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First Time Build: Looking for some clarification.
cdspindle:
Hello,
I have a project in mind to build an arcade controller that is able to interface through USB with Windows and Linux, including a Raspberry Pi. I have done preliminary research, educating myself on the different types of buttons and joysticks, control panel layout, compatibility with Linux, and places to purchase. I still have some questions / want to confirm a few things and I figured this was the best place to ask them!
Since this is the first time that I am working with arcade parts, I decided that I will be going the cheaper route and purchasing a kit from eBay of 2 Happ competition joysticks and long push buttons. Additionally I will be purchasing wires and a 2 player arcade to usb conroller. I was looking at the ipac and xin mo controllers.
Is a 14" x 7" x 5" rectangular box excessive? It needs to house 1 Happ competition joystick, 8 long push buttons (1 for player and 1 for coin) and possibly the raspberry pi.
Are most long push buttons 2.6 inches long?
Is the base of Happ competition joysticks 4 inches long?
I read that some of these controllers have compatibility problems with the xin mo. Is the ipac a better option than the xin mo controller?
I plan on using MDF or Poplar to build the box. Is 1/4" too thin?
Any other suggestions for a first time builder?
I might start off with just the arcade parts and control board, but eventually I would like to fit the rpi in the controller. I would like to purchase Sanwa parts to make a smaller controller.
For a future build, what websites do you suggest for purchasing arcade parts?
dkersten:
I would not go 1/4", use 1/2" at the least. I think the ipac would be a good choice because it saves the settings in the firmware so you can plug it into any computer and it will work without loading any kind of files or software. You could have a thumbdrive or sd card with the emulator and roms on it and go to any computer, plug in, and play. And if you add a rpi, you just plug in and set things up. Not sure if you need an HID driver for Linux, but I would guess any basic HID driver would work.
You need about 3" total depth from the top of the control panel surface to the bottom of the enclosure for most components, so if you go 1/2" all the way around, go at least 3.5" total thickness on the box. That will clear most controller and button types, although I am sure there are a few joysticks out there that require a little more depth. If you go 5", I am sure you will be fine.
cdspindle:
Hi dkersten,
Thank you very much for the advice and suggestions! I just with the ipac was not so dang expensive, but I figure it will be worth it! If I were to use another controller, would I just need to install drivers on each system I plan to use the arcade stick with?
On another note, before I was approved to post on this forum, I was browsing a few of the forum topics and came across your Nostalgia cabinet. I am beyond impressed with it! :notworthy: I thought your user name looked familiar! Great job!
Slippyblade:
--- Quote from: cdspindle on August 15, 2014, 04:14:45 pm ---I read that some of these controllers have compatibility problems with the xin mo. Is the ipac a better option than the xin mo controller?
For a future build, what websites do you suggest for purchasing arcade parts?
--- End quote ---
The Xin-Mo is crap. It works, but it is low budget, chinese knock-off crap. I've used it in the past and it does the job but it leaves a LOT to be desired.
The big three vendors tend to be...
Ultimarc
Groovy Game Gear
Paradise Arcade
Each one of them has their own brand of encoder. Ultimarc is the Ipac, GGG has the KeyWiz, and Paradise has the Lono. They all have their pros and cons, but all are better than the Xin-Mo. Something to look at in addition is the Kade. I've become quite the believer in that one.
dkersten:
Thank you. :)
I haven't used many other controllers, I just know that the ipac stores the config on the chip and uses a generic HID driver, so for something you could plug into any computer and use as a controller, that would be a simple way to go. I recall reading somewhere that some controllers out there store the key map in a config file that needs to be loaded before you can use it. I would bet though that for those controllers that require you load the config after a reboot you could just load it with a batch file before launching your front end (or as a plugin within the front end). I believe the other brands mentioned all use a standard HID interface, so they should all load up as Human Interface Devices without any special drivers.
I haven't looked at the Kade much, but from what I have seen it might be a great budget way to go. I couldn't speak to how easily it would "plug and play" into a Linux box..