Well I am getting really close to being done, I just need to get my empty rings on the side cut and work out a few remaining details, so time for an update!
Hardware
- The cabinet is done, barring the empty holes in the side which I have gone over. They are a little expensive to get cut, so I havent quite gotten around to them yet, but soon.
- I still need to run some green LED's under the cabinet for the underglow.
- I think I might put a single green LED or two on the underside of the control panel for more ambient light.
- There are still 2 LED's in the control panel that need to be lit up. I like the idea of having lit joysticks, but the problem is when you twist the joystick while playing, the wires get wrapped up. So you need to check it frequently. I also need to light up the trackball.
- My fans on the motherboard are a little loud, so I will probably look for some silent replacements.
Software
- MAME is pretty much configured. I am now using groovymame, which seems to run a little smoother with my Makvision 29" monitor. It also has the highscore.dat support which is a must.
- MALA - I have been working on the skin for this, and bounced back and forth between a few ideas. I didnt want to get too crazy, because the interface should be simple to use. I have seen a lot of good designers put out crappy interfaces that looked cool, but were too complicated. Simple = Cleaner & Easier to use. So here is what I have ended up with:
I am going to change the cabinet out for a TV Set and the console for the console games, a computer for the PC games, etc.
- Emulators - So far I have MAME, NES, SNES, N64 and Daphne set up. I will need to finish out the rest of the ones I plan on using.
Here is a video I shot yesterday of it in action:
MAME Abduction Gameplay