Newbie introduction and questions

[Milky]

Hi, first time arcade builder here.  I wanted to introduce myself and ask a couple of questions that I have had a hard time finding answers for searching the forums.  First off, I am not a purist, though I know many are so I know my ideas for my arcade will grate on some people’s nerves, so I apologize in advance.  Also, there is a TL:DR at the bottom if you don’t want to read this novel.

My wife and I (yes she’s as excited about it as I am!) are looking to build a 4 player system.  The intent is to run arcade games from the 70’s through the 90’s and possibly some console games.  I have read enough of the forums to know that many of you would recommend against this for a first time build for a plethora of reasons.  However, one of the main reasons for us wanting the 4 player route is that we regularly have people over at our house (up to 7 guests on most Fridays) and would have enough reason for having the extra player capacity.  On top of that we personally like the look of a 4 player cabinet and space is not an issue to facilitate one.  However, we are not looking to go frankenpanel on the system.  My vision is 6 buttons for P1/P2 and 4 buttons for P3/P4 (and non-angled sticks) with a trackball in the middle somewhere.  That would about cover the buttons except start buttons which I will ask a question about later.

We are also looking to go with RGB LED buttons for the player buttons (not start buttons) and probably an LED trackball.  Again, I know it’s recommended to not do that for a first time build, but we really like the look from the examples we seen online.  We would probably do something like LEDBlinky for the extra wow-factor and practicality of lighting up the buttons used for particular games.  On top of that, she and I are handy enough that we should be able to figure it out using some of the online tutorials that are available.

Onto the questions:
First, we are looking at doing a 32”-40” LCD or LED TV in either a classic standup arcade or showcase/pedestal setup.  I’ve read that mdf board is a good construction material for most of these cabinets.  Is ¾” necessary for stability or would ½” suffice, or would a mix of the two be best?

Second, as to the buttons on the CP I have had a hard time figuring out exactly what is necessary.  As stated above, I’m keeping the player buttons minimal.  However, I wasn’t sure if each player needed a start button and a coin button, or if I could get by with 1 button that could fit both needs?  I also wanted to know if I should have one menu button somewhere on the panel to access the software directly from the CP or if that is mostly unnecessary? 

Third, I am looking at purchasing one of the modder computers that TKW4rr10r is selling and was just checking to make sure they can run MAME and Hyperspin (with hypersync) adequately.  I only ask because I honestly don’t know what sort of computer is required for a project like this and I’d like to keep the cost down where I can.  They seem like a really great deal and I would love to take advantage if possible.

Fourth, I’m looking at getting the Mag-Stik Plus for P1/P2 for the flexibility, but should I get anything other than a strict 8way for P3/P4?  I was thinking a plain Mag-Stik for those players, but even that may be overkill.

Lastly, for the CP setup, do I need something like the IPAC4 and something like the IPAC I/O with Ledwiz to setup the buttons and control the lights?  Basically I’ve had a hard time figuring out which control board(s) I need to properly set up a 4 player panel with controllable LED’s.  I wasn’t sure if something like the I/O takes care of it all or if I need multiple things to handle each portion separately.

Thanks for any input anyone may have and I hope to be able to start a project in the project announcement forum soon!

TL/DR:   
1) Hi.
2) Want a 4-player panel with controllable LED buttons and no frankenpanel.
3) ¾” or ½” mdf for best stability for stand-up/pedestal/showcase?
4) Player start and coin buttons or can I get by with 1 to handle both functions?
5) TKW4rr10r’s modder computer able to handle MAME and Hyperspin (with hypersync) adequately?
6) Just 8way sticks for P3/P4 or are adjustable necessary?
7) What control board(s) are need for a 4 player setup with controllable LED’s? (may want to check last question above for details)
Thanks and bye!

[CheffoJeffo]

Welcome!

