Access to keyboard while playing cab.

[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.

[boojix]

i have mine running a VNC server, and when i need to do anything keyboard-related i just connect to it remotely.  of course, this is only an option if your MAME computer is capable of this and if you have another computer nearby.

[fredster]

I put a wireless on my machine.  I had a slot cut for the reciever on the computer and hung the board on the back.

[telengard]

I put a wireless on my machine.  I had a slot cut for the reciever on the computer and hung the board on the back.

I did something similar.   Wireless keyboard and two L shaped hooks which hold the keyboard in the back of the cab.  I very rarely need the keyboard since I got my little 12 button keypad.

[joeblade]

Thanks everyone. Some good suggestions in all of the above.

Joe

[JustMichael]

I have a wireless Keyboard and mouse (RF) for the cab when I need them.  I also have the cabinet hooked up to the house lan so that I can update things remotely (like roms & mame).

[Stingray]

I have a regular wired keyboard inside my coin door. I very rarely use it, which is a good thing since it's a royal pain in the tookus to fish it out from below the coin bucket.

-S

[pmc]

I did a drawer under the CP and have a $15 keyboard and mouse inside. I actually love that feature now (I waz skeptical in the beginning). Sometimes when I'm working on something, I sit on a stool in front of the cabinet and read this board, download new software, use other software, and generally use the machine as full PC. Considering the snail's pace of late-stage development of the cabinet, the key/mouse get used quite a bit.

Installation was easy which suprised me. I was worried about getting it right. I used drawer rails from Home Depot and a piano hinge, and it looks OK.

It's wicked convenient and totally self contained. I'd do it this way again.

[ErikRuud]

Right now, I just have a keyboard inside the door.  I am considering either a wireless one, or possibly one of the "Indestructible" rubber ones that is only about 1/4" thick.



1Up, KaZaa Lite!  

[Ghoward]

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 a keyboard draw on my cab, it's great as I also play C64 games on it too. I also use it for picking games to play in Mame as I use Mame32.

For me it's the fastest way to get to the game you want you just start typing the name of the game and it takes you to it.

Gary

[Sasquatch!]

I have a wireless Keyboard and mouse (RF) for the cab when I need them.  I also have the cabinet hooked up to the house lan so that I can update things remotely (like roms & mame).

This is my setup exactly.

[DeathDealer]

I have a port down in the front of my 3/4 mame, you can not see it unless you get on the floor and look for it. its connected to the second port on the I-pac with a keyboard wire extension.  I use the key board on regular ocasion.

[Ted_Striker]

I used to use wired keyboard behind coin door.  rarely used it, but it was a pain in the $%# when I had to.  Bought  wireless (rf) keyboard.  Works like a champ.  I just sit it on top of the cab (near the back, you can't see it) when not in use.  

Now I upgraded cab pc with win xp pro.  if you do that you can use remote desktop for all your uses.  haven't used my wireless keyboard yet since upgrade using remote desktop (going on 3 mos).  And unlike VNC (yeah I know there are free ones out there), this one is built right in to windows; a couple clicks and it just works.

[Brad Lee]

Another vote for the wireless keyboard. Mines IR, so I needed to locate the receiver unit somewhere that is visible. I'm using tinted plexi over the monitor, and there was just enough room between the top of the monitor and the opening(just below the marquee area) to mount it.

For the keyboard itself, under the control panel is a gap of a few inches, the width of the cabinet. It fits there nicely, and when I finish my CP overlay, there will be a hinged flap covering that area