big arcade project

[i_thght_u_knu]

Wondering if anyone can help? I am trying to make ultimate 4 player arcade. I do not even know if it's possible for everything to work. Trying to get
flight joystick with button on top, spinner, trackball, (2) 8 way auto switchable to 4 way/2 way, (2) regular 8 way, and 2 usb laser guns. I really do not know where to start (getting all parts), what is needed (electrical components), or the best route to take (cheap vs best)?

[PL1]

Wondering if anyone can help? I am trying to make ultimate 4 player arcade.

This question comes up often.         

At best, the underlying assumption that it is possible to make an ultimate 4 player setup that plays all games well is a guaranteed path to mediocre results disappointment.

The odds of success are roughly the same as being struck by lightning while you're wielding a chainsaw to defend yourself during a Sharknado.   

Before you go any further, go to the wiki (link above) and carefully read the FAQ, especially the "What type of build meets my needs?" section.

If you answer "all of them" to #2 and #4 in that section, the design will involve so many compromises and convolutions that you will end up with a "jack of all trades, master of none" setup often referred to as a "Frankenpanel."   

If you don't trim the the game list, you will spend a crapload of time scrolling through eleventy-billion "coal" games trying to find a "diamond" instead of spending that time playing great games from a reasonable-length list composed of your favorites, true classics, and several hidden gems.

The "All Killer, No Filler" lists are great examples of dumping the coal and keeping the gems.


Scott
EDIT: Mimic is correct that you can build a setup that works well for many, if not most games, however no single setup will work for all games.
Trying to support too many games can lead to a Frankenpanel because there are many oddball game controls like Thayer's Quest keypad, Mahjongg buttons, 270+360 steering wheels, shifters, etc.

[mimic]

This question comes up often.         

So what it comes up often? Step aside and let others help him. The locals that dwell here are so jaded!

At best, the underlying assumption that it is possible to make an ultimate 4 player setup that plays all games well is a guaranteed path to mediocre results.


If you answer "all of them" to #2 and #4 in that section, the design will involve so many compromises and convolutions that you will end up with a "jack of all trades, master of none" setup often referred to as a "Frankenpanel."   

If you don't trim the the game list, you will spend a crapload of time scrolling through eleventy-billion "coal" games trying to find a "diamond" instead of spending that time playing great games from a reasonable-length list composed of your favorites, true classics, and several hidden gems.

The "All Killer, No Filler" lists are great examples of dumping the coal and keeping the gems.


Scott

I'll dare to say I have achieved Jack of all trades and actually master of at least few. Although it was quickly ridiculed.
I don't know why but it seems as on these forums gaming is secondary to most awesome looks. Majority claims they LOVED the building and gaming became secondary.... ---fudgesicle--- THAT! I HATED every minute of building that was getting in my gaming time. I PLAY video games not just look at my cabinet.

@i_thght_u_knu you go right ahead and enjoy the best 4 player cab you can possibly make! ENJOY ALL the games you dream of playing.

One of these games if I'll be able to pick a game in the BYOAC competition I'll pick  Centipede just to spite all the "purists" We'll see how they play that classic.

[PL1]

Step aside and let others help him.

Nobody else was helping him.   

- Pointing out that there's no single controls setup that plays all games well isn't helpful?

- Pointing him to the design process outlined in the FAQ isn't helpful?

- Pointing out that a game list with "all of them" often means having to scroll through hundreds of games that he doesn't care about to find one he wants to play isn't helpful?

IMHO it's a good idea for people to think through what they really want before investing too much time, effort, and/or money in a project.

Different people ==> different objectives ==> different needs ==> different builds.

It's not about what I want or like, it's about helping him to set realistic expectations and figure out what combination of game list, controls, and build-style best meets his wants and needs.   

I'll dare to say I have achieved Jack of all trades and actually master of at least few.

In all seriousness, if anyone can pull that off, it will be an experienced guy like you.   

I'll go further and say that your setup is probably master of many, if not most games.   

That said, no setup can be master of all games.

I PLAY video games not just look at my cabinet.

I agree that the true purpose of a cab is to play games, not to look at it or be a money pit (. . . well, not too much of one  ) or endlessly scroll through a list of games that you aren't interested in.


Scott

[Mike A]

One of these games if I'll be able to pick a game in the BYOAC competition I'll pick  Centipede just to spite all the "purists" We'll see how they play that classic.

I would play it on my dedicated Centipede cabinet.

[yamatetsu]

One of these games if I'll be able to pick a game in the BYOAC competition I'll pick  Centipede just to spite all the "purists" We'll see how they play that classic.

