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Unicron
Wanted to give people an idea of what it would take to 'consolize" a Vewlix. Consolization might not be the right term for what I did to the Vewlix, but hopefully it gets the point across. What it means in this case is that I took out all the stock Taito hardware (monitor, speakers, wiring, lighting, etc.) and replaced it with off-the-shelf or non-proprietary stuff.
Why do this? Two reasons. The Taito proprietary stuff is hard to find and expensive to replace. As time goes on those two factors will increase. The second reason is that I do not intend to use arcade hardware, so using off-the-shelf parts will allow me to play what I want with the same, if not better, functionality than the stock Taito internals. Furthermore, if anything goes bad or needs to be replaced, it will be easier and cheaper to do so. I can't use coins, but I'm at home, so everything is set to "Free Play" anyway.
Consolization Main Breakdown:
- Vewlix F Restoration
This thread shows the steps taken to restore the Vewlix cosmetically. This is a Vewlix F, but the process would be pretty much the same for any other Vewlix model. People gave me shit for using MAGIC ERASERS and they have valid points. If you do not want to use magic erasers, sponges or paper towels are fine too.
- Vewlix Monitor Replacement
This thread is about @Hadouken Arcades Vewlix monitor bracket. It shows how one would go about replacing the stock Vewlix monitor with an off-the-shelf monitor.
- Vewlix Speaker Replacement
This thread shows how one would replace the stock Vewlix speakers with off-the-shelf speakers. @jassin000s tutorial to modifying the speaker boxes is linked within the thread.
- Vewlix Marquee/Control Panel Lighting and Fan Replacement
This thread shows how one would replace the stock Vewlix marquee and control panel lighting and the main Vewlix fan. Lighting only came installed on the F and C models, but could also be installed on the L and L-AMI. A fan was installed on all models.
- Vewlix Two Player Control Panel Replacement
This thread is about @Rbtamaninis replacement Vewlix control panels. You could also use the official Taito ones as well. Reason I used this one is because the official Taito overlays have gone down in quality.
- Vewlix Marquee Replacement
This thread is about @ckongs replacement Vewlix marquees. These are excellent quality and have been confirmed to have more uniform lighting than the official Taito ones.
Miscellaneous:
The end result is that everything is running off of a regular power strip and a powered USB hub. For controls, I used two Brook UFBs because they have low input lag, but pretty much any PCB could be used. For locks, I used off-the-shelf 5/8" tubular keyed alike locks. You could use official Vewlix locks as well. I also used some right angle adapters for the HDMI and USB ports. I bought some replacement stickers off of ebay, but if you don't remove your stickers, then that is not necessary. Got a couple Taito stools, a reproduction Taito ashtray, and printed out some artwork for the instruction strip and marquee. I use a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse to navigate the Windows interface. I can also use Bluetooth headphones if I want to.
I also modified the bottom panel to accommodate the power strip cord:
I used a dremel to do this, but you could do a more even job with a drill and a hole cutting attachment.
That is pretty much it!
Cost Breakdown:
The following list should have pretty much everything, but I might have missed one or two small things. It does NOT account for tools and cleaning supplies purchased to perform the restoration and consolization. All prices include shipping. I also made around $300-400 selling some the Vewlix internals I removed, so that offset the cost somewhat. Cost will of course vary depending on what is being done, where it being purchased, etc.
****************************************************************************
Vewlix F $2150
Monitor Bracket $278.69
Monitor $211.44
Speakers $55.74
Amp $50.99
Speaker Wires $7.38
3.5mm to RCA cable $7.43
Marquee LED Light Bar $15.99
Control Panel LED Light Bar $19.99
USB Extension Cable $6.35
USB Fan $19.95
Power Strip $21.95
Powered USB Hub $29.99
Controller PCBs, Joysticks, Buttons, Wires & Cables $352.99
Marquee Holder $105.25
Stickers $111.88
Lock Set $44.75
Two Player Control Panel $205
Stools $285
Monitor Glass $90.31
Paint Job $300
PC $419.59
Bluetooth Mouse $23.99
Bluetooth keyboard $87.94
****************************************************************************
Conclusion:
Definitely think carefully before deciding if this is something you want to do. Of course, you can use some of this info to pick and choose what you want to do as well. Definitely check out the Taito Vewlix (VLX) Appreciation/Owners Thread. Feel free to ask any questions and best of luck on your excellent Vewlix journey!
