Completely new to this. Thinking about building a MAME cabinet like Koenig

[pman555]

I'm thinking of building a Project MAME cabinet using Koenig's plans.
I have never built anything like this in the past.  I have built my own computers, though. 
I will be getting help from friends who are better with woodwork than I to help with the cabinet.

Are there any better, more detailed step-by-step guides than the one here: http://www.koenigs.dk/mame/eng/stepprojectmame.htm
I'm thinking of something very detailed in every step that also includes a parts list, etc.

Just want to make sure I have the best information on hand!

Thanks for your help.  I have a feeling I'll be posting here a lot as the process goes on.
-Perry

[chopperthedog]

This site is over 10 years old and chocked full of all the info you could ever need. Start going through the projects forum for ideas.

good day.

[pman555]

This site is over 10 years old and chocked full of all the info you could ever need. Start going through the projects forum for ideas.

good day.

Thanks for the reply.  I have been lurking and looking at lots of different projects on here and other sites.
But I was asking whether anyone knows if there's a really good step-by-step guide that a new guy could follow.

[BadMouth]

Stickied at the top of this forum:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,118612.0.html

[cipriani2k]

I don't think I've seen an inclusive guide that made things super easy. The whole idea going into it is you're building something unique. The guide you linked seemed pretty good, just understand where you can deviate and figure out what you want your arcade to have. I'm working on my first build now and honestly I just kinda research problems as they come up. Some problems I recommend looking into though, to help kinda focus your research:

-how are you gonna set your computer into the cabinet,
-what speakers are you going with,
-what buttons/joysticks/devices does your control panel need to play every game you want to play,
-what software frontend do you wanna use(I recommend trying a few out),
-what art/marquee are you gonna use(Or if you want to create, then how are you gonna make or commission the art),
-t molding or no,
-coin door or no,
-how are you gonna light the marquee(light bulbs, flourescents, led),
-what kind of tv will you be using(crt takes extra work to get working on pc),
-how are you gonna wire your buttons to your computer(you can buy premade control panels, wire up a keyboard to buttons, or buy a controller like an ipac).
-You can use a smart strip to power everything on at once. Set the pc as the main outlet.
-If you wanna go led for your marquee light and aren't terrific with wiring, these are wide leds and they can be wired into the molex connector off your power supply.
http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=307

Sorry it's not what you're looking for, but hopefully it helps a little.

[pman555]

I don't think I've seen an inclusive guide that made things super easy. The whole idea going into it is you're building something unique. The guide you linked seemed pretty good, just understand where you can deviate and figure out what you want your arcade to have. I'm working on my first build now and honestly I just kinda research problems as they come up. Some problems I recommend looking into though, to help kinda focus your research:

-how are you gonna set your computer into the cabinet,
-what speakers are you going with,
-what buttons/joysticks/devices does your control panel need to play every game you want to play,
-what software frontend do you wanna use(I recommend trying a few out),
-what art/marquee are you gonna use(Or if you want to create, then how are you gonna make or commission the art),
-t molding or no,
-coin door or no,
-how are you gonna light the marquee(light bulbs, flourescents, led),
-what kind of tv will you be using(crt takes extra work to get working on pc),
-how are you gonna wire your buttons to your computer(you can buy premade control panels, wire up a keyboard to buttons, or buy a controller like an ipac).
-You can use a smart strip to power everything on at once. Set the pc as the main outlet.
-If you wanna go led for your marquee light and aren't terrific with wiring, these are wide leds and they can be wired into the molex connector off your power supply.
http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=307

Sorry it's not what you're looking for, but hopefully it helps a little.

Thanks, these are all good points!  I'll definitely keep them in mind.

Also, does anyone know how the quality of Happ joysticks and these push buttons (http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=350:fe9151fae3f5e4e783c90852fdef37f6) compare to what I'd get with the X Arcade DIY kit, here: http://www.xgaming.com/store/arcade-parts-and-accessories/product/two-player-build-your-own-arcade-bundle-pcb/] [url]http://www.xgaming.com/store/arcade-parts-and-accessories/product/two-player-build-your-own-arcade-bundle-pcb/[/url].
The pricing works out to be about even.  Around $90 either way, if I include the GP WIZ40 MAX controller from GGG.

Right now, I'm trying to price out all of my options to make sure I know how much it's going to cost me before seriously getting into the project.  I'd like to stay around $200 if possible.  I have a computer and 19" LCD to use already, which helps.

[PL1]

Also, does anyone know how the quality of Happ joysticks and these push buttons (http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=350:fe9151fae3f5e4e783c90852fdef37f6) compare to what I'd get with the X Arcade DIY kit, here: [url]http://www.xgaming.com/store/arcade-parts-and-accessories/product/two-player-build-your-own-arcade-bundle-pcb/]http://www.xgaming.com/store/arcade-parts-and-accessories/product/two-player-build-your-own-arcade-bundle-pcb/] [url]http://www.xgaming.com/store/arcade-parts-and-accessories/product/two-player-build-your-own-arcade-bundle-pcb/[/url].
The pricing works out to be about even.  Around $90 either way, if I include the GP WIZ40 MAX controller from GGG.

The Arcade Prime buttons and Happ sticks (Competition or Super) from GGG are DEFINITELY better than the ones in the X-Arcade DIY kit and there are several threads about problems people have had with the X-Arcade encoder.

