BYOAC OLD Wiki - User contributions [en]

File:Arcade components Artifact.jpg

2007-08-18T22:36:01Z

ARTIFACT:

SketchUp Tips

2007-08-18T22:14:58Z

ARTIFACT: /* Purpose of This Page */

'''(this is a recently created page, allow some time for me to put the main content in place - ARTIFACT)'''

== Overview ==
Sketchup is a free, yet very powerful CAD (Computer Aided Design) tool. The main advantage of SketchUp over traditional CAD software is its focus on using sketching / drawing as the primary way to design 3D models. A tagline seen a few years back was ''"3D For The Rest of Us!"''. You do not need to have any prior knowledge of 3D modeling to start learning SketchUp.

=== Free Version vs Commercial Version ===
Google has recently purchased SketchUp and has released the unlimited FREE version, perfect for your arcade design needs. A PRO (= not free) version also exists, but it is '''not''' needed if you are not planning to export your 3D models to another CAD/3D application, or import 3D models into SketchUp. Why would google acquire a 3D modeling tool company? Their Google Earth project allows you to place 3D buildings on the planet earth, virtually. Offering SketchUp to the mainstream Google audience lowers the entry bar of contributing models. They added a ''"Place on Google Earth"'' feature to make this as easy as 123. Additionally, an online gallery (warehouse) is available to save your models to if you want to share them with other SketchUp users.

== Purpose of This Page ==
There is plenty of existing SketchUp tutorial material available on the internet. Why this page then? Us arcade cabinet and Control Panel designers/builders have special needs! We are not designing houses/buildings for Google Earth :) ... This page is not intended as a complete reference. Instead, it is a collection of the '''must-know'''' tips, specifically for people designing Arcade Control Panels and Arcade Cabinets.

== Camera ==
The camera is a key element of your experience using SketchUp. It is essential to make yourself familiar with its two main display modes

=== Modes ===
You should know about the Parralel Projection and Perspective camera modes. They are both useful to successfully designing your arcade cabinet or control panel using SketchUp. To swithc modes, click on the Camera menu.

'''Parallel Projection example:'''

[[Image:Sketchup_parralel.jpg]]

Notice how flat things look. You can quickly spot if things line up correctly. Another interesting fact about this mode is that snapping ("inference") seems to work more predictably in this camera mode. This is the best mode to use when you draw rectangles, lines, etc.

'''Perspective example'''

[[Image:Sketchup_perspective.jpg]]

This is how you ''see'' in real life. Use this to check how your design looks, but be careful as you may think elements are lined up even when they are not. Although sketchup allows you to draw (rectangles, lines, etc) in Perspective, results are more predictable if you switch to Parallel Projection camera mode to draw.

=== Navigating While Modeling ===

== Groups and Components ==
Always group your shapes. Without grouping, you will eventually destroy your shapes by mistake. Even 1 shape should be grouped to "solidify" it. To group, double click on a shape to select all of its faces and edges, right-click (or click on Edit Menu) > Make Group. This allows you to select with one click, move, scale (etc) your shape a lot more easily than if you leave your faces and edges ungrouped.

Use Components. Built something you want to reuse (button, cabinet side panel, etc)? Right click (or click on Edit Menu) > Make Component. Give your component a name, and you will then be able to reuse it again many times in your model via the Components Panel.

=== Entering Exact Measurements ===
'''Type measurements into SketchUp every time you draw or extrude something'''. You drew a plywood base rectangle? Type '''"8', 4'"''' and press ENTER immediately after, and it will resize the rectangle to that '''exact''' measurement... Extruded the width of the plywood base? Type ''"3/4"'' and press ENTER immediately after, and it will be exactly 3/4" extruded. This is the single most powerful feature in this program. It works throughout SketchUp's editing actions (Scale, Move, etc). Remember to do this each time you commit to an edit. The number you type is displayed in the bottom right corner (this is not a true edit box, it just displays as you type). You can type and press enter again if you've made a mistake. Do not click anywhere else until you are sure of the measurements you entered as it would disable the ability to do so.

=== Tape Measure Tool ===
[[Image:Tape_measure_sketchup.png]]

As you enter exact measurements every time you create or edit, your model/scene can be measured using the Tape Measure tool. Simply click twice to see the distance between the two points you clicked. The number is displayed in the bottom right corner. This is a '''key''' tool to master and use. You will use this a lot prior to cutting your boards and while building to guide you. [http://download.sketchup.com/OnlineDoc/gsu_win/I-Construction_Tools/ConTool-Measure.htm Follow this written tutorial to learn how to use the Tape Measure Tool].

== Arcade Cabinet Projects Designed With SketchUp ==
* [http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=68794.0 ARTIFACT Game Museum (upright cabinet from scratch)] by BYOAC member ARTIFACT
* [http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=70093.0 JIMBO's cabinet] by BYOAC member JIMBO

== More Tips and Tutorials ==
* [http://groups.google.com/group/sketchup Sketchup Help Group]
* [http://sketchup.google.com/sptutorials.html Self-Paced Basic Video Tutorials]

[[Category:Building]]

File:Sketchup perspective.jpg

2007-08-18T22:10:35Z

ARTIFACT:

SketchUp Tips

2007-08-18T22:10:16Z

ARTIFACT: /* Modes */

'''(this is a recently created page, allow some time for me to put the main content in place - ARTIFACT)'''

== Overview ==
Sketchup is a free, yet very powerful CAD (Computer Aided Design) tool. The main advantage of SketchUp over traditional CAD software is its focus on using sketching / drawing as the primary way to design 3D models. A tagline seen a few years back was ''"3D For The Rest of Us!"''. You do not need to have any prior knowledge of 3D modeling to start learning SketchUp.

