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Author Topic: Help for my first Cabinet  (Read 4963 times)

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soccercop

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Help for my first Cabinet
« on: September 18, 2008, 11:13:53 am »
Hey everyone,
                My name is Jax and I am new here.  I want to build my own arcade machine since last year.  I decide that i want to learn from here.  Please help me as i am genuine to learn and want to build an arcade machine.  I have a lot of questions but i shall ask few at a time. 
    1) How do you make Mame Emulator display only the games that are available to play in the arcade machine?  Just like the commercial machines only display the games available to play, how do you make mame display only the games available to play?  do you use Mame or other versions of mame?  I hope i ask correctly.

   2)  and can you post some of the latest guides on how to build an arcade machine.  I have the book "Project Arcade: Build Your Own Arcade Machine" but the book is old.  I want some later guides, if you dont mind.

Jax
« Last Edit: September 18, 2008, 11:18:50 am by soccercop »

Ginsu Victim

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #1 on: September 18, 2008, 11:17:02 am »
WIKI

Read that first, then ask any questions you might still have.

Starting out, there's too much for us to cover in this one thread.

I also recommend this book

http://www.projectarcade.com/
« Last Edit: September 18, 2008, 11:19:04 am by Ginsu Victim »

soccercop

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #2 on: September 18, 2008, 11:23:36 am »
I am highly likely going to build my arcade machine.  Sorry, i came to this forum late and i am late to this topic of building arcade machine.

I want to make sure the mame emulator displays the games available to play...like 3 games and not 6500 games.  If i can get the answer, then i will get to the next step.  Thanks.

Jax.

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #3 on: September 18, 2008, 11:30:53 am »
WIKI

Read that first, then ask any questions you might still have.

Starting out, there's too much for us to cover in this one thread.

I also recommend this book

http://www.projectarcade.com/

soccercop

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #4 on: September 18, 2008, 11:40:48 am »
I know there is heaps to catch up on.  please understand what i am trying to express.  i want my cabinet to look exactly like a commercial Arcade machine.  it is possible to make it with mame?  I dont want to build the hardware and realise the final outcome is not like a commercial arcade machine.

sorry i know there is too much to cover in a thread.  To me, I really need to know if Mame can make the arcade machine show only the games available to play.  You know,  i want to build an arcade machine that looks exactly like a commercial  machine that i used to play when i was small.  I remember i played Burning Fight back in the 90s.  Can Mame or Mameui make my cabinet look exactly like a commercial Burning Fight?  Sorry i dont know how to ask it accurately.  Main thing to me is the software.  I am not worried about the hardware.

Jax

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #5 on: September 18, 2008, 11:41:41 am »
I want to make sure the mame emulator displays the games available to play...like 3 games and not 6500 games.  If i can get the answer, then i will get to the next step.  Thanks.

Jax.

There are many frontend programs available that will let you customize this in many ways. The software section of the wiki will explain.

Ginsu Victim

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #6 on: September 18, 2008, 11:43:07 am »
i want my cabinet to look exactly like a commercial Arcade machine.  it is possible to make it with mame?  I dont want to build the hardware and realise the final outcome is not like a commercial arcade machine.

Have a look around our Project Announcements forum if you need convincing.

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #7 on: September 18, 2008, 11:48:17 am »
Thank you.  I genuinely say thank you, Ginsu Victim.  I really want to build an arcade machine like acts like a commercial machine.  I have been spending a week searching on google on topics on how to build an arcade machine.  I studied this topic for a whole week.  I really need as much advice possible.  I am thinking to build the Cabinet in December.  My friend will pay for the hardware.  I dont want to waste his money, so i want to get the software correct first.  I heard of MameUi, Mamewah...but do not know which is the correct one to use.  I need advice and only found this forum today.

Jax.

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #8 on: September 18, 2008, 11:52:53 am »
Welcome to the most helpful forum you'll ever visit.

