Mame/Juke Box

[jaytendo]

Okay, I am planning to build a Mame/ Jukebox machine, I want to build an upright one with controls for 2 players. That can function as a jukebox, using the arcade controls. I really have no idea what i'm doing, I'm thinking of 2x (control stick and 6 buttons). I have read a few forums and its all conflicting opinions, I am alright at woodwork but not so good at computer stuff and wiring stuff, herere questions.
Any suggestions for designs?
How hard is the wiring of the buttons?
What sort of computer specs do I need?
What is the best soft ware for Jukebox? I have lots of videos, I want it to me a video/audio jukebox.

[drventure]

First off, welcome aboard!

Your questions are a bit open ended, and there's really no definitive answer.

Check the WIKI for lots of info on front ends for MAME, as well as cab friendly juke software. There's tons to choose from and everyone has a favorite. Just really depends on what you're after.

And the same goes with cab design. To keep things simple for a first build, you might want to decide what type of games your prefer (vertical shooters, classics (pacman, galaga, etc), sports, etc etc).

Once you've settled on a genre, you can usually determine pretty quickly the basic controls you'll need, usually 1 stick and 4-6 buttons per player, 2 players. Maybe add a trackball, and possibly a spinner. There's lots of good reference stuff in threads about good layouts. Do some searches and pay particular attention to stickied threads, theyll give you a lot to go on.

Take your time, do some planning and enjoy the process.

Or.... slap something together cheap and quick so you can get your game on, then you'll quickly see what you f'd up and what you got right and refine accordingly.

It all depends on your style!

[chopperthedog]

Many many moons ago I wasted the time of setting up a juke box in my first cab and the novelty wore off very fast and it isn't very practical. I still needed to have another music source set up to listen to music while playing games.




Scored one of these things about 4 years ago for $75. It's a point of sale unit complete with built in computer and touch screen. The software used is this http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/board,27.0.html. Very simple to use and easy to skin. I even added a infrared receiver to the bottom of the unit that allows me to control volume, pause, skip track and toggle random mode from my logitech harmony one. IMO you can save yourself some time and skip cramming a bunch of music in your "game" cab and get creative with a separate juke box.

Wiring controls is super easy when using an encoder. Most come with screw terminal strips that are labeled for every button and joystick direction.

There have been 3 or 4 threads in the last 2 weeks in this subforum asking about computer specs that one may need for certain types of games.


good day.