Decisions decisions -- An Introduction

[arcadegamenut]

Hello everyone!

Just wanted to stop by and say hello.

Funny how we end up on various sites. For me, I've always liked pretty much anything video-game/computer related. In fact, ever since I can remember, I always wanted to be involved in computers when I grew up. As of this time, I work as an Oracle DBA and love every bit of it.

So how did I end up here? Well, it all started early last week. It's a bit foggy now, so I don't remember what I saw or what I was searching for, but rest assured I it was probably some kind of google search that brought it up.

Anyway, I got an urge to get/build/buy an arcade cabinet of my own. I started doing some research and noticed that I had gotten the urge a week before, I could have attended the auction here in Columbus Ohio where I live. Drat! Well...it might not have been easy anyway. I drive a small compact car that definitely cannot handle a cabinet inside it.  Oh yeah, I also noticed this passed weekend that I actually knew about the auction and had posted on another board if anyone knew of a list of what was going to be brought. Well duh.

As my next step, I posted in Usenet to see what might come up from that. I received two responses. One, told me to check with a guy who lives about 100 miles from me. The other, was a guy in Cleveland who was offering a cab he had built. I spoke to both, but did not pull the trigger on either as I just wasn't sure about the cost of shipping, whether or not I really wanted it, etc. In fairness to both gentlemen, I did not push about shipping costs....I simply wanted to make sure it was what I wanted before making the move.

So Friday, I'm surfing during lunch at work, and notice there is a book called Project Arcade. I ran over to B&N after work and brought it home to read.

I read the biggest part of the book in one sitting. Okay, so I skipped some things, but concentrated on what interested me the most. At one point, I was extremely excited. It looked like I could actually build my own cabinet and possibly do it (computer excluded) for under $1000.00. I could probably squeeze that into my budget. I was a little concerned about the fact the only woodworking experience was building a VHS tape box in Industrial Arts during junior high. (Something I still have by the way). Yet, that concern was melted somewhat due to the author saying he didn't have any woodworking experience at all.

So I started looking through some of the plans and coming here and looking over some of the examples. But my joy again turned to concern.

If I can't fit a built cabinet into my car, I certainly can't fit a 4 ft by 8 ft piece of wood in there either! You're probably wondering to yourself....so just borrow a truck from a friend. Well...everyone I know drives cars!

The next thought that came up was tools. I do have a some of the tools on the different list(s), but I don't own sawhorses, clamps, saws, routers, etc. I started pricing the cost of all these and noticed I'd be going way over budget.

More web searching turned up a few sites offering cab kits. Hey...here's an idea. I don't have to cut it, it gets delivered to my door and I can take it apart if needed to move it. But wouldn't you know it...the one that I liked the best from slikstik. The price on this badboy (for the cabinet and control panel and shipping) was around $1600. No computer! Still, the computer wouldn't be a problem. I have my old desktop (P4 3.06 1 gig Memory) that I rarely use anymore (mostly use my laptop now) that I could certainly use. The case is a bit big (one of those giant Thermaltake cases with 7 fans in it) and I need to replace one of the chip fans as it likes to "whir" sometimes. ) But, it would be an option.

Still, I'm hesitant to spend $1600 on something like that, so I continue to lurk...to wait...and see what happens.

So what am I looking for exactly? I'm not sure I really know. I want to play ma..err...emulator games , but will also (especially if I move my old desktop in) like to use it as a jukebox or to play some of those heavy duty games like Doom III and when it comes out, Quake IV. If I were to use that computer, I already have a monitor (17 or 19...I forget now), computer and I also have a Creative Labs 5.1 speaker set which I'd love to add in. So, what I'd need is a cabinet and control panel to handle that.

I like the idea of the kit since it means I could take it apart and move it upstairs without having to pay the neighbor a six-pack to come over and help me move it up those stairs.

This is why I decided to go ahead and join this forum. So I can keep up with what's going on, chime in from time-to-time and maybe have some fun.

Oh yeah...and in case you're wondering...yes, I realize the owner of this site is the author of the book (though I didn't realize it when I found the book).