I suggest reading the Wiki (you'll hear this a lot more), using the search function, and browsing through the boards. We're good about answering questions, even when it's stuff covered in the wiki and elsewhere.

I use Mamewah, but it takes a lot of reading and asking questions. It's easy once you get used to it, but have a glance at the list of frontends and read about what each one can do. There are more user-friendly ones out there.

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #9 on: September 18, 2008, 11:54:48 am »
do you have an videos of the screen display when the arcade cabinet is finished?  i found only pictures in google.  I need to see videos of how the screen  display will look like..l..ike how the Mame Emulator displays the games on the Machine.  That will be best.

Jax.

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #10 on: September 18, 2008, 12:02:43 pm »
Here's a video of DeLuSioNal29's cab running Maximus Arcade:



Here are more Maximus Arcade videos
http://maximusarcade.com/video.htm

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #11 on: September 18, 2008, 12:04:28 pm »
Also MK3fan's How a Mame arcade cabinet works




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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #12 on: September 18, 2008, 12:27:09 pm »
Great.  I will watch them asap.  It is 4am and i need to sleep.  I have been reading on arcade cabinets for 9 hours.  I will be back tomorrow night.  Keep those advice coming in this thread, if you like.  Thank you.

Jax.

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #13 on: September 18, 2008, 12:43:38 pm »
I will slow it down.  Maybe i am rushing too much this week.  Im going to spend some time on youtube and look at the arcade cabinet screens.  I want to see videos of mame Cabinets that look like the real commercial machines in terms of the of what is displayed on screen

Jax.

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #14 on: September 18, 2008, 01:26:54 pm »
Hello Jax,

I think one of the things that you do not want to do is rush...  I know that the thought of having your own cabinet really wants to toss out any rationalization that really needs to be done before taking the leap.  Reading the WIKI is by far the biggest and most single thing you could do at this point to really help you out and get started.  I think that is a MUST read for anyone coming to this site looking for information.

Of course if you really want to limit to a specific amount of games you just need to acquire those only those games.  There are front ends out there that will let you have custom game lists and let you select what games you want to display.

With that being said, you might want to take a look at HyperSpin as well if you are really want to take advantage of having a smaller game list.  HyperSpin is an animated front end that uses individual themes on a per game basis.  HyperSpin is a new comer to the Front Ends and is still undergoing development with new features/bug fixes on a regular basis.  We recently released an open beta to the public and people are really starting to show support and new themes are being released every day.

This is a video of HyperSpin running on my cabinet:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ib2V_jw7JZY[/youtube]

There are many good front ends out there that will do what you are looking for, most of the front end authors are active on this site and provide excellent support for their front end.  I highly suggest that you spend some time in the Front End section on the Wiki and download/test out the ones that you want to look at individually.
« Last Edit: September 18, 2008, 01:33:25 pm by Dazz »



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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #15 on: September 19, 2008, 09:18:41 am »
I enjoy all the feedback i get.  I know i am relatively late to this topic of building arcade cabinets.  I wont be using my money on building the cabinet as i don't have enough money.  My friend will sponsor my project.  This is not a small project to me.  I know it will be over US $1000 for this project.  I do not want to waste his money on a failed project. 

I see the guides on the internet....and they build the Hardware before software.   In my view, that is not correct.  What if they build all the Hardware and later found out that the software doesn't make the screen like a Real Arcade Machine.   That was my thought when i was reading those guides since a week ago.  Well, i am new to this topic and dare not judge.  My situation is different.  I want to ensure the software will make it display like a Commercial Machine....then i will ask friend to pay for for the hardware like the controls and Arcade monitor.  That is when i was introduced to the term Front End.  I will spend time on front end. 

