BritInVA's Project Arcade II attempt :)

[britinva]

So here I am, about to start my first MAME project (hope I’m in the right area of forum). I say first as I know these things have a way of never ending….. just like Home Theatres, which I completed phase 1 a few years back and now getting the itch to upgrade  . You can see that project if you want over at AVS Forums - http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=655800.

Anyway enough of the digressing.

As this is my first MAME, and so no experience, I’m going to ‘try’ the Project Arcade II. I have the new 2nd Edition book and been doing some reading.

I have a old Windows XP, 1.3Ghz Celeron processor & 512Mb RAM PC which think should work out OK. I also have a choice of either a Sony WEGA 25” Flat Screen CRT (KV-XA25M80) or a Panasonic 21” CRT (PV-C2021) TV.



The Sony has component, SVGA & VGA outs whereas the Panasonic only has VGA out.



I think the Sony is best suited but concerned that the width of the TV (25˝”W 20"D 20"H) might be too much. Any opinions? Or should I look out for a better suited CRT on Craigslist/FreeCycle?

Initially was thinking just a 2 player MAME but see that the PAII is 4 player it might work out better if I go with the wider Sony.

Still got some research to do but if you help me decide on the TV that will be a big help to me.

Thanks,
Mark

[emphatic]

25" is great. I have 29" on both my cabinets.

[mgb]

I think you'd definately be best off with the Sony.
Use the component inputs. Though you will need some sort of vga to component converter (Jrok)
Just a small correction.
It looks like the Sony has Component, S-video (aka svhs) and composite inputs.
And the panasonic probably just has composite inputs.
(Just correcting you so that you don't order the wrong cables, etc.)

I don't think you'll have any problem fitting that 25" tv as long as you plan for it in the size of your cabinet.

you've come to the right place for answers. keep searching the forums and ask questions.
good luck.

[dugg8]

Thats the same sony tv I just bought this past weekend. Trying to get it to run with component....

[BlasterMaster]

Older ATI Radeon video cards have component video outputs and are cheap to buy, I have used them to stream video to component video enable TVs and the video quality is great, Also used with emulators for games I have not tried with MAME though. Also you can get DVI to component video adapters for cheap.

Correction ATI is now AMD.

[britinva]

mgb - thanks was having a brain fart when listing the inputs  

I think I'll go with the 25" Sony then. To start with I'll likely use the s-video as the PC already has a RADEON card with s-video out.

My only concern is the Sony is 20" deep...... didn't see anything in the book or plans for the max depth TV can use. Using ruler & scaling looks like 22" but then got to take into account the back (M - 5/8"), bezel mounts (O & P - 1") and the bezel itself (5/8"). So lose 2 1/4" in the depth.

I guess I can use thinner material for M and make unit a little wider so TV is flush with front on O & P. Or tweak design for grater depth (but that could complicate many other panels   )

Anyone out there that can confirm the depth between the back edged of O and the rear panel M?

Or should I post this Q in the Project Arcade book forum?

Thanks,
Mark

[britinva]

Anyone out there that can confirm the depth between the back edged of O and the rear panel M?

For anyone interested these are supposed to be the max measurements  of the TV area (another forum member got them from a CyberTech rep).

Width - 27"
Height - 24.5"
Deep - 20.5"

Looks like I'll be OK with my Sony and can probably squeeze extra 1/2" with modifications to M, O & P if needed (or leave back off.).

Not sure why width is max 27" as thought you make width what you want it to be.

Going to mull somemore plus got a few honey do's to sort out so be a few weeks before I actually start.

Cheers,
Mark

[britinva]

A dumb 'noob' Q probably. 

How do you decide how many buttons you need on your control panel to play? I assume it varies per game so some won't use all buttons. Seems 6 buttons per player (not including admin) seems popular choice. Also how does the user know which buttons to use for the different games as I'm assuming button function changes with each game so permanent labelling not an option?

Hopefully clearing up some honey do's this weekend so construction should start next weekend, going to check what sheet material local Home Depot carries - likely will use MDF. 

Also just ordered new PC for kids so will be able to wipe and reinstall OS on old PC and start trying out different front ends - I like look of HyperSpin but doubtful from what If read the PC will be good enough (1.3Ghz Celeron processor & 512Mb RAM - at max RAM).

