First MAME project.. CP and Trackball questions..

[CCM]

I'm just starting my first, acually my first two, MAME projects, and I'm already completely hooked!  I have 2 Bally Sente cabinets from 1985, the games were Gimme a Break and Mini Golf.  I got them both for $50.  Gimme a Break actually worked when I got it, but Minnie Golf didn't work at all.  Anyway, I've already ripped everything out of both machines.  My questions are:  

1)  Is it possible to use the existing trackballs using an opti-pac for an interface to the computer?  

2)  I've been kicking around layouts and ideas for my control panel, and I think it will end up being about 15" by 33".  I've looked at a bunch of examples and was wondering what is the best way to connect the new CP to the cabinet?  Thanks in advance...

[dgodwin]

I'm just starting my first, acually my first two, MAME projects, and I'm already completely hooked!  I have 2 Bally Sente cabinets from 1985, the games were Gimme a Break and Mini Golf.  I got them both for $50.  Gimme a Break actually worked when I got it, but Minnie Golf didn't work at all.  Anyway, I've already ripped everything out of both machines.  My questions are:  

1)  Is it possible to use the existing trackballs using an opti-pac for an interface to the computer?  

Probably.  It depends on what kind of trackball you have.  You can probably get almost any trackball working with the optipac, some are just easier than others.  

2)  I've been kicking around layouts and ideas for my control panel, and I think it will end up being about 15" by 33".  I've looked at a bunch of examples and was wondering what is the best way to connect the new CP to the cabinet?  Thanks in advance...

Most control panels are bolted to the cabinet.  You don't want a nail, screw, or glue to let go when in the middle of some intense game playing, right?

Daniel