Author Topic: BIG QUESTION FOR BYOAC MASTERS (Read 8894 times)

vegetariansoul · « **on:** September 10, 2003, 06:51:20 pm »

My Fiance, best friend and I have zero carpentry or elecrical skills. All we have is a MAME addiction. We are not ready to take on a true BYOAC project.

This Mame hobby has really made me wish that I would have been more interested in carpentry as a youngster. Thanks to all of you for a truly usefull site and forum situation.

I just cannot break the tie between these three cabinet choices! Consulting with the BYOAC community will hopefully provide that extra "been there, done that" information so that I make the best possible descion. The cabs are available even if the auction ends they use the auctions for extra advertisement.

Which of these three projects has the edge and why? Pretend you do not have the option to BYOAC. I couldn't post all the information so I just put the links. Thanks for taking the time tp help.

1) This cabinet kit seems deliver good product and value. . Made with pre laminated mdf. The assembly directions are at the bottom of this web page http://www.arcadeshopper.com/mame/ Is this going to be a sturdy cabinet using L-brackets for stability?

2) This cab for comes completely done at a good price. They usually dont laminate, utilizing painted MDF. They use a bit more carpentry by using wood to bracket the bottom like the real games did. I have read about laminate "coming up" which could be a point for painting the MDF. www.projectmame.com

3) Another completely finished turnkey cabinet. They do the same extra carpentry as the previous and they laminate the MDF any style or color. The price ends up a bit more. www.jjscustomarcades.com

One last thing, after talking and emailing with the guys leading each of these small business I felt like any of the three would come through like a champ. They were all knowlegable, helpful, and just excellent to deal with.

Thanks,
Michael
vegetariansoul@yahoo.com

As this thread unfolds I am realizing how purchasing a cab that someone ELSE has built is so taboo around here. I really do appreciate those of you who are/have tried to consider that some people might not have the same creative drive, but do carry the same love for mame cabs.

CitznFish · « **Reply #1 on:** September 10, 2003, 07:14:14 pm »

a lot of these guys had no woddworking experience either. I think you should try one on your own. You can even buy templates or pre-cut kits at www.mameroom.com. Doing it yourself will give you a better knowledge on how to troubleshoot the game when it malfunctions. (it will, they all do sooner or later)

paigeoliver · « **Reply #2 on:** September 10, 2003, 07:25:52 pm »

If cost and lack of woodworking skills is an issue, then why are you even thinking about building. Converting a pre-existing cabinet is so much cheaper that it isn't even funny.

Apollo · « **Reply #3 on:** September 10, 2003, 07:32:06 pm »

You have been saving for a while so you obviously have a few bucks to shell out. If I was you I would go to an arcade auction, buy your perfect cab and convert it. You'll still be able to say you built it ( kind of ) and the tools you will need will be minimal I have gotten away with drill and jigsaw so far ( apart from screw drivers pliers etc ).
You will be able to get something in great condition and because you dont need a working game just a shell it won't cost much at all. Or spend a bit more and get a big assed 27" arcade monitor as well ( just make sure it isn't poked ).
You will have to build your own control panel but you would want to do this anyway probably. Do what I did and get it made to the size and shape you want by a cabinet maker and drill it yourself. It was pretty cheap to do and it looks great.
It is a much better route to go than buying the whole thing pre made ( no street cred ) and you will learn a heap of stuff along the way ( all that stuff you say you know nothing about ). Then when you want a second cab, he he believe me you will, you can do it all yourself.
You guys will get so much more out of this MAME thing doing it yourself than just getting a cab and playing.
Good luck and have fun

vegetariansoul · « **Reply #4 on:** September 10, 2003, 08:01:51 pm »

Once something is together I can change button or switch out. Even if the kit was purchased it would have been the slik stik or his pre- made console.

The reason we aren't going to build ourselves is the mistake and time factors. We have limited tools. Most of the BYOAC community is good at this type of thing. I don't have that feel or comfort level to do this yet. Also, it has to look perfect because of my fiance. She loves MAME, but she is also a woman.

Which of the three options did you like or not like and why?

Mike
vegetariansoul@yahoo.com

vegetariansoul · « **Reply #5 on:** September 10, 2003, 08:13:14 pm »

Apollo,

Geat points! I will probably find the courage to do my next cabinet. Arcade auctions are be a great option, FOR SURE on my second.

