Newbie with big dreams seeking advice

[Chillinpuma]

I've had a goal for a while to build an arcade machine and I think I'm about to give it a shot. For another few semesters I have access to some engineering modeling programs as well as a full wood shop through my university so I figure I should take advantage of these things.


Here's an overview of what I hope to accomplish with my machine along with concerns/thoughts:

The core will be a PC able to run MAME and various SNES-era emulators (maybe a more powerful one for Dreamcast emulators)

I would like to also have a panel on the side with the capability to connect any past, current, and hopefully future console game systems (mainly for the newer fighting games). I'm thinking about making the panel itself removable and therefore upgradable.

I'm thinking about using a computer monitor for the screen. I want something with decent resolution and, hopefully, no lag. I need to look into how connecting a PS3, for example, to a computer monitor would preform. Does anyone have advice on this?

As far as controls go, I'm trying to decide if making my own buttons/sticks/roller ball or using 2 USB arcade controllers(something like this http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3342/3511680781_3b4f842692.jpg) would be better. I would like to have the ability for people to plug in their own arcade stick controllers so I'm leaning toward having two USB controllers that are removable in the front where people can replace them with their own. I need to look into wiring to make sure it's an easy swap. There's also going to have to be some sort of adjustable brace system for different sized controllers. Again I would like to keep lag at a minimum with this too.

Along side the PC there is going to be an internal modded Wii (already have this) with Smash Brothers Melee and Brawl loaded onto it. I can buy Gamecube controller extensions that lead to the front where people can plug in their controllers. Along with that I'm going to either incorporate the wii sensor bar or another set of lights for wiimote use. I'm a huge smash brothers fan and I've always wanted to see an arcade version haha..

I'm probably going to also put a drawer in the front for a keyboard and mouse to interface with the computer. I'll work out a way to control everything with the control sticks and/or other switches but having a keyboard/mouse available as a backup would be nice I think. (It might also be unnecessary lol)

Also, I'm considering adding a pony kegerator! I've seen it done before and if I can find enough space I believe it will be a great addition     I definitely need to make sure to protect everything inside from condensation.


I'm in the process of creating a notional model of it all to work out volume, spacing and get basic weight and material estimates. After I make some decisions from that, I'll create a detailed model that will be used with the wood shop.

So what do ya think?? I'm thinking it might be a little ambitious for my first attempt, but I would like to give it a try 

[Donkbaca]

My thoughts:

The core will be a PC able to run MAME and various SNES-era emulators (maybe a more powerful one for Dreamcast emulators)

Personally I would ditch the other systems except for maybe the dreamcast if you want to play something like gauntlet legends.  They just don't play well on cabs.  It would be better to do a console emulator that plugs into the tv for another build

I would like to also have a panel on the side with the capability to connect any past, current, and hopefully future console game systems (mainly for the newer fighting games). I'm thinking about making the panel itself removable and therefore upgradable.

Just put USB ports on the side and use adaptors that plug into USB.  The current gen of systems all use USB.  Also, I would ditch the idea of having authentic controllers for all the old systems, that is a shitload of controllers, also like I said earlier, I think its better to have a console build and a Arcade build

I'm thinking about using a computer monitor for the screen. I want something with decent resolution and, hopefully, no lag. I need to look into how connecting a PS3, for example, to a computer monitor would preform. Does anyone have advice on this?

Computer monitor, IMHO is the way to go, easiest setup

As far as controls go, I'm trying to decide if making my own buttons/sticks/roller ball or using 2 USB arcade controllers(something like this http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3342/3511680781_3b4f842692.jpg) would be better. I would like to have the ability for people to plug in their own arcade stick controllers so I'm leaning toward having two USB controllers that are removable in the front where people can replace them with their own. I need to look into wiring to make sure it's an easy swap. There's also going to have to be some sort of adjustable brace system for different sized controllers. Again I would like to keep lag at a minimum with this too.