I never thought the building a arcade machine was possible.  I grew up playing arcade machines.  My best machine i played on that gave me best impression was the NEO GEO 4 games In 1 Machine.  I am sure some members have seen this Expensive Machine.  There was 4 games to select from

1) Burning Fight
2) Art of Fighting
3) Nam 1975
4) The Super Spy


There was a select button right in the middle to select the game i want to play.  It was 60 cents a game and 60 cents is a lot to us kids.  The other machines charged 20 cents to 40 cents.  But i think it was worth the money.  Although that Neo Geo was the most expensive machine to play on (60 cent per play) it actually was the most favourable machine for arcade goers and pulled in the most revenue.  Usually arcade machines have only one game like Street Fighter and 1942.  But the Neo Geo 4 in 1 concept was new.  Even when i was small, i was thrilled on the concept that "Really an Arcade machine can support 4 games" 

So in my mind right now, the concept of making Mame display only 4 games available to play on the Screen is my aim.  I want my cabinet similar to the Neo Geo 4 games in 1 Machine.  But i want to use Mame.  Then later i can make it display 5 to 6 games.  I have been researching too fast on building my cabinet this 8 days and i think i cant handle that much.  I will slow it down and learn software (front end) first.  I am certainly pressured because I do not want to waste a friends money.  I want to build it right in the first attempt.  I will ask questions again when I don't understand.  Thanks.

Jax.

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #16 on: September 19, 2008, 10:00:53 am »
You keep mentioning "wasting" your friends money...  If you are just trying to preserve old memories than there is no way you can waste money unless you just never complete the project.

Are you planning on trying to make your money back with this cabinet and that is the reason why you keep asking for something "commercial looking"?   




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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #17 on: September 19, 2008, 10:23:48 am »
Hello please,

I from Nigeria, question please how to make MAME  take dollar bill receptor?  Please send to me joysticks and buttons and I will send you $4000 check that you cash and keep $3000 send me rest.   :)  I’m just joking.  Good luck with your cab journey! 

P

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #18 on: September 19, 2008, 10:57:13 am »
Sorry, i shouldn't be mentioning about wasting money here.  I am building this cabinet as self interest.  If i want to make money, I can buy a commercial arcade machine for only less than AUS $700.  My apologies if i mislead members here to think that i am here for the money.  Please forgive me.  Sorry for the misleading comments about wasting money.   I will be careful on what i post from now on....and will not to mislead members to think that i am money faced or here for money.  I truly want to learn. 

Edit:  To humbly add: if i want to make money i do have enough money to buy 2 commercial machines to make money.  But i am not here to make money.  I do feel guilty for wasting anyone's things.  I expect my project cabinet to be over $3000 Australian dollars.  I haven't been sleeping well in 8 days.  I am feeling the pressure because i just start learning 8 days ago and want to build it in December.  So rushing things means i make mistakes everywhere.....and including misleading members to think i want to make money from my cabinet.  Sorry for that.  I will slow down and be careful on what i post on from now on.  Please forgive me, Dazz.  I am not here to cause trouble or confusion.


Jax.
« Last Edit: September 19, 2008, 11:13:43 am by soccercop »

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #19 on: September 19, 2008, 11:31:22 am »
Stop worrying.  Thousands of people build their own arcade controls.  The hardware will run the software and it will look EXACTLY like a commercial arcade game.  Many people recommend building the hardware first for a couple of reasons.  1- If you get the software all set up first, you're going to waste time playing games when you should be building your cabinet.  2- Your software configuration is going to be dependent on the hardware you use.  For example, did you install a trackball?  No?  Then there's no use setting up your software to be able to play trackball games.  Did you use a TV or a real arcade monitor?  That will determine how you set up your display settings in software.  Etc.

Browsing YouTube is not going to do much for you except make you daydream about the day when you own your own arcade cabinet, rather than actually making that dream come true by actually building it.

As has been mentioned a few times already, read the Wiki (that's a link, click it). 

