Thinking about building a Ms Pac-Man arcade machine

[frodo2968]

OK, I've never built anything of this sort before, but I want to start some project. And I love Ms Pac-man. So I was thinking about building a machine from scratch. I can get parts on eBay and all.

Anyway, I'm sure that some of you build machines, so I was just wondering if it's really...hard. I mean, I don't know anything about this sort of thing, and is it hard to learn?

Thanks for any thoughts :).

[Cauterize]

http://digitalarcade.proboards38.com/index.cgi

all your answers should be here!

[frodo2968]

http://digitalarcade.proboards38.com/index.cgi

all your answers should be here!

Thanks, I saved the link and I'll take a look at it :)

[Captain Wrong]

When you say build a machine, what do you mean? Are you talking about starting from nothing, cutting wood, wiring parts, etc.? Or are you looking to modify an existing cabinet to play Ms. Pac Man?

Personally, I'd go the restoration route. Try finding a cab that just needs some work rather than starting from square one.

[Time]

http://www.therealbobroberts.com/

Check out this sight. Great source for parts and info. Bob helped me build my Pac Man. Great guy and was very helpful. Use his wire harness kit, you will be happy you did!!! Ever wire is labled and the harness comes with instructions. I turned an empty Pac Man cab back to it's former glory. Bob is an asset to the arcade community and very helpful with newbie questions!!

[frodo2968]

When you say build a machine, what do you mean? Are you talking about starting from nothing, cutting wood, wiring parts, etc.? Or are you looking to modify an existing cabinet to play Ms. Pac Man?

Personally, I'd go the restoration route. Try finding a cab that just needs some work rather than starting from square one.

I hadn't really thought about it. I'm at stage one in thinking this through, really. And since I'm 16, and haven't run the idea by the folks or anything, I'm not sure I'm going to do it at all. I just thought it'd be something fun and challenging to do.

So I'm not sure yet...

Maybe I'll buy an old beat up cabinet and fix it up. Except I don't have my license, so I couldn't drive somewhere and pick one up...meh... :hmm:

OK, I do have a question though. Would I be using JAMMA parts? I think so, from what I've read on this so far.

Anyways, I can get most, if not all, of the parts on eBay. So that's cool :).

[Arcade Antics]

OK, I do have a question though. Would I be using JAMMA parts? I think so, from what I've read on this so far.

There aren't JAMMA "parts" really - JAMMA is a wiring harness convention. You could build a JAMMA cab and then use a Ms Pac to JAMMA converter to plug the MS Pac board into the JAMMA setup, but if you're trying to make an authentic looking Ms Pac cab, you wouldn't have enough buttons on it to bother.

Also gonna move this one to the Arcade Alley forum...

>>>MOVE<<<

[chadtower]

There are tons of different Ms Pac Man jamma boards out there... they're easier to get than a real Ms Pac Man board and a hell of a lot more reliable.

[frodo2968]

So I guess just buying the "original Ms Pac Man" parts off eBay would work fine, and be easiest.

[chadtower]

Yeah, if you have a grand to drop. That would be twice the cost of buying a working Ms Pac cab.

What I've seen people do lately to get a cheap one, is build a bartop type cab and integrate one of those $20 all in one TV systems into it.

[frodo2968]

Actually I don't think that it's all that expensive to get the parts on eBay. And the actual machines cost...say...$600-800...(Midway).

The PCB is the most expensive part (I think), and that runs for around $150.

Plus, it would be fun to actually make it myself ;)

OK, I'm toying with the possibility of making the cabinet myself...I'm just CONSIDERING that option...what type of wood is used for the cabinet? I'm thinking about something like this:

http://arcade.fasterdeals.com/bluepac1.jpg

Don't feel like you have to answer my questions - I don't want anyone to think that they're walking me through the whole process or anything. I'm just seeing if I want to do this or not ;). (Although I would appreciate any help given)

[chadtower]

Sure... you're looking at $150-200 for a working board... $100-200 for a good monitor... $150 in wood... $50 for a populated control panel, or $25 for the controls alone... $40 for a Midway coin door/mech... you're getting up there already, but what will REALLY cost you is artwork. If you do up a proper Ms Pacman, it's going to cost you $300-500 for repro artwork and even more for NOS artwork.