[quarterback]

If I can't fit a built cabinet into my car, I certainly can't fit a 4 ft by 8 ft piece of wood in there either! You're probably wondering to yourself....so just borrow a truck from a friend. Well...everyone I know drives cars!

MDF + Furni-pad + ratchet straps + top of car = wood at home


Welcome!

[paigeoliver]

You can do it for way less than $1000 and that COUNTS the computer. I have done several machines for under $100.

The key is to get a pre-existing cabinet to start from. Beg, borrow, or steal a truck to pick it up. If that fails then pay the seller to deliver it (almost all arcade guys own trucks).

Buy one LOCAL. They are everywhere. I literally had to start turning down free cabinets.

[arcadegamenut]

If I can't fit a built cabinet into my car, I certainly can't fit a 4 ft by 8 ft piece of wood in there either! You're probably wondering to yourself....so just borrow a truck from a friend. Well...everyone I know drives cars!

MDF + Furni-pad + ratchet straps + top of car = wood at home


Welcome!

Uhm...

Car = Camaro with T-Topps. Ain't no way in the world I'll put anything on top of that...pad or not!

[SpeedyR]

go find a cheap car rental place and rent a pick up for a day... cheaper than buying a $1500 cab just because you can't fit a sheet of MDF in it...



luckily i'm just getting into building a CP but I have all my tools already (router, table saw, planer, etc. ). Helps a lot when I look at stuff I know I can do it. just don't have the room at home for a cabinet, so CP and desktop computer it is..

I guess we all have our "issues" huh??

Jeff

[quarterback]

Car = Camaro with T-Topps.

Camaro with T-tops?

[armax]

home depot rents flatbed trucks for $19 for 75 minutes.  that's if you are in the states.

[paigeoliver]

A t-top camaro with the passenger side t-top out will hold a mini!

[arcadegamenut]

Car = Camaro with T-Topps.

Camaro with T-tops?  Who are you, Disco-Stu?

Nope, I'm Retro-Roger! J/K.

Well, at least about the Roger anyway. I mean, I am posting in an arcade forum and I do have an Atari 2600 connected to a TV upstairs with over 400 games and...well...you get the point.

[arcadegamenut]

Ok. We've established a few things here. Now someone mentioned Home Depot rents trucks for $19 for 75 minutes. Is there mileage involved as well or just the straight fee?

U-Haul also offers pick-ups for ~$19, but charges .59 a mile.

Assuming just a straight fee, and rounding, we'd have spent $20 additional from our budget. Counting the book which was about $30, we now have spent $50.

Now, the biggest concern I'd have is still the fact that I don't own many of the saws, routers and such and I really don't know much about them. I do have plenty of screwdrivers, torque wrenches, a soldering iron and desoldering iron, a small (probably 1 ft) level, a tape measure and somewhere out in the garage, I believe I have a sanding block that I bought many years ago.

Still, how much am I going to have to set back to buy the tools needed? Of course there is the issue too, that this would more-then-likely be the ONLY time that I'd ever use these things. Now, renting is a possibility I suppose, but how expensive can that get? I've read many examples where it takes guys 3 - 4 hours or possibly even days to get all of their cuts finished and set up just right. If Christmas presents are any indication, I cannot cut a straight line! 

[Stingray]

If you don't already have the tools and are pretty sure you'll never use them again, forget building. Paige is spot-on, you can find a very cheap or free cab if you keep looking. Once you find it, rent a u-haul to get it home.

I know you're thinking that there just aren't any cabs in your area. I thought the same thing when I first got into this hobby. I've made a lot of arcade connections since then. There are cabs everywhere. Once you meet a couple local guys who are into it, you'll be amazed at how frequently they come up.

And for the record, I think Camaros with t-tops are cool.

-S

[Tiger-Heli]

You kind of have to weigh out your options and find the middle ground that works for you -

SlickStik - Nicely made kit shipped to your door for $1600.00 - High cost, high convenience.

Build your own cabinet - maybe $100.00 in wood, if that - low cost, high inconvenience if you are inexperienced with tools and have to buy them for the project.

Gutted cabinet - $75 to $500 depending on condition.

This third option is where you will want to be, but you have a range along the spectrum.

