Thoughts on converting an Arcade1up cabinet

[Wagmi]

To start, I'm 100% new to this hobby(?). I recently found out about this place and only browsed a few of the pages so far. Most of the stuff being talked about is way above me, but I'm hoping to learn more as I get more hands on with upgrading and tinkering around. Anyhow, I finally decided that I want to make my first jump into getting a mame system set up. Being as new as I am with this, I thought about possibly buying an arcade1up arcade, something of the 2 player variety, and using that as my foundation to start off with. I haven't done much research, but from what I've seen so far, barebones cabinets can get rather pricey, and rightfully so.

I don't know much about being able to customize the control panels or cabinet side of things on these, but I understand that the 1up arcades can be reconfigured to basically run like any other mame machine to a certain extent. For those of you who are more experienced, do you recommend going this route to start off with?

[PL1]

Welcome to the BYOAC forums.   

There are pros and cons to all of the various approaches to this hobby.

A1up modding may seem like the easy path, but there are some parts of the mod process that can be problematic, depending on your skillset.
- By the time you replace the controls, computer, and maybe the monitor, you might conclude that another approach would have been better.

You might want to consider using a flat-pack kit like the ones produced by Haruman and laminated artwork -- unlike the cheap artwork on the A1up control panel that wears off unless you use a "deck protector". 
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,130522.0.html

Another way to dip your toe in the hobby is to start with an inexpensive fightstick and your current computer.
- This lets you learn your way around MAME and evaluate what games you like and what controls you need to play them.
- Easiest way to go this route is to find a reasonably recent ROMset (we can't help you with that due to Rule 5) then download the matching version of MAME here.  For example, if you find a MAME v0.234 ROMset, you'll want to download MAME v0.234.  * Avoid any ROMset where the version number isn't clearly identified. *

The FAQ will help you wrap your brain around the various skills involved in this hobby and help you figure out what you already know and what you want/need to learn.
http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/FAQ


Scott

[bobbyb13]

Take Scott's advice on this (and pretty much always!)
I was asked by someone to mod an A1Up once and I found there is SO much proprietatary stuff in them that it is NOT worth bothering (so I wouldn't do it.)

[Wagmi]

Honestly, I never even considered a bartop style kit. I just checked out Harumans site and he has plenty of great designs to choose from, plus the prices are very reasonable. Thanks for the info!

I do have some experience with console emulation, but not with mame specifically. I did purchase the launchbox premium back when it came out which is also around the time I stopped emulation as well, so I haven’t really been keeping up with everything for all these years. I guess the first thing I need to do is figure out which design to start with and then spend some time in the beginner section for a while.

[Mike A]

The first thing you need to do is figure out what games you want to play.

That decision will dictate everything else.

[PL1]

The first thing you need to do is figure out what games you want to play.

That decision will dictate everything else.

Very true.  That's why it's step 2 of the design process in the What type of build meets my needs? section of the FAQ.   

The All Killer No Filler game lists are a great starting point for creating a personalized game list.   


Scott
EDIT: Forgot to mention that if you want to play Defender there's a MAME LUA plugin that lets you use an 8-way stick to control your ship instead of a 2-way stick, "Reverse" button, and "Thrust" button.  Plugin requires MAME v0.227 or newer.
https://github.com/AaronBPaden/defenderlr

[negative1]

You might want to consider using a flat-pack kit like the ones produced by Haruman and laminated artwork -- unlike the cheap artwork on the A1up control panel that wears off unless you use a "deck protector". 
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,130522.0.html


Scott

you're a couple of years behind on your comments.

they've fixed that issue years ago, and besides better quality, they always include plexiglass
protectors.

you might want to read from the posts of a few years back.

later
-1

[PL1]

laminated artwork -- unlike the cheap artwork on the A1up control panel that wears off unless you use a "deck protector". 

they've fixed that issue years ago, and besides better quality, they always include plexiglass protectors.

Glad to hear they've improved the quality of the artwork.

I figured they included the plexi because they still had the wear issues.      


Scott

[Gilrock]

I almost tripped over an Arcade1Up at ZapCon cause I was looking forward.

[bobbyb13]

I almost tripped over an Arcade1Up at ZapCon cause I was looking forward.

 

[negative1]

I almost tripped over an Arcade1Up at ZapCon cause I was looking forward.

are you 7 foot tall.

all their machines now are over 60 inches+ and taller.

later
-1

[Gilrock]

Yeah I guess that kid was 5 feet tall. Haha


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[bobbyb13]

I almost tripped over an Arcade1Up at ZapCon cause I was looking forward.

are you 7 foot tall.

all their machines now are over 60 inches+ and taller.

later
-1

Even their largest machines are still toys at this point.
There is always the potential for them to step it up and make what could be considered a real arcade machine but thus far that is obviously NOT what their business model is.
They can keep on creeping toward it, but they are in the business of selling a vibe- not a real deal experience with authentic (even if they were reproduction at this point) parts.

Sure, they play a bunch of games we know and love and sure, they are licensed but they are not built with quality components, not full size (sure as ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- not Gilrock size!) and not worth the effort to try to turn into what we all know of as a real arcade machine for a full size human.