Most likely you will piss off the few people that can be bothered to play the compo. Those people, however, are not the "purists" you want to spite.
We don't choose games that can't be played by everone. I certainly won't play any game that requires a spinner/trackball/two analog sticks/whatever.

[Locke141]

I would highly recommend just building for a short list or picking a genre of games you love and trying to build the best dam set up you can for that. You like 90's fighters, then build for 90's fighters. You really want to play all the 4 way classics, then build for that. There are options that will let you mix the two but they come at a compromise.

I built a 4way that I love but it gets 4 players rarely. I could have just built a 2 player and added to USB's for game pads or dedicated sticks and it would have been just as nice and would have taken up less room.   

[Mike A]

Yeah. Don't build a complicated CP if you ever plan on someone besides you playing it. Otherwise you are going to have to answer "What stick do I use?" or "Is this a trackball game?" or "Where is the third trackball for Rampart?" a thousand times a night.

[mimic]

Nobody else was helping him.   

You are VERY helpful. Sometimes the only guy that helped me or others.

The emoji slamming head is what rubbed me the wrong way and the discouraging tone towards "one panel fits all". I say let them! Help'em! Why not? Let them build WHATEVER they please and let them find out on their own if down the road it isn't what they want.

To me this hobby was always about playing with proper controls. That's what all these cab were all about, an unique experience. Denying yourself classics like Tempest, Missile Command, Crystal Castles, Ikari Warriors, etc... in the name of pretty, I don't know doesn't sit right with me. 

[mimic]

One of these games if I'll be able to pick a game in the BYOAC competition I'll pick  Centipede just to spite all the "purists" We'll see how they play that classic.

I would play it on my dedicated Centipede cabinet.

Must be nice to be 1%-er and afford dedicated cabinet for every game. You're what they're saying "There is an exception to every rule" was made up about
My next picks
Missile Command
Tempest
Ikari Warriors
Monkey Mole Panic

[Mike A]

Dude. Relax. It is supposed to be a friendly competition. You would be excluding everyone else. Have fun playing by yourself.

[mimic]

One of these games if I'll be able to pick a game in the BYOAC competition I'll pick  Centipede just to spite all the "purists" We'll see how they play that classic.

Most likely you will piss off the few people that can be bothered to play the compo. Those people, however, are not the "purists" you want to spite.
We don't choose games that can't be played by everone. I certainly won't play any game that requires a spinner/trackball/two analog sticks/whatever.

No worries. I am fully aware of that. I said that to make a point and get a reaction

[Mike A]

 

[Osirus23]

I'd like to help but this thread smells like a troll op.

[Howard_Casto]

Ok I've been on my best behavior lately and this question has to be troll bait so you are all going to have to give me this one.  I apologize in advance. 

[old school Howie] 

Full stop.  You don't want all that crap on your 4 player panel, hell, you don't even want a 4 player panel.  How do we know?  See that giant post count next to our names?  That means we've been doing this since the dinosaurs roamed the earth.  We've seen it all.... we know better than you.  So believe us or the guy with 8 posts next to his name, it's up to you.  You want to waste time and money creating something that you won't like that's your business.  What you actually want though is a standard 2 player layout with 4 - 8 buttons per player (4 if you like classics, 6 if you like fighting games and 8 if you want to play modern fighting games).  If you are very clever with your layout you *might* be able to squeeze in a trackball or a spinner, not both though and they do NOT require their own dedicated buttons, nor do you need 80 admin buttons.  The max you need is two... one for exiting the game and one to bring up the menu.  Honestly though with shifted key support on modern encoders you don't even need that.

Oh and before it comes up in your reply, no, you do NOT want to play console games on your cabinet so there's no point to adding extra controls for those.  Console games are usually designed for long play sessions sitting on a couch and just aren't fun to play on a cab or have a superior arcade version available.  The few the do work are going to be playable on a standard layout.  Pro tip:  If they weren't going to work with the standard layout then they wouldn't be fun on the cab anyway.

[/old school Howie]

[KenToad]

I made a 4 player pedestal with dual spinners and a trackball. It's an aircraft carrier design, with the protruding part equal in width to a pinball machine, so I can play visual pinball. I wouldn't put a flight stick on there, but that's just me. I have years of messing around with arcade controls and I know what I want to play. Spinners were a priority pretty much because of Puzz Loop, Tempest, and some Arkanoid style games. I wanted a trackball basically just because of World Class Bowling, Centipede, and Golden Tee. I have 6 buttons on player 1 and 2 because of fighters.

Basically, I'll just echo other people's advice and say: figure out the games you want to play first. Crazy frankenpanels have been a part of BYOAC since the early days. Do your research in the project announcements section.

