Kickstarter: Custom SuperGun Enclosure

Jasen

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Hi all, I wrestled with where I should post this... so please don't come running with pitchforks if this should be elsewhere.

Anyways, I started my first Kickstarter Campaign! I designed a custom SuperGun enclosure and had it manufactured! After a few discussions about it with various folks on other forums and the fact it was so well received I decided to get a lot of made and sell them! Kickstarter is helping me out... hopefully, you see some merit in the project and want to help.

Take a look here: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1019323946/supergun-a-home-arcade-system-without-the-cabinet

I know that most of us prefer to have cabinets around, but if you like building the guts of the cabinet, you will love building a SuperGun. If you can help, I would love it!

Thanks for looking!

Jasen
 
I recommend specifics like what types outputs is the case punched out for?
What JROK board version is the mounts specifc for or are there standoffs for most versions?

Mounts for what kind of PS? Power cables, line filters?
Have you thought of plug in conectors for control panels etc? I see what looks like a DB25 but you should mention it. Others may want extras for 3rd and 4th player. You mentioned X-men so have you thought about that?

I actually always wanted to build a special Supergun enclosure that was more like a LP player and had a cover panel for a PCB tray. I was thinking about including space for everything up to like Naomi, CPS 3 and CPS2 systems...

The biggest problem with a Super gun is the fact that your PCB can be just sitting there waiting for something to damage it. If the SG was actually a protective enclosure ... then we're talking about something.

I really wish SGrepository never went down years ago... Ultimately I think that anyone that is into collecting JAMMA boards isn't very far off from getting a generic Hammond enclosure and creating their own supergun. If you could source the monitors I also suggest you having it punched so that you could mount a LCD inside like my testrig. If I put an encoder inside, I could have wired it up as a supergun but I really don't need a SG these days.

IMG_0131.JPG


thread
http://forums.arcade-museum.com/showthread.php?t=188757

in video
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Great suggestions on adding some details to the description. I did add a few FAQs to address your comments.

The great thing about this community is everyone has a lot of good ideas on how to accomplish the same thing. The goal of my project was to have it simple and as universal as possible. I would love to build the enclosure large enough to keep a PCB inside safely, but PCBs are a lot of different sizes, generate different amounts of heat, etc. and the size of the enclosure is directly correlated to cost.

As for the Hammond Case, I agree. It's definitely a way to do it. I have a joystick made from one of their cases. The problem though is making everything look perfect. Having a CNC machine cut everything makes my SuperGun enclosure clean and plug and play. A lot of folks don't have the tools or patience to make each cut and then sand/paint things. I'm removing that part of the build.
 
The funny thing is that no one really cares about the main unit enclosures but the joystick enclosures. Having some nice Joystick enclosures would do wonders for a build. Ultimately they could get a pair of old PS2 joystick enclosures and build Sanwa type sticks but most guys around here probably want happ type stick enclosures.
 
I used a MadKatz Brawlstick that I gutted. 19.99 on sale right now. Price was right and it was a $3.00 upgrade.
 
I hope everyone had a great Holiday! There are 11 days left in this Kickstarter Campaign. If you have ever wanted a SuperGun and didn't want to do the hardest part, then this Project I am heading up is for you! Every little bit counts. Thanks for your interest! Also, based on a lot of input from folks' emails and discussions I added a couple of updates to the project for everyone's enjoyment. Check it out!

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1019323946/supergun-a-home-arcade-system-without-the-cabinet

Jasen
 
I applaud you for creating the campaign and enclosure, I'll just inject my two cents worth since I'd like to see you succeed.

Your target customer is a JAMMA board collector but the nitch is a bit too specific; someone that understands the product enough to buy it yet can't handle the enclosure on their own for one reason or another. That makes sense but probably ignores the larger audience which is JAMMA board collectors that only want a finished plug and play device without sourcing the components.

You did a fair job of explaining that and offered different commitment levels, but I think it could have been much more clearly defined. In the video you show the box but it's difficult to see the details and you rushed over the component openings and their function. Will my wires reach? how does it all fit? what if I mess up?

Those are the questions your biggest audience has and they weren't fully explored in the video or Kickstarter page. I'm sure you designed it well and thought through all that, but it's hard (especially for us technical types) to view it from the other side sometimes.
 
The wait is finally over! I finalized the SuperGun Enclosure V1 and it is ready for prime time! See the Post at theSuperGun.com There are a lot of pictures associated with it. I will be uploading the unboxing video here shortly.

supergun_2.jpg


Specifications

Dimensions: 8" x 5" x 3"
Finish: Black Powder Coat, Smooth Satin Finish
Aluminum Constructed L-Shaped Case
See below for specific Cutouts and Features.

Pricing

Prices are based on the number of orders I receive.

If I can get 30+ pre-orders each case will be $75 + shipping. This includes an unpopulated case and part list.
If I get less than 30, each case will be $100 + shipping. This includes an unpopulated case and part list.
A fully assembled ready to use SuperGun, without Controller, is $350. If you need or want a controller, I can build one to your specifications for a wide range of costs. However, I recommend that a NEO-GEO Arcade Stick be purchased for a reasonably priced alternative to custom work.

Front Connections

DB15 Controller Ports on the front to support Custom Joysticks or NEO-GEO Joysticks.
LED Mount on the front to show "Power On"
Momentary Push Buttons to support "Coin" simulation. Handy for boards that don't have a Free Play mode or if you just want to track how often you need continues!

Rear Connections

Power Connection. 4 Pins to support +5V, -5V, +12V, and Ground.
DB9 Connection for a universal Kick Harness Build Approach.
2 Momentary Push Buttons for Service/Test Swtiches
Clip in Plastic Grommet for the JAMMA harness to safely enter the enclosure
RGB-S RCA Jacks for those lucky to have RGB monitors or TVs that support RGB directly
Component Video Jacks - Good for HDTVs
S-Video Jack - Good for Older TVs without Component
Composite Video Jack - Good for TVs without other options.

Internal Connections

Stand Offs properly spaced for a JROK Video Encoder to be properly mounted with standard PC screws.

Each order for a case is just that. A case. It provides the foundation for your SuperGun. You provide all of the parts, each order is accompanied by the part list that fits this case, and build it! For $350 I will build your entire SuperGun and ship it to you working. Grab a NEO-GEO controller and start playing! I typically don't build Joysticks for these because everyone likes them a little differently and there are a lot of options available. The easiest is picking up a used NEO-GEO Stick and ensuring the ports on the SuperGun are wired properly. Each SuperGun I build will be built to support a NEO-GEO pinout.

Ready to Pre-Order?

Use the Contact Page at theSuperGun.com or PM me so I can get your information and a partial payment. I am taking deposits, $50, for each case people want. This will ensure only those serious participate and the group buy is able to move forward. Once the cases arrive and are inspected, I will calculate shipping costs and final costs and inform everyone. Assume each case will be $100 and that we won't meet our goal of at least 30 units. This way nobody is disappointed if they have to pay the higher amount. I will take Pre-Orders for 2 weeks. If I receive 30+ orders before then I will start the manufacturing process to start getting these out to folks.
 
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