Bartop Mame Build, what do i need

[tsomo2000]

Hi All

Thinking of building myself a bartop, 2 player mame cabinet and just wondered if anyone could lend me a bit of helpful advice.

From doing a bit of research it looks like a i need the following bits:

A PC
A TFT monitor (19" should do it)
Plywood and various fixings/screws
2x joysticks and buttons

I would be looking to play mostly oldskool games, TMNT, Final Fight, MK etc, so nothing too processor hungry.

I have had a look on ebay for various bits it looks like i can get a set of joysticks, and numerous buttons, the biggest question i have is how do i wire these buttons and joysticks up to the PC?

What sort of front end would be best to use, I remember using MAME32 ages ago, and Mala recently, i would like it to boot as soon as the PC is turned on?

Can the PC be configured so it is turned on/off with the press of a 'power button' on the mame cab?

Can you set up the joystick buttons to enable you to alter game modes/menus - for difficulty levels in games?

Thinking the classic 6 button configuration would be good enough for me, it would allow me to play the majority of fighters out there.

Thanks v much from a newbie.

[dextercf]

To answer your topic; patiance, persurverance and the search button.

Godspeed!

[PL1]

Welcome aboard, Tsomo2000.

I have had a look on ebay for various bits it looks like i can get a set of joysticks, and numerous buttons, the biggest question i have is how do i wire these buttons and joysticks up to the PC?

Before you get your heart set on eBay for parts, you may want to look at Ultimarc, Groovy Game Gear, and Paradise Arcade Shop a.k.a. the "Big Three" suppliers.  All of them are great and the business owners are active here on the forums.

For how to connect to the PC, check out wiring and encoders in the wiki then go here.

Can the PC be configured so it is turned on/off with the press of a 'power button' on the mame cab?

Yes, here's one example.

Can you set up the joystick buttons to enable you to alter game modes/menus - for difficulty levels in games?

Umm, what game do you have in mind?  Some had dip switches that set the difficulty.

Thinking the classic 6 button configuration would be good enough for me, it would allow me to play the majority of fighters out there.

Slagcoin is your friend.

To answer your topic; patiance, persurverance and the search button.

Godspeed!

   Quite true, Dex.  Read the stickies and recent topics and you'll be able to ask questions that are more sniper than shotgun and less likely to produce .


Scott

[ark_ader]

The ability to be able to finish what you started.   

[paigeoliver]

Bartops are not the absolute best for 2 player fighters or two player games in general, as they can be very cramped.

[BobA]

To have a playable 2 player bartop your control panel should be wider then the actual bartop body or you can innovate and have a separate CP for the second player or 2 bartops with only a single computer. (It has been done before and it was great)

[leapinlew]

One other thing to consider is the layout of the buttons. MK uses a layout with 5 buttons while MK3 uses a layout with 6 buttons in a unique configuration.

I built a 2 player bartop with a 24" control panel. In the end, I think a full size makes more sense for a 2 player bartop. You can check out the Widowmaker bartop in my sig and look at the pic of it on the 36" round table.

[rCadeGaming]

Bartops are not the absolute best for 2 player fighters or two player games in general, as they can be very cramped.

+1

To have a playable 2 player bartop your control panel should be wider then the actual bartop body or you can innovate and have a separate CP for the second player or 2 bartops with only a single computer. (It has been done before and it was great)

+1

Be careful of the input lag with the flat screen.  If it's bad it will hamper the feel of the games.

http://shoryuken.com/forum/index.php?threads/sub-1-frame-hdtv-monitor-input-lag-database.145141/

Edit:  That link seems to have stopped working, here's a new one

http://forums.shoryuken.com/discussion/145141/sub-1-frame-hdtvmonitor-input-lag-database/p1

When shopping, be aware that response time is not the same as input lag.

[tsomo2000]

Thanks for all the replys guys. It will give me some good reading for the night ahead.

Thanks again.

[dextercf]

Also, have you ordered the book yet?

[darthpaul]

The ability to be able to finish what you started.   

Or in other words, finish one project before starting another.