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My name is Jouster, and I'm a BYOAC-oholic.

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Jouster:

Yes, I've finally come to terms with my addiction.  I've been visiting this site nearly non-stop for the last week or so.  I've also thought nearly non-stop about building my own MAME cab since then.  Having an arcade machine in my house has been something I've thought about for years, but only recently found sites like this one.

I've ordered saint's book...and while it should arrive in a day or two...can anyone point me to a thread that they know of that takes a lot of newbie considerations in to account?

I don't have much talent in woodworking, but I don't think building the cab will be the hard part...I need guidance in choosing a monitor...mobo & processor...and maybe most used controls and wiring ideas.  I've checked out the IPAC and think that is the way I will go...unless I get overwhelming resistance from you guys!

Thanks,
Jouster

javeryh:

Welcome.  Saint's book is a good start.  So is this thread: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=19049.0

Also, when I first started coming here I read every single example on the home page.  Looking at other people's projects is really the best way to learn.  You will also learn quickly that when you are building your own cabinet there are a ton of "right decisions" to choose from (like which monitor to use, which controls to use, etc.) and there's no "all-in-one" solution so you might have to make more than one!

missioncontrol:

the wiki has been the latest tool to help new people out


http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Main_Page

it's a good start while waiting for your book


oh and welcome to the hobby

Mark70:

Keep reading, you'll find it.  I had the benefit of a broken leg to keep me in front of the computer reading everything until I was well enough to get into the garage and start building. 

My advice is.  For your Control Panel, go simple over "do everything".  Much more elegant.  Go with classic cab designs; please don't build a lusid, just because the plans are accessible.  I have made CAD versions of my plans available to members here for free.  They're not perfect, but a good start.  I have nothing against lusid and in fact I applaud him for making his plans available and good quality.... it's just the look of the cab I don't like.  Looks pregnant.  Symptomatic of the mortal kombat/nfl blitz cab design.



subcriminal:


--- Quote ---I don't have much talent in woodworking, but I don't think building the cab will be the hard part..
--- End quote ---

In my experience building and finishing the cabinet was the hardest part. To make something that looks professional you need to either get every measurement and cut right first time or buy plenty of spare wood.
Woodworking tools are dangerous, I had a good read about how to use a router before using one. There are some scary router threads on here involving loss of fingers, destroyed cutting bits etc.
Once you have decided on a monitor and the controls you're using the Wiki contains all you need to connect everything together. Good luck with your build and I agree with Mark70, have a look at http://www.jakobud.com for some alternate cabinet plans ;)

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