A gutted cab will some water damage and peeling paint will go for around $50, but you need to get a monitor, a computer, maybe a marquee, do some fab work on the CP and some repair work on the panels, which may or may not be within your capabilities.

A pristine cab with nice side art and a monitor and working gameboard could be easily connected to a computer with a J-PAC and Arcade VGA, but you will probably pay about $500 for the cabinet, and they will be harder to find.

So you look at your skills, your tools, your budget, and how particular you are about the looks of the cabinet, and you make your decisions.

Welcome to the hobby, BTW.

[armax]

Ok. We've established a few things here. Now someone mentioned Home Depot rents trucks for $19 for 75 minutes. Is there mileage involved as well or just the straight fee?

U-Haul also offers pick-ups for ~$19, but charges .59 a mile.

Assuming just a straight fee, and rounding, we'd have spent $20 additional from our budget. Counting the book which was about $30, we now have spent $50.

Now, the biggest concern I'd have is still the fact that I don't own many of the saws, routers and such and I really don't know much about them. I do have plenty of screwdrivers, torque wrenches, a soldering iron and desoldering iron, a small (probably 1 ft) level, a tape measure and somewhere out in the garage, I believe I have a sanding block that I bought many years ago.

Still, how much am I going to have to set back to buy the tools needed? Of course there is the issue too, that this would more-then-likely be the ONLY time that I'd ever use these things. Now, renting is a possibility I suppose, but how expensive can that get? I've read many examples where it takes guys 3 - 4 hours or possibly even days to get all of their cuts finished and set up just right. If Christmas presents are any indication, I cannot cut a straight line!

[pointdablame]

I'll offer a few bits of advice here.

1) If you are counting a $20 fee, and the cost of the book, and etc... get out of this hobby now.  I don't mean that meanly... but especailly since this is your first cab... you'll probably go over budget.  We have a way of DESTROYING budgets around here.

2) Don't build.  You don't have the vehicle, the tools, or the know how. Again, not being mean, but it doesn't make sense in your case.  Say you get the wood after renting a truck.. then screw up a cut cuz you don't have the woodworking skills.... now you have to rent a truck AGAIN to get wood AGAIN.\

3) Open up your yellow pages and start calling.  Post where you are from here and on RGVAC.. you will find a cab.  Also if you start calling ops and vending guys, etc... talk to us here first.  OPS think every game is worth $1k, and even a "good deal" in your mind may be a rip off.  Check with us first   Check ebay too and search by distance from you.  There are a lot of empty cabs on there.

4) Do just like someone mentioned.  Rent a truck for the day you need to pick one up and you'll be done.  You could even have it delivered depedning on location.

Also just a note, prices on cabs really do vary.  While a lot of people might pay $500 for a fully working cab, you can get them much cheaper if you just look around and be patient.  I got a Mortal Kombat cab with a Tekken 3 board fully working for $100.  Try calling vending companies ro the like that might have games, but don't really "work" in games... they are usually a bit more likely to give you a deal.

Good luck.

[Chris]

Are there any arcade games in your town, especially in places like bars or restaurants?

[AlanS17]

Even in deep south TX when I lived on the border, I was able to find an operator where I bought my first empty cabinet for $50. It was in good condition, though, so I really couldn't complain. The point is, no matter how remote, there is always a spare cabinet to be found.

I bought 9 or 10 off a guy in Palestine, TX. Try looking that one up in Mapquest. You'll get the point pretty quickly. 

[Chris]

I bought my cab off eBay for $61, and it had the bezel glass, JAMMA harness, coin door, and a CP with 14 buttons and two joysticks.

If you do go looking for a cab, please read the BYOAC Manifesto first.

[arcadegamenut]

Wow...what great responses! I knew there was a reason I joined.

So I agree about the building. Not because I possibly couldn't do it (I never like to say I can't do something), but the point of "Oops I made a bad cut" which could happen coupled with "Well now I need to rent another truck" makes a ton of sense.

Arcade games around here. It's been a long time since I've seen any...EXCEPT....I do work pretty close to Gameworks in the Mall. Maybe they'll let me talk to someone or walk around for free to look at the back of a few cabinets.