Onto the questions:
First, we are looking at doing a 32”-40” LCD or LED TV in either a classic standup arcade or showcase/pedestal setup.  I’ve read that mdf board is a good construction material for most of these cabinets.  Is ¾” necessary for stability or would ½” suffice, or would a mix of the two be best?

This is the only question I will address because others are perhaps better suited for the rest and because I hate MDF.  It's heavy, messy and God forbid it gets wet.

For a large pedestal, I would go with 3/4" plywood. Lighter, more rigid, available in a variety of finishes depending on your needs. 

[yotsuya]

Since you want to play a mix of arcade and console games, and you want 4 players, I recommend you go pedestal.

[Token]

Good first post. You've done your homework. Have a cookie.

4) Player start and coin buttons or can I get by with 1 to handle both functions?

Considering you are planning on entertaining a lot with this cabinet with four players, I would have a separate button for coin and start for each player.

6) Just 8way sticks for P3/P4 or are adjustable necessary?

I think you are OK with the 8ways for P3/P4. Here is a list of all 4-way games in MAME: http://www.armchairarcade.com/neo/node/486                                       

7) What control board(s) are need for a 4 player setup with controllable LED’s? (may want to check last question above for details)

If you are going Ultimarc, the IPAC Ultimate I/O has an optional 4-player expansion kit. But this will not support the trackball. Or you can use an IPAC4 with a PacLED 64 which should support everything you are wanting to do.

[n3wt0n]

I like your ambition. That is a long wishlist for a first cab.
 If you go pedestal I would go 40" or even larger. If you go upright I would stay at 32".

[harveybirdman]

I commend your for your research.

You can spend way more on cool custom artwork if you don't do LED's which never appeared in the Arcades and have limited capacity to add functional value other than to show active buttons, therefore they are quite literally as you describe it "bling."

I second Cheffo on plywood, but you can get buy with thinner stuff, especially if you plan on framing it out.

I would also definitely go pedestal, there is s pretty cool Castlevania one from a few years ago that you might want to look at for reference.  Even has the LED's you like

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=117320.0

I can't think of any four play simultaneous 4way joystick games, don't go switchable for p3 and p4.

You can map coin up and start together in MAME, but it's no horrible sin to have the buttons dedicated, especially if you want easy functionality at 4 player Xmen.

[CheffoJeffo]

I second Cheffo on plywood, but you can get buy with thinner stuff, especially if you plan on framing it out.

I hadn't considered framing it, so agree that you can go thinner if you do.

[Milky]

Wow, thanks for the replies all.  I will definitely look into the plywood option and I really like that pedestal that harveybirdman linked.  I'll try to keep you all updated as I look into it more.  Hopefully by sometime in Dec/Jan I can start getting a build going.

[Milky]

Good first post. You've done your homework. Have a cookie.

4) Player start and coin buttons or can I get by with 1 to handle both functions?

Considering you are planning on entertaining a lot with this cabinet with four players, I would have a separate button for coin and start for each player.

6) Just 8way sticks for P3/P4 or are adjustable necessary?

I think you are OK with the 8ways for P3/P4. Here is a list of all 4-way games in MAME: http://www.armchairarcade.com/neo/node/486                                       

7) What control board(s) are need for a 4 player setup with controllable LED’s? (may want to check last question above for details)

If you are going Ultimarc, the IPAC Ultimate I/O has an optional 4-player expansion kit. But this will not support the trackball. Or you can use an IPAC4 with a PacLED 64 which should support everything you are wanting to do.

I do have one question about the last point after taking a look at things.  Do I have to go Ultimarc for the trackball for those boards to work or would I be able to use the IPAC4 and PacLED 64 with something like the Electric Ice trackball from GGG as well?

[jeremymtc]

The IPAC4 does not have an optical encoder, so you'll need a separate optical encoder for the trackball of your choice.

[DeLuSioNal29]

The IPAC4 does not have an optical encoder, so you'll need a separate optical encoder for the trackball of your choice.

