N64 emu in a Cab - Control idea's

[Slice]

Any of you guys run a N64 emulator in a cabinet. If so how do you run the controls. Mapping buttons is not a problem, but I don't think my 6 button Control Panel will be enough?
Any idea's?

[nullb0y]

i have an idea for you
get a yellow knobed 2axis joystick for the c buttons
get a 4 axis for the d-pad
and get one of those analogue controls for the joystick and color code the a b l r start and z buttons

[Howard_Casto]

Any of you guys run a N64 emulator in a cabinet. If so how do you run the controls. Mapping buttons is not a problem, but I don't think my 6 button Control Panel will be enough?
Any idea's?

N64 games are not well-designed for arcade control panels as most of them need analog inputs to play well.  Most people don't run n64 games on thier arcade controls for this reason.  Your best bet is to order a n64 to usb adaptor and use an actual n64 controller for playing n64 games.  

[Lilwolf]

I was going to try going with an analog flight stick with a trigger button (for the z)... then buttons for all the rest.

shouldn't be hard for the games I play.

Of course... I haven't got it working yet...

the usb controller would also be the best functionally... but not the best solution for looks.

[Howard_Casto]

I was going to try going with an analog flight stick with a trigger button (for the z)... then buttons for all the rest.

shouldn't be hard for the games I play.

Of course... I haven't got it working yet...

the usb controller would also be the best functionally... but not the best solution for looks.

I've tried this solution and it doesn't work very well.  The n64's analog detection is based upon the idea that you are using a tiny little thumb control for directions.  When you try to use a flight stick or something similar it kills your arm because you have to slam the sucker to do extreme left and right, which is genrally required a lot on n64 games.  The only thing I have that might work is a kicker control I got off of an old football game, but it would require some modding to the centering mechanism so that it isn't centered with "down/back" pressed.  If anyone wants this to try to hack I'll give you a good deal.  

The only way to play these games right is with an analog gamepad.  Even the dual shock gamepads work farily well.  

[Dave_K.]

Can't you just increase the resistance level on the pots of the analog joystick so you don't have to move it as far?  

Also, if you are contstantly moving it from one extreme to the other, then you are proobably not using it for analog response anway and can just use a digital 8way joystick.  

Again...probably depends on the game...

-Dave

[Howard_Casto]

Can't you just increase the resistance level on the pots of the analog joystick so you don't have to move it as far?  

Also, if you are contstantly moving it from one extreme to the other, then you are proobably not using it for analog response anway and can just use a digital 8way joystick.  

Again...probably depends on the game...

-Dave

You can't adjust the resistance because the n64 emulators won't let you and it definately isn't an option in the games as only one official n64 controller was ever made.  

The thing with n64 games is for analog controls, especially in fps and mario games there are two "zones."  There's a light tap which is used for subtle movements and then there is full throttle, which is for quicker movements.  Mario 64 is a great example.  You need to move the stick to extremes to run, which is used most of the time, but there are still certain areas that walking and tip-toeing are necessary.  Racing games are the same way on the n64.  The problem is the way the zones are setup there is a huge gap between the two, mainly because the thumbstick  is so small.  So to go from delicate movements to more extreme movements quickly you have to violently jerk the stick from almost centered to extreme left/right.  It's not stressfull on the hands at all on the regular n64 pad, but it's a killer after a while on a flight stick.   The only way I could see this done is with a tiny analog stick, maybe the size of an 8-way arcade stick or smaller.  

[Lilwolf]

The only game I really care about is Zelda (my daughter wants me to play that !@# game 2 times a day.... we already went through it twice... and I did once before... both versions)

But it's VERY important.  I have it currently working with just a digital 8way and it works well in most games.... but there are times that I just can't do something...

btw, this only works because the emulator does it.

[Howard_Casto]

The only game I really care about is Zelda (my daughter wants me to play that !@# game 2 times a day.... we already went through it twice... and I did once before... both versions)

But it's VERY important.  I have it currently working with just a digital 8way and it works well in most games.... but there are times that I just can't do something...

btw, this only works because the emulator does it.

Perhaps you could graft an 8way shaft/handle onto a cheap analog joystick.... if you could make sure that the shaft sticks out the same as it would in a normal 8-way base, then it would have the same extreme limits as a standard 8-way, which is considerably less than a normal flight stick. You could even force the limits with the hole size on the cp and calibrate in windows accordingly.  With some practice it might actually work.  Those cheap 2$ game port sticks would be a good canidate as their handle screws completely off if you take them apart.    

Actually that's the best solution I can think of.... it wouldn't ugly up your cp with non-arcade parts and you would have a delicate, sensitive, analog stick on your panel.  Wow I'm glad I thought of it!

[Lilwolf]

I actually have a 8way triggered that isn't in a control panel and a true analog that isnt'.

I have the items to try making one... but not the time...

I haven't figured out a good button layout... but I can get close.