positive newbie; done my homework

[thrdbace]

Hi all,

I decided to build my own arcade cabinet over a couple weekends - i was AMAZED at the community/hobby-ers that live for this stuff!  The wealth of info. is amazing.

I've done all the homework, and i have one question - is it really this easy?

I'm going to build a cab. to hold a 21" tv...buying a cheap 5-600mhz pc with s-video output card...a two-joystick, 6-button each, trackball, control panel with that i-pac encoder...

im gonna use particle board, try to keep it under 5'6" and 24" wide...

It seems easy - after all the reading and research, plus cheap,...under $400 (keep in mind, im not a perfectionist and dont need crazy accessories like coin doors, super speakers, a new pc etc....I guess i have the minimalist approach).

I need to play some rbi baseball, river raid (atari) and a host of arcade classics...maybe a little golden tee or equivalent golf game that can run on 500mhz...

Hit this newbie with some criticism..it just seems too easy to put together a decent arcade machine.

[shawnzilla]

It's much easier than most people think. Just be careful with the power tools!

[DrewKaree]

You're ugly and your mother dresses you funny.

Criticism like that?

It's like any project you wish to undertake.  Whatever you put into it, will equate to the results you get out of it.  If you view it as easy, you probably won't have too hard a time with it.  Good luck.

[thrdbace]

i guess im saying thanks to all those who have dedicated their time to clarifying all the "potential pitfalls".

But also,  has anyone ever built a decent cabinet for $400?  (buying a cheap tv and pc)

[SteveJ34]

If you don't have to buy power tools to do the woodworking. are not concerned (in the beginning) with all the little extras one can put into these projects, and can find some bargains here and there, yes, I can see a cab with a cost under $400.

[thrdbace]

exactly, i have a full workshop (dad's)...and am not concerned with adding a million extras...just want a functioning, fun, conversation piece and project.

[paigeoliver]

My "Galaga" mame cabinet had a total cost of about $150.

The "Pac-Man" mini I did for someone else clocked it at $80 ($20 of which was the glass over the monitor).

The completely scratchbuild MVS Mame I sold at the last superauctions clocked in at $190.

My Midway cocktail mame clocked in at $240

My big monster 25" cab, I'm not sure. Too much.

[thrdbace]

Did you purchase a pc for any of those?  a tv?

[paigeoliver]

"Galaga" Spent $20 on the PC, $75 on the 21" computer monitor.

"Pac-Man" Spent $18 on the computer, spent $10 on the 15" computer monitor.

MVS. Got the comp for free, spent $40 on the "21 PC monitor (which I had to repair).

Midway cocktail. Bought a non-working pinball machine for $150. Traded that for the completed project. Spent $50 on gas, spent $40 on new joysticks.

[Gunstar Hero]

Did you purchase a pc for any of those?  a tv?

Paige is the low cost cab mastaa. 

[paigeoliver]

Did you purchase a pc for any of those?  a tv?

Paige is the low cost cab mastaa. 

Well, I use mame .55 on most of my projects, which means I can use computers that cost me less than $40. I also usually just use PC monitors, you can get 21" used for $75 or less IF you know where to look, and I know where to look. I usually don't build cabinets, I just use free ones.

[teef two]

Although it is an obvious benefit to have a cab that won't fall apart I believe the final finish to such a thing should only really matter to the person/people who are going to use it. If you are happy with not having every single gap filled, primed and painted then to my mind that is okay.

You have to look at it so if what you end up with is okay by you and does what you want then I say you are ahead of the game. I personally relaise that my cab when it's done will not win awards. However it will do what I want it to do and I'll settle for that.

[SirPeale]

I've got five projects, and the total cost for them all together is somewhere around $500 - so far.  Two are complete, electronic wise.  Most were built from computers that were free or close to it.  Even the arcade monitors were free.  It's been a slow process, but keeping my ear close to the ground has paid off.

If I were you, I'd start off with a generic cabinet.  Have fun, build that up.  Gain some experience.  You like it?  Good, keep it.  You don't, you can work on it until you do, or sell it off.

[missioncontrol]

im gonna use particle board, try to keep it under 5'6" and 24" wide...

I really wouldn't use particle board...I think it will make it look cheap when it's all finished....

your best bet is either MDF or plywood

but that's my opinion

[Stingray]

I'm pretty sure I've got considerably less than $400 in mine, but I never really tried to total it up. In any case, mine looks fantastic IMO and I can play everything I want to play on it. It's not hard to build one on the cheap as long as you keep your head and don't go crazy buying stuff.

-S

[JCKnife]

I guess I need to try this budget approach on a future build. I'm going to be right around $2000 for my first one.