Building custom arcade cabinet

[yotsuya]

Personally, I think you're too new school if you don't understand why a bunch of guys at Build Your Own Arcade Controls aren't overly impressed by your Tankstick holder.

[DGP]

As a newer member here it has become very obvious that there a few overly obsessive opinionated members that seem to forget this is supposed to be for fun.

So while the name calling was uncalled for some of the criticism was honestly very rude (and uncalled for as well).

Discussions like this only serve to make the entire forum look bad.

Just my $.02
Jason

[paigeoliver]

Yep, and nothing is less fun then spending about months of your time and possibly thousands of dollars building something that doesn't work right because the people who already made those mistakes didn't speak up when you presented your plans.

In the case of the original poster, his project was already finished it, I only spoke up because there is absolutely no way he can sell that, and starting some sort of business plan to do so would just be a lot of money wasted on TV stands.

As a newer member here it has become very obvious that there a few overly obsessive opinionated members that seem to forget this is supposed to be for fun.

So while the name calling was uncalled for some of the criticism was honestly very rude (and uncalled for as well).

Discussions like this only serve to make the entire forum look bad.

Just my $.02
Jason

[yotsuya]

I'm with Paige. Once you state you're building these with the intent to sell, then your motives aren't for fun anymore. All bets are off.

[DGP]

The content of the constructive posts was not my point, it's the way in which some of the elitists here tend to come off and it is just plain rude, period.

You do not serve to perpetuate this hobby when new people come in seeking assistance and they are basically run out of town, advice is one thing, ridicule is entirely different.

Who are any of you to tell someone what they can or cannot sell (regarding the cabinet and not the roms)..? 

Some of you are so caught up that you forget that the majority (the general consumer) does not always care about authenticity, they just see it as something to have fun with and share with their friends/families (usually their kids and I can tell you that most kids would likely have a blast on the OP's cabinet, would you not agree).

Basically all I was trying to do is give an honest perspective from a newer member who has already seen his share of these type of posts.

Jason

[Nitro0602]

I have no means to pick a bone with paig, but you have no idea if I have sold one or not.. for you to say "now way" tells me you don't know what your talking about now.  For the record, it works 100% 
If guys only new.. but no matter what what I say at this point, it won't matter.
Never state something you do not know, your credibility is meaningless to me now... (no offense), but I know the feeling is mutual 

I came here for the first to find some guidance, which I did.. which I am also thankful for.  But its remarks that I have mentioned previously that leave a bad taste in mouth and for obviously reasons think twice before I announce another project...

Paig, one more thing.. because "I cannot sell this" and to you people won't buy this "microwave stand" funny thing thing is.. I am actually in the middle of making a 4-payer arcade with 2 tanksticks... question you need to ask yourself is... do you really know what your talking about?..
I think not 

I never started any name calling.. I actually thought it would be fun to post my pics.. but its people like you that will give this great forum a bad name.. not to mention others (which I do not want to get into again)

Yep, and nothing is less fun then spending about months of your time and possibly thousands of dollars building something that doesn't work right because the people who already made those mistakes didn't speak up when you presented your plans.

In the case of the original poster, his project was already finished it, I only spoke up because there is absolutely no way he can sell that, and starting some sort of business plan to do so would just be a lot of money wasted on TV stands.

As a newer member here it has become very obvious that there a few overly obsessive opinionated members that seem to forget this is supposed to be for fun.

So while the name calling was uncalled for some of the criticism was honestly very rude (and uncalled for as well).

Discussions like this only serve to make the entire forum look bad.

Just my $.02
Jason

[Nitro0602]

what?!?!? you can't have fun doing a side business WT you talking about... that has to be the dumbest thing I have ever heard! 
Do you think before you wright something, or are you one of those guys who shoots first, thinks after... 
All this started for fun, just for me... but I had no intention to sell these, but if people what them, why would I stop.   I am having fun building these for clients "Man Cave"

You guys sure sound ridiculous more and more to me now... lol
I am actually getting a kick out of all these comments...

Jason... I wouldn't even waste time responding to this thread.. some "nobody" will try to shred you and break your spirits.  Please don't take this as me telling you what to do, just don't want other new comers (like myself) going through this BS... 

