Personal all in one arcade project

[ndiniz]

I'm not sure if it'll happen yet, but I may be making plans to create an all in one gaming system. I intend to be able to play most console games, every MAME game available, and virtually every VPinMAME pinball table ever created. I created a proposal about it, and gave it to my grandma & grandpa to consider. So far, I've been told that my grandma is going to think about it. I am going to show her what I'm talking about and have her write down some questions about my intentions. I will then answer them, and go from there. Stay tuned! The fate of my project will probably be given very soon!

[Seith]

I'm not sure if it'll happen yet, but I may be making plans to create an all in one gaming system. I intend to be able to play most console games, every MAME game available, and virtually every VPinMAME pinball table ever created. I created a proposal about it, and gave it to my grandma & grandpa to consider. So far, I've been told that my grandma is going to think about it. I am going to show her what I'm talking about and have her write down some questions about my intentions. I will then answer them, and go from there. Stay tuned! The fate of my project will probably be given very soon!

A couple questions:

1.  How old are you?  Are you still in school or do you work?

2.  Why are you proposing the project to your grandparents?  Are you looking to have them fund it?

3.  What is your living situation right now?  Are you still living with your parents, or are you living on your own?  If you are still living with the 'rents, you may want to check with them to make sure they are okay with having a project like this take up space in their house.

[ndiniz]

First off, I am 29 going on 30. I used to work for a gaming company in town called Melody Music. They rent out arcade room equipment to places like Bars & Restaurants, and I had started a job with them almost 2 years ago, but in April, due to company redesign, and circumstances that I had no control over, I was forced to leave my job. I did not leave on bad terms. My grandma knows people who own a place in town called Spherion. They are a company that helps people find temporary jobs. The company wants me to do some testing on my skills so they can help me find a job of some kind. I am quite talented, and would like to see to it that I get a job where I can showcase my talents.

Secondly, I am proposing this project because 1. I am a gamer. 2. I don't like going to places that have the games I like to play, only to find out that the machine(s) I want to play is/are out of order. 3. I am doing this to preserve my memories of playing video games with my family as a young child. and I have already been told that my grandma is thinking about it. In the meantime, I am in the middle of working on a presentation that will help them understand further what my intentions are once my proposal and/or presentation is approved. I would rather respect their thoughts & opinions on this matter than me do it without their permission. I love my grandparents, and I want them to see that doing such a project can be a good thing. I already have started working on the presentation, and there are a few things that need to be done on the presentation before I can show them what I'm getting at. By the way, I do have Williams Syndrome which means I have a chromosome #7 missing from my DNA.

I do currently live with my grandma & grandpa, and unfortunately, I have no job. However, I live on SSI and pay $300 in rent per month to them. This pays about 1/3 to 1/2 of the total cost of all bills such as Telephone, Internet, water, electricity, etc. I get about $200 a month to spend as I please.

I already have made several measurements for what I intend to build, and I will see to it that this project is started the moment I get the OK.

I'm sure that if you were disabled like I am, you would do your homework on something like this, and I have done a lot of research on this matter.

[Unstupid]

Why don't you post some pics/drawings of what you want to build so we can give you input and suggestions. 

SSI at 30.... Cool beans!

[ndiniz]

I actually am in the middle of looking at some cabs others have designed. If at any point I get the OK, I'll show you some that I really like.

[stuckpixel]

Depending on how much space you have where you are now - your grandfolks might be more likely to be cool with you building a bar-top style game instead of a full-style cabinet.

There are a few pretty solid designs around - that might be worth putting some thought into if they are reluctant to have a full size cabinet in your place.

[ndiniz]

I have looked at those, but those look like they have few advantages. Few controls, cramming the wiring , limited set of games to play..... I don't think so. Since this entire project will be funded by me, I have each and every intention of going for an upright cabinet. It's the only way to go. If all the hard work I've done towards this project is for nothing, so be it. I stated my intentions in the proposal, and will stick to those intentions until I hear otherwise. I still have to show them what my intentions are, and will show my grandparents what I'm getting at when it's convenient for them. I also have looked at cocktail table versions, but have decided those aren't for me. The bartop and cocktail versions look nice, but I would use a Mega-touch machine on a bartop.

[Unstupid]

I have looked at those, but those look like they have few advantages. Few controls, cramming the wiring , limited set of games to play..... I don't think so. Since this entire project will be funded by me, I have each and every intention of going for an upright cabinet. It's the only way to go. If all the hard work I've done towards this project is for nothing, so be it. I stated my intentions in the proposal, and will stick to those intentions until I hear otherwise. I still have to show them what my intentions are, and will show my grandparents what I'm getting at when it's convenient for them. I also have looked at cocktail table versions, but have decided those aren't for me. The bartop and cocktail versions look nice, but I would use a Mega-touch machine on a bartop.

