Want to build my own mame cab. I'm in a wheelchair so I have a problem.

[Epoman]

Hello,

I am posting this because of a post I saw for "controller for quadriplegic" I do not have a problem that big fortunately I do however have a problem. I am 32 years old and have had numerous medical problems since I was 20 I have been on Dialysis for over 11 years and have severe complications due to End Stage Renal Disease. 4 years ago I broke my hip and then a week later I broke my second hip due to Severe osteoporosis and I'm still waiting for my hips to heal (Doctors say they Will not).

So I am in a wheelchair for the rest of my life. It sucks but I continue to stay strong for my son's sake he is 7. Anyway Before my accident I was seriously thinking of building a MAME cabinet. However now that I am in a wheelchair If I build it I will not be able to play it since I can not stand.

So here is my idea to build a Mame cabinet Scaled down so I could use it and someone who sits in a regular chair could use it too. One day I was at a Arcade and I saw a MINI Mrs Pacman arcade cab and was impressed how my son and I could use it together perfectly. It was a Perfect match to the original except that it was scaled down, it had it all even the coin mechs.

Here is my plan I want to build a mini cab EXACTLY like that. I AM NOT asking for donations I would just like some input on how I could get the plans for a cab like that. Or any Ideas you may have for me.

Heres a little arcade background on me. I have been collecting video games since I was 12 I have a Massive N.E.S. collection If you want to see it goto:

http://pics.bbzzdd.com/search.php?q=nescollection

Or goto http://pics.bbzzdd.com and search: nescollection

That is just one small part of my collection but it is the pride of my collection. And it always been a dream of mine to build a Mame cabinet.

So I am looking for advice, suggestions, Plans for the Ms pacman mini, Etc Etc. I know I can buy some small cabs already made but I would like to build it with my son and save some money in the process.

And I don't want a cocktail cab. I Would prefer a Full size Mame cab but what good would it be If I could not play it. I want it fully functional down to having to put a quarter in to play. Since it would be mini I'm not sure if I would put a Arcade monitor or a LCD or CRT. THIS is why I need advice.

I saw how helpful you all have been helping the guy build a controller (The quadriplegic) hopefully you can help me a little.

The biggest thing I am looking for is the dimensions and or plans to that mini ms.pacman.

[Flinkly]

now i'm sure that the person who built the mini pacman cab will chime in, but you could use jakobuds page and scale down the cabinet from there to whatever you want, just make sure you scale every dimension down the same percentage.

second, why not build a cocktail?

[cholin]

I dont care much for cocktails because of the screen being flat down, you need to bend over, and its not pleasant.  Im sure its not nice in a wheelchair to look over at a screen, especially if theres glare lol.  Anyway, why dont you ask for dimensions?  No offense, but people tend to feel sorry for others in your situation, which is kind of a good thing.  If you explain the purpose with a touching story like above, Im sure theyll love to help.  Other than that, just get a normal cab and lower the bottom part.  The reason for the bottom is to create a stand and hold some computer parts, and surely if you can fit the parts into a bartop, you dont need the stand that badly.  Scale down the sides and maybe spend an hour or so in a 3d program to make sure you've got it nice.  Shouldnt be too much hassle, but getting an exact copy of a cab may be a little more difficult.  Sorry bout the wheelchair accident, I know someone who had almost the same thing happen.  Keep your hopes up

[Epoman]

now i'm sure that the person who built the mini pacman cab will chime in, but you could use jakobuds page and scale down the cabinet from there to whatever you want, just make sure you scale every dimension down the same percentage.

second, why not build a cocktail?

[JODY]

Have you seen these plans:

http://pacfan69.tripod.com/cabinets/id8.html

Would be nice on a table.

[Epoman]

I dont care much for cocktails because of the screen being flat down, you need to bend over, and its not pleasant.

[JODY]

What kind of games will you want it to be able to handle?  How many buttons?  The number of buttons will impact the size required.  Have you seen the cabs with spinable control panels?  May need one or one with removeable panels.  Depends on how deep the panel will be and how reachable the controls.

[saint]

Minimame has downloadable plans as well...

http://www.minimame.com/

[NoOne=NBA=]

Epoman,

I think what would work best for you is a Japanese sitdown cabinet.
They are MADE for adults to sit down in front of.

The true mini-cabs are completely scaled down, meaning that two adults are not going to be able to play side-by-side.

[paigeoliver]

Yes, I have one of the sit at Japanese cabinets. They are pretty much all the same size, if you send me the basic measurements of your wheelchair, how high you sit, and such then I can double check and make sure it would be suitable before you order one.

[SteveJ34]

I took the jakobud plan set for a ms pac/galaga style cab and scaled it down for a bartop project....it's perfect to scale with the exception that the cab is "chopped" below the control panel.

It's relatively simple to do....I drew/mocked mine up with foamboard and then used that as templates to lay out cuts for sides.

As others have already referenced, there are several projects which follow the exact design you are interested in.

And if you don't mind my asking, where are you located? You didn't inquire about needing help with construction but....

[Lilwolf]

btw, I don't believe you will get all those controls in a minicab.   I LOVE those cabs... their just so darn cute.

