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Stargate cab to MAME cab conversion
JohnnyG:
--- Quote from: JohnnyG on October 18, 2009, 04:04:51 pm ---Doing to same procedure on the front bottom will not be so simple. For that one I will more than likely have to cover it up. Perhaps a metal kick plate? Something else? Anybody have any recommendations?
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After a more thorough examination of the cab today, I found that when I cut the two parts of the bottom sides to replace them, that I will then have the room to do the same with the front, so it will all work out. I'm excited to see how that all turns out. It should make that part of the cab as good as new (crosses fingers).
Also, here are pics of the cardboard cutout that I made of the top of the control panel sitting inside the cab to give a better indication of the scale...
Personally I think that is more than acceptable. I might round the corners a bit in the final version, but overall I think it will work well. Any opinions?
And, of course, any answers to my questions will be met with great enthusiasm on my part! :notworthy:
syph007:
I know you want to have every answer to all things before you start, (like I remember thinking) but there is no way you will know all you need to, before you even get started. Concentrate on learning about one thing at a time as you go through the phases. Like you are going to be starting on woodworking, so focus on that, etc etc.
Some quick answers for you.
1. Use whatever you want as long as you can work to scale and have templates to manuipulate to scale. I like vectors tools for this, illustrator or inkscape. I make templates of every control, then multi layers drawing to use for mockups. Bottom layer control box, next panel, then control bases, then the top would be what you'd see above the graphics (i.e. joystick handles and not bases) But as you can see use whatever you want.
2. you get 8 buttons to use however you want, they appear to the PC as joystick buttons, not keyboard buttons. You will want the hard springs and circular restrictors for the best overall experience.
3. For admin buttons you can use ANYTHING you want. Any encoder or even a hacked keyboard. Everything is configurable.
4. Buy whatever works out to be cheaper. Built in USB ones are fine, but cost more. I bought a used golden tee one, and got a cheap optiwiz to interface it.
5. My opinion is to not bother with win 98. XP is the way to go, lots and lots of addons and nice little utilities/tweaks. I use TinyXP.
6. Get as much pc as you want to spend. The more cpu you can get, the more of the 3d type games you will be able to run in MAME. I wouldnt bother with anything less than a P4 2.8 ish... but it's highly subjective as its highly dependant on what games are important to you. I doubt daphne has super high requirements, but I dont know what the minimums are.
7. Do some reading, you likely have mismatched roms and mame versions. Example, I have mame 0.133 and can run the MAME 0.133 MAME rom set. The rom sets change per version, so you cant download a mame rom and expect it to work in any version.
Take your time man, enjoy the build. People will also give you much more advice as you go and have specific issues/questions. It's a super fun hobby by the way!
JohnnyG:
--- Quote from: syph007 on October 18, 2009, 07:47:57 pm ---I know you want to have every answer to all things before you start, (like I remember thinking) but there is no way you will know all you need to, before you even get started. Concentrate on learning about one thing at a time as you go through the phases. Like you are going to be starting on woodworking, so focus on that, etc etc.
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LOL, ain't that the truth. :) Okay, I will settle back and take it more slowly. ;) I will respond to a few of your answers below...
--- Quote from: syph007 on October 18, 2009, 07:47:57 pm ---1. Use whatever you want as long as you can work to scale and have templates to manuipulate to scale. I like vectors tools for this, illustrator or inkscape. I make templates of every control, then multi layers drawing to use for mockups. Bottom layer control box, next panel, then control bases, then the top would be what you'd see above the graphics (i.e. joystick handles and not bases) But as you can see use whatever you want.
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Actually I saw in another thread where someone recommended Google SketchUp. I have started playing with it a little (since it's free) and am blown away. I think I might have a winner with that one. I believe it does support layers, so I will certainly use your advice about that.
--- Quote from: syph007 on October 18, 2009, 07:47:57 pm ---2. you get 8 buttons to use however you want, they appear to the PC as joystick buttons, not keyboard buttons. You will want the hard springs and circular restrictors for the best overall experience.
