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| shponglefan:
--- Quote from: michelevit on September 19, 2013, 06:41:37 pm ---The keyboard is hidden 99.9 percent of the time. Using a hidden keyboard is more authentic than a dozen admin buttons cluttering the play area. --- End quote --- :laugh2: Once you go beyond an original cabinet/PCB, authenticity is a moot point. Saying that original cabs didn't have pause buttons while running a MAME machine... there's some irony there. --- Quote ---My goal is to build an authentic replica cabinet that is enjoyable to many. --- End quote --- Just remember that your goals are not everyone else's goals. |
| shponglefan:
--- Quote from: jimmer on September 19, 2013, 05:33:12 pm ---Wow, who'd have thought a dedicated Q*Bert panel and O and K buttons would upset so many people. --- End quote --- Hobby arcade building: serious business. |
| shponglefan:
--- Quote from: Vigo on September 19, 2013, 02:08:37 pm ---There are a number of reasons why I advocate multiple cabs above swap panels, and I do realize multiple cabs is not for everyone. Here is what comes to mind for benefits of just doing multiple cabinets: <snippage> --- End quote --- I agree on a few points, particularly #1, #2, and #6. I can especially see people getting lazy with swapping and not using it as much as they may have intended. OTOH, I think a lot of other things fall under an "it depends". For example, wiring can be complicated or it can be simple. If one is using a dedicated encoder-per-panel, then wiring is no different than any other cab. And even if one opts to use a single encoder in a CP base, using something like a molex connector isn't particularly complicated; it's just more time-consuming. For cost, I can't see how building a swappable panel design would be any more expensive than a regular cabinet. You're going to need all of the same basic hardware. And it's certainly going to be cheaper than building entirely new cabinets which are going to require more h/w in the long run. The concept of a swappable panel doesn't need to be any more complicated or expensive than a non-swappable panel. For the most part the only significant difference is how the panel is connected to the cabinet. So building a cabinet with swappable panels in mind can be done fairly easily, even if a person then decides not to both going beyond one or two basic panels. |
| Vigo:
I am not trying to rain on swap panels, I still think it is a better solution than a mega franken panel. And I totally agree about the fact that the best solution depends on the person and what they want. I think Jimmer is looking to recreate a few very specific classic layouts, he seems focused in what he wants to accomplish with his project. If he can bring his methods into focus as well, (which is why he is posting here) It should be pretty darn good swap panel project. 8) With my general point about the cost advantage, I was thinking of the advantages of pay as you go, and keeping your project in a narrow focus. If you try to make a cab that does everything right off the bat, be it frankenpanel or swap panel, you could easily end up paying $500+ in controls alone. A first cab can reach $1000, maybe $1500 or higher when feature creep hits. Things like wanting a computer that can play everything you throw at it, a 1000w audio system, rotating monitor, LED extravaganza, etc. Now if you are a trying to build your first cab, and you work to scrounge a used computer, pick very specific controls, and keep away from feature creep, you could build a good looking cabinet in the $300 range. Times that by 3 cabinets and spread out the cost over 5-10 years, and it is a much better solution for the wallet. Of course, there is a place for creative and ambitious cabinets, but if spending money is an issue, making something ambitious can sink a lot of first builds. |
| jimmer:
A lot of scrounging going on to try and make your argument work there Vigo. Swappable panels is the opposite of trying to do everything right off the bat. Lets say we buy everything we need. Your dedicated cab costs $600 and my same cabinet with a removable panels costs $605 ($5 for the release mechanism). Now my 2nd panel will cost $100, whereas you need another $600 for your second machine. |
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