|
What tools do I need to make a
MAME cabinet?
Well, that depends
on your creativity, some Canadian dude might come a long way with just a
Leatherman, but most people will need the basic tools. With the basic tools you can make the
whole MAME cabinet, but the helpfull tools will make things even easier
and much nicer, but isn't essential.
Basic tools: Jigsaw, powerdrill, screwdriver, crosscut saw (lexan
and plexi), 28mm hole saw and sandpaper.
Helpfull tools: Milling machine, pad sander and circular saw.
How much will a
cabinet like the Project MAME cost?
You can't put a price on true love, but that totally depends on where
you live.
Not including the computer and monitor, the cabinet and controls will
cost about $200-$400. All the artwork will cost you somewhere between
$100-$300.
I made the whole cabinet, everything included, for $1400, but Denmark is
one of the most expensive places in the world.
How
did you bend the control panel?
The bend on the control
panel is made by a professional bending machine. You have to contact a
metal workshop yourself to find someone who can make it for you.
How did cut
the control panel?
The control panel is cut
with a professional laser cutter. You have to contact a metal workshop
yourself to find someone who can make it for you.
How did
mount the joysticks?
Four bolts are welted on the
backside of the control panel using a very special welding machine made
just for that purpose.
You can buy this joystick
bracket and mount your joysticks the same way:
Nanocade
Invisible Joystick Bracket v2
Free shipping all over the world.
Can I please make a donation to
repay you for the drawings and to support your next MAME project?
Please feel free to make any kind of donation right here:
I hope to raise enough money to start making the next project
very soon. |
|
How much will a
cabinet like the WeeCade cost?
Somewhere between $500 and
$900
Do you sell premade control panels?
No, you just have to make
them yourself ;) Sorry about that.
Why are there no measurements
on your cabinet drawings?
Actually there are
measurements on the drawings, but they are in millimetres (metric) and
you just have to use my converter if in doubt. Go
here
Will the Weecade fit a 19" monitor (4:3)
It's going to be pretty
tight fit, but there are already many users who made Weecade clones with
19" inch monitors.
Why didn't you
just restore an old arcade cabinet?
I wanted to make a MAME
cabinet that met my needs completely in size and shape. The only way to
accomplish this, was to make one from scratch. Also I couldn't find any
cheap old cabinets, so it was cheaper to build one myself. It's a lot of
fun to make your own cabinet too. I recommend it to everyone.
How many
pushbuttons do I need to have?
Well, what kind of
games du you play? If Ms Pacman is the only game you like, you need zero
pushbuttons. If you like fighting games, you need at least 4 pushbuttons
for every player.
How much time
have you put into the cabinet?
Too long.
About 250 hours, including designing and setting up the software. The
second time building one, It probably would be around 100 hours. Expect
to use more time and money than you expected.
Actually I only used about
100 hours on WeeCade, so I was right ;)
How
much does Project MAME weigh?
At least as
much as your girlfriend did when you met her. That would be around 60 Kg or 125 pounds.
How much does Weecade weigh?
30 Kg or 125 pounds.
What font did you use for
Project MAME artwork?
I used the
freeware font GENOTYPE. You can download it here.
What font did you use for the
Weecade artwork?
I used the
freeware font Lakmus Fenotype. You can download it
here.
Why use a LCD monitor and not a
real arcade monitor?
Your girlfriend
lies. Size does matter... Living in a flat, smaller is better. But I
love the feel of a real arcade monitor though...
Where
do I buy the arcade parts for the cabinet?
Here in Europe,
I recommend Arcadeshop.de and Gremlinsolutions.co.uk. In USA
Ultimarc.com is a good place. You can also find good deals on ebay. Try
Google.
Where
do I find games?
Don't ask
questions about games. Really, don't.
Do girlfriends like MAME
cabinets?
They love them
just as much as they love when you fix your Harley on the living room
table.
Maybe even more.
Why did you build it?
My mother and
girlfriend asked me the same question. I just couldn't find the answer
to that questions. But I won't have to, you guys know why! All guys know
why, it's that simple really.
Are you planning to build
another MAME cabinet?
Of course I am,
what stupid question is that? :D When you build your first cabinet, you
just know it will not be the last cabinet you build. It is as addictive
as heroin.
Well, now I have build the
WeeCade. Still don't think it will be my last cabinet though.
Well, now I have build the Nanocade too. Aren't going to stop here :)
Can I buy your cabinet?
Everything can
be bought for the right price. Mail me :D
The Project MAME cabinet is sold though, but I still have the WeeCade...
|
