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a few newbie questions about CP parts
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Thraxster:
So I've decided to build myself a custom MAME cabinet from the ground up. Hopefully as cheaply as possible. I'd like to ask the other here about some of the parts I've been looking into buying for my Control Panel. I'm just looking for some pro's and con's from personal experience. I'm typing this in a bit of a hurry before work.

In the interest of saving space, I'm looking at an OMNI-Stick joy stick http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=195 I'm wondering about longevity and functionality/feel.

Ive been looking at buttons and switches from http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=373 Does anyone have experience with Versa-Micro adjustable switches? I want a switch that wont make extra noise beyond my pounding on it, with a short throw for response. I imagine the adjustable switches wear faster. I'd also like to know if the switches included with their buttons(standard soft touch) are any good or if i should upgrade to the premium soft touch.

I think im gonna get a groovygamegear 3 in trackball.

I intend to get a pair of lightgun pistols and atleast one shotgun so i can play all my favorite old shooters. I dont want to get a gun that works like a beefed up Wii-mote, I have no ideas yet as to what might best suit my purpose. anyone have suggestions?

Lastly the control interface.

I want 2 joysticks with 8 buttons apiece plus player and coin buttons. 4 pinball buttons(two to a side) 4 or 5 function buttons, a trackball with 2 or 3 buttons and hopefully some lightguns. By my novice count thats 42 switches that need to be wired in.

 Ive been considering a http://www.hagstromelectronics.com/products/ke72.html even tho I'll have to manually adjust the keymapping if i decide to play something other than mame. Upside being space to expand to maybe a 4 player CP if i ever decide to.

Otherwise i thought about getting a http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=76_80&products_id=303 and leaving out 2 of the pinball buttons. The UI size of this card make me want to use it.

Well it's gettin late, I have to get off to the salt mines, Thank you in advance for any help or advice you can give me. I'm really excited about this winter project and im almost done planning and blueprinting. The control panel is the last thing i need to finish. Then it's off to buy some wood!
darcyp:
Instead of dropping buttons, one thing you could consider is wiring 2 buttons to the same input. Instead of wiring seperate pinball or trackball buttons, you could wire them into some of the player 1 or 2 buttons, since you won't be using the player 1 and 2 buttons during these games. For example I wired my 4 way joystick up to my player 1 8 way inputs, it saved me 4 inputs and I have never had any problems with it.
I have never used the omni-stick, but i would recommend seperate 8 way and 4 way joysticks. It doesnt take that much room up on the CP, and doesnt have to take any extra inputs. That way you have joysticks that work really well for their respective games, and not one that is ok at everything. Good luck!
Thraxster:
Thanks!, I can't believe I didn't think of that. I guess in the scope of all the plans that it'd be easy to over look. I will do that! Make a secondary 1st player setup with the same inputs! Thanks again!
Turnarcades:
For a first time build I'd recommend steering clear of the complications of light gun setups, as no current offering is perfect and it'll just give you headaches. If you really want them, add them later when you've learned a little and have the budget for them.

Also, in the interest of saving money you could also stay away from other analog controls for now. Just a thought.
Thraxster:
I should've mentioned that due to the cost of a gun that it would be done most likely afterwards when I could get everything I'd need and when the cabinet settled. I'm planning every detail I can muster. Reading everything that seems useful. I just need to finalize my CP's parts and work everything into useable space in a comfortable way. I'm not handy with computer design so it's all by hand.
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