And, perhaps better yet, get a copy of The Project Arcade book (that is a link . . . click it).  Not only will you find pretty much all the information you need there, you will step-by-step instructions on building an arcade cabinet.  It even comes with detailed plans you can use to build the Ultimate Arcade II cab (look at the picture below).  Everything you need is there.  Exact dimensions.  Plans you can print out and use as a pattern for cutting your wood.  Lists of materials you will need.  List of tools you will need.
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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #20 on: September 19, 2008, 11:31:44 am »
No worries mate.   I was just making sure you weren't trying to use it commercially as I don't think any of the front end developers would allow you to.  

Don't pressure it....  It doesn't sound like you are on any kind of time deadline or anything.  Things like this take research and really isn't something you can just expect to jump into.  There are many things to take into consideration.  The front end should be the LAST of your worries.  You just need to slow down a little and take it piece by piece...  Rushing a project like this will only lead to confusion and more problems in the long run.  Seriously slow down, read, read, read...  You might want to purchase Saint's book called Project Arcade: Build Your Own Arcade Machine by John St. Clair.  This has a lot of good information.

To give you an idea of the type of research I did... At the time I started researching my cabinet I lived in an apartment.  I did not have the room nor the tools required for a project.  I knew that as soon as I got a house I wanted a cabinet.  By time I actually moved out of an apartment into a house it was about 4 years.  So, before I started building I had 4 years of research and drooling over other peoples cabinets complete and I knew exactly what I wanted to do.  Once I moved I started purchasing tools and the parts for the cabinet.  That was another 6 to 8 months worth of saving and purchasing components every two weeks.  I had a definite budget set each pay period that I was able to use and just had to wait it out until I had all of my components together.

I think you should start out by asking yourself these basic questions:

1.  Do you want to build a cabinet from scratch or purchase a gutted cabinet?  If building from scratch, do you have the tools required for the wood work?
2.  What kind of display do you want to use?  Regular TV?  Arcade monitor?  Computer CRT/LCD?
3.  What kind of controls do you want on your control panel?  number of players?  additional controls?

The computer and software to use will all come later down the road.  Just don't rush and you will not risk wasting any money.



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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #21 on: September 19, 2008, 11:36:46 am »
Dazz,
        While i am feeling pressured to build an arcade cabinet, i am feeling thrilled at the same time.  I actually stay up until 4am and eagerly study on cabinets.  Its hard for me to describe this thrill in me.  Funny because i haven't had this kind of thrill or excitement in a long time..........Last time i had this kind of thrill was when i had to give a speech in front of the whole school when i was primary school back many many years ago.  Dont worry, i will slow down and get more sleep.

Edit:  i stayed up until 4am studying cabinets for 8 days because i am on break for 9 days.  But sleeping time will be back to normal today.


Jax.
« Last Edit: September 19, 2008, 11:41:48 am by soccercop »

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #22 on: September 19, 2008, 11:47:59 am »

And, perhaps better yet, get a copy of The Project Arcade book (that is a link . . . click it).  Not only will you find pretty much all the information you need there, you will step-by-step instructions on building an arcade cabinet.  It even comes with detailed plans you can use to build the Ultimate Arcade II cab (look at the picture below).  Everything you need is there.  Exact dimensions.  Plans you can print out and use as a pattern for cutting your wood.  Lists of materials you will need.  List of tools you will need.


Hey shmokes,
       I dont see any picture.  can you link it?

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #23 on: September 19, 2008, 11:53:33 am »
I think we all know exactly what you are feeling...  I was the same way when I started my project and I am still the same way with any project I am excited about doing.  Take time and enjoy...  I think the planning stages was just as much fun as building and honestly, I think those phases were more fun than playing.  To this day I am still trying to find things I can tweak or create or something on my cabinet.  

Right now I am planning on building a new control panel and also redoing graphics and t-molding on my cabinet just because I am bored with what I currently have...  

The point is, take your time and enjoy these planning stages...  Look over the WIKI as many times possible and check out other peoples cabinets.  Most of us have links going to our sites that have cabinet info (mine is http://dazz.genmaygamers.com).  Also, check out the Examples and the Project Announcements forum on a daily basis.  These places will give you great ideas on where to start, what to look for, and also ideas on what you might want to have on your cabinet.

