If what you've read here or elsewhere gives you the urge to create your own arcade machine, let's go over the basics. We'll be covering things quickly, giving you the concepts.

In its broadest sense, a MAME style arcade machine is (A) a computer running the appropriate software (see The Basics), hooked up to (B) a monitor, with (C) arcade controls attached, all put in a (D) case.

A. I recommend at least a Pentium III or equivalent in your computer to get decent speed for the games. You will need a hard drive at least 10 Gigabytes to store all the games and associated data. You will not need CD-ROM or ethernet for use in play, though they will be needed while setting up. Space is likely to be at a premium, don't forget about ventilation. You do not need the case, the computer will never be seen. However, you will have to wire a switch to the outside to turn the computer on.

B. The monitor can be a normal computer monitor. Most of my machines use normal computer monitors. CRTs are generally better than LCDs for that classic arcade feel, but if space calls for it, I wouldn't rule out an LCD.

If you are reconditioning an old system, using the monitor that came in the cabinet, or are buying a monitor designed for arcades, your normal video card may have troubles working with it. Check out Arcade VGA for this purpose.

C. Let's start with a simple set of arcade controls. You have buttons and joysticks, attached to a panel.

Underneath, you see that the joystick is actually four switches. These switches must be wired to something you connect to the computer. I use the IPAC from Ultimarc. You connect one wire from the NO connector on each switch to the associated connector on the IPAC. For example, the Red Button is Button one, so you connect the cable from the Red button on the left the the P1SW1 connector.

All the ground lines are wired together, and connected to the GND connector on the IPAC.

The IPAC connects to either a USB port on the computer, or the keyboard port.

Now that you have the basics, the computer (A), monitor (B) and controls (C), it's time to build a case for them. The case must support the monitor and computer. The control panel must be particularly secure, it is likely to get some pounding over time.

If you are restoring a case, then the design is predetermined. Just use your best craftsmanship to bring it back to the glories of old. If you are designing a brand new case, decide what you want to do and go for it. There can be a great deal of fun in recreating the look you remember of arcade machines. Or, you can put it somewhere no one would expect an arcade machine to be hiding.

This is just an overview. If you have questions, feel free to e-mail me. I'll probably be expanding on these in the future.