\'m trying to emulate a lot of ancient consoles from classic arcades ones to mysterious beast like the Wonderswan...
This makes 1243
projects in the new database so far! (Posted By: saint)Added CHICO-MANIA to the examples page.The author had this to say about their project:
It's a Jukebox, Internet, Arcade machine...
This makes 1244
projects in the new database so far! (Posted By: saint)Added slackade fun system machine to the examples page.The author had this to say about their project:
My new 29" arcade cabinet. I already have a 21" cab up and running but I always had a dream to build a 29" one.
This makes 1245
projects in the new database so far! (Posted By: saint)Added Space Arcade to the examples page.The author had this to say about their project:
Converted an old upright Space Duel cabinet into a MAME cabinet. New artwork was designed based on the original for the marquee, control panel, and MaLa layout.
This makes 1246
projects in the new database so far! (Posted By: saint)Added Bagurditz to the examples page.The author had this to say about their project:
I built this machine a couple of years ago. Its a scratch-built cabinent that runs WinMame (Arcade), PinMame (Pinball), and Diaphne (LaserDisc).
This makes 1247
projects in the new database so far! (Posted By: saint)Added Mame Arcade Cabinet to the examples page.The author had this to say about their project:
A home build quality, my own plans! Two players upright MAME arcade machine with:
- - 25" 15 Khz monitor
- - X-arcade duo
- - ArcadeVGA
- - Trackball
- - Spinner
- - 4 ways joystick
- - ActLabs light gun
This makes 1248
projects in the new database so far! (Posted By: saint)
02/05/2009
Forgive me for getting personal a moment here. A dear friend of mine is participating in the Relay For Life, as she does every year. Her page for donations can be found here.This past November 9th, my mother passed away from lung cancer after a 2 year fight. Everyone loses someone dear to them sooner or later, but cancer is a particularly evil disease. The fight against it is as hard and as devastating as the disease itself, raising hopes one day and then dashing them the next. It not only robs you of health and vitality, but also dignity as well.
The last two weeks of my mother's life she was in an obvious decline, and we felt the end was near. Wednesday they visited the doctor for what was likely to be the last time, only to get the astonishing news that her tumor had shrunk by a significant percentage. My mother, so weakened by her treatments and the cancer that she no longer had the strength to even get herself out of bed, and whom had already made her peace and arrangements, was asked if she wanted to give up or continue to fight. She said she wanted to continue to fight. The next morning she died.
Cancer is an evil evil disease that is likely to affect someone close to you in your lifetime. If you can, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society relay for life.
I miss my mom.
--- saint
(Posted By: saint)
01/30/2009
Thanks to forum member Sardu for posting this one!Street Fighter IV is coming out for the Playstation 3 and the Xbox-360, and to help hype it up Gamestop is giving away a Street Fighter IV arcade machine!
No purchase necessary to win, see site for details.
Thanks Sardu!
(Posted By: Submitted by saint on 2009-01-30, posted by saint)
01/17/2009
From DreamAuthentics' newsletter:BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
The Tornado Spinner was a popular spinner made by SlikStik, a now defunct arcade cabinet and parts vendor. Though there were some unfortunate issues that led to the demise of SlikStik, the quality of their spinner was always highly regarded. (Posted By: saint)Tornado Spinner (NEW) for classic gaming and MAME(tm) for $74.95 plus shipping.
The Tornado spinner is the world’s first ultra smooth gaming spinner and is the smoothest spinning device ever manufactured.
Totally custom made, the Tornado spinner is primarily used for arcade games like Tempest, Pong, Arkanoid, and others and can even be used as a steering wheel for driving games.
If you're looking to play classic games this is the device for you. The custom designed Tornado spinner gives you an authentic arcade gaming experience.
It has an extremely smooth and effortless spin that is perfect for emulation like MAME(tm) and PC gaming. Get yours today!
We sell ONLY BRAND NEW (NOS) producs. This price includes your choice of spinner top and color.
I don't normally go for online games, but this caught my eye!The Great Underground Empire has recently fallen and the land is in disarray. The stock market has collapsed, leading even mighty FrobozzCo International to fire employees from throughout its subsidiaries. A craze of treasure-hunting has swept through the remnants of the Great Underground Empire. It’s a dangerous time to be a newly-unemployed traveling salesman, but it’s also a great time to try a bit of adventuring.
After the Scott Adams adventure games, I discovered Zork and was hooked for life. This website probably owes some of its existence to my addiction of Infocom and such, so you can bet I'll be trying this out!
Jolt Online Gaming Announce Legends of Zork ™ Browser Game
(Posted By: Grue)Dublin, Ireland. 14th January 2009. Jolt Online Gaming today announced that it will be publishing Legends of Zork™, which will give players the chance to once again take up the mantle of Zork™, this time via an Internet browser.
