The Secret Life of Arcade Machines, i-Zombie

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 23. 04. 2024
  • This year I’m trying something a bit different. When I was younger, I struggled to make things properly, but never had problems coming up with ideas of what to make. But from the emails I get, I realise that many technically skilled people completely understand the components but don’t have ideas of what to make. So these videos are about my process of making specific arcade machines. I hope these videos encourage people to start making things even if they have no confidence in their initial ideas - certainly my ideas improve and change a lot while actually making anything. I also hope they help stop people getting discouraged if something doesn’t work. It happens to me all the time but I've gradually come to enjoy it as an interesting challenge and an inherent part of the process. I only learn something new when things don't work as I was expecting.
    i-Zombie is currently at Novelty Automation in London. I'll update this description if it moves to Novelty Automation.
  • Zábava

Komentáře • 195

  • @elcheapo5302
    @elcheapo5302 Před 10 dny +146

    As a fan of Tim's since I was a child in the 1990s, I can't express how wonderful it is to see new videos from him. Thank you, Tim!

    • @TsiolkovskySportingLocks
      @TsiolkovskySportingLocks Před 10 dny +4

      totally agree

    • @joejoejoejoejoejoe4391
      @joejoejoejoejoejoe4391 Před 10 dny +6

      Science and engineering are so remote in text books; seeing someone stabbing an oil filter of a running engine, or making a fax machine from two lathes is much better,

    • @petrichor649
      @petrichor649 Před 9 dny +2

      And still the same soundtrack. Yeaaaa

    • @TonyFleetwood
      @TonyFleetwood Před 9 dny +1

      Ditto! Was watching on PBS back in the early nineties, i am a millwright now 😉

    • @_suptype_8255
      @_suptype_8255 Před 9 dny

      Yes. Totally agree too. Amazing.

  • @actioncom2748
    @actioncom2748 Před 10 dny +70

    For keeping the art of electromechanical arcade games alive, I salute you, Sir!

    • @Woffy.
      @Woffy. Před 9 dny

      Tim good to see you are still twiddling with things. Us Boomers need your tangental thinking to keep us sane YT ' Steamhead ' is working on an arcade machine with balls ?.

  • @SockFluff
    @SockFluff Před 9 dny +27

    I fondly remember watching secret life of machines when I was growing up. I recorded almost every episode on VHS tapes, and would watch them over and over again. The episode about televisions was cut short when the tape ran out and I always wondered what I missed. I was thrilled to see the full episode on YT and it made my day. Thanks for all you do Tim!

  • @ullibowyer
    @ullibowyer Před 10 dny +22

    The irony is that this video has created another iZombie as I'm watching this on my phone on my way to work!
    Also Tim you are an inspiration. Thank you for the videos.

  • @godlugner5327
    @godlugner5327 Před 9 dny +9

    The Three-Hour-Free club definitely need their picture taken and left up somewhere as a wall of honor

  • @Reprint001
    @Reprint001 Před 10 dny +23

    One of the very few channels where I watch every video all the way through. Thank you! 👍🏻

  • @Richardincancale
    @Richardincancale Před 10 dny +14

    Fabulous use of the 19th century theatrical trick called “Pepper’s Ghost” !

  • @markpirateuk
    @markpirateuk Před 10 dny +12

    Brilliant engineering, I have been watching Tim's skills for decades, great to see him still making such clever machines!

  • @rosseastman2134
    @rosseastman2134 Před 10 dny +10

    SO glad you're posting a bit more at the moment Tim - your content is always a pleasure, especially as I don't make it to your neck of the woods too often :_

  • @mumiemonstret
    @mumiemonstret Před 8 dny +2

    Novelty Automation was one of my three must-sees last summer when I visited London for the first time in my life, and I was not disappointed!
    I don't know anyone who combines satire, ingenuity and art at this level.
    Since I've seen so many of Tim's videos many of the attractions were a bit spoiled for me (such as this one, or the shocking photo booth) but I had a great time anticipating and watching my husband's reactions!
    To me, the lukewarm drool dripping on my hand from the scary robot dog was the biggest and funniest surprise. Nowadays, when not even pinball machines are mechanical, Tim's machines are a truly unique experience!