You might consider hot swappable (1 player)...  But it sounds like you want to be able to play with your kids at the same time... If thats the case... you really might want to look at another style of cabinet.

You might also consider hotswappable 1player control panels... And build a base that fits on your wheelchair.  So when your son plays... hes by himself.  When you play, its either way.. but when you both play, hes up at the cabinet and you are sitting next to it playing with the controls on your cabinet.  I'm not sure how it would turn out... but it has some possiblities.  You might be able to get the same control panels to fit on both pretty easy.  Just an idea... One that I dont' believe had been tried before.

But I would seriously consider the sit down cabinets. 

btw, did the guy who was trying to make a large purchase of them in the US ever get enough people together?  (they sell for 200 bucks or so...  But the shipping to the US is a bear... and a minimum order of 50 or so...  If they got close to enought people it would have been pretty cheap for a new cabinet..

And last.  Some of the kits actually don't cost that much more then what it will cost for you to make them.  If you don't have  a router, t-molding router bits, ect... its not a bad option.  It wont be 'yours' but the guys doing it only make about 50 bucks profit in each or so... And you can easily waste that with one wrong cut or buying one power tool needed.   

[Epoman]

What kind of games will you want it to be able to handle?

[Epoman]

Yes, I have one of the sit at Japanese cabinets. They are pretty much all the same size, if you send me the basic measurements of your wheelchair, how high you sit, and such then I can double check and make sure it would be suitable before you order one.

Sorry for the late reply.

Do you have a link that I could see what you are talking about. "sit at Japanese cabinets"  I kinda want just a little mame cab like the mini mspacman. mostly 1 player at a time games will be played.

[Epoman]

I took the jakobud plan set for a ms pac/galaga style cab and scaled it down for a bartop project....it's perfect to scale with the exception that the cab is "chopped" below the control panel.

It's relatively simple to do....I drew/mocked mine up with foamboard and then used that as templates to lay out cuts for sides.

As others have already referenced, there are several projects which follow the exact design you are interested in.

And if you don't mind my asking, where are you located? You didn't inquire about needing help with construction but....

Sorry for the late reply.

Hi, I live in SoCal. Los Angeles area.

[Epoman]

btw, I don't believe you will get all those controls in a minicab.

[Grasshopper]

Yes, I have one of the sit at Japanese cabinets. They are pretty much all the same size, if you send me the basic measurements of your wheelchair, how high you sit, and such then I can double check and make sure it would be suitable before you order one.

Sorry for the late reply.

Do you have a link that I could see what you are talking about. "sit at Japanese cabinets"  I kinda want just a little mame cab like the mini mspacman. mostly 1 player at a time games will be played.

This is a particularly nice example of one:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,28845.0.html

[paigeoliver]

Good link. Yes, no barstool, you could simply roll right up to it and play. I have a pair of small office chairs in front of mine, lowered all the way down.

The control panels on them flip up so you can change the joysticks between 8-way and 4-way and they have big monitors too.

I think this would be the best choice for you, as it would be quite usable in your chair, they look really nice, and the best part is that all you will need to do is add a J-pac encoder and an arcadevga card to a computer and you will be good to go. The time you don't spend building can be spent getting a perfect software setup.

Also, I stress ordering an actual candy cabinet and not trying to build your own, they are all sheet metal and plastic and the best you could build on your own would be a poor imitation.

[JDSkydiver]

Epoman:

Sorry for the delay getting back to you.  I've just now signed in for the first time...

FIRST POST EVER!

Saint may have forwarded my email to you.  I'm an architect with experience designing accessible facilities for wheelchair bound individuals.  Let me know if I can be of any help at all.

Personal mail me.  Thanks!

So sad, my first post ever is over...

[Sprucemoose]

Somebody corect me if I'm wrong, but wasn't there a cabinet built a couple years ago...documented on this site in which a person in a wheelchair built a custom Arcade machine.  Here is the link:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=6576.0

It turned out pretty sweet and might be a good way for you to go.  Good luck

[Sprucemoose]

Sorry, think there might be another thread documenting his progress, but there are some pics and the guys name is TYWEED...looks like he is still active in the forum

[Epoman]

Good link. Yes, no barstool, you could simply roll right up to it and play. I have a pair of small office chairs in front of mine, lowered all the way down.

The control panels on them flip up so you can change the joysticks between 8-way and 4-way and they have big monitors too.

I think this would be the best choice for you, as it would be quite usable in your chair, they look really nice, and the best part is that all you will need to do is add a J-pac encoder and an arcadevga card to a computer and you will be good to go. The time you don't spend building can be spent getting a perfect software setup.

Also, I stress ordering an actual candy cabinet and not trying to build your own, they are all sheet metal and plastic and the best you could build on your own would be a poor imitation.

Sorry what's a Candy Cabinet? Also I really like the retro look of a classic arcade machine.
Plus that cab is kinda big. I really do want a mini cab.

[Epoman]

Epoman:

Sorry for the delay getting back to you.

[saint]

Done!

[JDSkydiver]

Epoman:

I e-mailed you with some options.  Let me know if you want them posted here!

