Main > Main Forum

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

Pages: << < (2/3) > >>

pman555:


--- Quote from: cipriani2k on February 01, 2013, 03:10:46 pm ---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.

--- End quote ---

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:


--- Quote from: pman555 on February 01, 2013, 03:27:35 pm ---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.

--- End quote ---

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:


--- Quote from: pman555 on February 01, 2013, 03:27:35 pm ---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.

--- End quote ---

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

$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:


--- Quote from: BadMouth on February 01, 2013, 03:56:29 pm ---
--- Quote from: pman555 on February 01, 2013, 03:27:35 pm ---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.

--- End quote ---

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

$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.

--- End quote ---

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.


--- Quote from: pman555 on February 01, 2013, 04:35:16 pm ---
--- Quote from: BadMouth on February 01, 2013, 03:56:29 pm ---
--- Quote from: pman555 on February 01, 2013, 03:27:35 pm ---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.

--- End quote ---

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

$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.

--- End quote ---

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.

--- End quote ---


Pages: << < (2/3) > >>

Go to full version