  • @Ed_Stuckey
    @Ed_Stuckey Před 9 dny +4

    Being an Android user, I suppose I'm an a-Zombie. I watched all the original uploads long ago and was really pleased to see new content being generated. As a subscriber, I'm able to keep up without having to binge-watch as in the past. Thank you, Mr. Hunkin.

    • @TheGreatAtario
      @TheGreatAtario Před 8 dny +1

      A-Zombie S30 5G

    • @cyberyogicowindler2448
      @cyberyogicowindler2448 Před 6 dny +2

      In Germany we call smartphone addicts (or people those crash into obstacles by staring at their phone) "Smobies" (smartphone zombies).

  • @rhysun
    @rhysun Před 9 dny +6

    People who forget their phones in the machine should be awarded a special certificate of non-i-Zombieness.

    • @20chocsaday
      @20chocsaday Před 9 dny +1

      Lots of us could temporarily disable our phones and unless someone who really knows how it would be like a brick.

  • @nobodynoone2500
    @nobodynoone2500 Před 10 dny +6

    Love you Tim. Some great tips. But it is hard to instill creativity into a generation that has no use for it. We needed it to live, for current generations it is a hobby, content. These things we used to do when we were bored don't happen, because the stimulation never stops. We have taken their souls with electronics. Glad someone is trying to give them back.

    • @20chocsaday
      @20chocsaday Před 9 dny

      We often have to do it at work. Not everything has been laid out for us and certainly not all the time.
      Although I am not sure who has to be the most innovative in practical work. The experimenter or the janitor.

  • @jeeptrail08
    @jeeptrail08 Před 10 dny +5

    Mr. Hinkin my child hood hero thank you again for another video. I hope you and your family are well and I hope the late Mr Rex's family are well as well. If you ever come back to the US it would be a dream come true to meet you in person

  • @joejoejoejoejoejoe4391
    @joejoejoejoejoejoe4391 Před 10 dny +5

    9:48 I used to work on old sock knitting machines, and they were "programmed" by a drum of cams (the cams held on the drum by screws so they could be moved) and the cam drum was driven by a ratchet, but the ratchet was controlled by a chain, it had special links that raised the ratchet paw, so it would take longer for the cam drum to rotate.

  • @gordonwiley2006
    @gordonwiley2006 Před 10 dny +7

    Love a good Pepper's Ghost effect. It works really well here.

    • @StubbyPhillips
      @StubbyPhillips Před 10 dny

      Indeed.
      Too bad most of what passes for "tech media" these days usually calls the effect a "hologram" and most people don't know any better.

  • @mickeyfilmer5551
    @mickeyfilmer5551 Před 10 dny +9

    It's great to see this new series of videos on Tim's though processes and iterations of the machines. I get a lot of ideas from watching them. Thanks Tim.

  • @jeremythered74
    @jeremythered74 Před 10 dny +17

    Awesome to see You again Mr. Hunkin!! I Hope ALL is Well With You And Yours... Sincerely Jeremy in Massachusetts 👍😁👍

  • @JELmusic
    @JELmusic Před 7 dny +1

    Like many others here, I too recorded the shows on VHS-tapes back in the day, and my personal all-time favorite was "Secret life of the vacuum-cleaner" :)
    Great engineering-inspiration for sure. Thank you.

  • @TheHughzt
    @TheHughzt Před 10 dny +2

    Another fascinating, entertaining video showing your ingenuity and engineering skills. One thing you gloss over is your artistic prowess which is key part of the design process.
    The way you sculpt the figures adds to the appeal of your machines and has a distinct 'Hunkin' style.