Anyway, thanks for the great comments guys...keep them coming!

[quarterback]

Where do you live, chief?

[Chris]

Arcade games around here. It's been a long time since I've seen any...EXCEPT....I do work pretty close to Gameworks in the Mall. Maybe they'll let me talk to someone or walk around for free to look at the back of a few cabinets.

Gameworks will own and service their own machines, so they won't have a sticker.  However, watch their dumpster; I'll bet you see the occasional cabinet shell show up next to it.

The stickers will be on machines in places that don't specialize in arcade machines.  Any decent sports bar will have a Golden Tee machine.  Failing that, look for jukeboxes, as outfits that place jukeboxes will often also deal in arcade machines.

--Chris

[armax]

pointdablame is right on the money.

[CJK]

Now, the biggest concern I'd have is still the fact that I don't own many of the saws, routers and such and I really don't know much about them. I do have plenty of screwdrivers, torque wrenches, a soldering iron and desoldering iron, a small (probably 1 ft) level, a tape measure and somewhere out in the garage, I believe I have a sanding block that I bought many years ago.

Still, how much am I going to have to set back to buy the tools needed? Of course there is the issue too, that this would more-then-likely be the ONLY time that I'd ever use these things. Now, renting is a possibility I suppose, but how expensive can that get? I've read many examples where it takes guys 3 - 4 hours or possibly even days to get all of their cuts finished and set up just right. If Christmas presents are any indication, I cannot cut a straight line! 

You'll need (at a minimum) a circular saw, a jigsaw, a router, and a cordless drill/driver. The cutting can be done in one day, so if you don't own the saws, find a friend who does, especially if you don't expect to need them again. (Of course, how many here have started out to build "just one cabinet" and now have a game room full?  ) Building the control panel will take you the most time, so plan to use the router and drill a lot more than the saws. (Probably over a couple of days or weekends.)

What's not included in that tool list, though, are the other necessities: clamps, fasteners (drywall screws, mostly, though there are special fasteners for MDF), glue, measuring and marking tools (a speed square, a tape, and a straightedge are minimums), paint, router bits, drill bits, etc.

SlikStik has great kits, but MameRoom Designs has new cabinet kits available, and they are cheaper than SlikStik's. KevSteele has reviewed one of their kits, and he liked it. (If you haven't yet checked out Kevin's web site, it's a must -- http://www.retroblast.com)

Welcome to the hobby -- beware, it's pretty much all-consuming once you take the plunge! Take it from someone who now spends all his weekends and evenings planning and building. 

-- Chris

[KenToad]

Where do you live, chief?

Columbus, Ohio. 

Arcadegamenut, I'm in Athens, OH, about two hours southeast of there.  Unfortunately, I can't help you find a gutted cab, but I would say you can definitely do your project from scratch without investing $1000.  All you really need is a drill, some bits, a jigsaw and a circular saw.  You usually can borrow or rent a router and buy the bit for less that $20 online, although I know from experience that that can be a pain.  Then you just need some woodglue, screws, etc. in addition to your standard building materials, whatever you choose.  The answers are all on this board.  Just use the search function up at the top before you ask anything and all will be good.  Anyway, good luck with getting started.  Give me a shout if you need any "local" help.  I'm up in Columbus every month or two to shop or eat at one of the ethnic restaurants.

Cheers,
KenToad

[AlanS17]

Also check movie theaters and Cici's Pizza places - anywhere that has arcade machines where they aren't the prime focus. Quite often they don't own their own machines. Look for the vendor stickers on those. Also hit the Yellow Pages. There HAS to be a vendor near you. Have you checked Ebay? Do a search for everything in the arcade category within 25 or 50 miles of your zip code. You're bound to turn up something. You're not from some small town.

[quarterback]

Where do you live, chief?

Columbus, Ohio.

[AlanS17]

That dude in Bowling Green always has stuff up on Ebay. If nothing else, he's got selection.

[shodokan123]

when checking the yellow pages?

do i look for amusement vendor or what?

I need help finding gutted fighter cabinets and such...

i live in rhode island, but anything within massachusetts or CT is doable too

[pointdablame]

when checking the yellow pages?

do i look for amusement vendor or what?