Which project did you like the best and why?

Later,
Mike
vegetariansoul@yahoo.com

Frostillicus · « **Reply #6 on:** September 10, 2003, 09:52:38 pm »

Quote from: vegetariansoul on September 10, 2003, 08:01:51 pm

She loves MAME, but she is also a woman.

Heh - can I put that in my sig? I could not sum up the dynamics between women and male hobbies better

Anyways - you'll get all kinds of folks here. Some guys (like me) are die-hard, build from scratch, if-only-I-had-a-sawmill-I-could-save-on-wood types, and others are buy-ye-ol'-arcade-classic-and-chop-it types. Keeps the threads interesting.

So I would go with whatever product you would be most happy with -- picture it in your living room...can you customize it further? Can everyone play it at once? That may be important or not to you.

FWIW, I like wood since it's lighter, stronger and doesn't swell up if a drop of H2O hits it. I'd go with the dude that actually builds with wood. You can get a great finish painting wood- provided he does it right.

telengard · « **Reply #7 on:** September 10, 2003, 10:22:05 pm »

Hehe, I have ***ZERO*** woodworking abilities. I had
to do everything at least twice. It's best to start with a gutted
cabinet if you are like me.

vegetariansoul · « **Reply #8 on:** September 10, 2003, 10:48:05 pm »

Frost,
Sure you can use that in your sig!

Thanks for the info.

Mike

Apollo · « **Reply #9 on:** September 11, 2003, 12:50:52 am »

OK well if I have to pick I go for option 3. It's a pretty sweet deal.
I'm telling you though building or modding a cab is half the fun ( maybe more than half ).

vegetariansoul · « **Reply #10 on:** September 11, 2003, 01:02:51 am »

Eventually I will make a cabinet and will probably find you are 100% correct. If you were my neighbor it would be "game on," but my problem is that I have NEVER had an interest in this kind of thing until now. I feel really bad being honest and saying that putting together my fouton last month took 8 hours and one year off my life.

Do you know anyone who has NEVER played a sport for whatever reason? Ever see that guy try to catch an easy flyball to the outfield, hit a wiffle ball or catch a football? Dude it is really sad to watch!

Thanks for taking the time to check out the links. I helps alot.

Mike

hooded_paladin · « **Reply #11 on:** September 11, 2003, 01:08:02 am »

Quote from: vegetariansoul on September 11, 2003, 01:02:51 am

Do you know anyone who has NEVER played a sport for whatever reason? Ever see that guy try to catch an easy flyball to the outfield, hit a wiffle ball or catch a football? Dude it is really sad to watch!

...shut up...
haha

SirPoonga · « **Reply #12 on:** September 11, 2003, 02:01:18 am »

another option if you are open to a cockatil cabinet. This is an VERY good price.
http://www.arcadedepot.com/HTML/kits.html

vegetariansoul · « **Reply #13 on:** September 11, 2003, 02:16:21 am »

I never really played cocktail machines in my teens. That one looked good though.

Which option from the listed links did you think was the best and why?

Later,
Mike

SirPoonga · « **Reply #14 on:** September 11, 2003, 02:26:44 am »

preference really, you either have a birch or an oak kit.

vegetariansoul · « **Reply #15 on:** September 11, 2003, 02:57:14 am »

Which stand up cabinet that I listed was your pick and why?

-Mike

armad1ll0 · « **Reply #16 on:** September 11, 2003, 03:17:45 am »

I think that you need to set a budget and then work backwards from there. From this then you can come up with the essentials and options.

Monitor size, additional controls, authenticity etc...

vegetariansoul · « **Reply #17 on:** September 11, 2003, 04:17:12 am »

My reason for posting is to tap this boards expertise in finding the highest quality cab from those three links that I posted. Assuming all three choices I posted are within the budget which one is your pick to click?

Tiger-Heli · « **Reply #18 on:** September 11, 2003, 08:13:50 am »

Well, first the disclaimer: like most of the community, I tend to not buy pre-made cabinets, so take my opinions (based on a cursory glance of the three websites with a grain of salt.

Also, keep in mind that I am cheap.

I like Option 1 the best for the following reasons:

1) I prefer dealing with a web-front rather than an E-bay based seller.

2) Having the cabinet flat-packed will save on shipping.

