Main Restorations Software Audio/Jukebox/MP3 Everything Else Buy/Sell/Trade
Project Announcements Monitor/Video GroovyMAME Merit/JVL Touchscreen Meet Up Retail Vendors
Driving & Racing Woodworking Software Support Forums Consoles Project Arcade Reviews
Automated Projects Artwork Frontend Support Forums Pinball Forum Discussion Old Boards
Raspberry Pi & Dev Board controls.dat Linux Miscellaneous Arcade Wiki Discussion Old Archives
Lightguns Arcade1Up Try the site in https mode Site News

Unread posts | New Replies | Recent posts | Rules | Chatroom | Wiki | File Repository | RSS | Submit news

  

Author Topic: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge  (Read 11780 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

ubermick

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 54
  • Last login:January 05, 2021, 02:29:01 am
Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« on: March 01, 2011, 09:34:29 pm »
Right, let's get one thing out of the way. I hate you all. That's right, I hate ye. And if you think I detest you, wait'll my wife gets a load of what your evil influence is doing to me.*

See, there was I, thinking about getting a MAME system. They had 'em at Costco, $2,000 or so. "ABSOLUTELY NOT!!" the boss shouts, putting her foot down. Ah well, worth a try.

A few months pass, and I think "Y'know, all I really need is an old PC, and an arcade stick. I don't need the fancy cabinets!"

So I look around, trying to find a decent stick, and spotted the X-Arcade. Which, apparently, everyone LOVED. Apart from one google result which pointed me here.

I'm ruined. Destroyed. I started seeing things like Knievel's Woody (Well, I didn't see THAT woody... you know what I mean!), Martijn's Street Fighter cab, and my fellow Irishman Lumberjackass' fine system (along with his excellent tutorials. Maith an buachaill!!). Obviously, my plans of just having a computer on a desk with a joystick are in tatters, and now I **MUST** have a cab!

So here goes nothing. Hopefully down the road I'll have something worthy of showing everyone, but before I get started, a couple of questions...

First, the computer. I know people have asked something along these lines before, but I can't say I've seen a definitive answer on "What's the minimum system requirements?" It doesn't help that I know NOTHING about pee-cees, having used Macs all my life. But to sum up what I'd like to run, it's basically MAME with the older games (I've got a PS3 and a Wii for anything demanding!) from my childhood with maybe some Golden Tee action for drunken evenings in the Man Cave. I'd like the old consoles - Amiga would be FANTASTIC, Sega, SNES, and maybe some old Playstation stuff. In terms of computers, a friend of mine has an old E-Machines D2046 I might be able to scrounge from him, which comes with (I'm assuming): 2ghz Celeron Processor, 256MB RAM, 40GB HD (I'm already assuming this needs to be replaced with something 10 times bigger), and Intel Extreme Graphics 3D video (built into the motherboard, I assume). Would that be enough for what I want, or am I going to need to go bigger?

Second, the control panel. I've looked at some builds, and putting them together seems fairly straightforward. One wire from the button to something like an ipac, and then one wire going around acting as a ground, then the ipac plugs into one of the computer's USB ports. Joysticks have me scratching my head, tho. I'm assuming all I'd want is 8-way, I don't really need anything analog, but the selection of just 8 way sticks has me overwhelmed. I like the idea of the Ultimarc Mag Stick Plus, but is it really worth the money, given that one of those is four times the price of other sticks I see used? So do folks have a "preferred standard stick"?

The trackball is something that has me wondering, too. I'm assuming that folks are using something like Ultimarc's U-Trak, or one from Twisted Quarter which goes directly into a USB/PS2 port? If so, is one better than the other? And if not... well, got any recommendations?! (I gravitate towards Twisted Quarter for some stuff, since I have a bunch of ebay gift cards I can use for their stuff!)

Thanks in advance for all your help - which I'll be asking for on a regular basis, because God help me, I'm just not that bright. Keep up the mind blowing work, your stuff is amazingly inspirational - and has caused even someone like me to attempt a build!





* Actually I don't. I'm massively impressed by the work here, as well as by people's willingness to help. Can't wait to get started!
Mammy, why is everyone pointing at my cab and laughing?

Donkbaca

  • Our reptillian overlords would be pleased
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2648
  • Last login:May 09, 2012, 06:28:10 pm
    • Slim built MAME/Xbox cab
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #1 on: March 01, 2011, 10:57:17 pm »
These questions come up all the time. " I have x-computer, will it run y"?. Well get a 500gb or bigger external drive, load MAME up on it and see how it runs. The computer is free, you are going to need to set up MAME anyway, see if runs what you want. If it does you are set, if it doesn't then you already have it set up to move to your new computer.

As for joysticks, that's like asking where the best pizza is. Ask 10 people you get 10 different answers. Let me ask you this. Do you like your x-arcade?  If so then just use those joysticks and buttons. Itll save you some money to. Personally I like the x-arcade sticks.

Most people don't like the magstick. I would get u360s from ultimarc if I were to start over

SavannahLion

  • Wiki Contributor
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5986
  • Last login:December 19, 2015, 02:28:15 am
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #2 on: March 01, 2011, 11:47:48 pm »
Right, let's get one thing out of the way. I hate you all. That's right, I hate ye. And if you think I detest you, wait'll my wife gets a load of what your evil influence is doing to me.*

That's why we have a politics and religion forum, so we can openly vent our hatred for each other.

Donkbaca

  • Our reptillian overlords would be pleased
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2648
  • Last login:May 09, 2012, 06:28:10 pm
    • Slim built MAME/Xbox cab
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #3 on: March 02, 2011, 12:03:06 am »
Oh yeah, and as for trackballs, I don't think there is a strong preference for one over the other. just get a ps2 one so you don't have to buy an oPtical encoder.

mgb

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 3500
  • Last login:Today at 05:47:24 pm
  • North East, US
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #4 on: March 02, 2011, 12:14:12 am »
Hey Ubermick,
  Welcome to the forums. It's a wonderful addiction. don't forget that mame is a gateway drug. You may even stray into the dark underworld of classic game collecting. Oh won't wifey be glad.
Yeah alot of those things are preferences. I like Sanwa JLWs and GGG Electric Ice buttons while another guy may like Ultrasticks (very popular) and Happ buttons.
You try some stuff and figure out what you like.
If you can get a free pc with 2ghz and a 40 gig harddrive, why not.
That will take care of alot of classics. I would recomend 512MB of memory but even the 256MB will be a great start.
I ran my Mame for a few good years on P3 900Mhz with 512MB memory and a 40 Gig hard drive and I had no problems running all of the classics plus the fighters from the 90s.
Now I couldn't run Hyperspin but it was a decent cheap setup.
So keep looking at the forums and you'll see some patterns of what seems to work for guys and what seems to be common problems.

By the way, I use Twisted Quarter a lot my self, a very good dealer. never had a problem.
Good luck

ubermick

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 54
  • Last login:January 05, 2021, 02:29:01 am
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #5 on: March 02, 2011, 01:59:50 am »
These questions come up all the time. " I have x-computer, will it run y"?. Well get a 500gb or bigger external drive, load MAME up on it and see how it runs. The computer is free, you are going to need to set up MAME anyway, see if runs what you want. If it does you are set, if it doesn't then you already have it set up to move to your new computer.

