Compete computer idiot needs list for mame set up.

[GPD1444]

First I would like to introduce myself and say "hello my name is Tim and I'm a computer idiot"

I have a small arcade set up in my game room, currently have world class bowling, Carnevil, Blitz 99, Mortal Kombat II, Cruisen World, Time Crisis II (duel machine), NBA Jam, Midway Skins, Mrs.Pac/ Galaga reunion machine, space invaders cocktail (60-1 board) and finishing up a Killer Instinct and TMNT project. pool table, Pub Time dart machine and a bar. Ok maybe it's not as small as I think it is.

I am almost out of room and have always been a dedicated arcade kind of person, not against mame or emulation it's just my little brain can not handle all the buttons and having to think about what buttons to use. So I got a brilliant idea to make my turtles game into a multi. BUT I only want the 20 or so 4 player 2 button games and maybe a file for the orginal NES nothing else (I own a lot of NES games and several of the 4 player game boards so I can legally do this set up as back ups)  I would like when it loads to have a screen similar to the 60-1 board that shows a picture of each game all on 1-3 screens and the NES listed as 1 selection that opens to that game list so it's all easy to see and pick.

I have built or repaired all of my games so wiring is no problem but I have not owned a computer in close to 10 years. I have manly used smart phones since they came out for my needs.
Game will be a TMNT 4 player cabinet with a 25in CGA monitor or I also have a 27in Tube monitor that uses VGA if that's easier?

Now the list of what I all need and what would work best for me.

1. what type of computer I would need for this simple set up? A cheap $50 used pawn shop computer? What model or specs should I be looking for?
2. I pac and what one?
3. Front end to load to just the few games I want?
4. What file to load to be able to load the games to?
5. What else do I need?


Or better yet if someone wants to build the computer set up how I want (minus the actual games) I would GLADLY pay for that!?! Like I said I own several NES games and 4 player PCBs so the folders for the games can be loaded just waiting for me to load the specific games into.

[mahuti]

I have computers, but I prefer my phone and do most of my personal work on it. If I never have to set up a computer again... great. So that said, recently I've been getting into the Raspberry Pi. If you're playing newer games like Killer Instinct on it, then it's too slow. But for older games it works fine. So if you're going for simpsons type 4 player games then it's great. Something that uses 3-d polygons... not so much.

If you use a raspberry pi the cost won't be less than a crappy old windows machine. Everything included (power supply, Pi, shutdown switch, memory card, wi-fi dongle, HDMI-VGA adapter) will set you back about $85. The upside is that you can download a copy of the whole OS with all emulators already set up and ready to go (along with a front-end) and save it to a memory card. Plug in the memory card and you're ready to go. Then you copy the roms across via FTP or SAMBA shares. So... I'm just so sick of messing with my crappy old PCs and all of the windows nonsense. For my simple needs I love using the RPI. (Plugs easily into the VGA monitor)

1. If you go with a windows box... free to $200 somewhere in that range. Go for something above 2.2ghz
2. Ipac 2 or GroovyGameGear Keywiz 40-st
3 I personally use low-tech stuff like Mala. Doesn't require much work to set up (though I think the themes out of the box are pretty terrible) and the processor requirements are very low. Hyper spin's a pretty big deal these days, but I don't use it. My machines are too old and crappy.
4. ?  say what now? Emulator? Mame and FCEUX for Nes emulation.
5. If you want to hook the computer into your cabinets power supply and start up and shut down with a single switch you will have to consider a few things. Helps if you can use VNC over Wi-Fi to administer the machine. You'll need to download all of the Mame artwork, samples, control panels, overlays and anything else you want for your front end.

[GPD1444]

I have considered using a pi, they even make a Pi that uses a jamma harness and it would be perfect but as of now it only supports 2 players. I need 28 spots (4 for each joy stick and 2 for buttons, and a start  x4 players) the name adootir to pi only has 24 wires (4 joystick, 6 button, start, and coin up) so that won't work for me.

Wish it would it would make my life so much easier.

[keilmillerjr]

I have considered using a pi, they even make a Pi that uses a jamma harness and it would be perfect but as of now it only supports 2 players. I need 28 spots (4 for each joy stick and 2 for buttons, and a start  x4 players) the name adootir to pi only has 24 wires (4 joystick, 6 button, start, and coin up) so that won't work for me.

Wish it would it would make my life so much easier.

You can use any encoder like an ipac or jpac. Or you can use something like this to extend the gpio: https://www.tindie.com/products/petrockblog/controlblock/

[keilmillerjr]

If your still using a crt, a pc might be a better option than a raspberry pi. A pc can switch resolutions and modes on the fly. A raspberry pi can only do so on boot (as far as I know). Some one correct me or add to this?

The raspberry pi is almost there. Almost.

[mahuti]

Pi only switches on boot. But he said he had a vga, so didn't seem to matter.

And like the other poster noted, iPac works with the Pi

[Titchgamer]

I posted on your WTB thread but.

Your needs are very simple really.
Get yourself a PC pre loaded with Windows or you can use a PI  and put retropi on it (may be hard for you).

Then Download the front end of your choice and install on the PC.
Maximus arcade is very simple to set up and use and will do what you want.

Install MAME and your choice of games, As well as a NES emu and games.

Configure all and enjoy.

It really is as easy as that and if you have any specific q's ime sure someone can help you.

[GPD1444]

Thanks for the advise, I did post in the WTB section and was hoping to find someone who wanted to make a $ and save me hours of research. But while I wait to see if anyone has a set up ready to run for sale I'll begin researching how to do it all. Hoping to get everything done and running by Christmas so I need to figure it out in the next few days so I can get everything ordered if I end up building it.

But on the upside, for the first time today I have all 12 of my machines up and running and perfect timing for a holiday party at my house on Saturday! Well my dart machine still needs to be cleaned up but I'm not putting it down there for this party.