I made a bartop back in the day with modular control panels. I actually cannibalized the sticks and buttons from my old modular panels to make my pedestal, because the modular design was a pain to store and manage, although it worked well.

[PL1]

You are VERY helpful. Sometimes the only guy that helped me or others.

Always glad to assist.   

The emoji slamming head is what rubbed me the wrong way

Yeah, that was in anticipation of the repetition of the same old predictable replies and arguments seen in earlier threads like this, rather than OP's question.

and the discouraging tone towards "one panel fits all".

Telling someone that there is no single panel setup that will support every game in MAME isn't discouraging them, it is informing them of an undeniably true fact.

The question is not IF there will be unplayable games.

The question is WHICH games will be unplayable, and whether any of those games are on OP's "gotta have it" list.

A versatile panel is a good thing, as long as it is ergonomic and understandable.

I say let them! Help'em! Why not? Let them build WHATEVER they please and let them find out on their own if down the road it isn't what they want.

So . . . OP should build first and maybe consider reading about the design process later?      

If he hasn't done enough research, how would he even know the questions that will help him figure out what he actually wants?

The design process in the FAQ doesn't tell people what to build, it asks questions that help them decide what type of build meets their wants and needs.


Scott

[mimic]

@PL1
I don't want to argue, don't want to be accused of trolling, etc. I could respond to each of the points you presenting, or maybe I'm overreacting. I'd rather spend my energy on gaming.
I saw this: New guy just signed up, his first post, looking for advise and he is presented with the emoji's slamming the wall, puking and sarcastic analogy to Sharknado. Yes there were very good advises regarding where to look and what to do, but that wasn't the best welcoming committee's effort. That's all. It can be done in more civilized manner I'd think. Once he is part of the community roll out the jokes, no?

[jennifer]

Those headbangs, And Sharknados were funny because it's been covered before, even your thread (mimic) would be a good platform on the subject of research and views of others opinions.  PL1 made some valid points that was IMO not just regurgitated,  but born of informed opininion ...As for building a cab, making 1 that plays everything is not really saving any time, or money and only serves to confuse the player on a machine you can't sell (legally)...So what is even your point?...Playing games?...Go buy a Arcade 1,

[Mike A]

When someone has an idea that we know is doomed to failure it is not mean spirited or unwelcoming to tell them it is a bad idea. Especially when someone can easily look up this exact topic before posting. It comes up every week.

[mimic]

Those headbangs, And Sharknados were funny because it's been covered before, even your thread (mimic) would be a good platform on the subject of research and views of others opinions.  PL1 made some valid points that was IMO not just regurgitated,  but born of informed opininion ...As for building a cab, making 1 that plays everything is not really saving any time, or money and only serves to confuse the player on a machine you can't sell (legally)...So what is even your point?...Playing games?...Go buy a Arcade 1,

Your whole post confused the hell out of me. I read it and re-read it and I'm still not sure what are you trying to say. Perhaps not being native English speaker I'm not picking up on something?

even your thread (mimic) would be a good platform on the subject of research and views of others opinions.

What are you referring to? The "Ultimate Frankenpanel" thread? I'm not sure if you saw it before I removed it, but I have never asked for any opinion or views regarding what I wanted. I built EXACTLY what I wanted and I love it.

PL1 made some valid points that was IMO not just regurgitated,  but born of informed opininion

I don't think I'm disputing it. I'm just saying brand new user seemed like (to me) opinions dumped on him in rather harsh way (at least that's how I perceived it. Did he? We'll see I guess)

...As for building a cab, making 1 that plays everything is not really saving any time, or money and only serves to confuse the player on a machine you can't sell (legally)...So what is even your point?...Playing games?...Go buy a Arcade 1,

I am really, truly confused with this statement...... I thought the point IS to play games that you like and remember with the unique controllers they were outfitted with like joysticks, trackballs, spinners, rollers, light guns, steering wheels, etc. I... don't... believe... that Arcade 1 offers any of that? Isn't why we build our own? Maybe I'm misunderstanding something here. 

When someone has an idea that we know is doomed to failure it is not mean spirited or unwelcoming to tell them it is a bad idea. Especially when someone can easily look up this exact topic before posting. It comes up every week.

As I said above to me it came off that way. Maybe I'm too sensitive? Only he can answer if that was something he was expecting or not. And as I said in the past I use forums for tailored answers so I understand why he would do that. It's not like copper wiring is being degraded because too many bytes were sent, we don't chop trees here to make paper really. With searches and multitude of answers you won't get clarity a lot of the time, it probably can be more confusing to some.

[Mike A]

Yes. You are too sensitive.

A couple people didn't like your cab and you nuked all of the pictures.

You called me a 1 percenter. I laughed so hard my monocle fell out.

