Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Distortion on March 27, 2003, 02:00:23 pm
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After running myself into a hole financially, I'm nearly done with my cabinet! Hooray! I wouldn't have it any other way, LOL. How many of you did similar things to your financial status?
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I was broke before making my cab:)
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This is the 'ugly' secret in cabinet building! It turns out to be much more than you expected to spend :)
But it's fun ^^
And you can't beat the results ^^
Just work more hours ^^
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I'm always stunned when people brag at how much they spent on their cabinets, like it's a good thing to spend lots of money....
When I first built my cabinet, I was using mostly recycled parts, so I was able to get finished for about $300...
Then after I saw how much it gets played, I started upgrading... first it was just better joysticks... then it was a faster CPU... now I've more than doubled the cost of the cab after rebuilding the CP, adding a lightgun, adding side art, upgrading the motherboard, etc, etc... I think I'm up to $700 total!
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I am always broke.... :-[
After the last cabinet I nearly had nothing in my bank and now its little back on track :D.
Got $1300 to spend(errr..waste). :P
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I went broke :'( I suppose it's okay because I am a kid and don't have to pay rent and stuff.
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I went broke :'( I suppose it's okay because I am a kid and don't have to pay rent and stuff.
I think we are all kids here. It's just some of us do have other financial obligations. ;D
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Hrmmmm I'm 31. I'm still under the impression that the vast majority of us here are between 27-33 years, with wife, kids, and jobs!
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When I say kid I mean I can't have a full-time job.
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Hrmmmm I'm 31. I'm still under the impression that the vast majority of us here are between 27-33 years, with wife, kids, and jobs!
Close... I'm 34 years old, no wife, no kids, but at least I have a job! :D
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Hrmmmm I'm 31. I'm still under the impression that the vast majority of us here are between 27-33 years, with wife, kids, and jobs!
23. But an old and experienced 23. And I prefer calling it having a career :)
Odonadon
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Hrmmmm I'm 31. I'm still under the impression that the vast majority of us here are between 27-33 years, with wife, kids, and jobs!
I was refering to being kids at heart for our interest in arcade games.
by the way 36 married with 2 kids
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Yeah, I think I should probably be spending my childhood with friends or something like that... whatever MAME rules.
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I built mine from recycled parts, too. The most expensive thing was the monitor (for $150). I was going to call it BudgetMAME.
However, I did start upgrading mine, and it starts to add up here and there. I still probably need $500 (and alot of free time) to get it where I want it to be.
I PROMISE some day I'll post a picture of it... (Even if it takes a year.) I just know that it's under par for alot of the good stuff up here since I ran out of money to complete it. It really does look half-finished.
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Well myself I am 25, live at home, ( taking care of *very* old grandparents who raised me ) work on my GED, and in general I try to find ways not to go crazy around where I live - which is difficult when you need to clean up a loved ones crap a couple times a day.
So I am trying on my time to build a Arcade Cabinet, since I have fond memories of when my grandparents were younger and healthy while I was a kid and took me to arcades starting at 5 :)
In some circles I would be considered a 'loser' since I am 25 and trying to get my GED, having no girlfriend. ( Who knows, perhaps I meet shallow women? Whenever I mention my life I tend not to see them again lol ) I consider myself a late bloomer, and still plan to go to college. :)
Well hopefully this will add to the diverse community here lol or something =/
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Well myself I am 25, live at home, ( taking care of *very* old grandparents who raised me ) work on my GED, and in general I try to find ways not to go crazy around where I live - which is difficult when you need to clean up a loved ones crap a couple times a day.
So I am trying on my time to build a Arcade Cabinet, since I have fond memories of when my grandparents were younger and healthy while I was a kid and took me to arcades starting at 5 :)
In some circles I would be considered a 'loser' since I am 25 and trying to get my GED, having no girlfriend. ( Who knows, perhaps I meet shallow women? Whenever I mention my life I tend not to see them again lol ) I consider myself a late bloomer, and still plan to go to college. :)
Well hopefully this will add to the diverse community here lol or something =/
You are not a loser! If more people in this world cared about their loved ones the way you obviously do, the world would clearly be abetter place.
As for college, I started when I was 25 and just finished last year when I turned 30. I have a great job, travel all over the world, and have a great wife and daughter.
Being a late bloomer is not a bad thing if you have your priorities in order and goals set for yourself.
Funny thing is ... when I tell people about this odd hobby of mine (arcade cabs) they probably secretly think I am a loser too. ;)
Oh Well -- can't please everyone.
-MM
P.S. to Anthony691 -- Yes, MAME does Rule!
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I didn't go broke, but it's not out of the question... I bought parts a little at a time and was ridiculously frugal (at first)
My initial playable cab was probably just under 300 beans...
