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Control panel planning (2 u360s and buttons)

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ragnar:

I'm a newbie (that has read alot over the past year or two) and I'm currently planning my first CP.  But before I even entertain a sketch, I'd like to review what I think I need.

I am doing a 2 player cabinet with no trackball.

I am going with the u360s.  2 of them.  The reason being that I want Atari 5200 and N64 support.  So I want an analog solution.  Right now I am not planning for a restrictor plate.  In part because I am on a tight budget.  In bigger part because I don't think I need it.  Question: As for top/bottom mounting, do I have to order them for one mounting or is that something i can decide later?

I figure that I need 18 (or more) buttons.  Each player will get a U360 and 7 buttons.  I'm basically doing the Neo-Geo/Street Fighter type layout for buttons.  Each player also gets a coin button and a player start button.  So 9 buttons per player.  For a total of 18.  I am not doing any sort of pinball support.

Don't laugh but I am considering giving each player 9 buttons for N64 support.  I know .... it's a stupid idea but for an extra $8 (2 players times 2 extra buttons each) it isn't exactly a deal breaker.  

Now, regarding buttons, what other buttons could I need on top of the 18 mentioned above?  Anything for the Mala front end?  I'm still learning Mala, but can it be used to shut down Windows.  As a software engineer, I know this is trivial to do in code.  What about an exit button to exit the current game?  These are the unknowns that i have yet to plan for.

I will also be getting an iPac since the u360s only support 16 buttons total.

I will also be getting extra buttons to go into the spare/repair/future box.  Maybe 4 extras.

Button manufacturers - Is there a de facto standard that everyone prefers?  I would like to know what brand(s) is best.  Happ?  The buttons that Ultra Mark sells?  I care more about durability than finish if it matters.

Wires - What do I need to get for terminators and what gauge and type of wire?

So, to summarize:
2 - u360s
18 - buttons (UPDATE 1: see note at bottom, I need atleast 22 buttons)
1 - iPac

All comments and thoughts are welcome.

Thanks,
ragnar

UPDATE 1: Found the need for 4 more buttons thank to thestickied CP picture thread .... Admin Buttons (Green = Enter, Yellow = Pause, Orange = Menu, Red = Escape)

mgb:

When ordering the sticks, mounting doesn't matter.
The one thing with the buttons on a u360 is that I believe they only support 8 buttons per joystick.
I would think that you will still need an ipac / keywiz for taking care of the other needed buttons such as credit, player 1 start, player 2 start.
But I may be wrong as I have never used u360s.

two other buttons needed are exit and pause.

I'm 99% sure that there is an option in mala to shutdown windows on exit of frontend. Atomicfe (which I use and really like) also has that option.

Typical arcade cable for control wires is 20 gauge. You can get by with 22 gauge.
make sure it stranded wire, crimp connection are not meant for solid wire.

in my opinion you dont really need an enter or menu button. For admin purposes such as thoses, you can use a keyboard.
The crimp connectors for the buttons are typically .187 female quick disconnects. get them insulated. Groovy game gear, lizard lick and most arcade vendors have them.

You should be fine with Happ buttons (horizontal, not ultimate). Check out Lizard Lick Amusements, he carries Happ, Sanwa and Seimitsu and he's great to deal with.

You can also check Groovy Game Gear, I just bought some electric ice buttons, they are pretty sweet. You will want to avoid ordering straight from Happ, they're expensive.

Good Luck

Ginsu Victim:


--- Quote from: ragnar on August 12, 2010, 01:48:07 am ---Question: As for top/bottom mounting, do I have to order them for one mounting or is that something i can decide later?

--- End quote ---

Depends on the thickness of wood you're using for your panel and if you plan on routing out any of it. If bottom mounting, you might want to order the longer shafts.

mgb:


--- Quote from: Ginsu Victim on August 12, 2010, 08:41:24 am ---
--- Quote from: ragnar on August 12, 2010, 01:48:07 am ---Question: As for top/bottom mounting, do I have to order them for one mounting or is that something i can decide later?

--- End quote ---

Depends on the thickness of wood you're using for your panel and if you plan on routing out any of it. If bottom mounting, you might want to order the longer shafts.

--- End quote ---

oh yeah, duh
I didn't even think about the shaft length

Ginsu Victim:

I use the regular shafts with no routing and I'm fine with the length, but it might be too short for some.



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