Also, check out the Month of Mame that Systm did...  They built a cabinet and walkthrough many aspects of it.  I have them all linked on my site http://dazz.genmaygamers.com/systm.htm for easy reference.  While it might not be the best show, it at least shows what it takes to build a cabinet.
« Last Edit: September 19, 2008, 11:55:41 am by Dazz »



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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #24 on: September 19, 2008, 11:57:39 am »

Hey shmokes,
       I dont see any picture.  can you link it?

Heh . . . whoops.
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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #25 on: September 19, 2008, 12:11:01 pm »
@ Dazz and shmokes,
        For a start i want this VGA Arcade Monitor.  It is 29 inch 29 Inch CGA/EGA/VGA Arcade Monitor (Flat Screen) costing $698.50 Australian.  i like this monitor. 

Then i want 2 players....i am just a beginner.  I think i will make 4 players when i learn more.
 
Each player will have at least a joystick and at least 6 buttons.  i want to build it similar  to the Neo Geo 4 games in 1 machine.  But i dont know if there should be a select Button on my cabinet.  The Neo Geo Machine had a select button for selecting games.  I have to see more designs from members.  this is only my 8th day.

Pc hopefully will run on Core 2 Duo E series.  that is another $1000 for whole tower or it might be less than $1000.

Cabinet will be built by local carpenter.  Haven' t checked how much a carpenter will charge.  And will have to get more details on the measurement from this forums.  But cabinet will most likely to be built and not purchased.

All the cabinet parts like I-pac and wiring will be bought in Australia

I know the cabinet might exceed $3000.  Or it can be few hundred less.


That is all i can think for now for the hardware part. 


Will listen to the advice given by both of you.  Thanks.

jax.

 

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #26 on: September 19, 2008, 12:22:59 pm »
29" is too big for a regular upright cabinet.  Go with 27" or 25".  You'll have a much better result, and you'll save money in the process.  29" is okay in a cab like this.  But for a regular upright 27" is as big as you should go (and many people think that even that is too big). 
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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #27 on: September 19, 2008, 12:30:29 pm »
Those are 2 beautiful machines.  I like them .Nicely done.  superbly built.  Dazz, you use Mamewah?  I will take my time and plan. 

Also is this book helpful in the hardware part?  it was made in 2004.  It is called "Build Arcade Cabinet Step By Step works with MAME"

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Build-Arcade-Cabinet-Step-By-Step-works-with-MAME_W0QQitemZ320300710610QQihZ011QQcategoryZ3945QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD2VQQcmdZViewItem

Jax.


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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #28 on: September 19, 2008, 12:37:44 pm »
29" is too big for a regular upright cabinet.  Go with 27" or 25".  You'll have a much better result, and you'll save money in the process.  29" is okay in a cab like this.  But for a regular upright 27" is as big as you should go (and many people think that even that is too big). 

Oops..sorry.  I was looking some random pictures on the web and thought that arcade machines should have bigger displays.  I shall reduce the size.  you are right, i am aiming for Upright cabinet.  Now i may aim for 25".  I had some thoughts initially that 29" may be too heavy.  Now time to scout a 25" or less.I can cut down the cost a bit.

Jax.

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #29 on: September 19, 2008, 01:00:04 pm »
i scout in australia websites and only came up with 20".  there next biggest one is 29". 

The 20" is 20 Inch CGA/EGA/VGA Arcade Monitor - Curved and costing 434.50.  I will look for more than 20".  20" is too small

Jax.

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #30 on: September 19, 2008, 02:35:02 pm »
Those are 2 beautiful machines.  I like them .Nicely done.  superbly built.  Dazz, you use Mamewah?  I will take my time and plan. 
Actually my site hasn't bee updated in a long while.  I was using MameWah at first which is an excellent front end.