As for joysticks, that's like asking where the best pizza is. Ask 10 people you get 10 different answers. Let me ask you this. Do you like your x-arcade?  If so then just use those joysticks and buttons. Itll save you some money to. Personally I like the x-arcade sticks.

Most people don't like the magstick. I would get u360s from ultimarc if I were to start over

Cheers for the reply. Good call on the computer, although it's far from a guarantee I'll get it, and if I do I wouldn't accept it for free. That said, if it works, it'll for sure be a cheaper option, even though I see 2.8ghz P4s with a gig of RAM and a chunky hard drive going for under $100 on ebay.

Actually don't have a joystick, have absolutely zero parts for this upcoming build. I guess that's where I'm coming from with the questions - if I have to amass parts, I might as well try to do it right. Buy cheap, buy twice, as I've often found out to my annoyance. (Certainly the case with my main hobby, brewing!) I dunno if the budget will stretch to kitting myself out with the top of the line sticks, tho. Although maybe I'll upgrade them down the road when Christmas comes (likely when this build will be finished anyways, haha)

That's why we have a politics and religion forum, so we can openly vent our hatred for each other.

Aw man, I'll be avoiding *that* like the plague.

Hey Ubermick,
  Welcome to the forums. It's a wonderful addiction. don't forget that mame is a gateway drug. You may even stray into the dark underworld of classic game collecting. Oh won't wifey be glad.
Yeah alot of those things are preferences. I like Sanwa JLWs and GGG Electric Ice buttons while another guy may like Ultrasticks (very popular) and Happ buttons.
You try some stuff and figure out what you like.
If you can get a free pc with 2ghz and a 40 gig harddrive, why not.
That will take care of alot of classics. I would recomend 512MB of memory but even the 256MB will be a great start.
I ran my Mame for a few good years on P3 900Mhz with 512MB memory and a 40 Gig hard drive and I had no problems running all of the classics plus the fighters from the 90s.
Now I couldn't run Hyperspin but it was a decent cheap setup.
So keep looking at the forums and you'll see some patterns of what seems to work for guys and what seems to be common problems.

By the way, I use Twisted Quarter a lot my self, a very good dealer. never had a problem.
Good luck

Bwaaahahaha! Yeah, about two years ago I convinced wifey that home brewing would actually *save* us money in the long run. That was before I dropped thousands last year on fabbing a brew stand, building (multiple) keezers, snagging conical fermenters, kegging stuff... you want a cheap hobby, making beer REALLY isn't it.

So I guess the overall answer is... there's no real overall answer! Just try stuff out and if it works it works. And since there's no real right answer, I guess I'll just order what I was planning on getting - plain ol' microswitched buttons, a couple of eight way joysticks (Happ Competitions, because the Ultimates suck?), a four way stick, and a trackball, and attempt to copy Knievel's panel. And if it all sucks, I'll pawn them off on here and start again!
Mammy, why is everyone pointing at my cab and laughing?

wweumina

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 222
  • Last login:August 30, 2022, 04:56:31 am
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #6 on: March 02, 2011, 04:02:59 am »

Most people don't like the magstick. I would get u360s from ultimarc if I were to start over

I hate (perhaps too strong a word) the u360s and love the Mag-Stik and I don't think I'm alone.  I've just rebuilt my CP so I don't have to use the u360 anymore.

That's why they make chocolate and vanilla, cause you like crappy ice-cream.

Savannan

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 183
  • Last login:December 22, 2012, 10:53:06 pm
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #7 on: March 02, 2011, 08:18:05 am »
yep +1 to above.....

hate u360's also.. they cant with-stand games like robotron/smash tv...where the player just mashes the sticks .....granted the u360's are very nice...i have some..but i had to replace them after a month of use. now i have the undestructable joysticks from xgaming..been using them over a year and not one complaint.  they even have a lifetime warrenty

« Last Edit: March 02, 2011, 08:21:59 am by Savannan »

Donkbaca

  • Our reptillian overlords would be pleased
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2648
  • Last login:May 09, 2012, 06:28:10 pm
    • Slim built MAME/Xbox cab
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #8 on: March 02, 2011, 08:38:41 am »
More expensive does not necessarily mean better. Most people get the mag sticks because they are switchable 4-8 way from the top. But from what I read the throw is really short and the stuck is not smooth and most people don't like them.  The u360 is nice for 3 reasons. First it let's you connect buttons to it without needing an encoder which makes the stick a decent deal. Second it is programable, so it switches between 4 an 8 way mode automatically in MAME. Finally it now has a top mount restrictor kit.  If you mostly want to play classics, this is the way to go. Playing Pacman and donkey kong on 8 ways sucks for most people. Plus you can get ball or bat tops.

The happs sticks are the sticks you will find in most arcades in games made in the 90's.  They are bat tops, and are all 8 way. The ultimates are not liked because they feel flimsy. Comps are preferred by people who like fighters, supers seem to be better overall sticks.  The x-arcade sticks are knockoff Happ supers.

mgb

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 3500
  • Last login:Today at 05:47:24 pm
  • North East, US
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #9 on: March 02, 2011, 11:44:43 am »
Ubermick,
 The regular Happ buttons paired with Competition joysticks makes for a decent control panel, I think, especially for fighters.
here are some links to those parts:
Competition joysticks http://www.lizardlick.com/Happ-Joysticks_c_162.html
Buttons http://www.lizardlick.com/Happ-Pushbuttons_c_154.html
for the buttons, go with the classic if you like the old school concave feel. The competition buttons have a slight convex that some perfer for fighters. I had them but I perfer the concave. again its about what you perfer.

Just beware too that the joysticks at twisted quarter are not competitions, they are competitors.

Heres a 4-way stick that seems pretty cool http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=340


Again, just a preference thing, I don't like haveing 3 joysticks, so I use Sanwa JLWs. that way I can easily just have two joysticks and I can rotate the restrictor as needed to put them in either 4 way or 8 way mode. Happ supers say they can be either 4 or way but thats not really true

EVEGames

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 117
  • Last login:February 15, 2018, 05:14:39 pm
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #10 on: March 02, 2011, 12:24:57 pm »
Happ supers say they can be either 4 or way but thats not really true

Why do you say that, MGB?  Happ Supers can be switched from 4-way to 8-way by flipping over the hourglass-shaped actuator at the end of the shaft.  It is not a true restricted 4-way, if that's what you mean... you can still move the joystick in circles, you don't have that diamond-shaped physical restriction, but the actuator will only hit 1 microswitch at a time while flipped to 4-way mode.

Ubermick, I like Happ Supers myself for a good all-around 8-way joystick, but I may be in the minority on these boards.  I agree however, if you're looking for a dedicated 4-way joystick or a 4-way/8-way switchable, you can do MUCH better than Happ Supers.

