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I want to build an arcade machine...where do I start?

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The Monkey Man:
Hello.

When I was at my local shopping centre, I saw a arcade machine in the shops for sale for £2999.99. I was going to buy it, but then I realised that I could just build my own.

So, I'm just wondering...where do I start? The actual console, the control panel, the cabinet, or something else? ???

shardian:
It is very simple, you start by clicking the link below:

Project Arcade

The Monkey Man:

--- Quote from: shardian on October 16, 2008, 01:35:51 pm ---It is very simple, you start by clicking the link below:

Project Arcade

--- End quote ---
I was kinda more expecting an answer that wouldn't cost me money...LOL

Hoopz:
Read this first:

EDIT:  link didn't copy.  Go to arcadecontrols.com so you see the frame on the left side.  Click on Newbie Guide.

Then buy the book.   ;D

shardian:
Honestly, the book is a great $20 investment. I did most of my reading while multi-tasking on the toilet. (which coincidentally why my book is not up for resale.  ;) )

http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Main_Page

The wiki front page will give you a good idea of how you should proceed.

What you build really depends on what you want. I honestly do not recommend the actual Project Arcade cabinet, because it is so damn bulky and plays many games I am not a fan of.

You have to take this into consideration: Do you NEED to play every game ever invented on your cab? Do  you want to re-created a specific gaming experience? Do you have space concerns? Do you have budget concerns?

You can spend as little as $100 on a fully functional cabinet, or as much as $3k on a bells and whistles cabinet. My current Mame machine is a $50 Narc cabinet, a $20 speaker set, a $20 encoder, and a repurposed pc and monitor. My work was very minimal - I had it done in a weekend.

I also built a desktop control panel that I use frequently.


The bottom line is this: there is not a cut and dry method to suit everyone. you have to sit down and think about you want in your machine.

Good luck whatever you decide to do.

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