Post by: MrDoFan on September 01, 2017, 06:25:25 am
Finally at a point in my life where my wallet, time and living space can actually allow for a real arcade-sized machine.
I was hoping to offer the parameters of my Dream Machine and solicit advice on how to go about either Building it -- I've Zero experience with assembling electronics but could be willing to learn, with directives toward a tried-and-true manual or instructions (I'd need a pre-existing cabinet or a cabinet kit, as I haven't the tools/skills to cut one from scratch) -- or else Buying it from an experienced person looking to build and sell.
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CABINET: Upright, standard to arcade size. Wood grain or faux wood grain look.
MARQUEE, DECOR: Mr Do! theme
CONTROLS: Red ball joystick, Red/Green Player Buttons. (Optional bonus might be trackball for Centipede)
MONITOR: CRT, sizeable. (I don't mind spending the extra $ and dealing with the weight considerations of an 80-lb monitor, over a lightweight LCD because if I understand correctly, it will lend more to the feel of an arcade experience)
GAMES: I'm an early '80s guy: Mr. Do!, Pooyan, Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, Time Pilot, Space Invaders. Simple arcade action. (Not interested in the later wave of Street Fighter, X-Men/Capcom, fighting/driving/shooting/dancing stuff. Nor do I need emulations of various home gaming systems like Nintendo, Sega, etc.). Reading about ArcadeSD, maybe that would fit the bill?
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Thanks in advance for any and all advice.
MrDoFan (John in NY)
Post by: DeLuSioNal29 on September 01, 2017, 12:54:28 pm
My advice is to keep it simple! Too many admin buttons can get cluttered! Also, don't try to get EVERY single game on there. Choose what games you like and move from there.
P.S. - What part of NY?
Good luck!
DeL
Post by: MrDoFan on September 01, 2017, 01:34:49 pm
The more I read about the ArcadeSD pcb, the more I think that's the answer. (And I hear you about keeping it simple and not going crazy with the number of games.)
On the cabinet, was looking at Haruman's cabinet kits today. If I went that route I'd pick a plywood one and hope to stain it, I think.
Not too far from me there's a Mr Do dedicated cabinet available, and I wondered how difficult or easy it would be to swap in the ArcadeSD pcb. But the owner said he thought it would be hard and that he never touches the machines himself. The advantage of starting with the pre-existing Mr Do cabinet is it comes with CRT arcade monitor and Mr Do marquee and side decals. Wish I knew a damn think about electronics, so as to have a better sense of if the Mr Do cabinet + the ArcadeSD would be a good idea.
I'm in Queens, home of meat on a stick.
Post by: SuperGojira2001 on September 01, 2017, 02:17:21 pm
Thank you sir!
The more I read about the ArcadeSD pcb, the more I think that's the answer. (And I hear you about keeping it simple and not going crazy with the number of games.)
On the cabinet, was looking at Haruman's cabinet kits today. If I went that route I'd pick a plywood one and hope to stain it, I think.
Not too far from me there's a Mr Do dedicated cabinet available, and I wondered how difficult or easy it would be to swap in the ArcadeSD pcb. But the owner said he thought it would be hard and that he never touches the machines himself. The advantage of starting with the pre-existing Mr Do cabinet is it comes with CRT arcade monitor and Mr Do marquee and side decals. Wish I knew a damn think about electronics, so as to have a better sense of if the Mr Do cabinet + the ArcadeSD would be a good idea.
I'm in Queens, home of meat on a stick.
I don't think Mr. Do is a JAMMA cabinet, so you would have to rewire most of the cabinet. Also Mr. Do cabinets only have one "fire" button, which may be an issue for some games.
Post by: MrDoFan on September 01, 2017, 04:02:09 pm
I'd thought about the issue of one fire-button. But I had no idea how much (or how little) expertise would go into switching out the Mr Do board with the ArcadeSD board. Sounds like more effort and expertise than I possess (nil).
Post by: SuperGojira2001 on September 01, 2017, 06:26:13 pm
Thanks for the insight, SuperGojira.
I'd thought about the issue of one fire-button. But I had no idea how much (or how little) expertise would go into switching out the Mr Do board with the ArcadeSD board. Sounds like more effort and expertise than I possess (nil).
