Building my first VPIN Cabinet Need advice

[Shazam0527]

Hi All!  :)  A friend of mine is a member and he suggested I come here to discuss what I’m looking for.  I have built mame arcade cabinets and it sparked my lust for a virtual pin cabinet.  I’ve looked all over and found numerous “videos” showing a build but I’m hoping to find some plans out there somewhere that shows all the required supplies I would need (i.e. buttons, computer components (Would really like to use a Raspberry PI 3), Monitors and sizes, and required lumber.

Any advice would be received by an incredibly grateful user and vpin noobie :)

 

Thanks!

You need to login in order to like this post: click here

[Shazam0527]

Ps. never even played a virtual pinball system – I’ve always been traditional pinball machines.  So I don’t even know what software to use, frontends etc..

 

Thanks!

You need to login in order to like this post: click here

[randr]

I just used one of my pins as a guide to make my digital pinball(twilight zone) as for a list? That can be subject to change depending on cost you have in mind. Pi 3 won’t be good enough you need a fairly decent system to enjoy vp properly. What’s your budget?

********************************************************
Messing with the VPinball app and push notifications.
So if you haven't downloaded app yet what are you waiting for!?
for IOS and Android

********************************************************

You need to login in order to like this post: click here

[Shazam0527]

I’d like to keep it around $1000 if possible :)

You need to login in order to like this post: click here

[randr]

Only way I can see that is if you have used tv’s/monitors and a used computer and a gutted pinball machine already built. I have that in playfield monitor(47″) and backglass monitor(30″) plus third dmd. If you have the stuff laying around then it is doable maybe

********************************************************
Messing with the VPinball app and push notifications.
So if you haven't downloaded app yet what are you waiting for!?
for IOS and Android

********************************************************

You need to login in order to like this post: click here

[Shazam0527]

I do have 2 tv’s (currently 38 and 25 inch – possibly going to buy a new 42 inch) and I have a Motherboard, processor, and video card already.

Does a Mini pinball cabinet (i.e. using the 38 and 25 screens) look cheesy?

You need to login in order to like this post: click here

[RustyCardores]

$1000 only if you can get LOTS of spare parts as randr suggested.

In Australian Dollars here is what it cost me…

Computer: $1300
Speakers: $100
Screens: $440 & $280
Legs: $130
Glass: $180
Timber: (18mm for boxes) $400 – (Pine for supports etc) $100
Paint: $200
Fans/Controllers/Buttons/Etc: $200’ish

Plus heaps of other bit’s and pieces that easily round it out to about $4000 (and that’s a 2 screen setup – no DMD)

You need to login in order to like this post: click here

[Nemo]

My cab started out as a budget conscious build, but found myself pooring in more & more money over the years, in the end it did cost a fair chunk of ca$h.

Now if you want a bomb of a machine then 1000 bucks won’t cut it, not even with parts you may already have. But for a “starter cab” it is absolutely doable especially with that 38″ you already got. Now if your just a bit handy you can cut costs considerably by “re-using/altering/hacking” parts you may have.

And just my opinion, mini cabs are cute but true size is the way to go.

You need to login in order to like this post: click here

[Phil Docker]

I would always go for used PC parts – stuff two years old will cost half (or less) the price than new.

Go for a good i5 or i7 processor.
2gb Nividia graphic card (make sure its DDR5) – something like a 660 works well….
8gb ram
37 inch TV used…. loads on ebay
27 inch TV used (again ebay)
Search pinball forums for someone selling a cab.  It will be easier than making one from scratch.
Glass – again get used….
DOF (solenoids etc) – get later when you have more money
Get a good PC power supply and an SSD (120g is okay)

You can even make your own digital plunger 0r for now – just use a launch button….
Get a cheap USB to keyboard ipac unit for the buttons – cheap on ebay.

Once you add amps/solenoids etc – I would invest on an additional 12v power unit (again cheap on ebay).

Be prepared to have a lot of satisfaction – and a lot of times being annoyed why stuff isnt working.
The forums are great to get answers – every issue you have had – someone else has and got over it.

I am on my 2nd cab now – as my 1st cab is going to a good friend to help me fund buying a cirqus voltaire.

Keep 100s of hours spare too………

You need to login in order to like this post: click here

[randr]

Phil all good information!

********************************************************
Messing with the VPinball app and push notifications.
So if you haven't downloaded app yet what are you waiting for!?
for IOS and Android

********************************************************

You need to login in order to like this post: click here

1 user thanked author for this post.

Phil Docker

[Author]

Posts