looking for ifo on how to scratch build a real (non-mame) arcade game

[rlemmon]

Hi. I am looking for any websites or books with info on how to scratch build or rebuild a arcade game using a original PCB. my goal is to find a gutted ms pacman cab , ( or get the plans and build a repo) Obtain a original PCB then buy all new parts and art work so that i will have a "new" ms pacman cab that looks great and will require very little maintenance. It will also be a learning experience. I have already built a Mame machine and a playstation 2 arcade cab. the only thing left is to start building and restoring original games. The only problem is i have a general knowledge of whats in a game but i don't know how to put it all together and wire everything .

Any info would be greatly appreciated

[CJK]

This might save you a lot of trouble, in case you're interested. The guy sells them unassembled, too, despite what the web site indicates.

http://arcadeshop.com/cabinets/cabinets.htm

-- Chris

[TOK]

It'd be cool to have a like new arcade machine on a budget, but the "very little maintenance" part of your idea is undermined by using an original PCB. The 25 year old board is the 2nd most likely part to fail (after the power supply), and the reason there are numerous gutted cabs available for next to nothing.

A lot of people that love one game they can't repair themselves have 2 or 3 boards so one can be swapped in when another is out for repair.

[CheffoJeffo]

If you aren't going for 100% original, you might want to consider putting in a modern switching supply and wiring the cabinet as JAMMA, then using a converter (if available for the game you want ... pretty sure there is a PAC-to-JAMMA converter out there).

Doesn't solve the original board issue, but should make life easier in terms of power supply and give you some flexibility if you wanted to ,say, convert the cabinet to Galaga later on.

I haven't thought this all the way through yet, but thought I'd throw it out there.

Cheers.

[allroy1975]

and I beleive the PCB will be the most expensive part of  your project. 

kinda doesn't make sense.  spend all that $ for 1 game.  I mean...I get it..but it doesn't make sense.  Build a ms. pac man cab that boots to Ms Pac-Man, but give the option of other games. 

Anyway, i'm not the kind of person who, when asked how to do something, replies with "don't".

Check out the original measurements thread on this board.  Then it's just a matter of recreating it.  I beleive most original arcade games were put together will small triangles of wood holding the joints together and maybe glue?  I just used 2x2s in my cab..but if you're going for authenticity, I can open my Ms. Pac-man and take pics of how it's assembled.  or you can probably find some online. 

here:  I even did the work for you:
http://www.jakobud.com/cabinetPlans.php

hope that helps

Allroy

[CheffoJeffo]

kinda doesn't make sense.  spend all that $ for 1 game.  I mean...I get it..but it doesn't make sense.  Build a ms. pac man cab that boots to Ms Pac-Man, but give the option of other games. 

It is a issue of personal taste and preference ... I definitely prefer dedicated cabs over MAME cabs.

Having said that, there is something to be said for putting a multi-Pac / multi-Williams / multi-Jamma / etc.  in a single cab.

Cheers.