Some questions about control panels

[Mysterioii]

Well, what I referred to as a spade terminal actually isn't...  I was referring to the male flat tabs on the microswitches that you'll be slipping the female disconnects onto.  If it were a crimp connector it would just be called a male disconnect but I'm not sure if that's what it's technically called when referring to the tabs on the microswitches.

[PL1]

The extra 4 Black Classic Push Buttons are for them to be assigned as admin buttons. I'm open to any suggestions, or modifications to the controls I chose that might need to be done.

Two questions:

1. How do you plan to label the admin buttons?

2. What admin buttons are you planning on having?

One good way to label the admin buttons is using inserts in translucent buttons.
You can use them unlit for now and add the wiring to light them later, if you want.
Since you're placing an order with GGG, consider the Spectralite line. http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=73&products_id=343 or the Chromalite line, if you like the chrome collar look.

The attached inserts work great in Paradise Arcade's buttons, and might work for GGG's as well.
The quarters are dark because I was printing on transparency material for use in LED buttons.
(If anyone wants my original PowerPoint file so you can adjust size/contrast/brightness, drop me a PM with your e-mail.)

My modular panel (rough diagram attached) uses the following admin buttons:
P1Coin
P1 Start
Left Mouse
Right Mouse
Escape
Pause
Enter
Tab (Menu)
P2 Start
P2 Coin

Scott

P.S. You might want to look at GGG's Arcade Prime Pushbuttons with Standard Soft Touch Switches--best value pushbuttons I've seen yet.
Red - http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=73&products_id=347
Blue - http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=73&products_id=349

[ArcadeSeeker962]

Well, what I referred to as a spade terminal actually isn't...  I was referring to the male flat tabs on the microswitches that you'll be slipping the female disconnects onto.  If it were a crimp connector it would just be called a male disconnect but I'm not sure if that's what it's technically called when referring to the tabs on the microswitches.

I understand now, thank you for clearing that up for me.

Two questions:

1. How do you plan to label the admin buttons?

2. What admin buttons are you planning on having?

One good way to label the admin buttons is using inserts in translucent buttons.
You can use them unlit for now and add the wiring to light them later, if you want.
Since you're placing an order with GGG, consider the Spectralite line. http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=73&products_id=343 or the Chromalite line, if you like the chrome collar look.

The attached inserts work great in Paradise Arcade's buttons, and might work for GGG's as well.
The quarters are dark because I was printing on transparency material for use in LED buttons.
(If anyone wants my original PowerPoint file so you can adjust size/contrast/brightness, drop me a PM with your e-mail.)

My modular panel (rough diagram attached) uses the following admin buttons:
P1Coin
P1 Start
Left Mouse
Right Mouse
Escape
Pause
Enter
Tab (Menu)
P2 Start
P2 Coin

1). To label the admin buttons, I'll be using the Inserts from Paradise Arcade Shop and put them in the Groovy Game Gear Gear Pushbuttons(as long as that's an okay thing to do).

2). For my four admin buttons, here's what I came up with:
Enter
Pause
Escape
Tab

I'll be using the following inserts:
Enter: Enter Insert
Pause: Pause Insert
Escape: 1 Player Big Insert
Tab: Table Rules Insert

If you are getting a U-track with USB then you don't have to worry about getting an encoder with an optical input.  You can get an Ipac, KeyWiz, or minipac to name the most popular.  If you want the wiring harness then get the minipac with wiring harness and then you won't have to worry about the disconnects.  It will take some work to get the wiring to look neat with a minipac but it is the quickest solution.

Is the KeyWiz with 40 Inputs enough?
http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=76_80&products_id=199

I'm planning on using KeyWiz, to learn how to use quick disconnects. If .187 quick disconnects work with the KeyWiz, where do I hook them up at? Do I hook up the Joystick/Buttons to the male end of the .187 quick disconnects? Do I need any extra wires to hook up the Joystick/Buttons to the disconnects?


I'm open to any suggestions or modifications if needed for my controls. 

[PL1]

1). To label the admin buttons, I'll be using the Inserts from Paradise Arcade Shop and put them in the Groovy Game Gear Gear Pushbuttons(as long as that's an okay thing to do).

. . . .

I'll be using the following inserts:
Enter: Enter Insert
Pause: Pause Insert
Escape: 1 Player Big Insert
Tab: Table Rules Insert

. . . .

Is the KeyWiz with 40 Inputs enough?
http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=76_80&products_id=199

I'm planning on using KeyWiz, to learn how to use quick disconnects. If .187 quick disconnects work with the KeyWiz, where do I hook them up at? Do I hook up the Joystick/Buttons to the male end of the .187 quick disconnects? Do I need any extra wires to hook up the Joystick/Buttons to the disconnects?