I'm with Paige. Once you state you're building these with the intent to sell, then your motives aren't for fun anymore. All bets are off.

[yotsuya]

I've been here 3+ years and seen a lot, my friend. I've seen new guys come and go, many with great ideas, some with not so great ones. The best ones have thick skin and respond well to all kinds of criticism. They understand not every cabinet deserves a gold star. This isn't kindergarten.

[chopperthedog]

Keep showing your true colors OP.

* chopperthedog melts some butter for his popcorn.

good day.

[paigeoliver]

I have probably sold 75-100 games in just the last year alone. I have been doing games for a long, long time. I absolutely come off as a jerk when I am giving advice sometimes, but it doesn't mean I don't know what I am talking about. There is simply no way you can possibly sell what you presented here to an INFORMED consumer and still have any kind of profit margin. Not when you have other guys with CNC setups that can cut a much better looking cabinet in 1/4 the time at a lower cost.

The controls in those tanksticks are among the lowest quality available. Did you know that? Does your customer know that? Were they presented with any options? Is your customer aware that the low cost widescreen LCD monitor you are no doubt offering is both the wrong aspect ratio for everything other than modern console games and may (depending on brand) interject as much as a 3 frame input lag compared to a CRT monitor or a proper gaming lcd monitor. Did you know that?

Also, I won't sell a mame cabinet with a computer already in it anymore. I want the buyer to completely understand that they are not purchasing the games from me. Both because I have no right to sell them and because they can and will come back months or years later when the frontend or windows stops working and expect you to fix it for them for free. If they add their own computer then that becomes their problem, not mine.

[mcseforsale]

Step 1.  Know what you are talking about FIRST before you go into the viper pit.  I spent years stalking this site before I started posting
Step 2.  Don't try to be a know-it-all on your first attempt.  While you may find a few suckers to buy this stuff, you'll be supporting it for years to come (see Paige's post)
Step 3.  Don't drink and post
Step 4.  When LeChuck, Paige, Maximus or a lot of others take the time to respond to you, show some respect.  They are some of the most talented and well versed people in this hobby.
Step 5.  Have fun.  I started with this:



And ended up with this:



All because I listened, paid attention and didn't act like a spoiled brat.  Now, that ^^  I can sell.

AJ

[yotsuya]

Well-said, AJ. It's not, "Let's torment the newbies." It's "Hey, I've been there before, I know what works and what doesn't work."

That's why Dandro is my favorite newbie. He came on, got feedback, and didn't get all butt- hurt when it was different than what his initial thoughts were. In fact, it's turned into a really nice cabinet. Same with CoryBee, who already chimed it.

[paigeoliver]

Well-said, AJ. It's not, "Let's torment the newbies." It's "Hey, I've been there before, I know what works and what doesn't work."

That is why I always suggest keeping it simple at first and never, ever, ever, trying to build the ultimate Lamborghini of mame cabinets on your first build. Not only because it is impossible given current technology, but also because the ultimate mame cabinet if improperly done can easily end up being worse than your standard baseline stock streetfighter setup with 19" monitor that costs a fraction of what some of those high end builds cost.

[mgb]

Well said AJ,
  man there's a lot of real estate on that American flag cp. 

[Nitro0602]

RESPECT 
Give me a break bud, plus I only respect others who respect me.. Personally I think all you guys are stuck in the old ages... And just hating for no reason at all.. You guys are acting if I said my cabinet is better then yours..lol
Anyways this is becoming pointless and going to far... This is becoming the dumbest forum I've been on... With a bunch grumpy old men that think they know it all...

Step 1.  Know what you are talking about FIRST before you go into the viper pit.  I spent years stalking this site before I started posting
Step 2.  Don't try to be a know-it-all on your first attempt.  While you may find a few suckers to buy this stuff, you'll be supporting it for years to come (see Paige's post)
Step 3.  Don't drink and post
Step 4.  When LeChuck, Paige, Maximus or a lot of others take the time to respond to you, show some respect.  They are some of the most talented and well versed people in this hobby.
Step 5.  Have fun.  I started with this:



And ended up with this:



All because I listened, paid attention and didn't act like a spoiled brat.  Now, that ^^  I can sell.