Arcade cabinets are usually made out of MDF, but sometimes plywood.

[Arcade Antics]

Chad speaks the truth.

Even if you wanted to skimp on the artwork end of things, you're still gonna pretty much spend what you would on an original machine in fair-decent shape, but you're using up a lot of TIME on the building side of the fence.

And even if you have a TON of free time, it's ultimately not worth it. You could learn just as much buying the first junker cab you run across and restoring/converting that instead.

[frodo2968]

Well this is the only way I'm getting a machine, so I'm doing it.

And I'll skip the artwork for now.

And I'll do it all for a good deal less than I'd pay for a built machine. Just wait and see ;)...

[chadtower]

Good luck with that, let us know how it goes.

[ClubNinja]

Good luck with that, let us know how it goes.

Ditto. And I think you're in for a rude awakening, unfortunately.

[chadtower]

It all depends on how he plans to get the parts. If he has some connection with dirty old parts lying around, it could be done. If he is planning on using a 486 board and old version of MAME, it could be done.

Of course, that would not be authentic, but we may have a different standard of authentic than he does given how new he is to the hobby.

[Stingray]

Y
What I've seen people do lately to get a cheap one, is build a bartop type cab and integrate one of those $20 all in one TV systems into it.

Given how new he is to the hobby, this would probably be a great first project for him.

-S

[frodo2968]

Thanks for being so positive about it guys x_x

This is something to get me started out with...

[chadtower]

You wanted honest and accurate answers, yes? We ARE helping you. Affirming an unrealistic project isn't helpful.

[frodo2968]

You wanted honest and accurate answers, yes? We ARE helping you. Affirming an unrealistic project isn't helpful.

Yes, honest answers. But a lot of this hasn't been answers, believe it or not. It's been speculation as to whether I can handle the project or not.

And it's not an unrealistic project. My dad is gonna help me some. I have the money for this. I'm smart enough to do things like this. I want to do it. I have free time. I have a spot to work on it.

Not to mention that this is a decent starter project if you have all that stuff ^

Anyhow, I don't really think that there is much more to say in this topic...

Thanks for all your help! I'm not saying at all that you guys weren't helpful. You could just be a little more positive about it ;).

[chadtower]

Erm, every one of those answers were skeptical on the COST of the project, not on your ability to complete it. I don't see any that even address your ability to build the cabinet. We just all agree that you can't build one for less than the cost of buying one.

Keep in mind that there are literally about 4x more Ms Pacmans out there than any other classic cab. They are everywhere if you know where to look.

[frodo2968]

Erm, every one of those answers were skeptical on the COST of the project, not on your ability to complete it. I don't see any that even address your ability to build the cabinet. We just all agree that you can't build one for less than the cost of buying one.

Keep in mind that there are literally about 4x more Ms Pacmans out there than any other classic cab. They are everywhere if you know where to look.

Whatever. Although some could be taken either way...

And the thing is, I have no way at all of getting one. If I bought one, I'd have to get my dad to pick it up for me. And there's no place around here to get one that I know of. And it's not as fun as building one...(that's kind of the whole point)...and I think I'll come out ahead. We'll see.

[Arcade Antics]

Erm, every one of those answers were skeptical on the COST of the project, not on your ability to complete it. I don't see any that even address your ability to build the cabinet. We just all agree that you can't build one for less than the cost of buying one.

Keep in mind that there are literally about 4x more Ms Pacmans out there than any other classic cab. They are everywhere if you know where to look.

Whatever. Although some could be taken either way...

Wrong. There's no way any of those comments could be taken any other way than what Chad's already mentioned.


And the thing is, I have no way at all of getting one. If I bought one, I'd have to get my dad to pick it up for me.

"No way at all" is a dubious claim. There are literally hundreds of ways that you could get one. Even if you don't have a truck, you can rent one for $25. Easy as pie.


And there's no place around here to get one that I know of.

Have you even looked?


And it's not as fun as building one...(that's kind of the whole point)...

You could have mentioned that from the outset.


and I think I'll come out ahead. We'll see.

