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First timer, could use a few tips...

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dcsipe:

I'm doing research and trying to get things together to build my first MAME arcade for the house.  I've tried reading a lot of info from different websites, as well as this forum.  I've also ordered the "Project Arcade" book.

My main question right now is about my control panel.  I've never done this before and need some advice on my control panel.  I like the looks (and price) of the X-Arcade Two Player control panel.  I've seen some remarks that people on here don't care of X-Arcade.  Though I wouldn't mind building my own, I'm a little daunted by building my own, as well as getting everything configured.  Any advice?  Is it more cost effective to build my own?  With the X-Arcade at $129, it seems like a pretty good deal and a lot less headache on configuration.

Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated.

Stobe:

If you already have the tools needed (saws, router, etc), it is more cost effective to build your own.  But it is also entirely likely that you may make some changes/mistakes along the way and end up spending more in the long run.

You basically need to weigh the differences between whether you like a simple 2 player setup, or if you'd rather customize it a little with spinner, trackball, etc.

Your other option is having someone here make you a CP or a CP kit.  If its the woodwork that scares you, that might be the way to go.  Wiring up your CP can be a little confusing if you've never done it before, but you can't really mess it up beyond repair :) 

Hope that helps,
Stobe

_) (V) (-):

Hey,
1st off, welcome to the forums!

It's really all about personal preferences.

I made my own because I need them to fit onto the space on the cabinet, not sit on a table or lap. I've never even tried the X-Arcade setup so I have no right to bash it.
But I do prefer to have things setup/laid out the way I want them to be.

Plus it's really not as hard or expansive as you might think. The links to info collected here are a lot of help. And if you scour around for parts you can get some awesome deals.  Check out the buy/sell/trade section.

The main thing is don't be in too much of a hurry.
(said the guy who hasn't worked on his projects in over 1 month!)  :P

dcsipe:

Thanks for the response folks!  I think that the wiring and configuring of a custom built controller is more daunting to me than the woodworking.  Maybe after a little more research and getting the book will put me more at ease with building my own.


Stobe:

If you fear the wiring a little more than the woodworking, then you'll be just fine.  You'll look back at this post some day and say "what was I so worried about, that was simple!"

-Stobe

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