4-Player Pedestal Arcade Cabinet For MAME 32 Steps (With Pictures) - Instructables

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Arcade Cabinet for MAME by severdhed


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4-Player Pedestal Arcade Cabinet for MAME


By severdhed (/member/severdhed/) in Circuits (/circuits/) > Electronics (/circuits/electronics
/projects/)

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By severdhed More by
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4-Player Pedestal Arcade Cabinet by severdhed (/member/severdhed/) Follow

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This will show you how I constructed my 4 player MAME pedestal
cabinet. There are a lot of things you may want to customize to your
liking. I will show you how i made mine, you can feel free to tweak it to
your liking. This houses a standard windows PC to run the MAME arcade
emulator, and outputs to a 42" LCD TV.

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Step 1: Items You Will Need:


Supplies:

● 3/4" MDF or plywood ( i used 6 pre-cut 2ftx4ft sheets of MDF, it is a


little more expensive, but easier to transport and work with)
● T-Molding: 30ft
● 30" piano hinge
● small chain or rope ( to support lid when open, 2 ft should be plenty)
● screw in leg levelers
● small carriage bolts for mounting joysticks (size can vary, based on
which joysticks you use)
● t-nuts of various sizes (4 for mouting legs, 4 smaller ones for each
joystick)
● Wire, two colors, at least 50 ft (i think i used 18guage)
● crimp-on female wire disconnects ( i used about 100 of them)
● zip ties (optional, but great for cable management) wood screws
● wood glue
● paint
● 1/8"
4-Player plexiglass
Pedestal Arcade slightly larger
Cabinet for MAMEthan the surface
by severdhed of the control Follow
(/member/severdhed/) panel (my
panel is 18" x 46")
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● wood screws of various sizes.
● one 8ft 2x4 board
● about 20ft total of 1x2 pine board
● about 10 feet of 1x4 pine board ( you could also use MDF, if you dont'
mind the cutting)

TOOLS:

● circular saw
● jig saw
● Router with straight bit, v-groove bit, �ush trim bit, and 1/16" slot
cutter
● drill with 1 1/8" Forstner bit, various small drill bits for bolt holes.
● 3" hole saw
● various clamps
● screw driver
● measuring tape
● straight edge
● square
● pencils/marker
● ratcheting wire crimpers (don't bother with the non ratcheting kind,
you will be doing a lot of crimping, spend the $15 on a ratcheting
crimper from harbor freight, your hands will thank you)
● wire strippers

OTHER:
● 4 Pedestal
4-Player arcade joysticks ( I used
Arcade Cabinet Ultimarc
for MAME J-Stiks/Sanwa
by severdhed JLWs)
(/member/severdhed/) Follow

● 3" Arcade trackball with USB interface ( i used an Electric Ice-T Deluxe
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from groovygamegear.com)
● 31 - arcade pushbuttons (i used HAPP concave pushbuttons)
● USB Control interface ( I used an iPac 4 from Ultimarc)
● trackball mounting plate
● PC for emulation (PC specs depend on what games you wish to use. a
3ghz pentium 4 for 4gb of ram should be plenty for mame, you may
need more if you choose to add PC games or other emulators)
● display ( i used a 42" vizio 1080p TV)

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Step 2: Plan Out Your Cabinet

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I designed this cabinet build around simplicity. I didn't want to try to haul
full sheets of MDF in my minivan by myself, so I used pre-cut 2ft x 4ft
pieces of MDF for the construction. This means that no panel is larger
than 2ft x 4ft. also, this prevented me from having to cut a bunch of long
straight
4-Player cuts.
Pedestal the front,
Arcade Cabinetback and by
for MAME both sides(/member/severdhed/)
severdhed are 24" wide, so there was
Follow

very little cutting involved. I started o� using Google SketchUp to design


the unit, then tweaked it until it looked right. I was goingw
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for simple. I've
included a diagram with the dimensions of the boars you will need to
make it like mine.

