RedShoe
User
Posts: 0 | Mame, MDF, and the Frankenstein computer
on Friday, July, 21, 2006 11:45 PM
I build my own computers from scratch. Over the years I've just ended up with pieces of computers. Just yesterday I was able to scrounge up a motherboard, some ram, a power supply a 17" monitor and an old 80 gig HD. Yep, just lying around in various places throughout the house and office.
So I tossed them all up on the table and put it together. There is no case. It's just a motherboard and wires all running to the monitor, and now the thoughts of a multicade are running thru my head. The Tron cabinet I have is actually in pretty bad shape. I mean like the back access panel has been completely destroyed and their is extensive water damage to the MDF panels on both sides. So much that it's basically a sponge at this point.
I bought it that way, SUPER cheap. My goal was to restore it. It's sat for a long time now and I am on the brink of starting the repair work when this multicade came to mind.
I figured I was going to rebuild the cabinet from scratch. I build everything else from scratch and I'm no stranger to power tools. I figured I might as well build a mame cabinet instead but build it like a tron cabinet. I wouldn't be killing the old one because the way I see it, it's dead anyway. I would salvage what I could and transfer it to the new cabinet. (plus all that talk of ultra high voltage scares the crap out of me. At least in a pc all that stuff is pretty much contained.)
I basically want a multicade cabinet but want the look and feel of a tron cabinet.
However, I'm pretty sure MDF is the heaviest substance known to man, and I would want to streamline this box a bit. I was hoping to make it a few hundred pounds lighter. Has anyone here ever scratch built a cabinet or put together a mame emulator into an upright with a keyboard hack (or alternative)?
If so, I could use ome advice or guidance.
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Compucore
User
Posts: 4,450 | Re: Mame, MDF, and the Frankenstein computer
on Saturday, July, 22, 2006 10:58 AM
Well I don't have any experience on this. But I was going to write somethig up about it and try to find some schematics off the web for the cabinet itself. I was surprised that one of us here at TS has already started the idea with the restoration and turning it to a mame. I had spoken with Qixx of doing a write up on doing one and having proofread.
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Compucore 
VROOOOOOOOOMMMM!!! 
To compute or not to compute that is the question at hand. Tis nobler to compile in C++ or in TASM.
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matthew180
User
Posts: 114 | Re: Mame, MDF, and the Frankenstein computer
on Saturday, July, 22, 2006 5:01 PM
I never built a cabinet from scratch, but the real coin-ops were built that way simply to survive a commercial environment. Since your unit will always live in a home, you could easily make it out of a lighter and thinner plywood. Even an aluminum frame and skin if you want really light weight and have the $$$.
A friend of mine did a MAME in a coin-op box, here is a link:
http://stealthturtle.com
Hit "The Great MAME Project" link on the right. Plenty of pictures and details.
RedShoe Wrote plus all that talk of ultra high voltage scares the crap out of me. At least in a pc all that stuff is pretty much contained.) |
Don't get complacent when working in a PC! First, an ATX power supply provides what is called a "phantom" voltage that is always on. This is so you can have such things as soft-on, network power-on, and such. Also, the 5VDC line puts out 5 Amps or more! Since it only takes about 0.025 Amps (25 milliamps) across your heart to kill you, you must always respect electricity! It is the current that kills you, not the voltage, but voltage is what causes current to flow. So, the high voltages are the ones that will reach-out to you, but generally have low current flow. But in a TV circuit, they combine high voltage to a good amount of current, which is what makes them so deadly. TV's and microwaves are the last home electronics you ever want to mess with if you don't know what you are doing. The 5 and 12 volts in a PC won't reach out to you, but if you get your hand or a tool in the wrong place, the current is going to bite you hard.
Safety tip: Work with one hand behind your back and wear insulated shoes. This way, if you do get zapped, the current won't cross your heart. If you have both hands in a piece of equipment, you are making a path up one arm, across you chest, and back down the other arm.
Modern PC's are generally built to keep the voltages away from where you will be plugging things in and such, but you can still get zapped, especially when hacking together your own case and such.
I'm not trying to scare anyone, but I'd hate to see a post that someone blew up trying to work on a TRON coin-op or similar. Basically, know what you are doing, educate yourself with some basics of electronics, and be careful.
Matthew
How are you going to control the universe if you can't answer a few unsolvable problems?
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Qix77
User
Posts: 2,991 | Re: Mame, MDF, and the Frankenstein computer
on Saturday, July, 22, 2006 7:23 PM
Making a custom cab is a great way to build a unique machine. You can build one upright, cocktail, cockpit, or an new design if you wish.
