Crapmame Contender :D

[Malenko]

Nothing like a good nut rest.

Can everyone just ignore that guy? For the love of all that is holy, from the Pope to Swiss cheese, stop quoting him.

[leapinlew]

Interesting reply from the big X. Maybe a little concerning as he rarely gets so sharp with his comments until he's been prodded a few times. He has always taken the stance that BYAOC should be about support and encouragement. To a point, I agree. I've seen only a few posts at BYOAC get ugly when someone MAME's a classic. In my opinion, it's their machine. They can do what they want to it.

Sure, it hurts to see someone gut a machine I would gladly restore. But it's there machine. On one hand, there is nothing wrong with giving someone some nugget of wisdom you've acquired but keep in mind, it's their machine and they have the freedom to listen to you or not.

[CheffoJeffo]

Since we're on the topic of CrapMAME, the following was just posted in one of the refuges for former BYOACer's as an homage to MAME cabs of days gone by:



http://www.amazon.com/dp/B019S0WD5C?psc=1

[nipsmg]

Since we're on the topic of CrapMAME, the following was just posted in one of the refuges for former BYOACer's as an homage to MAME cabs of days gone by:

HAHAHA that's awesome.  I think I had that stuff on my first CP.

[Hoopz]

Since we're on the topic of CrapMAME, the following was just posted in one of the refuges for former BYOACer's as an homage to MAME cabs of days gone by:

HAHAHA that's awesome.  I think I had that stuff on my first CP.

I did the black with blue lightning bolts on mine.   

[Malenko]

I went full on white marble contact paper:


Dat control panel angle though, total wrist breaker.


My first cab was more than worthy of being on crapMAME but there no point in being ashamed of it. Pretending it didn't happen or getting upset that people are making fun of something so bad is no way to live your life. Being ---smurfy--- at something is the first step at being good at it. And hey, it might suck but at least I actually built something, right?

[yotsuya]

My first cab was more than worthy of being on crapMAME but there no point in being ashamed of it. Pretending it didn't happen or getting upset that people are making fun of something so bad is no way to live your life. Being ---smurfy--- at something is the first step at being good at it. And hey, it might suck but at least I actually built something, right?

Well said.

[smass]

Wow, I didn't realize marble contact paper had such a huge following back in the day.  There must have been shortages and price gouging at home depot 

(I am just having fun with this by the way, I am sure that if I was involved in the hobby back in the day I would have gone full contact paper crazy as well)

[yotsuya]

Wow, I didn't realize marble contact paper had such a huge following back in the day.  There must have been shortages and price gouging at home depot
(I am just having fun with this by the way, I am sure that if I was involved in the hobby back in the day I would have gone full contact paper crazy as well)

Right, the farther we get away from the CrapMAME era, the funnier I think it is to look at some of these early mistakes, mistakes that were made because honestly people didn't know any better. But CrapMAME is good because it really allowed us to evolve as a hobby. I posted a little while back that I thought we were in a Golden Age of cabinet building*, and a lot of that has to do with the fact that people are finding that site and vowing not to repeat those mistakes.



* I really don't feel that way anymore. If anything, we're in a copycat phase right now.

[pbj]

Eh, I think we knew better but a lot of this stuff was hard to come by.... there weren't many suppliers, there wasn't much out there like this forum... we were all using cast off junk computers, the front ends weren't well developed...

Respective ages and disposable income probably had a lot to do with it.  My option back then was an extension cord and using my circular saw to make cuts as quickly as possible out on my apartment landing. 

Making something that worked for $200 was the goal back then, regardless of the hackery it took to get there.  Our ability to plan longer term, budget accordingly, and tastes that gradually improved as we've aged... that's the ticket.

[yotsuya]

Eh, I think we knew better but a lot of this stuff was hard to come by.... there weren't many suppliers, there wasn't much out there like this forum... we were all using cast off junk computers, the front ends weren't well developed...

Respective ages and disposable income probably had a lot to do with it.  My option back then was an extension cord and using my circular saw to make cuts as quickly as possible out on my apartment landing. 

Making something that worked for $200 was the goal back then, regardless of the hackery it took to get there.  Our ability to plan longer term, budget accordingly, and tastes that gradually improved as we've aged... that's the ticket.

Yeah,  I don't disagree with this.  It shows today when people try to take the really cheap route.