=== Free Version vs Commercial Version ===
Google has recently purchased SketchUp and has released the unlimited FREE version, perfect for your arcade design needs. A PRO (= not free) version also exists, but it is '''not''' needed if you are not planning to export your 3D models to another CAD/3D application, or import 3D models into SketchUp. Why would google acquire a 3D modeling tool company? Their Google Earth project allows you to place 3D buildings on the planet earth, virtually. Offering SketchUp to the mainstream Google audience lowers the entry bar of contributing models. They added a ''"Place on Google Earth"'' feature to make this as easy as 123. Additionally, an online gallery (warehouse) is available to save your models to if you want to share them with other SketchUp users.

== Purpose of This Page ==
There is plenty of existing SketchUp tutorial material available on the internet. Why this page then? Us arcade cabinet and Control Panel designers/builders have special needs! We are not designing houses/buildings for Google Earth :)

== Camera ==
The camera is a key element of your experience using SketchUp. It is essential to make yourself familiar with its two main display modes

=== Modes ===
You should know about the Parralel Projection and Perspective camera modes. They are both useful to successfully designing your arcade cabinet or control panel using SketchUp. To swithc modes, click on the Camera menu.

'''Parallel Projection example:'''

[[Image:Sketchup_parralel.jpg]]

Notice how flat things look. You can quickly spot if things line up correctly. Another interesting fact about this mode is that snapping ("inference") seems to work more predictably in this camera mode. This is the best mode to use when you draw rectangles, lines, etc.

'''Perspective example'''

[[Image:Sketchup_perspective.jpg]]

This is how you ''see'' in real life. Use this to check how your design looks, but be careful as you may think elements are lined up even when they are not. Although sketchup allows you to draw (rectangles, lines, etc) in Perspective, results are more predictable if you switch to Parallel Projection camera mode to draw.

=== Navigating While Modeling ===

== Groups and Components ==
Always group your shapes. Without grouping, you will eventually destroy your shapes by mistake. Even 1 shape should be grouped to "solidify" it. To group, double click on a shape to select all of its faces and edges, right-click (or click on Edit Menu) > Make Group. This allows you to select with one click, move, scale (etc) your shape a lot more easily than if you leave your faces and edges ungrouped.

Use Components. Built something you want to reuse (button, cabinet side panel, etc)? Right click (or click on Edit Menu) > Make Component. Give your component a name, and you will then be able to reuse it again many times in your model via the Components Panel.

=== Entering Exact Measurements ===
'''Type measurements into SketchUp every time you draw or extrude something'''. You drew a plywood base rectangle? Type '''"8', 4'"''' and press ENTER immediately after, and it will resize the rectangle to that '''exact''' measurement... Extruded the width of the plywood base? Type ''"3/4"'' and press ENTER immediately after, and it will be exactly 3/4" extruded. This is the single most powerful feature in this program. It works throughout SketchUp's editing actions (Scale, Move, etc). Remember to do this each time you commit to an edit. The number you type is displayed in the bottom right corner (this is not a true edit box, it just displays as you type). You can type and press enter again if you've made a mistake. Do not click anywhere else until you are sure of the measurements you entered as it would disable the ability to do so.

=== Tape Measure Tool ===
[[Image:Tape_measure_sketchup.png]]

As you enter exact measurements every time you create or edit, your model/scene can be measured using the Tape Measure tool. Simply click twice to see the distance between the two points you clicked. The number is displayed in the bottom right corner. This is a '''key''' tool to master and use. You will use this a lot prior to cutting your boards and while building to guide you. [http://download.sketchup.com/OnlineDoc/gsu_win/I-Construction_Tools/ConTool-Measure.htm Follow this written tutorial to learn how to use the Tape Measure Tool].

== Arcade Cabinet Projects Designed With SketchUp ==
* [http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=68794.0 ARTIFACT Game Museum (upright cabinet from scratch)] by BYOAC member ARTIFACT
* [http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=70093.0 JIMBO's cabinet] by BYOAC member JIMBO

== More Tips and Tutorials ==
* [http://groups.google.com/group/sketchup Sketchup Help Group]
* [http://sketchup.google.com/sptutorials.html Self-Paced Basic Video Tutorials]

[[Category:Building]]

SketchUp Tips

2007-08-18T22:09:56Z

ARTIFACT: /* Modes */

'''(this is a recently created page, allow some time for me to put the main content in place - ARTIFACT)'''

== Overview ==
Sketchup is a free, yet very powerful CAD (Computer Aided Design) tool. The main advantage of SketchUp over traditional CAD software is its focus on using sketching / drawing as the primary way to design 3D models. A tagline seen a few years back was ''"3D For The Rest of Us!"''. You do not need to have any prior knowledge of 3D modeling to start learning SketchUp.

=== Free Version vs Commercial Version ===
Google has recently purchased SketchUp and has released the unlimited FREE version, perfect for your arcade design needs. A PRO (= not free) version also exists, but it is '''not''' needed if you are not planning to export your 3D models to another CAD/3D application, or import 3D models into SketchUp. Why would google acquire a 3D modeling tool company? Their Google Earth project allows you to place 3D buildings on the planet earth, virtually. Offering SketchUp to the mainstream Google audience lowers the entry bar of contributing models. They added a ''"Place on Google Earth"'' feature to make this as easy as 123. Additionally, an online gallery (warehouse) is available to save your models to if you want to share them with other SketchUp users.