3) Gives you the ability to use either a TV or an arcade monitor (subject for another post), and allows you to find better deals on a computer system or use your existing computer system (for another post, as well).

FWIW.

hyiu · « **Reply #19 on:** September 11, 2003, 10:30:14 am »

ok..... if building it is not an option.... if budget is not a problem....

then I would say.... go thru mame and see which games you like most.... then select 1 that has a control panel that can accomodate those games....

you said you, your fiance, and a friend... right ??... so... you're looking at 3/4 players games ??... maybe you'll need to opt out for a 4 player control panel....

or maybe a trackball/spinner is necessary for your taste....

I think the ctrl panel is the most important part of the cab....

so... pick according to your likes....

hope it helps....

pathdoc2 · « **Reply #20 on:** September 11, 2003, 10:45:52 am »

If you live anywhere near me, I'd consider building a cab for you. I live near Dallas.

AlanS17 · « **Reply #21 on:** September 11, 2003, 11:45:20 am »

I would have to say modding an existing cabinet is probably the best bet unless you need one now. This is what a LOT of people in here do. It takes care of all the wood-working off the bat (except for minimal customization like the control panel which is hella-fun).

Then all you have to do if decide what guts you want in it. I rebuilt an old Bad Dudes and I must say I am very proud of the thing. All my fraternity brothers seem to agree. They're always already playing the thing when I get there.

Lilwolf · « **Reply #22 on:** September 11, 2003, 01:31:32 pm »

I only want to say..

by answering this thread

Who is da MASTER? ("sho-nuff!")

Who is da MASTER? ("sho-nuff!")

Who is the master?

I AM!

Now who is the master? Anyone?

hyiu · « **Reply #23 on:** September 11, 2003, 03:01:40 pm »

wow.....

*bow* *bow* *kneel* *kneel*

LONG LIVE MAME MASTER !!!....

*bow* *bow* *kneel* *kneel*

LONG LIVE MAME MASTER !!!....

gnateye · « **Reply #24 on:** September 11, 2003, 03:17:42 pm »

ok, i too am not over psyched about buying kits, just for $$$ purposes, i am of the school of people who find/buy older cabs and fix them up, but if you hav to choose from the 3 listed, i would say go with teh flat packed one, you will save on shipping, you dont have bid on the thing, and you get to assemble it which is like building without hte cutting and guess work. and like the post above, think hard about which control panel you want, but my advice on control panels, LESS IS MORE, dont go with 4 players 8 buttons each a spinner a trackball and a 4 way, plus a tron setup. try to keep it authentic looking , 4 players max, keep the tb and spinner and 4 way and tron setup for another control panel. my 2 cents anyways.

but i would strongly suggest goin to an aucton or talking to your local distributer about getting an old cab and adapting it to your purposes, you will spend much, i mean MUCH less money and have to do hardly any woodworking if at all.

good luck

vegetariansoul · « **Reply #25 on:** September 11, 2003, 03:44:11 pm »

hyiu and Lilwolf! You should run the football into the endzone before you can bring the flava! Which one of these would you recommend and why?

http://www.arcadeshopper.com/mame/

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3241304652&category=13716

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3240925646&category=13716

I am realizing how purchasing a cab that someone ELSE has built is taboo around here. I do appreciate those of you who have tried to consider that some people might not have the same creative drive as you, but have the same love of cabs.

vegetariansoul · « **Reply #26 on:** September 11, 2003, 03:50:29 pm »

gnateye do you think the kit will hold up well?

Actually I have called every local distributor (within 50 miles) and have come up with three great leads!

One actually builds Mame cabinets!

And has over 300 classic games in inventory.

The second has several 10 year old churchill cabinets that he kept because they were such cool cabs. He informed me they were cabs built to put any game into and could support a house. For only $300 I am going to keep an open mind. It only takes a 19 inch monitor, though.

The last just had a bunch of games.

rampy · « **Reply #27 on:** September 11, 2003, 03:54:21 pm »

Quote from: Lilwolf on September 11, 2003, 01:31:32 pm

I only want to say..

by answering this thread

Who is da MASTER? ("sho-nuff!")

Who is da MASTER? ("sho-nuff!")

Who is the master?

I AM!