If you're placing an order with Paradise for the inserts, it makes more sense to get the buttons there too, since Randy and Bryan carry different products and I'm not sure if the inserts are the same size.
http://www.paradisearcadeshop.com/en/led-chrome-pushbuttons/35-led-pushbutton-with-bw-insert.html

I agree with your 4 main admin buttons - associated keystroke:
Enter - Enter
Escape - Esc (why the 1 Player Big insert here???!!!???)
Pause - P
Tab - Tab

How do you intend to do the following functions - keystrokes?
P1 Coin - 5
P1 Start - 1 (This would be where the 1 Player Big Insert usually goes.)
P2 Coin - 6
P2 Start - 2
Just sayin--Looks like it'll be kinda hard to play if you can't "drop in a coin" and press the start button without reaching for a keyboard. 

Printing your own inserts can save you some money and lets you get exactly what you want.

On the subject of the Key-wiz, I thought you wanted everything to be USB.  The key-wiz is PS/2.  This is why I originally decided to go with the Mini-Pac Opti.

Also, once you add up the costs of Key-wiz $39 +wiring for 40 switches $19 +U-Trak USB adapter $14, you are only $7 away from the Mini-Pac Opti w. harness $79 which gives you the same connectivity, but only requires the one USB connection instead of one USB (u-Trak adapter) + one PS/2 (Key-wiz).

Added bonus: the Minipac harness is color coded so it's easy to trace wires and connect the U-Trak.

Here's a basic wiring guide.
http://www.koenigs.dk/mame/eng/basicwiringguide.htm

Scott

[ArcadeSeeker962]

Sorry about that, I originally chose the KeyWiz so that I could learn how to do crimping. As for the 1 Player Big insert attached onto Admin buttons that involves the pressing onto the Escape Key, I just didn't know what other insert to use. I chose the GPWiz40 with 40 switches instead, because I'd really like to learn how to connect .187 disconnects. Plus, It's USB-Powered.

As for the keystrokes, I'm planning on using the following:
P1 Coin: 5
P1 Start: 1
P2 Coin: 6
P2 Start 2

I do agree with you about assigning buttons to drop in a coin and choosing to start playing a game. Where can I print out inserts from? Would I have to go to an online store to buy one?

I'm open to any other suggestions or modifications.

[PL1]

Sorry about that, I originally chose the KeyWiz so that I could learn how to do crimping. As for the 1 Player Big insert attached onto Admin buttons that involves the pressing onto the Escape Key, I just didn't know what other insert to use. I chose the GPWiz40 with 40 switches instead, because I'd really like to learn how to connect .187 disconnects. Plus, It's USB-Powered.

As for the keystrokes, I'm planning on using the following:
P1 Coin: 5
P1 Start: 1
P2 Coin: 6
P2 Start 2

I do agree with you about assigning buttons to drop in a coin and choosing to start playing a game. Where can I print out inserts from? Would I have to go to an online store to buy one?

I'm open to any other suggestions or modifications.

1. What insert to use? - It's really easy to print your own.  Like I posted (and attached) yesterday at 3:06:00 P.M., you can use or modify the attached "Admin Buttons.pdf".  Search the forums or Google for inserts if you'd like other options.

2. My question about P1/P2 start/coin is about whether you actually have BUTTONS for that on your CP, not if you're using the default keystrokes.  Your parts list didn't have any coin buttons.

3. Learning how to do crimps. - Definitely a good skill to have, but how many times do you need to practice the process of: Strip wire, position QD, squeeze pliers on crimp collar, move over slightly, squeeze again, gently try to turn QD, if it turns recrimp collar.  First couple times are fun, but after 80 times, it's a pain in the posterior.

The other down side is that without practice or high quality ratcheting crimp pliers, you may end up with inconsistent mechanical or electrical connections. These inconsistencies can be difficult to troubleshoot, especially if they are intermittent.

IMHO, commercially available harnesses are faster, cheaper, easier, and more consistent. YMMV.

Scott

[ArcadeSeeker962]

I chose the I-Pac instead, since that was one of GregD's recommendations. I actually wouldn't mind learning how to use crimp disconnects, since it seems interesting. Anyhow, here's an updated list of parts for my control panel:

2 Omni II 4/8 Way Joysitck with Economy Black bat Tops,along with Smooth Joy Switches(from Groovy Game Gear)
6 Red Classic Pushbuttons(Happ-sourced), from Ultimarc
6 Blue Classic Pushbuttons(Happ-sourced), from Ultimarc
1 U-Trak(Pearl White), from Ultimarc
1 Optional Trim Bezel for U-Track(from Ultimarc)
1 Player 1 Pushbutton(From Groovy Game Gear)
1 Player 2 Pushbutton(From Groovy Game Gear)
4 LED Push Buttons with Coin Inserts(From Paradise Arcade Shop)


Does this look better for a control panel set-up? I'm still confused with what wires to buy(because of the link that PL1 sent me, which contained basic information about wiring), so what type of wires should I use?