Unless you go with Ultimarc's U-Trac (which has a USB interface option) or GroovyGameGear's Electric Ice T 2 which has USB built in as well.  (i.e. - They don't need separate encoders.)

That said:  Both the EET2 has and the U-Trac having different mounting footprints and methods.  So I'd really start there as to which one you want on your panel since they both support USB and have integrated encoders.

D

[Milky]

In case anyone is interested here is a rough sketch that my wife drew up.  This gives at least us at least an idea as to the end goal of what we're looking for.  We're leaning toward the pedestal version, but wanted to see a self-contained unit as well. 

[severdhed]

Welcome, it does indeed sound like you did your homework.

I highly recommend a pedestal.  I replaced my full size 2 piece showcase cabinet with a pedestal/flatscreen combo and it was a great choice.  it takes up 1/3 the ammount of room, plus it is much easier to move around if you have to.    I went with a simplistic approach when building my pedestal, trying to work within my limitations.  I use my 4 player pedestal frequently, it is especially nice when friends are over to visit, plus i have 4 children, so it gets used.  I'll try to answer the questions that i can...

I build mine from 3/4" MDF and I am very happy with it.  It is heavy though.  mine was designed so that no panel was more than 24" wide, this way i could use pre-cut 4ft x 2ft sheets of MDF from home depot.  It costs a little more than buying full sheets and cutting them, but they are much easier to transport and move around by yourself, plus they have nice straight edges on them. 

As for buttons, i prefer separate start and coin buttons for each player.  I like to keep the buttons to a minimum.  i ended up with 7 buttons for players 1 and 2 (6 would have been fine) and 4 buttons for players 3 and 4.  a start button for each player, a coin button for each player, and a single button that acts as both Pause and Exit (pause with quick press, Exit with long press).  Instead of coin buttons on the panel, u placed them on the edge of the box underneath the panel,   causing the user to reach down to press it, which simulates inserting a coin.    the number of buttons and type of sticks you will want will depend greatly on what types of games you wish to play outside of mame.  there are no 4 player games that need more than 4 buttons in mame. however if you plan on doing n64 emulation or something like that, 4 buttons will not be enough.   I run Steam on my cabinet for a few PC games (MK9, Injustice, SF 4, Shovel Knight, Pacman CE, geometry wars,etc) so far my buttons have been sufficient, however there are some good 4 player pc games that need more than 4 buttons...i just avoid them. (or you could have some usb gamepads handy for those)

i use Ultimarc J-Sticks for all 4 players. I like the way they fell, and are easily switchable between 4 and 8 way mode.(you have to open the panel and turn the restrictor plate from below).  They are just modified Sanwa JLWs (the only modification is that there are springs and washers on the bolts to hold the restrictor plate in, this way you can switch it without tools, the stock JLW requires that you loosen the screws, turn the restrictor, then tighten the screws back up)  Generally speaking, i only really end up switching player 1's stick frequently.  however i wanted a consistent look and feel for every player.  I also installed Pacman museum from steam, which has 4 player pacman battle royale.  this is when it is nice to have four 4-way sticks.

I use an Ipac 4 for my controls, but i do not have LED buttons.  I couldn't be happier with the way it performs. 

Have you thought about which trackball you plan on using?  i have had various trackballs over the years in different cabinets...  all 3".  I have a Wico, Ultimarc U-Trak, and GGG Electric ICe T2.  My friend has a 3" happ trackball.  I have to say that i prefer the feel of the happ/ggg trackballs the best. (the GGG is a happ trackball that has been modified)  the Utrak is nice and easy to mount in a 3/4" panel, but it just doens't roll as smoothly as the happ units.    The LED lighting is very comparable between the ultimarc and ggg units.    I don't use any led controller, i just have them wired up as a single color...using an optiwiz encoder for each one.


i have no opinion on LED controllers.

here is the build thread for my 4 player pedestal...