Unfortunately, after every couple hours of my kids pounding on my cabinet something was causing my MameWah configs to get messed up.  Getting everything set back up took hours at first, but I eventually learned to just save a duplicate and copy it over.  But the issue is every couple hours I still had to copy over the configs...  I ended up canning MameWah simply because of this...  I switched over to Maximus Arcade which is very easy to setup, very kid friendly (they can't get into the configs) and easy for anyone to navigate with.

As stated earlier I have been working on the HyperSpin team and I am slowly moving over to using HyperSpin as my primary front end.



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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #31 on: September 19, 2008, 11:34:30 pm »
i will try out Mamewah and Maximus arcade and hyperspin.  Great Thanks.

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #32 on: September 24, 2008, 05:45:17 am »
Hey I just wanted to drop my support in for your project. I am doing the exact same thing.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=84291.0

So if you have questions let me know because they may be things I have not thought of yet.

I am still trying to figure it all out as well.

Currently I am trying to figure out how to get actual MVS Credit LED's to interface via USB with a computer running Mame.

and about 10 other pressing topics.

Whats the best overlay to use for original MVS arcade layout control panel.

Best lighted marquee display

Using a 25" TV with svideo / mounting in the MVS cab

Best option of ATI video card for output to the TV

Wiring the TV switch so that it is on when power is applied

If any extra buttons are needed (esc / add credit / power / etc)

and I am still so in a rush to get this thing up and running.
Ms. Pacman Original Cocktail with Non destructive mod to Groovy Arcade Linux with All 4way Vertical Cocktail capable 2 button or less games.


Neo Geo MVS Mame Cab Running Hyperspin, 25" Nanao Arcade Monitor, Mini-pac, ATI Radeon HD 4850 (ATOM-15), IL 8 Way Euro-Sticks from Paradise Arcade, Win XP 64bit, and tons of other junk.


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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #33 on: September 24, 2008, 09:37:24 am »
Alright.  I will ask questions when i am stuck.  Right now, you are way ahead of me.  I have slowed really down on this topic.  Dazz gave his inspirational story of how he studied for 4 years before making his first cabinet  He was precise in building his 1st cabinet after those studying.  I am following his advice and not rushing it.  Rushing to me might mean mistakes to me.

While i may not have to wait for 4 years to make my cabinet, i right now cant confirm when to build the wood (hardware).  As i can see,  you have the Cabinet already done.  At the moment i am slowly going into the Frontend.  I havnt tried any frontend cause i have been busy.  But seems like Maximus Aracde, Hyperspin and Mala are 3 popular ones.  There is a vote thread on this right now.



Edit: Removed whole paragraph about Roms.  I didn't know the rules.  Truly sorry


Those sites selling this collection are not here no profits.  The cost you pay are for the buring fees and shipping.

And since last week I found in ebay 2 guides to help people build their Mame Cabinets.  Here they are:

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-BUILD-PLANS-MAME-COMPATIBLE-PC-ARCADE-CABINET_W0QQitemZ380065982944QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item380065982944&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

http://cgi.ebay.com/Build-Arcade-Cabinet-Step-By-Step-works-with-MAME_W0QQitemZ320302897073QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item320302897073&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

I hope some members can confirm whether these 2 guides are worthy buys.  If they are worth buys, then these 2 guides can help you solve at least some issues.  Im planning to get them.  Hope some members who have bought them can advice me.

I havent gone to the HArdware part much....but i admire you cabinet.  I dont mind if it has been used before.  Could i recommend to change the player controls to have 6 buttons.  But i doubt 6 buttons is of any help.  I haven't come across a NEO GEO Game that uses 6 buttons.  But i can be wrong.

