Building a MAME project, seeking opinions/advice

The time has come, I've decided against original arcade games because (1)
they won't go up my stairs, and (2) I like the versatility of MAME. So I'm
going to construct a hybrid arcade game for the gameroom. I'm looking for
opinions/advice from those who have been there and done that.


The cabinet:

I won't be building a big cabinet. I want to locate the game in a corner,
and I don't want to use any more space than necessary. So I've decided to
make sort of a hybrid desktop/arcade cabinet setup. I'll build a triangular
shelf attached to the wall in the corner and set the monitor on this shelf.
The monitor can be out in the open, no need for an enclosed cabinet around
the monitor. No marquee needed.

The control panel/keyboard drawer will sit under this shelf, protruding
enough to facilitate comfortable game play. This shelf can be mounted to
the underside of the monitor shelf.

The computer will sit in a smaller cabinet underneath the monitor and
control panel.

This setup should take up the least amount of space possible short of flush
mounting the unit into a wall (and eating up a closet in the room behind
it). I want to save space because I have a full size pool table and bar in
the room and don't want anything interfering with the pool table play. If
you can think of a better way than this corner setup please speak up, I'm
open to suggestions.


The hardware:

I prefer 1980's arcade games, so that will be my main focus with the
hardware. I like vector games also. I want to build a system that's a
universal as possible while keeping the budget in check.

That shouldn't require much in the way of computer hardware. I figure I'll
buy a cheap PC from Fry's Electronics. No frills.

I've only played MAME games on my 19" computer monitor, but I'd prefer to
use a 24" or 27" television as the monitor. Because it's so cheap. Does a
regular TV provide good enough graphics for a MAME project? I don't mind
the fact that vertical games will have dead space on the sides, and that
horizontal games might not be the original size. Is a 27" the best way to
go, or would a 24" be OK? I'd like to save on space and money, so the 24"
sounds great, but if the vertical games would be too small then I'll go for
the 27". Anything special to make sure the TV has for MAME?

Controller: I've researched the web and I think I really like the SlikStik
controllers. Again, I'm open to other suggestions.

Here's what I want to be able to play. 2-way and 4-way joystick games like
Galaga, Donkey Kong, etc. Defender & Stargate. Spinner games like Tempest
and Tron. Trackball games like Centipede and Golden Tee. Games that
require a fire button on the joystick like Tron. Dual joystick games like
Robotron.

I don't care anything about "fighting" games and I don't need head-to-head
play. Can you use the SlikStik Classic for Robotron? The dual joysticks
are laid out for 2 player action, but can it be configured to use the 2
joysticks on a single player game? I like that controller because it has
everything I want with the possible exception of a top-fire joystick (and a
Star Wars yoke). Maybe I need the SlikStik CO2 controller.

Actually, I'd prefer the SlikStik Solitaire with a flight stick and track
ball, but they say they don't offer those options on the controller. Like I
said, I don't need dual player.


The budget:

I definitely want to keep the entire project under $1000. I can do
wiring/soldering myself, no problem. I don't mind building something myself
to save money, but I'm not opposed to a complete unit like the SlikStik
controller because it's well done and easy. I can pick up a 24"-27" flat
screen TV for under $250. That leaves a MAX of $750 for the rest of the
project. The PC will probably run me another $250, leaving $500 for a
controller and the assorted cabinet/mounting materials. I might be able to
squeeze a few more bucks out over the next month or so, and I'd love to find
some deals if anyone has some used equipment they'd like to sell. I'm also
willing to do some trades on some things around the house that I have too
many of (mainly guitar related stuff and firearms).