Why do this? Two reasons. The Taito proprietary stuff is hard to find and expensive to replace. As time goes on those two factors will increase. The second reason is that I do not intend to use arcade hardware, so using off-the-shelf parts will allow me to play what I want with the same, if not better, functionality than the stock Taito internals. Furthermore, if anything goes bad or needs to be replaced, it will be easier and cheaper to do so. I can't use coins, but I'm at home, so everything is set to "Free Play" anyway.
Consolization Main Breakdown:
- Vewlix F Restoration
This thread shows the steps taken to restore the Vewlix cosmetically. This is a Vewlix F, but the process would be pretty much the same for any other Vewlix model. People gave me shit for using MAGIC ERASERS and they have valid points. If you do not want to use magic erasers, sponges or paper towels are fine too.
- Vewlix Monitor Replacement
This thread is about @Hadouken Arcades Vewlix monitor bracket. It shows how one would go about replacing the stock Vewlix monitor with an off-the-shelf monitor.
- Vewlix Speaker Replacement
This thread shows how one would replace the stock Vewlix speakers with off-the-shelf speakers. @jassin000s tutorial to modifying the speaker boxes is linked within the thread.
- Vewlix Marquee/Control Panel Lighting and Fan Replacement
This thread shows how one would replace the stock Vewlix marquee and control panel lighting and the main Vewlix fan. Lighting only came installed on the F and C models, but could also be installed on the L and L-AMI. A fan was installed on all models.
- Vewlix Two Player Control Panel Replacement
This thread is about @Rbtamaninis replacement Vewlix control panels. You could also use the official Taito ones as well. Reason I used this one is because the official Taito overlays have gone down in quality.
- Vewlix Marquee Replacement
This thread is about @ckongs replacement Vewlix marquees. These are excellent quality and have been confirmed to have more uniform lighting than the official Taito ones.
Miscellaneous:
The end result is that everything is running off of a regular power strip and a powered USB hub. For controls, I used two Brook UFBs because they have low input lag, but pretty much any PCB could be used. For locks, I used off-the-shelf 5/8" tubular keyed alike locks. You could use official Vewlix locks as well. I also used some right angle adapters for the HDMI and USB ports. I bought some replacement stickers off of ebay, but if you don't remove your stickers, then that is not necessary. Got a couple Taito stools, a reproduction Taito ashtray, and printed out some artwork for the instruction strip and marquee. I use a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse to navigate the Windows interface. I can also use Bluetooth headphones if I want to.
I also modified the bottom panel to accommodate the power strip cord:
I used a dremel to do this, but you could do a more even job with a drill and a hole cutting attachment.
That is pretty much it!
Cost Breakdown:
The following list should have pretty much everything, but I might have missed one or two small things. It does NOT account for tools and cleaning supplies purchased to perform the restoration and consolization. All prices include shipping. I also made around $300-400 selling some the Vewlix internals I removed, so that offset the cost somewhat. Cost will of course vary depending on what is being done, where it being purchased, etc.
****************************************************************************
Vewlix F $2150
Monitor Bracket $278.69
Monitor $211.44
Speakers $55.74
Amp $50.99
Speaker Wires $7.38
3.5mm to RCA cable $7.43
Marquee LED Light Bar $15.99
Control Panel LED Light Bar $19.99
USB Extension Cable $6.35
USB Fan $19.95
Power Strip $21.95
Powered USB Hub $29.99
Controller PCBs, Joysticks, Buttons, Wires & Cables $352.99
Marquee Holder $105.25
Stickers $111.88
Lock Set $44.75
Two Player Control Panel $205
Stools $285
Monitor Glass $90.31
Paint Job $300
PC $419.59
Bluetooth Mouse $23.99
Bluetooth keyboard $87.94
****************************************************************************
Conclusion:
Definitely think carefully before deciding if this is something you want to do. Of course, you can use some of this info to pick and choose what you want to do as well. Definitely check out the Taito Vewlix (VLX) Appreciation/Owners Thread. Feel free to ask any questions and best of luck on your excellent Vewlix journey!