You also need to plan out what type of controls you wish to have, and
how many buttons per player. This can vary based on which types of
games you want to be able to play. I personally wanted a 3" trackball for
centipede and millipede, as well as bowling/golf games. If you are just
using MAME, you only need a max of 4 buttons per player for 4 player
games, but some of the 1 and 2 player games need more (mostly �ghting
games) i opted for 4 buttons for players 3 and 4, and 7 buttons for players
1 and 2. (player 3 and 4 are o� to the sides because they aren't used as
much, leaving players 1 and 2 in the center of the panel. Most �ghting
games only use 6 buttons, but the 7th button comes in handy. This way i
have 4 buttons on the top row to simulate the Neo Geo layout. I also
have a few none mame games that i play on here through steam,
including Mortal Kombat 9, Injustice, and Street Fighter 4.

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Step 3: Build the 2x4 Base


4-Player Pedestal Arcade Cabinet for MAME by severdhed (/member/severdhed/) Follow

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(https://content.instructables.com/F1O/44GM/ILQVKCLN/F1O44GMILQVKCLN.jpg?auto=webp&
frame=1&width=1024&height=1024&fit=bounds&md=4cd8f687d86b2cddbb0b8ab6133ad79e)

Start by building a rectangular base for the cabinet out of 2x4s. Tt needs
to be 24" wide x 21.5" deep. I used wood glue and some screws to hold it
together.

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Step 4: Cut Out the First Side

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Draw
4-Player out the
Pedestal shape
Arcade of your
Cabinet �rst side
for MAME onto one
by severdhed of the 2ftx4ft sheets
(/member/severdhed/) Follow
of
MDF. Once you are happy with it, cut it out using your circular saw.
Download Favorite w I Made It

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Step 5: Use First Side As a Template for the Second


Side.

(https://content.instructables.com/FJG/Z9J2/ILQVKCO3/FJGZ9J2ILQVKCO3.jpg?auto=webp&
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Take your �rst side that you cut out, clamp it to an other sheet of MDF,
then use the router with a �ush trim bit to cut out the second side, this
way they will be identical.

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Step 6: Attach 1x2 Pine Braces to Sides


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cut some 1x2 pine boards into strips and screw/glue them to the sides
for bracing. they should be �ush with the top edge, and set back 1.25"
from the front and back edges. also stop about 4" from the bottom to
allow room for the base you built earlier. I attached these with short
wood screws and glue. (make sure the screws aren't too long, or they will
break through the sides.

Do this for both sides, making sure you �ip one so that these strips end
up on the inside of the cabinet.

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Step 7: Cut the T-Molding Slot on the Side Panels.


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(https://content.instructables.com/FUN/346Q/ILQVKCSQ/FUN346QILQVKCSQ.jpg?auto=webp&
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First you will want to round over both of the bottom corners of your side
boards to create a smooth transition for your molding, i used a jigsaw.

Before assembling the cabinet, now would be a good time to cut the
slots for the T molding. Use your router with a 1/16" slot cutter bit for this,
make sure it is centered in the MDF. I cut the slot along the front, bottom
and back sides, it is not necessary on the top.

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Step 8: Start Assembly


4-Player Pedestal Arcade Cabinet for MAME by severdhed (/member/severdhed/) Follow

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build a top brace out of 1x2 boards, 24" wide by 10.5" deep. this will be
the brace for the top.

once this is done, using wood glue and screws, attach the 2x4 base and
the top brace to one of the sides of the cabinet.

as you can see, i also mounted some leg levelers to the bottom 2x4 base
using t-nuts. These are simply threaded into the t-nuts and can be
adjusted to keep the cabinet level.

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Step 9: Attach Second Side Panel


4-Player Pedestal Arcade Cabinet for MAME by severdhed (/member/severdhed/) Follow

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Repeat the last step for the other side, attach it with glue and screws. At
this point, you can then stand your cabinet upright.

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Step 10: Insert Bottom Panel and Rear Panel.

(https://content.instructables.com/FBF/5MPL/ILQVKCWG/FBF5MPLILQVKCWG.jpg?auto=webp&
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I cut my bottom panel from some scrap OSB i had lying around. If I had it
to do
4-Player over again,
Pedestal Arcade i'd use MDF.
Cabinet i cut
for MAME by it to �t inside
severdhed the bottom ofFollow
(/member/severdhed/) the
cabinet, and screwed it to the 2x4 base. I used a 1" spade bit to drill some
Download Favorite w I Made It
air vents in the bottom.

I also cut the bottom rear panel and attached it. It is 8" high and 24" wide.
I used a 3" hole saw to make a hole. This hole is for the power/video
cables. This panel is attached only using wood glue. the top edge of this
board is beveled to match the angle of the back panel. this way the back
door panel can sit �ush on top of it.