Odin wrote:
> The time has come, I've decided against original arcade games because (1)
> they won't go up my stairs, and (2) I like the versatility of MAME. So I'm
> going to construct a hybrid arcade game for the gameroom. I'm looking for
> opinions/advice from those who have been there and done that.
>
>
> The cabinet:
>
> I won't be building a big cabinet. I want to locate the game in a corner,
> and I don't want to use any more space than necessary. So I've decided to
> make sort of a hybrid desktop/arcade cabinet setup. I'll build a triangular
> shelf attached to the wall in the corner and set the monitor on this shelf.
> The monitor can be out in the open, no need for an enclosed cabinet around
> the monitor. No marquee needed.
>
> The control panel/keyboard drawer will sit under this shelf, protruding
> enough to facilitate comfortable game play. This shelf can be mounted to
> the underside of the monitor shelf.
>
> The computer will sit in a smaller cabinet underneath the monitor and
> control panel.
>
> This setup should take up the least amount of space possible short of flush
> mounting the unit into a wall (and eating up a closet in the room behind
> it). I want to save space because I have a full size pool table and bar in
> the room and don't want anything interfering with the pool table play. If
> you can think of a better way than this corner setup please speak up, I'm
> open to suggestions.
>
>
> The hardware:
>
> I prefer 1980's arcade games, so that will be my main focus with the
> hardware. I like vector games also. I want to build a system that's a
> universal as possible while keeping the budget in check.
>
> That shouldn't require much in the way of computer hardware. I figure I'll
> buy a cheap PC from Fry's Electronics. No frills.
>
> I've only played MAME games on my 19" computer monitor, but I'd prefer to
> use a 24" or 27" television as the monitor. Because it's so cheap. Does a
> regular TV provide good enough graphics for a MAME project? I don't mind
> the fact that vertical games will have dead space on the sides, and that
> horizontal games might not be the original size. Is a 27" the best way to
> go, or would a 24" be OK? I'd like to save on space and money, so the 24"
> sounds great, but if the vertical games would be too small then I'll go for
> the 27". Anything special to make sure the TV has for MAME?
>
> Controller: I've researched the web and I think I really like the SlikStik
> controllers. Again, I'm open to other suggestions.
>
> Here's what I want to be able to play. 2-way and 4-way joystick games like
> Galaga, Donkey Kong, etc. Defender & Stargate. Spinner games like Tempest
> and Tron. Trackball games like Centipede and Golden Tee. Games that
> require a fire button on the joystick like Tron. Dual joystick games like
> Robotron.
>
> I don't care anything about "fighting" games and I don't need head-to-head
> play. Can you use the SlikStik Classic for Robotron? The dual joysticks
> are laid out for 2 player action, but can it be configured to use the 2
> joysticks on a single player game? I like that controller because it has
> everything I want with the possible exception of a top-fire joystick (and a
> Star Wars yoke). Maybe I need the SlikStik CO2 controller.
>
> Actually, I'd prefer the SlikStik Solitaire with a flight stick and track
> ball, but they say they don't offer those options on the controller. Like I
> said, I don't need dual player.
>
>
> The budget:
>
> I definitely want to keep the entire project under $1000. I can do
> wiring/soldering myself, no problem. I don't mind building something myself
> to save money, but I'm not opposed to a complete unit like the SlikStik
> controller because it's well done and easy. I can pick up a 24"-27" flat
> screen TV for under $250. That leaves a MAX of $750 for the rest of the
> project. The PC will probably run me another $250, leaving $500 for a
> controller and the assorted cabinet/mounting materials. I might be able to
> squeeze a few more bucks out over the next month or so, and I'd love to find
> some deals if anyone has some used equipment they'd like to sell. I'm also
> willing to do some trades on some things around the house that I have too
> many of (mainly guitar related stuff and firearms).



Odin,

Sounds like you have already given it a ton of thought which is good.
If you did not go to BYOAC.com it will have every answer you need. Yes
you will be able use the Slikstik to play Robotron. Unless you are
going to enjoy building the panel and saving some money (but not a ton)
it looks like a good way to go.... sounds like you are really into the
controls... if so, you may want to read up about the different
joysticks that are out there, they all have different feels and
benefits.... 49 way (that is real veritile with PowerMAME, dedicated
4 way, leaf switch vs. micro.... the list goes on....) Check out
retroblast reviews, they have a nice overview of the joysticks out
there. Who knows, then you may decide to build your own. Good luck.