== Purpose of This Page ==
There is plenty of existing SketchUp tutorial material available on the internet. Why this page then? Us arcade cabinet and Control Panel designers/builders have special needs! We are not designing houses/buildings for Google Earth :)

== Camera ==
The camera is a key element of your experience using SketchUp. It is essential to make yourself familiar with its two main display modes

=== Modes ===
You should know about the Parralel Projection and Perspective camera modes. They are both useful to successfully designing your arcade cabinet or control panel using SketchUp. To swithc modes, click on the Camera menu.

'''Parallel Projection example:'''
[[Image:Sketchup_parralel.jpg]]

Notice how flat things look. You can quickly spot if things line up correctly. Another interesting fact about this mode is that snapping ("inference") seems to work more predictably in this camera mode. This is the best mode to use when you draw rectangles, lines, etc.

'''Perspective example'''
[[Image:Sketchup_perspective.jpg]]

This is how you ''see'' in real life. Use this to check how your design looks, but be careful as you may think elements are lined up even when they are not. Although sketchup allows you to draw (rectangles, lines, etc) in Perspective, results are more predictable if you switch to Parallel Projection camera mode to draw.

=== Navigating While Modeling ===

== Groups and Components ==
Always group your shapes. Without grouping, you will eventually destroy your shapes by mistake. Even 1 shape should be grouped to "solidify" it. To group, double click on a shape to select all of its faces and edges, right-click (or click on Edit Menu) > Make Group. This allows you to select with one click, move, scale (etc) your shape a lot more easily than if you leave your faces and edges ungrouped.

Use Components. Built something you want to reuse (button, cabinet side panel, etc)? Right click (or click on Edit Menu) > Make Component. Give your component a name, and you will then be able to reuse it again many times in your model via the Components Panel.

=== Entering Exact Measurements ===
'''Type measurements into SketchUp every time you draw or extrude something'''. You drew a plywood base rectangle? Type '''"8', 4'"''' and press ENTER immediately after, and it will resize the rectangle to that '''exact''' measurement... Extruded the width of the plywood base? Type ''"3/4"'' and press ENTER immediately after, and it will be exactly 3/4" extruded. This is the single most powerful feature in this program. It works throughout SketchUp's editing actions (Scale, Move, etc). Remember to do this each time you commit to an edit. The number you type is displayed in the bottom right corner (this is not a true edit box, it just displays as you type). You can type and press enter again if you've made a mistake. Do not click anywhere else until you are sure of the measurements you entered as it would disable the ability to do so.

=== Tape Measure Tool ===
[[Image:Tape_measure_sketchup.png]]

As you enter exact measurements every time you create or edit, your model/scene can be measured using the Tape Measure tool. Simply click twice to see the distance between the two points you clicked. The number is displayed in the bottom right corner. This is a '''key''' tool to master and use. You will use this a lot prior to cutting your boards and while building to guide you. [http://download.sketchup.com/OnlineDoc/gsu_win/I-Construction_Tools/ConTool-Measure.htm Follow this written tutorial to learn how to use the Tape Measure Tool].

== Arcade Cabinet Projects Designed With SketchUp ==
* [http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=68794.0 ARTIFACT Game Museum (upright cabinet from scratch)] by BYOAC member ARTIFACT
* [http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=70093.0 JIMBO's cabinet] by BYOAC member JIMBO

== More Tips and Tutorials ==
* [http://groups.google.com/group/sketchup Sketchup Help Group]
* [http://sketchup.google.com/sptutorials.html Self-Paced Basic Video Tutorials]

[[Category:Building]]

SketchUp Tips

2007-08-18T22:08:42Z

ARTIFACT: /* Modes */

'''(this is a recently created page, allow some time for me to put the main content in place - ARTIFACT)'''

== Overview ==
Sketchup is a free, yet very powerful CAD (Computer Aided Design) tool. The main advantage of SketchUp over traditional CAD software is its focus on using sketching / drawing as the primary way to design 3D models. A tagline seen a few years back was ''"3D For The Rest of Us!"''. You do not need to have any prior knowledge of 3D modeling to start learning SketchUp.

=== Free Version vs Commercial Version ===
Google has recently purchased SketchUp and has released the unlimited FREE version, perfect for your arcade design needs. A PRO (= not free) version also exists, but it is '''not''' needed if you are not planning to export your 3D models to another CAD/3D application, or import 3D models into SketchUp. Why would google acquire a 3D modeling tool company? Their Google Earth project allows you to place 3D buildings on the planet earth, virtually. Offering SketchUp to the mainstream Google audience lowers the entry bar of contributing models. They added a ''"Place on Google Earth"'' feature to make this as easy as 123. Additionally, an online gallery (warehouse) is available to save your models to if you want to share them with other SketchUp users.

== Purpose of This Page ==
There is plenty of existing SketchUp tutorial material available on the internet. Why this page then? Us arcade cabinet and Control Panel designers/builders have special needs! We are not designing houses/buildings for Google Earth :)

== Camera ==
The camera is a key element of your experience using SketchUp. It is essential to make yourself familiar with its two main display modes

=== Modes ===
You should know about the Parralel Projection and Perspective camera modes. They are both useful to successfully designing your arcade cabinet or control panel using SketchUp. To swithc modes, click on the Camera menu.

'''Parallel Projection example:'''
[[Sketchup_parralel.jpg]]
Notice how flat things look. You can quickly spot if things line up correctly. Another interesting fact about this mode is that snapping ("inference") seems to work more predictably in this camera mode. This is the best mode to use when you draw rectangles, lines, etc.

'''Perspective example'''
[[Sketchup_perspective.jpg]]
This is how you ''see'' in real life. Use this to check how your design looks, but be careful as you may think elements are lined up even when they are not. Although sketchup allows you to draw (rectangles, lines, etc) in Perspective, results are more predictable if you switch to Parallel Projection camera mode to draw.

