Mame cabinet control panel component

[martin35]

Good morning Guys

I’m new on this forum and I thank you in advance for all  the input.

I want to build a mame cabinet to play mostly old 80’s arcade game. I was planning to buy an X Arcade “Joystick,button,encoder” package  but after reading reviews and comments it looks like their component are cheap.

Do you have advice about good quality (not necessarily the best) component to build my control panel ? I have “OK” computer and electronic skills and I‘m used to build stuff. I would like to find a package including everything needed but I’m open to the idea to buy individual parts as well,  but I’ll need some advice to make sure I do not forget parts and have everything compatible together. I’ve look at place like http://groovygamegear.com and https://na.suzohapp.com but I’m a little lost in their huge selection.

Here is what I “think” I need.

-(2) 8 ways joystick
-Approx. (15) push button with microswitch
-Keyboard encoder
-Wiring


Hopefully I’ve been clear, English is not my first language…


Thanks again for your help.


Martin

[Ian]

As far as Encoders go... I have always used Ipac from Ultimarc.

[Titchgamer]

You are better buying individual components it will work out better.

Dont skimp on the cost of controls they make or break a gaming experience.

I would normally use Happ sticks and buttons and a Ipac for most generic builds but that is just me.

[martin35]

Guys

Thank you for for the feed back I will look at those component. While you were responding I was typing the following message. I will post it anyway, feel free to comment

Thanks

I did some home work and here is what I've choose so far (everything from GGG):

Keyboard encoder : KeyWiz MAx 2.0
  http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=199:6b9099075115a4c48a09fe9cf5fcd439

Push button :  Arcade prime
http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=347:53a6975dc67fafcc6b678d6df120041d

Joystick (I'm hesitating between those 2) :

Zippyy (I like the look better)
http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=371:bfa8b6d0e068def1ea2e69fccfcdbaa4

Happ competition (better reputation)
http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=287

Do I  need anything else ? Any experience with those component ?

[paigeoliver]

You don't want a $9 joystick. The sticks on my main cabinet were well over $100 each and that was back when you could even get them. Happ Perfect 360 with Robotron handles.

[GeoMan]

You can also consider the Ultrastick 360 joysticks: each comes with its own encoder attached (and USB cable), can drive 8 buttons (15 with the "shift" function) and are fully programmable so you can set them as 4-way, 8-way, 2-way, diagonals, analog, e.t.c.

That way you also save on the separate encoder, as you don't need it anymore...

You will find them here: http://ultimarc.com/ultrastik_info.html

[martin35]

Great advice here. It looks very interesting ....I will dig into that

Thanks

Martin

You can also consider the Ultrastick 360 joysticks: each comes with its own encoder attached (and USB cable), can drive 8 buttons (15 with the "shift" function) and are fully programmable so you can set them as 4-way, 8-way, 2-way, diagonals, analog, e.t.c.

That way you also save on the separate encoder, as you don't need it anymore...

You will find them here: http://ultimarc.com/ultrastik_info.html