hey mcclain, I plan on going ahead with a mame machine, I was gonna build my own cab and i did dimensions for a 4 player tmnt/simpsons/gijoe machine, but i can buy a old 2 player cab for about 50 bucks with coin door and all the parts.
Of course i dont ahve the cab yet so i dont know the exact size but i plan on getting a 25-27" tv for it. I saw you used monitors, have you tried to use a tv? if so was the quality ok?
next question controls. I have heard that the happs compitition sticks are the ones to go with for a 4 way -8 way combo. as for buttons i assume happs are probaly the way to go. Did u use a keyboard encoder for yours? I am looking at getting this one:
http://www.groovygamegear.com/Page5.html They also sell buttons there i dont know how good they are but they are also less than happs.
I plan on doing 7 buttons per player. 4 in the neogeo format and 3 in a row above them, you think this is a good plan or you have any other ideas?
I havent decided if i wanna get a trackball yet, i am thinking i will ahve to hack an old mouse to interface one, or do you ahve any better ideas?
any other advice is appreciated.