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Step 11: Cut and Attach Front Panel.

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cut the front panel to size and attach it using wood glue.

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Step 12: Cut and Attach Rear Panels


4-Player Pedestal Arcade Cabinet for MAME by severdhed (/member/severdhed/) Follow

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The top rear panel is 24 x 5.75" with a hole in the center for a standard PC
fan. I used a hole saw for this, i beleive 3" as well. This is glued in place.

the back door is cut to size, and just sits in place. It is held in by gravity. I
ended up installing a barrel lock at the top to keep it shut.

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Step 13: Build the Box for the Control Panel

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Using
4-Player someArcade
Pedestal 1x4 pine boards
Cabinet andby
for MAME the measurements
severdhed form the included
(/member/severdhed/) Follow

diagram, build a base for the control panel and glue it together. it should
be slightly smaller than the top of the panel so that therew
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will be some
overhang. The bottom of mine is made from OSB again, but it would be
better with MDF. Once the box is complete, screw or bolt it to the base.

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Step 14: Prepare Control Panel Top

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Cut out
4-Player the Arcade
Pedestal shapeCabinet
of yourforcontrol
MAME bypanel, making
severdhed sure there is an
(/member/severdhed/) Follow

overhang over your box you just built. Mark the locations of your
controls. Take lots of time planning this, you will be stuckw
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with it for a
while. I drilled small pilot holes at each button/joystick location. Then
drill out all button holes and joystick holes with a 1 1/8" Forstner bit. Take
your time and do it right. I used a drill guide i picked up at harbor freight
to keep the drill at a right angle to the wood.

Also, using a 3" hole saw, drill out the hole for your trackball.

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Step 15: Recess Area for Joysticks

(https://content.instructables.com/FC7/Z2LQ/ILQVKA9L/FC7Z2LQILQVKA9L.jpg?auto=webp&
frame=1&width=1024&height=1024&fit=bounds&md=fb51b8901b950da83e878b032f91794d)

I wanted to mount my joysticks from below, with no visible bolts. I used


some japanese sticks (Sanwa JLW) because they can easily be switched
fromPedestal
4-Player 8 way Arcade
to 4 way mode.
Cabinet (i didn't
for MAME want the
by severdhed clutter of a dedicated
(/member/severdhed/) Follow
4 way
stick). when undermounted on a 3/4" panel, the sticks were just too
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short. To �x this, i used the router to recess a pocket for the joysticks to sit
in. i routed away about half the thickness of the panel in these areas.

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Step 16: Cut Trackball Hole in Plexiglass

(https://content.instructables.com/FF7/YIYE/ILQVKA9W/FF7YIYEILQVKA9W.jpg?auto=webp&
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I didn't want any visible bolts in the panel, so i had to use a trackball
mounting plate. I also didn't want this to be visible. It will be �ush
mounted under the plexiglass and artwork. Before i could do that, i had
to cut the trackball hole in the plexiglass. This was done by clamping the
plexiglass to the panel so that there was a small overlap on all sides. then
using the 3" hole as a template, i used the router with a �ush trim bit to
cut the
4-Player 3" hole
Pedestal in the
Arcade plexiglass.
Cabinet for MAME by severdhed (/member/severdhed/) Follow

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Step 17: Prepare Trackball Mount

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now that the plexiglass is cut, remove it and set it aside for later. now
lining up the hole in the trackball plate with the hole in the wood, trace
around the trackball mounting plate...and remove it. then insert the
trackball in the hole, upside down, and trace around it's footprint....then
remove it

the plate will have 4 bolts welded onto it, mark their locations as well,
and drill ou the holes for the bolts.

using your jigsaw, cut out the hole large enough for the trackball
assembly to �t through.

the �nal part of this step is to use the router to create a recessed area for
the plate to �t in, so that it sits �ush with the surface of the wood.

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Step 18: Prepare Joystick Mounts
4-Player Pedestal Arcade Cabinet for MAME by severdhed (/member/severdhed/) Follow

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using the base of your joystick as a template, line it up with the joystick
holes you drilled and mark the locations of the bolt holes. drill these out
with the appropriate size drill bit.

once again, we dont want any mounting hardware visible through the
panel, so we are using T-nuts to mount them. use a spade bit to create a
recess for each of the t-nuts so that they sit �ush with the top of the
panel.

then insert your t-nuts and trackball mounting plate.


