New project that fell thru. Arcade In A Box

[BobA]

Was getting ready to put a mini itx board in a box (bottom extension of my old Hot Rod CP).

I started gathering the parts and even built the bottom extension for my Hot Rod.

For a display I was going to use any of the TVs in the house that have HDMI input.

[BobA]

All my plans got put aside when I received a LCD 24 inch monitor as a present.    Monitor has an amp and speaker built in.

Didn't want to make my Hot Rod into a heavy AIAB so this is what I ended up with to do my front end experimenting and general Mame changes.

The mini ITX was hung on the back of the monitor via the vesa mount so no box was needed underneath my Hotrod to house the computer. It still has a HDMI output so I can use it with a larger TV if required.   It makes for a very compact Mame testing rig.

Of course a wireless mouse and KB setup makes changes even easier.

[BobA]

Additional info.

The Hotrod controller is a bit limiting in its original form but the keyboard interface died about 2 years ago. It was replaced with a keywiz from GGG.  I had to change the button that I used for ESC and wire in the Shazzzam key to make use of the alternate key set so I could run Maximus Arcade.  I like the feel of the Hotrod because it uses Happ controls unlike the X-Arcade. It is too bad that Hannaho does not seem to be around any more.

The mini itx is a Zotac ION ITX A series with a fairly good nvidia graphics processor.  It has 2 GB of RAM and a 260 GB 2.5 inch HD.   2.5 inch is needed because of the small case being used. The white thing behind the monitor is a gain type WiFi antenna that replaces the little antenna the was attached to the board.

[SpaceHedgehog]

Ahh, the Hotrod .... I have one of those in my attic ... fond memories of the first time I encountered MAME. I'd love to be able to get hold of the covering they used for that (melamine?), so durable ....

[Rick]

Very slick!  You've got me thinking that maybe I'll just install MAME into my Media PC and play on my 42" Plasma, once my control panel is done.  (Of course, until I need to install it into the full-size unit, of course!)

I like it.

[BobA]

Someone asked about the HotRod.   It was from my first bartop cab that was built 8 years ago.  BYOACers never throw anything away.

My first bartop

I just love the computer spec.  We have come along way.

The computer is a 450 mhz AMD with 256 mb of memory and an 8 gig hard drive.

[IG-88]

What did you end up doing with that first bartop? I still got my first. Don't have the heart to tear it apart...

[BobA]

It has had the CPU upgraded and the monitor replaced and is still in the basement workshop.  It is never used so I may just donate it to someone looking for a first project.

[IG-88]

Hmm.... check your PM