Not to mention bartops are ugly!   

[ndiniz]

Good thing there's at least one person who agrees with me on Bartop cabinets.

[Unstupid]

Good thing there's at least one person who agrees with me on Bartop cabinets.

Yea you don't want to build a cocktail either... they are pretty ugly too and take up too much space! 

[ndiniz]

If anyone wants to post any suggestions as to what kind of upright cab I should build, you're more than welcome to post them. By the way, would it be possible to create a modular cabinet with a 2 tiered modular control panel as on Supercade II, but with those LEDBlinky buttons? Those look really cool. I want to have as many controls as possible.

[ndiniz]

just realized something.... my grandparents would kill me if I shopped online for the parts I'd need for this project. $*)#*)@_!)_$*%!!!! I wish I could say that this project was going to become a reality, but since I have no way of being able to shop for the parts I need, what do I do? Do I cancel the project, and do it later on in life, or do I just forget it altogether? I need help on this.

[Drnick]

Shopping online shouldn't be an issue in this day and age,  obviously do everything you can to be safe and protected, IE only use Credit card which should get you protection from fraud/non delivery, damage in transit and that kind of thing. Only use Secure sites for payment (HTTPS & Padlock). Or use sites that take Paypal payments, that would also be protected.  Failing that see if you can't get a friend to order all the parts you need, pay them the cash and sorted. 

I can understand needing your Grandparents permission to build/keep unit in their house, but buying things online.  Come on you are a grown man after all, sooner or later the training wheels have to come off .

[Trip]

just realized something.... my grandparents would kill me if I shopped online for the parts I'd need for this project. $*)#*)@_!)_$*%!!!! I wish I could say that this project was going to become a reality, but since I have no way of being able to shop for the parts I need, what do I do? Do I cancel the project, and do it later on in life, or do I just forget it altogether? I need help on this.

Look for an arcade shop locally.  You may be able to get a gutted cabinet for cheap and also buy the controls from them. 

Look into buy those prepaid VISA cards and use those to shop online.

[lordnacho]

Space and cost are the only things I can see being issues with them.   Is it going in your room or basement or a general living area?  I don't know your full situation, but since you are giving your grandparents money for rent, then you are are basically a renter and entitled to bring in things you want as long as it doesn't disturb them.

In the proposal you mentioned, go over some figures.  If you visit arcades a lot, then in the long run you may save money.  Also stress that this isn't just gaming, but a hobby and a way to preserve(at least the memory of how things used to be).  Also reference this site and the active community that help each other out with projects like this.  Print out some build threads and all of the positive feedback they get.  Also mention some of the threads that review vendors, maybe that will get them over any fear of buying online.

[javeryh]

I want to have as many controls as possible.

This is not going to end well. 

[ndiniz]

Me and my grandparents are going to try and figure something out. I did voice my concern about it, and my grandma told me not to worry about it. So the research is going to continue as planned.

[Unstupid]

I want to have as many controls as possible.

This is not going to end well. 

 

[Well Fed Games]

I want to have as many controls as possible.

This is not going to end well. 

 

Seriously, though, keep in mind there is a balance to gamelist and how many controls a control panel can reasonably have and still be playable- ask yourself if spinner and trackball games, for instance, are really what you are into.... Otherwise a couple of 8-way sticks and 12 buttons will get you a two-player panel that will play the majority of arcade and early console games very well... and those controls are relatively cheap, too... a lot of people have sticks and buttons they would probably pass on for cheap or free.

Best of luck with your project! So cool to see younger folks (yes I feel old writing that) getting into the hobby! 

[ndiniz]

Yeah, who would've thought that someone very young like me would have the desire to get into such an interesting thing!

[DillonFoulds]

Yeah, who would've thought that someone very young like me would have the desire to get into such an interesting thing!

First off, I am 29 going on 30.

 

I'm 25, started in on this at 23, and I'd venture to say there's a very large group that are younger than me on this hobby...

[Arimack]

Good thing there's at least one person who agrees with me on Bartop cabinets.

Yea you don't want to build a cocktail either... they are pretty ugly too and take up too much space! 

I have to repeat what javeryh said:

This is not going to end well. 

I sense someone who will not respond well to advice given.