I'm open to any suggestions or modifications.

[PL1]

I'm still confused with what wires to buy(because of the link that PL1 sent me, which contained basic information about wiring), so what type of wires should I use?

This thread may help with visualizing/understanding the wiring connections from the switches to the encoder.  If not, I'm sure you can find other threads elsewhere on the forums. http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=90691.0

Most people use 22 or 24 gauge stranded wire.
Stranded wire is recommended for crimps, instead of solid core, because the strands can compress slightly against each other and are less likely to lose contact/slip out of the crimp.
Various colors are available from different vendors.
Based on your parts list, you'll need enough for a daisy-chain ground and 28 control wires:
 10 -  P1 Left, Right, Up, Down, B1-B6
 10 -  P2 Left, Right, Up, Down, B1-B6
   8 -  P1 Coin, P2 Coin, P1 Start, P2 Start, Esc, Pause, Enter, Tab
Round up on your estimated lengths--you will use more than you think.

To save money, I've even used some leftover speaker wire, but I don't worry about my panel wiring looking "pretty", just that it is neat and mechanically/electrically reliable.

Several color coded considerations on your parts list:
2 Omni II 4/8 Way Joysitck with Economy Black bat Tops,along with Smooth Joy Switches(from Groovy Game Gear)
6 Red Classic Pushbuttons(Happ-sourced), from Ultimarc
6 Blue Classic Pushbuttons(Happ-sourced), from Ultimarc
1 U-Trak(Pearl White), from Ultimarc
1 Optional Trim Bezel for U-Track(from Ultimarc)
**
1 Player 1 Pushbutton(From Groovy Game Gear) - P1 Start
1 Player 2 Pushbutton(From Groovy Game Gear) - P2 Start
** Does it matter to you that these two buttons will look different from your other admin buttons?
6 LED Push Buttons with Coin Inserts(From Paradise Arcade Shop) - P1 Coin, P2 coin, Escape, Pause, Enter, Tab (Per your earlier post)

[ArcadeSeeker962]

I'm still confused with what wires to buy(because of the link that PL1 sent me, which contained basic information about wiring), so what type of wires should I use?

This thread may help with visualizing/understanding the wiring connections from the switches to the encoder.  If not, I'm sure you can find other threads elsewhere on the forums. http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=90691.0

Most people use 22 or 24 gauge stranded wire.
Stranded wire is recommended for crimps, instead of solid core, because the strands can compress slightly against each other and are less likely to lose contact/slip out of the crimp.
Various colors are available from different vendors.
Based on your parts list, you'll need enough for a daisy-chain ground and 28 control wires:
 10 -  P1 Left, Right, Up, Down, B1-B6
 10 -  P2 Left, Right, Up, Down, B1-B6
   8 -  P1 Coin, P2 Coin, P1 Start, P2 Start, Esc, Pause, Enter, Tab
Round up on your estimated lengths--you will use more than you think.

To save money, I've even used some leftover speaker wire, but I don't worry about my panel wiring looking "pretty", just that it is neat and mechanically/electrically reliable.

Several color coded considerations on your parts list:
2 Omni II 4/8 Way Joysitck with Economy Black bat Tops,along with Smooth Joy Switches(from Groovy Game Gear)
6 Red Classic Pushbuttons(Happ-sourced), from Ultimarc
6 Blue Classic Pushbuttons(Happ-sourced), from Ultimarc
1 U-Trak(Pearl White), from Ultimarc
1 Optional Trim Bezel for U-Track(from Ultimarc)
**
1 Player 1 Pushbutton(From Groovy Game Gear) - P1 Start
1 Player 2 Pushbutton(From Groovy Game Gear) - P2 Start
** Does it matter to you that these two buttons will look different from your other admin buttons?
6 LED Push Buttons with Coin Inserts(From Paradise Arcade Shop) - P1 Coin, P2 coin, Escape, Pause, Enter, Tab (Per your earlier post)

I do not have a problem with my Player 1 and Player 2 Push Buttons looking different from my admin buttons. As for how my control panel looks on the inside, it doesn't matter, as long as everything functions the way it's supposed to. How do these look for stranded 22 gauge wires?

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100294013/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=22+gauge+wire&storeId=10051

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202341131/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=22+gauge+wire&storeId=10051

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2036275

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2049738

I'm choosing these four because of the fact that I'll need multiple-colored wires(according to what I read from previous posts).

[Vigo]

If you are using an IPac, you won't need admin buttons. It comes with built in shift commands. By default, If you hold down player 1 start and player 2 start, it will ESC. Hold down player 1 start and right on the joystick and it pauses, P1 start and button 1 adds coin, etc...