AJ

[Nitro0602]

I love how you think you know everything. I did my research on tanksticks.. Sold about 15 of them without having one come back, bet you didn't see that coming
Also love how you THINK you know my cost on the cabinets..lol
Everything you said I've researched about.. Fact of the matter is my customers don't want the old school look, they want the vewlix look... Period
But hey, what do I know.. 

I have probably sold 75-100 games in just the last year alone. I have been doing games for a long, long time. I absolutely come off as a jerk when I am giving advice sometimes, but it doesn't mean I don't know what I am talking about. There is simply no way you can possibly sell what you presented here to an INFORMED consumer and still have any kind of profit margin. Not when you have other guys with CNC setups that can cut a much better looking cabinet in 1/4 the time at a lower cost.

The controls in those tanksticks are among the lowest quality available. Did you know that? Does your customer know that? Were they presented with any options? Is your customer aware that the low cost widescreen LCD monitor you are no doubt offering is both the wrong aspect ratio for everything other than modern console games and may (depending on brand) interject as much as a 3 frame input lag compared to a CRT monitor or a proper gaming lcd monitor. Did you know that?

Also, I won't sell a mame cabinet with a computer already in it anymore. I want the buyer to completely understand that they are not purchasing the games from me. Both because I have no right to sell them and because they can and will come back months or years later when the frontend or windows stops working and expect you to fix it for them for free. If they add their own computer then that becomes their problem, not mine.

[CoryBee]

But hey, what do I know.. 

[Nitro0602]

Speaking of kindergarten.. You sound like a teachers pet.. More like a follower, which is fine bud.. To each their own..

I've been here 3+ years and seen a lot, my friend. I've seen new guys come and go, many with great ideas, some with not so great ones. The best ones have thick skin and respond well to all kinds of criticism. They understand not every cabinet deserves a gold star. This isn't kindergarten.

[yotsuya]

Not a follower, my friend.

But I hope we don't scare you off. I'm dying to see your four-player Dual Tankstick holder.

[DGP]

Step 1.  Know what you are talking about FIRST before you go into the viper pit.  I spent years stalking this site before I started posting
Step 2.  Don't try to be a know-it-all on your first attempt.  While you may find a few suckers to buy this stuff, you'll be supporting it for years to come (see Paige's post)
Step 3.  Don't drink and post
Step 4.  When LeChuck, Paige, Maximus or a lot of others take the time to respond to you, show some respect.  They are some of the most talented and well versed people in this hobby.
Step 5.  Have fun.  I started with this:


All because I listened, paid attention and didn't act like a spoiled brat.  Now, that ^^  I can sell.

AJ

As I said some of you are far too 'caught up' and cannot seem to see the forest for the trees.

The ones acting like spoiled brats were initially the opposite of the person that you are implying, read it over with an open mind and see it from both sides.

Why should people respect people that disrespect them. Admitting you come across as a jerk while giving advice does not excuse the behavior regardless of how experienced you are.

Nor does telling people to be thick-skinned and just take the unwarranted abuse that should not be there to begin with.

I don't think anyone was doubting the knowledge and skill set of those offering up advice, it's obvious they know what they are talking about, but that does not require being condescending and just plain rude in the process, especially to someone that is new and does not yet know the various personalities that frequent this forum.

Everyone starts somewhere and the rude behavior here only serves to steer them away from the hobby as well as discouraging new people from signing up and asking questions, then again maybe that was the intent after all...? 

Regards,
Jason

[Dawgz Rule]

Nitro, I do actually like the simplicity of your design although the knobs on the front do make it resemble a microwave cart.  I would recommend a single door with a magnetic type latch.  It would make it look cleaner.

That aside, this little gem really says it all....

Also, I won't sell a mame cabinet with a computer already in it anymore. I want the buyer to completely understand that they are not purchasing the games from me. Both because I have no right to sell them and because they can and will come back months or years later when the frontend or windows stops working and expect you to fix it for them for free. If they add their own computer then that becomes their problem, not mine.

I have one and only one cab that I built and each and every time I have guests over the house, somebody wants me to build them one......some to the tune of thousands of dollars.  I won't do it for the above stated reasons...especially selling to friends.  On top of that, I don't want the hassles of dealing with the legalities of the whole darn thing.  It is one thing to build a cabinet for your own enjoyment.  As soon as it expands to selling, I can see all sorts of trouble brewing between the OS licensing and the ROMS themselves.   If you figured out your margins and it looks like a good deal to you, have at it.

