First Pass at a MAME Cabinet

[Aaron K.]

Just my first attempt

Old Tetris Cab $0

Used 21" Monitor $20

Used Dell 4100 $20

Scavanged ATI Video Card/Keyboard/Powerstrip/WiFi $0

X-Arcade TankStik $199

Assorted L-Brackets/Bolts/Screws/Spray Paint $40

Mame Cabinet with Internet Access $280

Yes - I know I have to do something about the Bezel

2 Questions

1 - Power Down/Up : do you just hit the powerstrip - or do you power on the computer the correct way (if so - how do you get the power switch outside the cab)

2 - How long after you pay the fee do you get your code?

Thanks

[Brian Hoffman]

1. If your pc's mother board supports keyboard power on all you have to do is wiggle the joystick.. As essentially its a keyboard. If not the pc's power button is a two wire lead to the mainboard. Cut the wires... Extend the wires... Connect to a cherry microswitch and use an arcade push button..

2. The licence is usually VERY fast... emailed almost the same day for sure.. usually within the hour

[bkenobi]

If you want everything to power up when the PC powers up and off when it shuts down (marquee, speakers, monitor, etc), then I recommend either getting a smartstrip or if you want to go the cheap and dirty route (I did twice), build a relay controlled power switch for ~$5 and add any power strip you have laying around. The link to the design I used is now dead, but the internet doesn't let anything die! See it here.

One other method to control power if you don't want to cut more holes in the cabinet for your power button is to use a remote power switch like this.

[lingpanda]

1. If your pc's mother board supports keyboard power on all you have to do is wiggle the joystick.. As essentially its a keyboard.

I know this doesn't work for my I-PAC. No power to my USB ports. Can this be a bios setting I'm overlooking?

[Brian Hoffman]

I know this doesn't work for my I-PAC. No power to my USB ports. Can this be a bios setting I'm overlooking?

Hmm... My IPAC is the ps2 version.....

Some dell type MB's dont even have ps2 anymore. Does your bios have the KB poweron feature?

[lingpanda]

Hmm... My IPAC is the ps2 version.....

Some dell type MB's dont even have ps2 anymore. Does your bios have the KB poweron feature?

Now that I think about it. I do have a USB to ps/2 adapter. I usually just press any key on the keyboard inside the cab to turn it on. So yes it does have the KB power on feature.

[Brian Hoffman]

Now that I think about it. I do have a USB to ps/2 adapter. I usually just press any key on the keyboard inside the cab to turn it on. So yes it does have the KB power on feature.

Cool... Let me know if it works.. I may be tempted to get the usb version of IPAC if it would do that.

Well for my next project

[Jamie]

Hi lads,after reading the forums for AGES,getting to know the scene,as im half way through my first mame machine.

I think its time to start posting lol.

Just a bit of input on this thread.

My ps2 keyboard would turn the computer on.

Now same as above,since it goes through the USB Mini-Pac it doesnt anymore.

But heres a couple of thoughts.

1.If you have the USB don't the benifits overweigh the "key to power on function"?

2.If you use a trackball/spinner,then you will loose the power for them with PS2.

3.If you go USB to PS2 adapter,again you will loose the benifits?

I reckon what brian said is the best,just run your PC power switch to a switch.

[Brian Hoffman]

Hi lads,after reading the forums for AGES,getting to know the scene,as im half way through my first mame machine.

I think its time to start posting lol.

Just a bit of input on this thread.

My ps2 keyboard would turn the computer on.

Now same as above,since it goes through the USB Mini-Pac it doesnt anymore.

But heres a couple of thoughts.

1.If you have the USB don't the benifits overweigh the "key to power on function"?

2.If you use a trackball/spinner,then you will loose the power for them with PS2.

3.If you go USB to PS2 adapter,again you will loose the benifits?

I reckon what brian said is the best,just run your PC power switch to a switch.

What benefits are you refering to when you talk abut PS/2 over USB.

Personaally I like ps2 better as theres no need for drivers. It simply works.

All those other USB gamepad type stuff always requires drivers...yes I know new windows builds have them and most newer motherboards suppor USB keyboard off the bat.... But still.. I really see no benefit to using USB over PS2 except with USB you can have multiple devices...

[Jamie]

Didnt need drivers for the USB mini-pac m8.

PS2 is a bit dated,plus USB you can hotswap.

Usb always seems to be the choice for Keyboards/Mice.

Also as said,with my Mini-Pac in USB mode only,it powers my trackball,where as the PS2 cant do that throught the minipac.

[Brian Hoffman]

Didnt need drivers for the USB mini-pac m8.

PS2 is a bit dated,plus USB you can hotswap.

Usb always seems to be the choice for Keyboards/Mice.

Also as said,with my Mini-Pac in USB mode only,it powers my trackball,where as the PS2 cant do that throught the minipac.

Windows has built in USB support. Try your USB IPAC on an windows 95 pc and tell me if it works...

HEHEHE... Just kidding. Ps2 is dated I know but its very compatable. I guess for me old habits die hard.

Take care

Brian Hoffman

[Jamie]

Windows has built in USB support. Try your USB IPAC on an windows 95 pc and tell me if it works...

HEHEHE... Just kidding. Ps2 is dated I know but its very compatable. I guess for me old habits die hard.

Take care

Brian Hoffman

True,I guess im thinking with XP in mind,

Yep,i still use ps2 on other machines.

Since reading through the forums,most problems ive had,have been sorted by a post form you bud. ;-)

Also regarding the auto-on for the pc.

Mine has a option,so that when the PC is powerd off fully,i.e. im using a bucket switch connected to the strip plug fuse box.

this will cut all power to the unit.Then when i flick the switch,it will turn the pc back on.Along with everything else.

Its something like, Power on state after loss of power lol. Then you set it to alwatys on/auto on.

Not sure if every bios has this though.

[bkenobi]

That's another way to do it. If you have that option on your computer, that works great. If you don't, I suggest buying a smartstrip (or equivalent) or building your own. DIY is quick, cheap, and easy.