I've included my cell if you want to discuss it.

JD

[scatter]

Epo. Are you looking to build the cab yourself or do you want an empty cab ready to go? There are a couple of places online that will build a cab to your specs. I bought a new empty cab from arcadegames4u.com dunno how much they would want for a custom job but they are pretty good guys.

b

[dan57fina]

how is that cab? ive been meaning to find someone who has it...is it the same dimensions as a galaga?

[jelwell]

I don't think the mini size should have any bearing on how many controls you want to put on it. As long as you're willing to have large wings.

Take a look at my cabinet.

Before everything was added:
http://www.singleclick.com/gallery/album220/DSC04544

And after:
http://www.singleclick.com/gallery/album324/DSC06509

Clearly that cabinet was never meant to have a control panel that large. But it works just fine.

I think if you start with something like the minimame.com specs and just widen the control panel so that it has wings flaring out, you'll be just fine.

If you don't want wings. Look around for cocktail kits and photos of peoples cocktail cabinet's control panels. I know you don't want a cocktail, but you can get an idea of just how many controls you can fit in a tiny space - since they're doing that all the time.

I'd consider dropping the trackball if you run out of space. It takes up a lot of space and if you search at MAWS you'll find that there are only a few (less than 10) truly classic & good trackball games. I built a trackball into my cab for crystal castles and there's only like 3 other games that matter, and i don't play them anyways.

Definitely drop the extra 4 way controller and get a switchable 4 way/8 way controller. Like Ultimarc's T-Stick Plus, or the cheaper J-Sticks that you have to reach underneath to switch.
Joseph Elwell.

[qaotik]

Yeah, the japanese sit-down arcade cabinets might suit your needs but they are hard to come by and with wheel chair you might not get close enough because of your wheels and would have to reach for the controls.

Anyway here's some pics:

http://www.hardmvs.com/xml/jpn/jpCabs.htm
http://www.neo-geo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=110616

[paigeoliver]

If he has a clearance problem he can always place the candy cab on a small riser stand of some sort.

[koolmoecraig]

Yeah, the japanese sit-down arcade cabinets might suit your needs but they are hard to come by and with wheel chair you might not get close enough because of your wheels and would have to reach for the controls.

Speaking of which. there is a guy on Craigslist here in the Los Angeles area that has those cabinets for sale for $295

peace
craig

[scatter]

Sorry, didn't notice your Q Dan. The cab is rock solid and is exactly like my original Galagas on a side by side comparison. The are a couple of diffs that don't really matter (to me at least). Like new Happ coindoor (not an original 1) and new style vent handles (the midway handles are hard to come by since Happ doesn't really stock them anymore.) I used to cut cabinets out here but these guys will build it for slightly more than I can buy the materials and parts.

I just noticed that they put up the "mini" cab which I have seen a couple of times when they were showing them at auctions. It's what I had in mind when I posted here earlier. It is pretty much the cabaret like Midway should have built it in the day, (The way Grand Products builds the Home Reunions now) Looks nice when you put galaga stickers on it (which still fit fine...)

Here it is:
http://www.arcadegames4u.com/oscommerce/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=111

They have another listing for a wired up version but this is the DIY version I'm talking about.

-b

[JDSkydiver]

Per my personal e-mail I sent a week ago...

OK, so far from the Forum there were several suggestions.  Here's what I see as the PROs/CONs of each...

OPTION #1
SHOWCASE STYLE (like SpruceMoose's 2/28 post/link)
+ Easily adaptable for wheelchair access
+ Ergonomics could be good, any size monitor / TV can be used
- Not a traditional "arcade machine" style, which I believe you wanted
- Lots of required floor space

OPTION #2
JAPANESE STYLE (like Grasshopper's 2/27 post/link)
+ More compact, less floor area
- Not a traditional "arcade machine" style, which I believe you wanted
- CP would be a side approach (vs. front approach), which might hinder 2-player use

OPTION #3
MINI-MAME (like on Saint's 2/23 post/link)
+ More compact, less floor area
+ A traditional "arcade machine" style, which I believe you wanted
- CP would be a side approach (vs. front approach), which might hinder 2-player use

MY OPTION #4
MINI-MAME HYBRID ... ADA Mame
Imagine a stand-up arcade style cabinet but built to the scale as needed for certain ADA/Wheelchair clearances.
* Forward/front approach knees space beneath the CP
* Monitor mounted at a height for easy viewing from seated position

It would look like a typical Stand Up Cabinet, but with a "countertop" type Control Panel so a wheelchair can fit beneath.  It could still be played by non-disabled persons either on a low stool or chair.  The JPEG has the proposed cabinet on the left, with my cabinet drawn at the right for comparisons.  mine has a Franken style CP with 2 8-ways, a track and a 4-way.  We can configure yours any way you want, depending on what games you want to play. 

PROs / CONs...
+ Arcade Style
- Non-Standard CP panel
+ Front approach and still maintain 2-player access if that's what you want.
+ Almost full scale (between Mini-Mame & Std cabinet height)

Anyway...  see the JPeg I sent you and let me know if I'm on the right track.

JDSkydiver