About to start my first CP. Would like some input before I take the plunge.

[TurboJugend]

I'm getting ready to take my first baby steps towards my ultimate goal of building an arcade cabinet.  Step 1 for me is to prove to myself (and my wife) that I am capable of doing the electronic bits by building a small control panel that I can just hook up to my PC.  I'm not worried about the woodworking.  That, I can handle.

My initial thought was that I'd buy an Ultra Stick 360 and 8 buttons and throw it together in a box made from some scrap wood.  I'm having second thoughts on that because I think the Ultra Stick might take all the wiring challenge out of it for me and well… that’s kinda the point.  I want a bit of a challenge.
 
Now I’m thinking more along the lines of 2 joysticks and 8-12 buttons.  Probably won’t be doing any multiplayer since this CP is going to be kinda small.  The second joystick is more for games like robotron, smash TV, etc.

Whatever parts I put in this CP, I want to be able to reuse for my full-size CP (if and when I build it).  So I am trying to keep that in mind with my choices.  For that reason, I’m considering an IPAC-2 (or maybe even an IPAC-4).  Should both joysticks be 8-way?  Or do you think I should get an 8-way and a 4-way?

Any thoughts or general advice?  I think what I need is a push to get me going in the right direction.  Right now I'm just second guessing all my ideas and it's driving me mad!

[mytymaus007]

First i would make a list of games you really want to play. Then decide around those games. Sounds like you like the classics Robotron which needs 2- 8 way sticks. Some 4 way classics dont respond well to 8 way sticks Pacman and Donkey kong to name a few. As you make your list youll get and idea of what you need and what you can do with out.

[TurboJugend]

I definitely want to be able to play the classics (PacMan, Donkey Kong, Q-bert, Dig Dug, Defender, etc.)  I also have a warm spot in my heart for some odd-ball classics such as Jungle King, Moon Patrol, Wizards of Wor.  However, I know some of those games don't have the same replay value they did when I was an 8 year old kid.  I guess I just want a versatile setup that's not too expensive.  Also, I need to keep in mind that this is just a "proof-of-concept" for me.  I expect I'll have some lessons learned that I can apply to my full-size CP.  If I make a mistake in the planning/design of this one, I'll have a second chance to get it right.  I just don't want to have to re-buy a bunch of parts because I bought the wrong stuff and didn't think it through.

[mytymaus007]

The best thing to do is decide if you want the Authentic feel of joysticks or if you dont care then go with the one you had in mind to begin with. i know i went through a few different  pairs of sticks before i decided. In the end 3 years later im using all the original joysticks (leaf switch) im into all classics. Now im building my first cab with hot swap panels so i will have anything i want.

[HanoiBoi]

You shouldn't need an IPAC 4.   I made that mistake too.  I did a 2p control panel and an IPAC 2 would have been fine.  Just count your needed inputs before ordering.

Defender might require specific layout of buttons.  Especially the reverse. Be sure to consider that.

I've only tried/used 1 joystick so far; Mag Stik Plus.  It's easily switchable from 4way to 8way.  I have no problems playing Donkey Kong, Frogger, Robotron, etc.  I can even successfully configure them for Qbert without issue.  They do make clicking sounds and might not feel like originals, but they work very well.

If you're making it a 1p control panel, I don't thing you'll need 8 -12 buttons.  What size are you working with?

Have you considered a spinner for Tempest, Arkanoid, etc.?

[TurboJugend]

You shouldn't need an IPAC 4.   I made that mistake too.  I did a 2p control panel and an IPAC 2 would have been fine.  Just count your needed inputs before ordering.

I want to make sure I can reuse it when (if) I build my full-size CP later on.  For my full-size CP I'm planning on a two player setup with (2) 8-way joysticks, ~25 buttons total, trackball, spinner, and a 4-way joystick.  Do you think an IPAC 2 is sufficient for that setup?

They do make clicking sounds and might not feel like originals, but they work very well.

I'm not too concerned with having an "authentic" feel.  Maybe I will change my mind after I get into this hobby more. 

Have you considered a spinner for Tempest, Arkanoid, etc.?

Spinner and trackball will have to wait for my full size CP that I'll be doing if this experiment is successful.  I have to draw the line somewhere, and I want to keep this CP under $100.

Thanks for the input.  It's very helpful.

[mgb]

remember that you don't need an input for every single button. Some buttons can be parallelled off of others, for instance flipper buttons can be wired with other player buttons that aren't used at the same time and your 4-way stick can be wired with your p1 8-way stick.

[HanoiBoi]

With what you described, you are correct, an IPAC2 won't be enough.

In case you weren't aware, Joysticks, even 8 ways, are 4 inputs each.

25 buttons sure seems like a lot.  Can you share with us, what you're thinking?