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Step 19: Cut Button Holes in Plexiglass

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Place your plexiglass back onto your panel, being sure to line up the
trackball hole and making sure there is an overlap on all sides, then
clamp it in place. i placed my hole saw in the hole just to help keep it
lined up.

This part requires patience, take your time so you don't crack your
plexiglass. I do this in two parts. the �rst part is to create a pilot hole. i use
a V-groove bit and slowly lower it down into each of the button holes.
take your time and it will cut through the plexiglass like a hot knife
through butter.

(make sure you wear safetly glasses, it will through little pieces
everywhere)
oncePedestal
4-Player you have your
Arcade pilotfor
Cabinet holes,
MAMEswitch to the
by severdhed �ush trim bit in
(/member/severdhed/) your
Follow
router.
the bearing will roll around the button hole, making perfect holes in your
plexiglass. you can insert a few pushbuttons in the holes w
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to help keep
everything from sliding around.

you can then remove the plexiglass and set it aside.

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Step 20: Cut Slot for T-molding

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frame=1&width=1024&height=1024&fit=bounds&md=845a05d6353a16c90052bc6580d55290)

now you will cut the slot for your t-molding. Standard molding is 3/4"
thick, the same as your MDF. However you want the molding to sit �ush
with the plexiglass. To do this, you need to o�set your slot by the
thickness of your plexiglass. This will mean that some of the MDF will
stick out below the molding, to eliminate that, i used a roundover bit on
the bottom
4-Player side ofCabinet
Pedestal Arcade the panel, which
for MAME hides the
by severdhed excess.
(/member/severdhed/) Follow

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| CommentFavorite Download
w I Made It

Step 21: Make Sure Everything Fits and Is Right

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frame=1&width=1024&height=1024&
fit=bounds&
/ILQVKAE7

I decided to mount my controls and make sure everything felt right


before installing the artwork.

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Step 22: Drill Hole for Fan and Door Lock


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(https://content.instructables.com/FL5/JOJT
/FL5JOJTILQVKAJ1.jpg?auto=webp&
frame=1&width=1024&height=1024&
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I mounted a standard pc case fan in the back to blow hot air out of the
case. I used a barrel lock to keep the door in place. You just need to drill
the appropriate holes in the back panels

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Step 23: Add Barrel Lock for Power Switch and Coin
Buttons
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/ILQVKAJM

I mounted my coin buttons in the box under the panel. this keeps the
panel less cluttered. simply decide where you would like them and drill
out the holes with your 1 1/8" forstner bit.

i also mounted a barrel lock in the front center. this is mounted so that it
is hanging straight down in it's resting state, when you turn the key, the
lock portion activates a microswitch which is wired to the PC power
button. this step is not necessary, but makes for a nice way to turn the
cabinet on.

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Step 24: Paint


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/FO33Z0HILQVKAP5.jpg?auto=webp&
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/ILQVKAQ2

The next step is to prime and paint. i used some Kilz 2 latex primer,
followed by some Behr black semigloss with a roller.

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Step 25: Attach Panel With Hinge

(https://content.instructables.com/FFO/K0UT
md=79d58f4dba73189749c564db463fd6e0)
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install the piano hinge on the panel so that it is fastened at the rear. as
you can see, i was running low on paint so i didn't pain the inside of the
control panel box, i wish i would have though.

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Step 26: Artwork


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frame=1&width=1024&height=1024&
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I designed the control panel artwork in photoshop. Take your time and
make sure it looks good when viewing it at full size. I made that image at
48 x 20" at 300dpi...it was a huge �le. I had a photographer friend print it
o� on his big awesome printer on premium lustre photo paper. You will
want to make sure the artwork is slightly larger than your panel so you
don't have to worry about the edges. (If you dont' have access to a large
format printer, staples can do it, or there are places online that specialize
this this kind of thing, some that will even print on adhesive vinyl)

Once you have your artwork, place it on the control panel and line it up
perfectly. I placed a bright light under the panel so i could see where the
button holes were through the paper. then clamp it in place and cut out
each of the button, joystick and trackball holes with an x-acto knife. take
your time. I placed buttons in the holes as I went, just to keep it from
moving.