[ndiniz]

I know one thing for sure: I know I don't have the money I need for the parts, nor do I have the money to get a nice PC to run everything. However, I am working on getting a new job, and since I have no idea of how much I will spend on this project, I definitely don't want to disappoint myself, do I? I don't think so! I either go BOLD or GO HOME! It's the only way to do it. I'm just in the early stages of planning, looking at cabinet designs from people, and as time & money allows, I'll figure everything out. Doing the pre-planning phase is what I'm doing now, and it's fun looking at all the cabinet designs I've seen so far, and I'm trying to come up with ideas on how I can apply some of the styles to my own cab.

[lordnacho]

I have to repeat what javeryh said:

This is not going to end well. 

I sense someone who will not respond well to advice given.

Very helpful post 

[BadMouth]

I know you said go bold or go home, but an outdated hand-me-down PC will run most of the games in MAME.
At worst, it will at least run the early 80's classics.
If you can find one for free, you might as well grab it and start learning how to configure everything.
(or use your current computer if you already have MAME on it)

You could maybe get a fightstick for now. http://www.amazon.com/Xbox360-Fighting-Stick-EX-Xbox-360/dp/B000V02P6Q/ref=sr_1_37?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1346358349&sr=1-37&keywords=fightstick

It might not be a cabinet, but you'd have enough parts there to play games and experiment with the position of the screen and controls.
When you do have some money to start building a cabinet, the software part would already be done.
Setting up the software is very time consuming.  You might be better off doing it while you're not working.   

[ndiniz]

Read my first post. I intend to nave VP, MAME, and some consoles I'm familiar with. I am sticking to my intentions and there is no way in the world that I am going to let anyone or anything get in my way of doing this project to my specifications. As I have said, I have started the pre-planning phase and will be in this phase until further notice.

[Unstupid]

I am sticking to my intentions and there is no way in the world that I am going to let anyone or anything get in my way of doing this project to my specifications.

I see... You're telling us what you are going to do... You are not asking for any help/suggestions!  Ohh... this is going to be fun!  I can't wait to see what you come up with!   

[Well Fed Games]

Wow, my bad, I apparently didn't read the thread very well- you are my age! Still best of luck, I was in the same spot 2 years ago starting out- funds were a major factor in my first build as well. This forum has a wealth of knowledge- last year's awards (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,119352.0.html) and the mameys (http://massive.mameworld.info/NEWMAMEY/awards.html) are a great place to harvest ideas while you are in the planning stage.

[MTPPC]

I intend to be able to play most console games, every MAME game available, and virtually every VPinMAME pinball table ever created.

I'd say you need at least $400 worth of computer and video card and that's assuming you can build your own from parts.

Your original post is as if I went to a Car racing forum and said, I'm going to build the fastest car on the track. I don't have any money and hope to have some soon. Please spend a lot of time telling me how to build the fastest car in the world even though chances are slim I will ever build it and I have to learn the basics of mechanics before I can even get started.

In other words, you probably need more realistic expectations if you hope to succeed. The idea of "Go Big Or Go Home" is for people with money or credit. It's not really helpful to have that attitude when proposing your ideas for grand parents to fund. Perhaps a better plan is to build a small control panel and find a donor PC that you can connect to your TV. At least that would be affordable and give you a chance to stick your toe in the water without wasting a lot of money on gear you may not even be capable of utilizing.

[ndiniz]

Nice advice, but I am not one who will simply go small at first, because I know it'll take me some time to get a job and start getting paid, but again, I reiterate, I am going big because I have a desire to, and I will not disrespect myself by going small. I've already looked at some plans, and I already know what I intend to do. Any more posts about going small, and I'll make sure this topic gets locked. I won't allow people to suggest I go smallat first, because I have more experience with emulators than some people think. I tested the waters of emulating as young as my high school career.

[MTPPC]

Nice advice, but I am not one who will simply go small at first, because I know it'll take me some time to get a job and start getting paid, but again, I reiterate, I am going big because I have a desire to, and I will not disrespect myself by going small. I've already looked at some plans, and I already know what I intend to do. Any more posts about going small, and I'll make sure this topic gets locked. I won't allow people to suggest I go smallat first, because I have more experience with emulators than some people think. I tested the waters of emulating as young as my high school career.

I'm surprised that someone who has everything so figured out asks for advice. Oh wait, I figured it out. You are here not for advice, but reaffirmation. That being the case, please let us see your proposal before you submit it to your grandparents so we can tell you how good it is.

I'm subscribing to this thread because I can't wait to see the biggest and baddest build this forum has ever seen. Please post lots of pictures. I'll be watching silently from here on out because I don't want to have you get this thread locked.