If you prefer admin buttons, go for it....but not needed.

[ArcadeSeeker962]

Thank you for clearing that up for me Vigo, that will make my project a lot easier. In that case, the I-Pac is my decision for an interface! Now I just have to figure out how many different colored gauge wires I'll need for my control panel...

[PL1]

How do these look for stranded 22 gauge wires?

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100294013/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=22+gauge+wire&storeId=10051

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202341131/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=22+gauge+wire&storeId=10051

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2036275

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2049738

Of these four options, only the third one is stranded and therefore good for crimping.

The rest are solid core.



It also looks like the first two don't have any insulation. This can cause accidental short circuits.


Scott

[GregD]

Here is an option for wire.  Everything you will need in one package.  Comes with lots of colors that will make troubleshooting easier.  Boom.

http://www.altex.com/Velleman-24AWG-Stranded-Core-Mounting-Wiring-Kit-KMOW-P145678.aspx

[PL1]

Here is an option for wire.  Everything you will need in one package.  Comes with lots of colors that will make troubleshooting easier.  Boom.

http://www.altex.com/Velleman-24AWG-Stranded-Core-Mounting-Wiring-Kit-KMOW-P145678.aspx

Great call, Greg.

Looks like an excellent assortment of 24 gauge wire--also available on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Velleman-24AWG-Stranded-Mounting-Wiring/dp/B001IRQRRO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336696797&sr=8-1

NOTE: Make sure you have wire strippers that go that small.  Many only go down to 22 gauge.

Scott

[PL1]

You asked earlier about wiring information.

Not sure if you've seen this thread:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=80229.0

The wiring videos are a little dark/hard to see, but the explainations are great.


Scott

[ArcadeSeeker962]

Thank you GregD and PL1. I'm going to buy them from Altex, because it looks like they're a reputable store, definitely more so than the sellers that were selling it on Amazon. As for the tools that I'll be using for it, does this look like a good deal, along with including everything I need for crimping wires?
http://www.amazon.com/Paladin-Tools-70007-Complete-Network/dp/B0018BL0PO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1336704266&sr=8-2

As for the videos, I'll watch those too. The computer that the whole family uses lags when it comes to watching YouTube videos, but I noticed I can hear what's going on in the videos anyway(luckily, I'm a good listener   ).

[PL1]

As for the tools that I'll be using for it, does this look like a good deal, along with including everything I need for crimping wires?
http://www.amazon.com/Paladin-Tools-70007-Complete-Network/dp/B0018BL0PO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1336704266&sr=8-2

If you're working on a telephone punch panel or ethernet (RJ-45)/telephone (RJ-11) cables, then yes. For QDs, you might want something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00164C0KW/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i04
I like this particular one because of the wider handles that dig into your hand less than most of these.

These look good for wire strippers for 16-24 gauge wire:
http://www.amazon.com/Klein-11046-Stripper-Cutter-Inches/dp/B0000302WS/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1336706197&sr=8-11


Scott

[ArcadeSeeker962]

Thank you for the links. I'll show these to my father, since we're working on our cabinet together.

[ArcadeSeeker962]

I learned how to crimp and cut wires today, and I actually did a really good job at it. My father already owns a wire crimp tool and a wire cutter as well, so I'm all set for when the time comes when I assemble my control panel.

[Vigo]

 

[ArcadeSeeker962]

Thank you, Vigo. I really enjoyed learning how to cut and crimp the wires. The wire crimp that my father owns can crimp all the way down to a 20-22 gauge, so that will definitely work for the project. Plus, he owns an assortment of other tools as well, which will be perfect for cutting and crimping down wires that are 24 gauge as well. So, when It comes to cutting and crimping wires, I have everything I need. 

[ArcadeSeeker962]

I apologize for updating an old topic, but I've made some big changes when it comes to my miniature cabinet. I decided that the miniature cabinet is going to be exclusive to fighting games. I also decided that I'm going to use the Mini-Pac as an interface(I would like to learn how to cut, crimp, and strip wires at a tech school first). I'm choosing between two different choices for the Joystick part of the control panel, either the Sanwa JLF or the IL Eurostick. I don't mind which one I'd like to use, but I feel very strongly about using the IL Eurostick, mainly because of its design. If not, would the spit-fire fight stick with the Sanwa octagonal gate or the round-house fight stick from Groovy Game Gear be a better option?

Here's a list of games I'd like to include in the cabinet, to make things easier:
Fatal Fury 2
Killer Instinct
Killer Instinct 2
Street Fighter II:The World Warrior
Super Street Fighter II: Turbo
Street Fighter Alpha
Street Fighter Alpha 2

As for the buttons, I'd like to choose either the Sanwa OBSF push buttons or the IL Euro push buttons. However, the IL Euro Push buttons are my favorite option. So, what do you all think?