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New controller, first build
Bengaz:
Hi from UK,
I have been playing MAME on and off since its release but have always been frustrated at using the PC joysticks.
I would love to build an arcade controller to be able to play all my favorite games.
I have done a lot of reading but have so many questions still. They may seem quite silly to must, if they do just ignore them but if anyone has the time to answer them I will be most grateful so I can get started on building my controller.
Here are some very basic questions: -
I see so many amazing control panels in the gallery section but I see none with 2 player, dual stick layouts (for example smash TV etc), is there any reason why?
Is it easier to buy all the controls I need first, then arrange them how I like in a temporary control lid before I set about with the final construction?
Will a 4 way joystick work much better than an 8 way (switched to 4 way) for games like Mr Do for example?
Will a 8 way joystick with a top fire button work well in Tron (instead of a flight stick)?
What are the best 8 way joysticks to use for Robotron (my favorite game)?
What does a rotary joystick do?
Is there a UK stockist for Joysticks, buttons etc?
Thanks in advance...
PL1:
Welcome aboard, Bengaz.
--- Quote from: Bengaz on August 21, 2012, 04:34:53 pm ---I see so many amazing control panels in the gallery section but I see none with 2 player, dual stick layouts (for example smash TV etc), is there any reason why?
--- End quote ---
Many people map P1 joystick to the left joystick and P2 joystick to the right joystick.
--- Quote from: Bengaz on August 21, 2012, 04:34:53 pm ---Is it easier to buy all the controls I need first, then arrange them how I like in a temporary control lid before I set about with the final construction?
--- End quote ---
A cardboard box mockup is always an excellent idea to test layouts like the ones on Slagcoin.
--- Quote from: Bengaz on August 21, 2012, 04:34:53 pm ---Will a 8 way joystick with a top fire button work well in Tron (instead of a flight stick)?
--- End quote ---
Sure. Also, there are several people here who have done magnetic triggerstick hacks, (Swap balltop/battop for a triggerstick) both cordless and corded versions.
--- Quote from: Bengaz on August 21, 2012, 04:34:53 pm ---Is there a UK stockist for Joysticks, buttons etc?
--- End quote ---
The wiki has a list of vendors.
Ultimarc and Gremlin Solutions are two very popular choices.
Scott
Bengaz:
--- Quote from: PL1 on August 21, 2012, 05:12:04 pm ---Welcome aboard, Bengaz.
--- Quote from: Bengaz on August 21, 2012, 04:34:53 pm ---I see so many amazing control panels in the gallery section but I see none with 2 player, dual stick layouts (for example smash TV etc), is there any reason why?
--- End quote ---
Many people map P1 joystick to the left joystick and P2 joystick to the right joystick.
--- Quote from: Bengaz on August 21, 2012, 04:34:53 pm ---Is it easier to buy all the controls I need first, then arrange them how I like in a temporary control lid before I set about with the final construction?
--- End quote ---
A cardboard box mockup is always an excellent idea to test layouts like the ones on Slagcoin.
--- Quote from: Bengaz on August 21, 2012, 04:34:53 pm ---Will a 8 way joystick with a top fire button work well in Tron (instead of a flight stick)?
--- End quote ---
Sure. Also, there are several people here who have done magnetic triggerstick hacks, (Swap balltop/battop for a triggerstick) both cordless and corded versions.
--- Quote from: Bengaz on August 21, 2012, 04:34:53 pm ---Is there a UK stockist for Joysticks, buttons etc?
--- End quote ---
The wiki has a list of vendors.
Ultimarc and Gremlin Solutions are two very popular choices.
Scott
--- End quote ---
Thanks very much for your help, and for that useful link...
Anyone know what is the difference with a rotary joystick and what would I use it for?
Do I need a 4 way joystich or a selectable 8/4 way one for the old 4 way games?
PL1:
--- Quote from: Bengaz on August 22, 2012, 12:56:34 pm ---Anyone know what is the difference with a rotary joystick and what would I use it for?
Do I need a 4 way joystich or a selectable 8/4 way one for the old 4 way games?
--- End quote ---
Rotary joysticks info from the wiki -- always the best first stop for a general info question.
Some people prefer to have a dedicated 4-way, others prefer a manually switchable 4/8-way like the GGG Omni 2 or an autoswitching stick like Ultimarc's Servostik.
Which to choose? It all depends on your preferences.
Scott
Bengaz:
I have done a sketch on a possible layout, just so I can order the parts.
Could anyone comment on if I have left anything out to play all the MAME games?
Is it right that I will require an IPAC 4 to controll all of this?
Does the trackball and the spinner mimmic the mouse?
PS, ive added 2 extra buttons to player 3 and 4.
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