-EVEGames

mgb

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 3500
  • Last login:Today at 05:47:24 pm
  • North East, US
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #11 on: March 02, 2011, 12:28:34 pm »
I'm sorry, I didn't fully explain.
flipping the actuator isn't really a do it on the fly kinda thing like rotating the restrictor on JLW.
And with the super set for 4-way, there are dead zones.

Epyx

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1961
  • Last login:December 25, 2023, 07:56:36 pm
  • "You're an oddity"
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #12 on: March 02, 2011, 12:33:51 pm »
Quote
First, the computer. I know people have asked something along these lines before, but I can't say I've seen a definitive answer on "What's the minimum system requirements?" It doesn't help that I know NOTHING about pee-cees, having used Macs all my life. But to sum up what I'd like to run, it's basically MAME with the older games (I've got a PS3 and a Wii for anything demanding!) from my childhood with maybe some Golden Tee action for drunken evenings in the Man Cave. I'd like the old consoles - Amiga would be FANTASTIC, Sega, SNES, and maybe some old Playstation stuff. In terms of computers, a friend of mine has an old E-Machines D2046 I might be able to scrounge from him, which comes with (I'm assuming): 2ghz Celeron Processor, 256MB RAM, 40GB HD (I'm already assuming this needs to be replaced with something 10 times bigger), and Intel Extreme Graphics 3D video (built into the motherboard, I assume). Would that be enough for what I want, or am I going to need to go bigger?

Looks like you are on the right track already ubermick...that celeron would be just fine with a bit more Ram...I would see if you can scrounge another 512mb or so?  It would then be fine for Winuae (Amiga), Zsnes (Snes), Kega Fusion (Genesis) and Playstation (Epsxe).  Hard Drive you could get by with 120gb so maybe 3 times larger...10 would be nicer but not necessary for your requirements.

Quote
Second, the control panel. I've looked at some builds, and putting them together seems fairly straightforward. One wire from the button to something like an ipac, and then one wire going around acting as a ground, then the ipac plugs into one of the computer's USB ports. Joysticks have me scratching my head, tho. I'm assuming all I'd want is 8-way, I don't really need anything analog, but the selection of just 8 way sticks has me overwhelmed. I like the idea of the Ultimarc Mag Stick Plus, but is it really worth the money, given that one of those is four times the price of other sticks I see used? So do folks have a "preferred standard stick"?

My personal favourite joysticks (as with mgb) are the Sanwa JLWs...they are perfect in 4 way and perfect in 8 way and im a fussy as hell guy...ive tried almost every joystick out there and would agree that the Magstick Plus while Ok in 4 way is not a great 8 way and feels very mechanical with its short magnetic throw whereas the JLW just feels "right" no matter what game I play and can be switched with relative ease, depending on how your CP is designed.  I use two sticks and kepe the right one on 4 way...I "only" change it for 2 player 8 way games or games like Robotron that require 2 8 ways for single player...the rest of the time I just leave them 8 way on the left and 4 way on the right...ie playing Donkey Kong I use the right and Black Tiger the left...easy.

Quote
The trackball is something that has me wondering, too. I'm assuming that folks are using something like Ultimarc's U-Trak, or one from Twisted Quarter which goes directly into a USB/PS2 port? If so, is one better than the other? And if not... well, got any recommendations?! (I gravitate towards Twisted Quarter for some stuff, since I have a bunch of ebay gift cards I can use for their stuff!)

Most people bash XGaming...and I do as well with their CPs, buttons, joysticks and controller card but one thing they make well and cheap is their Trackball. It is a Betson Imperial clone and is fully compatible with GroovyGameGear's electric upgrades (I am using his kit with the 3" ball in my trackball).  My favourite two features with the XGaming trackball are they are easy to mount flush (IE under your artwork or laminate) with no bolts showing and they come with full usb mouse support built in (even the 3 mouse buttons equivalent arcade buttons are included and wired), so navigation is nice on the Windows desktop. Plus they are cheap in price but good in quality...I use mine a lot...im a huge Crystal Castles and Marble Madness junkie and 2 years later no issues whatsoever.

Last advice...start with building your own CP but make plans for a full cab (boss doesn't have to worry as its just a drawing at this point!) IE design a cab for your CP to fit on...but for now just build the CP ;)
« Last Edit: March 02, 2011, 12:35:36 pm by Epyx »
Last Project



Epyx Tutorials:
Tutorials

mgb

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 3500
  • Last login:Today at 05:47:24 pm
  • North East, US
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #13 on: March 02, 2011, 12:39:54 pm »
My personal favourite joysticks (as with mgb) are the Sanwa JLWs...they are perfect in 4 way and perfect in 8 way and im a fussy as hell guy...ive tried almost every joystick out there and would agree that the Magstick Plus while Ok in 4 way is not a great 8 way and feels very mechanical with its short magnetic throw whereas the JLW just feels "right" no matter what game I play and can be switched with relative ease, depending on how your CP is designed.  I use two sticks and kepe the right one on 4 way...I "only" change it for 2 player 8 way games or games like Robotron that require 2 8 ways for single player...the rest of the time I just leave them 8 way on the left and 4 way on the right...ie playing Donkey Kong I use the right and Black Tiger the left...easy.

I do the same thing, works great.

Last advice...start with building your own CP but make plans for a full cab (boss doesn't have to worry as its just a drawing at this point!) IE design a cab for your CP to fit on...but for now just build the CP ;)
+1

ubermick

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 54
  • Last login:January 05, 2021, 02:29:01 am
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #14 on: March 02, 2011, 12:53:54 pm »
Epyx, you won world-class brownie points with not only your help, but mentioning THE greatest arcade game of all time, the one, the only, Black Tiger. My God, I lost count of the amount of 10p pieces I fed that thing growing up. Honestly, if my cab ends up only having Black Tiger and R-Type, I'd be happy enough.

So looks like the plan of attack will be snagging that Celeron machine (if he's willing and able to part with it - he's going to be building a cabinet right along with me, great friend and fantastic help in everything I've done brewing related, and there's no way my man cave can have one of these without his having one, too! But he has a few machines, including a newer server and a few higher end Macs that he's planning on choosing from) this weekend, and in the meantime I'll be ordering up an ipac2, two Sanwa JLWs (I assume these are the same as the J-Stik from Ultimarc, who I'll have to order from anyways, to get the ipac?), a few dozen buttons, and an X-Arcade trackball. Already have more wire than you can shake a stick at from building up my brewing equipment, and will build something akin to the Tankstick, but... homemade. Which was kind of the original plan all along, but this time, cabinetry will be coming into play, mwahahaha.

Seriously lads, thanks a million for the advice - it's a big help. If any of you are (ever) in the SF Bay Area, I owe some pints...
Mammy, why is everyone pointing at my cab and laughing?

Epyx

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1961
  • Last login:December 25, 2023, 07:56:36 pm
  • "You're an oddity"
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #15 on: March 02, 2011, 01:46:25 pm »
Quote
Epyx, you won world-class brownie points with not only your help, but mentioning THE greatest arcade game of all time, the one, the only, Black Tiger. My God, I lost count of the amount of 10p pieces I fed that thing growing up. Honestly, if my cab ends up only having Black Tiger and R-Type, I'd be happy enough.