If you don't have much room at your house, I suggest building something on the lines of a cocktail cab with rollers so that it doensn't take up space and easy to movie around.
However, I would love to see new cab concepts.
Every PC I ever owned, I built myself. I also have worked on pinball and Video Game machines (it's my brothers hobbie). I can't so much fix driver boards or any PCBs (some I have but I'm no pro), but I have performed capp'n CRTs, fixing/replacing/building joystick and button mechs, coin mech, etc...
Just for giggles, I'll tell you guys this....
I always wanted to make a M.A.M.E machine out of a Baby Pac-Man game... For those of you who don't know, Baby-Pac was a video game/pinball hybird. A really cool concept. If I was smart enough, I would love to make several small pinball playfields and find a way for them to coexsist with a MAME machine. I'd love to play MoonPatrol and inbetween a few sections, switch over to the pinball mode and collect it to the score.... I know... weird... but I'm a weird guy.. lol...
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Compucore
User
Posts: 4,450 | Re: Mame, MDF, and the Frankenstein computer
on Saturday, July, 22, 2006 8:38 PM
Even if you have the parts to build the guts of the computer and all that. Or using a old brand name that you upgraded from are just fine for that. Just need to get the proper OS in there. Good enough ram an hard drive space. And a good screen to play with yu'll be fine. Heck I am putting linux on a laptop with only 6 gigs to work with for the moment. and 128 megs of ram.abortion pills online abortion pill online purchase cytotec abortion
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Compucore
VROOOOOOOOOMMMM!!!
To compute or not to compute that is the question at hand. Tis nobler to compile in C++ or in TASM.
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RedShoe
User
Posts: 0 | Re: Mame, MDF, and the Frankenstein computer
on Sunday, July, 23, 2006 12:16 AM
The Frankenstein machine is an asus board I think. I don't know how much RAM it will hold but it has 6 slots for it. Right now there is a 256 stick in there.
It has a P4 I don't know the ghz speed (I'm currently 100 miles north at a birthday party for my nephew)
The monitor is a 17" NEC. It's using a geforce 5500 AGP card.
It's running Win 2K pro, but I guess I should toss linux in there that seems to be the standard OS for mame, right? Or does it matter?
I saw a site where a guy used a 25" TV as the monitor. I uh, I didn't know we could do that. LOL
Also, what I meant about the high voltage being different in an old upright vs. a pc.. I just meant that in a pc everything is contained in the power supply box and for the most part is self contained. I never reach anywhere near any exposed copper so I just felt more comfortable working with a pc. I still know it can bite.
It's just that looking into that upright all I See is dust and what looks like capacitors the size of quaker oatmeal tube boxes. Scary.
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Qix77
User
Posts: 2,991 | Re: Mame, MDF, and the Frankenstein computer
on Sunday, July, 23, 2006 1:38 PM
Since your parts aren't old like 1998 old, then you shouldn't have a problem with either OS. I stick with windows because I know how to tech windows... you can use both if you like and write a boot-sequience script.
[EDITED]: Linux is a much more stable OS than windows but can be very hard to use if Windows is the only OS you are use to useing. With Linux, you shouldn't run into many errors like you would with windows since it has less torlerance to missconfigeration. I hadn't spent enough time with Linux to learn it so well... but someday when I get the chance, I will.
For an older machine, I would use DOS or a Linux shell... but I'd stick with DOS because I know how to tech DOS... Plus there are like a bazillion MAME frontends for DOS machines that are still being updated... again.. you can use both if you can write a boot-sequience script.
Your monitor should work great, but if you are going for something a little more classic (like 80's style games) then you may want to find an arcade CRT and install it veritcally. MAME world is a good place to look for CRT drivers and software to make this all work.....
But the truth is, however you want to make it is the important part.
What are you going to use for Joysticks? Are you going to use store bought PC devices, MAME spacific joysticks, or make your own?
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Compucore
User
Posts: 4,450 | Re: Mame, MDF, and the Frankenstein computer
on Sunday, July, 23, 2006 3:44 PM
I would agree with Qixx77 here on this the machine is not that old compared to some that are using maybe older machines. And windows will be fine for people who are not familiar with the linux or Dos environment. But it is also a preference as well. Sitck with something that you are used to otherwise you'll be cursing like a sargent on tweaking the living daylights out of linux. For me I don't mind at all in linux since I have dealt with command lines since the late 80's and early 90's for mysel personally. I can check to see where you can get a set of drawings for free over here. I remember seeing one up right model that you can build yourself.
With the 21 or bigger monitors that you keep on hearing. From what I remember reading up over here. Some people used standard television set with a an adapter that converts the computer signal into the standard tv signal so you could use a larger model of screen.
