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Hello & First Question From a New Forum Member
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mgb:
Another good way to learn is to check out the vendors.
There is Ultimarc, Paradise Arcade and Groovy Game Gear, as well as others
Such as Focus Attack.

The ipac2 is a great encoder
WillyByte:
@ Slippyblade Thanks. Maybe I should try it.  To be honest though, I’m hoping to avoid soldering if possible.  How many different controls can I hook up to the gamepad? 
@ Generic Eric: Thanks for the tips. I checked out the wiki, it’s very helpful.  In your opinion, is the Kade easy to wire and hook up?
@ lilshawn & ark_ader:  Thanks but I really want to build my own controller.
@ mgb:  Thank you. In your opinion, is the ipac2 easy to wire and hook up?
@ JD Fan: Thanks for your suggestions.  I think I’m going to order the sticks, buttons, and encoder you suggested.
 
I’m still eager to receive input from anyone with suggestions. Based on suggestions made so far this is what my first order currently looks like: 

1 Encoder No Delay Arcade USB Encoder PC to Joystick For 2pin+Japan Type Push buttons http://www.ebay.com/itm/251241729308 Total: 10.99
1 Joystick ZIPPY Classic Competition Style 2/4/8 way Arcade http://www.ebay.com/itm/ZIPPY-Classic-Competition-Style-2-4-8-way-Arcade-Game-Joystick-Arcade-MAME-JAMMA/190921824497?rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D261%26meid%3D3323008100514508870%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D1088%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D5%26sd%3D380658941336%26  Total: $13.98
2 Joysticks HAPP COMPETITION 8 WAY JOYSTICKS GREAT FOR MAME / FIGHTING
14 Buttons HAPP LONG LENGTH CONCAVE BUTTONS http://www.ebay.com/itm/HAPP-COMPETITION-8-WAY-JOYSTICKS-14-BUTTONS-COMBO-GREAT-FOR-MAME-FIGHTING-/380658941336?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item58a10a7d98 Total: $37.99 

This order still leaves me with $40.00 to spend.  What else would you recommend I get, a spinner, a trackball, another joystick of a different kind, another encoder?

Here are my goals for this CP project:
1.   To learn, by doing, how to build a control panel.
2.   Test as many different controls as possible to learn what works best with what games.  Based on what I’ve already read I expect the biggest variance to be among joysticks.  I.e. 2 way, 4-way, 8-way, analog, etc. 
3.   Understand encoders better and learning which ones to use under different circumstances.  Find the easier ones to work with.
jdbailey1206:
Don't forget shipping! :laugh:  My words of advice is don't get aggravated.  Push through it and if anyone gives you a hard time here it's all in good fun.
mgb:
If you wanna do some comparisons on joysticks,
Maybe try picking up a Sanwa JLW or JLF also.

Yes the ipac is easy to wire. It has screw terminals.

For using the Zippyy in 4 way, you'll find it has a kinda
Odd feel. A lot of guys fix this by modding the plastic restrictor
For more of a diamond shape.
  If you plan on learning more about proper 4 & 8 way operation,
  I'd advise you to look up info on restriction.
JDFan:
One thing - when ordering that encoder just be sure to get the wiring for the correct version (ie. the one I listed is for the Happ type joysticks or the Zippy you linked that use 4 switches so will work with the kit I listed but if you get a Japanese type joystick you will need the 5 pin wire for the joystick (they sell the same encoder with the that type of wire included also but you need to get the one that matches your parts) THe encoder will work with either but they only include one of the two types of connectors so if you switch you'll need to make the wires for the other type (not difficult but might as well get the one that you need with it to begin with !)

The various encoders are all pretty easy to wire up (esp. if you get the wiring harnesses for them) - mainly you just run a ground wire either to each buttons ground or in a chain from one button to the next and back to the encoder ground ( depending on the encoder they either have just one ground input or one for each connector) then you run another wire from the other connection on the button (NO or Normally Open) and back to the proper input on the encoder to complete the circuit so that when the button is pressed that input opens to let the encoder know a button is pressed. The joystick are the same except they have 4 connections that go to the 4 inputs on the encoder.

So it is pretty much just running the wires to the proper spot and then if needed running through MAME's setup so that the buttons represent the right key press ( the encoder I listed is seen by windows as a game pad with 12 buttons ) while some others are seen as keyboards )
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