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Arcade Table Build - Input Needed
DeLuSioNal29:
Wow, I had no idea you could do this either with horizontal games in cocktail mode either! Thanks for that info!
D
mgb:
I believe the first time I saw it was on Louis Tully's cocktail build.
jennifer:
It should maybe be pointed out that MAME has frustrated me for years, From the confusing front ends to the hacked ROMS, And from time to time I just give up the dream...
But then something fun like this comes along, Jennifer has hope for it. I do know that cocktail cabs are really popular right now over uprights, and as a build would be a good choice.
ASilver76:
It's replies like the one's that have been provided that confirm that I'm definately in the right place to ask these questions. Jennifer, thank you for enlightening me about the pros of glass over plexi. I'm still debating whether an inset piece or an overhanging piece is best. You are all correct however - I want this table to be a general use object as well as a gaming system. Which means it is likely going to be larger then most cocktail designs and will need a heavier-gage protective layer, that might also need to be sealed to make it liquid and scratchproof. The benefit of the overhanging design is both is simplicity (I'm not the most adept or careful builder), and the fact that it potentially protects the controllers from food/drink/whatever spills. On the other hand, the inset concept looks cleaner and more sophisticated. Also it allows for a "drop in" protective surface instead of a "screw in" overhang.
Another thing I'm mulling over is dual monitor placement. I can place monitors back-to-back or side-by-side. I'd like to keep the controls for each side centered, so back-to-back looks to be the way to go, but unless I can find fairly large 16:9 LCD panels on the cheap, the overall table proportions might be problematic. Smaller LCDs in both 16:9 and 4:3 are fairly easy to source, but again I really don't want the monitors to look like anfterthought ina large table setup. However, I can also conceive of a slightly longer and more rectangular table with controls offset to opposite sides and the monitors side0by-side. But that seems almost like more of an arcade "bro-bench" then a table, since no one is actually sitting face-to-face to use it.
One more thing i forgot to mention: sound. I'm thinkng of not having an actual speaker, but rather a couple of headphone jacks or a bluetooth wireless sound solution. That way, different people can play different games without cross-noise. Of course adding a "default" speaker set on each side wouldn't be much trouble, and could be made to automute if headphones are being used or are plugged in. The trick is incorporsting them in such a way that they aren't vulnerable to food/drink issues, and also doesn't causer the table to become a giant rumblepack.
As always, all suggestions and thoughts are appreciated.
jennifer:
If you take a look at a midway cab (Gorf/Ms Pac) the glass is the size of the top, held down with surface clamps, But there is a overhang over the controls, affording some spill protection. Avoiding any art on the overhang would be an improvement over the original design due to the abuse factor.... Cross noise to Jenn seems to be a good thing, Not only would it give the old world arcade noise factor, but it intensify game action by interacting with the other player.