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Author Topic: My current plans (comments appreciated)  (Read 1226 times)

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guytalbot

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My current plans (comments appreciated)
« on: April 28, 2004, 03:04:45 pm »
After doing a few weeks research I am beginning to forumlate my plans for my mame cabinet.  I have decided to close follow Talking Octopus's mame plans located at:

http://webpages.charter.net/rbecker5/index.html

I like the design of the control panel and the cabinet.  One question I have is with 4 people playing are the controls possibly too close together?  Also I need to decide what kind of joysticks to use, whether to use a monitor or a televion, and what type of keyboard encoder to use.

I want to have a cabinet that plays all types of games and don't want to specialize in any particular genre but more of a general use cabinet.


I know this is a pretty basic plan but I intend to build a basic machine before trying to experiment with more unique ideas.

Any input would be appreciated.
« Last Edit: April 28, 2004, 03:05:19 pm by guytalbot »

Aceldamor

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Re:My current plans (comments appreciated)
« Reply #1 on: April 28, 2004, 04:15:33 pm »
LuSid's Plans are great for a first cab...simple, yet effective. He used a Midway MK2 cab as a basis...

As far as keyboard encoders, monitor vs. T.V. joysticks, its a matter of cost and opinion.

I would say look around the main forum and formulate your own opinion on which joysticks, encoders, ect would be best.

Monitor Vs. TV is a question of cost vs. quality.  A TV typically is bigger, but the quality of the picture is poor, a standard SVGA computer monitor has a superior image, but is smaller unless you go with an actual Arcade monitor, but those are expensive and have limited support on resolutions.

I'm barely scratching the serface here, others here are well versed in the ways of arcade building...also keep in mind that many of the folks who provide products for arcade building are also members here....hit them up with questions, everyone here is awsome at helping...

Oh yeah, one more thing, Take Howard's "suggestive" posting with a grain of salt, he is a very helpfull individual, just very direct  ;D
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Re:My current plans (comments appreciated)
« Reply #2 on: April 28, 2004, 04:44:53 pm »
well im building a showcase cab, but i originally looked at talkingoctopus's (or would it be talkingoctopi ::)) cab and cp and thought the same thing you did.  about the controls being too close.  i talked to him and he said there was plenty of room.  well i originally had his design for a cp for my showcase cab, but eventually found that i could make a wider cp, so basically i just took his basic plans and modified them to accomodate my wider cp.  i dont know if i helped any or not, but i just thought i would throw out that idea.

TalkingOctopus

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Re:My current plans (comments appreciated)
« Reply #3 on: April 28, 2004, 04:55:40 pm »
When making a 4 player CP, I think there are 3 characteristics that you try to balance.  

Control panel size
Viewing angle
Player space

I tried to go for a reasonable control panel size and viewing angle but perhaps sacrificed some space.  I think there is just enough space but it is a little cramped with 4 people.  The control panel was the very last thing that I built.  In order to make it I played around with many different configurations and viewing angles.  The one I went with was the one I liked the most.  

So my advice would be to do the same.  Build your cabinet and then test out various prototype panels.  Choose the one that works best for you.

Also - only put 4 buttons for player 3 + 4!  I put 6 thinking they might be useful but I have never used button 5 or 6 for p3 or p4  :'(


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Re:My current plans (comments appreciated)
« Reply #4 on: April 28, 2004, 05:14:04 pm »
Also - only put 4 buttons for player 3 + 4!  I put 6 thinking they might be useful but I have never used button 5 or 6 for p3 or p4  :'(
Unless you want to play console games on the cab, but gamepads usually work better for these anyway, FWIW.
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Re:My current plans (comments appreciated)
« Reply #5 on: May 03, 2004, 07:51:21 pm »
Also - only put 4 buttons for player 3 + 4!  I put 6 thinking they might be useful but I have never used button 5 or 6 for p3 or p4  :'(
But aren't there some games out now that do use 6 buttons, and may end up in MAME in the future? I swore that I saw a 4p fighter game that six buttons each somewhere.
Build it once and build it right! Revise only as your dreams grow.