Free gutted cabinet
rolldown PC system/parts
misc home depot/radio shack parts
21" monitor for 100 beans on ebay (inc shipping)
some sidewinder pads
2 x-arcade sticks / 20 x-arcade buttons
The refinements were what are adding up.. trading regular glass for smoke plexi... getting a real keyboard encoder (key whiz) getting an oscar spinner and the cool knob... , lightgun, better PC guts, cup holders, laminate, new t-molding, trackball & mount, star wars yoke... and I keep wanting more/new/better stuff...
*shrug*
You don't *have* to go broke, but you most likely will in the end =P
Rampy/26/married/DINK
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Funny thing is ... when I tell people about this odd hobby of mine (arcade cabs) they probably secretly think I am a loser too. ;)
Oh Well -- can't please everyone.
-MM
P.S. to Anthony691 -- Yes, MAME does Rule!
I'm a network admin at a Jr. High and just yesterday while setting up a presentation for career day I showed Mame(which of course I keep on my laptop for "work related issues!") for the first time to a couple of the female teachers as my "test" display and I had them gawking with glee at all of games they threw at me as I quickly displayed and played each of them on the big screen in the MPR. I don't think that geek was what they were thinking, just the opposite, I think most people who see Mame for the first time almost feel envious of this neat little arcade in a computer and the fact they don't have a copy. Just my 2 cents on that.
And about that other stuff, spent way to much on my cab,
I'm 40 (wife, 3 kids) and finally finished my BS just a couple of years ago. Age is all in the mind and gaming seems to be a way to stay in touch with the kid inside and keep you young at heart.
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I'm a network admin at a Jr. High and just yesterday while setting up a presentation for career day I showed Mame(which of course I keep on my laptop for "work related issues!") for the first time to a couple of the female teachers as my "test" display and I had them gawking with glee at all of games they threw at me as I quickly displayed and played each of them on the big screen in the MPR. I don't think that geek was what they were thinking, just the opposite, I think most people who see Mame for the first time almost feel envious of this neat little arcade in a computer and the fact they don't have a copy. Just my 2 cents on that.
And about that other stuff, spent way to much on my cab,
I'm 40 (wife, 3 kids) and finally finished my BS just a couple of years ago. Age is all in the mind and gaming seems to be a way to stay in touch with the kid inside and keep you young at heart.
I agree that most people think MAME itself is cool ... but when people find out that I spend many of my weekends re-wiring control panels, hacking up various keyboards and gamepads, and touching up the paintwork on the sideart of an old Stern cab .... I guarantee you they are thinking one thing and one thing only ---- "GEEK". :D
Best part is, I don't care what they think. I know I can post the photos in here and all you guys will think it's cool. And that is satisfaction enough for me! ;D
MM
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Well, I'm trying to keep costs down at this point because I want to get a pinball table... I'm stunned that my wife has had this much tolerance for the cabinet as it is....
--Chris
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Why thanks! :) I wish I could meet a woman who at *least* respected that I have this hobby, if not like it as well! All the women I meet are turned off totally if I mention
A: That I am 25 and going for my GED
or
B: That I into Emulation and Arcade Cabinets.
lol
It does not seem to matter that I take care of elderly grandparents ( cough, when 2 of my sisters can give a damn, which is sad ), am working my way to college, and overall am a pretty great guy, but sorta plain. Sigh 8(
On another note... if you have a full set in MAME... and show it to people who don't know what MAME is, I know for a fact they think you are:
A: Loaded with cash
B: Are 'cool in that cool friend kinda way'
and
C: Strange in that '30 year old guy who hangs out in arcade with kids all day' kinda way =/ ( At least that's what people said about me which is pretty messed up - why do people who were raised in the 50's and 60's think that Arcades are where pedophiles hang out??? ) ( My Uncle said that to me )
And remember - a full set of MAME is what many people used to dream about - imagine the power if you had MAME and a full set back say in 1990, or 1980 - you would be 'everything'
And now anyone can download MAME and 'come across' games ;) and have well, much of the history of Arcade games right in the palm of their hands... it's a power trip... it's sort of giving a car nut a complete garage of every car ever built, or a Movie buff a DVD/VHS copy of every movie ever made...
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well.... I'm not broke yet.... but it does GREATLY drain me financially....
well... not only I got brich plywood from HD (which is expensive...) but along the way, I got power tools too.... hee hee... I like power tools also... heee hee....
I finished 1 cab... ( a gutted cab...) for a friend... and soon... I'll start working on my own.... heee hee.... garage full of stuffs.... not ready to start yet.....
btw... I'm 33 and living with my parents.... no wife... no kids... but do have a job....
people think I'm a nutcase..... since I'm quite into video games..... video game nutcase.... heee hee....
ps: did I tell you that I've been hanging out in this site MOST of my web surfing time ever since I discovered Mame ??.... ;) ;D ;D ;D
oh... and I have to say.... I agree to MilitiaMan completly...
