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I want to build an arcade machine...where do I start?
The Monkey Man:
Hello.
When I was at my local shopping centre, I saw a arcade machine in the shops for sale for £2999.99. I was going to buy it, but then I realised that I could just build my own.
So, I'm just wondering...where do I start? The actual console, the control panel, the cabinet, or something else? ???
shardian:
It is very simple, you start by clicking the link below:
Project Arcade
The Monkey Man:
--- Quote from: shardian on October 16, 2008, 01:35:51 pm ---It is very simple, you start by clicking the link below:
Project Arcade
--- End quote ---
I was kinda more expecting an answer that wouldn't cost me money...LOL
Hoopz:
Read this first:
EDIT: link didn't copy. Go to arcadecontrols.com so you see the frame on the left side. Click on Newbie Guide.
Then buy the book. ;D
shardian:
Honestly, the book is a great $20 investment. I did most of my reading while multi-tasking on the toilet. (which coincidentally why my book is not up for resale. ;) )
http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Main_Page
The wiki front page will give you a good idea of how you should proceed.
What you build really depends on what you want. I honestly do not recommend the actual Project Arcade cabinet, because it is so damn bulky and plays many games I am not a fan of.
You have to take this into consideration: Do you NEED to play every game ever invented on your cab? Do you want to re-created a specific gaming experience? Do you have space concerns? Do you have budget concerns?
You can spend as little as $100 on a fully functional cabinet, or as much as $3k on a bells and whistles cabinet. My current Mame machine is a $50 Narc cabinet, a $20 speaker set, a $20 encoder, and a repurposed pc and monitor. My work was very minimal - I had it done in a weekend.
I also built a desktop control panel that I use frequently.
The bottom line is this: there is not a cut and dry method to suit everyone. you have to sit down and think about you want in your machine.
Good luck whatever you decide to do.