Just a few questions before I take the dive...

[barness]

I just had a few questions before I dive into this project.

First off, I'm weary my monitors too small. What size are you all using? Mine is aobut 16", and it seems too small. Do you think I should just build with the 16", or build a bartop that dosn't look so small?

Secondly, I think I understand how to build the control panel, just wire all the controls into the I-PAC, and plug it in, either by USB, or PS/2, and install the drivers and it should pick it up no issues in Windows 2000?

How much will the wood all togather cost me? I'm going to ask for a gift certificate to go get wood. (I'm building this as my chrismas present, and love it. I'd rather get parts and build something, more rewarding.)

I'm still have cold feet about this, I'm worried my old laptop won't detect my home built control panel, or I won't be able to configure mame with my control panel, or something like that. Someone reasure me.

[TOK]

IPAC works fine with Windows 2000, no drivers. Only the mapping software if you choose to use it.
I'm thinking you're going to be unhappy with that monitor long term. I think 19" is the bare minimum for a full sized cab, but since most modern cabs came with 25" and up, even a 19 looks kind of small.

I have a 19" flat screen CRT in the first cab I built, and after using a 27" for my second cab, I really want to upgrade the 19" to at least a 24. My suggestion would be to design something that leaves you a little space to upgrade to a larger monitor without a major re-do of the cab. If you have to put a fatter black bezel on there for now, you'll be happy in 4 months when you can put the larger monitor in there.

Price is tough to pin down, because these things will nickle-and-dime you to death. You buy the wood, then you need more tools, then you need specialized hinges and casters, then you need stuff not available locally. It really gets away from you if you're not organized.

Definitely don't be afraid to start. You'll get good positive support here, and I doubt there isn't one person here that hasn't screwed up. I've made 3 control panels for my first cab, and I'm still not totally happy with it.

[barness]

Thanks for the info! I made a Google Sketchup of my cab, hows it look?

[LLiNRAC(as guest)]

I dont know why people do button layouts like that, I guess I grew up playing street fighter and just got used to 2 horizantal rows of 3. My MAME cab button layout is exactly like the X-Arcade (because it IS an Xarcade) and the layout is perfect for everything.

I was going to build my own cabinet, but I did the math and for me it was cheaper to get a gutted cab local (and slightly less of a hassle).

best of luck with it all and I cant wait to see some pictures of the work in progress

[barness]

I don't know where I can get an old cab around my area, how much did yours cost you?

I think building the cab will be half the fun.

[AKA Kaytrim]

barness,

Personally I would switch the buttons and joystick around for player 2 so the layout is the same as player 1. 

The foot of the cab may be a bit small unless you are using an LCD screen.  Even with an LCD it could tip of someone is slamming the joystick around.  I would suggest widening out the base or screwing it to the wall.  Anyone is welcome to shoot me down on this I just call it as I see it.

As far as locating a gutted cab check your yellow pages for Arcade/Amusement or check with the local bars and see who services their machines.  I plan on asking my brother-in-law, he runs a bar-n-grill and rents his machines, pool tables and juke box so I might score an old cab some time down the road.

TTFN 
Kaytrim

[barness]

Craigslist has quite a stock, but most were posted awhile ago. A Double Dragon machine for 200, Mortal Combat for 150, Hopefully I can get one of them, 2 of my favorite games.

[shardian]

I dont know why people do button layouts like that, I guess I grew up playing street fighter and just got used to 2 horizantal rows of 3. My MAME cab button layout is exactly like the X-Arcade (because it IS an Xarcade) and the layout is perfect for everything.

I was going to build my own cabinet, but I did the math and for me it was cheaper to get a gutted cab local (and slightly less of a hassle).

best of luck with it all and I cant wait to see some pictures of the work in progress

I staggered the buttons for my desktop cp, and it works perfectly for that - mainly because my hand lays flat on the cp. In arcades, your hand is ususally arched, which indeed would probably be better with the straight two rows.

[walker]

Yeah, I just picked up a gutted Mortal Kombat Machine(But still had coin mechs luckily...) off craigslist for $50...They're out there, you just need to find them...