A different approach to a MAME cabinet

[Nightfalls]

I have the idea of building a MAME cabinet, but not trying to simulate a real cabinet. I'd like something that is modular, opened and extremely easy to build. My intention is to build a kind of mixture of a table, a stand for a TV and for the control panel, for use as a sitdown cabinet, only for MAME. You can see my project on the drawing.

It would be very easy to build: just a box made of wood, with an inclined table inside. That would hold the TV with the right angle. A rounded table attached to it would act as the base for the control panel and the speakers. It would have to be on a lower level so as to compensate the height of the panel. Since I'm using a small CP for one player, I would find room on both sides for a little keyb and a trackball. I could leave the box opened in front, so as to have access inside. That would be the place for a subwoofer. The PC box would be outside, by the cabinet.

Yesterday, while browsing the Internet, I found a picture of a jap sit-down cabinet (central image) which has basically the same structure as my future cabinet, although in my case it's totally opened and obviously doesn't look beautiful nor authentic (I don't mind this). Honestly I prefer the advantages of being able to rotate my TV manually whenever I wish, or removing the control panel, etc rather than having a beautiful cabinet but restricted in many ways. It's my opinion: better something practical, cheap, easy to build. The important thing is that I will find it to be as comfortable to play as a real cabinet, and with additional advantages.

Well, what do you think about this project? I know it's modest and cannot be compared to those admirable homemade MAME cabinets plenty of quality, attention to detail and authenticity. Mine is a different approach to what I expect from a MAME cabinet. I will build it myself when I have a TV and a dedicated PC. It will be easy, I think. Meanwhile the best I can afford is what you see on the picture on the right: a small TV on my desktop, by the side of my computer. BTW, the panel you can see there is the first panel I built. I'm about to finish my second panel, also for 1 player, with psx pad hack, also simple and practical (only the controls I really need). I will post some pictures when it's totally finished.

PD: if you know other projects which are similar to mine, please tell me. I'm opened to comparisons, ideas, suggestions, etc.

Regards!

[Apollo]

Yes it's all very nice but for pitys sake please shrink that pic please.

[paigeoliver]

You may want to see if you can find anyplae local that has a Sega Derby Owner's Club. Examine the individual players positions carefully, as that seems to be exactly what you are looking for.

[hyiu]

actually.... I'm doing something similar as yours....

well.... instead of building a real cab look-a-like....

since I'll need to use it as a computer.....
I'll need keyboard and mouse....
I myself would prefer a 2 player panel....
and will have wireless network and also as jukebox...

but I guess mine is a tiny bit more look like a cab than yours... yours is more or less completely open....

for keyboard & mouse, I'll use a drawer....
and the monitor is enclosed....
its also a sit down.... (basically.... its very much like the Japan sitdown you shown....)

however, I'll not have a marquee..... (and I have not really decided how / where to put the speakers...)

in general... if I closed the keyboard drawer.... (for my own taste....) I think it will look like a cab... good enough for me...
but I also get to use it as a full function computer right with the drawer.....

I see that as a "practical" cab..... I'm trying to aim at just the functionality.... but less of "look"....

Sorry... I have no pics now.... still cutting pieces....
but when I starts to put it together... when it can stand....
I'll definitely post pics !!...

[Nightfalls]

I'm looking forward to seeing those pics. I love western style cabinets because it's the kind of cabinet I remember from childhood (kinda neogeo cabinets or so, generic/universal cabinets I mean). What I love from japanese cabinets is how confortable they are. They are more ergonomic in general. I think the invention of sitdown cabinets was really a great idea.