Agreed and if you like Black Tiger then give Black Dragon a shot...same game only the Japanese version so much harder ;) And ya same with R-Type...great game and also one I play almost daily.

Quote
So looks like the plan of attack will be snagging that Celeron machine (if he's willing and able to part with it - he's going to be building a cabinet right along with me, great friend and fantastic help in everything I've done brewing related, and there's no way my man cave can have one of these without his having one, too! But he has a few machines, including a newer server and a few higher end Macs that he's planning on choosing from) this weekend, and in the meantime I'll be ordering up an ipac2, two Sanwa JLWs (I assume these are the same as the J-Stik from Ultimarc, who I'll have to order from anyways, to get the ipac?), a few dozen buttons, and an X-Arcade trackball. Already have more wire than you can shake a stick at from building up my brewing equipment, and will build something akin to the Tankstick, but... homemade. Which was kind of the original plan all along, but this time, cabinetry will be coming into play, mwahahaha.

My first real control panel I actually used the X Arcade as an exact template via my router but put my parts into it.  Your parts are a good first choice and I don't think you will be disappointed. Good luck!  :cheers:
Last Project



Epyx Tutorials:
Tutorials

Donkbaca

  • Our reptillian overlords would be pleased
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2648
  • Last login:May 09, 2012, 06:28:10 pm
    • Slim built MAME/Xbox cab
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #16 on: March 02, 2011, 01:54:18 pm »
good choice.  If you haven't taken a gander at slagcoin.com  I suggest you do.  Lots of info on buttons, joysticks, Templates.  Its where i got my joy and button layout from

ubermick

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 54
  • Last login:January 05, 2021, 02:29:01 am
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #17 on: March 02, 2011, 02:41:03 pm »
Cheers again, lads. I've decided that my (eventual) build will be an attempt at copying Knievel's woody (I somehow doubt it'll end up looking THAT good), but the spacing info from slagcoin will come in handy when drilling out the top. Blown away by the volume of buttons on there (I count 28?!?!) but understand that two of them will be unnecessary (the two for the 4-way/spinner area, although may leave them in to use as left and right mouse buttons?).

Epyx, I'll be sure and have a look at Black Dragon. I haven't even pondered the software side of any of this, downloading the emulators, frontend, and whatnot - will cross that bridge when I come to it. (That's the part that's got me seriously worried, given my absolute lack of PC skills.) Was planning on following Mike Trello's advice from arcadecab.com, and send a hard drive to monstarcade for Jeff to load up. (Although a tad sketched on sending a complete stranger an external drive, he seems like a standup bloke from what I've read?)
« Last Edit: March 02, 2011, 02:51:06 pm by ubermick »
Mammy, why is everyone pointing at my cab and laughing?

Donkbaca

  • Our reptillian overlords would be pleased
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2648
  • Last login:May 09, 2012, 06:28:10 pm
    • Slim built MAME/Xbox cab
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #18 on: March 02, 2011, 02:47:27 pm »
Doh!  Can't talk about where to get roms from.  Against the rules.  We can help you with pretty much everything else, how to set up mame, run emulators, just can't tell you where to get anything from.


ubermick

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 54
  • Last login:January 05, 2021, 02:29:01 am
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #19 on: March 02, 2011, 02:54:55 pm »
Yup, read the rules, and wouldn't dream of it. Saint's got a fantastic site going here, and last thing I'd do is try and harm it by discussing anything untoward.

That said, now that I'm looking at all those buttons, I'm starting to think... WTF?!? Okay, I understand the six buttons per player for controls. I understand two of the additional three buttons per player for coin in, 1/2up. But how come four buttons for pinball? And I assume the four buttons on the front panel are admin controls, but thought you only need pause and exit?
Mammy, why is everyone pointing at my cab and laughing?

ubermick

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 54
  • Last login:January 05, 2021, 02:29:01 am
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #20 on: March 02, 2011, 02:55:30 pm »
Also, this site is killing me. I've gotten absolutely ZERO work done today. Ahh, the joys of telecommuting!  :cheers:
Mammy, why is everyone pointing at my cab and laughing?

Donkbaca

  • Our reptillian overlords would be pleased
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2648
  • Last login:May 09, 2012, 06:28:10 pm
    • Slim built MAME/Xbox cab
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #21 on: March 02, 2011, 03:07:30 pm »
I can explain...

Well if you don't want to play fighting games, you can get away with 4 buttons, and the will cover most everything else.  The six buttons per player are for street fighter type 6 button games.  I have 7 buttons on mine, that way I have 4 buttons in a row on the bottom for Neo Geo.  Its also convenient to use as a "run" button for MK3

The pinball buttons are for the flippers and for nudge.  I don't have pinball in my cab, but I am pretty sure that's what they are for.

I think all you need is exit, maybe pause.  The other two are lists and genre, which are for the front end he is using.

If you were really ambitious, you wouldn't need mouse buttons, seperate, you could just wire the mouse buttons to player one buttons 2 and three or soemthing like that.  All sorts of options.


Donkbaca

  • Our reptillian overlords would be pleased
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2648
  • Last login:May 09, 2012, 06:28:10 pm
    • Slim built MAME/Xbox cab
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #22 on: March 02, 2011, 03:08:03 pm »
Yeah, and I hate this sight because it is soo interesting and feeds this ridiculous obsession

ubermick

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 54
  • Last login:January 05, 2021, 02:29:01 am
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #23 on: March 02, 2011, 03:30:16 pm »
Alright Donks, last question, then I promise I'll leave you alone (for a couple of minutes!)

With all those buttons - especially the pinball ones - where are they wired to? Do they just go into the same slot on an ipac as, say, buttons 1-4, or is this a situation where I'd need an ipac4? (Which I assumed were just for four player setups?)
Mammy, why is everyone pointing at my cab and laughing?

dfmaverick

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 343
  • Last login:July 03, 2016, 11:17:27 am
  • I want to build my own arcade controls!
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #24 on: March 02, 2011, 03:53:13 pm »
Just count up the inputs.

I believe Knievel was using the trackball wiring for the mouse buttons in the upper left and right halos. He was also doubling up the player 1 buttons 1&2 by the 4-way/spinner along with 4-way joystick doubling up the player 1 joystick.

By my count:

2 joysticks x 4 = 8
24 buttons (Player 1 & 2, coin, start, pinball, admin)

32 inputs.

Everyone else correct me if I'm wrong.

Epyx

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1961
  • Last login:December 25, 2023, 07:56:36 pm
  • "You're an oddity"
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #25 on: March 02, 2011, 04:31:35 pm »
Quote
Cheers again, lads. I've decided that my (eventual) build will be an attempt at copying Knievel's woody (I somehow doubt it'll end up looking THAT good), but the spacing info from slagcoin will come in handy when drilling out the top. Blown away by the volume of buttons on there (I count 28?!?!) but understand that two of them will be unnecessary (the two for the 4-way/spinner area, although may leave them in to use as left and right mouse buttons?).

