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What else do I need to build a MAME cab?
Encryptor:
I've been veiwing these forums for a few months now and I'm collecting joysticks, buttons and the other things needed for the electronic side of my first cabinet. I'm the kind of person that when I want to work on something I don't like surprises. When I want to do something I don't want to have to wait a week or two to get the parts I need. What I need to know is what other things do I need. I intend to build a 2 player cp. I have the pc and monitor and I know I need buttons, joysticks, trackball and the other things for the cp. What else? I also plan on buying saints book so if these answers are in there just let me know and I'll not pursue this any further here.
1. How many power supplies do I need? Do I need a seperate PS to run the I-Pac and other electronics for the cp or can they be run from the computer PS? If so what kind do I need?
2. I'm getting an I-Pac2 for the cp. Do I need a seperate emulator for the trackball and spinner? Such as an Opti-Pac? What other ones are there out there besides the Opti-Pac?
3. I've read about different sound systems people have put into their cabs. Is that something that has to be done or can you just come off the sound card and into a set of speakers? Is adding something like a surround system just something people do just to have great sound for their gaming experience?
I think that's it for now but if I have more I'll ask in the future. Thanks for the help that has been given so far in other questions.
Encryptor
johnm160:
1) Just the computer power supply is fine.
2) you would need an opti-pac for the trackball or look at the Mini pac, they have one that will do both and you can get a harness for it.
3) sound card and powered speakers are just fine.
Good Luck
spacies:
You dont need surround sound.
Nearly all old arcade games were designed to run in Mono. Hence only 1 speaker on an original cabinet.
Waste of money IMO.
leapinlew:
--- Quote from: Encryptor on October 12, 2006, 05:44:09 pm ---I've been veiwing these forums for a few months now and I'm collecting joysticks, buttons and the other things needed for the electronic side of my first cabinet. I'm the kind of person that when I want to work on something I don't like surprises. When I want to do something I don't want to have to wait a week or two to get the parts I need. What I need to know is what other things do I need. I intend to build a 2 player cp. I have the pc and monitor and I know I need buttons, joysticks, trackball and the other things for the cp. What else? I also plan on buying saints book so if these answers are in there just let me know and I'll not pursue this any further here.
1. How many power supplies do I need? Do I need a seperate PS to run the I-Pac and other electronics for the cp or can they be run from the computer PS? If so what kind do I need?
2. I'm getting an I-Pac2 for the cp. Do I need a seperate emulator for the trackball and spinner? Such as an Opti-Pac? What other ones are there out there besides the Opti-Pac?
3. I've read about different sound systems people have put into their cabs. Is that something that has to be done or can you just come off the sound card and into a set of speakers? Is adding something like a surround system just something people do just to have great sound for their gaming experience?
I think that's it for now but if I have more I'll ask in the future. Thanks for the help that has been given so far in other questions.
Encryptor
--- End quote ---
Encryptor,
I can tell by some of your questions that your at the beginning of building a cabinet. Surprises are part of the build process. Your best bet is to do a little research and just jump right in... You'll probably do some things over (like all of us have) and wish you did some things different.
Thats just how it goes!
As for things I was surprised I needed:
Clips, Connectors, screws\bolts, tools, bondo, wood filler, wiring, power strips, painting supplies, photoshop skills, ps2 keyboard, LED's, time, correct version of roms, the list of surprises goes on and on
As for surround sound... I agree it's a waste if your going to just be running mame. However, 2.1 sounds excellent. Robotron literally shakes the house when I play it with 2.1. While mono sound will work.... 2.1 sounds so much better.
ahofle:
Definitely stereo at the least (and the sub, while not arcade accurate, really makes games like Asteroids rock). The Atari games like Marble Madness, Paperboy, Indiana Jones, Super Sprint (I really crank this one), etc all have EXCELLENT stereo sound.
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