Main > Main Forum
Been a lurker for a bit, now I want to build...
<< < (2/3) > >>
ArtMAME:
Just search on craigslist for "arcade" or "video game" and you should be able to find something.  Or try searching on Ebay within a 50 or 100 mile radius of your zipcode and watch for something suitable.  I got a $1 non-working cabinet last week on Ebay because the seller had no room for it and nobody else wanted it.  You should be able to find something.

Also, if you have any work buddies or volunteer buddies who may be handy with tools, enlist their help for any wood working tasks.  Make it a team effort.

Let us know what games you intend to play and what kind of PC, monitor, hardware, etc. you have so that we may steer you right.
gourami:
I have searched CL and ebay to no avail. I'll keep an eye out, but I'm considering building it myself now. As for hardware, this is what I plan on using:

Monitor: 19" Viewsonic CRT
Computer: As of now, a 700MHz celeron system. Will probably end up buying a cheap newer celeron or sempron system.
Joysticks: 2 ball topped nintendo joy sticks I got from a friend who had them left over from his mame project. They both work well
Buttons: A bunch of red HAPP microswitch buttons
Spinner: Arkanoid Spinner
Audio: Altec Lansing Computer Speakers with subwoofer
NEED:
Trackball, mouse interface, keyboard interface, maybe a newer computer, if I'm building the cab, lots of wood and screws, paint, etc
pmc:
Might want to look for a bigger display (depending on the size of your cabinet of course).

-pmc
gourami:
Well, a 25" would be ideal, but the only affordable way to do that is with a TV, and I don't want to loose picture quality for when I want to do normal computer stuff.  If I could find a used Wells Gardner 25" VGA, I suppose that could work, but they are usually pretty expensive, IIRC.
ArtMAME:
I think your 19" display will be fine.  I have built several cabinets with 19" displays and they are great and very affordable.

Your 700MHz PC will be fine for classic 80s games, but if you also want to do Mortal Kombat or Street fighter or later 90s games, I would recommend 1GHz processor or better, and stay away from Celerons if you can help it.  You can 1GHz PCs pretty cheap if you hunt around, heck someone you know may be throwing one away...

Also, about building vs converting a used cabinet:

Building from scratch will take an unbelievable amount of time and effort and expense.  Believe me, I have done both, plus I have a nicely equipped wood shop, and building was still a major pain in the bahonkus.  And if you don't have the proper tools, it will be even more frustrating.

Converting a cabinet will take some time also for patching, sanding, painting, etc.  But it will take most of the guesswork out of it so you don't end up re-inventing the wheel.  If you find a good used cabinet, you may get lucky and get good usable parts with it such as front glass, control panel top, speakers, marquee, etc.  The cost for each these components will really add up if you are building from scratch.
Navigation
Message Index
Next page
Previous page

Go to full version