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Bartop Mame Build, what do i need
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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.


--- Quote from: tsomo2000 on November 11, 2012, 03:11:54 pm ---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?

--- End quote ---
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.


--- Quote from: tsomo2000 on November 11, 2012, 03:11:54 pm ---Can the PC be configured so it is turned on/off with the press of a 'power button' on the mame cab?

--- End quote ---
Yes, here's one example.


--- Quote from: tsomo2000 on November 11, 2012, 03:11:54 pm ---Can you set up the joystick buttons to enable you to alter game modes/menus - for difficulty levels in games?

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


--- Quote from: tsomo2000 on November 11, 2012, 03:11:54 pm ---Thinking the classic 6 button configuration would be good enough for me, it would allow me to play the majority of fighters out there.

--- End quote ---
Slagcoin is your friend.


--- Quote from: dextercf on November 11, 2012, 03:46:50 pm ---To answer your topic; patiance, persurverance and the search button.

Godspeed!

--- End quote ---

 :laugh2:  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 :angry:.


Scott
ark_ader:
The ability to be able to finish what you started.   :o

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