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2 Newbie Questions
archagon:
Hello! I'm new around here, and I look forward to reading all the info on arcadecontrols.org in the next few days, but I was just wondering:
1) Is it possible to use a TV monitor instead of an arcade monitor in my machine? If so, will the result be the same? (I don't want to use PC monitors - they're too small - nor do I want to get anything too expensive)
2) Can I install lightguns to play Area 51 and such (assuming that I am using a TV or arcade monitor)?
2.5) If I choose to enable coin operation, can I change the number of coins required to play a game? Also, whenever I turn my system (and computer) on, is it possible to make the startup routine open a game selection menu that connects to MAME somehow? I mean, I'm sure it's possible, but I'm just wondering if such a thing has been made already.
Oh yeah, and what would be the cost of an average MAME arcade system?
I know, I know, that's 4, sorry X_X
kevin:
1) A TV will work fine. It's not a real arcade monitor, but it will probably look more authentic than a PC monitor. For what it's worth, a good amount of arcade games only had 19" monitors, so a PC monitor is hardly too small. I can understand why you would want something larger though.
2) Yes, visit Act-Labs and read up a bit. If you search the forum you'll find everything you need regarding compatability and setup.
2.5) The number of coins differs by game in MAME. Many games had dip switches for selecting the price of a game, which MAME will let you set. It would also be possible to rig up a simple circuit to only send a coin signal for every x'th coin inserted, or x signals for each coin.
Automatically loading MAME or a front end can be done a few different ways. The simplest would be to stick a shortcut to your front end inside the startup folder in your start menu, assuming you're running Windows. When windows loads, it will execute your front end automatically.
I can't really comment on cost, as I haven't built a MAME cab myself, but I can say it varies a lot. Are you building from scratch or converting a cab? What controls do you need? How powerful a PC are you going to use? What type/size of monitor? And so on..
-Kevin
archagon:
Thanks for your answers.
As for the cabinet, I'm planning on using the following:
*Used arcade cabinet, with laminate
*TV Monitor
*PC Speakers, already have
*PC (500mhz), already have. Do you think I'll need a faster machine to play old arcade games, such as Street Fighter and Megal Slug?
*USB ports on bottom, already have
*Little window on side for showcasing motherboard (glass, metal frame)
*Logo on top (get at Kinko's)
*Coin slot (if I'm lucky, might come with case)
*2-4 sets of 7-9 buttons
*2-4 sets of joysticks
*Trackball
*2 lightguns
*A sliding out shelf (with lock) housing attached keyboard/trackball for computer control
*Start buttons
I still gotta decide what games I wanna play, so the controls are not yet final. You think I can pull through with under 500 bucks? Oh, and is it legal, if you have a legal copy of the game, to charge people to play it on your cabinet?
kevin:
If you want to know the cost, simply visit the various retailers you'll be purchasing from and add it all up. I don't have a PC to test it with, but 500mhz should be enough to run older games. If you already have the PC, why not just test it out?
As far as I know, there is no legal way to actually charge someone money to play a game through MAME. If you have the original game board, then just charge people to play it instead.
-Kevin
pointdablame:
I may be wrong as I don't play light gun games very often in MAME, but if I remember, you'll need a much faster system than 500mhz to run them. This is especially true for Area 51. Just a heads up, I'm not sure that system will suffice for light gun games. Classics will run fine though.