It would take a lot of work, and personally I wouldn't do it unless if the cabinet is gutted because. It would also be hard to turn it back into a Mr. Do if you ever would want to do that. I would look for either a gutted, or some vertical JAMMA cabinet on Craigslist. All you would have to do is swap the current JAMMA board with the ArcadeSD (unless if the cabinet needs some sort of other repair).
Post by: MrDoFan on September 02, 2017, 04:43:08 am
Quote
I would look for either a gutted, or some vertical JAMMA cabinet on Craigslist. All you would have to do is swap the current JAMMA board with the ArcadeSD
Thanks for the advice. I am only just beginning to learn about terms like JAMMA, and have now found online lists of JAMMA games to assist me in any Craigslist searches for suitable games for conversion.
Post by: yotsuya on September 02, 2017, 09:27:58 am
Post by: SuperGojira2001 on September 04, 2017, 08:01:22 pm
Post by: MrDoFan on September 05, 2017, 09:03:03 pm
Post by: yotsuya on September 05, 2017, 09:27:21 pm
Thanks for the encouragement, yotsuya, and for the hot tip on that adapter, SuperG... Someone else pointed this up to me too. I'd have never guessed there existed Mr Do / Universal adapter like that.
No problem. I started out just like you, my friend. Now people pay me actual money for my arcade repair skills!
Post by: Mike A on September 06, 2017, 10:29:55 am
Quote
No problem. I started out just like you, my friend. Now people pay me actual money for my arcade repair skills!
Post by: yotsuya on September 06, 2017, 10:42:28 am
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=361753;image)I've also gotten stuff in trade for my skills... like this last night...QuoteNo problem. I started out just like you, my friend. Now people pay me actual money for my arcade repair skills!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170906/7244ac08031f66b192d520af94a11281.jpg)
Post by: Titchgamer on September 06, 2017, 11:43:56 am
The most I ever get is a thank you and a quick go on the game!
Post by: TOMMYGUN on September 06, 2017, 12:27:54 pm
There are ppl who want that arcade feel but if you ask me it is trouble in the waiting.
If you decide to go for LCd buy a big screen like this one-
LG 29UM69G-B 29" @ 2560x1080 -for 2 to 300$ its a steal and LG lasts you almost a lifetime
I just noticed that you are going for a conversion instead of a build, buy a machine that is not to old would be the advise
Post by: Mike A on September 06, 2017, 12:31:28 pm
Post by: TOMMYGUN on September 06, 2017, 12:33:54 pm
no i realy think LCD lasts longer and better quality picture if you buy a good brand, if you are looking to build a MAME cab you are not going to put in a old tube atleast i wouldent.
Post by: Mike A on September 06, 2017, 12:44:31 pm
Post by: TOMMYGUN on September 06, 2017, 01:01:47 pm
-and with LCD you can go realy big screen.
-The power consumption is bigger on a tube.
-it weighs more
you realy are a CRT guy, for me it is not an option to be one, no vendors in Belgium, and shipping one from the states is costing way more all together then a nice new LCD
Post by: Mike A on September 06, 2017, 01:21:56 pm
Post by: TOMMYGUN on September 06, 2017, 01:35:26 pm
Post by: jennifer on September 06, 2017, 08:57:42 pm
Post by: talkgeek on September 06, 2017, 09:55:14 pm
as Yotsuya has stated, none of this stuff is hard, and in a few months you'll be surprised how much you've absorbed
- we are all here to help you, ...no one wants to hear about another project that's been abandoned for one reason or another.
..of course being a forum there will be lots of opinions ....and as the advise is free (unless you pay Yotsuya :) ) you are also welcome (encouraged) to use only what works for you.
re CRT vs LCD - LCD is probably the safest starting point (unless you buy a 2nd hand cab with a good working Monitor ....of course there's nothing stopping you storing it until your 2nd project.. )
CRT's can have a lot of residual voltage (often the bleed resistors are faulty) that need to be earthed before you touch them - frightening if you haven't done it before (worse if you've had a few belts over the years - like me)
However - given a choice, playing a game on a well tuned CRT is a way better experience than a LCD (over half my personal collection are CRT's) - My opinion!
