Need some input Hyperspinners

[mortalkabinet]

So I cant decide if I should fix up the current cabinet that I have, or build a new pedestal cabinet. I built the full size cabinet I have now.

Its just big and takes up a lot of space. I'm thinking about taking it apart and adding T-Molding, making it a little less deep and a little thinner. Then adding a 27in flatscreen i have to replace the old computer monitor.

Or i could build something like this:

I like the pedestal cab, but am having a hard time parting with the full size. I think I can fix it up and shrink it down but I can't decide.....

Either way I would probably be using the X-arcade but might upgrade to the tankstick.

Just looking for thoughts/input. Thanks!

[albert_c]

Since it is MAME and the MAME guys did such a good job with HLSL, I say go the flatscreen route. Test out the HLSL settings first to see if you like it before you start gutting your CRT cab. Not sure about the Tank stick though. I would build my own; gives more flexibility going that route and you end up with a better stick.

[mortalkabinet]

I'm definitely going to go the flatscreen route. Just cant decide if I should fix up the cab I have or build a new pedestal. I would love to do my own control panel it just seems like a lot of difficult work. I guess i'm a noob but what is HLSL?

[somail]

Personally I have never liked the way pedestal cabinets look. When it's all said and done, an individual's/guest's impression of a cabinet will be made within the first 30 seconds of seeing it. With a full arcade cabinet they know exactly what it is, a pedestal cabinet they are not sure (although they do look fancy). I always enjoy someone's reaction when they say "wow you have an arcade!" vs. "what does this thing do?".

Maybe a very black and white way of looking at it, but a pedestal cab should be reserved for someone with very tight space or someone who moves a lot (dorm room / school).

[mortalkabinet]

Yeah I agree, the full size arcade is awesome. I think that is the route I'll go. I can just shrink it down a little, add some T-Molding, throw a flatscreen in there and I think I will use a PC Speaker system with a subwoofer. Right now I use a stereo receiver without a subwoofer. Might try making my own control panel. I just need to read up some more on how to do it. Just seems like a lot less headache to throw an X-Arcade tankstick in there and get a MKII skin for it.

[albert_c]

Here is a good discussion of HLSL. I use these settings on my 30" Dell monitor. Looks great! Try it them out.

As far as your own control panel is concerned, you can buy a pre-made panel, then add all the buttons, artwork yourself. And if you use the right PCB, you can have the flexibility to hook it up to modern consoles which is a plus with some added expense. Console usability is one of the beauties of going the LCD route. But if you won't ever hook up a console to your cab, the Xin Mo dual pcb can be bought on eBay for $20.

[SubZero]

Or you can make one of these 2, pedestal or upright either one wont take up much place, the lcd's are 28" on the cabs

also check here for plans and how to build:

http://www.koenigs.dk/mame/eng/

And here is a list of cabs with the plans

http://jakobud.com/plan-list.php

[jtslade]

CRT for life