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First cab - Space City Arcade - almost finished
Kiatuthlanna:
ccmathome,
I was thinking of using 3/4" MDF mostly because I already have some 2' x 4' pieces. I was thinking I could use 13/16" T-molding with that, but as of yet, I haven't been able to find the color I want in that size. Would it be reasonable to use 5/8" MDF with the 3/4" T-molding for the sides and control panel top and 3/4" MDF elsewhere? With my current plan and the materials I already have, I would only need to buy 1 4x8 sheet of MDF.
ccmathome:
yes that would work any parts without tmolding can be the 3/4 mdf
PL1:
--- Quote from: Kiatuthlanna on July 07, 2012, 03:51:05 pm ---My plan was to have as many buttons as possible do double duty (e.g., pinball flippers are mouse buttons when mouse is enabled,
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I'd recommend against using the flipper buttons as mouse buttons. Remapping keys for VP/FP tables can be a lot more tricky than MAME. You might even have to edit table scripts.
The good news is that you shouldn't need mouse buttons. Mine has them because it is a portable modular system instead of a cab.
Just stash a small bluetooth keyboard with a touchpad or mini-trackball inside your coin door and you're all set.
--- Quote from: Kiatuthlanna on July 07, 2012, 03:51:05 pm ---As for equipment, here is what I've been thinking:
buttons: standard Happ buttons with horizontal microswitches
joysticks: I've been looking at 4/8 switchable joysticks including the Mag-Stik plus, but I'm not sure I'd be happy with that. I'm currently playing with 8-way only sticks and not having too much trouble, but I could see that getting old. The dedicated 4-way may be a good option.
Trackball: I drew a 3" trackball (based on the Imperial) in the current CP plan, but I've also been looking at the U-TRAK FlushMount. I like the U-TRAK because I wouldn't have the huge mounting plate covering the artwork on the CP. I'm leaning towards this option now but want to read up on how those do under heavy use.
Encoder: IPAC2 seems like the best choice for me.
I'm not sure about the spinner yet. Definitely something to consider.
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Buttons - If you buy Happs from GGG, the Standard Soft Touch switches are great option.
Trackball - +1 on the UTrak and optional bezel
Encoder - IPAC2 looks good. See this post for two remapping suggestions for pinball.
If you decide to include a spinner, the TT2 is an excellent choice.
--- Quote from: Kiatuthlanna on July 07, 2012, 03:51:05 pm ---I don't really want the LED buttons as I find them kind of distracting.
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Even if you don't want to light them, you can still use printed inserts that go inside the buttons. If you prefer solid color buttons to match the rest of your buttons, check out Pongo's vinyl in Buy/Sell/Trade.
--- Quote from: Kiatuthlanna on July 07, 2012, 03:51:05 pm ---One thing I've been toying with is actually including a real pinball plunger on the front of the cab to act as the software button. That would be all kinds of fun I think.
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My first build has a laser mouse pinball shooter that I designed. Works great IF the table is designed for a variable plunger. Most VP tables are not, many FP tables are. If not, you have to press the ball launch (Enter) button instead.
My plunger design requires about 15" straight shot clearance from the shooter bracket across the upturned mouse "belly" to the tip of the shaft. Let me know if you're interested in details -- I never bothered to post a build/project thread, but this is the second time today that this shooter has come up.
Scott
Kiatuthlanna:
Scott,
I'd be interested in what you did for the plunger if you feel like writing a post about it. I'm sure others would as well. Thanks for the tips on the equipment and the mouse. I was already planning on stashing two game pads for players 3-4 in the coin door, so I think I'll stick the keyboard/mouse combo in there as well. I actually think I've got something lying around that would work for that.
After reading the comments here and looking through many more forums, I'm not leaning towards adding a dedicated 4-way and sticking the admin buttons on the control panel top. I think I'll have better options for dedicated 8 ways then. The buttons with the labels are cool, but I'm currently hoping to convince my wife to hand paint some buttons. We'll see what she thinks.
I'm attaching an updated potential layout here. I think there would be room for a spinner as well. Now to start designing the CP artwork. We've got out of town guests next week, so the woodwork will have to wait. I've already convinced myself that I need a new router anyway (didn't take much convincing). :)
PL1:
--- Quote from: Kiatuthlanna on July 08, 2012, 01:32:10 am ---I'd be interested in what you did for the plunger if you feel like writing a post about it. I'm sure others would as well.
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Thanks for the interest. I'll work on a writeup, parts list and pics.
--- Quote from: Kiatuthlanna on July 08, 2012, 01:32:10 am ---I was already planning on stashing two game pads for players 3-4 in the coin door
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Neutrik makes these USB A-to-B feed-thrus so you don't have to leave your coin door open and accidently pinch the gamepad wire when the door gets bumped during 4P play.
--- Quote from: Kiatuthlanna on July 08, 2012, 01:32:10 am ---I'm attaching an updated potential layout here. I think there would be room for a spinner as well.
--- End quote ---
The TT2 mounts in a standard size button hole, so yes plenty of room for a spinner.
My only concern looking at your layout is that your flippers appear to be only a few inches from the front edge of the CP. If you do this, there are 3 possibilities:
1. The corner digs into the center of your palm.
2. You stand at a normal distance, but bend your wrists sharply toward your pinkies.
3. You move your shoulders forward so your fingers point down and you get nose-prints up on the monitor. :lol
I think what happened is that I wasn't clear when I explained the placement.
If the problem is not enough room for the flipper buttons without running into P1 joystick or P2 buttons, try moving the flippers back until they are past them.
Scott
P.S. What does your "Home" admin button do and what is it mapped to?
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