What buttons do I need to have on my control panel?
My thoughts:
P1/P2 6 buttons each along with coin and start button.
P3/P4 4 buttons each along with coin and start button.
What other admin buttons are needed to control different aspects hyperspin or emulators? Back button? or esc?
There are several schools of thought when it comes to admin buttons.
One group wants their cab to look just like an arcade cab: coin door for coins, start buttons for start, P1 start doubles as a shift function for other admin buttons.
Another group wants easy access to basic admin functions without having to remember P1 Start + P1 Joystick Right = Menu (or whatever you have it configured for)
If you have careless/nosy friends or kids that fiddle with settings, you might want to go with group 1.
If you like to change up your game list a lot or fiddle with settings regularly, you might fit into group 2.
Most people who prefer group 2 usually include Escape, Pause, Enter and Tab as the most common dedicated admin buttons after Start(s) and Coin(s).
I also decided to go with the Lono2 for my encoder but Paradise is sold out. Where else do you recommend I purchase from?
I don't know anyplace else that carries the Lono2. (The Hawaiian name is the giveaway that it's a Paradise exclusive.)
Scott