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DIY Spinner using common Potentiometer?
jedimasta:
Subject pretty much says it all. I've got an I-PAC 2 for my controls, which I'm pretty sure doesn't support the typical spinners available on Ultimarc and elsewhere. Assuming that, I'm left with a USB solution, but I can't help but think I could cobble one together with a little help from the more experienced. I've got potentiometers lying around the workshop that might work well if I can get them to interface with the PC and MAME.
Has anyone done this? Is there a way to wire it to USB and have it recognize as, for example, an X-axis for Arkanoid?
Generic Eric:
Opti-wiz @ http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=76_85
or
Opti Pac @ ultimarc.com
Or search for spinner/mouse hack here or on google.
Nephasth:
Use a mouse.
PL1:
Since you mentioned Arkanoid, don't bother even trying to mess with an el-cheapo hack -- get a TT2 from GGG.
Best. Spinner. Ever.
Potentiometers (turn range is usually limited) need an analog encoder like a KADESTICK AVR (see link in sig), an A-Pac, or a U-HID.
Spinners (turn range not limited) use an optical encoder like Optiwiz, OptiPac, U-HID, or some of the KADE firmwares.
Scott
paigeoliver:
The problem with potentiometer based spinners is that they aren't going to work right for anything you want to play. They got phased out around the same time that games went from color to black and white (I think the Gee Bee / Bomb Bee series were the last to use them). You stick a pot based spinner on Arkanoid and it is going to want to keep moving in whatever direction the pot is off center from.
Also, Pot based spinners wear the heck out really fast, I think that is why the industry moved away from them. Almost every time I get some old black white game in that used them the pots are all wrecked and all need replacement at $20+ each.