Building MAME Arcade: First ==> Arcade Cabinet Help.

[+Blues76]

Hi,

 

I'm in Miami, FL . USA.

 

I have read lots of the threads, so I have been able to find information that before now, was totally unknown to me, like the JAMMA 60 in 1 cards and other nice web sites.

 

I would like to have a MAME arcade cabinet. I'm not very good with my hands (manual work) so first I decided to look at cabinets that were ready to go. They seem expensive, like X-Arcade , at least expensive for my current budget.

 

So, the first thing I should do is try to get a cabinet either to assembled, ready to go, or from an older arcade machine and use it for what I need.

 

I found this site: http://www.mameroom.com/Products_UAII_Kit.asp

 

I think they sent the parts ready to assemble. I can have my friend help me to put the parts together.

 

The first that I need is to get me a cabinet that is good but it doesn't cost me a lot. I don't mind if the parts are to be assembled (I get my friend to help me) or is ready to go. I'm talking only about the cabinet. I think I'll work about the rest later, like controllers, monitor and so on. It doesn't even have to be painted.

 

An arcade for 2 players is enough (with trackball if possible.)

 

 

thanks for help,

Francisco

 

PS: It is always tempting to buy the X-ARCADE ready to go with controllers and monitor but it is too much money.

[+Blues76]

I found this one for a good price. It only fits a 22 inch I believe (I was hoping for a 29)

here is the link http://xtensionarcadecabinet.com/

 

what do you guys think about that one?

thanks

 

edit : size of monitor from 27 to 29.

[Cynicaster]

 

PS: It is always tempting to buy the X-ARCADE ready to go with controllers and monitor but it is too much money.

 

Are you referring to the X-Arcade sticks or do they also offer full cabinets?

 

If you're just talking about the sticks and you find X-Arcade expensive, you're probably going to have a bit of sticker shock once you create the list of parts needed to build your own:

 

Wood/MDF $20

Plexiglass cover $20

2 x joystick $25

Buttons (assume 3 per player + a few admin functions) $30

Good quality artwork (e.g. GameOnGrafix) $50

Trackball + computer interface $90

Keyboard encoder $40

Wiring kit $10

 

There are some variables here depending on what exactly you want but the above parts list for a 2P control panel with trackball will tally up to over $300 with shipping. I believe the 2P+trackball X-arcade stick is a good bit cheaper than that, and they do all the work for you in putting it together into a nice solid piece, ready to go.

 

Don't get me wrong, I think building your own is the best solution if you can manage it (that's what I did) but it's all about customization, not saving time or money. For what it's worth, my brother has had the X for 2 years now, uses it pretty much every day, and seems to love it.

[+Blues76]

PS: It is always tempting to buy the X-ARCADE ready to go with controllers and monitor but it is too much money.

 

Are you referring to the X-Arcade sticks or do they also offer full cabinets?

 

If you're just talking about the sticks and you find X-Arcade expensive, you're probably going to have a bit of sticker shock once you create the list of parts needed to build your own:

 

Wood/MDF $20

Plexiglass cover $20

2 x joystick $25

Buttons (assume 3 per player + a few admin functions) $30

Good quality artwork (e.g. GameOnGrafix) $50

Trackball + computer interface $90

Keyboard encoder $40

Wiring kit $10

 

There are some variables here depending on what exactly you want but the above parts list for a 2P control panel with trackball will tally up to over $300 with shipping. I believe the 2P+trackball X-arcade stick is a good bit cheaper than that, and they do all the work for you in putting it together into a nice solid piece, ready to go.

 

Don't get me wrong, I think building your own is the best solution if you can manage it (that's what I did) but it's all about customization, not saving time or money. For what it's worth, my brother has had the X for 2 years now, uses it pretty much every day, and seems to love it.

 

I was talking about the full cabinet that is $1,999.99 dollars... that comes with everything...

you are right, regardless, is expensive, but I do see some cheaper alternative. Like for example, http://xtensionarcadecabinet.com/ buy this cabinet that already comes with the x-gaming 2 player controls for $400 dollars

[VectorGamer]

The reason it's $400 is because it l00ks like crap.

[akator]

The best MAME cabinets are either custom built or restored arcade cabs.

 

Depending on where you live, you can find a gutted old arcade cabinet for $100 or less. Problem is that to resurface it and adapt it (especially control panel) will cost significant $$$, a decent job will require another $200 in paint/sandpaper/materials/replacement parts as a minimum just to recondition the cabinet (unless you get luck and one is in awesome shape).