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,134038.0.html


good luck

[Milky]

Welcome, it does indeed sound like you did your homework.

I highly recommend a pedestal.  I replaced my full size 2 piece showcase cabinet with a pedestal/flatscreen combo and it was a great choice.  it takes up 1/3 the ammount of room, plus it is much easier to move around if you have to.    I went with a simplistic approach when building my pedestal, trying to work within my limitations.  I use my 4 player pedestal frequently, it is especially nice when friends are over to visit, plus i have 4 children, so it gets used.  I'll try to answer the questions that i can...

I build mine from 3/4" MDF and I am very happy with it.  It is heavy though.  mine was designed so that no panel was more than 24" wide, this way i could use pre-cut 4ft x 2ft sheets of MDF from home depot.  It costs a little more than buying full sheets and cutting them, but they are much easier to transport and move around by yourself, plus they have nice straight edges on them. 

As for buttons, i prefer separate start and coin buttons for each player.  I like to keep the buttons to a minimum.  i ended up with 7 buttons for players 1 and 2 (6 would have been fine) and 4 buttons for players 3 and 4.  a start button for each player, a coin button for each player, and a single button that acts as both Pause and Exit (pause with quick press, Exit with long press).  Instead of coin buttons on the panel, u placed them on the edge of the box underneath the panel,   causing the user to reach down to press it, which simulates inserting a coin.    the number of buttons and type of sticks you will want will depend greatly on what types of games you wish to play outside of mame.  there are no 4 player games that need more than 4 buttons in mame. however if you plan on doing n64 emulation or something like that, 4 buttons will not be enough.   I run Steam on my cabinet for a few PC games (MK9, Injustice, SF 4, Shovel Knight, Pacman CE, geometry wars,etc) so far my buttons have been sufficient, however there are some good 4 player pc games that need more than 4 buttons...i just avoid them. (or you could have some usb gamepads handy for those)

i use Ultimarc J-Sticks for all 4 players. I like the way they fell, and are easily switchable between 4 and 8 way mode.(you have to open the panel and turn the restrictor plate from below).  They are just modified Sanwa JLWs (the only modification is that there are springs and washers on the bolts to hold the restrictor plate in, this way you can switch it without tools, the stock JLW requires that you loosen the screws, turn the restrictor, then tighten the screws back up)  Generally speaking, i only really end up switching player 1's stick frequently.  however i wanted a consistent look and feel for every player.  I also installed Pacman museum from steam, which has 4 player pacman battle royale.  this is when it is nice to have four 4-way sticks.

I use an Ipac 4 for my controls, but i do not have LED buttons.  I couldn't be happier with the way it performs. 

Have you thought about which trackball you plan on using?  i have had various trackballs over the years in different cabinets...  all 3".  I have a Wico, Ultimarc U-Trak, and GGG Electric ICe T2.  My friend has a 3" happ trackball.  I have to say that i prefer the feel of the happ/ggg trackballs the best. (the GGG is a happ trackball that has been modified)  the Utrak is nice and easy to mount in a 3/4" panel, but it just doens't roll as smoothly as the happ units.    The LED lighting is very comparable between the ultimarc and ggg units.    I don't use any led controller, i just have them wired up as a single color...using an optiwiz encoder for each one.


i have no opinion on LED controllers.

here is the build thread for my 4 player pedestal...

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,134038.0.html


good luck

Thanks for the input!  The wife and I are mostly interested in 4 player arcade games (simpsons, tmnt, etc.), but potentially interested in doing Gamecube games like Mario Tennis and the like.  If that's the case, does it sound like we would need more buttons for P3/P4 then?  I assume those games run all 4 players and aren't restricted to 2 and we are mostly building the 4 player setup to have a blast with our friends when they come over.  I don't know how many games we would have (mario tennis, golf, soccer...) that would require that as there are only a few GC games we would be interested in for that purpose.  We do have 2 360 controllers so maybe the USB option would be a good idea for us for those situations?