Look for amusement or vending services.  A lot of vending guys will have some games as well.  It might be under entertainment too??  I haven't look in a while.

[Chris]

Check http://www.tntgame.com/

[shodokan123]

Check http://www.tntgame.com/

any places for me?

[Baker535]

Hey, I'm local to you and recently just started in this hobby as well...

From what I recall we do have a large auction down at the Fairgrounds and it's held regularly. You can get arcade and pinball machines there for good prices if you do some research beforehand. I never have gone yet... though the urge is slowly growing.

I had a bunch of ideas and plans already underway, but the actual construction phase was holding me back. I even have a few companies I was considering who could probably build you a cab locally. If you want something with that custom, minty fresh, new feeling...

In my situation I lucked out recently and acquired a near mint 4 Slot Neo-Geo MVS cab from eBay. It was a real eye opener to see how these things were built! Especially since this cab has a few extra pieces compared to some other cabs. It has been a great reference for me in affirming previous plans or figuring out what I would like to do with my next project. Now I know what it takes to make it truly arcade quality. I highly recommend the advice already given here... Find an already built cab first to mess around with. Even on a temp basis or something you can later restore or convert...

I also know that we have Shaffer Distributing near us, They service a lot of location's rental cabinets and they are a really large company from what I have figured out. You can also purchase direct from them, but expect to pay a premium on the games they carry.

Good luck, there are a lot of very enthusiastic and helpful people on this board. You will be in great shape no matter what route you want to go in. Unless you MAME a classic... then I make no guarantees what may happen

Also feel free to contact me if I can help or if you'd like to play a few rounds on the Neo-Geo. You can check out the cab to get some ideas. I'll even put it on free play

-baker

[arcadegamenut]

1) I did contact the guy in Bowling Green last week. He indicated we might be able to work something out and offered for me to call him. I haven't done this as of yet.

2) I found a cabinet! It's a pristine condition, brand new Pacman. I plan on ripping it apart to use for Mame. J/K!

3) I tried calling the number to tntgame.com, but received an answering machine. I didn't leave a message since I'm at work and figured I'll try and call again later.

4) I had seen the two flea markets (Westland and the one on High St). I wondered if there might be anything good there.

5) I also saw the Schaffer website. But when looking through their site, it all appeared to be pinball machines.

6) I am absolutely amazed at the responses here. 

[quarterback]

Also feel free to contact me if I can help or if you'd like to play a few rounds on the Neo-Geo. You can check out the cab to get some ideas.

Hey, we should organize a central ohio get together.... at your house!

[KenToad]

Also feel free to contact me if I can help or if you'd like to play a few rounds on the Neo-Geo. You can check out the cab to get some ideas.

Hey, we should organize a central ohio get together.... at your house!   

Only if you put an extra set of buttons on that Neo-Geo for Street Fighter.   

[pointdablame]

Only if you put an extra set of buttons on that Neo-Geo for Street Fighter.   

Blasphemer!!! 

And to the OP... i know it was a joke with teh PacMan, but if you get a classic cab and MAME it, do yourself a favor and just don't tell us.  It breaks our hearts.  Hopefully you'll understand why and only MAME a generic cab

[arcadegamenut]

Only if you put an extra set of buttons on that Neo-Geo for Street Fighter.

[CJK]

3) I tried calling the number to tntgame.com, but received an answering machine. I didn't leave a message since I'm at work and figured I'll try and call again later.

Try email -- they're good about responding, and they're helpful, too.

-- Chris

[arcadegamenut]

I left a message on their machine when I got home from work.

[unix4hire]

Check on www.superauctions.com periodically.  I've been to two of their auctions locally and found extremely good deals on cabinets (last auction I bought an excellent non-working cabinet for $20, and later that same day got an even nicer non-working cabinet for only $1!).  Perfect for a project.

[arcadegamenut]

Check on www.superauctions.com periodically.  I've been to two of their auctions locally and found extremely good deals on cabinets (last auction I bought an excellent non-working cabinet for $20, and later that same day got an even nicer non-working cabinet for only $1!).  Perfect for a project.

Yep...that's the one I missed.