LegendsofZork.com will provide online gamers with a persistent online adventure, playable from any Internet browser. Players take up the role of a recently laid-off salesman and part-time loot-gatherer, as he explores the Great Underground Empire. Designed to provide gamers with a casual MMO game they can play on their laptop, desktop or Apple iPhone (in school, work or on the bus), there’s nothing to download, just go to www.legendsofzork.com
For more information, beta-registration, and game announcements please go to www.legendsofzork.com.
Issue # 56 of the Retrogaming Times Monthly, is now online.Highlights from the January 2009 issue include:
You can find all these inside the Retrogaming Times Monthly!
- Classic Computer Idiocy - CoCo & TRS - 80 Fun
- Apple ][ Incider - Donkey Kong & Pac Man
- Old Wine New Bottles - Sonic Mega Collection Plus
- The Thrill of Defeat - Catching the 1k Bug
136 months in a row - the longest-running online free retro-gaming newsletter ever!
(Posted By: saint)
01/02/2009
This is a embedded application server that controls multiple versions of mame and seperated groups of games into categories, which each act like their own version of mame. (Posted By: Submitted by Lilwolf on 2009-01-02, posted by saint)
11/16/2008
From Randy at Groovy Game Gear!(Posted By: Submitted by saint on 2008-11-16, posted by saint)
Every once in a while I like to do something that doesn't make the best business sense, but that I know will fill a longtime void in the community. It cost a bundle to do this, but it's my way of showing our appreciation to all the folks who spend their arcade dollars at GGG.
For those who haven't figured this out already, it's a Tron joystick shell. Not a copy, reproduction or replica. It's the real deal. The actual materials and injection molds were used. The original color chip was uncovered, meticulously matched and, as you can see, it glows like crazy next to a black light. This is the first time anyone has seen a part like this fresh from production since 1982.
As I want everyone who wants one to be able to afford one, especially in the current economic climate, the price will only be $24.95. That will include the two shell halves, the red trigger (which glows bright reddish orange under UV, BTW) and the one top screw. I will continue to work on accessories for this, which will include a switch assembly (Microleaf™ based), faceplates, mounting hardware, etc. Some parts will come quicker than others.
A new arcade environment for 3DArcade is available for download: "Time-Out - Golden Age". Based on the arcade found in the Sunrise Mall, Massapequa, New York, USA, as it was in the early 1980s. It includes the game room itself, and the surrounding hallway of the mall. Enjoy! (Posted By: saint)Well, no game is immortal, and some games such Galaxian³ are so rare. We need to preserve this game, or it will lost forever.Only Namco has the source of their games, and I doubt they will release Galaxian³ sources in the future Cry
With the time, repairing such arcade games will be very hard, or maybe impossible : no more spare item, no more knowledge or worse : no more interest Lips Sealed
Impossible to let die this game !!! I'll do all I can in order to give to the Galaxian³ game the immortality and allows a maximum of gamers to see what the game is...
(Posted By: Submitted by Darth Nuno on 2008-09-02, posted by saint)
10/28/2008
Over on CGCC.CA, Canadian gaming forum, a very sharp member of the coin-op forum has designed and manufactured a Spinner circuit board that replaces the original on Omega Race. This is great for restorations, but also take note!! This board was designed to get rid of a design flaw in the orignal spinner, whereby there was a small "dead zone" where your ship would do nothing, due to the way a traditional potentiometer works. This board is designed to eliminate this, thereby making gameplay like it should be! (Posted By: Submitted by Ray B on 2008-10-16, posted by saint)The classic is back, fully USB equipped and ready for an emulator near you...With 10 additional contact points inside of the controller on the PCB, you can either add some additional micro buttons to the plastic housing for extra coin, start and fire buttons, or use the board itself in your own arcade desktop control panel or in an arcade cabinet, pricing is very reasonable and this looks like a great low cost gift just in time for the holidays!
(Posted By: Submitted by Curt on 2008-10-15, posted by saint)(Posted By: Submitted by saint on 2008-01-19, posted by saint)Very impressive! (Posted By: saint)
10/09/2008
A new USB encoder is now available from B-Spec Labs. The AKI 3.0 USB Interface, successor to the AKI and SJC interfaces, is a user-configurable encoder which currently supports analog, digital, and 49-way joysticks, as well as joystick to keyboard, and joystick to mouse conversion. For more details, read the product description here. (Posted By: Submitted by Dave Biedenbach on 2008-10-03, posted by saint)
09/13/2008
More of an ad than news, but check out Cronin's Custom Arcades :)Welcome to Cronin's Custom Arcades! (formally CroninsArcade.com) -- The premier Video Arcade Machine builder this side of the web!
(Posted By: Submitted by Jason Cronin on 2008-08-16, posted by saint)Browse our site to learn about the exciting products we have to offer. We have full, complete turn-key video arcade machines ready to order and ready to play!
All turn-key systems come with at least 80 games and you can even upgrade to even more pre-installed games.
Our design service can custom design ANY video arcade cabinet requirement you have. If we don't have what you like, tell us what you want!
And one of my heroes! (OK, did I mention previously how I really liked classic adventure games?) This is a podcast over at Player One Podcast.
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