Sorry, but ain't nothin' byoac about them.

[Zebidee]

Friend of mine I hadn't seen for a while proudly contacted me the other day. He was excited to enter the "arcade cab hobby" as he'd just bought an Arcade1up.

I'm not sure if that's quite enough for membership, but whatever, I smiled and congratulated him anyway. Then let him know that if he ever wanted to get an old CRT for the real arcade experience, I could help him with that.

For him though it is enough. He gets to play the games with minimal headache and rabbit-hole diving, like we do on BYOAC. Its also the right size for his several kids and for an already busy family house. Many people don't want a large arcade machine in their living spaces. If they get bored or it breaks then it will probably get moved to the shed in a few months, and if that happens so be it.

However, if you want to go for "full membership" and do a decent arcade build to your own needs/specs, but don't want to do any major woodworking, then a flatpack is a great option to get you going quickly.

[Gilrock]

Yeah I don't have a big hate for Arcade1Up's I just like poking fun at them.  It looks the perfect size for that kid I saw playing one.  I had to go back and watch my walkthrough video to see if I had captured a picture of them.

BTW I met Haruman from Haruman Customs at ZapCon this past weekend.  He's a great guy and I would recommend his flat packs.  He had some of his kits fully built at the show and they were so nice I was ready to buy that Minitendo.  I own a CNC and can cut my own stuff but I would still consider his products because he's already figured out the designs.

[negative1]

Yeah I guess that kid was 5 feet tall. Haha


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guess you can't read, or must be blind

those are custom built 60-1 machines:

https://youtu.be/w7SX31BUC-g?t=928

later
-1

[negative1]

Even their largest machines are still toys at this point.

There is always the potential for them to step it up and make what could be considered a real arcade machine but thus far that is obviously NOT what their business model is.
They can keep on creeping toward it, but they are in the business of selling a vibe- not a real deal experience with authentic (even if they were reproduction at this point) parts.

killer instinct pro - Wifi (Online Multiplayer)
Flush Cabinet Design stands at 67.5” Tall!
19” LCD Screen
Upgraded Lit Marquee
Suzohapp Joysticks and Buttons
Yamaha speakers with Faux Metal Speaker Grills
HDMI Out

much cheaper than getting a real one, and has killer instinct 2, and WiFi online play.

tron
----
Responsive ink on control deck and screen adjacent inner side panels, illuminated by included black light under marquee.
Light-up front panel
Light-up flight stick
Light-up marquee
Custom designed cabinet and riser
Official Matching Stool Included
WIFI Enabled Leaderboard
Assembled Dimensions: 22.13 D x 19.72 W x 64.72 H

good luck finding a tron machine, this had discs of tron and online play also.

t2
----
WIFI-Leaderboard
Two Guns with force feedback
Light-Up Marquee
Riser
Specifications:

Assembled Dimensions: 23.39" D x 19.72" W x 65.51" H

ridge racer
------------
WIFI enabled for Leaderboard
Rumble Steering Wheel
Light-Up Marquee
Custom designed Arcade and Riser
Headphone Jack
5 games in 1
Dimensions: 30.78 D x 19.75 W x 65.51 H

golden tee 3d
---------------
New streamlined design side panels, standing an impressive 66” tall
New 19” screen
Light-Up Marquee
Upgraded speakers and speaker grills
Faux molded coin doors
Real feel arcade controls.
Large 3” trackball
WiFi Leaderboards, with no monthly subscription required.

street fighter 2 big blue
--------------------------
Live WiFi enabled with no monthly subscription required.
Custom shaped “Cabinet “ design
12 Games in 1
Custom Riser
Light-up Marquee
Assembled Dimensions: 20.5” D x 19.75” W x 67.2” H


dragons lair
-------------
Games:

Dragon’s Lair®
Dragon’s Lair® II: Time Warp
Space Ace®
Features:

Custom Arcade
Secondary Alphanumeric Screen
Dual Front Facing Speakers
Light Up Marquee
Molded Coin Door
Custom Riser
Specifications:

Assembled Dimensions: 19.75" D x 19.90” W x 60.5" H

====


all are much cheaper, much taller, more faithful to the originals

more games, and more features.

Sure, they play a bunch of games we know and love and sure, they are licensed but they are not built with quality components, not full size (sure as ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- not Gilrock size!) and not worth the effort to try to turn into what we all know of as a real arcade machine for a full size human.

Sorry, but ain't nothin' byoac about them.

they are easy to mod, and a lot easier to find, to move, and assemble.

and much, much cheaper for most people.

later
-1

[Gilrock]

Whew....my faith in ZapCon is restored.

[Mike A]

.

[marioxb]

I mean, I prefer full size cabinets for sure. But when I got a Galaga and a Star Wars Arcade 1up for $50 each, I couldn't pass those up! The Star Wars yoke is made by someone who also makes full size ones, so it pretty great. If you can get one that cheap, I think they're worth it for the "wood" alone.

[negative1]

Whew....my faith in ZapCon is restored.

in what, making crappy tiny, bootleg cabinets?

although, the dukes of hazzard pinball machine wasn't too bad.

later
-1

[Wagmi]

The first thing you need to do is figure out what games you want to play.