Don't know about you, but nobody I know has their own USB controller that they love, plus you may habe to map buttons and such to the new controller in mAME.  Just build your own panel

Along side the PC there is going to be an internal modded Wii (already have this) with Smash Brothers Melee and Brawl loaded onto it. I can buy Gamecube controller extensions that lead to the front where people can plug in their controllers. Along with that I'm going to either incorporate the wii sensor bar or another set of lights for wiimote use. I'm a huge smash brothers fan and I've always wanted to see an arcade version haha

..


A gamecube and a PS3, and a mame pc all sharing controls, space, the same monitor.  This is going to be a mess.  Be prepared for frustration.  I had a ---smurfette--- of a time getting my XBOX 360 and MAME PC to work

I'm probably going to also put a drawer in the front for a keyboard and mouse to interface with the computer. I'll work out a way to control everything with the control sticks and/or other switches but having a keyboard/mouse available as a backup would be nice I think. (It might also be unnecessary lol)

Unnecessary.  Once everything is set up you shouldn't need to access your keyboard or mouse at all.  Basically you are building a keyboard drawer to help you through a few hours of set up, I think this is the biggest mistake I see on cabs.  Why build in something permanently that only give you a temporary convenience and gives people that snoop around your machine a easy way to scrw everything up.

Also, I'm considering adding a pony kegerator! I've seen it done before and if I can find enough space I believe it will be a great addition        I definitely need to make sure to protect everything inside from condensation.

If you do this, plan on adding at least 300 bucks to your build.  Easiest way to do it would be to find a minifridge that will fit a keg, drill a hole through the door then run tubing to your tap.  You are going to need a C02 tank and regulator which will run you at least 150 bucks, you will also need beer line, shanks and a tap which will probably run you another 100 bucks or so.  You will want a drip tray on the side of your cab - another 40 bucks.  If you can't get a minifridge for free then plan on another 150-200 bucks for the fridge.  There are other issues too, like keeping the beer lines clean, the inevitable spilled beer on your cab, etc.  I would seriously budget like 400 bucks to make sure its all done right with quality stuff.

So what do ya think?? I'm thinking it might be a little ambitious for my first attempt, but I would like to give it a try 

Yes, but hey give it a shot.  I find the more simple the build, the less stuff goes wrong and the more playable things are.  We all love the fact that MAME has all these games, but I would say, in general, there are probably only 10 - 20 games that people really like to play.  I am in the process of trimming my gamelist down to games I would only like to play so I don't have to scroll through 500 games that I will never enjoy to get to the ones I want.

[Gatt]

My Advice...

Standup Arcade and console games seem to me to be a unsatisfying combination.  They were designed with two different playstyles in mind,  a Arcade was meant to be played for perhaps 10-15 minutes,  a console game could be played for hours.

IMO,  the better solution for you would be a Showcase.  (Assuming you want the ability to play the widest variety,  which is how it sounds)

-Use a modular control panel for the base for arcade games,  so pretty much anything can be played easily.
-A set of USB ports on the front,  for lightguns and console controlers.(You can buy pass throughs,  search here for the sites)
-Connect to a TV as the display via the computer's HDMI port.
-Grab Legacy Engineering repro's for C64/Atari era if you're going to play them.
-Use X-box 360 Wireless controls with the adapter for Console games,  I've yet to run into a game that can't be comfortably mapped to a 360 controller.
-Wireless mouse/keyboard with a pull out drawer in the pedastle of the Showcase.

Gets you full MAME functionality,  comfortable console gaming,  easy connectivity,  and future flexibility.

I don't think you'll be happy with the stick you linked to unless the only MAME games you're going to play are late-era games.  The first time you try to play Donkey Kong or Pac Man with that,  you're going to be thinking about building your own controls.

Overall difficulty,  I'd peg at minimal.  The hardest part is the wiring,  and Doc's Modular Mame page makes it dead easy.