We sure will. Keep us posted! :)

[frodo2968]

Whatever. Although some could be taken either way...

Wrong. There's no way any of those comments could be taken any other way than what Chad's already mentioned.


And the thing is, I have no way at all of getting one. If I bought one, I'd have to get my dad to pick it up for me.

"No way at all" is a dubious claim. There are literally hundreds of ways that you could get one. Even if you don't have a truck, you can rent one for $25. Easy as pie.


And there's no place around here to get one that I know of.

Have you even looked?


And it's not as fun as building one...(that's kind of the whole point)...

You could have mentioned that from the outset.


and I think I'll come out ahead. We'll see.

We sure will. Keep us posted! :)

I concede ;).

Oh, and about renting a truck...I don't drive.

I'll be sure to keep ya'll updated about this project once I start, and I'll document the whole thing. With photos and exact costs of everything :D.

[chadtower]

"No way at all" is a dubious claim. There are literally hundreds of ways that you could get one. Even if you don't have a truck, you can rent one for $25. Easy as pie.

Please teach me the art of renting a truck for $25. Here in MA you couldn't get a unicycle with a flat tire for $25.

[Arcade Antics]

"No way at all" is a dubious claim. There are literally hundreds of ways that you could get one. Even if you don't have a truck, you can rent one for $25. Easy as pie.

Please teach me the art of renting a truck for $25. Here in MA you couldn't get a unicycle with a flat tire for $25.

http://reservations.uhaul.com/(ktqwpnvdi1w2iezaeqsdll3s)/quote.aspx?referenceNumber=1012078593

10 footer or the pickup truck at the bottom of the page both run ya $19.95. Add on a couple bucks for mileage and whatnot, you're in the $25 ballpark. If you're driving 100 miles, that's another story. :)

[chadtower]

Uhaul does not reserve trucks. They put you into a queue for a truck without guaranteeing a time or even a day. For most purposes that is not appropriate. I have had them burn me multiple times. Those cheap pickup rentals are In Town, too, which means they come with like ten miles and it's $.50/mile after that. If you have to go 100 miles each way to get a cab, as we generally have to here, that's no longer a $25 rental.

[ClubNinja]

Just to chime in on the rental thing: the only time I've picked up a cabinet that didn't fit into my existing vehicle, the least expensive option I was able to get (that guaranteed the rental vehicle would be reserved for me on the day of pickup) cost $70 + tax and minor fees. Then, of course, there's gas. And gas is universally a ripoff. At least it had unlimited mileage (which I certainly took advantage of traveling about 500 miles round trip!)

Back to the original topic: there are ten zillion other "starter" projects that will run you less money, require less stress, and be equally enjoyable to tackle. No one is questioning your ability - they're really just giving you experienced advice.

[frodo2968]

I think I'll stick with this. Hey, if I don't complete the project, then I can do it sometime else or resell the stuff. But I have no doubt that I can complete it fine.

OK, I actually could really use a guide for making the Upright Midway Ms Pac-Man game. Anyone know where I can get one?

[chadtower]

OK, I actually could really use a guide for making the Upright Midway Ms Pac-Man game. Anyone know where I can get one?

Yes.

[frodo2968]

OK, I actually could really use a guide for making the Upright Midway Ms Pac-Man game. Anyone know where I can get one?

Yes.

OK........please? ;)

[chadtower]

Please what?

[frodo2968]

Please what?

Pretty please? I'm talking about the guide you spoke of.

[chadtower]

What about it?

[frodo2968]

Shit, what do you think? O_O :hmm:

[chadtower]

I think your reading comprehension is suspect.

[frodo2968]

OK, I actually could really use a guide for making the Upright Midway Ms Pac-Man game. Anyone know where I can get one?

Yes.

Or SOMEONE's...read the above. You said that you know where I could get one...so I've been asking if you could expand on that... x_x

[chadtower]

Yes, you asked if I know where you can get one. I do. You have yet to ask where you can get one. You have simply become snottier and snottier about it without ever bothering to ask where it could be found.

Notice you have yet to say anything such as "Where can such a guide be found?"

