Help! Am I Nuts Or Does This Make Sense?

[bcard74]

Hi all.  Thanks for all the replies regarding the speed of your Mame computers.  I am getting a huge amount of info here and getting very excited about getting started on my cabinet.  I have been planning quite a bit and have decided on what I would *like* to have in my cabinet, but I don't know if it will work realistically.  It is going to be busy, but here is what I am thinking, let me know if this is doable.

Firstly, I LOVE Track And Field.  It was always my fav game in the arcades, and I want to set up 2 stations with the 2 run and 1 jump buttons in the original manner.  I plan on using the IPAC for all of my button/joystick interfaces, and will also install 2 4/8 way joysticks with 6 buttons each in addition to the T&F setup.  I know it is redundant to have those 3 buttons on the side when they are part of the joystick/6 button setup, but as I said, I really like the original button layout.

As well, I plan on installing an OPTIPAC with a trackball for my other fav, GTG.  Since my wife is a Pole Position fan, I am hoping to rig something up off the OPTIPAC spinner with a racing wheel.

WHEW, I can see you all shaking your heads right now, and I realize this is ALOT of stuff to cram on one panel.  However, if the wheel is removable, do you realistically think I can set such a beast up?  Do you have any suggestions on how else I can do this?  I really like the idea of having the 6 buttons as well so I can play newer games if I should feel like it.

Thanks in advance for all your help, I am quickly becoming addicted to this board!

[Rocky]

I think you should consider making switchable control panels. The size panel you would need to get everything on one would be pretty big. If you keep the Ipac and Optipac in the cabinet, all the control panels could use it.

However, it's your machine. If you want to put all the controls in one panel, make sure you test it out first. Mount the sticks and buttons on a cardboard mock-up or a cheap scrap wood test panel to make sure you won't be smacking your hands into other stuff.

Have fun and good luck on your project

Rocky