I'm going to go with a 2 player control panel and use colors of my football team (Tottenham Hotspurs - the away Navy/Yellow Kit).

[mgb]

The number of buttons is a preference thing.
keep searching the forums looking at others cabinets and decide what works for you. One thing I've noticed is if you look in the project annoucements section in the thread for what's hall of fame worthy, you'll see that most of those panel share one thing in common, they're simple and to the point.

Mdf is a good choice, it's what many guys use. (It is heavy though).

I can't see you being able to run hyperspin with that PC. I couldn't run it on my pentium 4 1.8ghz with 512Mb ram.

Take a look a both Mala and Atomic FE.
Mala seems to be a favorite around here.

2 player control panels are my favorite. I just feel that 4 player panels get to darn big. Besides I can't think of 3 people I really want to play games with

[Panja]

I would go with the 25inch Sony.
I had to make the same decision recently.

I had a 21inch Sony and 25inch Panasonic.
Went with the 25inch and happy so far. The cabinet is not ready though, still building. But I'm happy with the 25inch choice.
If want to take a look and maybe get some ideas: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=108378.0

Good luck with your build!

[britinva]

Thanks for comments.

Started work on the PC, just reinstalled XP and its all up to date with patches etc.

Was reading in Project Arcade II Book about customizing the Desktop themes - did a search on here for Desktop Themes and came accross a thread linking to: http://arcadecontrols.com/Sections/EyeCandy/eyecandy.shtml#themes

Looks like the themes and other items are for 95/98 and not XP. Is there a good resouce for gaming themes for XP?

Also has anyone already hacked the ntoskrnl.exe file with a gaming image?

I know I can do all this myself but looking for quick/easy fixes for now while I concentrate on other areas. I can always customize later.

Thanks,
Mark

[britinva]

Decided to go with MaLa for FE.

First time around I was sorta winging into using the Quick Install steps in the WiKi but was having issues, so now installing using a guide in the MaLa Frontend forum..... not been able to locate the Artwork and Samples files so if anyone knows where they are located appreciate some help.

[britinva]

Well got 99% of my outstanding Honey Do's complete so path clear to start construction next weekend - weather depending as want to be cutting MDF outside.

I'm still struggling with getting MaLa setup, I'm finding a lot of what seems outdated info and bad links. I've installed Mame/Mala and added a few ROMs - need to find out how to restrict what MaLa displays to the ROMs I've got installed. Also as don't currently have a control panel need to know how to play using a keyboard.

Is there a simpler front end for complete noobs? Or is there a member in the Northan Virginia area (I'm in Ashburn) that's willing to help get me on right tracks?

[Encryptor]

There is a forum here just for Mala. You may find some answers there.

Mala Forum
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?board=43.0

Mala Setup Thread
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=83570.0

Mala Setup Doc by UncleT
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=56010.0

Encryptor

[SNAAKE]

why is everyone so rich except me

you got some serious home theater stuff going on there. very nice.

[drventure]

I've found mala to be the easiest of the front ends to setup.

Grab a copy of ROMLISTER to generate a few lists of specific rom files. That makes things a little easier

Then, play with mala creating lists via the front end itself. I have an "ALL GAMES" list, then a "MyFavorites" list. As I'm playing, if I come across a game that I like, it's pretty quick to use Mala to throw it in "MyFavorites".

The Mala website has lots of good info. I'm guessing you've been there, but here's the link, just in case.
http://malafe.net/

[britinva]

Encryptor - Yes, been at those locations and been using UncleT's doc but its very dated and had me chasing my tail for things that ended up now being included in MaLa. To be Honest I've not had time to properly trawl the MaLa forum & WiKi and was looking for a simple 'get up & working' doc.

SNAAKE - Thanks for complement on HT, believe me I'm by no means rich - if I was I'd be paying someone to build my MAME 

drventure - will take a look at ROMLISTER, I think one of my issues is I don't know how to navigate around the front end 

Looks like I need to do more reading/searching on the FE and less time planing the actual cabinet build. I might also try out Atomic FE which seems to have some nice tutorials.

Thanks everyone.

[drventure]

Yeah, The controls can be vexing at first

Have a look here.

http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Mala_Controls

Be sure to read down and see how you reconfigure those controls. Use the defaults while your setting things up on a normal PC, but once you get it in a can, you'll want to change the def keys to use appropriate cab controls (sticks, etc).