=== Navigating While Modeling ===

== Groups and Components ==
Always group your shapes. Without grouping, you will eventually destroy your shapes by mistake. Even 1 shape should be grouped to "solidify" it. To group, double click on a shape to select all of its faces and edges, right-click (or click on Edit Menu) > Make Group. This allows you to select with one click, move, scale (etc) your shape a lot more easily than if you leave your faces and edges ungrouped.

Use Components. Built something you want to reuse (button, cabinet side panel, etc)? Right click (or click on Edit Menu) > Make Component. Give your component a name, and you will then be able to reuse it again many times in your model via the Components Panel.

=== Entering Exact Measurements ===
'''Type measurements into SketchUp every time you draw or extrude something'''. You drew a plywood base rectangle? Type '''"8', 4'"''' and press ENTER immediately after, and it will resize the rectangle to that '''exact''' measurement... Extruded the width of the plywood base? Type ''"3/4"'' and press ENTER immediately after, and it will be exactly 3/4" extruded. This is the single most powerful feature in this program. It works throughout SketchUp's editing actions (Scale, Move, etc). Remember to do this each time you commit to an edit. The number you type is displayed in the bottom right corner (this is not a true edit box, it just displays as you type). You can type and press enter again if you've made a mistake. Do not click anywhere else until you are sure of the measurements you entered as it would disable the ability to do so.

=== Tape Measure Tool ===
[[Image:Tape_measure_sketchup.png]]

As you enter exact measurements every time you create or edit, your model/scene can be measured using the Tape Measure tool. Simply click twice to see the distance between the two points you clicked. The number is displayed in the bottom right corner. This is a '''key''' tool to master and use. You will use this a lot prior to cutting your boards and while building to guide you. [http://download.sketchup.com/OnlineDoc/gsu_win/I-Construction_Tools/ConTool-Measure.htm Follow this written tutorial to learn how to use the Tape Measure Tool].

== Arcade Cabinet Projects Designed With SketchUp ==
* [http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=68794.0 ARTIFACT Game Museum (upright cabinet from scratch)] by BYOAC member ARTIFACT
* [http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=70093.0 JIMBO's cabinet] by BYOAC member JIMBO

== More Tips and Tutorials ==
* [http://groups.google.com/group/sketchup Sketchup Help Group]
* [http://sketchup.google.com/sptutorials.html Self-Paced Basic Video Tutorials]

[[Category:Building]]

File:Sketchup parralel.jpg

2007-08-18T16:29:49Z

ARTIFACT:

SketchUp Tips

2007-08-18T16:27:56Z

ARTIFACT: /* Tape Measure Tool */

'''(this is a recently created page, allow some time for me to put the main content in place - ARTIFACT)'''

== Overview ==
Sketchup is a free, yet very powerful CAD (Computer Aided Design) tool. The main advantage of SketchUp over traditional CAD software is its focus on using sketching / drawing as the primary way to design 3D models. A tagline seen a few years back was ''"3D For The Rest of Us!"''. You do not need to have any prior knowledge of 3D modeling to start learning SketchUp.

=== Free Version vs Commercial Version ===
Google has recently purchased SketchUp and has released the unlimited FREE version, perfect for your arcade design needs. A PRO (= not free) version also exists, but it is '''not''' needed if you are not planning to export your 3D models to another CAD/3D application, or import 3D models into SketchUp. Why would google acquire a 3D modeling tool company? Their Google Earth project allows you to place 3D buildings on the planet earth, virtually. Offering SketchUp to the mainstream Google audience lowers the entry bar of contributing models. They added a ''"Place on Google Earth"'' feature to make this as easy as 123. Additionally, an online gallery (warehouse) is available to save your models to if you want to share them with other SketchUp users.

== Purpose of This Page ==
There is plenty of existing SketchUp tutorial material available on the internet. Why this page then? Us arcade cabinet and Control Panel designers/builders have special needs! We are not designing houses/buildings for Google Earth :)

== Camera ==
The camera is a key element of your experience using SketchUp. It is essential to make yourself familiar with its two main display modes

=== Modes ===
You should know about the Parralel Projection and Perspective camera modes. They are both useful to successfully designing your arcade cabinet or control panel using SketchUp.

=== Navigating While Modeling ===

== Groups and Components ==
Always group your shapes. Without grouping, you will eventually destroy your shapes by mistake. Even 1 shape should be grouped to "solidify" it. To group, double click on a shape to select all of its faces and edges, right-click (or click on Edit Menu) > Make Group. This allows you to select with one click, move, scale (etc) your shape a lot more easily than if you leave your faces and edges ungrouped.

Use Components. Built something you want to reuse (button, cabinet side panel, etc)? Right click (or click on Edit Menu) > Make Component. Give your component a name, and you will then be able to reuse it again many times in your model via the Components Panel.

=== Entering Exact Measurements ===
'''Type measurements into SketchUp every time you draw or extrude something'''. You drew a plywood base rectangle? Type '''"8', 4'"''' and press ENTER immediately after, and it will resize the rectangle to that '''exact''' measurement... Extruded the width of the plywood base? Type ''"3/4"'' and press ENTER immediately after, and it will be exactly 3/4" extruded. This is the single most powerful feature in this program. It works throughout SketchUp's editing actions (Scale, Move, etc). Remember to do this each time you commit to an edit. The number you type is displayed in the bottom right corner (this is not a true edit box, it just displays as you type). You can type and press enter again if you've made a mistake. Do not click anywhere else until you are sure of the measurements you entered as it would disable the ability to do so.