Now who is the master? Anyone?

aha! the last dragon...

hyiu · « **Reply #28 on:** September 11, 2003, 04:17:56 pm »

I can run the ball into the end zone... but it might not be right for you....

ok.... can you answer the following questions ??...

- how often will you play 3-4 player games ??....

- what kind of games do you play often ??... (are you a fighter player ??... shooter player ??... old games player ??....)

- list some of your (your finance's or the people who is going to use this cab most times...) fav. games..... give me like 5-10 or so....

you said you have NO skills whatsoever in woodworking...

how about computer.... specifically.... hardware.... (as in putting together a computer.... installing cards...

any soldering skills ?? electronic skills ??... ever solder before ??

How about software skills ?? installing software ??...
or maybe fixing pgrms ??....

---------------

ok.... base on your answers to the above questions....
I'll try to give my opinions...... (personal opinions... take it at your own risk....)

depends on what you like, and how much you can or willing to do, I will give you what I think is best pick....

(of course... the least you want to do... the higher the price since they have to do it for you...)

also.... when you said you have no carpentry skills... you're still feel comfortable putting that thing together if it comes in pieces.... right ??.... if not, your choices are further limited....

and since you're opting for the BUY and play.... I would not take budget into consideration.... (or else... the best choice is DIY....)

so... let us know and I'll try to throw it into the end zone.... ok ??

vegetariansoul · « **Reply #29 on:** September 11, 2003, 04:44:50 pm »

- how often will you play 3-4 player games ??....

The 3 or 4 player games we play are like Track & Field which I belive only require the 2-player panel.

- what kind of games do you play often ??... (are you a fighter player ??... shooter player ??... old games player ??....)

I like them all, but the old games top the list.

- list some of your (your finance's or the people who is going to use this cab most times...) fav. games..... give me like 5-10 or so....

Track & Field, Asteroids, Pac-man, Ms. Pac-man, Galaga, Defender, Missle Command, Donkey Kong, Mario Bros., Dungeons & Dragons, King of Fighters 98, Dragons Lair

you said you have NO skills whatsoever in woodworking...

how about computer.... specifically.... hardware.... (as in putting together a computer.... installing cards...

any soldering skills ?? electronic skills ??... ever solder before ??

How about software skills ?? installing software ??...
or maybe fixing pgrms ??....

I truly feel bad saying this, but no we don't. Of course I can download software and hook up printers, controllers, etc. My friends who have these skills also have kids, jobs and non-mame wifes. I will eventually do a cab with my wife, but we want it to be fun and no timetable. She and I will truly be starting from zero skills.

---------------

(of course... the least you want to do... the higher the price since they have to do it for you...)

We are prepared for that, just not $5000+ like some of those 150% markups.

also.... when you said you have no carpentry skills... you're still feel comfortable putting that thing together if it comes in pieces.... right ??.... if not, your choices are further limited....

If people like you on the boards look at the specs on that kit and say that it will be a solid cabinet then that is do-able. Help for 1 day from one of the previously mentioned friends is no problem.

and since you're opting for the BUY and play.... I would not take budget into consideration.... (or else... the best choice is DIY....)

The budget is $2500 or so. My fiance, best friend and I have saved for over 10 months. I am the one quarterbacking the purchase and I respect you guys opinions. To me the www.custom-arcade.com seems the best, but that price is just obscenly overpriced.

so... let us know and I'll try to throw it into the end zone.... ok ??

Thanks.

hyiu · « **Reply #30 on:** September 11, 2003, 05:29:16 pm »

ok.... I've give it a couple of minutes to think....
and here is my choice....

the games you picked are mostly older games.... (your fav game list...) plz keep in mind... Dragon's Lair is a laserdisk game, and therefore, is not playable in Mame....

So, I would say you definitely need a 4 way stick, also a tball (missle command), ... spinner is optional....

and your budget is like around $2500....

-----------------------

The third one is OUT because it doesn't have a tball....

the first one is pretty much higher than your budget if you want a 4 way stick and tball included... ($2500 doesn't make it... and you have S&H on top)....

So, the 2nd one should be the best choice for you among the 3 given... (but I see the auction is already ended....)

-----------------------

So... if you ask me which one among the 3 is the best choice... I would like choice #2....

although the auction is ended... you can always email him and see... if he sells one... usually... he'll be willing to make another one to sell to you.....