Main thing is don't let the frequently off topic conversations that will occur on your thread to side track you from moving forward.
All the best, looking forward to seeing your posts / progress
Post by: jennifer on September 06, 2017, 10:48:36 pm
Post by: yotsuya on September 06, 2017, 11:21:35 pm
Post by: jennifer on September 07, 2017, 02:40:04 am
Post by: opt2not on September 07, 2017, 03:02:19 am
Post by: jennifer on September 07, 2017, 03:19:15 am
Post by: zinger on September 07, 2017, 03:29:44 am
The main reason for unfinished projects is they were lied to about the dedication, investment, research, and in some cases the obsession and social aspects involved, Truth of the matter is they don't build themselves while you watch from the lazyboy.... These machines were built in giant factory's with thousands of employees, for one person to be good at all aspects of building a machine even a kit from ground zero is difficult at best but telling someone it is easy is totally Ludacris.... Slap some junk together perhaps, but that's NOT a "dream machine".We should encourage rather than discourage. Sure some folks will not finish their arcade projects. They likely just didn't have the passion or life got in the way. If MrDoFan is passionate then that's a great start and he should be encouraged.
I'm a total newb to arcades and I've been working on building a Donkey Kong from scratch. It has been my passion for this project that has allowed me to push forward. I've spent many hours researching and studying Donkey Kong pictures, scrounging for parts daily on Craigslist and eBay, and getting help from the great community here. I've found with all the information out there that's yotsuya is right. If you take your time and do your research then you'll be able to build your "dream machine" and it will be surprisingly a lot easier than you think.
Also, be prepared to blow your budget by 4x! :cheers:
MrDoFan, I would love to see you build this Mr Do themed arcade!
Post by: jennifer on September 07, 2017, 03:48:34 am
Post by: Titchgamer on September 07, 2017, 04:02:05 am
Yet most of us managed to do it to a nice standard.
Although I agree to say its not all easy, there are always problems down the line.
Its really not that hard if you take your time and research your goal.
We are all human, we all make mistakes and ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- happens.
But you dont exactly need a PHD.
Just time and dedication will suffice.
Post by: jennifer on September 07, 2017, 04:16:21 am
Post by: Mike A on September 07, 2017, 04:54:58 am
Post by: Titchgamer on September 07, 2017, 05:15:19 am
As long as you understand how to read a schematic, and how to wire a NO switch thats about it.
Most of it is plug and play.
Oh and most important dont mix voltages!
IMO the build is normally harder than the wiring!!
Post by: jennifer on September 07, 2017, 08:54:54 am
Post by: yotsuya on September 07, 2017, 09:12:56 am
I went from being pretty sure I was going to use a Tankstick to now supporting a local arcade with their repairs. All it took was continual reading and me willing to get my hands dirty actually doing stuff.
Like It's been said, it's not rocket science.
Post by: Titchgamer on September 07, 2017, 10:04:35 am
I already said he most likely wouldn't need that for this build, that would be more for troubleshooting and design, But your talking to a guy that wants some direction and quite possibly (as of yet) doesn't even know there are different kinds of voltages, (hence get a voltmeter comment) so really you are of little help to the OP, other than "go research something, and read stuff".... At least I was honest.
I was offering words of encouragement to the OP
Post by: Mike A on September 07, 2017, 10:16:00 am
Post by: jennifer on September 07, 2017, 12:37:18 pm
Post by: yotsuya on September 07, 2017, 12:47:29 pm
I said it was easy, not that it was simple. Of course you're going to work hard, be challenged, and have to figure things out. But it's not hard it in the sense that he won't be able to accomplish the task. And that's all part of the fun.That a lot less than rubber stamp, and considerably more comprehensive, THX yots,
I went from being pretty sure I was going to use a Tankstick to now supporting a local arcade with their repairs. All it took was continual reading and me willing to get my hands dirty actually doing stuff.
Like It's been said, it's not rocket science.
T/gamer.... That's a sweet D/kong you got there, I wish I could have followed that A bit more.