I will differ in my opinion with Donkbaca in that you don't need an exit button. The IPAC2 allows for shifted functions so you can just assign a two button combo to act as exit...I use Hold Player 1 Start and quickly press Player 2 start to exit.  All other admin commands can be likewise configured.  6 buttons per player is fine for pretty much anything short of some console emulation (but even then isn't make or break).  Here is what I would recommend...a setup similiar to my aliens cab with 6 buttons per player...left joy set to 8 way...right to 4 way...player 1 start button and player 2 start button on the CP...then the left and right trackball mouse buttons to the side as flippers for pin games or along with the coin 1/2 under the front lip of your control panel...all within easy reach but not crowding your cp...ok mine also has a spinner but you get the point ;)


Here is a shot of how I laid mine out before mounting (full thing in thread). Yours would look less modded as you are going Woody classic of course but forget the lights I mean placement.  Then I had 5 buttons underneath the front part of the CP out of sight for coin 1/2 and mouse 1/2 and a power button:



Last Project



Epyx Tutorials:
Tutorials

Donkbaca

  • Our reptillian overlords would be pleased
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2648
  • Last login:May 09, 2012, 06:28:10 pm
    • Slim built MAME/Xbox cab
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #26 on: March 02, 2011, 04:40:29 pm »
I love that cab.  But I am an exit button guy ;) 


ubermick

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 54
  • Last login:January 05, 2021, 02:29:01 am
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #27 on: March 02, 2011, 05:00:24 pm »
I love that cab.  But I am an exit button guy ;) 



I can't imagine why you *wouldn't* want some way to exit out of a game and back to the main screen? But I like the idea of having a dual button version, to prevent accidental exits.

Also Epyx, that Alien cab is friggin' gorgeous. And where'd you score the black 1up/2up buttons? All I've seen are white ones. How's about you fly out to San Francisco, I'll let you crash here with all the beer you can drink while you build one for me!  ;D

To clear up tho, I won't be making it a "woody" per se, just copying that design. I'll probably be laminating it, and making it either a Liverpool FC-themed cab (soccer, red and white), or a black and orange SF Giants themed one to keep the wife happy. I'm guessing black and orange would be easiest, since the black laminate and t-molding would be easy, as opposed to trying to match up various shades of red.
Mammy, why is everyone pointing at my cab and laughing?

dfmaverick

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 343
  • Last login:July 03, 2016, 11:17:27 am
  • I want to build my own arcade controls!
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #28 on: March 02, 2011, 05:05:21 pm »
I did a cab years ago for my nephews.

Had a couple admin buttons on it. I hurried to get the cab done for Christmas, so I didn't wire up the admin buttons and left the default I-PAC shifted functions. I've never heard back about them, so the shifted functions must be working out.  :dunno

My suggestion: Leave the admin buttons off the control panel. If you leave an area like Knievel has under the monitor, you can always drill holes and wire in admin buttons later if you so desire.

dfmaverick

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 343
  • Last login:July 03, 2016, 11:17:27 am
  • I want to build my own arcade controls!
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #29 on: March 02, 2011, 05:09:41 pm »
And where'd you score the black 1up/2up buttons?

I've seen them on lizardlick

http://www.lizardlick.com/Player-Imprint-Pushbuttons_c_228.html

DM also has them listed in his thread in the Buy/Sell/Trade area

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=47066.0

There may be other sources.

Donkbaca

  • Our reptillian overlords would be pleased
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2648
  • Last login:May 09, 2012, 06:28:10 pm
    • Slim built MAME/Xbox cab
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #30 on: March 02, 2011, 05:15:21 pm »
SF huh?  My wife is a huge Giants fan, she is trying to nab tix for opening day.

I am doing a woody inspired design.  Staining mine.  Kinda wish I wasn't painting would be easier ;)

You might want to check out knievel's evolution design, its basic a black laminated woody.

I assume you are going to be using an LCD. Get a 21.3 inch 4;3 screen off ebay.  Its the biggest 4:3 screen you can get, and those monitors are super nice.  You can get a used one for like 150 bucks. 

If you are using a woody type design, it makes sense to put admin buttons on that wood strip right above the CP, and that wood strip is kinda necessary since it cuts down on the bezel

dfmaverick

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 343
  • Last login:July 03, 2016, 11:17:27 am
  • I want to build my own arcade controls!
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #31 on: March 02, 2011, 05:26:49 pm »

ubermick

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 54
  • Last login:January 05, 2021, 02:29:01 am
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #32 on: March 02, 2011, 05:41:10 pm »
Knievel's Arcade Mania (Woody II)

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=58647.msg578324#msg578324

Bingo. That's the exact cab I have in my head, minus the spinner (can't see why I'd want it, it only seems useful for a handful of games, and is a spendy luxury to have?). Only decision is the colour - black with orange trim, or red with white trim. (I'd rather have a red cab, but am thinking it'll look way too loud).
Mammy, why is everyone pointing at my cab and laughing?

Donkbaca

  • Our reptillian overlords would be pleased
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2648
  • Last login:May 09, 2012, 06:28:10 pm
    • Slim built MAME/Xbox cab
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #33 on: March 02, 2011, 05:42:49 pm »
White with red trim.

Black with orange trim would look decent

Epyx

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1961
  • Last login:December 25, 2023, 07:56:36 pm
  • "You're an oddity"
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #34 on: March 02, 2011, 05:43:24 pm »
Quote
I can't imagine why you *wouldn't* want some way to exit out of a game and back to the main screen? But I like the idea of having a dual button version, to prevent accidental exits.

Also Epyx, that Alien cab is friggin' gorgeous. And where'd you score the black 1up/2up buttons? All I've seen are white ones. How's about you fly out to San Francisco, I'll let you crash here with all the beer you can drink while you build one for me!  

To clear up tho, I won't be making it a "woody" per se, just copying that design. I'll probably be laminating it, and making it either a Liverpool FC-themed cab (soccer, red and white), or a black and orange SF Giants themed one to keep the wife happy. I'm guessing black and orange would be easiest, since the black laminate and t-molding would be easy, as opposed to trying to match up various shades of red.

@Donkbaca,

Im an exit functionality guy :) Hate the button for it ;)

@ubermick

Thanks for the props but it was due to others on the forum that it turned out like it did.  If you look at the difference from my first cab to that one it was night and day.  

As for the black 1up/2up I got them from an awesome German company -> http://www.arcadeshop.de/Start-Buttons-1P-Start-Button-CV-black_618.html

Great shop, great service.  Im just above you in Vancouver and it wasn't a long wait or expensive shipping...same with Ultimarc although Ultimarc uses faster than lightspeed service out of the UK...I kid you not the J sticks (yes they are jlws) can get to you within 2 days from England.

*LOVE* the Liverpool theme...course im a huge Amsterdam Ajax/Borrusia Dortmund fan but being Dutch/German will do that ;)
Last Project



Epyx Tutorials:
Tutorials

ubermick

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 54
  • Last login:January 05, 2021, 02:29:01 am
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #35 on: March 02, 2011, 06:24:23 pm »
White with red trim.