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Will configuring the joysticks with the springs and circular restrictors allow for decent 4-way game playing? I really don't want to have to use a separate joystick just for that if I don't have to.
--- Quote from: syph007 on October 18, 2009, 07:47:57 pm ---7. Do some reading, you likely have mismatched roms and mame versions. Example, I have mame 0.133 and can run the MAME 0.133 MAME rom set. The rom sets change per version, so you cant download a mame rom and expect it to work in any version.
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I wasn't aware of that. Thanks for the information. I will send you a PM for further clarification.
--- Quote from: syph007 on October 18, 2009, 07:47:57 pm ---Take your time man, enjoy the build. People will also give you much more advice as you go and have specific issues/questions. It's a super fun hobby by the way!
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Good advice. I will try to keep it to one or two questions at a time. Thanks again for responding! I really appreciate it. :)
JohnnyG:
Okay, I am getting close to ordering the items I will need for the Control Panel. Here is what I am looking to purchase. Can you guys tell me if you see any glaring holes in what I am looking for?
Ultimarc order
Joysticks
2 x UltraStik 360 Oval Top with USB cable
2 x UltraStik 360 Optional Hard Spring
2 x UltraStik Button / Encoder Harness
2 x UltraStik Restrictor Plate Kits (round)
Keyboard Encoder
1 x I-PAC 2 Interface with USB Cable
GroovyGameGear order
Trackball
1 x Electric ICE-T™ Deluxe RGB Arcade Trackball V2.0 (3 inch)
Buttons
2 x NovaGem™ Lightable Horizontal Pushbutton (Player 1 & 2 start buttons)
2 x PGI™ - Pushbutton Graphic Inserts (1 for Player 1, and 1 for Player 2)
14 x Horizontal Pushbutton - HAPP™ (these are the main player buttons, and I haven't decided on the colors yet, I also decided to use regular switches for now to reduce what costs I can)
4 x Horizontal Pushbutton - HAPP™ (for control buttons)
2 x NovaGemCDR™ Coin Drop Replacement Pushbutton (these will replace the real slots in the coin door and be used for adding credits)
Unknown (need help with)
* Side buttons - For pinball emulation games. I don't really know if the normal buttons will work, or if I should aim for something else. What do you guys think?
* Wiring and connectors - I haven't decided yet what gauge wire to use. I am thinking 20 gauge stranded with crimped connectors will work out okay. Any thoughts?
That about covers it. Anything missing? Anything that just seems plain wrong? Thanks again.
JohnnyG:
Well, I figured I would post an update on my progress.
I placed the joystick order with Ultimarc and it already came in. I was surprised it was this quick coming from the UK, but I am certainly not going to complain! :) Also, I decided against the I-Pac. I am going to use the the LED-Wiz+GP™ 16 Output + 16 Input product which will give me enough additional inputs for my control buttons (since the player buttons will be handled by the joysticks), and also help with the LED illumination of the Player 1 and Player 2 buttons.
Anyhow, I am still a ways off on that part, but I have gotten some sanding done. I have sanded the outside of the cab on the sides and lower front as seen in these pics...
I only did the rough sanding, and still plan to go over the areas again with 100 grit, and then 220 grit sandpaper, but that will be after I fill in the defects with wood putty. I also need to sand on the inside of the cabinet up where the monitor will reside. I will do that before the end of the weekend.
Tonight my step-father will be helping me with repairing the water damage at the bottom of the cabinet, and I am looking forward to that. I will send out pics once that is complete.
Also, for those that are interested, I posted the following thread regarding my William's Coin Box Door. I think I am just going to try to hammer the dents out as much as possible, strip the paint off, and then re-paint it. I can accept some imperfection for that part of the cab. I also ordered replacement locks for that door and the normal coin slot door through SirPeale and his Anyone need cam locks for your coin door or back door? thread. I am looking forward to those arriving as well.