Where to post? Looking to hire MAMEr...

[amusix]

Hello all, first post here, and I'm probably already breaking some rule.  If I am, I apologize.  I'm trying to figure out where I should post to try to find someone to help me resurrect a MAME machine.  Didn't seem to fit into Buy/Sell/Trade or Retail Vendors...unless it does?

Just looking for a little guidance.  Thank you!

[Vigo]

Online help here is free. What is not working with the machine?

[Slippyblade]

Only seriously enforced rule is not asking where to DL ROMs.  Most of us will help where we can.

[amusix]

Unfortunately, it's not online help I need, it's time.  So was going to try and track someone down in the San Diego area who could come in and do the job of resurrecting my MAME.  I've got a full cabinet, everything all good, except the PC went belly-up two years back.  In those two years, I just haven't gotten around to rebuilding the thing, and now my wife apparently thinks the machine should either work, or give up its space in the house...

So...yeah.  It's just me never finding time to do it (or, rather, always having other projects...like keeping up the pins).

[Locke141]

If the goal is to get it working so you can keep it, I would just throw in an old PC with a simple setup till I had the time/money to do it right.


What was was the speck of the old PC?
Is the hard drive working?
How was the PC interfaced?
Is the monitor LCD, PC CRT, TV CRT, or a Arcade monitor?

[pbj]

If you were in Houston I'd do it for a case of Shiner. 

[dmckean]

What's wrong with it? Does it boot at all?

[Generic Eric]

Online help here is free. What is not working with the machine?

Vigo is on the money.  This is what we live for!!! casually look forward to! Especially if we don't have to talk you of the bridge of the frankenpanel or clipart collage.

Only seriously enforced rule is not asking where to DL ROMs.  Most of us will help where we can.

QFT

Unfortunately, it's not online help I need, it's time.  So was going to try and track someone down in the San Diego area who could come in and do the job of resurrecting my MAME.  I've got a full cabinet, everything all good, except the PC went belly-up two years back.  In those two years, I just haven't gotten around to rebuilding the thing, and now my wife apparently thinks the machine should either work, or give up its space in the house...

So...yeah.  It's just me never finding time to do it (or, rather, always having other projects...like keeping up the pins).

Now that you have found the right group to help, ten minutes a night should get you squared away compared to the 2 years its been already.  Take a chance!

If the goal is to get it working so you can keep it, I would just throw in an old PC with a simple setup till I had the time/money to do it right.


What was was the speck of the old PC?
Is the hard drive working?
How was the PC interfaced?
Is the monitor LCD, PC CRT, TV CRT, or a Arcade monitor?

These are the real questions.  How many secondary parts do you have on hand?  We can rebuild it, we have the technology. 




Are you a "computer guy" to begin with?  How did you come across MAME in the first place?  Did you set this computer up?

A little guidance:

-Assuming its a regular PC connected to a regular monitor...

--Take out the PC, but it on your desk. Connect it to your monitor, mouse and keyboard. 
---How does it boot? 
---Do you remember the OS?  What frontend?

[amusix]

OK...you guys have convinced me...I'll do it.  Besides, the amazing responses here, and the clear amount of potential help really does act as a boost, thank you.

Yeah, I'm a computer guy, just haven't had time to get to this, is all. 

I'll take shots/get specs/post everything I can when I get home tonight.

[Slippyblade]

Yep - Just Do It.  Don't make me post my "motivational" video!

[amusix]

As long as it doesn't involve Shia...

[Slippyblade]

Muahahahahaha!!!  You have summoned the beast! 



By the way, welcome to the forums. 

PS:  Last time I post this, I promise*

*The word 'promise' is not, in any way, intended to mean any sort of contract, covenant, or compact.  The word is used sarcastically, and may, in the future, mean the exact opposite of the standard accepted meaning.