Black with orange trim would look decent

White with red trim would be too bright - it's going in the downstairs room with my kegerator (which I built myself and used to think was decently done, until I saw the craftsmanship on here) and the furniture down there (eventually) is dark leather/deep colours. Unless I do a darker red, but it's looking like black and orange will be the way to go - basically the same as Kneivel's, but with the blue replaced. And it'll make the boss happier.

*LOVE* the Liverpool theme...course im a huge Amsterdam Ajax/Borrusia Dortmund fan but being Dutch/German will do that ;)

Nice! Sorry for swiping Luis Suarez from you guys over the January window, but after losing Torres we need all the help we can get. Oof, it's painful seeing my club which used to be the Kings of Europe struggling like they are...
Mammy, why is everyone pointing at my cab and laughing?

DNA Dan

  • Guys.. we're not talking gold bars here
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 505
  • Last login:September 02, 2017, 11:39:00 am
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #36 on: March 02, 2011, 06:49:32 pm »
Hey Ubermick,
  Welcome to the forums. It's a wonderful addiction. don't forget that mame is a gateway drug.

Dude this had me rolling on the floor! Pass it my way! :laugh2:

ubermick

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 54
  • Last login:January 05, 2021, 02:29:01 am
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #37 on: March 03, 2011, 01:52:53 pm »
Dude this had me rolling on the floor! Pass it my way! :laugh2:

No. Please god no. The LAST thing I need is yet another uberexpensive hobby! Nooooooo!

Anyways, just wanted to shout thanks to all for the help. Buttons (orange and black) are on their way, along with a pair of Sanwa JLWs, and a trackball from X-Arcade. Plus, in a stroke of ridiculous fortune, spotted a guy on Craigslist selling a P4 3.0ghz with a gig of RAM and a 250gb drive, plus 20" 4:3 LCD for $120 that I'll be picking up this weekend.

It has begun. Dear Lord. It has begun.
Mammy, why is everyone pointing at my cab and laughing?

Donkbaca

  • Our reptillian overlords would be pleased
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2648
  • Last login:May 09, 2012, 06:28:10 pm
    • Slim built MAME/Xbox cab
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #38 on: March 03, 2011, 01:57:33 pm »
THat is a flippin good deal on that computer.  Hopefully the monitor is in good shape, and hopefully you will get done before me :)

ubermick

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 54
  • Last login:January 05, 2021, 02:29:01 am
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #39 on: March 03, 2011, 02:07:28 pm »
We'll see how it goes - I'm about 50/50 on Craigslist, in terms of getting great deals, and getting the shaft.

I wouldn't worry about me getting done before you, Donks - looks like you're way ahead of the game already. Plus, see above in terms of my complete and utter lack of PC skills. Getting the software setup is going to be an absolute nightmare for me. (Hey, did you mention you were in the Bay Area?  >:D)
Mammy, why is everyone pointing at my cab and laughing?

Donkbaca

  • Our reptillian overlords would be pleased
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2648
  • Last login:May 09, 2012, 06:28:10 pm
    • Slim built MAME/Xbox cab
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #40 on: March 03, 2011, 02:32:50 pm »
YEah, I actually do have a bit of behind the scenes work done. The FE and emulators are 90% done, built some aimtraks.

Now comes the tricky part of my build.  I am going to incorporate a switch that will let me switch between my mame cab and an xbox 360.  So I need to figure out where I am going to mount the xbox dvd player.  I decided to be different and got a laser etched plexiglass marquee that I am going to edge-light.  I have it, and all the LEDS I need, now I just need to figure out how to mount the sucker....  anyhow, that's my build. I hope you have good luck with your build. 

You should incorporate a kegerator in yours like my buddys do in the cabinet they sell

www.drinkngame.com

ubermick

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 54
  • Last login:January 05, 2021, 02:29:01 am
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #41 on: March 07, 2011, 07:48:04 pm »
You should incorporate a kegerator in yours like my buddys do in the cabinet they sell

www.drinkngame.com

Hahaha, NICE! Although I'm scratching my head how he's managed to incorporate refrigeration into that thing. Must way a #$# ton!

Don't need it tho, already got 5 taps (one of them nitro) in the (eventual) man cave, and another three just outside in the garage.  :cheers:

Snagged my PC over the weekend, a P4 2.8ghz with 2 gigs of RAM and a 1TB hard drive for FREE. Added a 20" monitor for $80 cash, wiped it, fresh install of XP in preparation. First package arrived today too, 26 pushbuttons from Twisted Quarter. Hopefully I'll get started on the cabinet this weekend... might even make a build thread, although will have to see how it turns out first, to see if it's worthy of public display.
Mammy, why is everyone pointing at my cab and laughing?

Donkbaca

  • Our reptillian overlords would be pleased
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2648
  • Last login:May 09, 2012, 06:28:10 pm
    • Slim built MAME/Xbox cab
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #42 on: March 07, 2011, 08:06:33 pm »
The refrigeration is all custom designed.  Its a blast at parties.

Wife got tix to opening day for the giants, so i'll be headed up to SF. 

I will be following your thread because I like the fact that you make your own beer.  Trying to convince my buddy to do that, he needs a hooby, his current one is watching movies and posting reviews of them on facebook.  ---smurfy---, ---smurfy--- hobby, I could care less about this years Oscar shorts, hell I think the Academy could care less about this years Oscars shorts.  Anyhow, trying to convince him to brew his own beer so he at least has a manly hobby that I can enjoy too.

I just dumped a crapload more money into my cab so I could integrate an xbox 360 into it.  Its funny how a little change can add so much to your bottom line, for example, I wanted to get different sized admin buttons, well there goes 30 bucks for the buttons, plus another 20 bucks on cheap forstner bits to drill holes for the buttons... Wife asked me the other day, "so, how much have you spent so far?"  I pretended I didn't hear her and made a quick comment about our daughter to change the subject.

  Should be worth it in the end though (if the end ever comes...)

ubermick

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 54
  • Last login:January 05, 2021, 02:29:01 am
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #43 on: March 07, 2011, 09:32:35 pm »
Yup, I'm already seeing the nickel and diming effect on building these things. I'm delighted I managed to snag my computer on the cheap, since I know there'll be plenty of charges along the road on the cabinet. Not just wood, there's the t-molding, the plexiglass for the bezel, cp, and marquee, lights, laminate, etc. etc.... and of course the inevitable need to buy certain things twice, if/when I screw up the first time.

Congrats on opening day tickets - those things are ludicrously expensive, my wife and I decided to pass. Probably going to the game the day after, though! Where abouts in CA are you?
Mammy, why is everyone pointing at my cab and laughing?

Donkbaca

  • Our reptillian overlords would be pleased
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2648
  • Last login:May 09, 2012, 06:28:10 pm
    • Slim built MAME/Xbox cab
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #44 on: March 08, 2011, 12:39:49 am »
Luckily I got the pc and xbox 360 for free, otherwise it would be way more expensive. I think adding the xbox 360 will payoff big in terms of using it more.

