New to building machines...

[Tahnok]

I came online looking for plans to adapt NES controllers to a DB25 connector and ran across this site. After spending the last hour-and-a-half going through the information here I am considering building a stand-up machine. But I want some details on how hard the machine I want to build would be and about how much it would cost.

Dream Machine Specs:

Style:
Full Stand-up, built from scratch
CPU:
Desktop computer, or maybe an NES
Controls:
Two joysticks and about eight buttons (four for each player)
Display:
I really don't know what to do for the display
Sound:
I have something ready that I can use
Other:
I would like to have a coin machine slot on the front, even if only for looks

I already have the sound equipment and computer. How much do you think the machine would cost?

I have limited woodwork experience, but am electronically skilled.

I have not bought any books yet since I am still determining if this is something that I want to try.


Thanks for the help!

[DaveMMR]

The price varies wildly depending on what you already have access to and how sophisticated you want to make it.  Some people put together a cab for a couple of hundred dollars while other may spend over $1000.  

As for a TV: I say just go for a regular TV if you're just using it for the good ole NES.  Once you start wanting to use MAME though, prepare for weighing other options (which is what jacks up the cost of your cab).  

As for a coin slot: you can probably pick one up (without the mechs) for a decent price on eBay, though it seems like something you really wouldn't need (to each his own though).

[Sprucemoose]

This is the mother of all questions.  It really depends on you skill level with wood and the items you already have to decide on your cab.  

Style:
Full Stand-up, built from scratch

Check out Lusids free design for a stand up cab.  This should give you a good idea.

CPU:
Desktop computer, or maybe an NES

Desktop for sure.  You can emulate ALL NES games this way

Controls:
Two joysticks and about eight buttons (four for each player)

If you like fighters or you think anyone that will play the machine might then I would suggest going with 6 buttons per player.  It gives you more flexibility down the road with different emulators.  

Display:
I really don't know what to do for the display

U can use a TV, PC monitor, or Arcade monitor.  Check monitor section.  

Sound:
I have something ready that I can use

Any soundblaster is recommended

Other:
I would like to have a coin machine slot on the front, even if only for looks

Check Ebay- usually u can pick one up for $20 give or take.  It will need to be fixed up.

My suggestion is to do some serious research on each component and ask more specific questions.  Look through all the example.  People spell out all these problems in there web pages.  If you are totally lost, the host of this site, Saint has just released a book containing all these questions-buy it!

[Tahnok]

All right, Thanks! I was just trying to get a general idea of how much this would cost. It looks like with proper planning I could keep it within my budget,

Another question, I have been studying the designs looking for anything that I didn't understand and I ran across one thing. How do you interface the controls to a computer? I am not afraid of soldering or of pulling an old keyboard apart, but I quite simply don't know what I am supposed to do to them.

Sprucemoose , yes you are right. I have since rethought my plans for the controls. I am planning on two joysticks, fourteen buttons (six for each play as well as one and two player buttons) and a trackball. I will probably add extra controls such was a light gun later, but for now, I will stick with the above.

I have also had a few other design ideas that have really gotten me pumped on the idea of building a machine:

I think I am going to buy a brand new 20" TV from Circuit City (link to screen http://www.circuitcity.com/detail.jsp?c=1&b=g&u=c&catoid=-11482&qp=0&oid=72759&m=0). But why let such a piece of equipment go to waste by only running on my arcade. I am planning on making it so it can not only run the computer feed (I will have to buy a TV tuner card) but also anything else that I may want to send to it such as my Gamecube, Xbox or VCR. The screen is going to be mounted with a minimal tilt back so it can be easily seen when you are not right next the machine.

[Chemixtry]

How do you interface the controls to a computer?

An Ipac from Ultimarc makes things super easy.

[Sprucemoose]

You might want to think about using a bigger monitor, I would suggest using a 25" or 27" TV is you go with a TV, especially if you are going to buy one.  Obviously size is a consideration and your cab should be planned accordingly.  Also, you might want to consider adding 2 more buttons for player 1&2 credits.    As far as cost, there are ways to cut corners- use what you have lying around(TV, old computer, wood etc), you can buy a cheap non-working game at auction for as little as $25.  Some come with working arcade monitors.  Use the resources of the site for ideas.

Welcome to the hobby and enjoy.  I envy you starting a new cab.  Have fun with it and spending time planning will save you time and money in the long run.

Cheers

[Tahnok]

I wrote a cabinet building tutorial you may find usefull

www.256k.net/spystyle

Dig it?
Craig

Actually, I just came back from the thread you posted about that and saw that there was a new reply to my thread.

Very useful BTW! Lots of pictures ! Though it would be nice if prices and such were documented as well.

[spystyle]

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