  • @ceverson99999
    @ceverson99999 Před 7 dny +1

    Welcome back Tim!!! I fell in love with your secret life of machines series while stationed in the UK many years ago and still watch them from time to time on CZcams. Please keep making new ones!

  • @marcse7en
    @marcse7en Před 9 dny +1

    "The Secret Life Of Machines" was an utterly fascinating programme, and as well as educational, it was entertaining. It makes me sad to think of it now, due to Rex Garrod, sadly not being with us any longer.
    You've got to admire Tim, and his amazing inventiveness, and his engineering knowledge. God Bless you Tim, you're a National Treasure. You embody much of what is great about Britain! Long may you continue to educate, entertain, and inspire!

  • @Axel_Andersen
    @Axel_Andersen Před 10 dny +5

    Love the social commentry aspect and the execution of the idea! Thank you Tim!

  • @Mr_Spliffy
    @Mr_Spliffy Před 6 dny +1

    Your grandson's got a very cool grandad. Respect sir

  • @RCAvhstape
    @RCAvhstape Před 4 dny

    As if the electromechanical know-how isn't impressive enough, your sense of humor makes all these machines pure joy to see.

  • @cyberyogicowindler2448

    I thought when the iZombie player collides with those smombies, his phone would get knocked and fall on the ground. An even better ending would be that after taking the phone away, you hear the noise of a grinder like in "Will it Blend?", seeing actual shredded smartphone debris drizzling down behind a transparent window, to make the player think his actual phone had been grinded in a blender.
    Please also build an arcade machine with mechanical projected 3D zoom, in the style of Namco F-1 or Sega Heli-Shooter. The effect is surprisingly good for how simple it is made.

  • @Ralphs-House
    @Ralphs-House Před 7 dny +1

    Soapy water really helps with applying that film Tim. I'm working on a couple of mirror-based arcade machines. I should add, that sharing your thought processes is more important than ever since only us oldies with a hands-on approach to engineering have a clue where to start and even then it is always trial and error. I do a similar thing on my channel in the hope that it will encourage younger people to have a go.

  • @orlandostead8703
    @orlandostead8703 Před 10 dny +4

    Tim, loved your secret lives of machines went and saw your automation in London must go to Southwold

    • @joejoejoejoejoejoe4391
      @joejoejoejoejoejoe4391 Před 10 dny +1

      It should be repeated, with scrapyard challenge, the great egg race and mythbusters.

  • @ClausB252
    @ClausB252 Před 9 dny +1

    Absolutely brilliant! Tim's arcade is on my list of must sees for my next trip to the UK.

  • @Seiskid
    @Seiskid Před 10 dny +2

    This thing is great. From Australia really enjoy these videos. Thanks for showing how it works.

  • @bryan3550
    @bryan3550 Před 10 dny +2

    Just love your stuff, Tim!
    We saw your Secret Lives Of Machines decades ago here DownUnder, and revered them then too! 😉

  • @davidburke8838
    @davidburke8838 Před 10 dny +1

    Thanks you for all of the inspirational and educational material that you have created. My children grew up with re-showings of you and Rex with your splendid explanations of how everyday machines came about and worked. Take care.

  • @battleangel5595
    @battleangel5595 Před 8 dny +1

    Glad to see you've been well. And embracing new technology. You are a role model to everyone. Keep learning. Keep inventing.

  • @maxvideodrome4215
    @maxvideodrome4215 Před 4 dny

    I live in Canada, visited London a couple of months ago for the first time in 10 years. One of the first places I visited was Novelty Automation - a lot of one-of-a-kind machines in a small shop - was very busy! Had a great time.

  • @richl6827
    @richl6827 Před 9 dny

    Please continue this series Tim… it’s wizardry of the first order!

