Simple conversion from real arcade to mame machine with pc?

[Neptune76]

So I was thinking of buying a preexisting arcade machine, with monitor and jamma and converting it to a mame machine with a computer hooked up and a new control panel.

I know there is a video card that can hook directly to an arcade monitor but my old computer probably won't work with it.

What else do I need to do?

[WhereEaglesDare]

you can get alot of ideas and help from reading the forums, in particular the project announcments

[Neptune76]

What parts do I need

[smalltownguy]

I'd say:

1. TIME, and LOTS of it.
2. Ultimarc Arcade VGA card
3. A keyboard interface of some sort; pick your flavor: ipac, keywiz, hacked keyboard (!), whatever. In your case, I'd say J-pac.
3. A PC.
4. Software, which you will have to collect, configure, install, tweak, re-install, reload, troubleshoot, walk away from, try to forget out, fall in love with again, come back to, collect, configure, install, tweak......*rinse and repeat*

[Neptune76]

I'd say:

1. TIME, and LOTS of it.
2. Ultimarc Arcade VGA card
3. A keyboard interface of some sort; pick your flavor: ipac, keywiz, hacked keyboard (!), whatever. In your case, I'd say J-pac.
3. A PC.
4. Software, which you will have to collect, configure, install, tweak, re-install, reload, troubleshoot, walk away from, try to forget out, fall in love with again, come back to, collect, configure, install, tweak......*rinse and repeat*

The ultimarc VGA card is what I was referring to. I remember when I actually used desktops mostly, everytime I'd go to buy a video card the store would be like "oh no one makes video cards for that slot type anymore" etc.. so I'm betting that it won't work in my old desktop. What other options are there?

Or to put it another way, what if I wanted to use a laptop or other such all-in-one pc..

[amendonz]

They make an agp style card, going cheap on ultimarc. Or could upgrade your pc. Doesn't have to be too flash. Just make sure it has pcie

[matsadona]

There is also a possibility to use software to force the standard gfx card to the lower resolutions. Please read through the specific threads regarding that. Look for Soft 15khz in the Monitor/Video section as a starter That could save you some money.

Note that you might also need a video amplifier (if you don't go with a J-Pac), that boosts the VGA output to the level that most arcade monitors demands.

[Turnarcades]

This is a very broad question as there are so many ways to do conversions, which is why this entire site is ddicated to the discussion and info relating to the many aspects of building your own arcade cabinets and controls. There is much detail to look at with each aspect of a build so you should read up first. It's easy to list things that might work but a common problem for newcomers to this hobby is that they think you can just plug a pc in and it will magically become an all encompassing multi game wonderland. It's a lot more complex in reality and as dedicated components have become available as well as many of us old timers going through the trial and error phase, machines can now be a lot more refined and polished than the crude cobbling together we used to do, so you should aim for something suited to your needs, budget and gaming preference.

Your first stop should be the wiki, buy saints book or follow a step by step in the project announcements topic. You may find a conversion is not the best thing for your needs if you are unsure of the hardware or software headaches you may have.

[mrtuesday42]

read read and read. and then read some more.

if your cabinet is in decent condition it is less work. is it a monitor or are you using a lcd/crt/computer/tv etc???

personally i used a jpac. its two connections from the pc to the arcade and you are done. works with neo geo or jamma.

if you just playing some games and not trying to be super authentic then you can use whatever controls it already has.

now this will just get you playing games. it doesnt address how it looks, how it plays, some people prefer different joysticks or buttons than other. i personally like the classic happ comp buttons but others like the puffy GGG buttons. this doesnt address lcds or lighting or coin doors or anything that really MAKES your arcade.

oh and be prepared to lose sleep, time, and money in pursuit of this little project

[smalltownguy]

oh and be prepared to lose sleep, time, and money in pursuit of this little project

+1

[mrtuesday42]

smalltownguy knows whats up! lmao. my current project is almost 'house ready' and by that i mean i can take it in the house and stop sweating non stop in my garage so space is always a consideration. sure a full size arcade is awesome but do you have the space to put it in your house/apartment/bedroom? what about space for working on it? sanding painting require ventilation. like a garage. cutting mdf too. so if you arent sure what you want to do you could try the old build a joystick trick. just hack a gamepad/keyboard into a simple 3 button 1 joystick box, try that on your pc and if you get bitten then its time for a real cabinet

[smalltownguy]

smalltownguy knows whats up! lmao. my current project is almost 'house ready' and by that i mean i can take it in the house and stop sweating non stop in my garage so space is always a consideration. sure a full size arcade is awesome but do you have the space to put it in your house/apartment/bedroom? what about space for working on it? sanding painting require ventilation. like a garage. cutting mdf too. so if you arent sure what you want to do you could try the old build a joystick trick. just hack a gamepad/keyboard into a simple 3 button 1 joystick box, try that on your pc and if you get bitten then its time for a real cabinet

 

I subscribe to the 'don't play it until after it's built' methodology. If you're a true enthusiast like I am, you will force yourself to have the will power and patience to wait until it's done before enjoying the fruits of labor. That means NO hooking up the control panel until the LAST STEP.

Now, if you're just looking for a quick fix to relive the days of old gaming, then by all means cobble something together quick and play/button mash/bang away. Satisfy your need for the fix. But if you plan to BYOAC, then get ready for a significant investment of your whole self. It can consume you.

[LeedsFan]

One of the first things I would ask is what type of games do you like to play the most? What controls do they use? Are you gonna be playing regularly with a friend? Is the monitor set vertically or horizontal?

Don't make the mistake of trying to cover as many bases as possible on a first project. So many new-comers get all excited and want 2 to 4 player panels with spinner, trackball etc.etc.etc. I would suggest if you like fighters then go for a simple one or two player panel.
I would just read the projects section and see what you like. There's bound to be something in there that inspires you to create something similar.

If all you wanna do is get up and running with some games then you could make it really simple by just putting a 60 in 1 board in there and not bothering with a PC or Mame at all. That would be the easiest option but of course you actually mentioned Mame so you probably made your mind up on that route anyway.

[mrtuesday42]

not sure where you are directing yourself smalltownguy, no offense.

i was suggesting that he cobble something together and just hook it up to his current pc to see if he wants to jump into the byoac realm. i think we are on the same page there. i dont think you can really play the cabinet until its done, but then are our cabinets ever really DONE???

[smalltownguy]

not sure where you are directing yourself smalltownguy, no offense.

i was suggesting that he cobble something together and just hook it up to his current pc to see if he wants to jump into the byoac realm. i think we are on the same page there. i dont think you can really play the cabinet until its done, but then are our cabinets ever really DONE???

No offense intended or received. I'm totally on the same page.

My intention is to try to convey the concept that a 'MAME machine' in the sense that most people want it to be is not an easy endeavor. That's why none of us are ever really 'done.'

The journey is just as fun as the destination, at least for me it is. I wouldn't do it otherwise. If I didn't enjoy the process of building my own, I'd go out an buy someone else's MAME rig. But then it wouldn't be what I want, and we're back to THAT whole cyclical debate