My First Home Made Arcade Cabinet

kynrek

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Donor 2011
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This is my first attempt at building a cabinet from scratch. I decided that I did not want to destroy an original cabinet to put in a 60 in 1, it just didn't seem right to me so I decided to build my own. I have a smaller house so I decided to make a table top cabinet. It's not quite finished yet but it's almost done.

I hope that this doesn't end up on the list of terrible MAME cabinets because It's my first attempt and I didn't butcher a classic cabinet. Keep in mind its my first try without any plans or any experience.

With that being said, here it is, here are a few pics of the project (for the record I ended up using a CRT monitor because the LCD looked like garbage)

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I know there will be guys that are going to bash this purely on aesthetics, but for being your first cab build from scratch, not hacking an original cab, and using a CRT monitor, I'd say A for effort.

Maybe consider this a beta "rough around the edges" build and do another one later that resolves any constructive criticism you may receive.

Some initial thoughts:

- Maybe build a mini cab based off an original design as opposed to the box-like build you have going. Also, this would allow you to have a lit marquee and resolve that empty top you have unless you're not done yet. For inspiration, there are some custom cabs in this thread.

- Come up with unique but tactful custom art. I know some guys have gotten theirs done through gameongrafix (formerly mamemarquees) and they do great work.

- Personally, I'm not a fan of the lit buttons. Standard push buttons may give it a more "classic" feel and be less flashy, unless flashy is what you're going for.
 
Hey I like it! It looks just fine, works great what more do you need! Not everyone has a shop and proper tools.
Im glad you didnt destroy a classic cab and looks like it fits your space requirements fine.

Thanks for sharing.
 
Welcome to the disease. Have a seat. State your name.

I presume you've already found the BYOAC forums.

Does the machine WORK? If so, then your masterpiece is already better than half the inventory of the KLOV members.

:D

Congrats on the build. Now get going on the cockpit version.
 
curious... what games on the 60-in-1 use the second joystick?
 
Hey, if it works for you, I say it's good to go. Since its your first swing at it I am sure you learned some stuff. Let me throw a few things out.

Use less wire. Its less "mess" and easier to trace. Use quick disconnects on the controls and perhaps a Molex out to the panel so you can quickly remove then entire thing.

Measure twice, cut/drill once!! I see the buttons are a little different P1 to P2.

You may want to think about a angled control panel. I can see that edge getting a bit uncomfortable on your wrist with a bar top setup.

Good call on the "simple" art. Some like it busy, but I like simple on a multi. That is obviously a personal thing!

Get a real soldering iron!!! :D

The T-molding on the corners. If you take some side cutters and cut small wedges out of the lip that goes in the grove it will bend around inside and outside corners pretty easily. A little hot glue every once in a while in the grove holds it in nicely.
 
Thanks guys. I appreciate the positive feedback and constructive criticism this is what makes a good community and allows the spirit of gaming to grow and thrive!
 
Looks nice for a first project. I am sure you learned quite a bit that you can apply to your next build. Props for using a real monitor. :)
 
Well done and I'm sure you had fun building it! That's a lot of wires there!

I too built one from the ground up and the only thing that matters is you had fun and showing off you work is always fun too.
 
Not my preference, but definitely NOT a crapmame - you've limited your controls, the panel is laid out reasonably well, and while the aesthetics aren't to my taste, it's not like it's covered in crap or made from used liquor store boxes.

I'd recommend a different design (yours is a bit boxy and looks too thin on top for my taste).

Props for not cannibalizing a classic, and you might want to check in on the BYOAC forums - they may also have good recommendations.
 
Welcome to the maddness! A working first project is win no matter what it is or how it looks! Look over the posts here and see what others are doing to get ideas on the next project. Ignore the haters.
 
I think it looks good. The only thing I'd fix is so the button layouts of P1 and P2 are symmetrical. Also, take care of the bare wood showing inside the monitor hole.
 
well done

Well done...anything from scratch is sweet...great job...i would appreciate playing this any day...good room to rest hands on cp.
 
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