Do enjoy yourself in learning.  I am a newbie too and just started learning 2 weeks ago.  Learning for me is slow at the moment as i am swamped in work (helping friends shop).  If you are stuck...i realise this is the best forum you can get advice from.  Shmokes, Dazz and Ginsu Victim have given me advice and they have lots of knowledge.  They can also give you advice.  Go ahead and make your cabinet.  I will be doing some more researching for some time and trying not presure my body.  Thank you.

Jax.










« Last Edit: September 24, 2008, 04:28:11 pm by soccercop »

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #34 on: September 24, 2008, 09:52:26 am »
and I am still so in a rush to get this thing up and running.

That's the worst possible thing you could do.

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #35 on: September 24, 2008, 11:03:05 am »
Alright.  I will ask questions when i am stuck.  Right now, you are way ahead of me.  I have slowed really down on this topic.  Dazz gave his inspirational story of how he studied for 4 years before making his first cabinet  He was precise in building his 1st cabinet after those studying.  I am following his advice and not rushing it.  Rushing to me might mean mistakes to me.

While i may not have to wait for 4 years to make my cabinet, i right now cant confirm when to build the wood (hardware).  As i can see,  you have the Cabinet already done.  At the moment i am slowly going into the Frontend.  I havnt tried any frontend cause i have been busy.  But seems like Maximus Aracde, Hyperspin and Mala are 3 popular ones.  There is a vote thread on this right now.

These 2 days, I have been scouting on the web for Roms.  I found out that the whole mame rom collection and some extras can be bought.  I found 3 sites which sell them.  I wont buy them yet because that might be one of the last items on my shopping list.  Maybe you need the whole collection of mame roms and you can get them the sites below.  Each company have their own packages and i do not know which company sells the best Mame collection.   Maybe some other members can tell us more on this.  Here are the sites.

** Links removed

Those sites selling this collection are not here no profits.  The cost you pay are for the buring fees and shipping.

And since last week I found in ebay 2 guides to help people build their Mame Cabinets.  Here they are:

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-BUILD-PLANS-MAME-COMPATIBLE-PC-ARCADE-CABINET_W0QQitemZ380065982944QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item380065982944&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

http://cgi.ebay.com/Build-Arcade-Cabinet-Step-By-Step-works-with-MAME_W0QQitemZ320302897073QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item320302897073&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

I hope some members can confirm whether these 2 guides are worthy buys.  If they are worth buys, then these 2 guides can help you solve at least some issues.  Im planning to get them.  Hope some members who have bought them can advice me.

I havent gone to the HArdware part much....but i admire you cabinet.  I dont mind if it has been used before.  Could i recommend to change the player controls to have 6 buttons.  But i doubt 6 buttons is of any help.  I haven't come across a NEO GEO Game that uses 6 buttons.  But i can be wrong.

Do enjoy yourself in learning.  I am a newbie too and just started learning 2 weeks ago.  Learning for me is slow at the moment as i am swamped in work (helping friends shop).  If you are stuck...i realise this is the best forum you can get advice from.  Shmokes, Dazz and Ginsu Victim have given me advice and they have lots of knowledge.  They can also give you advice.  Go ahead and make your cabinet.  I will be doing some more researching for some time and trying not presure my body.  Thank you.

Jax.

Hey Jax,

I'd hate to see you get banned before you really get your project up and running... I HIGHLY suggest that you remove any links to rom sites or sellers immediately before the God's get angry.

Dazz



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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #36 on: September 24, 2008, 11:06:27 am »
I didn't even read his post.

REMOVE THOSE LINKS
« Last Edit: September 24, 2008, 11:11:14 am by Ginsu Victim »

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #37 on: September 24, 2008, 03:15:18 pm »
Since you are just starting:  Try downloading MAMEUI as your MAME version to start off.  It has it's own built in Front End.  Normally, MAME is a command line program, which means you have to type in commands for it to work if you don't use a front end.  A front end program is what controls MAME and "types in the commands" seamlessly in the background for you automatically.  There are many out there.  MameWah is one of them (but it requires MAME to run of course).