Don't worry so much about what other people think. Post your pics.

[Mr. Peabody]

The search function, however impaired, can get someone quite far. Looking around the forum can as well. Newbs used to do these things. Now they regard other members as their information machines.

[mimic]

Yes. You are too sensitive.

Then I suppose I am!

A couple people didn't like your cab and you nuked all of the pictures.

I originally said I am too sensitive!

You called me a 1 percenter. I laughed so hard my monocle fell out.

I knew someone will come up with "I've got the original" So I prodded you a little bit how special of you.

Don't worry so much about what other people think. Post your pics.

Finding my cab on CrapMAME would bum me out, so I don't think it's ever coming back.

The search function, however impaired, can get someone quite far. Looking around the forum can as well. Newbs used to do these things. Now they regard other members as their information machines.

As I mentioned above. Step aside. Don't bother ever replying. Let others and if he doesn't receive any answers he will have no other choice.

[jennifer]

Those headbangs, And Sharknados were funny because it's been covered before, even your thread (mimic) would be a good platform on the subject of research and views of others opinions.  PL1 made some valid points that was IMO not just regurgitated,  but born of informed opininion ...As for building a cab, making 1 that plays everything is not really saving any time, or money and only serves to confuse the player on a machine you can't sell (legally)...So what is even your point?...Playing games?...Go buy a Arcade 1,

Your whole post confused the hell out of me. I read it and re-read it and I'm still not sure what are you trying to say. Perhaps not being native English speaker I'm not picking up on something?

even your thread (mimic) would be a good platform on the subject of research and views of others opinions.

What are you referring to? The "Ultimate Frankenpanel" thread? I'm not sure if you saw it before I removed it, but I have never asked for any opinion or views regarding what I wanted. I built EXACTLY what I wanted and I love it.

PL1 made some valid points that was IMO not just regurgitated,  but born of informed opininion

I don't think I'm disputing it. I'm just saying brand new user seemed like (to me) opinions dumped on him in rather harsh way (at least that's how I perceived it. Did he? We'll see I guess)

...As for building a cab, making 1 that plays everything is not really saving any time, or money and only serves to confuse the player on a machine you can't sell (legally)...So what is even your point?...Playing games?...Go buy a Arcade 1,

I am really, truly confused with this statement...... I thought the point IS to play games that you like and remember with the unique controllers they were outfitted with like joysticks, trackballs, spinners, rollers, light guns, steering wheels, etc. I... don't... believe... that Arcade 1 offers any of that? Isn't why we build our own? Maybe I'm misunderstanding something here. 

When someone has an idea that we know is doomed to failure it is not mean spirited or unwelcoming to tell them it is a bad idea. Especially when someone can easily look up this exact topic before posting. It comes up every week.

As I said above to me it came off that way. Maybe I'm too sensitive? Only he can answer if that was something he was expecting or not. And as I said in the past I use forums for tailored answers so I understand why he would do that. It's not like copper wiring is being degraded because too many bytes were sent, we don't chop trees here to make paper really. With searches and multitude of answers you won't get clarity a lot of the time, it probably can be more confusing to some.

Well I guess Jenn will have to type really slowly then so perhaps you may understand...Sarcasm. ..Your thread, or your magical awesome Franken panel are of no use to the OP...Again very slowly...Your not helping him at all in terms if build ideas or actual construction practices...BECAUSE, as you stated you don't even like to build your own, just want sit around and play your dream boat cab one would take from that...Sharknados Is just funny, That was a colorful joke, designed to make you laugh, If you are so awesome you can chainsaw a flying shark, well good for you, and the humor is just lost on you...And finally...(again really slowwwww).. Arcade1ups are in desperate need of your do everything cab, so please mister please put some some stupid giant "deck" on one, bolt a popcorn maker to it and then go start a three day game playing binge with your friends and anyone else who will even care...Hope you got it that time, cause, If I got to dumb it down anymore, we will have to continue this conversation over in post hell.

[mimic]

Well I guess Jenn will have to type really slowly then so perhaps you may understand...

Awhile back I thought every time you refer to yourself in 3rd person that indicates some kind of deeper mental disorder, but now on top of that you've demonstrated that you're quite the condescending ---uvula---. I was trying to deescalate the whole thing, but you have the need to crank it right back up with personal attacks.

Your thread, or your magical awesome Franken panel are of no use to the OP...

First of all my "magical awesome frankenpanel" Has ZERO to do with anything. I used it as an example of people wanting to do what they want to do and be happy with it.

.Your not helping him at all in terms if build ideas or actual construction practices...BECAUSE, as you stated you don't even like to build your own, just want sit around and play your dream boat cab one would take from that...

