let's Do This In Pieces

In order to reach my ultimate end goal I think I'm going to take it on in multiple phases. That way I can sub in cheap parts or alternatives to get things moving forward and working while still keeping an eye on my end goal. This may cost $100-$200 more overall but will let me get up and running for about 40%-50% total cost.

I have read numerous times that this could be a really bad idea. Many a MAME cab has ended up completely unpainted, totally unfinished, and just barely holding together because they got it up and running and it was just too much fun to play to bother finishing it!! I'm hoping things like this blog and friends will make me push on, even after I get something cobbled together that allows me to start playing games.

I currently see the phases playing out like this:

1. Planning/Testing/Config - Planning cab design, control panel design, color scheme, LED testing, button testing, joystick testing, Emulation testing, front end testing, part searching.
2. Cab Building Part 1- final design, constructing basic form.
3. Cab Building Part 2 - Component fitting (monitor, speakers, ventilation, admin panel, etc), painting.
4. Control Panel Part 1 - Finalize design, built, painted, plexy overlay, P1 + P2 + trackball purchased and installed.
5. Build Computer - Transfer current software/roms/emulators.
6. Finalize Software - Finish Front End look and feel, all emulators installed, games selected, playable.
7. Art Work and Color Scheme - Finalize color scheme/theme, order artwork for control panel overlay and marquee.
8. Cab Building Part 3 - T-Molding, Marquee installed, one button power-on, coin door, admin buttons.
9. Control Panel Part 2 - Add Spinner, P3 + P4 controls, NES and SNES usb game pads.
10. Cab Building Part 4 - Install arcade monitor, ArcadeVGA.