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please share your hind-sight

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stevejt:

Some time in the next week I am about to build my first mame machine.  I know what to do, I have carpentry, electronic, and computer skills.  What I am asking here, is can anyone save me any problems?  ANYTHING you know now, that you wish you knew BEFORE you built your first machine?  Any tricks that can save me any time, or cursing?  Common problems?

I have a few different arcade cabs, so I have not deceided which type to use.  500mgz puter. 21" computer monitor,(a steal for $50 at a show).  Ipac 2.  Happs track ball, with a ps2 mouse hack, that I already tested.  Assorted used sticks and buttons,(new ones on back order from x-arcade, yes those cheap ones...lol).  I am building this for me and my sons.  But I am hoping to sell it in the near future, and build a bigger one.  I am PROBABLY going to build a control panel from scratch.  Hopeing to make it easily and quickly removeable.  I want it to look good, but not take too much time to do.  I don't want it to be something I see here on another post being made fun off...lol

Any advice or tricks you guys that have done this a few times times can offer??

Thanks!

Steve



javeryh:

Make sure you don't build it too big for the doorway it will eventually have to go through...

Minwah:

You've already hacked a mouse...I've done one also but I wouldn't bother again.  At $9 Oscar's (very nicely) pre-hacked mice are a steal - www.oscarcontrols.com .

stevejt:

I appreciate the idea.  I thought about using oscars.  Doing it myself was quick and easy.  And I like the mouse I used, less than $5 too.  It's board is only 1 1/2 by 2 inches.  Looks like it could be cut down alot smaller too.  I plan on eventually mounting it IN one of the trackball arms, the way the optic board is mounted. 

JustMichael:

Do NOT hook up the controls until the cabinet is done.  If you do hook up the controls to "test" them out before the cabinet is done, it will probably take you an addition 2 to 3 months to finish the cabinet.   ;D

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