-----------------

I have an extra question.... where are you located ??....

for your budget.... $2500.... there might be guys here who is willing to do it for you... (and customize it.... with artwork and stuffs like that....)

they'll go buy a gutted cab which is in good shape.... and redo the control panel... buy a new computer... the WD monitor that was just reviewed.... arcadevga video card.... etc etc....

and if its within a couple hrs drive... (you can pick up...)
you save S&H....

then all you have to do is move it and waaa laaa.... its done... no assemble needed....

---------------------------

another option is http://www.slikstik.com
get the Lite version cab $900... classic stick $400+....
computer $600.... $monitor $550.... + S&H....

this way.... its not sold by someone doing it in the garage... its backed by a company.....

(and slikstick classic also has spinner....)

----------------------------

ok... enough for now.... hope I'm making sense in my comments....

as said... take it at your own risk....

vegetariansoul · « **Reply #31 on:** September 11, 2003, 05:38:44 pm »

hyiu scores!

Oh yea, you ran the ball in the endzone BIGTIME!

Seriously, I appreciate it.

The first link that was out of the price range sells his as a kit for $450.

All three of those guys basically use ebay for advertising so their cabs are always availiable.

The #2 cab is not laminated. He paints MDF nicely. Will that look great?

Thanks again,
Mike

Valiam Arkais · « **Reply #32 on:** September 11, 2003, 05:58:49 pm »

With a $2500 budget I would probably go with a slikstik.

FWIW

-V.A.

Tiger-Heli · « **Reply #33 on:** September 11, 2003, 06:02:43 pm »

Ok, I'm back in the game . . .
New Questions - Have a truck and someone to haul stuff? If so the distributor or Super Auction might be the best bet. You should be able to do better than $300 for a bare cab without monitor or PC, but it will probably require cleaning/painting to cover bad side art.

No truck or no help, I still like Arcadeshopper the best. Flat-packing saves on shipping and has the advantage that you could bring the individual pieces inside and assemble it in the room it will go in.

>Track & Field, Asteroids, Pac-man, Ms. Pac-man, Galaga, Defender, Missle Command, Donkey Kong, Mario Bros., Dungeons & Dragons, King of Fighters 98, Dragons Lair

So we are looking at a two player CP with some 2-way and 4-way games and maybe a T-ball for Missile command. Would recommend a SF layout, probably the Ultimarc T-Sticks or J-Sticks, Set the Left Stick to 4-Way, right to 8-way and then change both to 8-way for fighters.

We are prepared for that, just not $5000+ like some of those 150% markups.

For $550 the 27-inch is a better deal than the 19-inch for $500 if you have space for it in it's new home.

Go with a 27-inch TV (make sure it will fit b/c he probably means 27-inch arcade monitor). Or a 25-inch TV. Explain that you don't want to get into removing the TV from its enclosure, etc. (And the safest thing is to assemble and MEASURE the cab before you buy the TV

A TV with S-video will be a larger screen than a PC monitor and easier to set-up than an arcade monitor. Should be able to find one for about 250 from best buy, circuit city, etc.

Computer - BYO is NOT an option - MAME is not very demanding - Avoid brand name (HP, Compaq, IBM, E-Machines). Look for the local discount computer builders. You need something like an XP 2500 Processor, 256-512 M of RAM, Prolly Win 98 ('cos XP needs a lot of tweaking to configure). 20G HD if only being used for the arcade cabinet, and an ATI vid card with S-Video, but not a great one. A 32M 8500, or 9100 or 9500 is fine. You don't need a 9800 anything. The whole computer should be under $500 at current prices.

If people like you on the boards look at the specs on that kit and say that it will be a solid cabinet then that is do-able. Help for 1 day from one of the previously mentioned friends is no problem.

Hard to say on the kit. I THINK it will be solid for the application. Genuine arcade cabs are designed to be beat up and moved from route to route. This may not be, but once you build it, you'll probably only move it once or twice more anyway, so I wouldn't be too concerned.

The budget is $2500 or so.

I think I'm at $1550 plus cab shipping. I'm not sure what arcadeshoper is including, but E-mails should answer that. All I'm leaving out is about $50 for an encoder and $100 for controls and trackball if those aren't included.

> so... let us know and I'll try to throw it into the end zone.... ok ??

Am I in the zone yet?

