How big is too big

[Causality]

Hi,

So I have decided I want to build a MAME box.  I was 11 years old in 1981 when my video game addiction began, and it was a full blown obsession until about 1984. 

One of the most important things I want to recreate with this MAME box is the physical sensation of being that size again.  I am currently 6'1".  But when I was playing video games, I remember that my head did not reach the bottom edge of the marquee.  So I am going to build my MAME box "oversized" so that the bottom edge of the marquee is an inch or so taller than I am right now.  The total height of the cabinet will be 8' or just under.  I don't want to have to use more than one piece of plywood for a side.  The room I am going to put this in has ceilings that are 8'3" high.  I figure I only need an inch or so of clearance (and yes, I know I will have to take the pegs/feet into account). 

My first question for the forum is:  how big of a monitor can I use?

Ideally, I'd like to find a Wells Gardner that can handle both CGA and VGA.  I am definitely going to mount it vertically.   I am looking for as an authentic look on the monitor as I can.  But as I also want the cabinet to be oversized, I can't use an original monitor.

I recently saw a 36" Wells Gardner for sale.  I wonder if this ends up having some problems because the images it projects are meant for a screen half that size.  Does the blockiness of the pixelation become a problem because the monitor is too big? 

I did a quick and dirty mockup of the cabinet using cardboard. 

I'm a little surprised to say that I kind of think this monitor was TOO big.  I wouldn't have thought that possible. 

I have Saint's book, and I see he used a horizontally mounted 27".  When I put that size into my mockup, that seemed okay.  I'm still tempted to go big, though.  So I thought I'd ask for opinions here. 

Thanks,

C.

[Sarver Systems]

I don't know WHY you'd want to build it this way. Why not just put a regular arcade up on stilts or a box?

If you ceilings are 8'3" and you cabinet is going to be 8', you'll never be able to move it. You won't be able to tilt it to get it on a dolly. Not only that, but how will you fit it through a door?

If it were me, just put thing on a box to raise it up. But I would want it at the right eye level for me now, not when I was 11.

It just sounds like an aweful lot of trouble for something so minimal.

I'd spend my money on more important things like more games, or a pinball, or arcade décor.

[Malenko]

or sit on a chair
or kneel on the floor
or build a platform
or put a pit in front of the cab
or double lower leg amputation


all of these sound easier and less painful than building an 8 foot tall cab.

[elvis]

6'3" guy here who is sick and tired of living in a world made for midgets, and misses the awe of childhood.

Make your giant arcade, friend.  I support you!

[Louis Tully]

.

[Causality]

Sarver Systems:  you said you don't know why I want to do this.  I want to do it because I can.  Yes, it will be a lot of effort.  I'm fine with that.  I am also fine with it not being easy to move as I have been in this house for 15 years and expect to be here 20 more.  Also, I have a double door to the outside, so I can take it out from there.  It will be just big enough so that I can put it on a dolly and move it.  Or maybe I will put wheels on it.

Malenko:  Thanks for the suggestion of a double amputation, but I think I will just go ahead with my plan and enjoy the challenge of it all.

Elvis:  Thank you so much for the support!  Woo hoo!

Louis:  Yes, while that is an extreme example of what I am looking for, that is basically what I am looking for.  The only difference is the scale.


EVERYONE:  Can some people please give me some advice about the practical differences between a 27" monitor and a 36" monitor?  My goal is to have an authentic look to the screen.  I'd rather have Pac Man look just like the original rather than Mortal Kombat II look just like the original. 

Thanks!

C.

[pbj]

I'm 6'3" and 450 lbs.  I can relate.  Build a pedestal and throw a 60" on the wall.

[Sarver Systems]

Don't forget to find extra large joysticks and buttons. Buttons will be easy, but not sure about the joysticks. Maybe some trackballs drilled out and used as balltops?

I see what you're doing, I still don't see the point to it though. I just don't think all of that work will be worth it in the end, when its all said and done.

[lamprey]

EVERYONE:  Can some people please give me some advice about the practical differences between a 27" monitor and a 36" monitor?  My goal is to have an authentic look to the screen.  I'd rather have Pac Man look just like the original rather than Mortal Kombat II look just like the original. 

I'm not 100% sure because you want to scale the entire machine. In generalities, the majority of "classic" games seemed to use a 19" screen. Given that the 27" might be a nice choice. However, it seems to be human nature that bigger is better. Honestly, I'd hook up both and stand the appropriate distance away and see how you feel. I'd thank that 2 feet away from a 36" CRT would be too much. However, if you were sitting or standing 5-9 feet away, then a 36" would probably be nice. It really comes down to what you want. People balked at me for putting a 55" TV in my virtual cab, even though the "game screen" is only about 20-25" diagonal depending on the game and the artwork. It works for me and is reasonably true to original games, for what it is.

[markc74]

Unless it's a pedestal then no way go as large as 36"

Tbh even 27/29 is too big for a stand-up and low res games. It worked for some of the modern games cos they were med/hi res. And were either gun games or drivers you only focused on one part of the screen.

You would probably hurt your neck/eyes playing on a screen that big or it was too close.

Of course this is all opinion and it may work great for you. Best bet it is to jury rig a mock up and see how you like it before committing to a build.

[lilshawn]

i'm no mathmajione but if you build a cabinet 20% larger, it only stands to reason you'd need a monitor 20% bigger. 

i'd personally find a monitor/tv/wahthaveyou that WORKS with the setup you intend to use, then build a cabinet accordingly.

[Malenko]

i'm no mathmajione but if you build a cabinet 20% larger, it only stands to reason you'd need a monitor 20% bigger. 

i'd personally find a monitor/tv/wahthaveyou that WORKS with the setup you intend to use, then build a cabinet accordingly.

19" monitor + 20% = 22.8"

unless my math is terrible.

[yotsuya]

I see what you're doing, I still don't see the point to it though. I just don't think all of that work will be worth it in the end, when its all said and done.

Not to discourage you with whatever you envision, but I have to agree with the Sarver System's sentiment. I'd probably get a Midway or Dynamo cabinet with a 25 inch screen that would be more "exposed" and not hidden inside the cabinet like an older classic.

[yotsuya]

BTW, I know you want to go vertical. If you weren't so set on a oversized machine, a 21" PC CRT looks great vertically for a MAME cab.