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krazy_kenny1:
I've wanted to build a MAME cabinet for a long time, and I think that time has finally come.  I'm really good with computers...not so much with the woodworking, so I'm looking to start with an existing cabinet.  I already have piles of suitable computer parts laying around, along with a 21" trinitron CRT I could use.  So basically I just need to find a suitable used cabinet, design and build the control panel, and put it all together right?(sounds so easy  ::) )

I had considered using linux, but I think I'll just go with XP for simplicity's sake.  My only real questions have to do with the control panel since it's somewhat out of my area of expertise.  I think I want a 2 player console with 2 joysticks, 6 buttons each, a spinner, trackball(doubling as a mouse), and the player 1 and 2 start buttons.  Can the start buttons double as left and right mouse click, or is there a reason to have separate buttons for that?  Can the coin slots be configured so that when you push them in, MAME detects it as a coin inserted?  Also, what is a good joystick for both 4-way and 8-way games?  Is there one that can be configured to either 4-way or 8-way for individual games?

I've been reading about the various methods of connecting the various controls to the PC.  Based on the control panel requirements I've just listed, can someone suggest the best way to connect them all to the PC?  Also, what software do you think I should use?  I'd like some sort of front-end that would allow me to run certain roms with certain versions of MAME since some of my roms only work with certain MAME versions.  I'd also like a nice, easily navigable user interface of course.

Finally, any other advice or suggestions would be most welcome.  I'm still looking for a cheap, gutted cabinet near the DFW area if anyone can help me out there.  Thanks  :notworthy:
Kaytrim:
Kevin,

Check with the guy running this sale.  He might be able to help you find a cab.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=67036.0
javeryh:

--- Quote from: krazy_kenny1 on May 24, 2007, 11:48:23 am ---I've wanted to build a MAME cabinet for a long time, and I think that time has finally come.  I'm really good with computers...not so much with the woodworking, so I'm looking to start with an existing cabinet. 
--- End quote ---

Welcome.  We would make an excellent team since I'm good with the woodworking but not so much the computer.


--- Quote from: krazy_kenny1 on May 24, 2007, 11:48:23 am ---I already have piles of suitable computer parts laying around, along with a 21" trinitron CRT I could use.  So basically I just need to find a suitable used cabinet, design and build the control panel, and put it all together right?(sounds so easy  ::) )
--- End quote ---

Easy?  Heh, you'll see....   >:D


--- Quote from: krazy_kenny1 on May 24, 2007, 11:48:23 am ---I think I want a 2 player console with 2 joysticks, 6 buttons each, a spinner, trackball(doubling as a mouse), and the player 1 and 2 start buttons.  Can the start buttons double as left and right mouse click, or is there a reason to have separate buttons for that?  Can the coin slots be configured so that when you push them in, MAME detects it as a coin inserted?  Also, what is a good joystick for both 4-way and 8-way games?  Is there one that can be configured to either 4-way or 8-way for individual games?
--- End quote ---

1.  Yes, the start buttons could be wired as the right and left mouse buttons but so can any other buttons on your cabinet - I think most people double up the functionality of the "action buttons" for convenience because the Start buttons are usually not near one another and kind of out of the way.  It's up to you though.

2.  Yes.  You can turn the coin reject button into an "insert coin" button for MAME

3.  For an all-in-one joystick solution I really like the Ultimarc 360.  If you use it with the MaLa front end you can program it to go into 8-way, 4-way, 2-way or anything upon loading up a game.  I also have the T-Stik from Ultimarc but you need to manually change the configuration depending on the game you want to play - it's easy and works well too.
  

--- Quote from: krazy_kenny1 on May 24, 2007, 11:48:23 am ---I've been reading about the various methods of connecting the various controls to the PC.  Based on the control panel requirements I've just listed, can someone suggest the best way to connect them all to the PC?  Also, what software do you think I should use?  I'd like some sort of front-end that would allow me to run certain roms with certain versions of MAME since some of my roms only work with certain MAME versions.  I'd also like a nice, easily navigable user interface of course.
--- End quote ---

I like the iPac and OptiPac - you might be able to get away with the minipac since you don't plan on having many buttons but I'm not sure if that supports a trackball AND spinner.  

I don't know anything about running different versions of MAME depending on the game selected but I'm sure someone has figured it out.  As for the Front End, I like MaLa and Gamelauncher so far.

Good luck and keep on reading!   :cheers:
stuckpixel:
Modding an existing cab, especially if you have limited wood working experience, is probably what I'd suggest.

If you do know someone who is pretty decent with a saw, building your own can be fun (and then you get to design _everything_ how you want it). It is considerably more work though, especially if you want a traditional arcade style cab.

Biggest piece of advice I can give is to take your time. I've built one cab previous, and I was so anxious to get it built that I cut corners. While it got me up and playing a week or two sooner, it never really hit the level of 'awesome' that I had hoped for. Make sure that when you do this, you do it RIGHT so you want to keep this cab around for a long time.
krazy_kenny1:

--- Quote from: Kaytrim on May 24, 2007, 12:23:40 pm ---Kevin,

Check with the guy running this sale.  He might be able to help you find a cab.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=67036.0

--- End quote ---

Thanks!  :notworthy:
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