[britinva]

Thanks, I had printed those off but had only done some basics like scroll thru games, select game etc. Not tried menu

Once you open a game how do you know what keys operate it?

Is there a website that shows what buttons/controls you need for each game?

[mgb]

You should also give atomic fe a shot. I found it to be pretty easy for a basic setup.

[britinva]

You should also give atomic fe a shot. I found it to be pretty easy for a basic setup.

Thats my plan for this evening

For now I just want to see what some of the classis from my youth look/work....... can always change later.

Also any tips for best configuration of video card, the one I have is ATI RADEON 9200 and using the s-video to TV (25" Sony) and VGA to a monitor (while setting things up - easier on the eye). Should I use 640x480 or 1024x768? Assume Refresh Rate = 60Hx and 16bit colour? Anything else I shold do?

[emphatic]

Some people go crazy with the control panels.  You don't need to put 20 buttons on there just because you can. If you go with 2 players (best for a MAME cabinet IMHO) I'd do this:

Players have 1 joystick and 6 buttons + start button each. That's all you need to play most games (if you don't like fighting games you will only need 3 buttons for each player).

You can map the start buttons to act as shift buttons. For example you can use this to enable frontend controls such as exit the current game (hold Player 1 start and press fire button #6). Or for "inserting coins" (hold Player 1 start and press fire button #2). Instead of cluttering up the control panel with buttons that you use 1% of the time add a nice instruction sheet, or cleverly include button instructions in your CPO.

Most multiplayer games (2+ players) are available as 2-player only versions. Like Gauntlet or TMNT for example. This way you won't need 4 different coin buttons or 4 stick setups to enable all playable characters should that be important to you.

This will leave you with more room should you want to throw a spinner or a trackball into the mix.

[Donkbaca]

I agree with keeping the buttons at a minimum, but I don't like shift buttons.  You can get away with 6, but I think 7 is better if you like neo geo games a lot, or are a fan of MK3, because the 7th button allows the 4 buttons in a row setup for neo geo and is also where the run button would be for MK games.

I think you should have coin buttons, start buttons, and one button to exit back to the FE.  That's all you need. Shift buttons confuse people, and who reads instructions?

[emphatic]

I agree with keeping the buttons at a minimum, but I don't like shift buttons.  You can get away with 6, but I think 7 is better if you like neo geo games a lot, or are a fan of MK3, because the 7th button allows the 4 buttons in a row setup for neo geo and is also where the run button would be for MK games.

I think you should have coin buttons, start buttons, and one button to exit back to the FE.  That's all you need. Shift buttons confuse people, and who reads instructions?

How about this:



The colors are for NEO-GEO games and the numbers are for everything else.

I don't have a MAME cabinet, so I have no warm fuzzy feelings for cabinets with more than 6 buttons (as that's the maximum a REAL cabinet use). I sometimes plug a computer into one of my JAMMA cabinets and shifted buttons is all you need to play all digitally controlled games and use a frontend. I don't even need a keyboard as my frontend (GameEx) can turn off the computer even.

[britinva]

Thanks - this is all realy helpful.

One question is it possible to play games just with the keyboard (for testing) or is the joystick a must? I'm thinking things like Asteroids, PacMan etc.

If need a joystick I'd better start planning, ordering and creating a mockup control panel now rather than later in the build.

[dfmaverick]

I (probably we) use a keyboard all the time when not using the actual cabinet. Shouldn't be a problem with a majority of the games.

[newmanfamilyvlogs]

replacement idea for no joystick?

[britinva]

Thanks hopefully I'll get working later then

For Joysticks/buttons - is this package OK

http://cgi.ebay.com/STREET-FIGHTER-JOYSTICKS-JAMMA-ARCADE-WKS-W-MAME-TM-/380222939700?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item58870da234

Or am I better buying separates at somewhere like http://groovygamegear.com?

Also what keyboard encoder would be recommended - initially going to go with 2-player joysticks/buttons but may want to add trackball (maybe spinner later) if feel the need.

[Donkbaca]

That is the lamest thing I have ever seen!  Why wouldn't you just get a joystick?

To answer the earlier question, no you don't need a joystick to test the games, I use my keyboard to run games to see how they work on my system and to set up dip switch settings and the like.  My advice would be to build the control panel last.  Set up your front end and the games first, build your cabinet and then build your CP.  The reason for this is that once you have a CP built, its too easy to delay building everythign else and just play games

[Donkbaca]

For key encoders most people use either the key wiz from groovy game gear, an ipac from ultimarc, or they get a U360 from ultimarc that has a built in encoder for I think 8 buttons per stick.  Its all pretty much personal preference. 

That is not a bad deal from Tornado Terry, you can probably find better deals though. 

[britinva]

Agree rather use a joystick than buttons.

Would the GP-Wiz40-Eco  or  GP-Wiz40 MAX meet my needs?

[dfmaverick]

They probably do. Just add up you inputs (4 for a joy and 1 for a button) to make sure you have enough inputs. If you like to solder, you can go with the eco.

If you are getting the encoder from GGG, you can probably just get the same joys/buttons as the auction from GGG.

[britinva]

Thanks - dfmaverick

A quick mockup of what I think I need.



So thats 27 inputs if counted right (allthou think on/off will be wired to PC on/off - so 26) so leaves some expansion if later want to add a trackball.

So if count is right I'll go for the GP-Wiz40 MAX

Whats feeling about button colours? Wondering if I should use the mixed colored buttons like suggested by emphatic  or keep buttons in a block colour in line with cabinet colours. Or will the different colour buttons help players?

[EDIT] another Q -  Happ or Prime Buttons?

[dfmaverick]

Trackball will not be handled by the key encoder. (Need something like an opti-wiz).

Colors? I've never been a fan of the multi colored look. However, that is all individual taste.

Can't help on the Happ/Prime. Maybe there is a review in the review forum on this board.

[britinva]

I'm going to go with the common colour theme..... if need be I can add something to the control art if colour need.

So here is plan (not to scale & not the control panel art) - just button colour.



So does this look like correct order list
1 x KeyWiz40-ST (with Pro Wiring for up to 30 Switches)
2 x HAPP Competition Arcade Joystick - YELLOW
1 x Player 1 Pushbutton
1 x Player 2 Pushbutton
14 x Yellow Horizontal Pushbutton - HAPP
1 x Black Horizontal Pushbutton - HAPP
1 x Red Horizontal Pushbutton - HAPP
2 x White Horizontal Pushbutton - HAPP

Anything else I should include on the order?

[Donkbaca]

Looks good as far as CP buttons and such goes!

[mgb]

That looks pretty good.

Are you going to plan for 4-way games (pacman, etc) in which case you may want a stick that can be switched between 4 way and 8 way.

[Nephasth]

Looks like breakfast 

[britinva]

Nephasth  - Yes, it does..... just needs a few rashers

mgb - just 2 player. Don't think I will want 4 player down line

[dfmaverick]

I believe mgb is referring to 4-way games like pac-man et al where it is preferrable to use a 4-way joystick rather than an 8-way. If not switchable, some add an additional 4-way joystick to the control panel.

If you look at Knievel's layout (forget the trackball and spinner), he is using two 8-ways for players one and two and uses another dedicated joystick for 4-way games up by the spinner.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=55789.0

[britinva]

Hmmmm - more I don't know. 

So if I'm planning on mainly early clasics like asteroids, centerpede, defender, frogger, pacman etc I should use 4-way sticks instead of 8-ways? Will 8-ways still work but need to be carefull about diagonals?

What games do you 'need' 8-way vs 4-way 

[emphatic]

If you want 4-way stick, why not just go with the Utrastik 360 as it will emulate the correct type of control you want on the fly? Just my 2 cents.

[britinva]

Those Utrastik 360  are a bit pricy plus would mean having to open control panel to switch between 4 to 8 player.

If I understand Knievel's cp, the top middle stick is 4-way and the other 2 are 8-way. The 4 ways is wired in parallel with the Player 1 sick & buttons 1 & 2 right?

[Donkbaca]

U360 isn't that pricey when you consider that it has a built in encoder with it, so you wouldn't need an ipac, or key wiz or anything like that

[britinva]

But if I kept original design I'd ned 2 U360's right?

And everytime I wanted to swich between 4 & 8 I'd have to open up panel?

Or am I missing something?

[emphatic]

Or am I missing something?

You are.

The UltraStik Is based around a true analog "engine" using advanced sensing technology which uses no contacts nor switches.
It can be used in many modes, ranging from simply replacing a micro-switch stick to a full analog flight stick with user-defined analog/digital mapping.