Lilwolf · « **Reply #34 on:** September 11, 2003, 07:37:12 pm »

Ok, a real answer...

1) Really consider just buying a plan. Why? Most will expect you to cut wood... So if you can get two saw horses (4 bucks for the end holder gizmo and a 2x4) and some MDF... And you lay a stencil down and cut. These go from 10bucks - 80bucks. These are real nice and easy. You will expect to be able to cut a straight line with a circular saw or a jigsaw. After that your basically as far as the kits.

2) The kits! around 500 bucks or so. Pre-cut... not a big deal there... but no mistake + they will usually be machine milled... ie... near perfect cuts. They will also have the Tmolding (the plastic on the edges) done for you. This is actually nice since the router bit is 20 bucks just to cut the whole needed for the tmolding... And you still need a router... and the TMolding itself. Not a bad way to go but you are paying for someone elses labor. But this only a step away from a full cab. Also remember that you will be paying to ship wood! This shipping cost could be more then to buy all the tools needed for the project. It still requires extra stuff.

3) A full cab is around 1k - 2k. Depends on the parts. Most will not have computers or TV's. Just a step above #2 usually... They charge a lot more... and shipping will be more. DONT GO THIS ROUTE (unless you just have money to burn).

4) Buy a cab and convert it. If you find a jamma cabinet for sale (go to a local arcade and ask... they are usually free - 250 bucks depending on the quality, sideart, monitor).. Try for a jamma cab if possible.. But get one that works with a good picture and your in there. That alone is worth it! Then buy a computer, a JPac and an arcadeVGA card... and you have it all up and going! No problemo!

#4 is your BEST BET by far! But it can take different type. Time to find a cab to buy. Go to your local arcades. Talk to the managers. Ask about older machines. Ones in the back that doesn't work well. Whatever. Let him know that your looking for either free/dirt cheap or something that works with a good monitor (if you get it free/50 bucks for something without a monitor... thats nice also).

Also remember that this will be sitting in your home. What do you want it to look like?

Cocktail tables are fun. Suck for 2 player fighting games...

Pedistal cabs are great because you can move the pedistal when you aren't playing... And you can use the cab as a TV / DVD / Tivo.

Standard uprights are great because of the old feel.. You know your at an arcade machine. But you cant watch TV from across the room (because of the angle of the monitor). Usually cheaper.

Anyway... I would look for a done cab and see what you can find. If you can't find anything... consider what other options you have.

And yes it was the best 'ahem' karate movie of all time.

Bruce Leeroy! What a name!

And what was that crappy elevator song that Vanity sang?

vegetariansoul · « **Reply #35 on:** September 11, 2003, 11:47:30 pm »

Montana to Rice!

That is what I would call those two posts.

hyiu · « **Reply #36 on:** September 11, 2003, 11:56:58 pm »

MDF can be painted nicely....
the effect for painted MDF is good enough....

(of course... laminate is better in the sense of scratch resistance.... cleaning and so on...)

but painted MDF should have satisfying results by most standards....

Also... slikstik's cab also comes with keyboard tray... (which can be a convinent thing to have.....

(sorry.... suddenly... I find myself sounded like a slikstik sales...)

but seriously.... since your budget CAN afford slikstik....
you really should spend some time and talk to them and look into it.....

if price is difference is within a couple of hundred....
I think slikstik should be a better product....

As for computer.... XP is fine with me... (I'm using XP right now on my cab computer....)

depends on how else you'll be using the computer....
jukebox.... pc games..... etc... etc....

if just mame cab and nothing else..... you don't even need to go too fancy on your computer..... (unless you want to play those KI, KI2,.... games...- and they're not even on your fav. list....) I have an AMD 1.3GHz... and I think I can run 90%+ of the games.... which is over 3000+.... which means I'll be VERY BUSY for a loooooong time already.... heee heee......

anyway.... I think I've said too much already....

good luck on your purchase....

vegetariansoul · « **Reply #37 on:** September 12, 2003, 12:35:12 am »

Earlier today I called about every arcade vendor around here finding three that had old games for sale.

I visited one that had about 300 games in storage and ran his business out of the storage facility. Cool guy, by the way. He had a Track & Field for $750 that I wanted to buy just because I like the game.

