How Many buttons?

[Smittydc]

I came across a free space invaders cabinet and I'm building a machine that will be used almost entirely for the classics (pac-man, asteroids, centipede, Mr. Do, joust, etc.).  Also, I want to fit all the controls within the existing ~6x22" space.

I'm thinking of going joystick - 3 buttons - trackball - joystick - 2 buttons.

Has anyone who has built something similar share their experience?  Did you find you wanted more buttons later?

I know Defender will be a pain with this setup -- but getting that game to play well with any setup seems difficult.

Thanks for your advice,
Dustin

[Thenasty]

your setup would work ok for defender if you have defender setup to have the thrust and reverse byt going LEFT/RIGHT on the joystick, then use the 3 buttons for FIRE, BOMB, HYPERSPACE. Same goes for Stargate.

[Howard_Casto]

I came across a free space invaders cabinet and I'm building a machine that will be used almost entirely for the classics (pac-man, asteroids, centipede, Mr. Do, joust, etc.).  Also, I want to fit all the controls within the existing ~6x22" space.

First off if the SI cab is in even decent shape do NOT even think about altering it in a permenant way.  Space Invaders is one of the oldest and most unique cabinets ever.  It shouldn't be ruined by boring holes in the original control panel or haivng god awful mame sideart plastered on the side.

Secondly Space Invaders is worth a LOT of money if it's in good shape and fairly complete.   If all you are wanting is a mame cab sell this free one on ebay for a more suitable conversion.  You can set a realitively high reserve and have the bidder pay actual shipping and it will still get bought.  

Not trying to rain on your parade, just doing my job, trying to preseve the classics.

[Smittydc]

No worries.

The cab is for space invaders deluxe, and already gutted.

The side-art is in perfect condition though.