Potential Project: Dance ManiaX SM Cab!

[TornadoTK]

Short version:
I'm gonna build a Dance ManiaX cabinet that runs on Stepmania. I need support/help/tips/encouragement.



Long version:
So, I've always wanted a StepMania cabinet. Unfortunately, I've never really had the money, or the luck to find a cheap shell of an old mix. Recently, I thought it'd be interesting to revive a curveball choice - Dance ManiaX. Just out of curiosity, a quick Google lead me to a golden find:

Dance Freaks Cabinet Only - Arcade Cabinets - Arcade Video Game Sales by Highway Entertainment

A Dance Freaks cabinet for $76 USD! This is about THE cheapest cabinet I've EVER come across. Sure, it doesn't come with a monitor or the game board itself, but the sensors, speakers, lights and etc. come intact.

Here's where the community comes in. I haven't the slightest clue if I'm really onto something here, or if I'm wasting $76+ dollars on a heap of junk. I'm terrible with hardware, especially anything about the Dance ManiaX hardware, but I'm willing to learn to get this thing running. I also need advice with StepMania and this "maniax" game setting it had at one point. I found a skin ("DMX GrooveStyle"), but I need SM to work with it.

To wrap it all up:

• Experienced modders: "Should I do it?", and help/tips with hardware
• Experienced SM devs: Need help with an SM interface for Dance ManiaX.
• Anybody: Any tips/words of encouragement are welcome here.