No need for any other stick as the UltraStik can operate in ANY mode, 4-way, 8-way, 2-way, 45 degree mode or any special mode you wish to define.
Maps downloaded instantly to joystick via USB and this can be done in the background when starting a game.

No microswitches, so no wear-tear. If you use MALA frontend it will (IIRC) automatically change the stick layout to the game you launch, so if you want to play Pac-Man, the stick will be a 4-way, launch Galaga and you'll get a 2-way etc.

Edit: And of course, built in decoder for 8 buttons per unit.

[drventure]

Sorry, just getting back to this.

As for a way to show what controls are used in what games, that's what a "CPViewer" type app is for.

There are several floating around. CPWizard is probably the better of them, but you can find links on the WIKI.

http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Utilities#Control_Panel_Software

[britinva]

emphatic  

Hmmmm - got me thinking now 

Option 1: I used the UltraStik I could keep to my original design, get 2 of them and could control 16 of the buttons - but still would need an encoder for the additional buttons (think need at least 3 more - for Exit & Pinball). Is it just MaLa that auto changes or does other FE's like Atomic FE have this capability?

Option 2: I could stay with what I listed previously but add an additional stick (e.g. HAPP Super Arcade configured as 4-way) wired in parallel with player 1.

Appreciate ALL opinions on best options that keeps things simple.

drventure

Thanks was wondering best way to decide what buttons needed for each game - I'll take a look at that tomorrow.

[drventure]

Just FYI

I've found that having the buttons run through an IPAC keyboard encoder is awefully nice because all the buttons are "just keypresses"

If you hook them up to the ultrasticks, they're actually USB HID "buttons" and in some cases can require more fiddling to get mapped properly into various games.

Not saying it can't be done, but it does seem like it's a bit more trouble that way.

[britinva]

How about option 3 - use Mag-Stik Plus which "switches from 4 to 8 way mode from the top of the panel"

If I go this route should I go with 2 Mag-Stik Plus or 1 Mag-Stik Plus and 1 Mag-Stik? Are there 2 player 4 way games?

And get a I-PAC 2 Interface (32 inputs).

More expensive than the Groovy way but seems more flexible.

[drventure]

I've got 2 ultra sticks I use for players 1 and 2

and 2 mag stick pluses for players 3-4

Honestly, I much prefer the Ultrasticks. But I'm no arcade purist. I will say the mag sticks feel more like what I remember arcade sticks feeling like. and the switchability is nice, but without an indicator of some sort, it's a bit hit and miss.

I also use an IPAC-4 for the button support and couldn't be happier with it. Easy hook up. easy programming, USB, lots of inputs. Doesn't get simpler.

[emphatic]

To avoid getting an extra controller for just three buttons, I would wire the pinball buttons up to the same function as an existing button instead.

Example:
Wire Player 1 fire button #1 and left pinball button to the same encoder button. Do the same for the right pinball button and Player 2 fire button #1. It's not like the fire buttons are busy doing other stuff when you play pinball.  This leaves you with one button to shift/skip.

[britinva]

Decided to go the more expensive route and ordered 2x Ultrastik 360s and a I-PAC 2 Interface. Was tempted to use the 'shift' feature but at this stage not sure if will want other buttons so thought what the heck - its only money. Got a few extras like Joystick Mounting Kits, UltraStik Button / Encoder Harness and a wiring kit. Total with shipping $232

Decided not to get buttons from then as was at 60% more expensive. Trying to order those from groovygamegear.com but there store won';t let me order (cart contents disappears when try to checkout). [EDIT] Ordered via a different PC and buttons + misc items ordered $49.53 inc shipping.

Also ordered slot cutter off Amazon for $19.07

Total so far $300.60

Looks like weather reasonable this weekend so should start the cabinet.

Thanks to all those that have answered Q's.

Still got to work out the FE.

[britinva]

So, being a complete Noob and a complete  I have still not managed to get MAME/MaLa or Atomic FE working 

However, was looking at GameEX and initial was hitting same roadblock  but then found a guide that not only starts from a compete new OS install & tweaks, step by step walks you thru it and includes most of the files you need 

Here it is if anyone interested http://www.gameex.info/forums/index.php?showtopic=8226

So now starting from scratch - keep your fingers crossed for me.

[drventure]

Well, hopefully gameex will get you there.

