Arcade Upgrading

[SuperGojira2001]

So I heard you can take almost any JAMMA arcade game, and upgrade to with something like a 60 in 1. What is a really easy/cheap game to do this with? Is it hard, or should I just go with my original bartop idea?

[Slippyblade]

Depends on your definition of "upgrade".  Any of the xxx-n-1 boards are just running a cobbled together and old version of MAME.  A version that you can't customize, with a fixed game list and video options.  Not to mention unless it's a gutted beater cab, you would be hacking an original dedicated cab for the project.  Yes, you can do it.  The question becomes, should you?

Do your bartop first.  Then later, think about full size cabs.

[Nephasth]

By all means, go right ahead and stuff a 60in1 in your horizontal jamma cab...

[paigeoliver]

There are people cranking them out complete on Craigslist in every city asking anywhere from $700 to $3000. Don't answer their ad though, instead just post WTB:Multicade, paying $500 and see if anyone bites. Make sure it looks good for that price. The higher sales prices are largely based off the illusion that you are getting something special and that the bootleg board they run wasn't just purchased off the internet for $40 to $100.

You could build your own also, but then you have to learn stuff. If you can get a working one at $500 then you can always resell if for the same if it turns out you don't like it.

[SuperGojira2001]

There are people cranking them out complete on Craigslist in every city asking anywhere from $700 to $3000. Don't answer their ad though, instead just post WTB:Multicade, paying $500 and see if anyone bites. Make sure it looks good for that price. The higher sales prices are largely based off the illusion that you are getting something special and that the bootleg board they run wasn't just purchased off the internet for $40 to $100.

You could build your own also, but then you have to learn stuff. If you can get a working one at $500 then you can always resell if for the same if it turns out you don't like it.

I could do that. But I'll probably end up building my own. I build PC's so I'm used to stuff like this.

[BadMouth]

Starting with a donor cab is one of the cheapest routes to go.  Probably the cheapest way to get a full size cab.
Look for a gutted cab for around $100.  If it still has a board or monitor in it, you can sell that to help fund the project.
Being able to find one that cheap depends on where you live.  Look on ebay and craigslist.

You'll probably have to hack up the control panel unless it's already a 6 button street fighter CP.
Build braces to install an old CRT TV and use an old video card with S-video out
OR
use as big of an LCD as will fit between the sides (we're starting with a standard width cab here and will be displaying a 4:3 image in the center, so it's not going to be too big).
You'll have to make a new monitor bezel, but that could be as simple as spray painting the backside after masking off the monitor area.
You could also run a number of PC fighting games which can be displayed widescreen.

[Nephasth]

I could do that. But I'll probably end up building my own. I build PC's so I'm used to stuff like this.

That's like saying "I can ride a tricycle, so I'm used to driving cars".

[smass]

I have been watching your other thread as well and thought I would chime in.  It seems like what you are looking to do is build an arcade machine to play some classic games.  You like the idea of a bartop size machine, but don't think you have the wood working skills to pull it off so now you are considering a conversion of a full size machine.  My advice:  Stick with your orginal idea to build a bar top.  Here are the steps:

- You can buy a CNC pre cut bar-top kit that comes pre-finished and all you need to do is glue it together.  You don't need to do any wood working or even own a freaking drill to pull this off
- Buy a cheap 17" or 19" 4:3 LCD monitor on CL.  You can get them for between free and $20 easily
- Decide what you are going to use to run the games.   Choose from either: 60:1 card, old de-cased PC (a core2duo at 3.0ghz will do just fine), or a rasberry pii.  Personally, I would either go old PC (considering you work on computers and core2duo systems are basically free), or pii
- If you go pii or PC you will need to get the front end and emulator set up (along with roms) for the games you want to play.  Keep it simple and stick with MAME only and try to keep the game list under 100.
- Buy a button/joystick kit from a reputable dealer on this forum, and a usb encoder.
- Put all this crap together and try it out.  You can always add additional emulators, cabinet art, marquee, etc later.

Do not go hunting around for a old cabinet to chop up.  I will guarantee you will get it in your basement, fool around with it for a month, and then give up with the project 25% done.  Do the bartop.  Your other thread has a link to the CNC cut bartop kits from Haruman.  Thats your starting point.  Now get going and ask questions as they come up.  Start a build thread.  Post some pictures of your progress and folks on this forum will fall over themselves to help you when you have questions.  If we see progress, we will know you are serious and support you along the way.