Jennifer just wants to see some meat on a stick.... And give Micheal his due. :hissy
I get what you're saying, Jennifer. I do. I just found the OPs inquiry and research refreshing. More often than not, new post builds consist of " I got a Pi and I saw a YouTube video and now I want to make an arcade so tell me what to do!!!1!!" People want others to do the work for them. Most of us who are here and stuck around learned through research, trial and error, and it's nice to see someone willing to do that as opposed to demanding to be spoonfed.
Post by: rablack97 on September 07, 2017, 01:12:36 pm
If you want straight direction, have someone else build it for you. The research gives you options and possibly better ways to execute.
One person could tell you, yeah put a pi in your arcade and call it a day, or build a frankenpanel, or put a 60" plasma screen in it.
Get feedback and opinions and combine that with your vision to create your own masterpiece. We are here to help and degrade if it looks like crap.
If you post be prepared for accolades and gut punches, but take the good out of it and keep it going, you'll have something cool when you're done.
Post by: DeLuSioNal29 on September 07, 2017, 03:49:56 pm
Since he lives near my old neighborhood which I visit often, I offered to go visit the place where they have the Mr. Do cab for sale so we can check it out together.
Chances are it's easily converted to JAMMA. If not JAMMA harnesses are cheap and I can show him how to pop it in with a switching power supply.
P.S. Tully is not insane (that was rude). He just had some personal issues he needed to work out. Kinda like people talking in the 3rd person, that kind of thing. But definitely not insane.
DeL
Post by: yotsuya on September 07, 2017, 04:29:08 pm
No worries all. I have already taken him under my wing. :-)
Since he lives near my old neighborhood which I visit often, I offered to go visit the place where they have the Mr. Do cab for sale so we can check it out together.
Chances are it's easily converted to JAMMA. If not JAMMA harnesses are cheap and I can show him how to pop it in with a switching power supply.
P.S. Tully is not insane (that was rude). He just had some personal issues he needed to work out. Kinda like people talking in the 3rd person, that kind of thing. But definitely not insane.
DeL
/me high fives DeL
Post by: barrymossel on September 08, 2017, 05:32:32 am
Kinda like people talking in the 3rd person, that kind of thing.:laugh2:
Post by: jennifer on September 08, 2017, 10:35:21 am
No worries all. I have already taken him under my wing. :-)I had absolutely nothing to do with Tullys meltdown.
Since he lives near my old neighborhood which I visit often, I offered to go visit the place where they have the Mr. Do cab for sale so we can check it out together.
Chances are it's easily converted to JAMMA. If not JAMMA harnesses are cheap and I can show him how to pop it in with a switching power supply.
P.S. Tully is not insane (that was rude). He just had some personal issues he needed to work out. Kinda like people talking in the 3rd person, that kind of thing. But definitely not insane.
DeL
Post by: yotsuya on September 08, 2017, 11:54:14 am
No worries all. I have already taken him under my wing. :-)I had absolutely nothing to do with Tullys meltdown, He showed up to announce his departure, took his cab design as ransom and then hid behind another member as a contact.... Perhaps I went a bit far in trying to shame him to come back but in the end felt bad Yots (someones who Jenn does respect) having been put in that position.... I have been called much worse than insane here in this forum over the years, but never by a mod, You don't want Jennifer around....So be it and go :censored:yourself.
Since he lives near my old neighborhood which I visit often, I offered to go visit the place where they have the Mr. Do cab for sale so we can check it out together.
Chances are it's easily converted to JAMMA. If not JAMMA harnesses are cheap and I can show him how to pop it in with a switching power supply.
P.S. Tully is not insane (that was rude). He just had some personal issues he needed to work out. Kinda like people talking in the 3rd person, that kind of thing. But definitely not insane.
DeL
Hitch up the trailer and come to ZapCon next year, Jennifer!! :cheers:
Post by: yotsuya on September 08, 2017, 12:02:40 pm
Post by: Ian on September 08, 2017, 02:12:00 pm
Post by: Ian on September 08, 2017, 02:17:05 pm
My point is this... I learn best by trial and error... Everyone learns things differently. Some guys can read and read and read and boom! They rock out amazing cabs. I would say most of us have learned by trial and error and experience.
So to the OP... What ever you do is gravy. Advice on this board is offered because hell... we were there before. You can take the advice and learn or you can ignore the advice and learn. Either way it's a great hobby that is unique and fun and you will learn a lot. Is it realistic to build your perfect dream machine on the first go? Sure why not?