I will show you a few of the projects I completed in the last year though:
SNK vs. Capcom Mame Cabinet


Stripped a Steel Talons


Marvel Vs. Capcom II Hyperspin Cabinet


Ms. Pac-Mame Mala 4-way/trackball cabinet


Mr. Do! 60-in-one


Ms. Pacman Dedicated Cocktail


Tron Dedicated Upright


Aladdin's Choice Pit Fighter


Mini-digital Pinball Future Pinball Simulator


Virtual Solar Ride VP/FP simulator


This is my next project I haven't started:

Project Virtual Preview


But I'm really sorry if I offended you by suggesting to start with a project that would be a littler easier to finish. I guess I'm just talking out my butt.

[ndiniz]

Sorry if I offended anyone. I will have it posted soon. It might sound strange to you, but it's OK. I am somewhat strange and I won't be offended by any criticism you might have. I know I can do the project, it's just a matter of getting it approved by my grandparentsbefore  I start the planning phase. I have looked at some cab designs and some I've seen are very impressive. I wouldn't want to do this without my grandma's approval. I love her and my grandpa and wouldn't want to do it out of nowhere and get in a landfill of trouble because I did itwithout approval. If I were on my own and lived a great life, I'd immediately start working on it. I think I'll also upload the presentation I've made so far. I think I have more than enough reasons in my presentation to have my project request approved. Who knew that things like this would be possible!!! I'll have both the proposal and the presentation all in one zip file.

[yotsuya]

As someone who wanted a cab that would play everything but quickly realized that arcade cabs are best at playing... arcade games, I suggest you really think it through. It's great to want to have an all-in-one machine, but you might find that you'd be better suited having one well-planned machine that does your favorite games really well. Just some free advice. 

[thaddeussmith]

As someone who wanted a cab that would play everything but quickly realized that arcade cabs are best at playing... arcade games, I suggest you really think it through. It's great to want to have an all-in-one machine, but you might find that you'd be better suited having one well-planned machine that does your favorite games really well. Just some free advice. 

i had planned to have every emulator under the sun in my Neo Geo rebuild. I stopped at NES/SNES and I have yet to really play those much at all. It impresses the hell out of friends to have so many things crammed in there, but reality dictates that a MAME catalogue is already more games than I have time to thoroughly play.

[DillonFoulds]

My first attempt at an arcade machine I did a full hyperspin wheel, every emulator I could get functioning was on there, 4 Players, 8 buttons per player...

Cut that panel quickly back to 8 buttons for only players 1 & 2 and 4 buttons for players 3 & 4. That cut out tons of crowding on the control panel. I still get 4 players together regularly for gaming, so I can't go down to a 2 player setup, nor can I go with less than 6 buttons for 1 and 2, since we'll have mini fighter tournaments. All 8 buttons are only ever used for emulators, and players 3 and 4 are fine with only 4 buttons (ie: N64, 3 and 4 only use A B Z and R, SNES only use A B X Y).

But since this project, I added a hyperspin wheel to my HTPC and bluetooth'ed PS3 controllers. Now we tend to play console games where they belong. On the TV, played from a couch, with a controller.

[teeuwen]

As someone who wanted a cab that would play everything but quickly realized that arcade cabs are best at playing... arcade games, I suggest you really think it through. It's great to want to have an all-in-one machine, but you might find that you'd be better suited having one well-planned machine that does your favorite games really well. Just some free advice. 

i had planned to have every emulator under the sun in my Neo Geo rebuild. I stopped at NES/SNES and I have yet to really play those much at all. It impresses the hell out of friends to have so many things crammed in there, but reality dictates that a MAME catalogue is already more games than I have time to thoroughly play.

everything but majong right

[yotsuya]

Yeah, I'm planning to take the console emulators that I have and put them on a TV-based machine. I did the whole all-in-one thing, and it's just not much fun on a standup cabinet.

I wouldn't do pinball on a regular cab, either. If I ever do Virtual Pinball, it'll be on a full-blown 2-3 monitor setup. If you're going to do it, do it right. But that's me. YMMV.

[TopJimmyCooks]

Ndiniz- how are you fixed for woodworking materials or tools?  Are you considering converting from an existing game cabinet?  Can you work your connection with the arcade operator you worked for to get a cab to retrofit?  That will have a big impact on how your cab build planning goes. 

[thaddeussmith]

everything but majong right

whatever dude, majong is the ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---.

[ndiniz]

I might get a kit, or find an arcade cab from my former workplace, or have a friend of mine help me with the plans for the cab, and the wiring. I got sidetracked today. I'll have the proposal and presentation on a zip file for you guys sometime before Tuesday evening.