[Malenko]

Wow, I didn't realize marble contact paper had such a huge following back in the day.  There must have been shortages and price gouging at home depot 

(I am just having fun with this by the way, I am sure that if I was involved in the hobby back in the day I would have gone full contact paper crazy as well)

The funny part is you aren't completely wrong.  People were selling "arcade wrapping vinyl" on eBay for like $40 a roll and it was like $6 at the depot. My biggest regret about my first mame cab wasnt how it looked or played but that I pretty much destroyed a dedicated cab in my ignorance.

[leapinlew]

Nowadays, full side art and LED buttons are the norm.

Back in the day, when I built my Tempest bartop, the full sideart for it was around $100. Now I can full wrap an arcade cabinet for around $65.

[CheffoJeffo]

Eh, I think we knew better but a lot of this stuff was hard to come by.... there weren't many suppliers, there wasn't much out there like this forum... we were all using cast off junk computers, the front ends weren't well developed...

This.

Keyboard hacking, limited options for new parts, more limited options for artwork, expensive monitors. Those were the norm.

[CheffoJeffo]

It was also a time of great experimentation and people tried all sorts of crazy things.

Yeah, X's crazy rolly setup looks insane, but he was experimenting. And it's not entirely dissimilar from 1up's rotating panels, which are still an innovative solution:



In the same vein, unclet is featured on CrapMAME and won a Mamey for the same cab back when racers were rare beasts.

The "why don't I" spirit led to one of my favourite cocktail builds, and I am surprised it didn't end up on CrapMAME:

[Hoopz]

There's only one person who gets upset about Crapmame and its because he was on it.  Everyone else rolls with the punches and doesn't get their panties in a bunch.  Ironically, he's the first to become combative when he perceives that someone isn't allowed to express their opinion yet blasts others when they share theirs if he disagrees with it.  And he'll threaten to kick everyone's asses.   

Oh well.  Cant learn if you don't make mistakes.  I did finally throw away that contact paper roll that I kept for years.

[yotsuya]

I think that experimentation helped refine things and get us to where we are  today. But some things are just common sense.

[vwalbridge]

I think that experimentation helped refine things and get us to where we are  today. But some things are just common sense.

Exactly. You just summed it up perfectly for me.

[Jamesbeat]

I work for a flooring contractor, and I have access to real marble. Maybe I should make a genuine marble control panel

[RandyT]

Eh, I think we knew better but a lot of this stuff was hard to come by.... there weren't many suppliers, there wasn't much out there like this forum... we were all using cast off junk computers, the front ends weren't well developed...

Respective ages and disposable income probably had a lot to do with it.  My option back then was an extension cord and using my circular saw to make cuts as quickly as possible out on my apartment landing. 

Making something that worked for $200 was the goal back then, regardless of the hackery it took to get there.  Our ability to plan longer term, budget accordingly, and tastes that gradually improved as we've aged... that's the ticket.

+Eleventy.

10 years ago, long prior to the time I invented the TurboTwist2 design, this was my contribution to help folks get a spinner in their cab without breaking the bank:



It was "crapmame" worthy, but not half as bad as the first design I came up with.  I don't feel too bad about it, but I do keep the photo around to lift my own spirits occasionally.  I don't think I even sold any.   

And no, the wood wasn't included.....and no, I won't make you one 

[bandontherun]

My MAME setup is similar the the OPs link. Just an LCD, Tankstick w/Trackball and a desk like setup that brings the CP to arcade cab height. It works great for experimenting with MAME but of course the full size Galaga themed cab with CRT and ArcadeSD in it is the go to machine.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Slippyblade]

...and no, I won't make you one 

Darn!  I'd plug it into a panel next to a roller-ball deodorant trackball.

[Nocturnaloner]

For instance, if it wasn't for crapmame and some equally 'mean' threads on here, I might have attempted to squeeze a trackball onto my 24" two player panel.

Oh, the horror!    I better give back all the years of enjoyment I've had with this panel :


Why is this so bad again?  Someone wouldn't want to go for a Centipede or Robotron record with it?  I'll get over it.

The worst thing about the current culture of this hobby is the desperate need that some people seem to have to trash the efforts of others, especially beginners.  The biggest flapping mouths always delude themselves that they have a higher standard than everyone else, and therefore they need to 'set people straight' about the correct way to do things.  That in turn gives rise to the spineless toadies who cheer them on.  Unfortunately the internet causes this cycle to repeat in pretty much every hobby or pursuit that has a message board.  The idea that you could make a website dedicated to making fun of people who are doing the best they can with what they have is precious and cowardly, and only possible for those with an excess of time and money, and a deficit of empathy.