Luckily most of the money I have spent has been on tools, which I am cool with.

I am in central CA by the way, Bakersfield

ubermick

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 54
  • Last login:January 05, 2021, 02:29:01 am
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #45 on: March 16, 2011, 01:55:27 pm »
Well, there's been a day of progress, got the sides cut, hopefully get some more work done on it tomorrow. (An Irishman working on St. Patrick's day!!) But quick question for folks - what are you using for sound? I was plotting on buying a 2.1 computer speaker setup (since I'm using it as a jukebox as well), but most of them have the control setup in one of the speakers themselves, meaning I'll need to disassemble the speakers and relocate the controls. Alternatively, there's the option of buying a small amp, speakers, and sub, but then we're getting spendy...
Mammy, why is everyone pointing at my cab and laughing?

Donkbaca

  • Our reptillian overlords would be pleased
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2648
  • Last login:May 09, 2012, 06:28:10 pm
    • Slim built MAME/Xbox cab
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #46 on: March 16, 2011, 02:31:40 pm »
I am just using 2.1 pc speakers, but I'm not going the jukebox route.

garnerb350

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 892
  • Last login:May 09, 2019, 09:36:49 pm
  • Crowded elevators smell different to midgets...
    • Hyperspin
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #47 on: March 16, 2011, 03:00:17 pm »
I used a 2.1 PC speakers on mine...My controls were short and i had to placed my subwoofer lower into my cab , so i ended up splicing wires and give it more length. I eventually came across a used home theatre unit and i hooked it up also... When i am just in the mood for jukebox i crank the unit up... its nice because my 2.1 acts as tweeters and i get great sound along with the thunder woofer that the home unit has...
“If first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you..." ~ Jack Handy

ubermick

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 54
  • Last login:January 05, 2021, 02:29:01 am
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #48 on: May 18, 2011, 01:40:14 pm »
In case folks are interested... almost done with the build! Whoever gets these things banged out in a weekend, my hat's off to you. Granted, I'm working on this an hour away from my house, so it's not like I can head downstairs and get it done bit by bit as time allows - usually limited to a 5 hour work session once a week since I started back in March. The marquee was a complete and utter pain to do - felt like it took three work sessions to get right - and I had a nightmare with plexi - repeatedly shattering it while cutting it, etc. But I've learned from my mistakes (there have been many) and next time I build one (there WILL be a next time!) it should take half the time.

All I have left to do now is to wire the control panel, and get it working. Some prelim pics I've taken with my iphone over the past few sessions, I'll take some proper pictures when it's all said and done.

Again, THANK YOU to everyone on here who's helped me out. Couldn't have done this without ya!




These two were taken a few weeks ago, when I finally got the glass on. Man, it needs a cleaning!






And these two were taken the other day, when I FINALLY finished fabricating the CP. Not mounted yet, still have to center it and attach it, plus add the hinges, something I'm putting off doing. (I HATE installing euro hinges!!) Loved the way the artwork turned out, really happy with it!
Mammy, why is everyone pointing at my cab and laughing?

Hoopz

  • Don't brand me a troublemaker!
  • Trade Count: (+8)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5285
  • Last login:June 13, 2025, 09:18:32 pm
  • Intellivision Rocks!
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #49 on: May 18, 2011, 01:56:04 pm »
Wow, that's great artwork on the CP.

I can't quite make out the cups at the bottom and read the writing.  I'm blaming your iphone pics instead of bad eyes though.  What do they say?  It looks like Rome, London, Rome, Paris, etc with a year after it?  Probably a European soccer reference?

ubermick

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 54
  • Last login:January 05, 2021, 02:29:01 am
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #50 on: May 18, 2011, 02:02:00 pm »
Wow, that's great artwork on the CP.

I can't quite make out the cups at the bottom and read the writing.  I'm blaming your iphone pics instead of bad eyes though.  What do they say?  It looks like Rome, London, Rome, Paris, etc with a year after it?  Probably a European soccer reference?

Thanks! Yeah, I'm really happy with the way the artwork turned out.

Good guess - they say Rome 1977, London 1978, Paris 1981, Rome 1984, and Istanbul 2005 - the years when Liverpool won the European Cup/Champions League.
Mammy, why is everyone pointing at my cab and laughing?

scofthe7seas

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 340
  • Last login:January 10, 2012, 11:33:10 am
  • I'm Eskimo. There's nothing here.
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #51 on: May 18, 2011, 02:22:36 pm »
This is your first cab, and you put it together like that in about 2 months?? Amazing.

Though I think "You'll never play alone" is a misnomer.

ubermick

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 54
  • Last login:January 05, 2021, 02:29:01 am
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #52 on: May 18, 2011, 03:19:20 pm »
To be fair, I've done a wee bit of woodworking before (nowhere near to this level, tho, and have never held a router before, much less used one) and I built this with a great friend who REALLY knows his stuff (he built one too, exact same as this but with different artwork, and didn't do the side circular panels). Personally, I'm a lot more impressed by the lads who've built cabs on their dining room tables, like Martjin and his SF cab, or Ramsus' Project Mame. (Actually, more credit goes to their SWMBOs, since MDF dust gets FRIGGING EVERYWHERE).

The "You'll never play alone" thing is a play on Liverpool's anthem "You'll Never Walk Alone". Although I agree, with a five tap kegerator and this, I won't be able to keep folks out of my basement!
Mammy, why is everyone pointing at my cab and laughing?

dfmaverick

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 343
  • Last login:July 03, 2016, 11:17:27 am
  • I want to build my own arcade controls!
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #53 on: May 18, 2011, 03:28:29 pm »
Looks great.  :cheers:

You ended up banging that out in no time. May not have been a weekend, but didn't take you too long. Of course taht is probably because you didn't get it working...first.

DNA Dan

  • Guys.. we're not talking gold bars here
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 505
  • Last login:September 02, 2017, 11:39:00 am
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #54 on: May 18, 2011, 04:14:04 pm »
ubermick your cab turned out excellent! I love the way the red really pops against the black. What did you use for a monitor again?

Donkbaca

  • Our reptillian overlords would be pleased
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2648
  • Last login:May 09, 2012, 06:28:10 pm
    • Slim built MAME/Xbox cab
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #55 on: May 18, 2011, 04:18:29 pm »
If you hate the hinges, just use velcro.  I have a piano hinge in the front and a couple strips of velcro on the sides.  I have to reattach my top because its not lining up right because I didn't account for the t-molding.  Considering ditching the t-molding and just using the velcro...

newmanfamilyvlogs

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1694
  • Last login:June 15, 2022, 05:20:38 pm
    • forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,103584.msg1096585.html#msg1096585
    • Newman Family Vlogs
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #56 on: May 18, 2011, 04:29:01 pm »
So do you still hate us? (:

Nice work.

ubermick

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 54
  • Last login:January 05, 2021, 02:29:01 am
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #57 on: May 18, 2011, 04:35:32 pm »
ubermick your cab turned out excellent! I love the way the red really pops against the black. What did you use for a monitor again?
Cheers for that, Dan! Monitor is a 20" Dell LCD. Not the greatest choice, as it tends to disappear a wee bit behind the greylite, but am sure that after a few hours of being in front of it, I'll be glad of it.


