Author Topic: First time cabinet owner! (Read 2817 times)

martymcfly · « **on:** July 13, 2007, 11:20:58 pm »

Hi all..

I am very new here but my desire to create a MAME cabinet has been strong for over 8 years now, and I recently, finally, purchased a cabinet...

Any advice for a complete noob on MAME conversion? I intend to sell the pcb board, etc on ebay so someone can restore an original machine. This one is not an original but rather a Mercs conversion.

_) (V) (-) · « **Reply #1 on:** July 14, 2007, 12:35:46 pm »

The first thing you'll need to do is ensure that fridge is filled with beer.

Then go read the book...

Hopefully the beer lasts untill you start up the powertools,
because that's when it gets really fun!

RecklessAbandon · « **Reply #2 on:** July 14, 2007, 02:21:16 pm »

i suggest drinking the beer after using the power tools and not before. XD

Disturbed013 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 15, 2007, 02:04:32 pm »

Definitely read the book before you do anything else (well, yes fill the fridge first, but then right afterwards).

Crowquill · « **Reply #4 on:** July 15, 2007, 02:57:22 pm »

Carefully plan out your control panel to NOT have your joysticks mounted at an angle in relation to the screen. IIRC, your MERCs cabinet was one of about 3 games ever produced that did this. Any chance we can get a pic of the current control panel?

If it's already working perfectly with the intact JAMMA wiring harness, you could easily go the ArcadeVGA/J-Pac route so that you could always reverse it back and run JAMMA boards later on.

It should be a good cab for MAME. It's got a decent-sized control panel that you can easily fit 2 6-button layouts and a trackball in. Having a working 25" monitor isn't a bad start either.

martymcfly · « **Reply #5 on:** July 15, 2007, 11:26:07 pm »

Quote from: Crowquill on July 15, 2007, 02:57:22 pm

Carefully plan out your control panel to NOT have your joysticks mounted at an angle in relation to the screen. IIRC, your MERCs cabinet was one of about 3 games ever produced that did this. Any chance we can get a pic of the current control panel?

If it's already working perfectly with the intact JAMMA wiring harness, you could easily go the ArcadeVGA/J-Pac route so that you could always reverse it back and run JAMMA boards later on.

It should be a good cab for MAME. It's got a decent-sized control panel that you can easily fit 2 6-button layouts and a trackball in. Having a working 25" monitor isn't a bad start either.

Yes I chose this cab because of its control panel size potential and the nice working monitor.

Here are a few pics if they will help give you an idea of what I am dealing with..

Hawk Daddy · « **Reply #6 on:** July 16, 2007, 02:18:46 am »

You wouldn't of happened to of bought that around Charlotte NC would you of? I've got a cab just like that and that cp is nice and big. I'll post a pic of mine here in a couple days.

Hawk

martymcfly · « **Reply #7 on:** July 16, 2007, 07:05:45 am »

Quote from: Hawk Daddy on July 16, 2007, 02:18:46 am

You wouldn't of happened to of bought that around Charlotte NC would you of? I've got a cab just like that and that cp is nice and big. I'll post a pic of mine here in a couple days.

Hawk

Yeah I actually do live near Charlotte! What a small world!

martymcfly · « **Reply #8 on:** July 18, 2007, 02:59:36 pm »

Quote from: Crowquill on July 15, 2007, 02:57:22 pm

Carefully plan out your control panel to NOT have your joysticks mounted at an angle in relation to the screen. IIRC, your MERCs cabinet was one of about 3 games ever produced that did this. Any chance we can get a pic of the current control panel?

If it's already working perfectly with the intact JAMMA wiring harness, you could easily go the ArcadeVGA/J-Pac route so that you could always reverse it back and run JAMMA boards later on.

It should be a good cab for MAME. It's got a decent-sized control panel that you can easily fit 2 6-button layouts and a trackball in. Having a working 25" monitor isn't a bad start either.

So that is a Jamma PCB there? I wasnt totally sure.

Malenko · « **Reply #9 on:** July 18, 2007, 03:22:22 pm »

capcom CPS1 (and 2.. maybe even 3) are JAMMA. I used to play that game all the time at the corner store (till they replaced it with dungeons and dragons). Definately a good cab to MAME, I'd do a new 2 player square control panel, god knows its gonna be better then my 2 player CP thats only 24" across

a litte KLOV info for ya:

Manufacturer: Capcom
Year: 1992
Class: Wide Release
Genre: Scrolling Fighter
Type: Videogame

Monitor:

* Orientation: Horizontal
* Type: Raster: Standard Resolution
* CRT: Color

Conversion Class: Capcom CPS - JAMMA
Number of Simultaneous Players: 3
Maximum number of Players: 3
Gameplay: Joint
Control Panel Layout: Multiple Player
Controls:

* Joystick: 8-way
* Buttons: 2

Sound: Amplified Mono (one channel)

http://www.klov.com/game_detail.php?letter=K&game_id=8333

martymcfly · « **Reply #10 on:** July 18, 2007, 03:34:12 pm »

Quote from: Malenko on July 18, 2007, 03:22:22 pm

capcom CPS1 (and 2.. maybe even 3) are JAMMA. I used to play that game all the time at the corner store (till they replaced it with dungeons and dragons). Definately a good cab to MAME, I'd do a new 2 player square control panel, god knows its gonna be better then my 2 player CP thats only 24" across

a litte KLOV info for ya:

Manufacturer: Capcom
Year: 1992
Class: Wide Release
Genre: Scrolling Fighter
Type: Videogame

Monitor:

* Orientation: Horizontal
* Type: Raster: Standard Resolution
* CRT: Color

Conversion Class: Capcom CPS - JAMMA
Number of Simultaneous Players: 3
Maximum number of Players: 3
Gameplay: Joint
Control Panel Layout: Multiple Player
Controls:

* Joystick: 8-way
* Buttons: 2

Sound: Amplified Mono (one channel)

http://www.klov.com/game_detail.php?letter=K&game_id=8333

Excellent, thank you. Yeah I want a two player set up with the six buttons and all, maybe a small 4-way ball stick somewhere for pac man, etc... a trackball and a spinner.

At this point though I have ZERO woodworking skills and electrical skills so I am intimidated by the next steps..

I have asked atleast one guy I know in the area who has made a cab to help me with all of this, if he does what does anyone suggest in terms of payement?

Malenko · « **Reply #11 on:** July 18, 2007, 04:03:30 pm »

I'd pay him in beer, but paypal is prolly more practical.
As for 6 buttons, I always suggest 7 (see attachment) it allows the classic capcom fighter layout, and also gives you a very good Neo Geo set up as well. the extra button can be used as Run in MK3/UMK3 and I use the ABC of the neo geo row for games like NBA Jam, NHL Open Ice, etc. again, just a suggestion.

if your going to put a spinner in there, I suggest the Turbo Twist 2 from groovy game gear, Im saving up for one myself.

martymcfly · « **Reply #12 on:** July 18, 2007, 04:50:46 pm »

Quote from: Malenko on July 18, 2007, 04:03:30 pm

I'd pay him in beer, but paypal is prolly more practical.
As for 6 buttons, I always suggest 7 (see attachment) it allows the classic capcom fighter layout, and also gives you a very good Neo Geo set up as well. the extra button can be used as Run in MK3/UMK3 and I use the ABC of the neo geo row for games like NBA Jam, NHL Open Ice, etc. again, just a suggestion.

if your going to put a spinner in there, I suggest the Turbo Twist 2 from groovy game gear, Im saving up for one myself.

Ok I have seen that but I didnt know what that was for.. NBA Jam is one of my favorites so I will keep that in mind.

I am also gonna pay the guy in person cause he is in the area but whats a good amount for someones help with control panels, etc?

shardian · « **Reply #13 on:** July 18, 2007, 04:57:38 pm »

Quote from: martymcfly on July 18, 2007, 03:34:12 pm

I have asked atleast one guy I know in the area who has made a cab to help me with all of this, if he does what does anyone suggest in terms of payement?

Shoot, he'll probably be happy to have a new buddy that appreciates the hobby.

Still, a case of his specialty drink whenever he comes over is probably good enough.
Now if he is doing real work and not just helpful advice/tutilage, then payment might be in order.

Malenko · « **Reply #14 on:** July 19, 2007, 01:20:34 am »

ask him how much he wants for his help, Im sure it wont be much, especially if you're paying for parts.

check out this UMK3 on ebay... cab look familiar?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110149674896

martymcfly · « **Reply #15 on:** July 19, 2007, 07:25:57 am »

Quote from: Malenko on July 19, 2007, 01:20:34 am

ask him how much he wants for his help, Im sure it wont be much, especially if you're paying for parts.

check out this UMK3 on ebay... cab look familiar?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110149674896

Woah yeah it sure does! Mine is in a lot better condition and was less than half that price.

No doubt about my Knights cab being a conversion now... although the side art is gonna be interesting seeing as the top half is larger than the bottom but I can deal with that. I just wanted atleast a 25" monitor for my cab.

Malenko · « **Reply #16 on:** July 19, 2007, 10:41:59 am »

With a cab in that shape, I'd just put side art on the top half. 25" is nice, its whats in my UMK3...27" in my MAME :p

make sure you take plenty of pictures of your progress, cant wait to see the end results.

martymcfly · « **Reply #17 on:** July 19, 2007, 12:53:57 pm »

Quote from: Malenko on July 19, 2007, 10:41:59 am

With a cab in that shape, I'd just put side art on the top half. 25" is nice, its whats in my UMK3...27" in my MAME :p

make sure you take plenty of pictures of your progress, cant wait to see the end results.

You wont have to worry about that.. I even took pictures of when it was delivered and when I paid the guy for it.

This has been an 8 year dream of mine and I can't believe I finally took the first step.

martymcfly · « **Reply #18 on:** July 21, 2007, 07:46:45 am »

Quote from: Malenko on July 19, 2007, 10:41:59 am

With a cab in that shape, I'd just put side art on the top half. 25" is nice, its whats in my UMK3...27" in my MAME :p

make sure you take plenty of pictures of your progress, cant wait to see the end results.

Any suggestions on where to get side art? Also how do I ensure its the right size for just the top half and not the whole cab?

Malenko · « **Reply #19 on:** July 21, 2007, 12:14:11 pm »

www.mamemarquees.com

just measure the sides and send the measurements to scott. Its kinda pricey but its worth the money (from the exampes I've seen)


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