mame project IS school project

[ryantheleach]

edit: changed the typo porject = project
edit2: changed the typo projet diddnt notice
edit3: changed the typo projet why diddnt it change last time?

hi im making a mame cabinet for a school project and i was wondering whats the best of everything to use while staying cheap but not 2 cheap that i have to put up with crap and the best arcade cabinet designs best meaning best looking when finished compared to easyness of creation becuase im not very good at wood work also can somebody help desrice t molding to me im 15 years old and im in year 10 please help me

[paigeoliver]

Um, yeah. You should really try reading the website a bit first and then come back when you have more specific questions than wanting to know what the best of EVERYTHING is.

Also, you might want to consider a different project altogether since you are (by your own descriptiona) 15 years old and bad at woodworking.

Do you have at least $600 on hand? As you probably aren't going to build a game from scratch for less than that. Most people here tend to spend twice that.

EDIT, you are in Australia, double those prices, Also, new record in spelling the same word wrong two different ways in a subject heading.

[ryantheleach]

ive actually been thinking about it for a while but had no cash but since its a schoool project (a major one at that) my parents are willing to help me cover costs


but first question what would be the best cabinet design

[paigeoliver]

Best is a subjective word. No one can tell you what the best cabinet design is, because there is no best cabinet design.

The most popular cabinet design seems to be called Lusid. Hope you have an extra $1000 Aud for a giant monitor, because you will need one if you do that design.

Anyway, I am bowing out of this thread. The constant newbie damage control is the reason I retired from this board before.

[ryantheleach]

yea ive seen lusids design they seem pretty easy and alright i probable should just go out and buy project arcade

[teef two]

Ryan,

Let me just mention that I'm in the UK so if you are not then things may or may not apply to you. So in no particular order here goes.

First off, are you going to be doing this project at home or at school? If at school then I'd imagine you'd have access to the basic tools required for the job and also a teacher with the relevant skills in which you are lacking. If you are not doing it at school then it might be worthwhile asking your friends if any of their parents are any good at woodworking and get help that way.

You are not really going to be able to get away from using power tools so unless you have previous experience I would strongly suggest supervision by an adult.

Whichever way you do it at some point I should think you'll need to transport the cab to school so make sure you are able to arrange that.

You of course have the usual two choices of either maming an existing cabinet or building one from scratch. If building from scratch then I would recommend buying saints book and working from those plans.

For the wood I'd go with whatever is cheapest for you to get where you are, either plywood or MDF.

As far as the electronics go you want to get the best bang for your buck. For the monitor stick with a standard PC CRT monitor of no greater than 19 inches (get the cheapest second hand one you can find). Also a cheap second hand PC.

For the control interface the cheapest method would be to hack a keyboard which you should be able to get for almost nothing. Joysticks and buttons could be obtained via e-bay or by ordering from the real bob roberts or one of the many suppliers that are around.

Keep it simple and just go for a two joystick, three buttons each panel with player 1 and 2, coin buttons and a couple of admin buttons. A coin door is nice but will add to your expense.

Photograph and document everything as you build. Will make presenting the project so much more professional. Always give the apppropriate credit to your sources too (this allows copying others work!)

Be aware of the legality issue surrounding roms. School might not like a project that breaks copyright laws. I would purchase at least one board set and just emulate that game. On that point I'd submit the project giving a brief synopsis of MAME (i.e. the history of MAME and why it got started) and all the issues that surround it including methods of emulation, interfaces available etc. Again be sure to credit your sources.

Search the forums - There is a wealth of information here and you may get slammed if you ask without searching first.

Make a budget - The only way you'll know what you can afford to build is if you cost it up front - and allow a 10% - 15% margin for unexpected costs. Once you have a budget for all the items you'll need, stick to it (and put this in the report too. Trust me, it'll look good)

As for t-moudling, it's the bit of plastic that runs up the edges of the wood. It is called t moulding as in profile it is shaped like a T. A groove is cut into the wood into which the base of the T is inserted and it's purpose is to give a nice finish as well as protecting the edge of the wood.

If the cost of a full machine is too great then why not consider just building a stand alone controller - a lot easier and a lot cheaper, or even a bartop.