If you still have probs with Mala, let me know. I can see what I can do to help.

[VanillaGorilla]

Looks like breakfast 

haw haw har haw haw!!

[britinva]

Made great progess.

Looks like my biggest issue was my ROM set was different version to MAME version. I didn't know had to be same version 

Well managed to rebuild them using ClrMamePro and this guide http://www.cphsolutions.f2s.com/guides/cmprotutorial.htm

I've now reinstalled OS, installed MAMEUIFX etc. using guide I posted previously and was able to play a game (albeit badly as was using keyboard). I've installed GameEx too but still got to finish setup.

Major progress.

Received my slot cutter today and other contral panel parts shipped.

Going to be 45deg Sat and 55deg Sun so cabinet build should commence.   

[dfmaverick]

Good to hear clrmamepro did the trick.

[mgb]

Sounds like things are going well. Good to hear.
Thanks for the link to that guide for clrmame. I will be using that

[britinva]

Top Marks to Ultimarc - ordered contollers/joysticks on Tues at noon and arrived from UK to VA in 72hrs!

Now need my buttons and I can sling together a prototype  control panel for testing

Cheers,
Mark

[britinva]

Busy day today - trip to home depot for materials and got all the cabinet pieces cut...... not fun when only 42deg

Tomorrow going to get slots cut for the T-molding and start assembly. Also just realised I'm going to have to build it in the Rec Rm - was hoping that could have used storage area but this thing is not going thru any door.

Other news my buttons arrived from Groovy Game Gear.

[britinva]

More progress today - got the slots cut for the T-molding and assemby underway.

Need to test fit TV (going to wait 24hrs for glue to dry) and need to decide how I'm going to to the speaker panel. One modification the the Project Arcade II plans is I'm going to have the front panel as a door instead of fixed.

Some progreass pics.

[britinva]

For speaker panel ...... wondering if to try and route in the MDF, create on large with grill cloth or but some circular or rectangular grills.

Suggestions?

[britinva]

Thinking might go with these

http://www.simplyspeakers.com/speaker-grill-metal-mesh-sg-m4.html

Or

http://www.simplyspeakers.com/speaker-waffle-grill-swg-10.html

Need to decide if to paint them Royal Blue (main cabinet colour) or Yellow (T-Moulding).

Need to also start thinking about the Control Panel & Marque art.

Going to spend sometime tomorrow on the control panel layout.

[britinva]

TV fits



OK, so here is plan for the control panel. Thinking forward I may want other control panels (e.g. for driving games) so I'm toying with Idea of some of the buttons (Play 1, Coin 1, Play 2, Coin 2, On/Off etc. being on the Bezel and run off a dedicated controller. So just leaving the sticks/buttons on the control panel.

Now currently no room below TV for these so:
Option 1: have bezel buttons above TV
Option 2: have Bezel buttons below TV (create platform to raise TV)

Anyone know who has done this and what looks better?

[drventure]

People have often built an "admin" panel right below the monitor with coin/start etc buttons on it.

It'd be better below than above.

[mgb]

They'd typically be under the monitor. It looks like you have room below the shelf that the Tv is on.

[britinva]

They'd typically be under the monitor. It looks like you have room below the shelf that the Tv is on.

I think that area is talen up by the Control pane box - think your both right - under TV is best..... just got to work it out. Wish I had not glued everything now.

[britinva]

OK, so made modifications to have some cross-console buttons under the screen.





Ordered a 1-1/8-Inch Forstner Bit today too - hopefully that will arrive before weekend.

[drventure]

Why not build a short little riser box right below the TV opening, it'll cover a small bit of the CP but it looks like there's space.

[britinva]

Thats basically what I did -raised the monitor platform to allow for buttons.

Before



After

[dawolv]

Thinking might go with these

http://www.simplyspeakers.com/speaker-grill-metal-mesh-sg-m4.html

Or

http://www.simplyspeakers.com/speaker-waffle-grill-swg-10.html

Need to decide if to paint them Royal Blue (main cabinet colour) or Yellow (T-Moulding).

Need to also start thinking about the Control Panel & Marque art.

Going to spend sometime tomorrow on the control panel layout.

I used the first one you listed here or something very similiar to it. I painted mine Chrome.

Man you dont let the grass grow under your feet! Great Progress!  