He also had a mame cabinet built from a newer fighting game (I can't freakin' remember which one). Running windows with about 1700 games, the version of mame was a few years old they informed me. I guess they had put an incredible amount of time, a new monitor, controlls w/trackball. It had original art. $2600!

Now, that seemed a bit pricey given not much was done cosmetically, although the cab was in good shape. The cabinet was also up against a bunch of other games so I couldn't see inside. They based the asking price on the monitor upgrade, original cabinet, the fact it was now a turnkey mame cabinet and the hours invested.

My conclusion, the more a learner project is the quicker your hourly rate drops. I figured this thing was maybe worth $1600. Sturdy real cabinet, newer monitor (unknow specs), 6 year old computer? But no way they are recouping all their hours invested.

I also had to factor in the price of not "getting any" for a couple weeks after my fiance spys that thing being wheeled up the driveway.

paigeoliver · « **Reply #38 on:** September 12, 2003, 01:13:54 am »

Actually. Given a pre-existing cabinet, you can perform a MAME conversion in a few hours. 90 percent of the time spent on my Amazing Mame was spent tweaking the front end, and repainting some areas, and doing the custom monitor mount. The actual conversion of the cabinet took like an hour and a half.

Had I not done any cabinet work, and had I been able to just drop in the monitor easily, then I would have been able to do the whole thing in a couple hours.

vegetariansoul · « **Reply #39 on:** September 12, 2003, 01:22:26 am »

A killer instinc II cabinet! That is what they turned into a Mame cab.

hyiu · « **Reply #40 on:** September 12, 2003, 10:53:26 am »

from what I read....

I don't think vegetariansoul will want to buy an existing cab and mod it to a mame cab....

you'll need to re-do the control panel.... (since from his requirement, its clear that he wants a 4 way, 2 SF style, and at least a tball....)

redoing just the panel top takes more than a few hrs....
assuming just cut, paint, wire..... you'll also need to get parts... (also paint takes time to dry...)

with no dis-respect... but from what I read, vegetariansoul doesn't sound like he wants to do much work on the cab.... but happy to pay the price as long as its within his budget....

he would do as much as putting together a pre-cut cab.... (as in erading instructions, put the pieces together and screw/glue it...) or simple things like hooking up connections.... but I don't think he wants to go into even simple drilling/wiring.... etc. (and modding cab requires that....)

I think if he's willing to spend $2500... that should be enough to get him a NEW cab with 2 SF layout, 4 way, spinner, tball, and a decent computer, and a 27 monitor.... and also a package that he doesn't need any more work than putting together a pre-made bookshelf (ikea style...) and simply hooking up the computer....

my $0.0002 cents...

Lilwolf · « **Reply #41 on:** September 12, 2003, 10:58:57 am »

Those are pretty high prices.

What your looking for is an old game that they could never sell.. because the game was crap. Not a real original.

Say your looking for something in the 200 - 300 dollar range with a working monitor, but no boards.

But if they have a mame cab... they might be doing it themselfs already... and it might be time to look for another source.

Again, one weekend, about 100bucks in tools... And you can build a box. It's not really all that hard. The hard part is the planning... And you can get that from a good set of plans. We aren't talking about any real woodworking here. Just a jigsaw mainly. A router for the tmolding... Woodglue and some screws.

But if you have money to burn... and no time... buy something.. But you will like what you build yourself...

vegetariansoul · « **Reply #42 on:** September 12, 2003, 11:45:53 am »

hyiu - that is a fair statement.

Lilwolf - the complication here is that it isn't just me. She has to like the cab, life is just easier like that. She loves mame, she is also a woman.

The cab that most people come up with be investing "one weekend, about 100bucks in tools... " will be a great cabinet, but not a great looking cab. I also see your point.

Mike

Lilwolf · « **Reply #43 on:** September 12, 2003, 12:59:51 pm »

What I'm comparing is the plans vs buying.

With the plans... You can make them look really nice. The parts to making the game look finished is..

1) making sure the ends meet up... Plans should help.

2) tmolding for all the edges. This is where the router will come into play. But you will be buying the tmolding yourself or having someone else do it.

3) Monitor bezel. After doing it myself... I would go with smoked plexi myself and just add dark construction paper (or thicker) around the monitor. Through the smoked plexi you wont be able to see it. Again, you will be buying it yourself, or letting someone else do it. But it's not hard...

