Building the Control panel

[the3eyedblindman]

Ok, quick question, in mame games are all the games the same buttons? for example when using a keyboard, lets say "A" is punch in Moonwalker, would this also be shoot in NBA Jam, Punch in Street Fighter, and so on... Basically so when you interface all the same ontrols will work for every game.


2. Is there any place you can buy cheap lightguns or trackballs, at happs controls there like 180 dollars each, thats alot.

[Chemixtry2]

Ok, quick question, in mame games are all the games the same buttons? for example when using a keyboard, lets say "A" is punch in Moonwalker, would this also be shoot in NBA Jam, Punch in Street Fighter, and so on... Basically so when you interface all the same ontrols will work for every game.

1) In Mame "A" would represent button 1 in every game, "b" - or whatever you assign - button 2
If you want to change which button is used for what, you can also do that at on a game by game basis
2) Act-labs makes a light gun that is only $34.95, for trackball I would look on ebay for something cheaper

[the3eyedblindman]

So basically on your control panel i should make sure i have a tab and enter button, so for everygame i just change my controls by scrolling down and assigning them to each of my buttons right?

[AmericanDemon]

Correct.  I'm making a standard panel that stays on my pedestal that contains admin keys like you specified.  You are definitely on the right track of thought.

[the3eyedblindman]

I think im finaally understanding how simple this is, it really doesnt matter what keys you make your button connections too, because once your playing the game and press your tab key on the control panel, you just scroll down to lets say "1 player start"  press enter, and press what button on your control panel you want that to be, ay? i think i am finally getting how people say alittle research on this site is all you need to build your own cabinet...

[pointdablame]

You also don't need admin keys if you don't want them.  Most keyboard encoders have a shift key of some sort, so you can assign TAB to a two button press combo, as well as esc, ~, etc.