  • @oasntet
    @oasntet Před 9 dny +1

    Loving this series, Tim. Don't know if I'll ever be able to get to the UK, but if I do I'll definitely have to stop by the arcade and see it in person. We've got so much effort going into maintaining 80s videogames and several decades of pinball, but not many people making new electromechanical ones (outside of a few ticket-giving machines to bilk kids out of quarters...)
    I had to make a custom belt length for my 3d printer, to transfer the motion of the Z axis to the other side so both would be lifted. It was even trickier than your axis because the join has to go around the toothed wheel several times as the gantry is raised. It took a very sharp needle and thread, and then reinforcing with cloth tape and superglue... But the X axis on the printer is a similar design to your moving guy - it doesn't need to make it around the wheel, so the belt isn't even joined together. It just slots into the carriage on each end of the belt. Very simple, but it would cut down on how far it can move.

    • @cyberyogicowindler2448
      @cyberyogicowindler2448 Před 6 dny

      In the arcade game he could have simply added a 3rd (e.g. spring loaded) roller to tighten a slightly too long belt to tweak the exact length for the case width. This would also compensate wear or thermal expansion. Car engines often have such mechanisms for their camshaft belt.

  • @ctrlaltrees
    @ctrlaltrees Před 10 dny +4

    I played on this just last month at Novelty Automation in London (along with Tim's other machines!), really excellent stuff 😁

  • @20bluebug
    @20bluebug Před 8 dny

    That's fantastic! The phone snatcher idea is the icing on the top!

  • @clubcyberia8572
    @clubcyberia8572 Před 10 dny +1

    i love the peppers ghost effect!

  • @chinleybrewer
    @chinleybrewer Před 10 dny +1

    Fantastic to see a new series 🎉
    For this machine, I'd be interested to know how you're sensing the position of the handles and also how you're determining, via a plc, whether there's been a collision.

  • @macrumpton
    @macrumpton Před 4 dny

    Your grandson has the coolest grandfather ever.

  • @jhvorlicky
    @jhvorlicky Před 10 dny +1

    I visited your arcade in London, last year. Super!

  • @gaveintothedarkness
    @gaveintothedarkness Před 7 dny

    This series keeps getting better! Cant wait to see the secrets behind all the other cool machines!

  • @echothehusky
    @echothehusky Před 9 dny +1

    Glad to see you are posting videos again!

  • @martinda7446
    @martinda7446 Před 9 dny +1

    Truly a magic man.

  • @idark05x
    @idark05x Před 7 dny +1

    Every bit is impressive. Great welding work.

  • @madcarew5168
    @madcarew5168 Před 3 dny

    Thanks...forgotten what fantastic films these still are!!!

  • @TonyFleetwood
    @TonyFleetwood Před 9 dny

    Hinder, twitbit 😂😂😂
    You are a national treasure!
    Your friend Tony in Southern New England ❤

  • @RobertBoerner
    @RobertBoerner Před 9 dny

    Mr. Hunkin is an international treasure, and he must be protected at all costs :-)

  • @perry8181
    @perry8181 Před 9 dny +1

    Thank you so much Tim for all you have and continue to share with your fans. I doubt anyone would have thought a low budget tv show over 30 years old would still have a following. It shows that when you put your heart into something it doesn't have to cost a fortune to be informative, entertaining, and inspiring.

  • @_RETROFIX_
    @_RETROFIX_ Před 9 dny

    These creations are mechanical marvels! Thank you for building and showing them here! Please keep at it!

  • @sfraser12
    @sfraser12 Před 7 dny

    Really good to see new videos. After binge watching all the videos last year I made the effort to go to the arcade in London (I live in Scotland). Fantastic stuff, thanks.

  • @mbox314
    @mbox314 Před 7 dny

    There seems to be a common theme of Tim giving up on alot of good ideas. I supposed that is a good lesson to be leanred that a person has to accept their limits and the limits of the circumstances and adjust expectations in order to ever get anything complete.