Then it comes to the personal touches. But you wont get this from anyone else.

marquee... custom or order an original on ebay.

But the difference between a kit and a set of plans is one will give you the items... the other will give you a list of items. TMolding slots will be cut (great) but you are paying to ship wood... And the shipping cost will be enought to buy the tools to do the project... all else being equal.

kit -> full blown... More labor your paying to others... Not a big deal at all on this... but expect to play a LOT more for shipping. But the good part is you don't have to do any of the work with the keyboard encoders, monitor and such.

CthulhuLuke · « **Reply #44 on:** September 12, 2003, 01:42:56 pm »

Whatsup, alright I had absolutely no carpenter skills before I did my mame cabinet as well, and because I converted my cabinet, I only had to pay roughly 400 for the trackball, I-pac, psx controls, speakers, one sheet of wood, paint, and a few other things like that. I got the cabinet for free from an arcade manager cause I just befriended him etc.
But what I'm getting at is that I bet you you can find some kind of large machine in your want ads, you're looking for a NON-working cabinet, since they are the cheapest to convert. Arcade vendors see a non-working cabinet that's boards are completely fried as a waste of time if the cabinet is not valuable. Even if you dont get a monitor with it, all you gotta do is go out and by a 20" flat screen APEX and pop it in there for like $250. Believe me, you'll have A LOT more satisfaction if you do part of the machine by yourself.
-but if you want to go full out not build ANYTHING, just buy a fully working Street Fighter II cabinet, and then buy a J-pac from www.ultimarc.com, pop that in there along with a 300 dollar computer off ebay, and you can play every mame game out there.
-Good Luck

vegetariansoul · « **Reply #45 on:** September 12, 2003, 06:30:39 pm »

What size monitor does the SFII cabinet hold?

vegetariansoul · « **Reply #46 on:** September 14, 2003, 03:26:30 am »

My fiance, Flavia, and I would like to thank everyone that contributed to this thread. So many people gave helpful tips even though it really away from the principals of BYOAC.

I read everything posted with an open mind and investigated every option suggested. Even reading that mondo "slik stik" thread. Well over 150 hours researching, reading, pricing, emailing, etc. Yea, that may have been a little overboard, but this was important.

Whenever dealing business I don't initially let a merchant know that I'm an educated consumer. To me, this is the easiest way to get a feel for the integrity level of a sales person. I told him that mame was really cool and I wanted a dedicated mame machine at a good price. The package he presented didn't charge $3,000 for labor or attempt to sell me too much PC. His business approach is high quality, less margin, more volume. I wouldn't have known if not for this site, three weeks ago I knew very little about what made a mame cabinet go.

I love you guys.

I imagine if one of you guys created a custom arcade shop this is exactly how the business would be. www.jjscustomarcades.com Thanks to you guys and my research we were able to hit a homerun! I will keep those who are interested updated with how things play out the rest of the way.

Thanks everyone,
Flavia & Michael

SNAAAKE · « **Reply #47 on:** September 14, 2003, 04:25:43 am »

nope,I never knew that a drill or a saw was(no,not kidding).
NEVER took any wood working class in school either.
but I still build my own panel.
Then went for a cab too.

try and you will learn. visite the examples page and visit as many sites as you can.Very helpful.
I am trying to inspire to you build your own.Its fun !

vegetariansoul · « **Reply #48 on:** September 14, 2003, 04:32:28 am »

My best friend is also in on this and we have decided to make a cab for him. We have already been scoping for a dead arcade game for cheap. We feel alot more comfortable taking our time and our lumps being able to go down and play a finished machine when we get frustrated. Just remember 6 weeks from now when we are drowning y'all are the ones that got us to jump in.

Peace,
Mike

hyiu · « **Reply #49 on:** September 15, 2003, 11:10:17 am »

we made you jumped in ??....

yes... I guess you can ay that....

but drowning ??.... with the skills you can learn here...
I'm sure you'll manage to swim.... free style... back stroke... butterfly... whatever... haaa haa....

so... no drowning is allowed here..... heee hee....

just a few famous words of advise when you are making the cab.... "measure twice... cut once...."

but ultimately....
SAFETY FIRST !!!!.... wood can be replaced.... but fingers and other body parts cannot....

that's it.... good luck and have fun....

oh.... and take a lot of pics and post there here.....


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