[Nephasth]

So he comes to a "build your own" forum and you advise him to not build his own...

[smass]

So he comes to a "build your own" forum and you advise him to not build his own...

How so?  I told him to buy a kit for the cabinet, because he does not have woodworking skills.  I also told him to buy the buttons and such and install them.  Whats he supposed to do, design his own buttons and joystick and have them cut out on a 3d printer?  If he buys bar top cabinet kit he has his starting point, and can then order his own buttons and setup his own computer and such.  Hows that any different from taking a pre-built cabinet, and swapping some new components in? 

I am trying to give this guys some practical advice to help him get started in the hobby.  A quick review of your last few posts seems to indicate that you are more interested in sarcastic comments.  So you do you boo-boo

[Nephasth]

You answered your own question in your next sentence. This forum contains a wealth of information and knowledge. The early stages of the hobby, for everyone, is always information overload. I've always taken the stance of "noobs need to do their homework." If they come here starting new threads asking to be spoon fed everything, yes, they get sarcastic replies from me. Everyone new to this hobby should be spending WEEKS scouring the forum and projects, gaining knowledge and figuring out what they like and don't like about other people's projects. Then they'd have a good starting point for their own project. If they lack the skills... This is the place to acquire and hone new skills. But if they're too lazy to "do their homework". ---fudgesicle--- em and feed em fish heads.

[Nephasth]

Couldn't help but notice that you don't have any project threads. Way to help the silent noobs doing their homework.

[smass]

Couldn't help but notice that you don't have any project threads. Way to help the silent noobs doing their homework.

Right so my advice is not valid.  Let me go back and edit my original post.  Not.

Go find another thread to de-rail with your sarcastic non-helpful posts.  I am sure the noobs appreciate your input. 

[Nephasth]

I've helped many noobs directly over the years. I've built a control panel from scratch for one member. I've shipped parts to overseas members since those parts weren't available in their country. I've developed new parts for the hobby. And have given tons of input when asked directly for it. And here you are, a keyboard warrior with nothing to show for it. Either you haven't built ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- yet, or you're too ashamed of your own build to make a legit contribution to this site.

[smass]

I've helped many noobs directly over the years. I've built a control panel from scratch for one member. I've shipped parts to overseas members since those parts weren't available in their country. I've developed new parts for the hobby. And have given tons of input when asked directly for it. And here you are, a keyboard warrior with nothing to show for it. Either you haven't built ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- yet, or you're too ashamed of your own build to make a legit contribution to this site.

Congratulations on your achievements.  I am sure you are a regular Jesus like figure in the hobby.  That however does not excuse your behavior in this thread.  Your posts are the kind that drive noobs away.  They serve no purpose but to discourage and embarrass folks.  Also, attacking me for trying to help the OP with some practical advice just shows your true colors. 

This is my last response in this thread.  I am sure you will have a follow up post as folks like you always need to get the last word in, so have at it.   

[Nephasth]

This is my last response in this thread.

Quoted for posterity.

[ed12]

wow

ed

[SuperGojira2001]

I've helped many noobs directly over the years. I've built a control panel from scratch for one member. I've shipped parts to overseas members since those parts weren't available in their country. I've developed new parts for the hobby. And have given tons of input when asked directly for it. And here you are, a keyboard warrior with nothing to show for it. Either you haven't built ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- yet, or you're too ashamed of your own build to make a legit contribution to this site.

Congratulations on your achievements.  I am sure you are a regular Jesus like figure in the hobby.  That however does not excuse your behavior in this thread.  Your posts are the kind that drive noobs away.  They serve no purpose but to discourage and embarrass folks.  Also, attacking me for trying to help the OP with some practical advice just shows your true colors. 

This is my last response in this thread.  I am sure you will have a follow up post as folks like you always need to get the last word in, so have at it.   

"I am sure you are a regular Jesus like figure in the hobby.  That however does not excuse your behavior in this thread.  Your posts are the kind that drive noobs away.  They serve no purpose but to discourage and embarrass folks.  Also, attacking me for trying to help the OP with some practical advice just shows your true colors."

Yep. Anyways unless I if I see something for a really good deal I'll stick to the bartop idea. I will buy a cabinet from that one guy, and probably this kit: I have a 19" widescreen VGA monitor too.