  • @richardtwyning
    @richardtwyning Před 10 dny

    Good to see another video sir! I was a teenager when I first saw the Secret Life of Machines on channel 4.
    You should be minister for education 👍🏻

  • @steubens7
    @steubens7 Před 10 dny +1

    it's really nice to include the ideas that didn't make it, like the moving surround. most people will agree it was a neat idea but hearing the reasons you passed on a neat idea is really useful!

  • @TJH1
    @TJH1 Před 9 dny

    Always a good day with some new "content" from Mr. Hunkin.

  • @Francois_Dupont
    @Francois_Dupont Před 8 dny

    when you showed the "hologram" i was very intriged and surprised of your ingenuity.

  • @Miata822
    @Miata822 Před 10 dny +2

    Clever stuff, especially using the chains as conductors. I imagine it took a lot of fiddling to prevent the mechanism from being seen.

    • @cyberyogicowindler2448
      @cyberyogicowindler2448 Před 6 dny

      I would have placed a solar cell under each figure and an (e.g. infrared) LED underneath (induction coils or even optical fiber would likely also work).

  • @paulmcdonough9595
    @paulmcdonough9595 Před 9 dny

    Wonderful to see your videos back on stream Tim.

  • @torymiddlebrooks
    @torymiddlebrooks Před 7 dny

    Imagine being a teenager and your grandpa roasting you with a whole ass artcade game

  • @fremenondesand3896
    @fremenondesand3896 Před 10 dny

    Last Christmas I spent with my family, my dad was deep in mania, and was off of his meds. My grandmother used to deal with it by saying "yes, amen."
    I dealt with it by zoning in on my phone. I wasn't really interested in what I was scrolling through, it's all tripe anyway, but it was the only way I could cope with him, as confrontation made him furious. At one point he told me to leave and never come back, so I did, but then barred my exit.
    Yesterday I painted some hammerite onto his old car to try and slow a rust spot. Something relaxing in painting. I must do more of it.

  • @SandyCrack69
    @SandyCrack69 Před 7 dny

    Another great machine and video. I think the best bit was the cards t the end of the video on where you can actually play your wonderful machines
    .
    I’m going to be in London in couple of months for Glastonbury so will pop into to play your machines

  • @petea
    @petea Před 7 dny

    That copper ferrule is really clever!

  • @jamestregler1584
    @jamestregler1584 Před 9 dny

    Good to see you Tim , thanks from old New Orleans 😎 !

  • @d23bw
    @d23bw Před 9 dny

    Perfect, making a reality into a cool game. You win Tim.

  • @Jm4steam
    @Jm4steam Před 10 dny

    Enjoy the series. Nice arcade machines. Well explained equipment used/assembled. I always found how you resolved issues very interesting.

  • @aurora7207
    @aurora7207 Před 9 dny

    You're an international treasure. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.

  • @jhbonarius
    @jhbonarius Před 10 dny

    I once made an acrylic PC case using that semi reflecting car window film, with lights on the case: amazed people back then. This was end of the 90s and RGB want a thing yet. Now you can buy these things off the shelve.

  • @jerril42
    @jerril42 Před 10 dny +1

    Thank you Sir, for another wonderful video.

  • @phonotical
    @phonotical Před 9 dny

    The type of reflection effect is known as the peppers ghost effect, can be used to amazing effects when done properly, the effect goes all the way back to the music hall days

  • @tastiger91
    @tastiger91 Před 10 dny +1

    Another fantastic machine.

  • @bigjd2k
    @bigjd2k Před 10 dny +1

    That’s awesome! The method of joining the belt is great too. You should get into 3D printing. I was rather skeptical before, but got a Prusa Mk4 and use PETG filament, and can now make structural parts for test jigs at work, like having a CNC shop on your desk! Onshape CAD is a great way to start, it’s really easy to learn. Thanks for more videos, I must visit the arcade soon!

  • @icusawme2
    @icusawme2 Před 5 dny

    Always glad to see a video from Tim 👏🏻🎉

  • @TheCatherineCC
    @TheCatherineCC Před 10 dny

    Great to see another video from you Tim! Thank you!