[britinva]

My only concern with #1 was if spraying would clog the grill - so I ordered a pair of these



As for mortaring along.....need to get done fast as wife on at me to get on with a tiered ceiling in master bath

[dawolv]

As for mortaring along.....need to get done fast as wife on at me to get on with a tiered ceiling in master bath

Ahahahahahaha.....hahahahahaha....hahaha.....wait, I hear my wife calling   

[drventure]

Just don't go crazy with the spray and it's highly unlikely you'll clog up any speaker grill. I sprayed the grills on some altec lansing speakers with quite small openings. No probs at all.

[jikkjack]

Excellent work!  Good to see you are finally getting around to a Mame machine.  I am about to build my 3rd but that project is top secret right now.   

[britinva]

Excellent work!  Good to see you are finally getting around to a Mame machine.  I am about to build my 3rd but that project is top secret right now.   

Did you finish your Golden Tee - don't recollect seeing finished pics.

And did you end up selling your 1st?

[jikkjack]

Yes sir.  Here are some final shots:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=104064.msg1144153#msg1144153

Actually - I just noticed that these pics don't have the Coin Door i bought off ebay and installed so I will snap a pic and upload today when I get home.  Makes it much easier to get to the dip switch that changes courses.  I am also going to be rebuilding the Marquee this weekend.  I got a new toy (dovetail jig) and I need some practice before beginning my next home renovation project.

Still have the first machine...it is currently living in the storage room...don't know what I am going to do with it...can't remember if I sent you a rom care package but just let me know if I didn't.

[britinva]

Actually - now I remember I did see that...... you just don't stop do ya.

Still haven't found excuse to visit our Atlanta office again - one day  

Well my T-Moulding and Forstner Bit arrived yesterday. Man those Forstner Bit's are good glad I ordered one and didn't settle for using a spade bit!

3 day weekend so hoping to get loads done - need to decide if to fire up my Wagner Airless sprayer or just roll & brush. I know spraying will give better finish but the clean-ups a PITA.

So far cost is $488.28

[britinva]

Didn't get as much done today as I would have liked - ended up spending 5hrs in ER because my daughter was dehydrated from a stomach bug.

Got one coat of primer done a drilled button holes in control panel.

Got a question on the UltraStik 360's..... can't find install info on their website. What diameter hole for the stick? And if mounting from under whow much should it be recessed?

Hopefully more progress tomorrow.

[dawolv]

Didn't get as much done today as I would have liked - ended up spending 5hrs in ER because my daughter was dehydrated from a stomach bug.

Got one coat of primer done a drilled button holes in control panel.

Got a question on the UltraStik 360's..... can't find install info on their website. What diameter hole for the stick? And if mounting from under whow much should it be recessed?

Hopefully more progress tomorrow.

Awww the poor girl 
How is she doing now?

I top mounted mine since the whole joystick can be repaired from the bottom, so that left me with more 'stick' on the top. I used some 10-24x1 machine screws with the small heads so from the top I recessed just above an 1/8th.

I used a 1 1/8 hole like I did with my buttons and I am using restrictors.
Which really helps the throw.

Dont know if that helps at all ...

[britinva]

She is still a bit fragile hopefully as day goes on she will get better..... thanks for asking

For now I'm going with undermount as material was 3/4" so can't use perspex with 3/4" T-moulding so cp will just be painted. May change that later if can locate some 5/8" material.

Looks like mounting kit needs 1/2" of material and going to need to leave at least 1/8" of material so think this is plan

[britinva]

Made quite a bit of progress

- got main cabinet painted
- installed T-molding
- got all controls wired
- installed PC (temp) in cabinet and was able to run a few games



A few issues thou
1) The joy stick mountings raised/pimpled the upper surface. Not a big deal as was thinking this was MK I to decide if the control layout worked.
2) Installed the UltraStiks wrong way - didn't see markings for front and murphys law prevailed - but easily corrected.
3) A few control buttons not working - could not find out what key to map the IPAC to for the 'Reset' function and my 'PC Power' button not working. I mapped the IPAC to the Power fucntion but does nothing
4) I'm using GameEX as frontend need to research more on simplifying to start so only get choice of say 20-30 games to make it easier for kids to operate (add more as they catch on).
5) The Waffle speaker grills arrived and don't like them so need to look for alteratives.

