Building My Own Arcade Machine!

HotDog-Cart · Post by **HotDog-Cart** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 9:10 pm

Okay, Guys. I have decided to build my own "Mini" Arcade machine. It maybe full size, or Mini. I'm not to sure yet. Here's how I'm starting out.

19" LCD Monitor: $249
Or
14-16" (Dunno what size) CRT Monitor: $100 (?)

Pentium 2 laptop (Or 3. But I think its a P2) Running Windows 98 SE: $200

Usb 4 or 7 Hub: $20-$25. (The 7 Hub is $20. The 4 Hub which is WAY smaller, is $25.) Which one should I go with?

USB Joystick: $28.00
--------------------------

So far, is this a good start?
I'm pretty sure that a P2 Windows 98 SE laptop, can run some NES and Genesis Emulation.

Which, USB Hub should I get? The 7 USB Slot, or the 4 USB slot?

Also, how can I make a disk that when inserted into the CDrom drive, automatically boots up the emulator and its games? (So I dont have to go through windows and such.)

Last but not least, does anyone know some "DIY/How To" websites, that show me how to make a Arcade machine out of wood? (Like, What type of wood to buy and such. Pictures would help.)

Thanks.

PS: I didn't want to post this in the arcade section, as its not a popular section. I need some good awnsers :p.

benol · Post by **benol** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 9:23 pm

Get the 7 hub. It has more ports and it's cheaper.

vskid · Post by **vskid** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 9:37 pm

HotDog-Cart wrote:19" LCD Monitor: $249
Or
14-16" (Dunno what size) CRT Monitor: $100 (?)

Pentium 2 laptop (Or 3. But I think its a P2) Running Windows 98 SE: $200

Those prices all seem really high.

HotDog-Cart · Post by **HotDog-Cart** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 5:08 am

Its Canadian, and they're new. (except the CRT and the laptop.)

And they all come with warranties. 3 Year on computer, 3 month on monitors. (I think thats how it works in the place I work at. Plus, I think I can get a discount as I work there.)

See, someone moved my post here, and this is like a semi-dead part of the forum. Thanks.

I need some help still. I need a Howto/DIY website about building Arcade machines. Pictures on the pages, please.

johnbjuice · Post by **johnbjuice** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 11:20 am

You can get old CRTs around here for, like, $5. Then of course I'm in California...so its probably a little different. But $100? Please.

Seriously, do some searching. Good luck!

- Juice

Valium · Post by **Valium** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 11:45 am

Yeah, you can easily get a CRT monitor for 5-$10 CAD.

PeglegJimmy · Post by **PeglegJimmy** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 11:57 am

I see at least 2-5 working ones at goodwill for $10 O.o

vskid · Post by **vskid** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 2:45 pm

Laptop is also expensive, I bet you could get at least a P3 for that price, I've bought 2 P2 laptops from members here and the total was $100 USD, including shipping.

Post by **bicostp** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 3:38 pm

Don't bother with a CRT under 16". They aren't worth it. If you want a CRT, look around local computer repair shops. Since CRTs and mercury in them, they have to be properly disposed of, which costs money. A local shop near me has a bunch of them because people don't want CRTs anymore, and they unload them there instead of junking them themselves. You might get lucky and get one for free.

Go for a desktop motherboard and mount it in the case. laptops may be small but they're also very expensive for what you get. You could probably get a decent P3, a low end P4, or a Celeron box for that price.

Valium · Post by **Valium** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 4:01 pm

Besides, it is an arcade machine, its not like a desktop wouldn't fit in a cabinet anyway, plus its already completely able to connect to a screen.

Wait a second.. Why would you need to buy a screen if you're planning on buying a laptop?

HotDog-Cart · Post by **HotDog-Cart** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 4:16 pm

Lets see. I'm making a FULL fledged arcade machine. I need an external monitor. Lol.

Valium · Post by **Valium** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 5:32 pm

If you build the cabinet around it, who could tell the difference?

HotDog-Cart · Post by **HotDog-Cart** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 7:46 pm

You dont get my idea. The laptop is going to sit on a shelf inside the Arcade machine. The shelf will be way to low for the laptop to act as the monitor. Also, this laptop screen isnt that big, so yea getting an external CRT/LCD is a must.

Im going to Value Village, and am going to see if they have any cheap CRTs. I also may be able to use my stepdads old windows 98 Toshiba laptop. (Thus, saving me cash.)

Valium · Post by **Valium** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 9:08 pm

I still say desktop though, you could emulate more than just NES and Genesis.

Bibin · Post by **Bibin** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 9:18 pm

LCD's in arcades are SINS. Always use a 17" or bigger CRT.

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Building My Own Arcade Machine!

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