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New guy, new project. Free cab!
owkenobi:
Howdy everybody.
I've dreamed of having an arcade cab for years. When I was younger, it seemed that the finances and tools were out of reach. Now that I'm a bit older, having two kids and running a business, it never seemed to be the right time.
I'd honestly hoped to get one of those xtension cabs at some point, simply because it would be simple-ish and wouldn't be too deep of a cab...
But then I just happened across this on Craiglist. For free! I see now on the computer my pictures are awful, I should take new ones.
The inside is marked w/ a serial number and says "Interchangeable Game Cabinet Manufactured by Wizard Electronics." I haven't been able to find out anything about Wizard Electronics or this kind of cabinet, anyone know anything?
There's no coin door, no monitor, and no control panel, so I have some work to do. The screen panel is hinged and lifts up. Where the joystick(s?) would have been in a simple panel, the previous owner mentioned using consoles with it. (probably a sega saturn, based on the number of sega saturn stickers...)
I'm trying to do this on as much of a budget as possible, so I'm looking at x-arcade's 2 player DIY kit, but i know they don't have the best reputation on here.
And the pics:
BadMouth:
The x-arcade interface is limited to 6 simultaneous button presses if you use the USB interface.
So if both players are pressing at an angle (triggering two direction each), that only leave two other buttons registering.
That might cause issues with fighting games.
If you use the PS2 input instead, you won't have that limitation but I still don't like the interface because if you don't like the default mappings, you have to press a button twice every time the computer is started to load alternate mappings.
Most other interfaces out there are better. If you price similar quality buttons and joysticks at reputable vendors, you should be able to put together a package for about the same price.
If I got that cabinet and didn't want to spend much money, I'd keep an eye out for a free 20+" CRT monitor on craigslist.
Easier to find, but not as good would be a CRT TV with s-video input. I'd pass on TVs with only composite video inputs (the single yellow rca jack). Text is pretty hard to read over that connection. I'd hold out for free for any of these options. The s-video option would require you to buy an old video card with s-vid out.
Do you have the tools and ability to make bracing to hold the monitor and cut holes for the controls?
It doesn't have to look like fine furniture. If you can cut some 2x4's to length and screw them in place, you'll be fine.
owkenobi:
--- Quote from: BadMouth on June 04, 2014, 09:43:12 am ---The x-arcade interface is limited to 6 simultaneous button presses if you use the USB interface.
So if both players are pressing at an angle (triggering two direction each), that only leave two other buttons registering.
That might cause issues with fighting games.
<snip>
Most other interfaces out there are better. If you price similar quality buttons and joysticks at reputable vendors, you should be able to put together a package for about the same price.
--- End quote ---
I didn't know that about the button presses. I would certainly like to play SFII 2 player, so that would be an issue. I don't think I'll be playing anything more intense than that. Just looking at Ultimarc and groovy game gear, it doesn't seem like I'd be able to get an interface, joysticks and buttons for less than $100+, but I will do some more thorough searching today. I'm a bit hesitant about soldering, but I bet I could do it...
--- Quote from: BadMouth on June 04, 2014, 09:43:12 am ---If I got that cabinet and didn't want to spend much money, I'd keep an eye out for a free 20+" CRT monitor on craigslist.
Easier to find, but not as good would be a CRT TV with s-video input. I'd pass on TVs with only composite video inputs (the single yellow rca jack). Text is pretty hard to read over that connection. I'd hold out for free for any of these options. The s-video option would require you to buy an old video card with s-vid out.
Do you have the tools and ability to make bracing to hold the monitor and cut holes for the controls?
It doesn't have to look like fine furniture. If you can cut some 2x4's to length and screw them in place, you'll be fine.
--- End quote ---
The good news is I have a 19" LCD 4:3 monitor and a mostly working first-gen Macbook running boot camp, so all I need is the control panel and some kind of preamp for the speakers. (there's some sony speakers mounted above the screen)
I think I should be able to rig up a control panel with some scrap wood, I do have paddle drill bits and such so I think I can make it work. Like you say, not fine furniture.
JDFan:
--- Quote from: owkenobi on June 04, 2014, 10:07:47 am ---
--- Quote from: BadMouth on June 04, 2014, 09:43:12 am ---The x-arcade interface is limited to 6 simultaneous button presses if you use the USB interface.
So if both players are pressing at an angle (triggering two direction each), that only leave two other buttons registering.
That might cause issues with fighting games.
<snip>
Most other interfaces out there are better. If you price similar quality buttons and joysticks at reputable vendors, you should be able to put together a package for about the same price.
--- End quote ---
I didn't know that about the button presses. I would certainly like to play SFII 2 player, so that would be an issue. I don't think I'll be playing anything more intense than that. Just looking at Ultimarc and groovy game gear, it doesn't seem like I'd be able to get an interface, joysticks and buttons for less than $100+, but I will do some more thorough searching today. I'm a bit hesitant about soldering, but I bet I could do it...
--- End quote ---
IF looking to do it on the cheap EBAY does have some button\encoder setups that work fine - for Example for This set with 2 joysticks\20 buttons and 2 ZD type Gamepad encoders (show up as a gamepad rather than a keyboard but work fine for MAME and most emulators ) for $63. Figure it would be a good fit for now, doesn't have the limited simultaneous input limitation of the X-arcade unit, and can always be upgraded later if you find you want higher end (more expensive) parts later ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/Arcade-DIY-Kit-Parts-2x-USB-Encoder-To-PC-2x-Joystick-20x-Buttons-For-MAME-/201034334608?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ece948190 )
owkenobi:
--- Quote from: JDFan on June 04, 2014, 10:36:08 am ---IF looking to do it on the cheap EBAY does have some button\encoder setups that work fine - for Example for This set with 2 joysticks\20 buttons and 2 ZD type Gamepad encoders (show up as a gamepad rather than a keyboard but work fine for MAME and most emulators ) for $63. Figure it would be a good fit for now, doesn't have the limited simultaneous input limitation of the X-arcade unit, and can always be upgraded later if you find you want higher end (more expensive) parts later ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/Arcade-DIY-Kit-Parts-2x-USB-Encoder-To-PC-2x-Joystick-20x-Buttons-For-MAME-/201034334608?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ece948190 )
--- End quote ---
Heck that would be perfect. I guess I was leery for ordering straight from ebay, but if those are decent quality to start that would be great. Thanks for the link!
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