Finished
I am finally finished with my project!
After looking around quite a bit, I bought two adjustable height stools from IKEA for $40 each. They adjust from 21" to 28", which should accomodate everyone. The bottom of my control panel is at 23", so they store nicely underneath. They are amazingly comfortable - quite cushiony and they lean, which makes it easier on my back when I end up playing games for several hours!
The final product:
Click on images to enlarge
What I would (and may) change:
I really wish I hadn't cut the top piece of MDF so prematurely. It's hard to hold back when building the cabinet - there comes a time when you just want to see it all together. I had also planned from the beginning to use the 19" arcade monitor... which was generously donated by a friend, Josh (see his collection and the monitor he gave me on my links page).
This is another note that goes back to Josh. When I showed him the picture of my control panel in the very early days of the project, he said something like, "Wow! You have so much room... you should put some more buttons on it." I figured six per player was enough. Some MAME control panels just look so cluttered, and I wanted mine to look clean. After playing on it a while, I realize that one or two more per player would be nice. So many games have different button configurations, by adding more buttons, you give yourself the ability to configure each game more accurately.
In addition to the number of buttons, I should have put them about 1/2" further up. Although the front edge is rounded, it can get a little annoying to have your wrist resting on the edge of the control panel for long periods of time - yes, that's how I usually play... marathon nights.
Think about it. You would do the same thing if you could. It's like having the keys to an arcade, and you can't go to sleep until you've played them all!
Continue to Links
Background
Cabinet
Hardware
Software
Links