[RandyT]

Sometimes criticism (yes, even non-constructive varieties) can motivate individuals to strive to improve their lot. 

That said, your panel looks just fine with the trackball.  Not everyone plays Golden Tee, or games which use the TB like that title does, so it seems plenty functional.  Mine is hanging off the side, and the mouse buttons are two microswitches double-stickied to the side of it.  But it's used mostly as a mouse and the machine is primarily a test bed.  My trackball setup is definitely "crapMAME" worthy, but I don't care too much about what it looks like as long as it does what it's supposed to.  Poke fun at it all you want (wait, someone already did)  .

[Token]

The worst thing about the current culture of this hobby is the desperate need that some people seem to have to trash the efforts of others, especially beginners. 

You make a solid point, and it's more widespread than just BYOAC. The lack of civility and empathy is a reflection of our broader culture.

There is room on hobbyist sites for criticism and feedback. In fact there isn't much point to a site like BYOAC without criticism and feedback. But in the words of Winston Churchill, "When you have to kill a man it costs nothing to be polite."

[yotsuya]

Relax, no one's bringing back CrapMAME. But it exists, and to say that it hasn't had a useful place in this hobby is simply disgenous. I know learned from it, as have many other members.

And stop this "you guys just like to pick on newbies." Many guys have posted first projects that are stunning.  And most of the time, it's clear they've done their homework before committing saw blade to wood.

I've been in this hobby long enough to know the only people who get offended by feedback are those that truly aren't looking for it.

[CheffoJeffo]

Man, there is a lot of hate about a crappy website that some random BYOACer threw together over a decade ago for a laugh. One guy. Over a decade ago. Put his own cab on it.

He posted about it here, taking all of the hits for what he had done. He was a lot nicer than the people who rant about what a terrible person he is.

The idea that you could make a website dedicated to making fun of people who are doing the best they can with what they have is precious and cowardly, and only possible for those with an excess of time and money, and a deficit of empathy.

Have you actually seen the site? 

[Malenko]

The worst thing about the current culture of this hobby is the desperate need that some people seem to have to trash the efforts of others, especially beginners.

This is a complete load of ---That which is odiferous and causeth plants to grow---. I'm not saying it never happens, but its the exception and not the rule.   Please show me where BYOAC dog piled on a newb  and lambasted him/her with vitriol and not honest feedback. I'm going to need at least 10 examples to even consider quantifying it as any sort of "regular occurrence"   Citing PBJ or X2 as a source immediately disqualifies you. Try not to go back 5 years to get your 10 examples.

I've been in this hobby long enough to know the only people who get offended by feedback are those that truly aren't looking for it.

Truer words were never spoken.

[pbj]

The worst thing about the current culture of this hobby is the desperate need that some people seem to have to trash the efforts of others, especially beginners.

This is a complete load of ---That which is odiferous and causeth plants to grow---. I'm not saying it never happens, but its the exception and not the rule.

Agree.

Citing PBJ or X2 as a source immediately disqualifies you.

I don't recall ever really dog piling on someone's project, but thanks for dragging me into this.

[Malenko]

I don't recall ever really dog piling on someone's project, but thanks for dragging me into this.

Ha! X2 cited cause he's a psycho provides colorful walls of text that may or may not be confused as more than 1 person posting, you were cited because you give honest feedback that gets jimmys rustled. 

[pbj]

True.

[dmckean]

Ha! X2 cited cause he's a psycho provides colorful walls of text that may or may not be confused as more than 1 person posting, you were cited because you give honest feedback that gets jimmys rustled. 

LOL.

[ark_ader]

This gives me an idea what to do with with the Xarcade and that Sony Trinitron that nobody wants.  Now just need a microwave stand...

[Token]

I'm not a fan of the sophomoric delivery, but the message of crapmame was right on, can be found at the bottom of page 31, and saved a lot of us from making some bad design decisions. There's no doubt that crapmame advanced the quality of subsequent builds.

As is often mentioned, and to his credit, epthegeek did post his own cabinet on crapmame.

But the most important lesson from CrapMame is page 23.

And since I going all linky-linky here, the first time crapmame was discussed on BYOAC, it pretty much went how every thread that brings up crapmame has gone ever since.