Remember there are no short cuts, do it properly or don't do it at all.

And finally, don't write up the entire project as one long sentence with no punctuation!  

[paigeoliver]

Oh, as far as legality goes there are those couple of legal roms. Robby Roto, Poly Play and that other one. Then you can always get one free one from Starroms, unless they changed their setup.

[ryantheleach]

Let me just mention that I'm in the UK so if you are not then things may or may not apply to you. So in no particular order here goes.

im not in the uk im an aussie but everything seems to apply

First off, are you going to be doing this project at home or at school? If at school then I'd imagine you'd have access to the basic tools required for the job and also a teacher with the relevant skills in which you are lacking. If you are not doing it at school then it might be worthwhile asking your friends if any of their parents are any good at woodworking and get help that way.

maybe both dads pretty good with wood work and has or can get the tools from family friends hes also got a stack of mdf (not sure what size have to check it out)

You of course have the usual two choices of either maming an existing cabinet or building one from scratch. If building from scratch then I would recommend buying saints book and working from those plans.

im building from scratch cuase i'd have no idea where to find a cabinet to destroy and also i wouldnt like to destroy a cabinet

For the control interface the cheapest method would be to hack a keyboard which you should be able to get for almost nothing. Joysticks and buttons could be obtained via e-bay or by ordering from the real bob roberts or one of the many suppliers that are around.

thought about doing this but im not sure depends on how easy it is if its too difficult im just going to have to fork out for an i-pac^4 since i was thinking of making a cabinet --BINGO! Either that, or I was attempting to say "before" but it was too many letters to type-- this project anywayz

Keep it simple and just go for a two joystick, three buttons each panel with player 1 and 2, coin buttons and a couple of admin buttons. A coin door is nice but will add to your expense.

i guess since i can always add buttons as i go on after the projects finished

Photograph and document everything as you build. Will make presenting the project so much more professional. Always give the apppropriate credit to your sources too (this allows copying others work!)

was going to do this and its great to show others on the web as well

Be aware of the legality issue surrounding roms. School might not like a project that breaks copyright laws. I would purchase at least one board set and just emulate that game. On that point I'd submit the project giving a brief synopsis of MAME (i.e. the history of MAME and why it got started) and all the issues that surround it including methods of emulation, interfaces available etc. Again be sure to credit your sources.

already checked with the school aparently people have dones the pros of using marajuana before so i think ill be safe

Make a budget - The only way you'll know what you can afford to build is if you cost it up front - and allow a 10% - 15% margin for unexpected costs. Once you have a budget for all the items you'll need, stick to it (and put this in the report too. Trust me, it'll look good)

my parents are helping but i guess theyd like this (so would the teachers)

If the cost of a full machine is too great then why not consider just building a stand alone controller - a lot easier and a lot cheaper, or even a bartop.

if the cost is too great my display will just be a nintendo 64 running and a computer running the same thing complete with controls for 64 also id still have all the theory of building one

Remember there are no short cuts, do it properly or don't do it at all.

And finally, don't write up the entire project as one long sentence with no punctuation!

i dont normally type like this im just a lazy teen at 10:14 at nite thats been partying all week end also i understand there are no shortcuts since i plan to keep this cab

i really like using uotes have you noticed since its my first time with quotes

i really like using uotes have you noticed since its my first time with quotes

[teef two]

The legality question cannot be compared with people doing projects about dope unless they actually stood up in front of the class and smoked a joint! If you present a cabinet with illegal roms on it you ARE breaking the law. If you present a project about marijuana you aren't - unless you skin up and smoke a spliff right there.

Anyway I think you maybe have enough now to go on with so I'd go and do a bit more research before you come back just to avoid the wrath of paigeoliver. Hint - look at the first few threads of this board.

[ryantheleach]

yer i guess ur rite but it seems fine with the school (not very strict)

[Superdude]

Look up Trachcade... Greate design and cheap...

[versapak]

It is very easy to show a legal game working on a cabinet you built.


You can find plenty of cheap arcade compilations and other games for the PC that can be used to show publicly (to class), and then save the MAME stuff for your own actual use.

[Gunstar Hero]

Man, I wish I would have this kinda project available to me in school. I made a shelf in woodshop.  

