building a driving game cabinet

[pocketz]

i have been researching the construction of a driving game cab. i plan to use all happcontrols.com real arcade controls. my setup will include:
* 360 degree happ modular steering wheel assembly
* single microswitch high/low shifter (for turbo, pole position) i will use arcade buttons for other game functions
* dual pedal foot controls with pot on gas and microswitch on brake

what is your opinion on happcontrols.com USB driving controls adapter for a PC?

http://www.happcontrols.com/joysticks/950800xx.htm

i also thought about hacking a mouse to the arcade steering wheel but then how could the arcade gas throttle control also be connected?

arcade driving machines use throttles with variable potentiometers on the pedal. does mame accept this type of input?

thanks
-paul

[pocketz]

this is a picture of the control placement so far


i got measurements off the happ website and made cutouts to play around with the layout.

figured id throw in the joysticks and a decent trackball because they fit and it adds to the number of games playable on the cabinet. its tight but my hands wont bump into anything.

the 1&2 player start and insert coin buttons will be located elsewhere on the cabinet.

your opinions and suggestions are welcome.

-thanks
paul

[Bursar]

It looks like it will be really awkward to play games that use the 8 way stick and the buttons. You'll have to reach around the wheel (unless it's removable).

I'm currently toying with a similar idea for my cabinet.

I'm going to use swappable control panels, and hook up a USB hub so I can get an adapter and use my PSX wheel with the cab.

That should offer a much better solution.

[SNAAAKE]

okay very off topic..DUUUUDEEEE !!!!

you cabinet look awsome !!!....seriouslly..some serious skills you got there man

as for driving games...would your plan work on console games.

i mean look at the games..daytona,ridge racer,rush 2049 and plenty more..anyone has any clue on console wheel hack..please post any and all info...thanks  

[pocketz]

i found a picture of a cabinet with the happ modular steering wheel installed.


looks like theres lots of prime real estate left on the control panel for additional controls.

[Bursar]

I'm sure everything will fit, but how comfy will it be with a joystick in your left hand, the buttons at your far right fingertips, and a steering wheel pressed into your chest?

I'd really want to be sure it was going to work out OK, otherwise I reckon you'd be better building seperate CPs for the steering wheel and joysticks.

[pocketz]

not sure if i stand close enough that the steering wheel would get in the way. your right that the 8way joystick could use a little more room. your suggestion will make me rearrange the design. the diagonal 4way is for congobongo and qbert only. i just cant stand to leave any valuable space unused on the CP.

maybe there isnt any driving game as examples on the cabinet websites because its freakin expensive. controls from happs alone is around $650.

the machine started out being made solely for turbo and the pole position mame games. this will be my second hand built mame cabinet. i plan on placing it inbetween a spyhunter machine and an A.P.B. machine.