OK Well the Bob Roberts information pages are required reading, but the basics you need:
- an arcade "switching power supply" (just a basic one that outputs +5v, -5v, +12v, -12v)
- a monitor
- an isolation transformer *IF* the monitor you get needs one (newer ones don't usually)
- an AC filter
- a fuse block. It's wise to put fuses on the lines that go from the power supply to the game board, which means you'll need 4 fuses (one on each voltage I mentioned up above). I think you also need another fuse too on the main AC line.
- a JAMMA harness (this is the part that connects everything to the game circuit board--provides the board with power, joy/button inputs, coin switch input, etc)
- marquee lighting (optional really)
- an AC power switch
- a 3 prong power cord
- and other than that, wiring and controls.
That's about it. JAMMA cabs are pretty simple beasts.
~Ray B.