As far as the trackball, my initial impression was the Electric Ice ball as it seemed like a decent trackball.  My main concern was if it would work with the IPAC or if there are incompatibilities between the various manufacturers.  I would probably go EE if I know the 2 are compatible. 

Also, I saw your TMNT cabinet thread when I first started looking on this site to gather information.  It is one of the reasons I am interested in the pedestal route as it's a nice looking and not overly complex build/setup.   

[keilmillerjr]

While the mag stick is a quality unit, I disliked the extremely short throw. Buy one and try it first.

I have a trackball from happ modded and led button stuff all new. Willing to sell. Pm if interested.

[Phreakwars]

I agree on the magstick. Got one for my boy, he couldn't play worth a damn with it. It was the short throws that threw him off his game. I personally liked it, and I loved how you could switch between 4 way and 8 way, but all in all, a Happ does a better all around job.

[behrmr]

You can always go with the U360 joysticks and let MAME map it for you or load your own maps. Eg 4 way or 8 way. The drawback is that is not mechanically restricted.  They do sell a top mount drop in restrictor


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Milky]

After what the 3 of you have said I started looking into happ competitive and IL eurostiks.  Is there any significant difference between the two?  I've been reading posts about them, but many of those are circa 2009 and I have no idea how reliable the info is on them anymore.  Basically, my main goal are to get sticks that would be good for games like simpsons, tmnt, etc., but I was looking at the plus for the extra 4way capability for the old school arcade games.  It won't be a terrible loss if the 4way option doesn't make it on however.

[mgb]

Many people say that the il euro sticks are much better than the Happ competitions.

You really only need one stick to have 4-way capability

[mgb]

If I may make a suggestion.
I think most here will agree that arcade games are best played with arcade controls and console games are best played with console controls.
There are some console games that play very well with arcade controls (some of my favorites, Jumpman & bomber man) but most are much better while sitting on the couch with a controller.

[harveybirdman]

If I may make a suggestion.
I think most here will agree that arcade games are best played with arcade controls and console games are best played with console controls.
There are some console games that play very well with arcade controls (some of my favorites, Jumpman & bomber man) but most are much better while sitting on the couch with a controller.

[Phreakwars]

If I may make a suggestion.
I think most here will agree that arcade games are best played with arcade controls and console games are best played with console controls.
There are some console games that play very well with arcade controls (some of my favorites, Jumpman & bomber man) but most are much better while sitting on the couch with a controller.

I agree... my personal solution... on the side of the cabinet, drill yet another hole the same size as a button, and install one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XJDP12W

Then get yourself one (or more) of these:

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002B9XB0E

Perfect for most all console game systems except N64/GameCube/Wii of course. But then, you could always get USB versions of those controllers as well.

On the current bartop I am building, I have Hyperspin running all kinds of consoles besides running MAME, the above listed products allows the guy I am building it for to have the best of both worlds... arcade controls, and console type controls.

[BAMBOO]

I know its a lot to take in building your first cab, but don't neglect the art theme!  If you run into artwork problems you can always ask for help in the Art thread here on the forums and if that doesn't work, I can always free up some time to help out.  Also, do you mind throwing down some pics as you go?  We love following a projects progress.

[Milky]

I know its a lot to take in building your first cab, but don't neglect the art theme!  If you run into artwork problems you can always ask for help in the Art thread here on the forums and if that doesn't work, I can always free up some time to help out.  Also, do you mind throwing down some pics as you go?  We love following a projects progress.

We have the full intention of doing the art properly, but that's a focus for later.  My wife is pretty talented as an artist and comfortable with Photoshop, but I may very well hit you up for help or advice once we get to that point.  We are looking at doing some sort of compilation art, but haven't fleshed it out fully yet.  We were thinking about the 4 ninja turtles around the base/kickplate area, one at each player.  For the CP we were thinking a Mario style background with various characters from games on that background.  Down the side of the pedestal we were thinking about something like names of arcade games in boxes stacked one on top of another. 

