ArcadeCab

10/29/04

500,000 hits!
We have finally reached a half-million hits since the February debut of ArcadeCab.  The traffic has continually increased each and every month, which is great to see.  The two sets of plans bring the most traffic, with interest in the BarCade climbing at a steady rate.  The examples of the Visitor's cabinets has seen a dramatic increase in visits this last month, too, so if you have built a cab using my plans send in a picture!  Thank you for your interest and feel free to link to me.

Frontends
I am also investigating different front ends for my cabinet to make it less confusing for the casual user.  Again, this is with the holiday season in mind when the newbie count rises.  Mame32 is currently being used but with Dragon's Lair (on Daphne) and Tiger Woods 2004 being requested, I wish to limit the number of calls for assistance when they want to switch between apps.  ArcadeOS, Mamewah and Ultrastyle are being explored.  I am taking notes as I go on the installation process.  Once I have chosen the front end, look for a write up on each of them in the Projects section.  This will likely happen within the next week.

10/27/04

MP3 Jukebox
I have been investigating some various jukebox software options to install on my cabinet.  The location of the cab, immediately adjacent the formal dining room, makes a jukebox a nice idea going into the holiday season.  Although I would prefer an album-based interface, I have been toying with WinCab.  It is a very nice, singles-based jukebox solution.   

10/18/04

Upcoming Project
A project that I have had on the back burner for the last number of months is another mini-cade, similar to the BarCade.  What I envision is a bartop cabinet that will be based on the classic PacMan cabinets.  There are a number of examples that I will be drawing inspiration from.  The intention is to create another low-cost project that can either use a cast-off PC or even one of the Jakk's controllers teamed with a TV.  More details will follow as I work through the design.  Hopefully it will be complete by November's end.

10/10/04

When it rains, it pours
Andy Warne of Ultimarc, who produces the fantastic I-Pac, has mentioned that he is nearly ready to release his X-box adapter for the I-pac.  In a BYOAC forum thread, he states that the product should be ready for purchase in several weeks and will be priced at $35.  This is great news and will provide another option for the controller builders.   

10/9/04

X-arcade: Build your own arcade kit
X-gaming is going to soon release (or re-release, depending upon your viewpoint) the 'brains' of an arcade controller in kit form.  It will serve the same function as Ultimarc's excellent I-Pac, but will also allow an interface to any other gaming system.  I had a very positive experience of the time I spent playing on the X-arcade; it was rock solid.  I have high hopes for this kit, as it is another option for builders to consider.  This kit might be the answer to many gamers' prayers.  You may want to take a look on their site.

A portion of their news release:   "X-Arcade™ Build Your Own Arcade Features

• Supports 28 Inputs In Any Combination (2 Joysticks + 20 Buttons)
• Speedstep™ Design Supports 28 Simultaneous Input Presses With Absolutely No Delay
• Award Winning Electronics Featured In Video Game/Technology Publications Worldwide
• Fully Programmable Input Assignments In Hardware (PC Only) For Re-Assigning Buttons/Joysticks To Any Input On Keyboard
• Included LED Display Shows On/Off Function And Assists In Programming Modes
• Programmed Modes Include Memory Storage To Maintain Settings When Unit Is Off
• 4 Different Memory Mode Settings In Hardware For Saving Button/Joystick Layouts
• Includes PS/2 Keyboard Pass-Thru Input
• External Connection Via Keyboard PS/2 Port (USB Adapters Available)
• Compatible With Any Game System (Game Adapters Sold Separately)
• No Software Or Drivers Needed
• No Ghosted Keys, No Delays
• Fully Seamless Operation And Configuration With MAME/Emulation Software"

The Ultra-Trackball available now (warning: shameless self-promotion)
If you are an avid PC golfer, ArcadeCab has the product for you- the Ultra-Trackball.  It is plug-and-play, very durable, and travels well.  Check out the details page for updated photos showing the various button colors available today.  Despite the standard color being red, I really am drawn to the green buttons, too.

10/3/04

Cabinet dimensions
When I was originally looking to build a cabinet, something that was in short supply were actual arcade cabinet dimensions.  Yes, you could look at pictures on the web and try to determine the measurements, but that was an estimate only.  Thankfully there are more generous individuals who have gone through the effort of measuring their cabinets and made them (freely) available.  One such site is jakobud.  His site currently lists 38 different cabinets, including the classics such as Pacman, Centipede, Donkey Kong, and Dragon's Lair.  Give it a visit at www.jakobud.com.  

9/28/04

I'm back!
I have returned from a lovely wedding and honeymoon.  We spent time in Las Vegas and then relaxed in Cancun.  I should be back in the groove of things within a few days so please excuse any response delays.

Jim Howard's Cabinet
I was able to coax a current picture of his cabinet from Jim, another individual new to the hobby.  As is the case with most all of us, he still has some details to add to his cabinet in the future.  He has a Tron marquee on the way and is considering building a custom controller at some point.  His coin door is already wired up to the X-arcade.  I really like his side art; the colors are great and are a nice alternative to many of our jet black cabs.  Thanks for the pic, Jim, and good luck with the enhancements as well as the university!

Go check it out on the Visitor's page.