That decision will dictate everything else.

Thanks. I tried accessing some stuff from the homepage. The wiki link on the homepage seemed broken, and the newbie guide seemed a bit dated. Images weren't loading up. I haven't had time since my last post to browse the rest of the forum, but I'm hoping to make my way through all the info eventually.

[Mike A]

I am not sure how any of that is relevant to figuring out what games you want to play.

That is step 1.

[Wagmi]

I meant to quote PL1.

But to your point, I’d like to stick with arcade games and not try to turn this into an all in one type of set up with all the console stuff mixed in. By arcade games, basically fighting, shoot/beat ‘‘em ups, pin ball, top down tiger-heli scrollers. That’s as far as the cabinet goes.

I plan on using a mini pc for this and would like to emulate console games on a separate tv, from the cabinet somehow. That’s something I’d like to do eventually and isn’t a priority at the moment.

[Mike A]

That is a good start.

Too many people want to play every game ever made on one cab.

They are always disappointed.

Picking a game list will determine what controls you need.

You may be surprised to find out that some weird joystick is only used for one game you want to play. It may not be worth it to include that control.

It is worth it to spend some time figuring this out. Crowded control panels are uncomfortable and intimidating to guests.

[Zebidee]

For people that just want one cab, because of space or whatever, a two player 8-way joystick/6 buttons arrangement is usually the best compromise for *most* games.

Point is, even without going into highly specialised cabs, you could easily find yourself wanting 4-6 cabs just for basic stuff. Control panels that try to incorporate everything, "frankenpanels", do not work. Cabs with specialised controls/selected games work better.

I'm looking forward to doing some more simple dedicated controls cabs, like single joystick, dedicated 4-way (vs 8-way etc.), JUST trackball, maybe some shooter/light guns. Oh and a driving cab. Maybe more than one driving cab, as they have different control configurations. Dedicated cabs, whether for just one game or group of games, are always more special.

[Gilrock]

Glad you narrowed it down to just arcade games, pinball, and console emulation...

[PL1]

The wiki link I posted above is good.  I check for things like that before posting.   

I tried accessing some stuff from the homepage. The wiki link on the homepage seemed broken, and the newbie guide seemed a bit dated. Images weren't loading up. I haven't had time since my last post to browse the rest of the forum, but I'm hoping to make my way through all the info eventually.

Yes, the info on the http://arcadecontrols.com/arcade.htm homepage is very dated and the wiki link there points to the now non-existant "newwiki" domain.

When Saint loaded the new and old wikis on the new server several years ago he loaded them on the wrong domains.   
- We've been waiting for over 3 years for him to fix it by loading the wikis to the original domains (related post here) and configuring the wiki so we can upload images.   

The good news is that the wiki link at the top of each forum page points to the (mostly-working) version currently on the "wiki" domain.

If you click on a link there and it comes back "not found", change the domain from "newwiki" to "wiki" and it will work.

For example, to see the list of multi-player games, change this URL . . .

Code: [Select]

http://newwiki.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?title=Multi-Player_Games. . . to this.

Code: [Select]

http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?title=Multi-Player_Games

Scott

[Wagmi]

That is a good start.

Too many people want to play every game ever made on one cab.

They are always disappointed.

Picking a game list will determine what controls you need.

You may be surprised to find out that some weird joystick is only used for one game you want to play. It may not be worth it to include that control.

It is worth it to spend some time figuring this out. Crowded control panels are uncomfortable and intimidating to guests.

I definitely don’t want to do that. As far as the PC goes, sure, I want to have everything I need loaded on there, but I want the cabinet dedicated to just arcade games and a TV for all console, and maybe steam games. I don’t know if the latter part could done wirelessly or what, but that’s not my focus atm.

[Wagmi]

Glad you narrowed it down to just arcade games, pinball, and consoles emulation...

But I don’t want to emulate consoles on the cabinet . As far as arcade games, I figured listing the genres I was interested in would help. Without having played the thousands of games available, I don’t think I can be more specific.

[bobbyb13]

Once you get a 'must have' game list down you can start thinking about controls and how that impacts what you want for a cabinet.

Less is more.

[Yenome]

Friend of mine I hadn't seen for a while proudly contacted me the other day. He was excited to enter the "arcade cab hobby" as he'd just bought an Arcade1up.

I'm not sure if that's quite enough for membership, but whatever, I smiled and congratulated him anyway. Then let him know that if he ever wanted to get an old CRT for the real arcade experience, I could help him with that.

I've got 4 dell new old stock crt think they 17" i didnt think to put one in the final fight cab i bought from a friend.

[leapinlew]

Whether you are converting an Arcade1up or actual arcade, having your game list in hand is essential. I've modified several Arcade1up's. Converting them outright to reskinning and modding. They are fine to convert, as long as you know what you are getting into. They use thinner material and inferior controls, but they are inexpensive and light weight.

This was a reskin to a 60-n-1 from a Pacman cabinet


This is a much larger conversion to a Gorf


This Tempest was a big mod as well


They key is always to have your gamelist together, otherwise you are chasing different requirements.