Since budget is a concern, consider using an AVR Encoder or the KADE which is scheduled to release sometime around the end of this month.


Scott

[BadMouth]

Right now, I'm trying to price out all of my options to make sure I know how much it's going to cost me before seriously getting into the project.  I'd like to stay around $200 if possible.  I have a computer and 19" LCD to use already, which helps.

Just spend $60 every couple weeks indefinitely and try not to think about it. 

$200 is pretty tight, but it can be done if your friends already have all the necessary tools.
If not, you'd probably be better off finding a cheap gutted cab to start with.

I'd take the stuff from groovygamegear over the x-arcade stuff.
The x-arcade interface doesn't use a common ground, so it has almost twice as many wires to contend with.
There is also an issue where if you're using the USB connection instead of PS2(keyboard) connection,
it can only handle so many buttons being pressed at one time.
It can get maxed out during fighting games.

[pman555]

Right now, I'm trying to price out all of my options to make sure I know how much it's going to cost me before seriously getting into the project.  I'd like to stay around $200 if possible.  I have a computer and 19" LCD to use already, which helps.

Just spend $60 every couple weeks indefinitely and try not to think about it. 

$200 is pretty tight, but it can be done if your friends already have all the necessary tools.
If not, you'd probably be better off finding a cheap gutted cab to start with.

I'd take the stuff from groovygamegear over the x-arcade stuff.
The x-arcade interface doesn't use a common ground, so it has almost twice as many wires to contend with.
There is also an issue where if you're using the USB connection instead of PS2(keyboard) connection,
it can only handle so many buttons being pressed at one time.
It can get maxed out during fighting games.

A friend of mine is pretty good with tools and woodworking, so I think he may have all or most of the tools we need.  I may be able to get away with building a full sized cab for around $250 or less.  Just need to figure out the cab materials cost.

[paigeoliver]

Convert an existing junker cabinet instead of scratchbuilding if you are on a budget. Are you near St. Louis? I have a couple I am willing to let go for way cheaper than it would cost to build one from scratch.

Right now, I'm trying to price out all of my options to make sure I know how much it's going to cost me before seriously getting into the project.  I'd like to stay around $200 if possible.  I have a computer and 19" LCD to use already, which helps.

Just spend $60 every couple weeks indefinitely and try not to think about it. 

$200 is pretty tight, but it can be done if your friends already have all the necessary tools.
If not, you'd probably be better off finding a cheap gutted cab to start with.

I'd take the stuff from groovygamegear over the x-arcade stuff.
The x-arcade interface doesn't use a common ground, so it has almost twice as many wires to contend with.
There is also an issue where if you're using the USB connection instead of PS2(keyboard) connection,
it can only handle so many buttons being pressed at one time.
It can get maxed out during fighting games.

A friend of mine is pretty good with tools and woodworking, so I think he may have all or most of the tools we need.  I may be able to get away with building a full sized cab for around $250 or less.  Just need to figure out the cab materials cost.

[pman555]

Convert an existing junker cabinet instead of scratchbuilding if you are on a budget. Are you near St. Louis? I have a couple I am willing to let go for way cheaper than it would cost to build one from scratch.

Right now, I'm trying to price out all of my options to make sure I know how much it's going to cost me before seriously getting into the project.  I'd like to stay around $200 if possible.  I have a computer and 19" LCD to use already, which helps.

Just spend $60 every couple weeks indefinitely and try not to think about it. 

$200 is pretty tight, but it can be done if your friends already have all the necessary tools.
If not, you'd probably be better off finding a cheap gutted cab to start with.

I'd take the stuff from groovygamegear over the x-arcade stuff.
The x-arcade interface doesn't use a common ground, so it has almost twice as many wires to contend with.
There is also an issue where if you're using the USB connection instead of PS2(keyboard) connection,
it can only handle so many buttons being pressed at one time.
It can get maxed out during fighting games.

A friend of mine is pretty good with tools and woodworking, so I think he may have all or most of the tools we need.  I may be able to get away with building a full sized cab for around $250 or less.  Just need to figure out the cab materials cost.

Thanks, but I'm in NJ.
I havent really found any cheap cabinets, unfortunately.  Plus, I feel like it would be a lot cooler to make one than to refurb one.  More sense of accomplishment, maybe.

[Yenome]

if you want a guide you can read in your hand buy the book this site is based around project arcade, there is a 2nd edition out, also read these forums till your brain feels like mush then read some more. as far as cab cost for a general cab that could hold a 27in tv gutted check on the price of 3 mdf 4x8 sheets in your area. for me its round 90 bucks. tho you might be able to get by with just two sheets. then add on to that the cost of nailing strips at 10 bucks or so depending on what ya get and nails for round the same. plus glue. yea you could do it for 200 as long as someone you know already has all the tools needed. i would suggest the following tools/items. if you hate the thought of wiring like i did get a xin-mo from groovygamegear comes with all the wiring you need for plug and go. buttons/joysticks either suzo-happ or sanwa. forget the other japanese brand people like.
circular saw.
router. (slot cutter)
drill. (counter sink bit, forsner or paddle bit)
sand paper.
clamps
nails
caster wheels (two fixed position)
tape measure, wood horses
paint.
lots of time.