=== Tape Measure Tool ===
[[Image:Tape_measure_sketchup.png]]

As you enter exact measurements every time you create or edit, your model/scene can be measured using the Tape Measure tool. Simply click twice to see the distance between the two points you clicked. The number is displayed in the bottom right corner. This is a '''key''' tool to master and use. You will use this a lot prior to cutting your boards and while building to guide you. [http://download.sketchup.com/OnlineDoc/gsu_win/I-Construction_Tools/ConTool-Measure.htm Follow this written tutorial to learn how to use the Tape Measure Tool].

== Arcade Cabinet Projects Designed With SketchUp ==
* [http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=68794.0 ARTIFACT Game Museum (upright cabinet from scratch)] by BYOAC member ARTIFACT
* [http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=70093.0 JIMBO's cabinet] by BYOAC member JIMBO

== More Tips and Tutorials ==
* [http://groups.google.com/group/sketchup Sketchup Help Group]
* [http://sketchup.google.com/sptutorials.html Self-Paced Basic Video Tutorials]

[[Category:Building]]

Technical design software

2007-08-18T16:27:11Z

ARTIFACT: /* See also */

'''Technical design software''' is used to create accurate building plans for arcade cabinets.

==Commonly used software==
* '''[http://www.autodesk.com Autodesk AutoCAD]'''
:AutoCAD is a highend CAD ("Computer Aided Design"[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer-aided_design]) software package. Some BYOACers have access to AutoCAD, it has a steep learning curve - if you are not familiar with the software don't try to use this as your design software.

* '''[http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?id=5659302&siteID=123112 3D Studio Max]'''
:3D Studio is software to create 3D models and render photorealistic images. The software is easier to work with that AutoCAD but the full package is still quite expensive. Graphic designers might have access to the software. Besides the ability to create cabinet plans, the photorealistic render engine enbles the builder to create a lifelike image of the cabinet way before any physical material is touched. [http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=13118.0 Pixelhugger's Mission Control arcade] features many renderings of his design before he started to build.

* '''[http://www.visio.com Microsoft Visio]'''
:Microsoft Visio is part of the Microsoft Office suite of products. Visio is a 2D diagram software package that can be used to create accurate diagrams and building plans. Some BYOACers also use Visio to create [[Contents#Arcade_Art|artwork]][http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=24442.msg202240#msg202240].

* '''[http://www.sketchup.com SketchUp]'''
:Developed for the conceptual stages of design, SketchUp is powerful yet easy-to-learn 3D software. SketchUp has some very simple online [http://www.sketchup.com/?sid=35 video tutorials] to get you designing within an hour. Although there IS an expensive "pro" version of Sketchup available, recently google bought sketchup and released a fully functional and unlimited FREE version... the only limitation it has is export/import from/to CAD applications... This is NOT a limitation to cabinet building. An example is the [http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=68794.0 ARTIFACT PROJECT, designed using Sketchup (screenshots of the plans from Sketchup)] by a BYOAC member. Download Sketchup 6 FREE [http://sketchup.google.com/download.html here].

==Arcade specific software==
* '''[http://www.tahnokgames.com/Applications/CPSketcher/applications_cpsketcher.htm CP Sketcher]'''
:CP Sketcher is a program created to design arcade control panels. It allows you to sketch up a design using real parts and then build it using the plans it creates.

==See also==
* [[Building]]
* [[Graphics software]]
* [[SketchUp_Tips]]

[[Category:Building]]

SketchUp Tips

2007-08-18T15:35:36Z

ARTIFACT: /* Tape Measure Tool */

'''(this is a recently created page, allow some time for me to put the main content in place - ARTIFACT)'''

== Overview ==
Sketchup is a free, yet very powerful CAD (Computer Aided Design) tool. The main advantage of SketchUp over traditional CAD software is its focus on using sketching / drawing as the primary way to design 3D models. A tagline seen a few years back was ''"3D For The Rest of Us!"''. You do not need to have any prior knowledge of 3D modeling to start learning SketchUp.

=== Free Version vs Commercial Version ===
Google has recently purchased SketchUp and has released the unlimited FREE version, perfect for your arcade design needs. A PRO (= not free) version also exists, but it is '''not''' needed if you are not planning to export your 3D models to another CAD/3D application, or import 3D models into SketchUp. Why would google acquire a 3D modeling tool company? Their Google Earth project allows you to place 3D buildings on the planet earth, virtually. Offering SketchUp to the mainstream Google audience lowers the entry bar of contributing models. They added a ''"Place on Google Earth"'' feature to make this as easy as 123. Additionally, an online gallery (warehouse) is available to save your models to if you want to share them with other SketchUp users.

== Purpose of This Page ==
There is plenty of existing SketchUp tutorial material available on the internet. Why this page then? Us arcade cabinet and Control Panel designers/builders have special needs! We are not designing houses/buildings for Google Earth :)

== Camera ==
The camera is a key element of your experience using SketchUp. It is essential to make yourself familiar with its two main display modes

=== Modes ===
You should know about the Parralel Projection and Perspective camera modes. They are both useful to successfully designing your arcade cabinet or control panel using SketchUp.

=== Navigating While Modeling ===

== Groups and Components ==
Always group your shapes. Without grouping, you will eventually destroy your shapes by mistake. Even 1 shape should be grouped to "solidify" it. To group, double click on a shape to select all of its faces and edges, right-click (or click on Edit Menu) > Make Group. This allows you to select with one click, move, scale (etc) your shape a lot more easily than if you leave your faces and edges ungrouped.