Indeed I am NOT helping him because of people like YOU that have SUCH strong opinions on what people should or should not do with their time and money that it seems as is no longer a suggestion but a requirement or you're going to be ridiculed.

that...Sharknados Is just funny, That was a colorful joke, designed to make you laugh, If you are so awesome you can chainsaw a flying shark, well good for you, and the humor is just lost on you...

As to the flying sharknado you seem to fail to grasp with your pea brain that is in the context to a NEW user (not me!), who didn't show up since, perhaps because he was so "warmly" welcomed here. (remain to be seen)

Arcade1ups are in desperate need of your do everything cab, so please mister please put some some stupid giant "deck" on one, bolt a popcorn maker to it and then go start a three day game playing binge with your friends and anyone else who will even care...Hope you got it that time, cause, If I got to dumb it down anymore, we will have to continue this conversation over in post hell.

As to your last point regarding arcade 1up ---fudgesicle--- you and your idea as to who should build what and how. Please go ahead and show me official rules to building your Arcade cabinet.... what? Hello? NOTHING of the sort... right....
Congratulations You're a self proclaimed elitist ---uvula--- of nothing special really....

[Mike A]

I think Jennifer is hilarious. She has let me have it before. Put on your big boy pants. I don't think you are ready for the internet.

[mimic]

I think Jennifer is hilarious. She has let me have it before. Put on your big boy pants. I don't think you are ready for the internet.

No, why should I take her condescending tone? Of course you're in her camp, after all you're Card carrying purist! Heck maybe it's your wife? You sound very much alike. Sorry got only diaper and access to free internet. You'll have to get used to it.

[Mike A]

My wife died in 2015.

People offered solid advice to start this thread and you turned it into a circus. Grow up.

[mimic]

My wife died in 2015.

People offered solid advice to start this thread and you turned it into a circus. Grow up.

Sorry for your loss

Some people did offer solid advice (PL1 mostly), most went onto justification as to why he should not want what he wants. As I mentioned before it was the way they did it that bothered me to a brand new user that we still have to hear back from.
I don't understand why should I grow up while others can run amok on their high-horses?

[Mike A]

You derailed the thread. He won't be back.

[mimic]

You derailed the thread. He won't be back.

That's a "nice" spin. Perhaps it was all me or perhaps it was the first 3 negative lines from PL1? If he's not back I guess we shall never find out.

[Mike A]

It was definitely you. PL1 offered solid advice and you went mental. You made the whole thing about you.

I'll dare to say I have achieved Jack of all trades and actually master of at least few. Although it was quickly ridiculed.
I don't know why but it seems as on these forums gaming is secondary to most awesome looks. Majority claims they LOVED the building and gaming became secondary.... ---fudgesicle--- THAT! I HATED every minute of building that was getting in my gaming time. I PLAY video games not just look at my cabinet.

@i_thght_u_knu you go right ahead and enjoy the best 4 player cab you can possibly make! ENJOY ALL the games you dream of playing.

One of these games if I'll be able to pick a game in the BYOAC competition I'll pick  Centipede just to spite all the "purists" We'll see how they play that classic.

This is not spin. People didn't like your cab so now you are on some kind of mission. Let it go.

[mimic]

You're certainly entitled to your opinion just like I am. Here I'm letting it go. You won't hear from me again (and I promise, my cab had absolutely NOTHING to do with it. I have always been of opinion to do whatever someone pleases, pure coincidence with my cab being at the same time, nothing else.) Done. No more on the subject no matter how tempted I'll be.

[yotsuya]

Scott? Cleanup on aisle 5, please.

[opt2not]

I don't know why but it seems as on these forums gaming is secondary to most awesome looks. Majority claims they LOVED the building and gaming became secondary.... ---fudgesicle--- THAT! I HATED every minute of building that was getting in my gaming time. I PLAY video games not just look at my cabinet.

   You've got it all twisted man.

We give advice on the play-ability factor.  Play-ability in arcades means not only having the proper controls, but also being able to perform on those controls, unencumbered.
Frankenpanels are fine for sampling a lot of games, but they're not great for prolonged play, and most of the time there is some compromise in controls or how they're connected, but MOST importantly:  comfort level in play.

Were you the one who posted that frankenpanel and told people that you didn't want their comments and opinions?  If so, I'm glad you pulled the pics.  I mean, there's no point in posting something on a public forum if you didn't want people to post about it. Also, you came off as some kind of dictator of the forum, saying that you don't want people to post x and y.  F that, you don't get to tell me how and when to post. You don't like it? Don't open yourself up for comments and opinions then.

