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Help with bartop computer build!
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CoryBee:
I am working on making a front end for kalliera to use over LAN. So the ethernet cable is just that, a cross-over cable. How would you go about making the second bartop's screen connect?
DirtyDachshunds:
Having a video card that can handle dual video outputs and clone the computer screen on both monitors (some kind of vid card with 2 VGA or DVI ports on it).  I just don't know enough about video cards to know which can do that on the cheap.


--- Quote from: CoryDee on May 31, 2012, 03:55:55 pm ---I am working on making a front end for kalliera to use over LAN. So the ethernet cable is just that, a cross-over cable. How would you go about making the second bartop's screen connect?

--- End quote ---
CoryBee:
I would go with a cheap 30 dollar 512mb card that has three inputs. I am a minimalist when it comes to mame builds. I use old laptops for my bartops and have had no issues with all of the games I have tried. Others may disagree but I use a card like this with ease in one of my full size arcade conversions.  ( lhttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121476R or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121484R)

I build computers for clients and always find the frugal prices for power when they ask for it.

I thought that's how you were going to do it. I like that idea actually.

So, bartop 1 is a dedicated cab. And bartop 2 is just a shell with a screen and gamepad.
Bartop 1 has a socket on the exterior for a usb male-male that goes to bartop 2 to use as second controller.
Same goes with the monitor cable, Bartop 1 has port for cable to bartop 2.

I have something similar on my recent bartop, except I turn the whole thing into a game controller for a different PC. Here is a video and a link to my build in signature, last one.





Like I said I like this idea a lot, only thing that bothers me is when they are not plugged into each other then you have a useless shell hanging around.....well actually you could plug that into any computer and play games on that with ease.
kahlid74:
If you're looking to stay sub 200 you're probably going to want to hunt Ebay for a used computer.  A pentium 4 2.4 Ghz should run everything sub 1990's except for all 3D and a few of the more heavy CPU titles.  Most video cards now support two video outputs and Windows XP/7 seamless support clone displays so it's a non issue.

Your challenge would be finding a graphics cards that fits in said computer above.  I'm not going to build you a computer cause I'm a fan people building their own but here is what I use for my machines:
Le Chuck:

--- Quote from: Unstupid on May 31, 2012, 03:44:44 pm ---
--- Quote from: DirtyDachshunds on May 31, 2012, 02:03:29 pm ---For my next project, I want to build a bartop arcade (well 2 actually).  One is a 'master' (with the computer inside) and the other a 'slave' (no computer).  Basically the slave bartop is just the interface for a second player, and it will have its own screen as well.

--- End quote ---

Wow!  What a great idea!  You ever consider using real arcade hardware?

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 :laugh2:
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