  • @firstlast-tw7hc
    @firstlast-tw7hc Před 9 dny

    Always a joy! Thanks Tim!!

  • @John-yf8qh
    @John-yf8qh Před 9 dny

    iZombie is the mot juste for about 90% of people these days!! Anyway, just really glad to see you back as I’ve really missed your cheery offerings of late. Joni Mitchell was quite correct about not knowing what one has until it is no longer present, what? Jolly good! Nice to see you old cork, I hope you’re exceedingly busy, happy and full of the will to win.

  • @peterjensen6233
    @peterjensen6233 Před 10 dny +1

    Always brilliant! Thanks for the lessons.

  • @threesixty8154
    @threesixty8154 Před 6 dny

    Another brilliant video and inside look at one of your machines Tim, very interesting ! Thanks so much! Cheers!

  • @remog38
    @remog38 Před 9 dny

    Another great video thank you so much Tim .

  • @ptonpc
    @ptonpc Před 10 dny

    Another fascinating video. Thank you

  • @npf13
    @npf13 Před 9 dny

    I'm glad your videos are back. Thanks for sharing your ideas!

  • @User0000000000000004
    @User0000000000000004 Před 5 dny

    New Tim Hunkin videos??? Did Christmas come early this year? One of my largest failings in life is not generating enough wealth to go back to the UK as an adult so I can visit his studios. Tim is one of my top 5 favourite humans to have ever lived.

  • @_suptype_8255
    @_suptype_8255 Před 9 dny

    The secret life … the best popular science tv show/ movie ever, the second was “Sonda” in polish tv. I have recorded some of the parts on VHS cassette.

  • @alfredgravy6375
    @alfredgravy6375 Před 10 dny

    Brilliant, thanks Tim

  • @electrohustler3621
    @electrohustler3621 Před 9 dny

    Thank you for the new video!

  • @ericbaier
    @ericbaier Před 9 dny

    Love these videos. Don't stop making things.

  • @MrPleers
    @MrPleers Před 10 dny +1

    Brilliant !

  • @alandrury9955
    @alandrury9955 Před 8 dny

    Very much enjoying this new series, thank you Tim

  • @colinmcwallin870
    @colinmcwallin870 Před 7 dny

    brilliant! Thank you Tim

  • @simoncee9011
    @simoncee9011 Před 8 dny

    Thank you again Tim, I always enjoy your videos.

  • @philtulju
    @philtulju Před 10 dny

    Really glad to see these new videos - the stories behind the development of these unique machines are fascinating and instructive. Thanks Tim!

  • @wyattholm5720
    @wyattholm5720 Před 10 dny

    Good to see you back Tim. Any possibility of making an episode on the history of photography?

  • @fredbloggs5902
    @fredbloggs5902 Před 10 dny

    The use of a half-silvered mirror has its origins in the illusion ‘Pepper’s Ghost’ back in 1862.

  • @jagboy69
    @jagboy69 Před 10 dny +1

    Love your work Tim!

  • @electricsushi
    @electricsushi Před 5 dny

    Oh I'm so excited, I haven't even watched it yet 😊

  • @vthrash7832
    @vthrash7832 Před 10 dny

    XD i love the creativity of your machines Tim!

  • @marrrtin
    @marrrtin Před 10 dny

    Another fine video from Mr Hunkin, the man, the legend.

  • @joshuamilstead8324
    @joshuamilstead8324 Před 10 dny +1

    your work is so great! I make games too but I am more on the software side. I love seeing your solutions to problems. Your work is so inspiring!

  • @normanboyes4983
    @normanboyes4983 Před 8 dny

    Fantastic.

  • @TobyRobb
    @TobyRobb Před 10 dny

    Belts can be joined with a cable tie also, as in 3D printers. The teeth cannot expand and ride over each other and so stay firmly attached.