MAME Machine Construction

[Tempest]

About a year ago I picked up an old Zoo Keeper cabinet from a friend that had been gutted (sadly) and turned into a JAMMA Arch Rivals (Dear God Why!?!?). I spefically picked it up with intentions of turning it into a MAME Machine someday, but got distracted by something shiny (as usual) and forgot about it. Well this summer I've decided that I'm finally going to do something with it, but I need information.

I'vew been searching the net for a good page on making a MAME Machine, but everyone seems to have their own ideas on how to got about it. I was wondering if anyone here has built one, and which design they think is the best. I'd like it to be able to play as many games as possible, so that means I'll have to have a trackball, spinner, six buttons (possibly only two if I forsake the Neo Geo fighting games), etc. etc. Is there a place that I can get a pre-drilled control panel and add my own components or is this a make your own? Right now mine has two joysticks with three buttons a piece (I think there may be a fourth hole drilled), and two start buttons. Since it was an Arch Rivals machine I think it might have those strange optical sticks, so I'd probably have to replace those.

I guess my biggest questions are:

1. How fast of a computer do I need?
2. Should I use an Arcade montior or a Computer Monitor?
3. How big of a monitor should I use?
4. How do I handle Vertical vs. Horizontal montior games?
5. How do I get the max number of controls for games without a cluttered control panel?
6. How do I handle input into MAME for non-game stuff like program setup? An external keypad perhaps?


Any help you guys could give would be appreciated. I've always wanted a MAME machine, and this summer I might actually have the time to do it.

Tempest

[Iron Monkey]

Here Answer.
Not do this Instead to leave technology.
Is great Worth to You from Fisherman doing.
Easy for you to Catch Fish than Computer!
HAAAAAAAAAAI!

[Tempest]

Look you're not funny and I don't appreciate you cluttering up my serious post. So Scott, Sean, Joe, whoever it is playing around give it a rest. It's crap like this that make people leave this board.

Can someone delete this idiot's post?

Tempest

[Iron Monkey]

Saying Old to Okinawan Fathers:
"Man of Little Humor wear Frown as Ghost eternal".
Is sad.
Luck on You computer life member "TEMPEST".

[NoahsMyBro]

I've been completely ignoring Iron Monkey for as long as I can remember seeing his/her/it's posts. I don't even really notice them anymore as I scroll right past them.

As for your original post, I know even less about the topic than you, but I've also been thinking about doing something like this for a long time, and would be very interested in whatever you find out.

Assuming you get some good, comprehensive information, I think this would be a very good topic for a FAQ, a Sticky at the top of the forum, or some other stand-alone guide.

-- Steve

[TripppsK]

I recentley finished my cabinet, which was a Xenophobe cabinet. I picked it up at an auction for $60 with a perfect work Tecmo Knight in the cabinet. I picked up that cabinet because of panel space and price.
I dont know if the Zookeeper cabinet will allow you enough space for what you're looking for without adding to it yourself. If you are handy with that sort of stuff I wouldnt worry. The only hints I can give you is to visit as many sites as possible to get ideas and incorporate one that you like with your own. As far as your questions:

1. How fast of a computer do I need?
As fast as you can get, speed never hurts.

2. Should I use an Arcade montior or a Computer Monitor?
The computer monitor is the easiest. Thats what I'm using right now (17") but I am thinking of switching after I do more research.

3. How big of a monitor should I use?
As big as the cab allows, size doesnt hurt either

4. How do I handle Vertical vs. Horizontal montior games?
With a computer monitor you wont have to worry about it. Although the verts will be smaller as Im sure you know.

5. How do I get the max number of controls for games without a cluttered control panel?
The best thing would be to do a cardboard mockup of the panel and just experiment until you find something you like. It should be comfortable also.

6. How do I handle input into MAME for non-game stuff like program setup? An external keypad perhaps?
I am using and IPAC and Optipac encoders which you can get from Ultimarc.com. They allow you to still use a keyboard as well.

If you have any questions send me a PM.

[Jorpho]

The answers to your questions may be found at http://easymamecab.mameworld.net/ .
________
ARIZONA MARIJUANA DISPENSARY (http://arizona.dispensaries.org/)

[digitalpress]

Here's another great place to find exactly what you're looking for.

http://www.arcadecontrols.com/arcade.htm