Use Components. Built something you want to reuse (button, cabinet side panel, etc)? Right click (or click on Edit Menu) > Make Component. Give your component a name, and you will then be able to reuse it again many times in your model via the Components Panel.

=== Entering Exact Measurements ===
'''Type measurements into SketchUp every time you draw or extrude something'''. You drew a plywood base rectangle? Type '''"8', 4'"''' and press ENTER immediately after, and it will resize the rectangle to that '''exact''' measurement... Extruded the width of the plywood base? Type ''"3/4"'' and press ENTER immediately after, and it will be exactly 3/4" extruded. This is the single most powerful feature in this program. It works throughout SketchUp's editing actions (Scale, Move, etc). Remember to do this each time you commit to an edit. The number you type is displayed in the bottom right corner (this is not a true edit box, it just displays as you type). You can type and press enter again if you've made a mistake. Do not click anywhere else until you are sure of the measurements you entered as it would disable the ability to do so.

=== Tape Measure Tool ===
[[Image:Tape_measure_sketchup.png]]
As you enter exact measurements every time you create or edit, your model/scene can be measured using the Tape Measure tool. Simply click twice to see the distance between the two points you clicked. The number is displayed in the bottom right corner. This is a '''key''' tool to master and use. You will use this a lot prior to cutting your boards and while building to guide you. [http://download.sketchup.com/OnlineDoc/gsu_win/I-Construction_Tools/ConTool-Measure.htm Follow this written tutorial to learn how to use the Tape Measure Tool].

== Arcade Cabinet Projects Designed With SketchUp ==
* [http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=68794.0 ARTIFACT Game Museum (upright cabinet from scratch)] by BYOAC member ARTIFACT
* [http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=70093.0 JIMBO's cabinet] by BYOAC member JIMBO

== More Tips and Tutorials ==
* [http://groups.google.com/group/sketchup Sketchup Help Group]
* [http://sketchup.google.com/sptutorials.html Self-Paced Basic Video Tutorials]

[[Category:Building]]

File:Tape measure sketchup.png

2007-08-18T15:34:34Z

ARTIFACT:

SketchUp Tips

2007-08-18T15:25:14Z

ARTIFACT:

'''(this is a recently created page, allow some time for me to put the main content in place - ARTIFACT)'''

== Overview ==
Sketchup is a free, yet very powerful CAD (Computer Aided Design) tool. The main advantage of SketchUp over traditional CAD software is its focus on using sketching / drawing as the primary way to design 3D models. A tagline seen a few years back was ''"3D For The Rest of Us!"''. You do not need to have any prior knowledge of 3D modeling to start learning SketchUp.

=== Free Version vs Commercial Version ===
Google has recently purchased SketchUp and has released the unlimited FREE version, perfect for your arcade design needs. A PRO (= not free) version also exists, but it is '''not''' needed if you are not planning to export your 3D models to another CAD/3D application, or import 3D models into SketchUp. Why would google acquire a 3D modeling tool company? Their Google Earth project allows you to place 3D buildings on the planet earth, virtually. Offering SketchUp to the mainstream Google audience lowers the entry bar of contributing models. They added a ''"Place on Google Earth"'' feature to make this as easy as 123. Additionally, an online gallery (warehouse) is available to save your models to if you want to share them with other SketchUp users.

== Purpose of This Page ==
There is plenty of existing SketchUp tutorial material available on the internet. Why this page then? Us arcade cabinet and Control Panel designers/builders have special needs! We are not designing houses/buildings for Google Earth :)

== Camera ==
The camera is a key element of your experience using SketchUp. It is essential to make yourself familiar with its two main display modes

=== Modes ===
You should know about the Parralel Projection and Perspective camera modes. They are both useful to successfully designing your arcade cabinet or control panel using SketchUp.

=== Navigating While Modeling ===

== Groups and Components ==
Always group your shapes. Without grouping, you will eventually destroy your shapes by mistake. Even 1 shape should be grouped to "solidify" it. To group, double click on a shape to select all of its faces and edges, right-click (or click on Edit Menu) > Make Group. This allows you to select with one click, move, scale (etc) your shape a lot more easily than if you leave your faces and edges ungrouped.

Use Components. Built something you want to reuse (button, cabinet side panel, etc)? Right click (or click on Edit Menu) > Make Component. Give your component a name, and you will then be able to reuse it again many times in your model via the Components Panel.

=== Entering Exact Measurements ===
'''Type measurements into SketchUp every time you draw or extrude something'''. You drew a plywood base rectangle? Type '''"8', 4'"''' and press ENTER immediately after, and it will resize the rectangle to that '''exact''' measurement... Extruded the width of the plywood base? Type ''"3/4"'' and press ENTER immediately after, and it will be exactly 3/4" extruded. This is the single most powerful feature in this program. It works throughout SketchUp's editing actions (Scale, Move, etc). Remember to do this each time you commit to an edit. The number you type is displayed in the bottom right corner (this is not a true edit box, it just displays as you type). You can type and press enter again if you've made a mistake. Do not click anywhere else until you are sure of the measurements you entered as it would disable the ability to do so.

=== Tape Measure Tool ===
As you enter exact measurements every time you create or edit, your model/scene can be measured using the Tape Measure tool. Simply click twice to see the distance between the two points you clicked. The number is displayed in the bottom right corner. This is a '''key''' tool to master and use. You will use this a lot prior to cutting your boards and while building to guide you.

