拱廊是过去几天的遗物。您可能偶尔会在当地的购物中心、保龄球馆、游乐园或其他家庭景点中捕捉到一只，但在大多数情况下，它们已经走上了恐龙的道路。不仅如此，今天的拱廊也不倾向于容纳过去熟悉的游戏。
MAME是(MAME)Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator的缩写，它已被视为适合在以多功能仿真框架的形式重现原始(emulation framework)街机体验方面(arcade experience)发挥作用。模拟器是一种旨在模拟特定硬件的软件。有很多可以模仿街机(arcade machine)（以及其他游戏机），但MAME无疑是最适合这项工作的。
MAME的唯一目的是保留旧的街机游戏。大多数但不是所有的街机游戏都在类似的硬连线处理器芯片设置(hardwired processor chip setup)上运行。但是还有其他的，比如 Dragon's Lair，是在激光光盘上运行的。
MAME将模拟存放游戏的硬件，包括机器的内存、处理器或CPU（中央处理单元）。当您将它与街机游戏ROM（只读存储器）和完美的声音配对时，MAME将为您模仿游戏。它作为一个完美的街机模拟器(arcade machine emulator)。
ROM本质上是您打算玩的游戏的存储软件。(storage software)MAME 支持数千种不同的 ROM(MAME supports thousands of different ROMs)，因此为您的怀旧之旅找到一个应该是一项相当简单的任务。
如何把你的旧电脑变成街机(How To Turn Your Old Computer Into An Arcade Machine)
在我们开始构建老式街机(time arcade machine)之前，您需要了解一些事情。首先，创建街机模拟器(machine emulator)不是一个简单的项目。这项工作需要的技能不仅仅是你对游戏和技术的了解。还需要编码、焊接、布线和一些木工。
您可以在普通的日常计算机上享受游戏，但这不是我们在本文中想要的体验。
这一切的合法性(The Legality Of It All)
MAME是免费的，对公众开放使用，但不附带任何ROM(ROMs)。原因是街机游戏，包括那些可能已经关闭的公司，仍然受到版权保护。
这意味着除非您拥有游戏本身的物理副本，否则下载和使用(download and use)ROM将(ROM)被视为违法。
对于这个项目，我们将假设您已合法购买了您计划玩的游戏的实体副本。您所缺少的只是播放它的硬件。在这种情况下，使用MAME和ROM都是完全合法的。
适合工作的计算机和显示器(The Right Computer & Monitor For The Job)
MAME网站列出了在计算机上运行MAME的最低要求：
- 任何支持 MMX 的AMD 或 Intel 处理器(AMD or Intel processor)。
- Windows 98 或更高版本。
- DirectX 5.0 或更高版本。
- 支持 DirectDraw 或 Direct3D(DirectDraw or Direct3D)的显卡。
- 任何兼容DirectSound的声卡(sound card)。
了解计算机功能越强大，处理MAME 处理(MAME processing)要求的能力就越好。请记住(Remember)，MAME正在尝试模拟原始硬件的行为。这将需要大量的处理能力。
MAME的基本PC 版本(PC version)运行命令行系统，这意味着您需要输入命令来编辑设置和播放ROM(ROMs)。您可以找到将在具有Mac或基于 Linux 的操作系统的机器上运行的(operating system)MAME端口。如果您下载MAME的基本(MAME)PC 版本(PC version)，您会发现它是一个命令行系统。
显示器将是必需品，大多数MAME爱好者更喜欢阴极射线管(cathode ray tube)( CRT ) 电视而不是电脑显示器(computer monitor)。这是因为较旧的CRT模型创造了更真实的街机视觉体验。只需(Just)确保您选择的任何屏幕都能够连接到您的计算机。
选择您的控件(Choosing Your Controls)
您为街机模拟器(machine emulator)选择的控件将取决于您要玩的游戏。赛车游戏？使用方向盘(steering wheel)和踏板组合。蜈蚣之(Centipede)类的游戏？轨迹球(A trackball)效果最好。你想玩暴风雨(Tempest)吗？最初的游戏使用了类似表盘的旋转控制器。
然后是操纵杆和按钮的标准组合。无论如何(Regardless)，只要您使用行命令打开它， (line command)MAME就可能会支持它。
标准电脑(Standard computer)操纵杆、方向盘或游戏手柄适用于大多数游戏。您可以通过 PC 端口安装它们或通过USB连接它们。但是，它们不一定能再现真实街机(arcade machine)的感觉。你需要出去从销售预制游戏控制(game control)面板的供应商那里购买真正的交易。
预制控制面板(control panel)的成本高于单独购买零件，但在接线和编码控制方面可以节省您的时间。不过，也有一些MAME街机制造商喜欢自己动手做这一切的自由。有些甚至会在一台机器上包含多个控制设备。最终的选择是你的。
使用街机控件(Using Arcade Controls)
