My Ultimate Cab

[DickTracey]

Well first off I'd like to say I'm really excited to start my own MAME/Emulation Cabinet. But first I'd like to get some general/background info.

I'm planning on a regular sized cabinet with a PC inside using an ATI all-in-wonder with the component video adapter using this TV http://www.bestbuy.com/detail.asp?e=11209581&m=1&cat=24&scat=28.

And then I'll probably use the joystick and buttons from happ controls (whats your opinions on the different types of joysticks and buttons there, any favs?) along with 2 of the USB harnesses they have there. Two because I'll make a 4 joystick (2 with 6 buttons and 2 with 4 buttons), 2 trackball, 4 start buttons, and 4 select buttons control center. Can anyone verify that 2 of those usb harnesses work at the same time with Mame32? Also I'll grab two of those USB lightguns and make some mounts/holsters on the side of the control center for those. Maybe a coin/bill collector if theres any cash left over.

And then the best part is I'm going to have connectors for controllers for NES, SNES, Genesis, N64, PSX, and maybe a few others if I can fit them. These will plug in under the main control center. Also, I'll make a cut-out on the side of the cab and mount my dreamcast vertically.

The standard marquee with a flourecent light behind and speakers below, caster wheels on the bottom, T-Molding (how do I cut the wood for that, checked the faq didnt see anything?), and that clear plastic stuff for the top of the control center...can't remember the name right now.

PC-wise it'll probably be a 2ghz P4 with 384mb ram and a 40gb hd with a ATI AIW 8500DV. Also, a wireless mouse and keyboard to do some web surfing and general PC usage. Oh, and plenty of USB ports!

Any quick advice, opinions, favorites? I've got hopefully all the tools needed, circular saw, table saw, heavy drill, and a local Home depot and Sears Hardware . I'll probably work on the control center first so I can use it with my current PC and then start work on the cab.

[rampy]

we recently discussed which happs buttons and joysticks we liked best (assuming you didn't want a 4-way for classic gaming... )

If you are going to buy happs products I suggest saving some bread and ordering from http://www.therealbobroberts.com

We'll see what else I can dig up for you, for pointers...

rampy

EDIT 1: don't buy happs usb interface...  buy an  ipac4 from ultimarc  (or a key wiz from groovygamegear.com  if it has enough inputs - im too tired to do the math)    I take it you are doing 4player cpontrol panel?

Edit 2:
> T-Molding (how do I cut the wood for that, checked the faq didnt see anything?),
THe right way is to use a router with a 1/16th slot cutting bit...

> and that clear plastic stuff for the top of the control >center...can't remember the name right now.
It's usually called lexan or plexiglass (or other brandnames likes crystal lite/perspex/lucite/etc)'

[AlanS17]

The Happ website is surely a great place to go to get ideas and see what's available, but some parts are grossly overpriced. Those USB harnesses are one such item. I would recommend an Ipac/ Jpac/Keywhiz over those Happ items.

[shmokes]

That TV is an unfortunate choice, I think.  First it is small.  Also, and this is really a matter of opinion, it has a flat screen.  As far as authenticity is concerned, most (none???) arcade games don't use flat picture tubes.  

Oh...and the power button will break off and push into the case.  This seems to happen with every Daewoo TV.

[jakejake28]

i bought all my stuff from ultimarc. it has the best joysticks (j-sticks) the best encoders (ipac and optipac), decent buttons, a trackball, all for good prices.

[HeadRusch]

I own that Daewoo tv, and I used it for my screen, and I'd never trade it for a crappy concave tube, ever.

First of all, if you are using a cab designed for a 19" Monitor, that TV will fit fine....if you are building your own cab, give yourself a little more room and put a cheapie 25" or 27" TV in there instead.  One of the best features of this TV, besides the fact that it has both SVideo and Component inputs, is that you can set it to AUTO POWER ON AFTER POWER LOSS.  That means you turn on the tv once, and never have to touch the power switch again.  You ahve it on a power strip, you turn on the strip, the TV comes back on.

I had a cab designed for a 19" monitor, no TV bigger than 20" would fit in the allotted space and still have room to move it around a little bit.  I've had 10 people play my cab, and none of them noticed any issue with screen size being disproportionately small..........now if you've got a 17" PC monitor in there, thats a different story.  An inch or two makes a huge difference.

The flat screen makes a huge difference...one, its a better picture...two.....it allows you to rest a bezel right on the TV, and not have to deal with the curved front of a non-flatscreen TV (believe me this saves you a few steps making bezel retainer blocks and stuff....but mostly games just look better on a flat screen.

Believe me, you simply don't notice the flatness......and for the price you can't really go wrong.
my .02 cents, your mileage may vary.

[twenty8eight]

I recently finished my cabinet, and am using a tv for the monitor...

I saw the Daewoo, and decided to go with a KLH 24" flat screen ....I got it for close to the same price $159 (at BestBuy) and it is awesome...

I must agree with everything that HeadRusch said, now that I have the flat screen in, the bezel EASILY created, I would not go any other way.....

(PS- my cabinet originally housed a 25" monitor, and the 24" flat screen fit PERFECT...I have about 1/4 inch on both sides, and the back.....)

[steve_pss]

Rampy,
Sweet link on the slot cutter, best price i've seen yet.

Thanks

[jakejake28]

hey twenty8eight, how did you get the KLH tv? i checked at bestbuy.com, it's not available for store pickup and it cant be delivered in any of the surronding 7 zipcodes near me.

[DickTracey]

Thanks for the replies, yea I chose that TV because of its flat screen to make it easier to place into the cab.

I'll probably go with the IPAC4 now, with 4 8-way joysticks. Not sure if the 360 joysticks are worth the extra money...big improvement in games that support it, or it just a nice plus to have?

This cab will be for fuctional/modern use no authenticity needed