I would also like to see how you incorporated dual tanksticks into a four player.

[ark_ader]

Well as a xarcade owner with a sizable collection of adapters that actually work with the controller, I like the OP's cabinet.  It sure a lot better than my previous attempt 8 years ago (I got better with practice) but I would ditch the red X and make it black all over the cp.  If you want to sell it, and you have a buyer GO FOR IT!!  and very well done too.

What these fallouts from KLOV do not understand is raw functionality.  I build for that and not for cosmetic value.  The cabinet knows it is getting the small hand axe after I tire from it, so why put lipstick on a pig?

The subject of games.  I used to be a huge advocate for copyright ownership.  But since the impact of p2p it is a pointless exercise.  I will not advise you to bundle a set of roms with your cabinet.  I will leave that to your own judgement.  What you can do is download all the royalty free games at mame.net.  Or you can email xgaming for their arcade disk.

On the subject of dissing peoples creation.  Well its in the rules, and if Saint doesn't enforce the rules or his mods, then it is a sad day indeed.  Besides you can always mute or tell them to ---fudgesicle--- off.

[Nitro0602]

Thanks for the advice, I understand what you mean about the doors.
I may change that, maybe I have weird customers but they don't mind it.. Lol
But yeah I understand it will make it cleaner, just wanted something easy breezy.. Almost like a cabinet for dummies.. Lol
You will be surprised how many people email me not understanding the mame thing, or have tried and just given up... I was too like them, but did my research and so on.. 

I do include the computer, but not the roms anymore... Everything comes with warranty as I buy all products at stores.. And give my customers receipts for everything...

Worst thing that has happened is a customers power supply died during a power outage, it was still under warranty.. Told him to make sure he buys a power-surge bar of some sort to avoid it again..

Nitro, I do actually like the simplicity of your design although the knobs on the front do make it resemble a microwave cart.  I would recommend a single door with a magnetic type latch.  It would make it look cleaner.

That aside, this little gem really says it all....

Also, I won't sell a mame cabinet with a computer already in it anymore. I want the buyer to completely understand that they are not purchasing the games from me. Both because I have no right to sell them and because they can and will come back months or years later when the frontend or windows stops working and expect you to fix it for them for free. If they add their own computer then that becomes their problem, not mine.

I have one and only one cab that I built and each and every time I have guests over the house, somebody wants me to build them one......some to the tune of thousands of dollars.  I won't do it for the above stated reasons...especially selling to friends.  On top of that, I don't want the hassles of dealing with the legalities of the whole darn thing.  It is one thing to build a cabinet for your own enjoyment.  As soon as it expands to selling, I can see all sorts of trouble brewing between the OS licensing and the ROMS themselves.   If you figured out your margins and it looks like a good deal to you, have at it.

I would also like to see how you incorporated dual tanksticks into a four player.

[Nitro0602]

Thanks bud.
I actually don't like the big ass X on the stick as well.. Lol
Was thinking of getting a vinyl sticker and putting it on top, not sure if that voids the warranty though.. One customer didn't like it, but it's the same dude I'm building the 4-player for..lol

Trying to get some licenses, but some good guys on here sent me some links to buy cd arcade games..

Criticism.. Knew I would get some.. Name calling.. That's just ignorant morons IMO who should go and 
Themselves.. 

Well as a xarcade owner with a sizable collection of adapters that actually work with the controller, I like the OP's cabinet.  It sure a lot better than my previous attempt 8 years ago (I got better with practice) but I would ditch the red X and make it black all over the cp.  If you want to sell it, and you have a buyer GO FOR IT!!  and very well done too.

What these fallouts from KLOV do not understand is raw functionality.  I build for that and not for cosmetic value.  The cabinet knows it is getting the small hand axe after I tire from it, so why put lipstick on a pig?

The subject of games.  I used to be a huge advocate for copyright ownership.  But since the impact of p2p it is a pointless exercise.  I will not advise you to bundle a set of roms with your cabinet.  I will leave that to your own judgement.  What you can do is download all the royalty free games at mame.net.  Or you can email xgaming for their arcade disk.

