Newbie Project

[Vorlon Inside]

Hi Everyone,

I've been lurking for the past few weeks, and have decided to take the plunge!  I expect my project to take a long time as I'm in the pre-planning stages.  Just picked up a copy of Project Arcade, and have made a trip to Home Depot to figure out what I might need to get started.

So far I have figured out a couple of things about my project:

It will be a regular Arcade Cabinet (unfortunately got into this hobby a few weeks too late, roomate's mom cleared out 5 existing cabs during spring cleaning)

Figure I want controls for 4 players, have 3 roomates and we tend to have lots of company.

Leaning toward using a Dell 30" lcd for the monitor (but will probably use a old 27" TV first)

Brains will be P3 1 ghz pc with ample storage, 512 mb ram, RADEON AIW

Probably biggest hurdle is the complete lack of power tools.

I'll continue to update / document as I figure out more.

[DigDreams]

I'd suggest a TV with component video inputs instead of a monitor - unless you are planning on running PC games.  For MAME and Daphne the TV will look much better.  I tried Daphne with component out to my 55" TV and it looks awesome.

- DigDreams

[Vorlon Inside]

I would assume standard def on the TV front then?  Stay away from LCDs and Plasmas?  No plans to run PC games on this, just MAME / Daphne.  Thanks for the tip!

[DigDreams]

Yeah, most MAME games run at less than 640x480 - so this is the rare instance where a higher dot pitch is better - it smooths out the lines.  Try to find a TV with Component In, if you can't find one, use SVideo.  I'm sure someone her can point you in the direction of a good make/model of tv.

Most people would agree that the best display for MAME/Daphne is (in order of quality) An Arcade Monitor, TV, then PC Monitor.  Some people like the way MAME looks on an LCD, but I hate it.  When I run Daphne on a TV it looks like a movie - on the LCD it looks washed out.

If you like pinball, don't forget VPinMame/Visual Pinball  (visit: http://www.pinballsim.com/).

For a front end, take a look at 3D Arcade, GameEX, and MAMEWah - they are all excellent.  I use 3D Arcade.  You can check out/downlaod my custom front-end here here:

http://echo.messageboard.nl/2243/viewtopic.php?t=2190

Also, if you want lighed buttons, check this thread out:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=51813.0

I bought a set of button inserts from him and they look amazing.

Glad to help out.

- DigDreams

[Crafty]

Sounds Like you are about one step ahead of where I'm at with my non-existent project. I will be keeping an eye on your progress good luck. This forum is full of helpfull people who will provide valuable advice.

[Vorlon Inside]

Well doing some more prelim work yesterday.  Made a fun trip to Home Depot to pick up some starter supplies.  Got my saw guide constructed.  Started working on plans for the buildout.  Gonna keep track of the expenses in this post.

Home Depot 6/04/06

2 pcs 3/4" 2x4 MDF
4 Quick Grip clamps
1 box wood screws
7 1/4" circular saw blade
Saftey Glasses
89 piece drill bit set
7 1/4" Circular Saw
==================
$184.05

Starbucks 06/04/06 (wish Dunkin Donuts was closer)

Iced Coffee
==================
$2.71

Home Depot 06/04/06

2 Sawhorses
==================
$32.41

[Crafty]

Keeping a track of the cost is a double edged sword.

Useful information to some and a wake up call to the uninitiated.
As costs climb it can become a reason to keep the total cost to yourself. (Especially for consideration of further projects with the minister of finance)