At this point, don't bother. Do what any nonlazy person would do and use Google. There is a guide out there so detailed it leaves absolutely no stone unturned. Go find it.

[frodo2968]

Damn, this is annoying. I looked on Google.

Please could you share the link with me, oh high and mighty one?

DP used to be so...helpful x_x

And btw, I found plans for the cocktail one, but not the upright Midway one...

[DaBargainHunta]

I've been reading these posts with great interest over the past couple of days. I have no desire to build a cabinet and no idea what it entails, so I don't know how I stumbled upon this thread - but I find all of this fascinating nonetheless. :D

I'm going to butt in with my thoughts here. Please don't take anything the wrong way or misconstrue it as a personal attack. I'm just giving my opinion as I see it.

frodo2968, you seem like a good kid, but your attitude DID get cockier and whinier as this thread progressed. Flippant remarks like "Whatever!" aren't going to endear you to anyone.

However, chadtower, you are being equally as childish now by playing coy in regard's to frodo's simple question about where to get a guide. At least frodo has an excuse since he IS still a child. You on the other hand seem to be grown man. (Always good to run into a fellow wrestling fan though.)

frodo, I'm curious, if you don't mind me asking, how come you don't have your license yet? Do your parents just not think you're ready yet or what?

[Flack]

Frodo, please excuse Chad. He gets his kicks from harassing people rather than helping them. Please don't judge the rest of the site or this forum based off his attitude.

I found these earlier while Googling, I hope they help you out.

http://www.retro.co.za/arcade/cabinet.html

[chadtower]

Yes. I did play coy with him. I enjoyed it. Others enjoyed it. We tried to help him by answering his initial questions and he threw it back in our face simply because he did not like the answers. That was annoying.

Dabargainhunta... not sure who you are, but I don't need an excuse to express an opinion.

I didn't give him the answer because the answer is here (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0002F1BXS/qid=1109451513/sr=8-2/ref=pd_bbs_2/002-0531624-2766432?v=glance&s=books&n=507846). I have little faith that he will spend the money based on his comments thus far. The book is BY FAR the best resource he could find on the net.

[portnoyd]

Others enjoyed it.

I didn't.

[DaBargainHunta]

Yes. I did play coy with him. I enjoyed it. Others enjoyed it. We tried to help him by answering his initial questions and he threw it back in our face simply because he did not like the answers. That was annoying.
I don't want to jump down your throat, but I have to ask: Who's the child here? Yes, he was somewhat annoying - I agree. However, as the adult, you should know better than to stoop down to a childish level.


Dabargainhunta... not sure who you are, but I don't need an excuse to express an opinion.
Never said you did, but neither do I. ;)


I didn't give him the answer because the answer is here (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0002F1BXS/qid=1109451513/sr=8-2/ref=pd_bbs_2/002-0531624-2766432?v=glance&s=books&n=507846). I have little faith that he will spend the money based on his comments thus far. The book is BY FAR the best resource he could find on the net.
Couldn't you have just said that in the first place?! I personally wouldn't pay THIRTY bucks for a DOWNLOADABLE PDF (WTF?), nor would I blame him if he decides not to, but he actually might. He already said that money isn't an object, so I'm assuming he has a rich dad. ;)

[frodo2968]

I find all of this fascinating nonetheless.

lol...yeah, I guess it would make interesting reading :D


frodo, I'm curious, if you don't mind me asking, how come you don't have your license yet? Do your parents just not think you're ready yet or what?

I don't mind at all :). You need to be 16 here in PA to get your permit, and I turned 16 in November. So I'm old enough, but my parents don't want be to learn how to drive in the winter, and they want me to wait until the end of the school year to get my permit. Then they'll probably make me wait until next summer to get my license. Heh. It sucks.



I found these earlier while Googling, I hope they help you out.

http://www.retro.co.za/arcade/cabinet.html

Thanks, that should be really useful!



Yes. I did play coy with him. I enjoyed it. Others enjoyed it. We tried to help him by answering his initial questions and he threw it back in our face simply because he did not like the answers. That was annoying.