== Arcade Cabinet Projects Designed With SketchUp ==
* [http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=68794.0 ARTIFACT Game Museum (upright cabinet from scratch)] by BYOAC member ARTIFACT
* [http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=70093.0 JIMBO's cabinet] by BYOAC member JIMBO

== More Tips and Tutorials ==
* [http://groups.google.com/group/sketchup Sketchup Help Group]
* [http://sketchup.google.com/sptutorials.html Self-Paced Basic Video Tutorials]

[[Category:Building]]

SketchUp Tips

2007-08-18T15:09:30Z

ARTIFACT:

'''(this is a recently created page, allow some time for me to put the main content in place - ARTIFACT)'''

== Overview ==
Sketchup is a free, yet very powerful CAD (Computer Aided Design) tool. The main advantage of SketchUp over traditional CAD software is its focus on using sketching / drawing as the primary way to design 3D models. A tagline seen a few years back was ''"3D For The Rest of Us!"''. You do not need to have any prior knowledge of 3D modeling to start learning SketchUp.

=== Free Version vs Commercial Version ===
Google has recently purchased SketchUp and has released the unlimited FREE version, perfect for your arcade design needs. A PRO (= not free) version also exists, but it is '''not''' needed if you are not planning to export your 3D models to another CAD/3D application, or import 3D models into SketchUp. Why would google acquire a 3D modeling tool company? Their Google Earth project allows you to place 3D buildings on the planet earth, virtually. Offering SketchUp to the mainstream Google audience lowers the entry bar of contributing models. They added a ''"Place on Google Earth"'' feature to make this as easy as 123. Additionally, an online gallery (warehouse) is available to save your models to if you want to share them with other SketchUp users.

== Purpose of This Page ==
There is plenty of existing SketchUp tutorial material available on the internet. Why this page then? Us arcade cabinet and Control Panel designers/builders have special needs! We are not designing houses/buildings for Google Earth :)

== Camera ==
The camera is a key element of your experience using SketchUp. It is essential to make yourself familiar with its two main display modes

=== Modes ===
You should know about the Parralel Projection and Perspective camera modes. They are both useful to successfully designing your arcade cabinet or control panel using SketchUp.

=== Navigating While Modeling ===

== Groups and Components ==
Always group your shapes. Without grouping, you will eventually destroy your shapes by mistake. Even 1 shape should be grouped to "solidify" it. To group, double click on a shape to select all of its faces and edges, right-click (or click on Edit Menu) > Make Group. This allows you to select with one click, move, scale (etc) your shape a lot more easily than if you leave your faces and edges ungrouped.

Use Components. Built something you want to reuse (button, cabinet side panel, etc)? Right click (or click on Edit Menu) > Make Component. Give your component a name, and you will then be able to reuse it again many times in your model via the Components Panel.

=== Entering Exact Measurements ===
'''Type measurements into SketchUp every time you draw or extrude something'''. You drew a plywood base rectangle? Type '''"8', 4'"''' and press ENTER immediately after, and it will resize the rectangle to that '''exact''' measurement... Extruded the width of the plywood base? Type ''"3/4"'' and press ENTER immediately after, and it will be exactly 3/4" extruded. This is the single most powerful feature in this program. It works throughout SketchUp's editing actions (Scale, Move, etc). Remember to do this each time you commit to an edit. The number you type is displayed in the bottom right corner (this is not a true edit box, it just displays as you type). You can type and press enter again if you've made a mistake. Do not click anywhere else until you are sure of the measurements you entered as it would disable the ability to do so.

=== Tape Measure Tool ===
As you enter exact measurements every time you create or edit, your model/scene can be measured using the Tape Measure tool. Simply click twice to see the distance between the two points you clicked. The number is displayed in the bottom right corner. This is a '''key''' tool to master and use. You will use this a lot prior to cutting your boards and while building to guide you.

[[Category:Building]]

Community Portal

2007-08-18T14:31:21Z

ARTIFACT: /* To Do List */

__NOTOC__{{Portal|name=Community Portal}}
This is the main community page for those who wish to contribute to the BYOAC Wiki. The Wiki is nothing more than a collection of user contributed articles written by arcade enthusiasts just like you. This is a community site, and depends on your contributions as an editor or author to keep it current, relevant and growing.

==Be a Contributor!==
To contribute as an author or editor, you first need to create an account on the [http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/ BYOAC forum] and then use that user name and password to log in to this Wiki. Creating an account takes only a minute or two and requires minimal information. Once you have an account and have logged in, you can edit or create a new article. To edit any article, just click on the ''edit tab'' at the top of that article. To create a new article, please do a '''search''' first to see if a similar article exists. If it does not exist you can easily create it from the search results page by clicking on the ''this exact title'' link that will come up on the search page at the top. Then link your article to the appropriate portal below.

===Editing and Formatting===
This Wiki uses the MediaWiki software system. Formatting of pages is unique to this system, but easy to learn by browsing a few examples. Click on the ''edit'' tab on any page to see what the source document looks like. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Quick_guide Wikipedia quick guide] offers some basic formatting options including a cheatsheet to help you contribute to this Wiki. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Editing Wikpedia extended editing guide] provides more detailed formatting options. For more detailed discussion of style, see the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style Wikipedia Style Manual].

===Add an Article, Not Just Links===
We want the BYOAC Wiki to be a true arcade control encyclopedia and not just another collection of links. While it is perfectly appropriate to add some links - especially to the pages dedicated to links, it is also important that you contribute real content. You can write a new article on just about anything arcade related, or consider adding a paragraph or two to an existing article. Your thoughts might prompt someone else to add a few paragraphs, and before you know it we will have a true arcade encyclopedia.

