It occurred to me this morning that I’ve never mentioned the re-built arcade machine that was finally completed a few weeks ago.

I owe a lot of thanks to Darren for getting both the cabinet and cutting the initial control panel template, and also for tracking down some good software and wiring. He originally found two cabinets before the end of 2007 and one was moved to my house at in December. My intention was to get it completed so it could be played over the holidays, but this never happened due to other things getting in the way and so the machine sat there, waiting to be wired up and decorated for about six months.

Then, about six weeks ago, I finally made an effort to complete it, not only wiring it all together and loading on the software, but also covering the front and fitting some new locks so it can be moved safely.

I am, therefore, now the proud owner of a fully working machine that runs various emulators, can be turned on and off by just flicking the power switch, with one or two player options. I am so pleased, not only with the machine itself, but for the fact that I can play Space Invaders, Pac Man and more importantly Gauntlet.

How I lived without such a marvel of modern technology I have no idea.