Somewhat new, a few questions

tommyb · Post by **tommyb** » Mon Oct 06, 2008 4:32 am

So, I have a few questions regarding hardware for good shmupping.

1. Can someone tell me, or direct me to somewhere that can tell me, how to exactly go about building a decent MAME cabinet? I've seen some pretty badass ones that look super expensive, but I don't have all that much money to blow on this.

andddd

2. If I want to start buying and playing actual arcade shmups/fighters/anything, really, where would I start, and what exactly would I need? Thanks ^_^

PC Engine Fan X! · Post by **PC Engine Fan X!** » Mon Oct 06, 2008 3:20 pm

The easiest way to get started with a Mame setup from the get-go is to pick up a generic Gamebox -- basically a two-layered PC setup with HDD and is powered by it's own seperate PC ATX power supply unit. To add more games to it, simply remove the HDD and hook it up to a 2nd PC and upload the Roms from it. Reinstall the HDD and fire up the Gamebox and you're good to go.

Such a typical Gamebox setup already has a standard 56-pin Jamma setup and even has stereo sound output via two seperate volume controls mounted on the top-layer Jamma pre-out board that comprises of the Gamebox layout.

If you can pick up a used Gamebox setbox for between $100-$150 USD, that's not a bad deal. ^_~

Some folks would be willing to say the this particular Gamebox is a piece of trash but it works just fine for me. ^_~

Or the much better alternative would to build your custom PC rig from the ground up and use an Ultimarc Arcade VGA card + Ultimarc Jamma adapter setup.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

tommyb · Post by **tommyb** » Mon Oct 06, 2008 4:27 pm

I'm gonna Google some of the things you said and try to translate it, haha. The only thing I've ever done with arcade games is play them in MAME and play them in arcades, so I really don't have any idea how they work.

EDIT: To clarify, I really have no idea how these work. If I were to get the Gamebox, what else would I need in order to have a working MAME cabinet? I know I sound like a super noob, but I just never took the time to figure this stuff out, and I figure this is the best way to learn ^_^

PC Engine Fan X! · Post by **PC Engine Fan X!** » Mon Oct 06, 2008 5:09 pm

tommyb wrote:I'm gonna Google some of the things you said and try to translate it, haha. The only thing I've ever done with arcade games is play them in MAME and play them in arcades, so I really don't have any idea how they work.

EDIT: To clarify, I really have no idea how these work. If I were to get the Gamebox, what else would I need in order to have a working MAME cabinet? I know I sound like a super noob, but I just never took the time to figure this stuff out, and I figure this is the best way to learn ^_^

You would need an arcade game cabinet with standard Jamma already installed from the get-go. A cheap American woodie (meaning particle wood-based built one) arcade cabinet can be had for a mere $25-$100 if you were to go to a local SuperAuctions event held by where you live. Just be sure that said arcade cabinet is in fine working/operating condition before bidding on it. http://www.superauctions.com

Check the arcade RGB primer of gamesx at http://www.gamesx.com for more detailed explanation of how an arcade cabinet works.

Or if you still feel confused about getting your feet wet with such arcade cabinets, another alternative suggestion is to get a Supergun and play your favorite arcade game PCBs on a true low resolution 15kHz analog RGB monitor type of setup or a standard 4:3 TV monitor with the usual basic A/V hookups such as composite video or S-Video or Component Video inputs.

Simply connect said arcade PCB to Jamma harness coming from Supergun, plug in the power supply unit that powers up the Supergun, plug in the A/V cables from the Supergun into your TV monitor or RGB monitor and press the Coin button to replicate the act of inserting a coin and then press "Start" button to play.

Hope all this isn't confusing for you, tommyb. I once was an Supergun & arcade cabinet newbie just like you who didn't know such techincal terms and jargon pertaining to the arcade game hobby but through trial and error and hands-on experience, learned along the way. ^_~

Good luck on your journey getting into the world of arcade PCB/Mame hobby. ^_~

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

tommyb · Post by **tommyb** » Mon Oct 06, 2008 5:13 pm

Thanks a lot, PC Engine Fan X. That last post was extremely helpful, and will definately allow me to get on my feet with the arcade hobby ^_^

I had heard of Superguns before, but never had any idea what they were, thanks for explaining that one, too. Now I just need to save money, haha, I'm terrible with that.

EDIT: Just found a Superauction in my area in Detroit in just a couple weeks

PC Engine Fan X! · Post by **PC Engine Fan X!** » Mon Oct 06, 2008 5:19 pm

It's my pleasure to help you out. ^_~