I'm *hoping* that I can configure everything the way I want without incident. I have basic control out of the box, but none of the buttons work due to incorrect mapping. I'm assuming it will be an easy fix once I can set aside some time. Like I said, for me, the biggest accomplishment was every emu I tried in the Freemame package running right away without incident. I naturally need to do some modifications to MAME, for instance, to get it to not apply any filtering or stretching (due to my ArcadeVGA card and monitor), and for the rest of the stuff to have logical control setups.

Indeed, that's an option, as is this now dated commercial option that is somewhat similar: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UltraPin . The key is always because of the expense, the simulation better be VERY good, including having real physical feedback, like solenoids and what not, so certainly a lot depends upon the kit you referenced. I'm leaning towards a real Family Guy, Simpsons or other similar modern day machine (even something a bit different like a "Revenge from Mars"). Of course the maintenance part scares me, but like I said, I'm at least four years away from even contemplating getting something more sophisticated than my Zizzle, so a lot can happen between now and then.

Ah, as you know, Satan's Hollow is one of my weaknesses. I'm certainly jealous of the people with the room, money and inclination to maintain original machines, but the reality is my collecting inclination has taken me down a very different path, one where I spread myself out in a more diverse manner, which doesn't allow me to do that. Arcade collecting is a VERY different hobby from home computer and videogame system collecting. I got very, very lucky with my generic "MAME" cabinet, as that's something that I never thought I'd have, so that's something. No real regrets, either, ultimately, despite the expense and effort put into the thing.

As you can see from the January 2009 date, it's an old post, though the basics remain the same. I've tweaked the area quite a bit (artwork and what-not) and added a few things (including a Midway Touchmaster countertop unit). I've resisted using a front end on my arcade cab for some time for various reasons, but have recently come into possession of this, which is based around Hyperspin: http://www.freemame.us/product_info.php?cPath=159&products_id=304 , and, which I must say, really is plug and play (I am presently working on tweaking settings and moving it to a permanent drive on my machine), even on my ArcadeVGA-based and Wells Gardner monitor Windows XP system (previously I had been unable to properly set up things like Daphne and Virtual Pinball on my own with my configuration for whatever reason).

Eventually, I will swap out the big CRT TV for an HDTV and make other tweaks, but the only other addition years down the line will be a real pinball machine. Otherwise, I should be fine with the multi-cab. The gym will be fixture forever, though. There's no other practical place to put it. In the other parts of the basement are an office, and a big storage area, where the majority of my collection is stored. At some point, I'll move the boxed games shown in the hallway into the office, but only after we move the books that are presently in the office into what is now our dining room (unused, really) and will become a study. These are long-term plans, though...

By the way, the only major thing I don't like about my arcade cabinet is that I can't easily swap in flight sticks or steering wheels. Interchangeable controls are really the best way to go, but I can certainly address that in the future with a stand alone setup, something along the lines of http://www.hotseatinc.com/ paired with a good TV/monitor.

My arch nemesis eBay. They're all real marquees except for the two miniature ones on one of the bends. You can actually get them for relatively cheap and they look awesome displayed on the wall (keep in mind that since these are originals, many are not in the best of shape, but that adds to the charm!).

Target. They were super cheap and look dynamite (I don't recall the price, but I think each they were around $50 or so, which is amazing). They also come in different colors (I've seen blue and black). I don't like ANY stools for seating, but that's what you need in that type of situation. We also have stools for our center island in our kitchen that are necessary evils.

It's a Wells Gardner 27" arcade monitor, horizontal (http://www.xgaming.com/htm/wells-gardner-mame-arcade-cabinet-machine-mon...). A vertical monitor (or mounting it vertically) would have been too limiting for general use. As it is, vertical games like Pac-Man, Pooyan, etc., play awesome on that setup because it can match the refresh rate of the original games (Pac-Man is like 15kHz for instance), with real colors/timing/etc. The size of the monitor certainly helps, as it's big enough where even with a clean black border on games with unusual resolutions that are meant for either vertical or horizontal it still looks great. There's really no good way to play everything on one monitor type, so you compromise where necessary, and I must say I'm very happy with the decision.

I think you saw "The Goodnight Gamer", but if not you can check that out for a general idea of how things looked back in April 2008. In that last photo with the Hero Jr, to the left is a door that leads to the office room and to the right is a door that leads to the collection/storage room with all the racks (plastic and metal shop racks). Everything else is in there except for four laptops that we use regularly, the Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii, and various handhelds.

It's one of those inflatable swiss balls/ab balls. Instead of round, it's pill shaped to minimize rolling.

Depends on the brand. I believe the Gold's Gym brand from all that I've heard are the worst. Not sure about the Bowflex ones, though those look a bit more traditionally shaped. The ones I have are PowerBlocks: http://www.powerblock.com/ and they're generally considered the best of breed. It did take a little getting used to at first (as you frankly have to with any new type of dumbbell really from a feel/balance standpoint), but I can honestly say that after a short period of time I grew quite fond of them. You can actually do a few things you can't with some traditional fixed weight dumbbells, though you also have to make the occasional adjustment like for things where you would typically grab the flat end (weight end) of the dumbbell like with dumbbell pullovers. In that case you grab the bar shaft rather than the weight end. In short, it works and serves the purpose of putting a rack of dumbbells in a small space which super quick changeovers.

A few things. One, I have it up against the corner, so that certainly helps. When I use the heavy bag, I only move in roughly 1/2 or semi-circle that the space allows. And finally I only occasionally punch or knee it hard. What I try to do is measure my hits where full impact just falls short of the meat of the bag so the force isn't enough to shift its position all that much. But yeah, the combination of plastic bottom and flat rug do allow it to move more than is probably desirable. I have mine filled to the brim with water rather than sand so I'm not sure that makes a difference.

Vintage Games book!
Xbox 360: billlog | Wii: 1345 2773 2048 1586 | PS3: ArmchairArcade
Bill Loguidice, Managing Director | Armchair Arcade, Inc.

Haha, yeah, Bill's home is truly amazing, and I'm not really sure how anyone could top it. I've often dreamed of having my own "media room" with a huge projection screen and what-not, and perhaps a pod or two of cubicles for LAN parties.

I have to admit, though, I hardly ever play with MAME or the like anymore. When I bought it, I had several friends who loved playing classics like 1942 and fighting games on it, but now...nada. It just isn't the same trying to solo this stuff. It's a real tragedy that we're all so far apart and can't ever get together to game.

All I can say is, as excellent as it looks in these images, it's ten times more impressive in person! :)

Damnit, Bill, is there any game that rig CAN'T play?? :)