tineras
Member
Want to buy/build Mortal Kombat series arcade cabinet. Need Pointers!
Let me start by saying I'm a total newb when it comes to arcade cabinets, but have a decent amount of experience with electronics. This is my first step in the process (ask the experts!) before I start serious research. On to business...
I've been wanting to buy/build an MK arcade machine for a number of years now and I'm finally ready to pull the trigger. I'm a huge fan of the entire MK series (don't care as much about MK4), but also would really like to be able to play Killer Instinct I and II if possible (different buttons, I know). I like the idea of having that actual jamma boards (and don't mind the technical headaches involved there), but also would like the flexibility of playing other games too since my friends and family probably couldn't care less about the MK/KI games. I was wondering what your thoughts are on real hardware vs. MAME vs. a combination of both.
I'm in the very early stages, so I'm guessing the first thing I need to do (after research, of course) is buy a physical cabinet. I would prefer an MKI, MKII or MKIII cabinet if I can find one in decent condition (even if it's gutted), though I don't mind doing work on it and would probably even enjoy the challenge. That's part of the fun! Anyway, before this message spirals out of control, I'll summarize what I'm trying to ask:
*** QUESTIONS ***
*1.* In my situation, do you recommend jamma boards with a switcher, a MAME setup, or a combination of both?
1a.If the setup is MAME, do the controls still feel authentic when compared to the original arcade machine (feel, lag, etc.)?
*2.* What resources do you recommend for a project like this (message boards, hardware/kit suppliers, tips for restoring old machines)?
*3.* Where should I start looking for a physical cabinet? I live in Orlando, FL. I'm willing to take a trip (within reason) to pick something up. Or make some sacrifices on which cabinet I get if I can find one at a good price locally.
*4.* Are there any special button/controls configurations to consider if I want to play additional games?
4a. Should I not get an MK2 cabinet because the control scheme would be insufficient for additional games or can I *easily* modify the control surface to add additional buttons/controls?
*5.* Are there any pitfalls that I should look out for?
****************
I want to get some long term enjoyment out of this project and plan on taking my time. I don't want to just throw something together.
I appreciate any advice you guys might be able to give me.
Thanks
Let me start by saying I'm a total newb when it comes to arcade cabinets, but have a decent amount of experience with electronics. This is my first step in the process (ask the experts!) before I start serious research. On to business...
I've been wanting to buy/build an MK arcade machine for a number of years now and I'm finally ready to pull the trigger. I'm a huge fan of the entire MK series (don't care as much about MK4), but also would really like to be able to play Killer Instinct I and II if possible (different buttons, I know). I like the idea of having that actual jamma boards (and don't mind the technical headaches involved there), but also would like the flexibility of playing other games too since my friends and family probably couldn't care less about the MK/KI games. I was wondering what your thoughts are on real hardware vs. MAME vs. a combination of both.
I'm in the very early stages, so I'm guessing the first thing I need to do (after research, of course) is buy a physical cabinet. I would prefer an MKI, MKII or MKIII cabinet if I can find one in decent condition (even if it's gutted), though I don't mind doing work on it and would probably even enjoy the challenge. That's part of the fun! Anyway, before this message spirals out of control, I'll summarize what I'm trying to ask:
*** QUESTIONS ***
*1.* In my situation, do you recommend jamma boards with a switcher, a MAME setup, or a combination of both?
1a.If the setup is MAME, do the controls still feel authentic when compared to the original arcade machine (feel, lag, etc.)?
*2.* What resources do you recommend for a project like this (message boards, hardware/kit suppliers, tips for restoring old machines)?
*3.* Where should I start looking for a physical cabinet? I live in Orlando, FL. I'm willing to take a trip (within reason) to pick something up. Or make some sacrifices on which cabinet I get if I can find one at a good price locally.
*4.* Are there any special button/controls configurations to consider if I want to play additional games?
4a. Should I not get an MK2 cabinet because the control scheme would be insufficient for additional games or can I *easily* modify the control surface to add additional buttons/controls?
*5.* Are there any pitfalls that I should look out for?
****************
I want to get some long term enjoyment out of this project and plan on taking my time. I don't want to just throw something together.
I appreciate any advice you guys might be able to give me.
Thanks
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