Post by: yotsuya on September 08, 2017, 02:21:01 pm
My first cab was me just connecting wires to see what they do.... Not that I recommend that particular approach. Made a fully functional very enjoyable turd of a cabinet. That was back in 2005. Made a few jukeboxes (one better than the next), and then went back to cabs. Built two more mame machines and surprise surprise they got better with time and dedication to a hobby.
My point is this... I learn best by trial and error... Everyone learns things differently. Some guys can read and read and read and boom! They rock out amazing cabs. I would say most of us have learned by trial and error and experience.
So to the OP... What ever you do is gravy. Advice on this board is offered because hell... we were there before. You can take the advice and learn or you can ignore the advice and learn. Either way it's a great hobby that is unique and fun and you will learn a lot. Is it realistic to build your perfect dream machine on the first go? Sure why not?
Well said, Ian! :cheers:
Post by: Ian on September 08, 2017, 02:24:09 pm
My first cab was me just connecting wires to see what they do.... Not that I recommend that particular approach. Made a fully functional very enjoyable turd of a cabinet. That was back in 2005. Made a few jukeboxes (one better than the next), and then went back to cabs. Built two more mame machines and surprise surprise they got better with time and dedication to a hobby.
My point is this... I learn best by trial and error... Everyone learns things differently. Some guys can read and read and read and boom! They rock out amazing cabs. I would say most of us have learned by trial and error and experience.
So to the OP... What ever you do is gravy. Advice on this board is offered because hell... we were there before. You can take the advice and learn or you can ignore the advice and learn. Either way it's a great hobby that is unique and fun and you will learn a lot. Is it realistic to build your perfect dream machine on the first go? Sure why not?
Well said, Ian! :cheers:
I got words! :D
Post by: yotsuya on September 08, 2017, 02:28:17 pm
My first cab was me just connecting wires to see what they do.... Not that I recommend that particular approach. Made a fully functional very enjoyable turd of a cabinet. That was back in 2005. Made a few jukeboxes (one better than the next), and then went back to cabs. Built two more mame machines and surprise surprise they got better with time and dedication to a hobby.
My point is this... I learn best by trial and error... Everyone learns things differently. Some guys can read and read and read and boom! They rock out amazing cabs. I would say most of us have learned by trial and error and experience.
So to the OP... What ever you do is gravy. Advice on this board is offered because hell... we were there before. You can take the advice and learn or you can ignore the advice and learn. Either way it's a great hobby that is unique and fun and you will learn a lot. Is it realistic to build your perfect dream machine on the first go? Sure why not?
Well said, Ian! :cheers:
I got words! :D
Yep.
Trial and error was so important. My path to where I am now is littered with burned out LEDs, miscut MDF panels, cracked plexiglass, fried EPROMS, and wasted money. But it's also made me better.
Post by: talkgeek on September 08, 2017, 08:35:48 pm
Friends and family only need see the good / better / best projects ...but we should see them all :)
Personally I think designing the cab is the hardest part - because its often dictated by how good your skills are (or perceive to be) to then build it ...and how much you're willing to challenge / push those skills.
When you get to the wiring / making it "actually work" stage - that part is easy (yes it is Jennifer!), we can talk you through it / point you at some good videos, JAMMA isn't hard to understand - if you go the MAME route you will need some reasonable PC skills, I recommend sticking with JAMMA as a good starting point
Main points are:
* Define what you want and how it should look
* Workout how you plan to build it - break that down into stages
* Ask for advise (or recommendations) on how to proceed through each stage
* keep moving forward.
* Enjoy yourself - take nothing on this forum as personal
* Embrace time, don't fight it
All the best!
Post by: jennifer on September 09, 2017, 11:34:37 am
Post by: barrymossel on September 09, 2017, 01:56:58 pm
But maybe TS should start another thread as you guys f*cked up his by ---smurfette--- fighting. ;)
Post by: jennifer on September 11, 2017, 10:37:00 am
Post by: opt2not on September 11, 2017, 01:41:19 pm
Post by: jennifer on September 11, 2017, 02:46:41 pm