为了使用控件，您必须映射它们。默认情况下， MAME(MAME)将您的街机控件映射到特定的键盘键绑定。键盘的每个键实际上只是一个开关。您需要用您的控件替换默认开关。
街机游戏杆(arcade joystick)具有可在两个、四个或八个方向上移动的开关。通过将操纵杆的每个方向映射到电路板上(circuit board)的不同按键，您可以对MAME进行编程以接受输入。
街机中使用的开关有两种：
- 许多街机爱好者认为板簧开关(Leaf spring switches)是两者中更好的。原因是该设计在玩游戏时提供了更好的感觉。
- 微动开关(Microswitches)往往更硬，但比板簧更容易找到并且需要更少的维护。
安装控件(Installing The Controls)
这是整个街机模拟器项目(arcade machine emulator project)中最难的部分。您将把电线压接或焊接到与控件相对应的适当连接器上。您可以通过将地线(ground wire)连接器串联到公共地线来做到这一点。您还需要将键盘编码器(keyboard encoder)连接到计算机。
键盘编码器(keyboard encoder)用于将您的计算机与街机控件(arcade control)连接起来。由于MAME为每个街机控件(arcade control)提供了相应的键盘键(keyboard key)，因此您必须使用它来测试控件并根据需要进行设置。
接线后，您可以运行MAME 程序(MAME program)来测试您的控件。此过程很慢，因为您将确定控件正在模拟哪些击键，然后将它们映射到MAME中的正确控件设置。
这意味着向右推动操纵杆(joystick right)可能与击键 B 相对应。您需要编辑MAME中的设置以匹配 B 应映射到在操纵杆上向右推动的玩家。对每个动作重复此过程。
需要在机器内部安装电源板或接线盒(power strip or junction box)以插入各种组件。一个外部电源开关(power switch)也很好，以避免需要打开机柜来打开机器。
街机氛围(The Arcade Atmosphere)
街机的灯光和声音才是真正让它栩栩如生的原因。如果没有明亮的显示屏(lit display)和稳固的音响系统(sound system)，该项目将是不完整的。图形很重要，但它是带出项目真实性的小事。
你需要什么：
- 一个光源、一些有机玻璃和一个选框，用于街机(arcade machine)的头顶显示器(overhead display)。选框是一种半透明材料，上面有艺术品，你可以自己做，也可以买一个预制的。
- 荧光灯(Fluorescent light)是比白炽灯更好的选择，因为它们不会产生大量热量，灯泡使用寿命更长，并且可以找到不同的长度。
- 为了保护艺术品，需要将选框夹在有机玻璃(Plexiglas)片之间。将荧光灯(fluorescent light)安装在机柜顶部，并将光源对准选框所在的方向。调整夹具，直到一切都与您看到的完全吻合。
- 声音取决于您选择的显示器类型。对于电视机，默认扬声器应该可以正常工作。电脑显示器(computer monitor)需要安装(card installation)与您的MAME版本兼容的声卡。除了一些安装在机柜内的扬声器之外。
建立内阁(Building The Cabinet)
可以在各种仓库、拍卖和网站上购买街机机柜。(machine cabinet)橱柜(Cabinet)零件也可以单独购买，但总而言之，该选项的成本很高。不仅价格昂贵，而且无法保证您的MAME 设置(MAME setup)适合预制的街机柜(arcade cabinet)。
如果您打算从头开始构建自己的机柜，则应考虑您选择的计算机、显示器、安装控件的类型，以及您希望将其放置在家中的位置。
唯一的设计限制是使用的设备、可用的占地面积(floor space)、您的预算和您的想象力。如果您在设计橱柜时需要帮助，有很多DIY网站可以为您提供帮助。
要构建自己的街机柜，您将需要：
- 纤维板或(Fiberboard or something)类似的东西来制作身体。
- 木胶(Wood glue)、螺钉、螺栓和支架将其固定在一起。
- 钻头、拼图、螺丝刀和其他类似的工作工具。门铰链(Door)、搭扣和电源开关(power switch)都是可选组件。
- 足够的空间用于连接游戏控制面板(game control panel)。如果您尝试组合多个控制系统(control system)设置，这一点尤其重要。
对于第一次项目(time project)，请在网络上寻求帮助来绘制您的控制面板(control panel)。这是为了避免并发症和错误，从而减少整体项目的压力。
How To Turn Your Old Computer Into An Arcade Machine
Arcades are something of a reliс from days past. You may occasionally catch one in your loсal mall, bowling alley, and amusement parks or other family attractions, but for the most part, they’ve gone the way of the dinosaur. Not onlу that but the arcades of today don’t tend to house the familiar games of yesteryear.