Also, once we get started I will definitely post pictures in the projects forum.  It'll help keep us on task and I figure we owe all of you at least that much for the help you've given so far.  Like say though, the project itself may not start until late Dec. or early Jan. due to our holiday madness we have every Christmas.  That's why I'm going full planning/prep phase right now so that we'll be ready to launch once things get less hectic.  I did manage to order a computer from TKW4rr10r on this site so I'll be able to tinker with the software in my free time over the holidays at least 

[Milky]

Ok, so based on all of the comments and suggestions, here is a first-run parts list that I'm considering.  I will try to give a brief explanation as to the breakdown/purpose of the parts so that my reasoning will hopefully make sense.  This list will only be for the components in the CP for now.
               
                        Item                         Qty                                  Thoughts

1)  Classic RGB LED Pushbutton        20                   Ultimarcs RGB buttons, 6 for P1/P2 and 4 for P3/P4

2) Player Button                                 8                    This includes P1-P4 start buttons, and coin buttons for each player

3) Admin Pushbutton (Black)                 2                    2 Admin buttons for exit game and pause, plus shift functionality

4) Ipac4                                                 1                    4 player controls setup

5) PacLED64                                         1                    RGB light button setup

6) Daisy Chain Harness                         1                     To ground all of the buttons (pretty sure I need this but correct me if I'm wrong)

7) Electric ICE-T LED Trackball(USB)         1                     As far as I can tell I don't need to hook this into the Ipac4 with the USB

U360  Joystick                                    2                     Qty is debatable right now.  The wife and I can't decide on 2/2 or 1/3 setup with this and Eurostik

9) IL Eurostick                                         2                      As above


We will probably look into flush mounting USB slots like Phreakwars recommended for non-arcade games.  Other than that is there anything glaringly obvious that I've screwed up or that I'm flat out missing?  Thanks again for all of the comments and suggestions.

[mgb]

6) Daisy Chain Harness                         1                     To ground all of the buttons (pretty sure I need this but correct me if I'm wrong)

7) Electric ICE-T LED Trackball(USB)         1                     As far as I can tell I don't need to hook this into the Ipac4 with the USB

6) yes you will need to daisy chain commons of switches

7) you're correct, that trackball just plugs in as usb

[Milky]

Just in case anyone is still interested, my wife decided to do a scale mock up of the pedestal in the previous picture.  I figured I'd throw it on here in case anyone had opinions.  Also, for what it's worth, I got the computer from TK and have been slowing getting hyperspin, hypersync, and mame installed (with only a few issues so far). 

[mgb]

Looks like a good plan.

I like the angled portion with the speakers.
I also like your wife's dedication to the point of making a mock up.

Do you plan to have a coin door?

[Milky]

We aren't really planning to put a coin door on, we'll be content with the coin buttons up above.  It's possible we would do one of the fake coin door facade's, but it's not really something we're worried about doing.  What we're actually planning on is having something like the 4 turtles in the picture above across the front area there where the players would stand.  We are still looking at putting the game controller plugins on the front, which would probably be on the curved portion.

Also, my wife is as big a geek as me.  We're both college math teachers and she is also an artist and she loves making things.  She's chomping at the bit for the free time to start getting the wood and begin building this thing properly and I'm excited to get working on the wiring of the CP.  Luckily since I got the computer I've been able to at least do some work and even something as simple as firing up hyperpsin and seeing the game previews is putting us both into over-excitement mode!

[keilmillerjr]

You can score used coin doors on the cheap. I'd consider it. It brings so more more entertainment value to kids, and nostalgia to adults.

[mgb]

It definitely helps to have the pc already. It's good that you're able to tweak the programming in while you wait to build.

