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My MAME Arcade Machine

My MAME Arcade Machine

You Built a WHAT?? Many years ago (early 2000’s), I built a MAME arcade machine cabinet.  It was an incredibly fun and challenging project, and the final machine was so much fun to play.  Even today, I have an occasional conversation where I bring it up, which...
MAME – Design and Plans

MAME – Design and Plans

Any time I start a new project, I always love going out and doing research.  A huge win was discovering the Build Your Own Arcade Controls website, dedicated to people who had already built MAME cabinets, and resources with how to find anything you need to make your...
MAME – Cabinet Cutting

MAME – Cabinet Cutting

Measuring it Out First step was to get the wood. I got 2 pieces of 3/4″ MDF 4×8′ which would be used mostly for the sides of the cabinet, the floorboards, and other parts that needed thicker support. MDF is “Medium Density Fiberboard”...
MAME – Cabinet Assembly

MAME – Cabinet Assembly

First order of business was to measure out and mark where all of the 2×2 supports would be attached. I figured that the kickboard was 3″ and the casters I got should be mounted 2 1/4″ recessed. So I measured in 2 1/4″ and clamped in the first...
MAME – Control Panel

MAME – Control Panel

The control panel is one of the core aesthetic reasons I decided to make a cabinet.  The control panel is your physical interface to the games; the joysticks, trackball and buttons. My design for the control panel was so that it could be easily removed and...
MAME – Finishing Touches

MAME – Finishing Touches

First Computer System The first computer I put in was an old Pentium system I had sitting around.  Specs: Compaq Pentium 166MMX with onboard video 64MB of RAM SBLive soundcard 2x CD-ROM 17″ monitor Not a powerhorse by any means, but it sure does play a mean game...