You want to start with the book "Project Arcade" ($20) It will be WAY too valuable to ignore for this project.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0764556169/qid=1098722020/sr=8-1/ref=pd_csp_1/103-6408798-5198226?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

It would probably be cheapest and simplest to do a classic style 1 player cab.

Something like Stargate...



...or Track & Field...



...could be done with maybe 3 sheets of MDF and minimal cutting. I dunno about AU prices, but with connectors and all, assuming you have the tools, you're looking at maybe $100 for the cab.

As for the controls, grab one of the packages you can find on http://www.arcadeemulator.net from time to time. More controls than you need for $20. An IPAC VE from http://www.ultimarc.com/ipac1.html runs you $35 shipped.

Use the PC and monitor that you just used to post (if it's yours) in the cabinet and a copy of Midway Arcade Treasures ($20)http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=645922 should handle game needs for a presentation all nice and legal like.

You'll have tons of other small expenses, like wire, paint and trim and whatever else you decide, but if you're frugal lets say you have another $100 in costs. That's still under $300, which is about as cheap as these projects can be. If you have a bit extra maybe track down a used coin door, or find a nice marquee and make it light up... the sky really is the limit!

[javeryh]

projet, porject - I don't know why but I find this extremely funny.

[NIVO]

2 notes id like to add here:

1) perhaps since this is the first time, you might want to just build a standalone panel(youll gain woodworking skills, wiring skills, etc etc) and the price can be alot less this way but still give you a nice finished functional project.

2) look into building a small bartop or tabletop cabinet, it will still provide full arcade game functionality, and perhaps remain cheaper on building supplies to keep your overhead costs down as well.

Good Luck

[LordDamo]

Yeah, got to love the year 10 school project. I did a sterio cabinet for mine - and hand made a bass guitar for year 12, carved the neck and all.
Im building an upright at the moment from Lusid's plans. Tricky bit about his plans is that they are in imperial and you can only buy wood here in metric measurements.  8' X 4' is not quite the same as 2400mm X 1200mm.

I went to Bunnings warehouse for my wood, cost $41.50 for a sheet of 16mm MDF, you need 3 of them. Ply is just wayyyyyyyy to expensive, some types were $80 a sheet; and no, its not gold plated. Cool thing about Bunningswas that they offer free trailer hire. $50 deposit for 3 hours hire, and you get it back when you bring the trailer back.

The brackets that Lusid uses in his cab will also cost you an arm and a leg. Here in Wagga Wagga, I couldnt find them anywhere in more than a 4 pack for putting up shelfs. I found one hardware store that had them in a whole box, but wanted 55 cents each for them   I got 20 to use for the control panel.

Using this design, you will have a LOT of scrap left over. Only make the second control panel if you need it. I used that section to make a keyboard drawer. Using the left over wood, I cut it into 1inch wide strips, screwed  and glued it together using 30mm screws, and screwed through it from two sides at right angles to each other and used this to hold the various panels together.

I got second hand PC bits off ebay. PIII with 64mb RAM and mobo for $15 and a 30gb HDD for $25. The rest of the butons and stuff (plus an IPAC) will cost you around $180 (including postage) from ultimarc http://www.ultimarc.com/  for a two player with 6 buttons per player and some admin buttons.

Im using my Dads old TV, as he was going to get rid of it as the power button is stuffed. I replaced it for $1.00. If you want to use a TV, you'll need a video card with a TV out. To keep cost down, you should use a Monitor, go to Cashies (Cash Convertors), they usually have cheap ones.

As for the legal issue, talk to your year advisor about it. But to play it safe, i'd go with the free roms that you can download from the MAME website. Robbie Roto and the like.

Hope all this helps you out.

[NoOne=NBA=]

I would second the suggestion of a small bartop machine.
Built right, you will keep your costs WAY down, keep the skill necessary to a minimum, and keep the weight of the finished project more manageable.

Some suggestions I would make here are:

1) Build the cabinet to fit a 15" monitor.
If you can find someone who has an old one from an upgrade, you can probably get it for free.

2) Keep the control panel small.
One joystick, and a few buttons will let you use a gamepad, or keyboard, hack--which will eliminate the cost of an encoder.

