Hi! Around this website, I frequently use the phrases custom built and custom finished to describe the custom multicade video game machines that I offer for sale.
On a few of this site's pages, I then provide lists of the several custom options that are available for a multicade.
And, on a few other pages, I also describe the other preparatory work that is done to a cabinet before it is ready for sale as a multicade, or as a dedicated arcade game.
Having all that information spread over so many pages has become awkward to navigate, for both of us. So, with this page, I have pulled all the multicade work and options into one place. Much of which, also applies to the dedicated games that I sell.
Hopefully, this page will help you to understand and to appreciate the 100's of details that must be attended to in order to produce a great looking, perfectly performing custom multicade or dedicated arcade game.
If you are ready to place an order, or still have questions, send me an email: [email protected]
Overview of all work and options to produce a custom multicade:
As you read this, keep in mind that I will also be dealing with as many as 15 different suppliers - local, national, and international - for all the materials, parts, and services required to build a custom multicade and ship it to you.
1. First stage, the cabinet.
Basically, the game cabinet is gutted. In the interior, it is thoroughly cleaned with high pressure air; and if required, a fresh coat of paint is applied. On the exterior, the cabinet is sanded and any bruises are filled.
Next, the cabinet exterior is painted, based upon your choice of color(s). We use only the highest quality gloss exterior grade paint sold by Home Depot.
Metal parts are cleaned, stripped, and repainted (usually black).
The cabinet's metal leg levelers are cleaned and lubricated, or replaced if rusted or damaged. The levelers are suitable for concrete and most types of flooring. But, for wood floors, you should use furniture pads beneath the metal levelers. Or, we can install rubber wheels instead of casters.
The coin door is cleaned, repainted (usually black), and locks are installed. When the cabinet is intended for home use, the game is set for freeplay; and thus, the coin door, while attractive, is not required for game operation.
Last in cabinet preparation, new T-molding, of your choice, is installed.
Standard Price-Included Options:
- Choice of generic style cabinet,
- Choice of cabinet front and sides paint color(s),
- Choice of coin door keyed or thumb lock, and
- Choice of T-molding style and color.
Extra Price-Added Options:
- Choice of dedicated style cabinet,
- Lexan kick plate - $35, and
- Rubber wheels - $55.
2. Second stage, the control panel.
Believe it or not, preparing a control panel can often take as long as the rest of the game. Visit this page to learn about a common aspect of control panel preparation - plugging holes.
Visit this page to learn about all the extras that go into creating a great looking, long lasting control panel.
Ultimately, a control panel is only as good as the controls. So, visit this page to read about our exclusive joysticks. They are smooth operating joysticks that are preset or you can easily adjust for 2-, 4-, or 8-way play.
Some multicade systems offer a video pinball game. You can play the game with the two control panel buttons. But, for the most realistic play, we can install buttons on the cabinet sides. Then, you can play pinball just as if playing a real pinball machine.
If your machine will be located where the control panel surface will receive a lot of wear and tear, you will really like our Lexan protective covering option.
Standard Price-Included Options:
- Choice of color and finish of control panel (usually black),
- Choice of color of control panel overlay - black, red, green, blue, or diamond plate,
- Choice of color of buttons,
- Choice of color of joystick ball top - red, pink, or green, and
- Joystick is preset or adjustable for 2-, 4-, or 8-way play.
Extra Price-Added Options:
- Control panel overlay with graphics,
- Additional controls, such as a trackball,
- Lexan protective control panel cover, and
- Cabinet side mounted buttons for realistic play of video pinball games - $65.
3. Third stage, the electronics.
This is the stage when the new guts of the game go back inside of the cabinet. All of these parts are new - printed circuit board, JAMMA wiring harness, arcade switching power supply, and control panel switches.
The JAMMA wiring harness is pictured to help illustrate the slow, tedious nature of this stage of the work process - the wiring has to be sorted, various terminals have to be added or changed, and then connections made and tested.
Next, the power components - A/C power cord, A/C line filter, A/C line fuse, and monitor isolation transformer - are inspected and replaced as required.
Finally, when everything is wired up, the game is powered up; and, the game's play settings, sound adjustments, and any other adjustments are made.
4. Fourth stage, the monitor.
At this point, the performance of the CRT monitor is viewed and thoroughly inspected. If the monitor is found to be suitable, it is overhauled and used. If not, it is replaced with a suitable, overhauled CRT monitor.
Extra Price-Added Option:
5. Fifth stage, the finishing touches.
Finishing touches include application of any cabinet artwork, installation of the header marquee and monitor bezel, and attending to any other special features.
If there are any original plastic pieces, such as the marquee or bezel, they are cleaned and polished.
If there are any original painted glass pieces, such as the marquee or bezel, they are cleaned and the paint is relaxed, preserved, and protected. Paint on glass tends to bubble, crack, and chip. I have developed some secret techniques to help preserve the old brittle paint.
If the marquee is of translite material, then a new piece of clear plexiglass is hand cut to overlay and protect the translite marquee. This is the case with the marquee in the photo.
Unless there is a reason to retain the original bezel, such as for original game graphics; then, it is replaced with a new hand cut piece of smoke colored plexiglass. This is the case with the bezel in the photo.
This is also when a lot of time is spent just looking at the game, and playing it, to make sure that no detail or final adjustment was overlooked. With 30 years in the arcade video game business, I know all the details, all the adjustments, and every potential trouble spot in every game. This is the stage when I make doubly sure that everything possible has been done to assure that the game looks great and will perform perfectly.
When all the work is done, your custom multicade will look as sparkling new as the one in the photo above.
Standard Price-Included Option:
- Choice of marquee style.
Extra Price-Added Options:
- Cabinet art for the front and/or sides,
- Custom marquee,
- Monitor bezel art, and
- Arcade classics multicade full art set, $395.
6. Sixth stage, testing the game.
I use some extreme measures to help assure that your game will operate trouble free for many years. Visit this page to read about my Stress Testing.
7. Seventh and last stage, packing and shipping.
If we do not pack your game carefully, all the above hard work can be damaged before you even receive your new game. Visit this page to read about our high quality packing techniques.
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