[yotsuya]

To me the delivery is what makes the message the most effective. It's almost like you're talking to a friend who's being honest with you. I don't expect my true friends to sugar-coat things just because they don't want to hurt my feelings. I'd really rather know what they thought, and why they thought that.

[Token]

To me the delivery is what makes the message the most effective. It's almost like you're talking to a friend who's being honest with you. I don't expect my true friends to sugar-coat things just because they don't want to hurt my feelings. I'd really rather know what they thought, and why they thought that.

Better are the wounds of a friend, than the kisses of an enemy.

But there is room between insulting feedback and "everybody gets a prize."

[yotsuya]

To me the delivery is what makes the message the most effective. It's almost like you're talking to a friend who's being honest with you. I don't expect my true friends to sugar-coat things just because they don't want to hurt my feelings. I'd really rather know what they thought, and why they thought that.

Better are the wounds of a friend, than the kisses of an enemy.

But there is room between insulting feedback and "everybody gets a prize."

Token, as a fellow educator,  there is no way I'd use that kind of feedback with students.  But try thinking outside that box and see CrapMAME's delivery as part of the cautionary tale that it is,  and you'll see it's effectiveness.

[smass]

Constructive criticism is fine.  In fact it is essential to the evolution of ideas.  Poking fun at something is also fine.  Being able to take some ribbing is an essential skill that everyone should develop early on in life.  The old saying "sticks and stones" comes to mind.  Every person should be able to deal with some criticism (constructive or not) without turning into a basket case, and learning how deal with criticism is an important part of the maturation process.  What is wrong with our current PC society is that some people (many people) view any form of criticism as "bullying".  This is simply a load of crap.   We have become so thin-skinned and quick to take offense (as a society) that we run the very real risk of slowing down progress and creating a society where everyone walks around on egg shells and is afraid to point out the "elephant in the room" for fear of being labeled a "bully". 

The "elephant in the room" that started this thread is ripe for criticism, and for poking fun at, because....*drum roll*...it looks silly as hell and the guy is asking a ridiculous price it.  Period.  And I am not going to apologize for having that opinion.  Nor am I going to keep my opinions to myself.  And I would not expect any of you to edit you opinions of me either.  I am an adult, I can can take it.  And give it back.

Reminds me of one of my favorite sports related quotes/rants:

[DrakeTungsten]

Every person should be able to deal with some criticism (constructive or not) without turning into a basket case, and learning how deal with criticism is an important part of the maturation process.  What is wrong with our current PC society is that some people (many people) view any form of criticism as "bullying".  This is simply a load of crap.   We have become so thin-skinned and quick to take offense (as a society) that we run the very real risk of slowing down progress and creating a society where everyone walks around on egg shells and is afraid to point out the "elephant in the room" for fear of being labeled a "bully". 

This community, at least, obviously harbors a fearless band of Dutch Uncles who wave the flag proudly for Telling Harsh Truths. Any eggshells found under-foot are crushed with a gleeful, almost obscene sense of satisfaction. It should fill you with hope for the future.

I have to ask, in the interest of directness, what the posters who have mentioned non-constructive criticism mean by this? Is there not a more descriptive, forthright word or phrase which can be substituted for this? Or at least provide an example?

[Nocturnaloner]

I'm not a fan of the sophomoric delivery, but the message of crapmame was right on, can be found at the bottom of page 31, and saved a lot of us from making some bad design decisions. There's no doubt that crapmame advanced the quality of subsequent builds.

The ---That which is odiferous and causeth plants to grow--- here is that there's some absolute standard of good or bad design decisions that needs to be enforced by the white knights of coolness.  If we were brain surgeons for example, and someone's life was at stake, I could see that there might be some professional standard that needed to be complied to.  We're not.  We're guys on the internet who want to play old videogames.  On the general cool scale, we're about one step up from My Little Pony fans, so the idea of being snobbish about it is incredibly laughable.  Not a single person here can legitimately disparage the guy who bolts a 16:9 monitor to a piece of plywood and calls it a gaming station, or the kid who builds a cardboard cabinet around his Raspberry Pi, if that is the level of skill and resources they have.  The guy with an electrical engineering degree and 30 years of carpentry and fabrication experience can laugh just as hard about the efforts of pretty much anyone here, and the idea that you can and should make fun of people who make different decisions than you is a load of self-serving crap.  It's not just about crapmame, and it certainly isn't about bullying.  It's about the fact that no matter how hard you pat each other on the back, the emperor still has no damn clothes.