n00b - Bums Unit Project

[bobblebum]

I have the following to start for MAME Project:
HP m7640n Desktop : AMD Athlon 64 X2 2.6 GHz, 2GB RAM, 6 USB,  320 GB HD, DVD±RW DL, Realtek ALC888 Audio, 10/100 Ethernet,  also add a Terabyte drive. Windows XP Pro
Toshiba 32A50 Tube TV: 32 inch with SVideo and Composite Inputs
Project Arcade Book- Ordered
ATI 9200 256 PCI Video Card:Svideo output, ordered
Complete Rom Sets: Mame .129
Radio Shack AMX-15/16 Amplified Speaker System
I might go with Bum's Unit as the machines name.
I will be looking for Intro Videos and graphics so I can have a friend help me cerate custom marquee and graphics.

Which controls are best for 4 Players + 6buttons LED lit that will work with Trackball, Spinner.
I’m thinking Maximus arcade for FE, but does it do LED’s, Spinner, Trackball, etc. I will download the different ones to play around with them.

For the Cabinet, I'm looking for a free design that fits the above. I will probably use nice birchwood or something of the like.  Looking to have the CP lift up on hinges and have keyboard pull out of CP also. Caster/rollers on bottom.

I will then eventually want to do a MP3 Jukebox like that Metal Jukebox I saw. I have a Mr Do I will eventually restore also (Needs new joystick and side art).. This was given to me by my grandmother who passed away so it has special meaning. (Wish I got the Mrs Pacman also but she gave that to my brother who eventually sold it without offering it to anyone).

My other hobby is collecting bobbleheads, for me specifically Mascots!

[bobblebum]

Update: Project Arcade book has arrived and I'm already starting to read it.

[bobblebum]

Ok. Have Mame and Roms on machine with new ATI 9200 Radeon card connected to Toshiba 32" TV via S-Video. Tested some games and it looks good.

Now I will be cleaning up the garage to have room for building the cabinet. I will also try to slim Windows XP down and decide on a front end by playing with Maximus Arcade for starters.

I will be ordering all my controls in the next 2 weeks.

Any opinions/feedback on what interface to use? I was looking at the Groovygear items LED Wiz and 4 OMNI-Stik PRODIGY (TM) Arcade Joystick System - Retro Edition (Translucent).

[srarcade]

Sounds like fun stuff. Give 'TinyXP' a try if you are looking for a slim install. Theres also another free piece of software out there that lets you custom build your own XP installs..totally forgot the name.

I've set up Hyperspin on my front end because I think its the most presentable, looking identical to Ultracade etc. Its very easy to customize and looks impressive in the end.

I don't know much about the fancy input interfaces, I just stick with what I need to get the job done and play some games. I have an old keyWiz thats been running great for years.

Cabinet design - I think the nicest 4 player type cabinet is the NBA JAM/Blitz style cabinet which shares design with the MK cabs. The difference is the control panel is modular by design so it can be changed out allowing Midway to use the same design on 2 player and 4 player applications. This would make a nice feature if you ever wanted to make the cab have multiple control panels instead of a giant messy one with too many controls on it.

Good luck with your project and have fun!