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OK, im gonna build a cabinet.... here's how
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Hituro:
I want to add in my 2 cents :D

I recently built a cab, well... I'm actually STILL working on it, just designing artwork and need to hook up my marquee still.  I too went with the design of the Ultimate Arcade II from MameRoom.com.  All I will say is this, making my cab on my own... even though a lot of time and quite a bit of money went into it, it was totally worth it.  The experience alone is just awesome.  And it taught me a lot too!  Especially with wiring, wood working, and all that sort of stuff :)  I know it sounds cheesy, but the first time I was able to wire the control panel, the coin machine, and the lights on the coin machine, when it all lit up and worked, I felt like a little kid in the arcade all over again!

As far as the 4 panel control, I have one myself.  A lot of the people are right though, unless you have people over to play, you probably won't need 4 players.  However, 4 player is just awesome.  And if you're like me and loved all those 4 player games then definitely splurge on it.  This is for your game room man!  Go the extra step for awesomeness :)

Also, I know you mentioned using an LCD, but I recommend going with an Arcade monitor if you can.  I have a Wells Gardner D9800.  I live in Illinois so I'm lucky I live by both Wells Gardner, and Suzo Happ.  Because of this I paid no shipping costs for some things :))  But an arcade monitor really gives you those old school resolutions.  But I mean, if you're planning to play newer games on it too then probably not the best choice.  I only went with arcade because I wanted to play all the classics.

There's a lot you are going to consider, and a lot of altering as you go along.  If you have any questions about more MAME cab stuff feel free to ask me or any of us here.  I've asked many a question here and a lot of these guys are a huge help :)  I don't think I've ever gotten bad help off this forum :P  Everyone is great!  So welcome :)
MaximRecoil:

--- Quote from: dmarcum99 on April 20, 2010, 10:52:14 am ---27" CRT w/VGA inputs (craigslist)             $60
--- End quote ---

Make and model?

A large CRT with VGA inputs is not at all a mainstream item, so finding another one for $60 (or finding another one in your area at all) can't be counted on.
solidteezme:
I think its down to space as much as anything, if i would of had room I think I would of had a 4 player panel.

but saying that i think i clocked most time on simpsons or x-men when i was a kid. but i can't remember either being the 4 player version.
dmarcum99:
To MaximRecoil,

I actually got a beauty.  I got a Tandberg SME-27FDL5(TB) in Columbus, OH.  I had to drive 100 miles to get it, but it is so worth it.  If there was any complaint to this set....it's that the picture perhaps is too sharp.   :dizzy:

The guy I bought it from also had a 32" Zenith with VGA inputs to sell.  It's too large for my cab, but I bet he still has it because unless someone knew it had a VGA input, not many people are running out to buy Zenths anymore.  It would be awesome in a showcase cab.  If anyone in the region is interested in the Zenith, I can contact the seller to see if it's still available.

The guy was selling off bits of his videoconferencing stuff.  

I've seen other tvs with VGA being sold on craigslist in my area (Cincinnati)...they are all Zeniths.  But, I was always to late.  They don't appear often, but 3-4 times a year one comes up.
EVEGames:
themarkjohn,
Let me throw another, somewhat unconventional, option at you  ;D.  I like to play (emulated) console games on my cabinet using the original console controllers rather than the main control panel.  This is easily accomplished using a combination of controller-to-USB adapters and a great little program called Joy2Key, which converts joystick input to keyboard codes (kinda like a software version of an IPac or KeyWiz).  In and of itself, this is not an uncommon practice. 
But it dawned on me that, since Joy2Key can multiple controller mappings, and can switch them on-the-fly via batch commands, I can have two sets of mappings - one where the controllers function as standard Player 1 and 2 controllers, and an alternate set where the controllers are mapped to MAME's default Player 3 and 4 keycodes.  Then I created a menu item in my front-end (3DArcade is my front-end of choice - people will tend to steer you away from it because it's hard to set up but it's SO worth it once you get it purring) to switch from Player 1/2 mapping to Player 3/4 mapping.  Now I can have 2 players on the control panel, and one on each side using N64 controllers for Player 3 and 4.  Works like a charm - 4 player action on a 2-player cabinet.
-EVE Games
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