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GrandJudge:
Hello, been lurking for quite a while, but now that I will be picking my cab up in 3 days I have a couple of questions that I haven't been able to find much info on.
I am making a MAME TMNT cabinet. Basically I will get all the graphics so the cab looks exactly like the TMNT cab (childhood favorite.) However I will be adding extra buttons to play other games.
1. First things first, I will be having 4 players, but am not entirely sure how many buttons I should use for each player. I have almost decided on just 6 for P1+2. What's the added benefit to the extra 7th button near the thumb?
2. Also, how many buttons should I have for P3+4? I mostly saw people with 4 buttons, is this enough?
3. I need some ideas on how to fit these extra buttons on the control pannel. I wish to use this graphic:
(http://www.arcadeshopper.com/joomla/components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/TMNT_Control_Pan_47e95aa3ba935.jpg)
-And the issue arises with the yellow and red players, one of the extra buttons will cut off some of the text on both.
-Are there ways to get this graphic without the white holes for the buttons already in so I can move the placement of buttons to fit better?
4. Next thing is I dont wish to overcrowd the CP with buttons, so I was thinking of using an extra button (to use as shift) instead of tacking on dedicated:
-P1-4 Start
-P1-4 Coin
-Exit,Pause,Menu... etc.
-Has anyone had any negative experience without having the dedicated buttons or is it personal preference?
5. I haven't found too much material on wiring. I really just want a general length of wire I will need for a 4 Person, ~20 button cabinet.
6. Last thing, I haven't seen a general list, just a scattering of sites to buy arcade parts at. I have found a few with good prices, but I was wondering what most people around here are using.
Thanks, I REALLY appreciate the help!
HaRuMaN:
1) The 7th is just a repeat of one of the 6 usually, it gives you the 4 in-a-row layout of Neo-Geo
2) 4 is enough for 4 player mame games.
3)
4) I would think you would want dedicated player 1 - 4 start buttons at a minimum... and then maybe a shift button for the rest.
5) Hmm... buy lots of wire? Not sure. Couple hundred feet should do it I would think.
6) divemaster (member here), paradise arcade, groovy game gear, ultimarc just to name a few.
WindDrake:
1. Six for 1 & 2, 4 for 3 & 4. I'm a short-bus kid and did 6 per player, not remembering that no 4-player game beyond 4 buttons exists.
2. See above.
3. I suck with art. :( Do what you think looks good!
4. Always have dedicated Start & Coin for each player. Use Shift functions for everything else. My very first cab had dedicated admin buttons and I hated them. Now my two cabs use shift keys to handle all admin functions, or I just turn on the Logitech Wireless KB&Touchpad unit sitting on top of the machine and use that. :)
5. Couple hundred feet of 18ga STRANDED wire. Solid wire is a lot harder to crimp and is generally frowned upon. I got mine for free and that's what my 4-Player cab is done up with. HUGE PAIN IN THE REAR. Also: Strip twice as much as you need if you're crimping, then fold the wire over on itself before crimping down. The joint is stronger!
6. My personal favorites are Ultimarc, GroovyGameGear, Paradise Arcade Shop, Twisted Quarter, ArcadeShop, divemaster (arcadeemulator.net). A lot of people also like FocusAttack. Quick note on Divemaster: He's full-time military and only ships on weekends, so he's "Slower" then the others, but he's a damn good guy to deal with and his prices are great. Nevermind he carries Ultimarc stuff here in the US.
Nephasth:
You might also consider RGB LED buttons. I'm a fan of a curved 7 button layout for players 1 and 2 for the following reasons...
MK3 layout.
NeoGeo layout.
And check out the RGB buttons in action during TMNT...
GrandJudge:
--- Quote from: HaRuMaN on January 16, 2013, 04:23:48 pm ---4) I would think you would want dedicated player 1 - 4 start buttons at a minimum... and then maybe a shift button for the rest.
--- End quote ---
Yeah, I think I may stick with a P1-4 Start, and a shift button for the rest.
--- Quote from: Nephasth on January 16, 2013, 08:36:21 pm ---You might also consider RGB LED buttons. I'm a fan of a curved 7 button layout for players 1 and 2 for the following reasons...
--- End quote ---
Ahh, very temping. I've seen you cabinet on the forums here. I love the clean look of it. I don't feel that LED lights for the keys are really interesting for me personally. I also don't think I can make a 7th button work for the control panel art I wish to use. Also, I don't plan on playing too many Neo Geo, but they will be on the computer. I think I will be able to deal with using one of the other 3 keys as my 4th.
I have another question now too. What do you guys prefer... the Leaf style or the regular push button? My issue with the Leaf style is that I can't find a purple button. I wish to keep the button colors as close to the original TMNT as possible.
I am also still looking for suggestions on what to do with the control panel art, if there are any graphic experts out there with an opinion or idea!