Extra Mame Keys on CP

[vaderag]

So I've been starting to set up my system in prep for my build and in playing around with Mame I've realised that maybe I want a couple of extra buttons - pause game, save state, load state, restart rom etc

How do other people handle this? Ideally i'd like to keep the CP as clean as possible...

[vwalbridge]

In regards to the "extra" buttons you mentioned:

I like a pause button but I like it hidden. You don't really need a "restart rom" button because you can just hit the "menu" button for your FE and start over that way.

Save and load states are pushing it over the edge for me. I wouldn't use those.

When it comes to admin buttons (especially on your CP) I would only put the absolute minimum. Less buttons=less confusion=cleaner panel.

[big10p]

Why not just use a combo for admin functions? e.g. I use:

P1_start + UP = fast forward
P1_start + DOWN = pause
P1_start + RIGHT = enter/exit MAME menu
P1_start + LEFT = ENTER

[vaderag]

Why not just use a combo for admin functions? e.g. I use:

P1_start + UP = fast forward
P1_start + DOWN = pause
P1_start + RIGHT = enter/exit MAME menu
P1_start + LEFT = ENTER

Didn't realise you could do that. I'm using an ipac so have a shift too, so guess I could use that in a similar manner now you mention it.

Re restart rom, I'm using autosave, mostly to get through the long load up sequences some games have. But obviously if I have a friend over I may want to restart...

[BadMouth]

I like a dedicated Exit button and maybe Pause, but that's it.
Real coin mechs add to the nostalgia, but I also like having the option of using a button or a combo to add a coin.

It's been many versions of MAME ago, but last time I messed around with save states you were required to press a different key afterward to choose the slot.
Something about the way it worked prevented me from adding it to my cab.

I would like to get the emulated Neo Geo card option in MAME working incorporated into my cab though.

Personally, I don't like using combos.
If they are used for things like add coin, you'll have to keep reminding guests what they are.
If they're only used for things guests shouldn't get into, I guarantee you that someone will repeatedly accidentally activate them even though there is no reason for them to be moving the joystick while pressing P1 Start.

[vaderag]

I like a dedicated Exit button and maybe Pause, but that's it.
Real coin mechs add to the nostalgia, but I also like having the option of using a button or a combo to add a coin.

It's been many versions of MAME ago, but last time I messed around with save states you were required to press a different key afterward to choose the slot.
Something about the way it worked prevented me from adding it to my cab.

I would like to get the emulated Neo Geo card option in MAME working incorporated into my cab though.

Personally, I don't like using combos.
If they are used for things like add coin, you'll have to keep reminding guests what they are.
If they're only used for things guests shouldn't get into, I guarantee you that someone will repeatedly accidentally activate them even though there is no reason for them to be moving the joystick while pressing P1 Start.

What's the Neo Geo card option thing?

I plan to have a button for P1 & P2 to add coin (i'm not adding a mech), but i would like the save state stuff if possible. This will mostly be used on my own, and with a young child, playing straight is a challenge!!

Totally agree with you on having things there that don't need to be tho, hence the question!

[BadMouth]

What's the Neo Geo card option thing?

Neo Geo arcade machines had a memory card slot where the person could save their progress.
It was compatible with the home machines too, so you could save your progress at home and then play in the arcade and vice versa.

It is emulated in MAME, but was only on the Neo Geo machines so those are the only games it will work on.
I want to simulate it someday because my cab is Neo Geo themed.
Someday if I'd like to play through the Neo Geo adventure games like Magician Lord.

[Ginsu Victim]

I like a dedicated Exit button and maybe Pause, but that's it.

Those are the only dedicated buttons on mine. I do have hidden admin functions, but those are the only ones on the actual CP.

Pause doubles as SELECT for console games.

[vaderag]

What do people do if they don't have a dedicated exit button... that's actually something I hadn't considered...

EDIT: Also, just realised that for saves you do need to select a key (a-z) if you don't have autosave on... I guess in theory they would map to each of your buttons so you would have a save state 'under' each P1 button on a load state...

[BadMouth]

What do people do if they don't have a dedicated exit button... that's actually something I hadn't considered...

EDIT: Also, just realised that for saves you do need to select a key (a-z) if you don't have autosave on... I guess in theory they would map to each of your buttons so you would have a save state 'under' each P1 button on a load state...

They use a combo.  Most of the popular interfaces like KeyWiz or Ipac have a combo built in that posts the ESC key.

When I first started out I had an X-arcade.  IIRC it had you hold down on one of the pinball buttons and one of the start buttons simultaneously for ESC.
I got tired of guests repeatedly asking what the combo was, so I added a dedicated red exit button (using the unused middle mouse button input on the trackball harness).
Every CP I've built since has had a dedicated exit button.  You can use any key you want in MAME, but ESC works for the broadest range of other emulators and PC games.

[Token]

So I've been starting to set up my system in prep for my build and in playing around with Mame I've realised that maybe I want a couple of extra buttons - pause game, save state, load state, restart rom etc

How do other people handle this? Ideally i'd like to keep the CP as clean as possible...

Pause, escape, and...

[vaderag]

Funny - that's the exact one I have bought fir this machine lol.

You might well be right... Just leave the extra stuff to that!!