[CheffoJeffo]

Yep. Anyways unless I if I see something for a really good deal I'll stick to the bartop idea. I will buy a cabinet from that one guy, and probably this kit: ***RULE 5*** I have a 19" widescreen VGA monitor too.

Funny, because I was just going to post that smass was wrong on this particular recommendation.

The 60-in-1 runs vertical orientation, so you need to mount the monitor sideways. You can maybe shoehorn a smaller 4:3 LCD into a slim bartop kit, but I wouldn't count on being able to do it. A widescreen -- not a chance. Also, if you want to change to something that uses a horizontal monitor, you might be screwing yourself.

You may not like Neph's attitude, but he didn't give you bad advice. 

It's exciting to dive right in, but you do have some research to do. Most questions have been answered a dozen times over and there will always people who come to blows over attitudes. Don't make the mistake of thinking the nice answer is the best answer for you -- keep reading. And check the rules -- #5 asks you not to post links to illegal products like 60-in-1s.

Edited because there is some humour in the fact that Neph already said as much.

By all means, go right ahead and stuff a 60in1 in your horizontal jamma cab...

[pbj]

Wait a second... has the "your posts run people off" mantle passed?  Nobody told me.

I need time to process this.

[SuperGojira2001]

Yep. Anyways unless I if I see something for a really good deal I'll stick to the bartop idea. I will buy a cabinet from that one guy, and probably this kit: ***RULE 5*** I have a 19" widescreen VGA monitor too.

Funny, because I was just going to post that smass was wrong on this particular recommendation.

The 60-in-1 runs vertical orientation, so you need to mount the monitor sideways. You can maybe shoehorn a smaller 4:3 LCD into a slim bartop kit, but I wouldn't count on being able to do it. A widescreen -- not a chance. Also, if you want to change to something that uses a horizontal monitor, you might be screwing yourself.

You may not like Neph's attitude, but he didn't give you bad advice. 

It's exciting to dive right in, but you do have some research to do. Most questions have been answered a dozen times over and there will always people who come to blows over attitudes. Don't make the mistake of thinking the nice answer is the best answer for you -- keep reading. And check the rules -- #5 asks you not to post links to illegal products like 60-in-1s.

Edited because there is some humour in the fact that Neph already said as much.

By all means, go right ahead and stuff a 60in1 in your horizontal jamma cab...

If I can't turn the monitor, I have another square (non-CRT) one I could use. And I deleted that link.

[wp34]

There are people cranking them out complete on Craigslist in every city asking anywhere from $700 to $3000. Don't answer their ad though, instead just post WTB:Multicade, paying $500 and see if anyone bites. Make sure it looks good for that price. The higher sales prices are largely based off the illusion that you are getting something special and that the bootleg board they run wasn't just purchased off the internet for $40 to $100.

You could build your own also, but then you have to learn stuff. If you can get a working one at $500 then you can always resell if for the same if it turns out you don't like it.

This is interesting advice.  I have friends who would like a multi-cade but are not really looking to get into the hobby nor do they want a construction project.  The WTB idea is not bad.

[SuperGojira2001]

There are people cranking them out complete on Craigslist in every city asking anywhere from $700 to $3000. Don't answer their ad though, instead just post WTB:Multicade, paying $500 and see if anyone bites. Make sure it looks good for that price. The higher sales prices are largely based off the illusion that you are getting something special and that the bootleg board they run wasn't just purchased off the internet for $40 to $100.

You could build your own also, but then you have to learn stuff. If you can get a working one at $500 then you can always resell if for the same if it turns out you don't like it.

This is interesting advice.  I have friends who would like a multi-cade but are not really looking to get into the hobby nor do they want a construction project.  The WTB idea is not bad.

When I get the money I'll try this before building one.

[Nephasth]

Anyways unless I if I see something for a really good deal I'll stick to the bartop idea.

When I get the money I'll try this before building one.

This is exactly why people need to put the time in doing the research. Your plan did a complete 180 in less than 3 hours...

[opt2not]

This is exactly why people need to put the time in doing the research. Your plan did a complete 180 in less than 3 hours...

If only there was a site or forum where you can post your ideas and people could comment on them and give you advice or alternative options ... 

[SuperGojira2001]

Anyways unless I if I see something for a really good deal I'll stick to the bartop idea.

When I get the money I'll try this before building one.

This is exactly why people need to put the time in doing the research. Your plan did a complete 180 in less than 3 hours...

I'm only going to buy one if I find a really good deal on one, otherwise I'm still building.