[Milky]

Ok, now that the family is back out of the house the wife and I are looking to start splashing some cash.  I wanted to ask a couple of things before I place orders though.

1) For the daisy chain harness http://www.ultimarc.com/minipac.html it says on Ultimarc that all of their controls require 4.8mm connections.  Now we're looking at getting some of the GGG Class-X  http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=398:69bfe346c80623062adc708884b14e04  buttons for coins/admin/etc. However, if I'm reading it correctly the Class-X require .187" connections, which is just a touch off. Do I need to do something special here, or will the harness work anyway?

2) About the harness, we have a total of 30 buttons that we are ordering and it looks like the harness will handle 32 connections.  I assume I need to get a second harness to hook up the joysticks and the trackball or do I need something different for those?  On top of that, does the harness do all of the necessary connections from button to board to make them work, or is there another wire bundle I need to order as well as the ground harness? (Since the trackball is the Electric Ice ball with a USB it's probably not a concern there anyway, but I wanted to double check)

3) Also about the harness, if I'm understanding correctly the harness will handle the ground and the LED power.  Do I need to double up on the harness so that the buttons can be linked to the Ipac4 and the LED's can be linked to the PACLED64?

4) I'm sure it's a preference thing, but with the trackball there's the option for a more exposed high ball.  Is there any benefit to that, or is mostly an aesthetic/preference thing?


Thanks for all the help you all have provided so far, and I hope I'm not being too annoying with all the questions.  I have been working hard on the software side and appear to have Hyperspin working and a lot of the media loaded up properly (at least it appears that way).  I'm having some other issues on software, but I'm working hard on getting those sorted out.

I did want to check about when I should start a post in the projects thread.  Should I do that starting with when the first shipment of parts rolls in or wait until we actively start building the pedestal?  There may be a small delay in when we get the shipments and when actual pedestal work will get cracking, so I didn't know the best way to approach that.

[mgb]

The harness is fine for the buttons from GGG.

So you're planning on using an ipac4, not the minipac, right?


Trackball is USB so it will have nothing to do with your ipac4

Yes the highball is a preference thing.

That harness will have nothing to do with the leds.

If you have 30 buttons plus 4 joysticks (4 switches each), yes you will definitely need another harness.
Remember those harnesses are only so long so you will need figure your ipac4 in a good location so everything reaches.

[Milky]

Correct about the Ipac4, I can't believe I forgot to actually mention the specific one.  As far as the harness not having anything to do with the LED's, what would I need to get to wire the RGB buttons to the PACLED64?  I'm having a hard time seeing anything else on the Ultimarc Site that I would order to get those wired up.  Like say, on the order page http://www.ultimarc.com/store/section.php?xSec=2 the daisy chain harness says something about LED power so it has me confused.

[Milky]

Well, I just ordered the 2 Eurosticks from paradise and the trackball and 10 buttons from GGG!  On top of that I believe I'm getting the software issues sorted out so far.  Before I order from Ultimarc I wanted to double check about the wiring.  So based on what mgb said I'm going to get 2 daisy chain harnesses and it looks like the RGB buttons http://www.ultimarc.com/ClassicRGB.html come with their own wires to plug directly into the PACLED64 board.  There shouldn't be anything else needed for wiring the buttons and the LED's correct?  Thanks again!

[jtslade]

Good job dodging a crap bullet on the mag sticks


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[Milky]

I'm planning on getting 2 U360's from Ultimarc when I order as well based on recommendations from this thread.

[jtslade]

I've never tried the U360's. I hear that fighting guys like them.

I still think that a restricted 4 way for pacman and other 4way games can't be beat..

What are you going to output to?


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[Milky]

Not entirely sure what you mean, but using an Ipac4 and PacLED64 to a 42" LCD TV.

[Milky]

It's looking like I may have to hold off on the Ultimarc order for the moment.  According to google search the site may be hacked.

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=ultimarc