On the subject of dissing peoples creation.  Well its in the rules, and if Saint doesn't enforce the rules or his mods, then it is a sad day indeed.  Besides you can always mute or tell them to ---fudgesicle--- off.

[Nitro0602]

Not scared off.. But this is too much drama for me.. I'm actually a very simple guy.. Thus my simplicity of a cabinet

I have come to terms that if you don't build it "their" way, then it's wrong. Which is total BS IMO.
Also these "big shots" want their ego's stroked among other things, which I'm not down for
Why would I feed the animals and post more pics?  We'll see I guess.. Prob not.

Believe it or not, have 2 more customers interested in a 4-player tankstick arcade.. If it works.. Why the heck would I change it...

Not a follower, my friend.

But I hope we don't scare you off. I'm dying to see your four-player Dual Tankstick holder.

[Caparo8bit]

Looks good a marquue will make it look better and  no no no to x-arcade control panel if I was you I close that hole and transfer all x-arcade components .  And here is my project...
and im also switching to led 32"

[chopperthedog]

Name calling.. That's just ignorant morons IMO who should go and 
Themselves.. 

moron, pathetic loser, haters, pathetic loosers, bunch of ass's, smucks, buffoons, pathetic smuck of a looser.

It's ironic that you have said all of the above within this thread. 


good day.

[Caparo8bit]

idea ( not the best since i used paint) and for the doors you can buy pushing looks for $2.00 ea

[yotsuya]

Name calling.. That's just ignorant morons IMO who should go and 
Themselves.. 

moron, pathetic loser, haters, pathetic loosers, bunch of ass's, smucks, buffoons, pathetic smuck of a looser.

It's ironic that you have said all of the above within this thread. 


good day.

You forgot spazzes, which was thrown out first after Grey_Area said it.

[Le Chuck]

I'll dip my toe in this pool...

I didn't see the OP ask for advice on his business model.  I did see the OP ask for advice on selling ROMS - and he received excellent feedback on that.  I think it was pretty clear from the start that this was not an attempt at a classic or custom one off cab but instead a way to play emu'd games in a cabinet at a reduced rate. 

When I see a cab like this I'll try to answer any questions the builder has (if they haven't already been well addressed) and then move on.  I'm not moving on because I'm better or don't like it, but because I'm here for different reasons.  By and large I'm not a seller and I build for vastly different motivations I suspect.  There is no value judgement on motivations by the way.  Getting into it with the OP about the build design and business acumen is asinine.  Caveat Emptor bishes.  Now if he opens a b/s/t thread and is marketing the thing that's different - but that wasn't this.  I don't understand the logic behind, "I'm trying to save you from other's mistakes" that Paige put forth when he has not one dog in the fight.  The tank stick does not violate any building layout issues that we try and correct on behalf of future players (angled sticks) and the cab design precludes the use of a CRT so most issues are moot from the start.  Is it simplistic and somewhat cookie cutter - yeah... but that's the point.

This thread is a ridiculous read because you have two groups of people that don't speak the same fundamental language talking about two different things - and everybody thinks they're communicating. 

[Nitro0602]

Ahhhh.. Looks really nice! Thanks for spending the time on this, much appreciated!
I did put a marquee on it, it was a marvel vs capcom on the first panel and the players below.. I'll find it and post it up.. Doors for sure ill change.. Don't get me wrong.. The self made arcade stick looks better then the tankstick,
But my concern is if any problems occur (buttons sticking), then I have to do a house call.. Whereas the customer can deal with xgaming directly or still bring it back to me for a new one and I can ship back...
But I totally understand what you mean.. It looks like one complete unit without the xarcade stick..
Mine looks like ikea furniture.. Lol which to be honest I was going for..

idea ( not the best since i used paint) and for the doors you can buy pushing looks for $2.00 ea

[PL1]

Reading the back and forth in this thread reminds me of the 2 thumbs vs. Superman trackball thread last year.      

My response now is the same as then.

"Never argue with a fool; onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."
--Author unknown, often attributed to Mark Twain

On the whole, neither side of this "discussion" has been a shining example of friendly forum behavior.

It wouldn't break my heart to see this thread consigned to Post Hell and for the parties on both sides of the argument to adopt a bit more of a to-each-their-own attitude.