[jikkjack]

Mark - I pulled the power and reset case jumpers off the mobo and used that for the power and reset buttons.  Those don't go through my Ipac.  Hope that helps and keeps you from doing this 

[britinva]

Mark - I pulled the power and reset case jumpers off the mobo and used that for the power and reset buttons.  Those don't go through my Ipac.  Hope that helps and keeps you from doing this 

Well turns out my IPAC needed a firmware update and can now map power or sleep but all it does is shuts it down or puts to sleep..... won't power up or wake. I guess because its USB based where my keyboard is PS/2.

So looks like wiring to to mobo is going to be best option.

No build updates - but have been getting my GameEx FE customised. Hope to get more of the build done over weekend but got some other chores too.

[Donkbaca]

I have the worst time with gameex's theme editor.  Can you post a good tutorial?  Or point me to where i can get better info? 

[britinva]

To tell you truth I found same - there is a Basic theme editor usage pack http://www.gameex.net/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=aZx7bNu7IUA%3d&tabid=79&mid=413 but I'm sure you seen that.

Basically I've just made a copy of the 'Game Ex theme by David Fr' and been editing that and a custom menu. Just a very simple interface that just has MAME for now but will be adding pinball.

[dawolv]

 

Wow! Your making great progress! Looking good!

[mgb]

It looks like you're making good progress.
For speakers, are you using the ones on the TV?

[britinva]

Nah, got a old pair of amplified computer speakers that I'm going to try out.

[britinva]

Ran into a problem.

Started to install Visual Pinball and I have connected the flipper buttons to input 7 on each UltraStik. However, when I try to program these in Visual Pinball --> Preferences --> Keys but they are not being recognized.

Only regular Keyboard and my IPAC encoder (used for bezel buttons) are recognized.

According to Ultimarc I cannot map a button to a keyboard function like Left Shift.

Anyone know how I resolve this?

Worse case I rewire these buttons to the IPAC.

[mgb]

I believe the Ultrastick is seen as a joypad so it won't allow the mapping to those inputs.
here is a link to the VP forum about the same issue. It looks like you have to use another program to make it happen.
in your case it seems easier to just wire em to your ipac

http://www.vpforums.org/index.php?showtopic=11163&hl=mapping

[britinva]

Thank mgb

For now I've wired the flipper buttons to the IPAC, I'm thinking I might actually wire all buttons to the IPAC as cannot use the Joy buttons for other pinball functions without another program..... its not a powerful PC so don't want stuff running if can avoid.

I have bigger issues thou, I got a pinball running within VP but when I integrated into GameEx and try to play the pinball it just hangs at a VP logo screen. I think my PC is likely not up to the job (1.3GHz Celeron, 512Mb RAM, XP SP3 32b, Radeon 9200/128Mb video card). Going to spend some time in VP forum to see if I can find solution.

[britinva]

Well looking more like I need a beefier PC & Graphics card - recommended min 2GHz processor, 1GB RAM and Video card with at least 512MB.

What I'm hoping is that I can use some existing parts like PSU, Hardrive, CD-ROM etc.

I recollect seeing somewhere where folks have done this and not used a PC Case so might follow that path.

Anyone got recommendations for a mobo, CPU & graphic card? Graphic card needs to have a s-video or component out. But thinking further down the road I may change to a PC monitor...... but not initially as was not expecting to pay for PC upgrade.

[britinva]

Anyone think it worth trying this in my existing system (1.3GHz Celeron, 512Mb RAM, XP SP3 32bit)? Looks like there is a driver for XP

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130477

If I still have issues, will this still be OK with a new mobo?

[Donkbaca]

I think the ram is bottle necking the system the most.  I know visual pinball is much more demanding than mame

[britinva]

Can't do anything about the RAM as its at max.

Pavilion 502n Memory Specifications
Standard Memory 128 MB (removable)
Maximum Memory 512 MB
Memory Expansion 2 sockets
Memory Comments PC100/PC133 SDRAM DIMMs
CPU Type Intel Celeron 1.4GHz
Model Comments 100MHz FSB

Thinking I may ditch VP for now - upgrading PC is going to be around $300.

For now think will finish cabinet with just the Arcade games and see how much its used by kids. If used a lot I might shell out some more on it.

[mgb]

I'm kinda feeling the same way on mine. Get it going with Mame, etc. for now. If you come to a point and can get a good upgrade, then go for it.