===Some Editing Guidelines===
* Articles should be named by the shortest possible keyword - ideally one or two words
* Articles should contain real content (with the exception of specific link pages such as the list of suppliers) and not be just a collection of links.
* Articles should start with a short definition or introduction of the topic being discussed (the topic name is usually bolded in the introduction)
* Articles should use headings as appropriate to organize topics in the article
* You can use the code '''<nowiki>__NOTOC__</nowiki>''' at the top of a page to supress the automatic generation of a contents box for short articles. Longer articles should include the automatic contents box.
* Unless the page is a simple definition, it should include the '''<nowiki>==See Also==</nowiki>''' heading near the end of the page and link back to the main portal and other related pages.
* External site links should be added at the bottom after the '''See Also''' section under the title '''<nowiki>==External Links==</nowiki>''' if appropriate
* All pages require a category using a category statement at the very bottom of the page such as '''<nowiki>[[Category:portalname]]</nowiki>'''. Categories for major portals are listed below.
* Definitions should, as a minimum, be added to the '''Index''' category with the code: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Index]]</nowiki>'''. Other pages can be added to the Index using the same code, even if they are also members of another category (i.e. you can have more than one Category statement at the end of an article). Not every article needs to be in the Index - only those that are commonly used terms.
* Try to avoid orphaned pages - pages you create should be linked to either another page (as might be the case for a definition) or a main portal (for a more substantial article).

==The Index==
The [[:Category:Index]] exists to list major terms and topics. You can add a page to the Index with the code: '''<nowiki>[[Category:Index]]</nowiki>'''. However, not ''every'' page needs to be added to the index. Only major terms and topics should be listed. For example, it would be inappropriate to list every example, vendor or possible item, but it might be appropriate to list a top level page such as ''Venrods''.

==BYOAC Portals==
Wiki pages are organized into projects that each have a main portal and a main category assigned. Where possible, the larger projects correspond to main entry portals on the main page. To join a project as an editor or author, simply add your name to the editor column for the major projects listed below. We recommend that you contact the other editors for your project to coordinate before jumping in with major changes. Please be sure to link new pages to the appropriate portal page and category for the portal you are editing.

{| border=1 width="100%"
! Project Portal !! Categories !! Description !! Editors, Authors
|-
| [[Basics]] || [[:Category:Basics]] || Arcade Cabinet Basics || None
|-
| [[Building]] || [[:Category:Building]] || Design and Building || None
|-
| [[Controls]] || [[:Category:Controls]] || Control Panels, Controls and Interfaces || None
|-
| [[Finishing]] || [[:Category:Finishing]] || Finishing, Artwork and Misc || None
|-
| [[Vendors]] || [[:Category:Vendors]] || Listing of Vendors and Suppliers || None
|-
| [[Software]] || [[:Category:Software]] || Software, Emulators, Front Ends & Games|| None
|-
| [[Examples]] || [[:Category:Examples]] || Arcade Cabinet Examples || None
|-
| [[Video]] || [[:Category:Video]] || Video Monitors and Interfaces || None
|-
| [[Main Page]] || [[:Category:Portals]] || Main Page and Main Portals || [[User:MortalPawn|Doc-]]
|}

==To Do List==
The BYOAC Wiki is a work in progress. Unfortunately many of the pages are still incomplete pages or stubs. Below are some of the largest items that need to be either completed or reworked.

* [Insert your "To Do" items here]

==Special Pages For Editors==
* [[Special:Categories]] - A list of all categories
* [[Special:Deadendpages]] - Pages that dead end (no '''See Also'' or ''External Links'')
* [[Special:Uncategorizedpages]] - Pages not assigned to a category
* [[Special:Wantedpages]] - Pages that are just stubs and have no content whatsoever
* [[Special:Lonelypages]] - Orphaned Pages
* [[:Category:Work_in_progress|Work In Progress]] - Pages who need cleanups

==External Links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Quick_guide Wikipedia quick guide]
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Editing Wikpedia extended editing guide]
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style Wikipedia Style Manual]

[[Category:Help]]

Coin Doors

2007-08-02T03:47:01Z

ARTIFACT: /* Coin Counters */

{{Cleanup}}
A '''coin door''' can be added to your arcade cabinet purely as a decoration, or for functionality.

It is posslble to wire up a coin door with switches and interface them to a keyboard encoder. The encoder sends a signal that corresponds to the "credit" command. This allows a coin to act as it would in a real machine. Most coin doors have the same type of switch as a normal arcade button which makes it simple to wire it up to your encoder.

You can also wire up the lights on your coin door by taking 5V or 12V power from your PC and running it to the light bulbs on the door. Additionally, many people modify coin doors to use LEDs instead of incandescent bulbs. The reason for this is the available colors and longevity. LEDs will last a hundred times longer than incandescent bulbs. Many people utilize 5V or 12V LEDs with resistors and connect the LEDs bulbs to the PC Molex Connector. Ensure the voltage on the positive side of the Molex connector matches the voltage of your LED or incandescent bulb.

==Coin Counters==
Coin Counters can be easily wired between a single coin acceptor. Simply wire Ground on your [[Pushbuttons#Microswitch_Pushbuttons | microswitch]] to the 5V line on your counter. Then wire the Ground on your Counter to your [[Encoders | encoder]] ground.

Alternatively to wire up '''all''' your coin acceptors/buttons you'll need to put diodes between your [[Encoders | encoder]] and each [[Pushbuttons#Microswitch_Pushbuttons | microswitch]].

==See Also==
* [[Basics]]
* [[Finishing]]

[[Category:Basics]]
[[Category:Index]]
[[Category:Finishing]]

==References==

* [[http://www.retroblast.com/articles/coindoor.html]]

Technical design software

2007-07-13T00:01:43Z

ARTIFACT: /* Commonly used software */