 

IMO it is easier to build a new one from scratch. $100 of MDF, $100 of primer and paint, $20 of fasteners, then whatever controls/monitor/CPU/marquee lighting/T-molding/plexiglass you're going to put into it. Even if it goes over budget, you will have a beautiful new cabinet for less than $500. That cost is without the tools, just supplies.

 

Of course, cutting the materials and building the new cabinet takes time and requires some woodworking ability, but nothing insurmountable even if it's your first construction project. Measure 3x, cut once.

 

Another solution is to find a local shop that will cut everything for you using the design (which you can find in various places on the web) with CNC equipment . You can certainly find a reasonably priced CNC shop, then you simply have to haul the parts away and assemble it at home. It should still cost under $800 including the CNC and all materials. Assemble the cabinet, then outfit it with everything to your choosing

[+Blues76]

I found some designs for free and one site that sells design for 24 dollars.

I will need to get my friend or someone to do it. My manual labor skills suck big time.

This will take time because of the $$$$$

[+Blues76]

The reason it's $400 is because it l00ks like crap.

Maybe . In amazon has good reviews. It is only cabinet plus controller.

Has anyone purchased the oe from http://xtensionarcadecabinet.com/

?

[VectorGamer]

The reason it's $400 is because it l00ks like crap.

Maybe . In amazon has good reviews.

 

I wouldn't doubt it. But, I'd rather have a cabinet that smells of 80s wood that can be tastefully modified to run either MAME or 60-in-1 boards. The authenticity is missing from those cabinets.

[+remowilliams]

The reason it's $400 is because it l00ks like crap.

 

Uggh. That 'X-Arcade sat on top' motif is the look of FAIL.

[+Blues76]

The reason it's $400 is because it l00ks like crap.

Maybe . In amazon has good reviews.

 

I wouldn't doubt it. But, I'd rather have a cabinet that smells of 80s wood that can be tastefully modified to run either MAME or 60-in-1 boards. The authenticity is missing from those cabinets.

 

You are probably right. However, I think I would rather have one custom made. I'm not so sure if I want some 80's smell in my house. I will keep it inside. I think a custom made one is better since I can make it fit a 29 inch screen. nevertheless, I don't think I will be able to do it anytime soon. the one from x-gaming.com that is $2,000 dollars looks really nice and it comes with a nice monitor, arcade type, and tons of stuff... http://www.xgaming.com/

 

Now, as long as you have the space, you can always have the many devices inside... that is why custom made may be best.

 

I just lack the abilities to build one. but I will get to it (with the help of someone else of course.)

[+Blues76]

Do you guys think is worth to buy this pdf to make the cabinet?

http://www.mameroom...._UAII_Plans.asp

 

it is like 30 dollars. I found someone here in Miami that is willing to build it, but he has never done anything with arcades... Has anyone ever purchased from here?

are there more sites like that? I found some free guides, but they weren't too specific for someone that never build an arcade system.

 

I just received Project Arcade Build your own arcade machine BOOK. (Yes, they are delivering sunday... this is odd... Lasership which sucks compare to UPS,FEDEX)..

 

 

 

it comes with the plan I mention and other ones... Of course, one can buy the kit for for a little over 400 dollars.

http://www.mameroom.com/Products_UAII_Kit.asp

 

I think this is a great resource.

 

 

thanks,

Francisco

Edited November 27, 2011 by Blues76

[VectorGamer]

I have this book as well. I felt the one area the book missed was on monitors. They had no info on how to install an arcade monitor.

[patbb]

You can find many arcade cabinet plan here: http://www.jakobud.com/

 

A great forum for people building there own cab: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?board=10.0

[+Blues76]

You can find many arcade cabinet plan here: http://www.jakobud.com/

 

A great forum for people building there own cab: http://forum.arcadec....php?board=10.0

thanks

[UberArcade]

You can check out the Mame machine I built on my website. I got a Dragon Spirit cabinet that had been gutted for free. It is a great cabinet because it has a front door that opens to access the insides instead of a back door. I have a 19" VGA monitor mounted in and an X-Arcade interface board. I would probably do the ipac board if I was to do it over though. Personally I don't like huge monitors for Mame. Most classic games were designed to run on a 19" monitor and don't look authentic blown up. Pac Man for example doesn't look right to me really big. My two cents...