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Step 27: Trim Artwork, Add T-Molding


Download Favorite w I Made It

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/FWJAWVFILQVKB0R.jpg?auto=webp&
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frame=1&width=1024&height=1024&
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Re-install the plexiglass and install the controls. using your x-acto knife,
trim around the outside of your panel to remove excess paper. once that
is cleaned up, install your t-molding around the panel.

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Step 28: Install T-Molding on Cabinet Base

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/FC38VB3ILQVKB7A.jpg?auto=webp&
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frame=1&width=1024&height=1024&
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/ILQVKB7P
4-Player Pedestal Arcade Cabinet for MAME by severdhed (/member/severdhed/) Follow

This is self explanatory. Install the T molding on the base of the cabinet.
Download Favorite w I Made It

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Step 29: Wire Up the Controls.

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/FXS61JPILQVKB6B.jpg?auto=webp&
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Find a spot to mount your control interface. I mounted mine near the
center of the panel to keep the wiring as short as possible.
EachPedestal
4-Player buttonArcade
will have a microswitch,
Cabinet and each
for MAME by severdhed joystick will have
(/member/severdhed/) 4. Using
Follow

your ratcheting crimpers, crimp on a wire disconnect and connect it to


the NO terminal on the switch, then route your wire to anw
Download Favorite I Made It
imput on the
ipac. THis needs done for each microswitch.

Once that is done, you need to connect a ground wire to every GRND
terminal on every switch. These do not need to be discrete wires, you can
chain them together. You will be crimping a ton of connectors. Take your
time to route the wires nicely, you will thank yourself later.

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Step 30: Wire Up Your Trackball


4-Player Pedestal Arcade Cabinet for MAME by severdhed (/member/severdhed/) Follow

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frame=1&width=1024&height=1024&
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fit=bounds&

Mount your trackball into the mounting plate and connect it to your usb
mouse interface. The one i used also has LED lighting that needs to be
connected to a 5v and ground. The Optiwiz that came with my trackball
provides this.

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19 People Made This Project!


Step 31: Add a PC and Monitor.
4-Player Pedestal Arcade Cabinet for MAME by severdhed (/member/severdhed/) Follow

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vitalidea (/member/vitalidea/) photoguy88 (/member BuuBot (/member/BuuBot/)


md=5b941d6d644a517ed1e20288abb94e5a)
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frame=1&width=1024&height=1024&
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made it! /photoguy88/) made it! made it!

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gord888 (/member/gord888/) loopedit (/member/loopedit/) Preston35 (/member
made it! made it! /Preston35/) made it!

blakemoyer (/member ChrisN6 (/member/ChrisN6/) elpinchecalin (/member


/blakemoyer/) made it! made it! /elpinchecalin/) made it!

See 10 More
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This part is so di�cult to document because each person's needs are


di�erent.

I mounted a 42" LCD tv on the wall for my display.


There is planty Did you make this project? Share it with us!
of Cabinet
space inside thebybase of the cabinet to store Follow
a PC. I
4-Player Pedestal Arcade for MAME severdhed (/member/severdhed/)
used an older AMD phenom II x4 machine with 8gb of ram, running
I Made It!
windows 7 x64. I don't plan on going into great detail onw
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setting up the
PC, there are many other sources for this info. This instructable was for
building the cabinet. If you need more inspiration or assistance, check
Recommendations
out the forums at arcadecontrols.com

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Step 32: Enjoy.

(/High-Contrast-Braille-Keypad-With-Indicator- (/How-to-Make-a-Voltaic-Pile-the-Worlds-First-
Lights/) Batter/)

High Contrast Braille Keypad With How to Make a Voltaic Pile - the World's
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Indicator Lights (/High-Contrast-Braille- First Battery (/How-to-Make-a-Voltaic-Pile-
Keypad-With-Indicator-Lights/) by the-Worlds-First-Batter/) by

8 51  (/)  61 8 11K

(/contest/rainbow23/) (/contest/metal23/)

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/FCV/SUYM/ILQVKCJ2
fit=bounds&

If you followed the instructions, you should end up with an awesome 4


player pedestal cabinet. Here you can Add
see Tip
the �nal product, with the

original sketchup render.
V Ask Question
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| Post Comment
We have a be nice policy.
4-Player Pedestal Arcade CabinetPlease
for MAMEParticipated
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be positive
in the
(/member/severdhed/)
and constructive. Follow

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98 Comments

(/member/jeff400/) jeff400 (/member/jeff400/) 5 months ago


Reply / Upvote
I build my cabinet off your design almost 3 years ago now. Great design, do you still have yours?
After about a 1 1/2 I took mine apart and sold the parts including the cabinet.