Now MAMEUI, is a version of MAME, like I stated above, that has everything rolled into one.  It is great for beginners to understand how MAME works without all the fuss.  Once you get used to running MAME, then you can "upgrade" to a more complex setup with a front end.

I started out with MAMEUI years ago and now I'm running Maximus Arcade with MAME.

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #38 on: September 24, 2008, 04:24:12 pm »
I just woke up.  Its early morning.  I am reading this thread right now.  I know i have done something wrong again.  I didnt know posting links to Rom sites will get be banned.  I didnt know the rules.  Sorry for that.  I have immediately removed the whole paragraph i wrote about about roms and removed all the website links.  I am in reading the Forum Rules thread now.  I realize my mistake.  Can i stay on as a member or i am banned for sure? 

Jax.
« Last Edit: September 24, 2008, 04:33:15 pm by soccercop »

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #39 on: September 24, 2008, 04:33:11 pm »
It takes a lot to get banned. You removed the offending links. You're fine.

You really should've read the rules before ever posting here, though.

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #41 on: September 24, 2008, 04:43:46 pm »

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #42 on: September 24, 2008, 04:52:58 pm »
Ginsu,
       I already got that book.  Its a good book with lots of info.  Well, i want some more books as a collection.  While i am on the software side , i can order some materials like books over.  Just like my neighbor, she has her own collection of novel books. 

Jax.

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #43 on: September 24, 2008, 04:56:54 pm »
This forum is the best book you could ever had. Seriously, between Saint's book and this forum, you don't need to buy anything else (especially that GARBAGE off eBay).

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #44 on: September 24, 2008, 05:04:43 pm »
This forum is the best book you could ever had. Seriously, between Saint's book and this forum, you don't need to buy anything else (especially that GARBAGE off eBay).
I completely agree...  The stuff/guides from ebay is actually stuff that was probably taken from here.  Everyone on this forum is extremely helpful.  Just learn to use search and read read read....



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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #45 on: September 24, 2008, 05:06:28 pm »
Alright I will here on this forum learning.  I have no doubts there are many great threads here.  Thank you.

Jax.

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #46 on: September 24, 2008, 05:25:18 pm »
Stop by my Youtube channel and leave a comment:

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #47 on: September 24, 2008, 05:47:26 pm »
Have you seen these free plans?

http://www.ccarcades.com/uploads/CCA-Free-1PC_8-14-08.pdf



I just downloaded that pdf guide u sent me.  That is what i want to get.....woodworking part and measurement.  Those plans will come handy later on.  I try to collect some info on hardware while i am studying the software part.  So maybe if i want to get into learning the measurements, at least a few cabinet plans are already for me to read.  Hope members don't mind.

Jax.

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #48 on: September 24, 2008, 05:49:46 pm »
If you own Saint's book, you already have that stuff.

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #49 on: September 24, 2008, 06:06:02 pm »
If you own Saint's book, you already have that stuff.

You are right.  That book is the most detailed guide i can get.  Is that author planning to do an update to that book?  Or is is  unnecessary? 


Jax.

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #50 on: September 24, 2008, 06:39:19 pm »
You're at his site right now.

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #51 on: September 24, 2008, 06:42:42 pm »
i didnt read back though but... jackobud's site back up? all kinds of plans there
If you're replying to a troll you are part of the problem.
I also need to follow this advice. Ignore or report, don't reply.

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #52 on: September 24, 2008, 06:52:53 pm »
Oh man.  I forgot that this is his site.  Good,  this is the update for the book.

jackobud's site is up and running.  Great, some more info that can be added to my work.  Thasnks.

jax.

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Re: Help for my first Cabinet
« Reply #53 on: September 24, 2008, 06:58:51 pm »
I found a pdf Mame guide few day ago.  I just downlaoded it.  Its a detailed guide for constructing. 

http://www.arcadecab.com/Projects/ArcadeCabMamePlans.pdf

Jax.