[Osirus23]

My first panel was some frankenshit. 2 player with 8-way joysticks and 6 buttons per-player and a Trackball in the middle with 2 buttons of its own for mouse actions. I'm not ashamed.

[jennifer]

Hold on there pal (Mimic)... I did not even get a chance to give the OP any advice,  can't  even seem to get past your lack of understanding...The sarcastic point of this (and some here got it) is your Nuked thread, that you even today hold ransom over others as some kind of attempt to prove some kind of greatness. But apariently you can't be bothered with details because you just like playing the games and have virtually nothing to offer as far as building pratices go, Someone else may want to build one too, I personally got nothing against Franken panels, some of them as a build are really awesome, Impactical? Yes, but probibally the most creative part of any Mame cab. However little possible return of investment and again impractical...As for personal attacks... Dream on cream puff, Jenni only does that for her friends, and noobs with potential.

[Ond]

I love BYOAC.  I mean it.  Threads like this used to bug me.  Not anymore. I wonder what changed.  I'm just too damn fond of you dudes I guess.

Single post OP has run to the hills to a safe distance to watch the shitstorm and fireworks he set off with the classic "I want to build a 'plays everything ultimate machine".

I think it's quite natural to want to build a 'plays everything ultimate machine'.  I wanted to, many here probably thought about it when they first got into the hobby.  It's misguided and naive, we know, but really common.  Frankenpanel, big boy pants    are some of my favourite expressions.

The vocal crowd here keep BYOAC going.  Swap the word "elitist" for "experienced" and join the gang.  They ARE good people,  I know, I've met quite a few of them in person.  It's just video games, nothing to get enraged about.

*Ond slips on his big boy pants and goes off to Crapmame to get some perspective (and laffs).*

[Howard_Casto]

Don't forget aircraft carrier and coffee table control panels... those are my personal favs.  It's nice to know that if I have a heart attack and keel over or something Mike is still here to fight the good fight.  It is a good fight btw.  At the end of the day we just want you to be happy with what you build, because if you are happy then you are more likely to stick around... if your first cab is too much of a disaster, on the other hand, it might turn you away from the hobby permanently.  Like I said, listen to the people who've been there and done that, or don't... it's ultimately up to you, but the consensus seems to be that what you want on a panel isn't going to end well.   

[KenToad]

Has anyone who has actually built an aircraft carrier or frankenpanel ever come back here to warm people away from that design choice?

[opt2not]

Has anyone who has actually built an aircraft carrier or frankenpanel ever come back here to warm people away from that design choice?

Pretty much everyone in this thread that is speaking against building one.

[KenToad]

Pics? Let's see these mistakes and learn from them.

[opt2not]

Hmm, my first cabinet build was like 15+ years ago before I joined this site (and before smart phones cameras was a thing). I might have some pics on a camera memory card somewhere in my stash, but I can't be arsed to look for them just to prove it to you internet randos.
But you can easily use our forum search function for older project builds of people who built frankenpanels and learned from their mistakes.
Or maybe some of the other guys have 'em that can share.

[Osirus23]

Has anyone who has actually built an aircraft carrier or frankenpanel ever come back here to warm people away from that design choice?

Me 4 replies before yours.

[KenToad]

Has anyone who has actually built an aircraft carrier or frankenpanel ever come back here to warm people away from that design choice?

Me 4 replies before yours.

2 players with 6 buttons and a trackball? That's not a frankenpanel.

[jennifer]

I would think most people would tend to come around less and less after their build is done, got what that came for kinda thing, And a do it all machine in there mind Is just that, move on with life...If you go into the way back time machine and see what some of the old founding members were doing OMG, that was hardcore, old school creations and makes Jenn wish they would all come back even if just for a day.

[negative1]

Has anyone who has actually built an aircraft carrier or frankenpanel ever come back here to warm people away from that design choice?

probably not, maybe they just chilled them out about it, or maybe the temperature wasn't quite right. who knows.

later
-1

[KenToad]

Has anyone who has actually built an aircraft carrier or frankenpanel ever come back here to warm people away from that design choice?

probably not, maybe they just chilled them out about it, or maybe the temperature wasn't quite right. who knows.

later
-1

Nice catch! 

[Mike A]

I assembled a little Haruman bartop for a friend. She liked the idea of an arcade machine in her house but she didn't want to dedicate the space for a full sized cab. I  argued that a bartop  cab that never moves takes up about the same space as a regular cab. I lost that debate. She wanted a 60-1 board. That was fine with me. It ensured that this cab would require no maintenance calls. I gave her the game list and asked her what games she liked to play. She looked at me like I was a nut and said "all of them".

I told her about the difference between 8 way and 4 way sticks. I told her you could get sticks that switch back and forth.

