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a few newbie questions about CP parts

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Turnarcades:


--- Quote from: Thraxster on October 10, 2011, 05:05:55 am ---I should've mentioned that due to the cost of a gun that it would be done most likely afterwards when I could get everything I'd need and when the cabinet settled. I'm planning every detail I can muster. Reading everything that seems useful. I just need to finalize my CP's parts and work everything into useable space in a comfortable way. I'm not handy with computer design so it's all by hand.

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Picking the right PC is no isue as by now anything up to about 10 years old will cover most bases. People are still using P2's and 3's in budget and compact builds, so anything P4 and up will do most of the stuff you'll likely need. When it comes to software though, you may want to start working on that now. It took me 2 months of planning in the initial stages trying out various front-ends and configuring emulators to launch from them, and as it's the way it works and plays that will ultimately make or break your arcade machine, it's important to set something up on your desktop or intended PC first then tailor it to your final machine spec.

Thraxster:

Holy Crap! I have not planned anything beyond the win XP that i have installed on it already. I know nothing about front ends, the most i can say about those is they exist. I read a bit about TinyXP but im not gonna bother with it. The system im using is a Pentium Dual Core each at 2.2 Ghz with 3GB of ram and a 500 GIG HDD  onboard nvidia 7600 but will be using a slightly OC XFX 8600 GT.

Might I ask what front end software you use. I think you know your stuff pretty well so I'd like your recommendation.

I was going to just open mame from the desktop, or have it autorun at startup and go from there.  There will be a Keyboard/Mouse drawer directly below the CP.

I need to do more reading in more sections here im sure.   Thank you again, I appreciate the helpful input.   im gonna putter around lookin for front end software posts and the like.

Drnick:

Hyperspin or Mala would probably be a good choice of front end.  If it is just for Mame then Mala, if you plan on having other emulators, Nes, Snes, Genesis etc then I would go down the Hyperspin route.  And it's taken me the best part of 6 months to get Hyperspin set up just how I want it, but then again I am emulating every console that I could up to and Including the Dreamcast :) :)



HanoiBoi:

You appear to have done some research, but wondering if you missed some things?

I don't have any experience in many of the items that you'd inquired about, so I can't speak to those, but wanted to throw a couple things out there...

Have you been to Ultimarc.com?  They have CP parts and what I believe to be one of the most widely used Keyboard encoders; the I-PAC2 (32 inputs, $39) or I-PAC4 (56 inputs, $65).
http://www.ultimarc.com/JShopServer/section.php?xSec=2

Also, joysticks often mentioned and enjoyed are the Mag Stik Plus and the U360.  The MagStik Plus is 4way/8way TOP switchable, but without the ugly (my opinion) visible switch of the OMNI-Stick.
http://www.ultimarc.com/JShopServer/section.php?xSec=6

If you don't get the answers that you are looking for on pushbuttons, don't spin your wheels.  They're cheap enough that you can grab what you think you'd like for starters and change them out later if you choose.  Mine have a click, but I don't find it annoying in the least.

Best of luck on your build!

Thraxster:

AHH thats right, i forgot about that card. forgot the whole website really.  I think when i order the buttons im going to order a couple other switches so i can trade em around and see how much they differ.  The switch on top of the onmistick prodigy is a bit imposing for a classic feel. Thanks for these links.


heres an interesting question, I was wondering what kind of angle anyone else has their CP sitting at. Ive got mine slated for 100 degrees from the front top.  where the A is in the crude ascii rendering.   Ive got the monitor coming off that at 110 degrees. erm, angle CBA that is.
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