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[Slo]

So I'm almost done remodeling my basement, and I'm putting the finishing touches on my kid's new play room (she's 4, he's 2). I'm considering building them a Mame arcade machine to go with it, just for Cool Dad Points. But I'm on a limited budget, so I'm just in the exploratory phase right now. If this is going to cost me an arm and a leg, it's going to have to wait for another day.

What I've got:
A computer.
MAME
some Roms

What I want:
A child sized arcade machine, maybe 4 foot tall.
It's GOT to be two players.
I want it to look real, and be durable.

I'm potential danger to myself and others while using a saw, and I've never soldered in my life. But I've got confidence, I can do it. Is this something I can make happen for a couple hundred bucks?

 

[DCharlie]

http://www.ultimarc.com/ is your friend.

but that arcade machine has to be JAMMA.
oh... you don't have an arcade machine !
I've lost the ability to read.
Pehaps a cocktail table design would be easier?

 

[Slo]

Yeah, a table top might be easier, but that's really not what I was hoping for. :lol So am I screwed?

 

[DCharlie]

not really no - i'm not the expert on building mame cabs - someone on here has built 4 so they should be able to tell you the best way to do it.

Me personally? i'd see if you could get a cheap JAMMA compatible machine somewhere, then buy the ultimarc adapters.

 

[Slo]

Ok....that would probably get me most of the components I need. I don't suppose there are kits/directions anywhere for constructing the outside of the cabinet? I really have my heart set on a miniture stand up.

 

[RuGalz]

Nice adaptors, I was just about to order parts to build my own... Thanks DC.

 

[ToxicAdam]

Are you looking to do it as cheap as possible? If not, then I would really recommend buying a pre-built HotRodSE joystick and slapping it into a cab you build yourself (only takes a few sheets of MDF, a circular saw, a drill/screwdriver combo, and some plexiglass). Buying all the components and wiring everything for the joy/buttons is SUCH A PAIN IN THE ASS. People will tell you different, but it is frustrating.


I would suggest getting a video card with S-Video out so you can hook up a 20 inch television. It looks better, IMO.

 

[Slo]

Do you have a link to a HotRodSE? I'd like to go as cheap as possible, yes. And as far as building my own cabinet goes, that's kind of the plan. I've got the power tools. I can build it, "I have the technology". But yes, I'd love to avoid wiring up buttons, but I still want coin slots and P1 and P2 start buttons.

I'm also thinking that buying a 20" TV with S-Video in may be just as expensive, and more cumbersome than buying a real RGB monitor. Am I mistaken?

 

[3rdman]

Take a look at this one...

http://members.iinet.net.au/~things/ihs/cocktail/index.html

I'd prefer to have the controls at one side of the monitor with the option of either a vert. or horz. display. Regardless, its a very nice, well done job which might give you some ideas.

 

[vitaflo]

Buying all the components and wiring everything for the joy/buttons is SUCH A PAIN IN THE ASS. People will tell you different, but it is frustrating.

It's just time consuming is all. If you like a project that will take a few days where you can just chill, drink a few beers and work, it's the perfect project if you ask me.

I've built my own MAME cab from scratch, the cabinet and everything custom. It was one of the most fun projects I've ever worked on, but it was expensive (to be fair though I bought an actual arcade monitor which was $600+ by itself).

Anyway, there IS a guy who made a mini pac-man MAME arcade for his kid, even has plans online and everything. You may want to check it out:

http://www.minimame.com/

 

[Slo]

Awesome, that looks like exactly what I want.

 

[Ryck]

What was the name of the company that made empty cabinets that you could stick a ps2, Gc, or xbox into? I remember seeing them at fry's.

 

[TheDuce22]

Make sure you get a really solid cabinet. My friend built one and the whole thing shakes whenever you move the joystick. It ruins the whole feel of it.

 

[teepo]

What was the name of the company that made empty cabinets that you could stick a ps2, Gc, or xbox into? I remember seeing them at fry's.

xarcade