(/member/CodetheThings/) CodetheThings (/member/CodetheThings/) 6 months ago

Reply / Upvote
Swore I wrote something when I did the build, but greatly appreciate the detailed instructions! I built
mine based pretty much entirely off of this and tried to share the process (as a very novice wood
worker!).

The original videos I did are here:


https://youtu.be/TJyLeHR8ODc (https://youtu.be/TJyLeHR8ODc)https://youtu.be/TJyLeHR8ODc
(https://youtu.be/TJyLeHR8ODc)

(/member/davesuchanek1/) davesuchanek1 (/member/davesuchanek1/) Question 7 months ago

Answer / Upvote
What emulators / versions are you running on the pi?
1 answer F

(/member/codygeng/) codygeng (/member/codygeng/) Question 7 months ago

Answer / Upvote
Looking at making this my winter project. My lowes offers 1/2" MDF as well as 3/4". Is there any
reason why you couldnt use 1/2" to ease the joystick routering. also to make the t molding flush
4-Player Pedestal Arcade Cabinet for MAME by severdhed (/member/severdhed/) Follow
after the pexiglass without the offset?
1 answer F Download Favorite w I Made It

(/member/Ozelilly/) Ozelilly (/member/Ozelilly/) 10 months ago


Reply / Upvote
This looks great - thanks for sharing. I built a full size stand up arcade cabinet in 2004 using a book
called Build Your Own Arcade. Sadly I no longer have the cabinet as I gave it away years ago but
lately I have been thinking about building another arcade cabinet (I still have the control buttons and
panel) and was thinking a pedestal cabinet would be a good option. I am going to give this a try.
Cheers.

(/member/nightflyer00/) nightflyer00 (/member/nightflyer00/) Question 1 year ago on Step 32

Answer / Upvote
Hi Severdhed,

Great project. I'm really looking forward to building this with the kids.

I was wondering if you could provide the original CAD/sketchup or whatever you used for the
design. I'm converting to metric and it would be great to do it in the software and be able to adjust
the sizing slightly. Hoping you still have it floating around somewhere after all this time.

Thanks!
1 answer F

(/member/MrCorleone/) MrCorleone (/member/MrCorleone/) 2 years ago


Reply / Upvote
Does anyone have an estimate on the cost of all these components?
1 reply F

(/member/texasmom1994/) texasmom1994 (/member/texasmom1994/) 2 years ago

Reply / Upvote
Can you clarify how the top box is mounted to the stand? Is is just screwed into the 1/2 support
frame?
4-Player Pedestal Arcade Cabinet for MAME by severdhed (/member/severdhed/) Follow
1 reply F

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(/member/bluenoiseMF/) bluenoiseMF (/member/bluenoiseMF/) 7 years ago

Reply / Upvote
Thank you for the excellent write-up! My son and I are in the process of building a similar cabinet
and have all the parts and tools, but I was unsure how to best drill the button holes in the plexiglas.
I am going to use your method as it's brilliant. Yours looks great!
3 replies F

(/member/paled2020/) paled2020 (/member/paled2020/) 2 years ago


Reply / Upvote
Thank you for this! My son and I both built one—his cabinet according to your plans and mine on a
sit-and-stand desk frame. I’m down to the point where I’m trying to get the trackball to work. I’m
using a Raspberry Pi 4b and RetroPie/Emulation station and have about 30 hours into trying to get
it to work with no success. I know your system is PC-based but didn’t know if you were running
RetroPie and could offer any suggestions. Thank you!

(/member/jeff400/) jeff400 (/member/jeff400/) Tip 2 years ago


Reply / Upvote
Just found out this cabinet is not deep enough for ultimarc J ball joysticks with Led upgrade. :/

(/member/jeff400/) jeff400 (/member/jeff400/) 2 years ago on Step 32


Reply / Upvote
Anyone know were I can get a wrap quote?
Thank you!

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