3) Try to find a leftover desktop model computer.
If you use the desktop model, with the monitor on top of it, you can eliminate alot of the "woodworking" necessary to support things like the monitor.
Basically, you'd be building a shell around the computer/monitor, with a CP out front.
You don't need a top-of-the-line computer to run most of the older games, and you may be able to find someone willing to donate a used desktop to you.

If you build small to start, you can always upgrade later, and reuse the parts.

[RayB]

Is this what kids do in school now instead of learning to spell and avoid run-on sentences?
 

[ryantheleach]

by school porject i mean a major project like a peice of all subjects type of thing that lasts for 4 weeks and is shown to the public a very big deal for the school

i will use the machine im on now (family wont mind will they  ) and i will either rent a tv for the night or use this monitor like you said

i think ill do a keyboard hack sinc eits cheaper and later on ill move to the good stuff

id at least like it to be 2 player

also ill chek out that tharcade or whatever its called

[zaphod]

Ryan, you do understand there is such a thing as punctuation, right?  Those are the little dots the others are using.  

I second (or third) the bartop idea.  Most of the functionality, much less cost.  And far easier to transport about.

[RayB]

In all fairness, I used to work with this guy who's a real genius, but his typing is atrocious due to dyslexia.

[ryantheleach]

I have the same problem in school.
I am sorry if my incorrect punuation has cuased you grief.
i like the full arcade sized machene(i kno i spelt it rong) idea since im gooing to work on it after the project is finished.

[ryantheleach]

btw if u ment to say trashcade i looked it up but the sites down

[patrickl]

btw if u ment to say trashcade i looked it up but the sites down

Trashcade is made from ... well trash. It won a Mamey so you can see it on Zakk's site

[ryantheleach]

okay what is the maximun amount of buttons that games use? as in 1 player max buttons and controls 2 player max controls 3 player max controls 4 player max controls etc


i once again appologize for my bad spelling/punuaction

[ryantheleach]

and one more thing what is the best emulator for nintendo 64

[teef two]

Ryan,

I don't know if you've found it but can you please use the search facility on the board (it's at the top of the page) as many of the questions you are asking or may be about to ask have already been discussed. If you still can't find the answer then that's fine but always state you've already searched. This will stop people getting fed up with you.

As to the best nintendo emulator, I suggest typing in "nintendo 64 emulation" into google and seeing what you find.

[Mr. Dude]

project 64 is the best by far for n64 emulation.

[javeryh]

project 64 is the best by far for n64 emulation.

... don't you mean projet 64?  or maybe even porject 64  

[daywane]

If I was your age and was going to do this at school. I would build a mini cade with a MsPac game pad we have at wal marts here.
plugs right into the TV,  runs on batteries.
you can find a old tv cheep. wal-mart has
$50.00 TV 15"
$20.00 Ms Pac game
$10.00 4 way joy stick
$30.00 ply wood

$ 110.00 total. and legal. add more for T molding if you want it.
you can search here . I think I found it doing a bar cade search

[GGKoul]

Is this what kids do in school now instead of learning to spell and avoid run-on sentences?
 

Hehehe

[ryantheleach]

Sorry to necro, but have just been going through my old posts.

I ended up just making an atari controller to PC parallel cable, as well as getting my PC connected to a tv and just did the project on emulation, I didn't have the cash needed.

I did a writeup about the legality and myths of emulation as well as mentioning the great community centered around building and restoring arcade machines.

The way the school marked the project was have interested members of the public be judges and their feedback directly influenced the grades you got, so to put on a show or have something flashy boosted your marks a long way.

It was to get you used to large projects and longer term planning that you would need for year 11 and 12.

[Ummon]

Awwww, you aw growed up.

[Turnarcades]

Awwww, you aw growed up.

 

Still, he did it much faster than some much older noobs here.

[Ummon]

Awwww, you aw growed up.

 

Still, he did it much faster than some much older noobs here.

...I just thought it was cute. Notice the difference in his diction and punctuation. His project I wasn't remarking on in any fashion.

[Turnarcades]

His project I wasn't remarking on in any fashion.

Neither was I. It was the 'growing up' part I meant.