Mr. Teamwork.... you're not a loser at all.... anyone with respect and love for others.... definitely not a loser.......
;) ;D ;) ;D
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I feel so young! Im 21, turning 22 in a couple days!
I live with 5 of my buddies in a big house and we throw a lot of parties. You can imagine between the 6 of us college student, we can spread the word about a party pretty quick and they are usually huge.
Since I finished my MAME cabinet, at every party almost everyone spends at least a few minutes on the arcade and a lot of people do the whole "can you build me one? how much would i have to pay you?" Its a bigger attraction then our pool table or foosball table, etc...
So to all those who think MAME is geeky-- you should swing by one of our parties and see how many 18-21year olds love it! :)
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Why thanks! :) I wish I could meet a woman who at *least* respected that I have this hobby, if not like it as well! All the women I meet are turned off totally if I mention
A: That I am 25 and going for my GED
Okay here is a TIP from snake :D
Never tell a women about your GED.
Always act like you are the MAN ! and you know lot of stuff about computers and other stuff(even if you really dont..LOL !).
Never tell women about you playing video games..most dont have a clue that its for EVERYONE so you better off not even mentioning anything about video games.
Thats what I do..anyone ask me "what you do for fun?".
I say...hang around,movies,pool and stuff but I really play games all the time. :D
OH and I am 18 and finished school already. ;D
An arcade addict since 1991...(cant remember) ;D
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I wish I could meet a woman who at *least* respected that I have this hobby, if not like it as well!
I'm 38 and my girlfriend wants this cab more than me. If she doesn't get to play Galaga soon she's going to kill me! She's already planning how to re-decorate the basement around the cabinet color.
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Wow all of you studs seem to find the women who actually *enjoy* videogames/arcade games. lol
I guess I tell the truth too much snaakee.. I just tell it like it is, I don't make myself out to be something I am not. I thought women would respect that (??) but are they all looking for a liar who makes it out that he is more than he is? lol
Perhaps it's just the women here on Staten Island =/
Good job on that school snaakke.. way to make me feel better! ( jk ;0 )
And um.. fractal - your girlfriend have a sister, say in the 23-27 range :P?
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Folks.. just show your wives (or significant others) Puyo Puyo, and they'll be addicted to your cab...
Chicks love this game!
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I heard 'Animal Crossing' on the gamecube pulls in women by the dozen - is this true?? lol
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I guess I tell the truth too much snaakee..
Well,sometimes you gotta lie to make things work :-\...I know you are honest but some things needs to be kept between you and yourself..like NEVER tell any girl you still play video games.
depends though,but most of time you are a loser if you tell em :'(.
too honest=too bad :P
BTW,if you really do want any girl to play games with you,I say try gun games..you know..HOT2 or other 2 players gun games..they will play :D.
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Folks.. just show your wives (or significant others) Puyo Puyo, and they'll be addicted to your cab...
Chicks love this game!
Tapper. My wife is so addicted to this one that I can pretty much build any cabinet and it gets the divine "OK" if it has Tapper on it. ;D
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I found that it helps to buy things a little at a time. I haven't even started building my cab yet, but I now have in my parts collection 1 3" happs trackball, one Oscar pro spinner, Hagstrom KE-72, Hagstrom ME-24, two super joys, 12 buttons, 3 sheets of wood.... Hmmmm and why haven't I started building yet? *Ponders* The monitor is going to kill me though.. have to save for that one.
Anyway, building a cab won't break me because owning a home already does a pretty darn good job of that. :)
BTW, I am 29/single but will be engaged in a week and a half (she doesn't know this yet.. Shhhh! :) )
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I'm 18 and my cab almost caused me to not be able to pay my car insurance :o :o Chicks seem to dig it, though, and it gives me games that the neighbor kids don't have so I can finally beat them in my own house at something ;D ;D Kyle still whomps me at MvsC, though. Chicks dig Bubble Bobble too. I haven't played Puyo Puyo, so I'll have to look into that.
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Well, I built just a control pannel (not a full cab) so I could "save money over buying xarcades" and I spent more then xarcade joysticks cost, lol.
I'm nearly 20 and my girl friend only likes Super Mario World. I've yet to sucker her into playing bubble bobble (I did play that a lot with my last girl friend) or puyo puyo.
Try Mr Driller or Klona (both are psx/ps2/gba) titles, I bet they'd love them.
