Vewlix Tournament Edition – Solving Problems in Design

Site visitor, hobbyhero, posed the question, “How will you be dealing with the start button issue?” That has inspired me to write this post about how I solved problems during the design phase. A post will follow after construction has completed that will detail how I solved problems during the build phase. For now, let’s take a look at the following problems, and my solutions.

Problem 1: The metal base frame

I am not a metal fabricator, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to track down something to use as my metal base frame, so I decided to just extend the MDF down 1-9/16″ (40mm) so that the cabinet will be sitting on an MDF base. I also extended the white outside frame forward at the bottom to keep a similar design aesthetic.

Problem 2: The control panel

Most of the design work went into the control panel. Because I was using Mad Catz Tournament Edition Fight Sticks instead of a Vewlix control panel, I needed to design something that would provide the exact same placement of the sticks and buttons, provide an area for the Vewlix move list compartment, and keep the design aesthetic of the actual Vewlix control panel. The other main problem, as hobbyhero points out, is that the start and select buttons (or start and back buttons for Xbox 360) are on the back of the controller.

Placement:

Using the original Vewlix model I created based on information I cobbled together from all over the Internet, I determined the distance the sticks should be mounted from each other and from the TV. Then I began to build a frame for the sticks to sit on and provide a raised area for the move list compartment.

Sitting at these controls should be eerily close to sitting at an actual Vewlix cabinet.

Design:

Unfortunately, because of the solution for the start and select buttons, the move list compartment had to be moved back from it’s authentic position. I decided it was the best compromise since it’s not that important to the overall “feel” of the machine.

I also added what I am calling “caps” to the sides of the control panel. They will be painted white to match the Mad Catz sticks and have similar geometric design. This should help keep the ‘look’ of the original Vewlix.

Buttons on the back:

Since the Mad Catz sticks have the start and select buttons on the back, I needed to create (2) 3″ x 1-1/2″ cubby holes in the control panel frame. These allow your fingers to reach the buttons with ease.

I wanted the sticks to be easiliy removable so that I could use them in other locations, or take them to a friend’s house.

If you were going to make these a permanent part of your control panel, you could remove the buttons from the back and run wiring to allow them to sit on the top of your control panel. But if you’re going to go that far, you might as well remove the case from the sticks and just mount the top panel and PCB on a full MDF control panel.

Problem 3: Using a consumer grade LCD TV

The LCD in the actual Vewlix cabinet is little more than the LCD panel itself and some electronic components. Because I want to be able to easily remove (and reuse) the LCD TV, I had to design the cabinet to accommodate the larger plastic casing and use of a wall mount.

I added more mass to the side frame which will add more strength to support the TV. A piece of wood will connect the extra mass along the back and provide the support for the wall mount.

Mini-Problem: Lack of Woodworking Skills and Tools

Because I have very little experience with woodworking, and only a few tools, I decided not to get fancy with the beveled edges of the frame. On an actual Vewlix cabinet, there are some crazy angles along the whole outer white frame. You will notice in my design drawing that I opted to leave them as flat 90º angles.

To solve this problem, and add some visual interest, I will be using a router and a chamfer bit to add a 1/2″ 45º angle along the white frame, to simulate the odd angles.

If you have any more questions about the original design problem solving, comment below, and I will answer as best I can.