Cherry Switch

Thanks to B1 @ the www.cgcc.ca site I have some cherry switches on the way.
I'm very grateful to him for this. The Starburst auction is this week, but I will be unable to attend. I have a wedding to go to so no games for me! I would have liked to go to the auction, then the Playdium store for some parts.....but it just isn't in the cards. But again thanks to B1 I have the most important part I need on the way.
Upon its arrival I will wire up the joysticks and begin testing the IPAC.

thanks again !

Game On Pause

Really busy as of late so the MAME project has stalled again. I dont think it will be long until I resume. Im very eager and really want it completed. It suffered a few minor dings on its journey to the basemtn. None the less, thats an easy fix.
Im going to pick up some quick connects and rewire the buttons. Once thats done ill wire up the joysticks and begin testing the controls.

The MAME Cabinet

The other day a friend of mine came over and we were able to move the MAME cabinet inside. It suffered a few little scratches and dents during its journey, but nothing that cant be fixed. It wasn't so bad moving it once gutted, it was rather easy in fact. We put it in its part time home for now. I installed the marquee light, the marquee, and the bezel that covered the monitor hardware. I also installed the drawer that once held the Marvel vs. Capcom board. I added the control panel just to see how it looks, again I'M happy with the results. If time permits this weekend id like to complete the wiring. Ive decided to just cut out the micro switches that were attached to wiring harness prior removed. I had wanted to get some new/used ones, but it didn't pan out. Once the wiring is complete ill need to move the control panel upstairs and begin my second round of testing. Make sure everything in MAME is configured the way I like it. Id also like to change my settings so the PC boots right into MAME. Ive read that you can disable the Windows load screens, but to me that's not a big deal. If I can figure it out I will, if not I'll leave it as is. The drawer that held the Jamma board has to remain in the cabinet, as the control panel attaches to it. I dint think I will be able to stand up my PC inside. However I don't see an issue resting it on its side fan side up. I need to install a small shelf of sorts to hold the sub woofer for the speakers. This will give me access to turn the volume up & down if needed. I'm going to leave the back door off to help with cooling, and simply mount the power bar on the back. Once turned on the PC will boot up, and the speakers and marquee will also turn on.

More Spending Updates

Not much has been done or purchased as of late. Just some wire and a light fixture.
As promised I will always record my spending here, and if anyone would like more info please email me.

DETAILED INFO :

Marvel vs. Capcom = $75
Cabinet Delivery = $60
IPAC = $66
Buttons = $18 (purchased an extra 6 buttons)
Paint & Rollers = $20
Varsol = $5
Spray Paint = $10
Light fixture = $15
Wire = $12

TOTAL SPENT : $281

There isn't much left (in my opinion) and I think once Ive tested the controls it should come together rather quickly. I still need to wire up the joysticks and hook everything up to the IPAC. Once that's done I can begin to test MAME, make sure it all works the way it should. If it does I can then move the computer into the cabinet itself. Hook up everything to a power bar, and start installing the monitor. That I'm guessing will be the hardest part. Ill need to figure out a way to mount the monitor, and custom cut a bezel to hide everything.

Control Panel Complete

I installed my Hori buttons into the control panel. Originally I had P1 with three red on top, and three green on bottom. Player 2 (P2) was three green on top, and three red on the bottom. It didn't look good, so now Ive mirrored player one, less P1 button. It seems like a little thing, but cosmetically to me it made a big deal. Ive just finished installing the joysticks, player one is red, player two is black. I'm really happy with the paint job, I think the flat black paint works well. I'm not going to install the plexi or the metal brackets that came on the control panel. I figure they were there more for security, and since the machine is for home use only they aren't needed. Thanks again to the guys @ www.cgcc.ca I figured out how to wire up my Hori buttons. I wasn't sure if it mattered which connection would serve as the common and the normally open. (it doesn't!) Anyway this weekend Id like to start and complete hooking up the buttons to the IPAC.

anyway here are the pics !
PS - Zellers sucks ! see my other blog for why

More Control Panel Pics

PS - Rock band has taken up sooooooooo much of my time! But again, the progress has been decent. Ive got my foosball table moved inside, and would expect to have my two dynamos (tekken 3 & MAME) in the house for next week. Then I can really moved forward with the reamining elemets of the project.

Where Im At With The Control Panel

Not really much to say here, but the control panel is well underway. Its been painted and the buttons are installed. I'm hoping to get it wired to the IPAC this week. I need to find out which connection is for what. Once I solve that mystery things will really be cooking. I'm happy with the overall look, and I think its going to fit well with the overall look of the cabinet. Here are the pics !