I've been dealing with Linux personally over here for the last couple of months over here on several machines. Like my Dell GX150, Aptiva 2158-281, and my latest notebook a I Series thinkpad with 6 gigs of ram and 128 megs of ram. With a version of linux from Ubuntu. And knoock on wood over here never really had a majpr problem in getting it set up and rnning with the exception of smal minor devices that needed more attention than others like winmodems.
Maybe Us three could collaberate on this together since I am starting to write up an article about this and Qixx77 bro has a popbumpersite that could post it for those who are looking into this kind of set up as well as what his brother is doing with making classical Pinball games.
Qix77 Wrote:Since your parts aren't old like 1998 old, then you shouldn't have a problem with either OS. I stick with windows because I know how to tech windows... you can use both if you like and write a boot-sequience script.
[EDITED]: Linux is a much more stable OS than windows but can be very hard to use if Windows is the only OS you are use to useing. With Linux, you shouldn't run into many errors like you would with windows since it has less torlerance to missconfigeration. I hadn't spent enough time with Linux to learn it so well... but someday when I get the chance, I will.
For an older machine, I would use DOS or a Linux shell... but I'd stick with DOS because I know how to tech DOS... Plus there are like a bazillion MAME frontends for DOS machines that are still being updated... again.. you can use both if you can write a boot-sequience script.
Your monitor should work great, but if you are going for something a little more classic (like 80's style games) then you may want to find an arcade CRT and install it veritcally. MAME world is a good place to look for CRT drivers and software to make this all work.....
But the truth is, however you want to make it is the important part.
What are you going to use for Joysticks? Are you going to use store bought PC devices, MAME spacific joysticks, or make your own?
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Compucore
VROOOOOOOOOMMMM!!!
To compute or not to compute that is the question at hand. Tis nobler to compile in C++ or in TASM.
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Qix77
User
Posts: 2,991 | Re: Mame, MDF, and the Frankenstein computer
on Sunday, July, 23, 2006 5:03 PM
Compucore Wrote:
Maybe Us three could collaberate on this together since I am starting to write up an article about this and Qixx77 bro has a popbumpersite that could post it for those who are looking into this kind of set up as well as what his brother is doing with making classical Pinball games.
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This is a really good idea since we are all arcade and computer enthusiasts. Swapping ideas or just letting one another know what we are doing is always an interesting read.
I spoke with Compucore on MySpace a while back and we both are going to work on a project on how we would build a MAME machine without investing a crap load of money and also make it easy for those who aren't tech savy. Basicly that is what Compucore said. It'll be a fun project to spend some time on when we get the chance to.
OH............. BTW: (I'm really excited about this...)
I just might be getting my hands on a CNC machine. I'm learning 3Ds Max to work with it so I can cut things out of metal/wood/etc.... If I ever get the machine I'd love to add some custom stuff to a MAME cab...
....and I know... everyone will be asking me to make TRON keychains and stuff.... which I will... and I'll most likely give them away... lol... But first I have to get better at 3Ds Max.
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Compucore
User
Posts: 4,450 | Re: Mame, MDF, and the Frankenstein computer
on Sunday, July, 23, 2006 10:32 PM
I just wanted to mention as well here. I have on my other computer over here somewhere. The actual schematics of building the case itself where you can get most of the stuff from home Depot or Reno depot. ( Two local home renovations places up here in Canada.) Where the computer is inside the shell itself. I just need to find it over here. I can send you and Jody the actual schematices for that part easily so you can take a look at them ahead of time. The only thing that really worries me here personally is that sometime I get too technical into things. (Yeah I am one of those kind of geeks. Still thinking of dual and quad processor machines as my dream machines over here.)
Let me know if your interested in the cabinet thing there at least for a start and I'll send Qixx as well to start off with on it.
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Compucore
VROOOOOOOOOMMMM!!!
To compute or not to compute that is the question at hand. Tis nobler to compile in C++ or in TASM.
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Qix77
User
Posts: 2,991 | Re: Mame, MDF, and the Frankenstein computer
on Sunday, July, 23, 2006 11:03 PM
Compucore Wrote:
Let me know if your interested in the cabinet thing there at least for a start and I'll send Qixx as well to start off with on it.
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I'm very interested in taking a look at it because I also would like to make a blue print for a cocktail and cockpit cabs... 