MAME, short for Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator, has seen fit to do its part in recreating the original arcade experience in the form of a multi-purpose emulation framework. An emulator is a software designed to mimic specific hardware. There are many out there that will imitate an arcade machine (as well as other gaming consoles) but MAME is hands-down the best for the job.
The sole purpose MAME set out to accomplish was the preservation of old arcade titles. Most but not all arcade games operate on a similar hardwired processor chip setup. But there are others, like Dragon’s Lair, that ran on laserdiscs.
MAME will emulate the hardware that housed the games, including the machine’s memory, processors, or CPU (central processing unit). When you pair it up with an arcade game ROM (read-only memory) and the perfect sound, MAME will imitate the game for you. It serves as a perfect arcade machine emulator.
A ROM is essentially the storage software for the game you intend to play. MAME supports thousands of different ROMs so finding one for your nostalgia trip, should be a rather simple task.
How To Turn Your Old Computer Into An Arcade Machine
Before we can begin building an old time arcade machine, there are a few things you’ll need to know. Firstly, creating an arcade machine emulator is not a simple project. The undertaking will require skills in more than just your knowledge of games and tech. There will also be a need for coding, soldering, wiring, and a bit of carpentry.
You could just enjoy the games on your regular everyday computer, but that’s not the experience we’re going for in this article.
The Legality Of It All
MAME is free and open for use to the public but does not come with any ROMs. The reason for this is that arcade games, including those with companies that may have have since closed, are still copyright protected.
This means that unless you have a physical copy of the game itself, the download and use of the ROM would be considered against the law.
For this project, we’re going to assume that you have legitimately purchased a physical copy of the game you plan to play. All you’re missing is the hardware to play it on. In this case, the use of both MAME and the ROM(s) are perfectly legal.
The Right Computer & Monitor For The Job
The MAME website lists the minimum requirements for running MAME on a computer as:
- Any MMX-capable AMD or Intel processor.
- Windows 98 or later.
- DirectX 5.0 or later.
- A DirectDraw or Direct3D capable graphics card.
- Any DirectSound compatible sound card.
Understand that the more powerful a computer is, the better it will be at handling the MAME processing requirements. Remember that MAME is attempting to emulate the behavior of the original hardware. This will require a lot of processing power.
The basic PC version of MAME runs a command-line system meaning you’ll need to type in commands to edit settings and play the ROMs. You can find ports of MAME that will run on machines with a Mac or Linux-based operating system. If you download the basic PC version of MAME, you’ll see that it’s a command-line system.
A monitor will be a necessity and most MAME enthusiasts prefer a cathode ray tube (CRT) TV to a computer monitor. This is because the older CRT models create a more true to heart arcade visual experience. Just make sure that whichever screen you choose, it is capable of connecting to your computer.
Choosing Your Controls
The controls you choose for your arcade machine emulator will depend on the games you want to play. Racing game? Use a steering wheel and pedal combo. Games like Centipede? A trackball works best. You want to play Tempest? The original game used a dial-like rotary controller.
Then there is the standard combination of joysticks and buttons. Regardless, MAME will likely support it so long as you turn it on using a line command.
