Main > Main Forum
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.