The Time Has Come...

[eyal8r]

Hey guys-
Yes, it's time. I am starting construction tomorrow, so God help me. LOL...

Here's my plans. Just the basic cab from the Project Arcade Book's plans. I have an extensive background in graphics, but, not sure how much I want to dedicate to this project. So, might be typical graphics- we'll see.

So- as far as the CP goes- here's what I'd like to do...

4 Player, Gauntlet style- 4 8-ways, 2player = 7 button, 2 player = 4 button
2- 4 way controls
At least one trackball (do I/can I use 2?)
At least 1 spinner (again, do I need 2 spinners?)
2 light guns

and might throw in a Mic for ye ol sing alongs...

So- questions are: Do I need/can I have all this AND 2 trackballs- do I need 2?  Same with spinners- do I need 2? What games require 2 for each?

Also- it IS possible to hook up all this AND 2 light guns, right?  Can you guys get back to me so I can plan my cp out?
Thanks!
D

[Snarbald]

Why don't you look into swappable control panels instead of the "One Panel to Control Them All" approach?

[eyal8r]

hmmm- thanks for the reply. I honestly want everything on one panel just so I dont have to deal with switching it out, and building 2 different panels.  I think it'll all fit, well, at least everything with just 1 TB and spinner, right?  Question is, is it POSSIBLE for it to have 2 of each?
D

[TOK]

The Ultimarc stuff allows for 2 trackballs and spinners, but there really aren't many games that use them simultaneously. Unless you're aiming to play a specific game that requires it, one of each is enough.
I think we're to the point now where a lot of guys are on their second or third panel and have discovered its worth it to skip playing a couple of games if it eliminates the need for a control panel resembling a Playskool Activity Center.

[eyal8r]

Yeah, I hear that. I'd really like to play marble madness 2 players at a time, but again, it might not be totally worth it either. Also, I'm sure I could go down to one spinner- dont know of any games that need 2 (shoot, which games even USE a single spinner?  Tron, that's right- yup, gotta have a spinner). So, I'll probably just go with  single TB/spinner, 4 player setup, and 2 4-ways and I'll be all set. Since I'm building today- can someone answer me on this-
with all this setup on the CP, it's possible to also have 2 light guns, correct?
Thanks guys!
D

[Tiger-Heli]

can someone answer me on this-
with all this setup on the CP, it's possible to also have 2 light guns, correct?

Correct - The Act-Labs lightguns are USB, so no problems, but I don't know if they're still available (outside of Fleabay).

Regarding your earlier questions -

I don't know that you need TWO 4-ways.

Dual Trackballs - Marble Madness, CABAL, Rampart, probably a couple others.

Dual Spinners - Blasteroids, dual 360-degree driving games.

Single Spinner - Tron, Tempest, Arkanoid, etc.

Tron needs a trigger-stick that you don't mention.

[eyal8r]

Ahhh- what about Q-bert?  Will that work off the normal 4 way, or, do I have to mount ANOTHER 4 way at an angle so he hops correctly?

I am going to cut 2 holes to hold the guns, wherever I get them from. Sounds like other than my question above, 1 4 way will suffice (Q-Bert???).

I'll probably only go with a single TB as well. I'd like to hve 2, but....

I'll also go with a single spinner.

Freeing up all this space will make room for a Tron stick, I think. Thanks guys!
D

[Tiger-Heli]

Ahhh- what about Q-bert?  Will that work off the normal 4 way, or, do I have to mount ANOTHER 4 way at an angle so he hops correctly?

Depends on how much of a purist you are.  It definitely will NOT work with a restricted 4-way, but I don't think you have nearly the problems playing it with an 8-way that you would with say Pac-Man and an 8-way.

[paigeoliver]

Dual 4-way games include

Puckman Pokemon and several other 2 player Pac-Man type games.
Wizard of Wor
Bloxeed and MANY, MANY other puzzle games.
Karate Champ
Assault


Dual Trackballs - Marble Madness, CABAL, Rampart, Atari Basketball, Football, Baseball, and Soccer. Ataxx. Dunk shot if it ever gets emulated. Tehkan World Cup

Dual Spinners - Blasteroids, dual 360-degree driving games. Arkanoid Returns, Off the Wall (BOTH games with this title are dual spinner). Eliminator, Warlords, there are more.

Single Spinner - Tron, Super Breakout, Avalanche, Tempest, Arkanoid, Every Sega vector game. Homo, Goindol,  and a whole bunch of other Arkanoid clones. Wheel of Fortune, Pachinko Sexy Reaction, Two Tigers, Omega Race, Gee Bee, Bomb Bee,  Circus, Cutie Q, Aztarac, and many more.

Tron needs a trigger-stick that you don't mention.