Each of us can choose to act like a child or an adult -- and be judged by the forum community accordingly.




Scott

[Nitro0602]

110% I said those things.. But who threw the first punch? Thank you 
When I have 3-4 people attacking (not critiquing) me, I'm not take that  from anyone.. I hope other new board members and others see you guys for your true colors.
I will state it again.. I don't care how big you guys are in this forum or in the arcade industry, disrespect me and your garbage in my books.

Name calling.. That's just ignorant morons IMO who should go and 
Themselves.. 

moron, pathetic loser, haters, pathetic loosers, bunch of ass's, smucks, buffoons, pathetic smuck of a looser.

It's ironic that you have said all of the above within this thread. 


good day.

[mcseforsale]

I like pocket hinges myself (as you all may know), with a neat magnetic catch.  For me, I'd do one door that swings out like on the gunslinger.  IMO, pocket hinges look pro.

Here's the hinge...from Lowes...about 6 bux apiece.  Just make sure they're "inset pocket hinges" for 3/4" panels:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_176461-93052-BP91M27521180U_0__?productId=3576268&Ntt=inset+cabinet+hinges





These dual strike popper thingies have some good punch, too.



I put a small hole handle thing on the front of the door (I used the 1" version).  Basically use a forstner bit to make a 1/2" deep hole and tap this in:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_113042-1277-837351_0__?productId=3354652&Ntt=gatehouse+cup+pull&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dgatehouse%2Bcup%2Bpull&facetInfo=

This is how it looks opened. 


As for the thread itself, I dont' care if you sell these for a million a piece...but calling people haters, etc won't get you any fans around these parts.  Not sure how old you are, but you are indeed dealing with a bunch of grumpy old farts for the most part.  Some here were hanging out in arcades and pool halls in the 60s and 70s (me in the early 80s).

As for tanksticks, I've never had one or held one in my hands.  To me they're silly since building a tankstick is probably cheaper with better components, but that's just me.

AJ

idea ( not the best since i used paint) and for the doors you can buy pushing looks for $2.00 ea

[mcseforsale]

Oh, and P.P.S,

Scott,
Is there anything Rush can't solve?

AJ

[PL1]

Is there anything Rush can't solve?

It's their "Mission" in life.   

"Entre Nous", AJ, I'm just doing the "Best I Can" under these "Circumstances" to bring some perspective to the bad "Chemistry" between the "Subdivisions" in this thread.

"For What It's Worth", new guys shouldn't automatically blow off the "Lessons" learned by old timers and it should be "Second Nature" for the old timers to make sure their "Distant Early Warning" doesn't leave "Scars" even if they think that someone is "Losing It" or proposing "Heresy".

Not that old timers need to use "Kid Gloves" when posting, but that is a "Far Cry" from not keeping personal attacks under "Lock and Key".

If OP can make "The Big Money" selling these Tankstick cabs to satisfied customers, then "You Bet Your Life" it's fine for him do do so.

Hopefully folks will skip the "Bravado", wash off the "War Paint", respect the "Freewill" of others, and think about "What You're Doing" to contribute to the community with your posts "Before & After" they go up.

If someone else's posts are so annoying that you can't "Leave That Thing Alone" maybe you should take a walk in a "Lakeside Park" and relax for a while.

Maybe then we can "Turn the Page" on this kerfuffle and "Presto" . . . Saint can rule once again over a "Peaceable Kingdom".


Scott

P.S. For anyone who doesn't understand the odd formatting, click here.   

P.P.S. This is post #2200 for me -- it would have been perfect 88 posts ago.   

[mcseforsale]

That was stunning.   

See, I was right.  Rush can fix anything.

AJ

[mike_bike_kite]

If you just want to put a game on it that people can play then you could try my Alien Swarm game. It looks like an old fashioned arcade game but doesn't have the legal issues. It can be called from MAME but unfortunately at the moment you need Java on your computer. It uses normal MAME controls and can operate with coins, local high scores etc.

Mike

[yotsuya]

You couldn't work in Tom Sawyer and Spirit of Radio? FAIL!!!

[Le Chuck]

ZOMHFG PL1

Best post evar! Ehrmahgerd!  Rush!