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I spent 1006 dollars (Canadian funny money currency) with tax, shipping, everything inclusive, over three months... while that's alot of money since the project ended up being successful it's cash well-spent. Now I'm the envy of all my friends whenever they come over and that's a sweet, sweet feeling. :)
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Hello all,
I am 32 and just starting down my own personal hellish road of control and cabinet makeing hehehe
Is it just me or do others have the same exeperience that when they tell others about their little projects with controls panels and cabinets and when people say " oh, how much is that costing?" with the little gleam in their eye as if they are thinking " OOO I WANT ONE" and when you tell them how much JUST THE CONTROL PANEL costs, they about crap themselves and say "MAN.... thats alot of money"..... does everyone else find it hard to try to explain this to people ......try to explain the ..ugh..........NEED to build one....HEHEHE. In my experience you either "GET IT" or you DONT~
What are some other experiences others have had with this as well? :)
:o
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Well,sometimes you gotta lie to make things work :-\...I know you are honest but some things needs to be kept between you and yourself..like NEVER tell any girl you still play video games.
depends though,but most of time you are a loser if you tell em :'(.
my opinion and experience say let them women know you play video games... it weeds out the bad ones :-) my girlfriend likes to play games (actually, my 6 female friends ALL love games)... if you lie, how are you supposed to play off your stack of consoles and your cabinet when you bring her back to your place?
especially with your case Mr. TW, if girls don't respect the fact you take care of your loved ones, then they aren't the kind of girls you want to spend time with... its all about quality in the long run....
anyways, back to the subject... im one of the lucky few here who don't have bills and/or kids... im a highschooler with a fairly decent paying partime job as a programmer... i can afford the occasional toy :-)
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Hello all,
I am 32 and just starting down my own personal hellish road of control and cabinet makeing hehehe
Is it just me or do others have the same exeperience that when they tell others about their little projects with controls panels and cabinets and when people say " oh, how much is that costing?" with the little gleam in their eye as if they are thinking " OOO I WANT ONE" and when you tell them how much JUST THE CONTROL PANEL costs, they about crap themselves and say "MAN.... thats alot of money"..... does everyone else find it hard to try to explain this to people ......try to explain the ..ugh..........NEED to build one....HEHEHE. In my experience you either "GET IT" or you DONT~
What are some other experiences others have had with this as well? :)
:o
I usually get the opposite. When I tell them I spent about 600 bucks, they go...only 600 bucks? I would have thought at least 1000! Then they ask how much work went into it, and THEN they crap their pants! Especially when I tell them I cut the whole thing out with a jigsaw, LOL.
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anyways, back to the subject... im one of the lucky few here who don't have bills and/or kids... im a highschooler with a fairly decent paying partime job as a programmer... i can afford the occasional toy :-)
High School? What year? (I like to think I am the youngest here)
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senior...
i kinda have a dilemma... do i leave my baby at home when i go to college? do i make sure i spend a little extra $$ to get a larger dorm room, break it down, and have my parents send all the parts after i get settled in?
or do i forego college so i can stay home and play? :-)
mm....
~Dak~
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I am also a senior in high school.
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senior...
i kinda have a dilemma... do i leave my baby at home when i go to college? do i make sure i spend a little extra $$ to get a larger dorm room, break it down, and have my parents send all the parts after i get settled in?
or do i forego college so i can stay home and play? :-)
mm....
~Dak~
If you're a senior now, then you've got a few months to (re)build a cocktail cabinet..
1. it can double as a coffee table as long as you build some cup holders on the side
2. you need a PC for school work anyway
3. heck of a lot more mobile- get some casters on it and you won't even have to lift/drag it around
Anyway I'm far from going broke because of my cabinet, I've been broke for a long time now :) I try to stay frugal, buying stuff in stages(first a stick, ipac, a few buttons, then another stick, then the spinner and opti, then some more sticks, etc) and re-using what I can. Yeah I wait a few weeks sometimes between "new" toys, but I really don't mind because I spend that time playing!
Same story as alot of ya- married, 30, no kids, too many cats. She calls me crazy less and less frequently, so thats a good thing.. When there's a box of goodies on the porch, she just shakes her head
It's all good
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Im starting to learn just how one CAN go broke makeing your own parts......BUT.......im LOVIN' every minute of going broke!!!!
CAN I GET AN AMEN!!!!!???!!!!
HEEHEH
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I don't need to start worrying about what to do with my cab when I go to school as I am a freshman.
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If you're a senior now, then you've got a few months to (re)build a cocktail cabinet..
1. it can double as a coffee table as long as you build some cup holders on the side
2. you need a PC for school work anyway
3. heck of a lot more mobile- get some casters on it and you won't even have to lift/drag it around
thanks for the help guys, but i was kinda joking... (everyone is so helpful) i might sell it to a friend of mine, or take it with me, or leave it at home, or whatever.... no biggie :-)
~Dak~