If you hate the hinges, just use velcro.  I have a piano hinge in the front and a couple strips of velcro on the sides.  I have to reattach my top because its not lining up right because I didn't account for the t-molding.  Considering ditching the t-molding and just using the velcro...

Hehe, I actually like the hinges, but installing the !@### things is a pain in the backside. Was one thing for the cab door, it's all nice and 90 degrees, but the CP hinge has me scratching my head a bit. And the prospect of screwing up that CP by drilling 35mm holes in there is a bit daunting since it's a one shot deal. I know Rick (buddy that I'm building with) is going the velcro route, might end up doing it myself. I mean, once it's finished and in it's final resting place, how many times am I going to be opening it up?


So do you still hate us? (:
No, now I love ye all. My wife, on the other hand, would love to go door to door and go on a killing spree!  :laugh:
Mammy, why is everyone pointing at my cab and laughing?

Donkbaca

  • Our reptillian overlords would be pleased
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2648
  • Last login:May 09, 2012, 06:28:10 pm
    • Slim built MAME/Xbox cab
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #58 on: May 18, 2011, 04:39:21 pm »
Quote
Cheers for that, Dan! Monitor is a 20" Dell LCD. Not the greatest choice, as it tends to disappear a wee bit behind the greylite, but am sure that after a few hours of being in front of it, I'll be glad of it.

at the risk of sounding dense.  have you turned up the brightness on it?

ubermick

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 54
  • Last login:January 05, 2021, 02:29:01 am
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #59 on: May 18, 2011, 04:46:45 pm »
Quote
Cheers for that, Dan! Monitor is a 20" Dell LCD. Not the greatest choice, as it tends to disappear a wee bit behind the greylite, but am sure that after a few hours of being in front of it, I'll be glad of it.

at the risk of sounding dense.  have you turned up the brightness on it?

Hahaha, yes indeed I have, it's at 100%. It's an older monitor tho, the 4:3 ratio ones are bloody hard to find (and not cheap) in bigger sizes.
Mammy, why is everyone pointing at my cab and laughing?

newmanfamilyvlogs

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1694
  • Last login:June 15, 2022, 05:20:38 pm
    • forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,103584.msg1096585.html#msg1096585
    • Newman Family Vlogs

DNA Dan

  • Guys.. we're not talking gold bars here
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 505
  • Last login:September 02, 2017, 11:39:00 am
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #61 on: May 18, 2011, 06:28:15 pm »
How dark is the greylite? Knowing that these things are never bright enough I went with 1/4" clear. Not as good contrast on the blacks though. Everything is a compromise without having an actual CRT.

Ond

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2353
  • Last login:July 10, 2025, 08:06:51 am
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #62 on: May 18, 2011, 08:00:41 pm »
Very nice work and,  welcome to the forum.

 :cheers:

Ond

DNA Dan

  • Guys.. we're not talking gold bars here
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 505
  • Last login:September 02, 2017, 11:39:00 am
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #63 on: May 18, 2011, 10:00:21 pm »
Quote
Cheers for that, Dan! Monitor is a 20" Dell LCD. Not the greatest choice, as it tends to disappear a wee bit behind the greylite, but am sure that after a few hours of being in front of it, I'll be glad of it.

at the risk of sounding dense.  have you turned up the brightness on it?

Hahaha, yes indeed I have, it's at 100%. It's an older monitor tho, the 4:3 ratio ones are bloody hard to find (and not cheap) in bigger sizes.


Any chance you could take a photo with the monitor on? I really like the blackness of the greylite but don't know if it's too dark for my tastes.

dfmaverick

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 343
  • Last login:July 03, 2016, 11:17:27 am
  • I want to build my own arcade controls!
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #64 on: May 19, 2011, 01:07:36 pm »
I like that your trackball seems to match the CP very well.

Did you stick with the X-Arcade TB, or did you opt for something else?

ubermick

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 54
  • Last login:January 05, 2021, 02:29:01 am
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #65 on: May 19, 2011, 01:15:55 pm »
I went with the X-Arcade, but bought a replacement 3" ball from Twisted Quarter to use instead of the white one. (The white would have worked fine, in hindsight!)

Dan, I'll try and grab a photo of the monitor in action behind the greylite, but my car's in the shop at the moment, and the cab is an hour's drive away. I don't remember which flavour of greylite it is, I do know it was the lightest we could get. Pretty sure it's 31.
Mammy, why is everyone pointing at my cab and laughing?

scofthe7seas

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 340
  • Last login:January 10, 2012, 11:33:10 am
  • I'm Eskimo. There's nothing here.
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #66 on: May 19, 2011, 07:21:55 pm »
(The white would have worked fine, in hindsight!)

No way, man. The red ball contrasts way better inside of the white football. A white trackball would just blend in and not look nearly as cool.

ubermick

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 54
  • Last login:January 05, 2021, 02:29:01 am
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #67 on: May 23, 2011, 03:08:42 pm »
(The white would have worked fine, in hindsight!)

No way, man. The red ball contrasts way better inside of the white football. A white trackball would just blend in and not look nearly as cool.

Gotta say you're right - changed the white back in, and it blended with the ball nicely, but it just didn't pop. Red looks a lot better. So just as well I didn't spend $30 for no reason!

Brought the CP home and wired up yesterday, and it's working nicely. So next time I'm up there, I'll be able to (hopefully) get it finished. Then comes the oh-so-fun task of installing a front-end, the other emulators, and trying to get everything to work together. PCs... feh!
Mammy, why is everyone pointing at my cab and laughing?

newmanfamilyvlogs

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1694
  • Last login:June 15, 2022, 05:20:38 pm
    • forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,103584.msg1096585.html#msg1096585
    • Newman Family Vlogs
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #68 on: May 23, 2011, 03:15:26 pm »
Then comes the oh-so-fun task of installing a front-end, the other emulators, and trying to get everything to work together. PCs... feh!

but that IS the fun part! You only get the build the cabinet once. You get to configure the software forever!  :D

ubermick

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 54
  • Last login:January 05, 2021, 02:29:01 am
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #69 on: March 08, 2012, 06:10:31 pm »
Wow. I can't believe it's been almost a year since I worked on this cab, and realized I didn't post a final build pic!



Again, thank you to EVERYONE on here who helped me put this together. It's pride of place in the man cave, and have had a couple of offers from folks to buy it (it's not going ANYWHERE).
Mammy, why is everyone pointing at my cab and laughing?

DNA Dan

  • Guys.. we're not talking gold bars here
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 505
  • Last login:September 02, 2017, 11:39:00 am
Re: Nervous noob, (k)nows nothing, needs (k)nowledge
« Reply #70 on: March 09, 2012, 09:43:08 pm »
Where did you buy your t-molding? I got some that I am unhappy with. It looks like a wavy ribbon on the extreme edges. Unless there is some heating method to installing this stuff?