"The 8 way sticks will be fine. It won't make a difference on the 4 way games."

I set up the CP with an 8 way joystick with three buttons.

Almost immediately she came back to me and said "Burgertime is broken. I keep missing the ladders. My husband says that the controls for Pengo are frustrating. Neither game works like they do on your emulation cab."

My MAME cab only has a real 4 way stick.

It turns out they play Pengo and Burgertime like 90 percent of the time they use the cab.I bought them a 4 way stick and eliminated all of the games that require an 8 way stick. Their cab gets regular use after 2 years.

I have another friend that I assembled a two player Haruman cab for. Standard 2 player Street Fighter II layout.  This one has a Pandoras box. He is happy as can be with it playing a bazillion games with the wrong controls. He doesn't play the 4 way games very often. His cab got very little use after the first month or so.

Another friend had a cab that he assembled from Gameroom Solutions. I had to spend a bunch of time fixing that garbage kit. It was 2 player Street Fighter II layout. His kids loved it. He didn't like the way the controls worked for Donkey Kong and Frogger. I built him a control box kind like an x arcade. It had a 4 way stick and 1 action button, a credit button, and a p1 start button. It plugged into the back of the cab with an ethernet cable. The ethernet jack was wired into the player 1 controls. All he had to do was plug it in and start playing. This cab still gets regular use after about a year and a half.

This is my personal experience.

Figuring out what games you like to play the most is important. The controls matter. These control panels are simple and it still mattered. Frankenpanels add confusion to the equation.

Another lesson to be learned.

If you want to build a cab fast, then buy a Haruman kit. The kits that I bought assembled quickly and correctly. They look good too.
On top of that, Haruman is a good dude. (Note to self: Remember to collect commission from Haruman)

When I build for someone else I buy the kit. Less headaches for me.

[KenToad]

Great stories, Mike! I can relate. I've got friends with PhD's who wouldn't know what to do with the 2nd button on a 2-button control panel. It's like they turn their brains off for video games. I also collect board games and I find similar situations with very smart people refusing to internalize very simple rules.

But, that doesn't rationalize recommending a Mustang when someone asks for a Lamborghini, just because you think it would cost too much time and money without enough payoff.

Some people can handle a frankenpanel. Many people can't afford the space required to have a bunch of cabs with dedicated controls. All of our toys get less use over time. You have a great answer to that issue with the parties you throw.

Personally, I love my aircraft carrier pedestal. I keep a keyboard and mouse around and also use it as a desk. I use the TV not only for the arcade, but also for 8 game consoles. The whole setup has been pretty much constantly in use since I built it. I use the spinners, trackball, and 3rd and 4th player controls the least, but I'm still glad that I have them, because I love those styles of games.

[Mike A]

It is great that it works for you. The problem is when someone comes here with a post like that, most of the time they haven't even considered simplifying. As soon as it is recommended some idiot starts screaming about evil purists.
I don't have a single LCD in my arcade, but I have built or assembled several LCD cabs for other people. I am not allergic to them. I try to tell people the pros and cons of what they are trying to do.

But, that doesn't rationalize recommending a Mustang when someone asks for a Lamborghini, just because you think it would cost too much time and money without enough payoff.

If I were recommending a car the first question I would ask is "What are your driving habits?" If the guy said "I have 2 kids and a wife to haul around." I would obviously never recommend a Lamborghini, or a Mustang for that matter.

Defining your purpose matters. People new to the hobby often don't realize this.

[opt2not]

Just do a forum search in “frankenpanel” and see that not only the current guard recommends against them, but the old guard too. There MANY threads about this I don’t even know why we keep repeating ourselves. Use the search function!

[yotsuya]

Personally, I love my aircraft carrier pedestal. I keep a pillow and blanket around and also use it as a bunk bed.

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Just kidding!

I think Frankenpanels actually work for pedestals because that’s the focus of the design. But when you bolt that thing on the front of A smaller cabinet, it looks ridiculous.

[opt2not]

I think Frankenpanels actually work for pedestals because that’s the focus of the design. But when you bolt that thing on the front of A smaller cabinet, it looks ridiculous.

Actually, this is a very good point.   

[Mr. Peabody]

I'm wondering how long before mimic starts jonesing and comes back, just to lurk.


@Mike A: jeeeze, those first two stories are why I don't bother with such things. I can tell real quick when someone doesn't have what I consider necessary for me to be involved in something.

[Mike A]

I really couldn't ask for better friends. Assembling a couple of cabs and fiddling with them is the least I can do for them.

