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Access to keyboard while playing cab.

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joeblade:

Just wondering what strategies people are using for keyboard access whilst playing on their cab.

I was originally planning on having some old computer emus on my cab aswell (C64, amiga etc), but a lot of the games would require some key to start the game that may not be mapped to a CP input (anything that requires a keyboard (as opposed to a joystick) during the game will definately not be loaded on the cab).

I have seen a few options on the net, such as having draws or the front panel of the CP flipping down, but in all honesty, I reckon I would make a mess of doing something like that.

Just wondering if people use their keyboards much, or whether most of you don't even have one plugged in ?

Cheers

Joe

p.s on another note, my dad and I spent the weekend constructing my cab. Its probably about 70% complete. I will post another message about that however.







1UP:

You'll need a keyboard available for occasional maintenace (adding roms, updating mame etc) but you should be able to deal with most emulators without it.  Consider using a frontend like Emulaxian or Dragon King that can handle a variety of emulators from one interface.  Usually these will also let you define key functions.  I am assuming you're using an encoder for your controls, in which case it basically functions like a keyboard anyway.  I believe there are ways to have different keymaps load depending on the emu.

If you're using a gamepad hack or similar, there are programs that let you remap the buttons to keystrokes as needed.  You should be able to find one in the Software section.

This should get you started.  Good luck!

1UP:

BTW, most people just keep a keyboard inside the coin door or on top of the cab for easy access...  A little easier than building a special drawer.

(damn it's hard typing when Kazaa keeps stealing focus every 10 seconds!!!  >:( Now I remember why I stopped using it...well that and the spyware...)

joeblade:

I currently have my pc configured with mamewah, so that side of thins is cool.

I am using a KE72 encoder card (bought it yonks ago), but don't want to reflash different mappings for specific emulators.

I saw a classic on the Vice (commodore C64 etc ..) port for the xbox. A particular button on the pad displays a keyboard overlay on the screen (the transparency can be changed), keyboard keys can then be navigated to and activated. If only the PC version had this sort of thing.

I will have a dig around anyway.

"A little easier than building a special drawer" - Yeah, have to agree with that !

Cheers


NoOne=NBA=:

I've got a USB hub inside the CP area of my cab, that I can use when needed.

You could also do a wireless keyboard, and just store it wherever you wanted to until you needed it.

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