Standard computer joysticks, steering wheels or gamepads will work with most games. You can install them via PC ports or connect them via USB. However, they don’t necessarily reproduce the feeling of a real arcade machine. You’ll need to go out and buy the real deal from vendors who sell prefabricated game control panels.
A prefabricated control panel will cost you more than buying the parts separately, but it will save you time when it comes to wiring and encoding your controls. Though, there are some MAME arcade machine fabricators that like the freedom to do it all themselves. Some will even include multiple control devices on a single machine. The choice is yours in the end.
Using Arcade Controls
In order to use the controls, you’ll have to map them. MAME maps your arcade controls to specific keyboard keybinds by default. Each key of your keyboard is actually just a switch. You’ll want to replace the default switches with those of your controls.
An arcade joystick has switches that move in two, four, or eight directions. By mapping each direction of the joystick to a different key on the circuit board, you can program MAME to accept the input.
There are two kinds of switches used in arcade machines:
- Leaf spring switches are considered the better of the two by many arcade enthusiasts. The reason being that the design provides a better feel when playing a game.
- Microswitches tend to be on the stiffer side but are easier to find and require far less maintenance than leaf spring.
Installing The Controls
This is the most difficult part of the entire arcade machine emulator project. You’ll be crimping or soldering the wires to the appropriate connectors that correspond to the controls. You can do this by linking the ground wire connectors in series to a common ground. You’ll also need to connect the keyboard encoder to your computer.
A keyboard encoder is what is used to connect your computer with the arcade controls. Since MAME gives each arcade control a corresponding keyboard key, you’ll have to use it to test out the controls and set them as you want them.
You can run the MAME program to test your controls once they’ve been wired. This process is slow as you’ll be determining which keystrokes are being simulated by the controls and then mapping them to the correct control settings in MAME.
This means that pushing the joystick right may correspond with the keystroke B. You would need to edit the settings in MAME to match that B should map to the player pushing right on the joystick. Repeat this process for every action.
A power strip or junction box will need to be installed inside your machine to plug in your various components. An exterior power switch is also nice to have to avoid the need to open the cabinet to turn the machine on.
The Arcade Atmosphere
The lights and sounds of an arcade machine are what really bring it to life. The project wouldn’t be complete without a lit display and a solid sound system. Graphics are important but it’s the little things that bring out the project’s authenticity.
What you’ll need:
- A light source, some plexiglass, and a marquee, for the arcade machine’s overhead display. The marquee is a translucent material with artwork on it that you can either do yourself or you can buy one premade.
- Fluorescent light fixtures are a better choice than incandescents as they don’t generate a lot of heat, the bulbs last longer, and they can be found in different lengths.
- In order to protect the artwork, the marquee will need to be sandwiched between the sheets of Plexiglas. Install the fluorescent light in the top of the cabinet and aim the light source in the direction of where the marquee will be. Tweak the fixture until everything fits perfectly as you see it.
- The sound will depend on the type of monitor you chose. For TV sets, the default speakers should work just fine. A computer monitor will require a sound card installation that is compatible with your version of MAME. This, in addition to a few mounted speakers that will go inside the cabinet.
Building The Cabinet
The purchase of an arcade machine cabinet can be made at various warehouses, auctions, and websites. Cabinet parts can also be purchased separately but all in all, the option will be costly. Not only expensive but there’s no guarantee that your MAME setup will fit inside a prefabricated arcade cabinet.
If you intend on building your own cabinet from scratch you should take into consideration the computer, monitor you’ve chosen, the type of controls for installation, on top of where you expect to put it in your home.
The only design limitations are contributed by the equipment used, available floor space, your budget, and your imagination. If you need help in the design of your cabinet there are plenty of DIY websites that can assist you.
To build your own arcade cabinet, you’re going to need:
- Fiberboard or something similar to make the body.
- Wood glue, screws, bolts, and brackets to hold it together.
- A drill, a jigsaw, screwdriver, and other similar tools for the job. Door hinges, clasps, and a power switch are all optional components.
- Enough room for wiring your game control panel. This is particularly important if you’re attempting to combine multiple control system setups.
For a first time project, look to the web for help in plotting out your control panel. This is to avoid complications and mistakes, making for a less stressful project overall.