[Howard_Casto]

A few months ago I was asked by my step father to get his old 2600 running... turned out it was a very simple fix... it needed a new power supply and an adapter cable to hook it directly into the coax port of the tv.  At the time I was also working on one and asked him if he wanted me to composite mod it so it'd be easier to hook up to a tv and clean up the picture a little.  "No, I want it original."  He said.  The first thing he asked when I gave it back was "Why does everything look so bad?"   

Like I said.... people think they know what they want, but if they don't have the experience they don't really know what they want. 

Trying to build an arcade machine from scratch when you only have superficial knowledge of arcade machines is like trying to build a car from scratch with only a basic understanding of cars... you can technically do it, but it probably won't end well without help.  We've all started at that point and like some of the others have said, those initial cabs were fairly terrible so the go to advice is always to start simple and ask before you build. 

[Osirus23]

@Mike A: jeeeze, those first two stories are why I don't bother with such things.

Yep. Reminds me of some of my experiences. I gave my old desktop PC away to family a couple years ago. My reward was weekly tech support calls because they couldnt get such-and-such working. Never again.

[nipsmg]

I would say, if you're going to build a machine with a 4p Panel, follow an existing build pretty closely.

The one 4p aircraft carrier that EVERYONE is copying (literally everyone, all over reddit, ebay, etc) is from ChanceKJ's build:   http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=135116.0.  For pretty good reason too.  It's well thought out and functional.

I'm going to join the chorus in dissuading you from a couple of things.. Realize, those of us who are giving you this advice have gone through this.. We were just as excited as you, just as passionate about playing all these games, had visions of people crowded around the machine to play, etc.  We also, collectively, have found out some of the same truths:

Universal Truths:
Adding ancillary joysticks like a flightstick... somehwere in the middle of the panel, because you HAVE to have it is a bad, bad idea.
If you're doing a 4P panel with a trackball, there's nowhere to put that flight stick but up above your normal controls. And that is CRAZY, CRAZY uncomfortable.  Also, how many games that NEED a topfire are you actually going to play?  If it's 1 or 2, just put an external USB port on your machine and PLUG IN a flightstick to play that game the 2-3 times you're realistically going to play it.  Don't complicate the manel.

Spinners are cool for authenticity.... and that's about it.
  If you are a HUGE arkanoid and/or tempest fan, add it.  However, you're going to have the same problem as your flightstick. Where are you going to put it?  Above the trackball?  UNCOMFORTABLE.  You will use it a few times, and that's it.  And you can play arkanoid with a trackball. I've gotten really good at it.

- 4P Panels in general---  are you REALLY going to use it?
Think really hard about this one.  I had visions of people crowded around the machine playing 4p games all day.  I think I managed to get 4 people to play TMNT or Simpsons maybe 2-3 times in the life of the machine.  The rest of the time those sticks and buttons got NO use.  NONE.  Zero.  There just arent' that many 3+ player games out there to play.  A handful, and they're mostly the same.  ANd it's just MORE STUFF to not work and have to fix.  If you have a bunch of friends who are way into it who will play the same 5-6 games all the time, go for it.  But otherwise it will be an exercise in futility... Trust me.

Light Guns - only if you're in a cave
If your cabinet is going to be within 10 feet of a window... Just give up on this idea right now.  The AimTrak guns work reasonably well, but if there's any kind of sunlight behind the cabinet---  they just won't work. The sinden lightguns look promising, but I haven't seen enough about them to endorse.  I REALLY, REALLY want to use mine, but my cabinet is either in a garage or in my sunroom, so I had to give up the dream.


Some of this you may just have to figure out for yourself.  I'm not here to say I told you so, and it's not about looks.  It's about enjoyment, functionality, and trying to stave off regret.  You will spend a lot more money and time, make more mistakes, get more frustrated, and have it be probably weeks longer before you get to playing games, for what will ultimately be a drag.

In my opinion (and take it for what it is)  this is your best bet to have the best experience and play 90% of the games you want to play:

• 2x servostik 4/8 way auto switching sticks
• 7-8 buttons each player
• 3" trackball
• Lightguns, if you're not near a window

Oh, and by the way.  This was my first cabinet.  I was so proud of it:  *sigh*

http://arcadia.gerety.net  (click galleries)

[nipsmg]

One more thing.

If you are into golden tee, and are putting in a machine to play Golden Tee Fore, etc:  DO NOT PUT YOUR ADMIN BUTTONS RIGHT ABOVE THE TRACKBALL!  You will try to hit long shots and end up pausing/exiting your game. 

[Mr. Peabody]

The resistance of a trackball may make Arkanoid easier to play. A regular optical spinner game, no. An aircraft carrier-size panel has plenty of room for a spinner. My two-player cab's smaller-than-normal panel has plenty of room. Of course, it is off to the side.


@Osirus23: yeah, no bone movies.