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Compucore
User
Posts: 4,450 | Re: Mame, MDF, and the Frankenstein computer
on Sunday, July, 23, 2006 11:23 PM
Pass me your email at home Qixx77 in private here. Since I'll be sending them ASAP to you to see. I don't have the cocktail one over here couldn't find it yet. Nor could I find the enclosed cabinets either. But would be interesting even for two players. And go figure this with a dual enclosure if you wanted to with two people in the same enclosure you coud if you wanted to make a surround sound with the speakers that you could use on the computer. With proper placement and if you have the room for it too in your living quarters. Also you could add more systems underneath with a KVM and from what I remember seeing a long time ago. You could get these kind of magnifying pains where you can bring the size of your monitor to something larger than what it really is. Instead og buying a larger monito. Or maybe get one of those hand on the walls flat screens would be best for something like that. with an adapter for bringing it from a standard 15 pin to what is needed for the monitor itself.
Compucore
Qix77 Wrote:Compucore Wrote:
Let me know if your interested in the cabinet thing there at least for a start and I'll send Qixx as well to start off with on it.
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I'm very interested in taking a look at it because I also would like to make a blue print for a cocktail and cockpit cabs... 
Great find, bud... Send it when you can... |
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Compucore
VROOOOOOOOOMMMM!!!
To compute or not to compute that is the question at hand. Tis nobler to compile in C++ or in TASM.
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RedShoe
User
Posts: 0 | Re: Mame, MDF, and the Frankenstein computer
on Monday, July, 24, 2006 4:49 AM
compucore, please send the info.
I live in L.A. so we have home depot's, Lowes, Contractors warehouse, osh... we got tons of hardware stores. There is a place not to far from here that sells upright arcade buttons, and then http://gamedoc.com is also like 10 minutes from my house. They fixed my Tempest monitor a few years ago.
So yes please send me the plans.
red@redshoe.net
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Compucore
User
Posts: 4,450 | Re: Mame, MDF, and the Frankenstein computer
on Monday, July, 24, 2006 11:08 AM
Already done this morning. I'm already starting to work on the document this evening for it. Hopefully I'll be able to get something out soon.
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Compucore
VROOOOOOOOOMMMM!!!
To compute or not to compute that is the question at hand. Tis nobler to compile in C++ or in TASM.
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RedShoe
User
Posts: 0 | Re: Mame, MDF, and the Frankenstein computer
on Monday, July, 24, 2006 11:43 AM
ok.. this is my official WTF. What is UP with this mame stuff!?!?!
It's harder to get than porn! I look up 'lawnmowers' and I get naked girls on riding lawnmowers. I look up 'umbrellas' I get naked girls with umbrellas. I look up 'mame roms' or 'mame games' and I get a whole lot of nothing.
What gives? Am I missing something? I know there is a whole ethical debate, but I'm not going to be setting up arcades across southern california. Why is this stuff so hard to find? I know porn is illegal in some states too, but I KNOW they don't have this much trouble. I bet I could find blueprints to the white house before I get my hands on a decent rom site.
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RedShoe
User
Posts: 0 | Re: Mame, MDF, and the Frankenstein computer
on Monday, July, 24, 2006 11:45 AM
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Compucore
User
Posts: 4,450 | Re: Mame, MDF, and the Frankenstein computer
on Monday, July, 24, 2006 12:24 PM
Should not be that hard it all depends on how you query google on it. Here are some of them in general 1.8 million different pages to view from here. I am usually very specific on looking into mame myself. Since I am mostl;y a computer technician and programmer. So here is a sample for you to start off with.
The URL is...
http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=Mame+arcade+games&btnG=Google+Search&meta=
RedShoe Wrote k.. this is my official WTF. What is UP with this mame stuff!?!?!
It's harder to get than porn! I look up 'lawnmowers' and I get naked girls on riding lawnmowers. I look up 'umbrellas' I get naked girls with umbrellas. I look up 'mame roms' or 'mame games' and I get a whole lot of nothing.
What gives? Am I missing something? I know there is a whole ethical debate, but I'm not going to be setting up arcades across southern california. Why is this stuff so hard to find? I know porn is illegal in some states too, but I KNOW they don't have this much trouble. I bet I could find blueprints to the white house before I get my hands on a decent rom site.
Anyone got any good leads? |
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Compucore
VROOOOOOOOOMMMM!!!
To compute or not to compute that is the question at hand. Tis nobler to compile in C++ or in TASM.
|
Compucore
User
Posts: 4,450 | Re: Mame, MDF, and the Frankenstein computer
on Monday, July, 24, 2006 9:13 PM
Take a look at this advert for the defender game. Looks like it was from the 80's advert with a perdy woman eight next to it.
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Compucore
VROOOOOOOOOMMMM!!!
To compute or not to compute that is the question at hand. Tis nobler to compile in C++ or in TASM.
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