Some may have enjoyed it, I don't know...and I wasn't trying to be annoying, I'm sorry. It's just that I do have the money for this, so if people don't think I can do it because of the money...that was annoying. And your little game was annoying because I am looking for answers here, and I want to start this really soon.


I didn't give him the answer because the answer is here. I have little faith that he will spend the money based on his comments thus far. The book is BY FAR the best resource he could find on the net.

You're right. I'm not gonna spend $30 on a PDF guide, when I'm sure I can get decent information elseway for cheaper, or free online.


He already said that money isn't an object, so I'm assuming he has a rich dad.

No, actually I'm in a family of eight, and he's no doctor or anything, so we are definitely not rich. lol. I'm going to join the Army after high school, which means I don't have college to save up for. I get all my money from eBay, and I'm gonna get a job this summer.

[chadtower]

You're right. I'm not gonna spend $30 on a PDF guide, when I'm sure I can get decent information elseway for cheaper, or free online.

It is also available in hardcopy, along with a CD that contains many, many useful tools and the sort of plans you're looking for. I have a copy sitting on my desk. I know the author. It is worth the investment.

[DaBargainHunta]

It is also available in hardcopy, along with a CD that contains many, many useful tools and the sort of plans you're looking for. I have a copy sitting on my desk. I know the author. It is worth the investment.
What's the link to THAT version? It sounds a lot more appealing than the PDF guide. 8-)

[chadtower]

Frodo, please excuse Chad. He gets his kicks from harassing people rather than helping them. Please don't judge the rest of the site or this forum based off his attitude.

I have helped a great many members of this community with many things. I choose to do so offline without broadcasting my efforts because that is how I prefer to do it. Feel free to ask any of the members known to be local to me if you really need to know.

[frodo2968]

I have helped a great many members of this community with many things. I choose to do so offline without broadcasting my efforts because that is how I prefer to do it. Feel free to ask any of the members known to be local to me if you really need to know.

I don't doubt it. Thanks for all your help, and I apologize for being annoying. But I mean it though, you were a help. I'm not trying to say that you haven't been. I just got annoyed, but so did you.

It's over.

I'll keep ya'll updated on the project. In the meantime, anyone know of anyplace to get a basic guide online for free? Otherwise, I'll look around and see what the options are for buying something.

[Flack]

Frodo, please excuse Chad. He gets his kicks from harassing people rather than helping them. Please don't judge the rest of the site or this forum based off his attitude.

I have helped a great many members of this community with many things. I choose to do so offline without broadcasting my efforts because that is how I prefer to do it. Feel free to ask any of the members known to be local to me if you really need to know.

Obviously, I have no knowledge of the things you do offline, and have neither the time nor the inclination to research your secret good deeds. Publicly, however, you're being a jerk. And so publicly, I am asking you nicely, to please stop.

[DaBargainHunta]

Since I got quite wrapped up in this thread, I'm wondering if the original poster has an update for us on the status of his project.

Please do keep us in the loop. :)

[Flack]

Somewhere on the board he posted that he was leaving the forums due to all the fighting but would still use the B&S forum to sell things in.

[DaBargainHunta]

Somewhere on the board he posted that he was leaving the forums due to all the fighting but would still use the B&S forum to sell things in.
Damn, what a shame. :( He seemed like a nice kid, maybe a little overzealous and impatient, but a nice kid nonetheless.

[frodo2968]

Somewhere on the board he posted that he was leaving the forums due to all the fighting but would still use the B&S forum to sell things in.
Damn, what a shame. :( He seemed like a nice kid, maybe a little overzealous and impatient, but a nice kid nonetheless.

Hey, thanks :D I try to be nice. I just fail sometimes (as we all do) :P.

Sorry, I've been back for a little while (I tried leaving, but I couldn't due to the awesome people that ARE here), but I just clicked on Arcade Alley just a minute ago for the first time in quite some time...so I'm sorry for the lack of updates :).

But really, there isn't much of an update - see, the project is on hold for now, because:

1. I found out that I'm going to private school, which costs $5000 a year
2. I don't have room for a machine at the moment
3. I'm now saving up for a car

The main reason though is #1. Kindof put the plan out the window, if you know what I mean :P.

But once (or "if") I begin the project, I'll keep you updated for sure.