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Dive right in or test the water?
Strokemouth:
Hi everyone,
Long time lurker, first time poster here! I've been planning on building a MAME cab for years, but never had the facilities. I am now officially building a house, due to close at the end of June, so I will finally have a place to do some handywork (or at least make attempts at such) including making my first cab.
I've read countless threads here (you guys really are impressive!) and know what I would eventually like to do, but I'm fairly certain I'll be lacking in the skills department. My current power tool collection consists of a drill, circular saw, and electric sander. So, when it comes time to start my first cab, I'm considering starting small with either a mini-cab or a bartop, just to get my feet wet and make sure I'm not completely inept at working with tools. But then that little devil pops up on my shoulder just telling me to go for it. "GO HUGE OR GO HOME," as they say! >:D There will be a considerable amount more invested, but I'd also be gaining a lot more in the knowledge/experience area. However, starting small with a bartop or mini-cab would allow me to really judge my skills and patience without investing TOO much money. That way, if I suck, I'll still have money left over to go blow at the casino or something.
I've also considered restoring an older cab, but arcade machine hardware is foreign to me and I'd probably end up frying ---my bottom--- on the monitor or something. So, that's out for now. Then, I looked at buying something like a UAII kit (which I love the design of), but you don't get to do any of the fun stuff, like catching lungs full of MDF dust or nearly taking off a finger with a router. So, if I'm building, it's going to be from scratch. "Ab ovo usque ad mala," as the saying goes.
And yes, I have Project Arcade ordered already, it should be delivered this week. If this question has already been answered in there, then disregard everything I just typed and take this as a "Hi guys, I'm new here."
:cheers:
Xam:
I just "jumped" right in. I used quotations because I researched/lurked for about 6-8 months and read Saint's book before "diving" in. Though I have a few more tools than you mentioned, I still had to buy a few (some not completely necessary...but I used the cab as an excuse), my carpentry skills were limited to rough in type stuff. I never thought I could build something people would actually see. My cab does have flaws (severe in my op) but no one has noticed...or said anything if they noticed. I still have a bit to go to finish (niece is applying side art and taking her sweet time about it ...ahem ahem)
I know if I can do it anyone can!
You basically have to ask if you are willing to go the distance to finish a large cab. It can be frustrating at times...though my frustration came more from painting than woodworking.
Take your time and enjoy the process...whichever path you choose.
Xam
Texasmame:
--- Quote from: Strokemouth on February 05, 2007, 10:44:09 pm ---Hi everyone,
Long time lurker, first time poster here! I've been planning on building a MAME cab for years, but never had the facilities. I am now officially building a house, due to close at the end of June, so I will finally have a place to do some handywork (or at least make attempts at such) including making my first cab.
I've read countless threads here (you guys really are impressive!) and know what I would eventually like to do, but I'm fairly certain I'll be lacking in the skills department. My current power tool collection consists of a drill, circular saw, and electric sander. So, when it comes time to start my first cab, I'm considering starting small with either a mini-cab or a bartop, just to get my feet wet and make sure I'm not completely inept at working with tools. But then that little devil pops up on my shoulder just telling me to go for it. "GO HUGE OR GO HOME," as they say! >:D There will be a considerable amount more invested, but I'd also be gaining a lot more in the knowledge/experience area. However, starting small with a bartop or mini-cab would allow me to really judge my skills and patience without investing TOO much money. That way, if I suck, I'll still have money left over to go blow at the casino or something.
I've also considered restoring an older cab, but arcade machine hardware is foreign to me and I'd probably end up frying ---my bottom--- on the monitor or something. So, that's out for now. Then, I looked at buying something like a UAII kit (which I love the design of), but you don't get to do any of the fun stuff, like catching lungs full of MDF dust or nearly taking off a finger with a router. So, if I'm building, it's going to be from scratch. "Ab ovo usque ad mala," as the saying goes.
And yes, I have Project Arcade ordered already, it should be delivered this week. If this question has already been answered in there, then disregard everything I just typed and take this as a "Hi guys, I'm new here."
:cheers:
--- End quote ---
Do some research to see what you might like for a CP layout, etc.
However, don't get "analysis paralysis" - at some point, you gotta make the first cut! :cheers:
lasersoup:
Read the book first, it'll answer most, if not all, of your questions about how to proceed. Best of all, it's written assuming little or no knowledge. I completed lots of other projects around the house using things I've learned from the book. I prefer to start small and work my way up.
Congrats on the new house.
Kaytrim:
The cost comparison has been hashed out several times here on the boards. It really depends on the amount of controls you plan on using. On a bartop you would typically see the following components;
1 Joystick
3-6 buttons
1 Trackball (optional)
1 Spinner (optional)
1 Monitor 13"-17"
1 Computer
1 Interface card (ipac or keywiz)
1 sheet of MDF or Plywood
On a Stand-Up cab you will see this;
2 Joysticks
12-18+ buttons
1 Trackball
1 Spinner (optional)
1 4-way joystick (optional)
1 Monitor 19"-27"
1 Computer
1 Interface card (ipac or keywiz)
2-3 sheets of MDF or Plywood
The difference between the two types of cabs is really about $100-$200 not including the difference in the monitor. This covers the cost of the extra joystick, buttons and cab materials. If you go with a 4-player cab then the cost jumps accordingly. I would highly recommend that you buy your components from the vendors talked about here on the boards as they usually have the best prices and availability. The interface cards I mentoned are from Groovy Game Gear (keywiz) and Ultimarc (ipac) They both serve the same purpose of converting the signals from your controls to a keypress your computer will recognize. The respective owners are regulars here on the boards.
Welcome to the boards and enjoy the hobby. :cheers: