Wondering about getting the right controls for rotary games

[Bursk]

I've only recently thought about adding rotary controls to my CP, and I now find myself wondering how exactly to correctly go about this.  I have done some searching, but I'd really like a definitive answer on what exactly I'll need.

I'm building a 2 player panel, but I want player 1 to have a 49-way with rotary, and player 2 to use a combination of analog stick with built-in fire buttons and spinner.  You can see my CP layout(s) in this thread here (feel free to comment on what you think of the designs):

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=44606.0

So what will I need to get my 'CP 2' panel to function properly?  Anyone got a list of parts?

Also, what about the software side of things?  Am I going to be able to configure MAME (I usually use MAME32 Plus! but can always run another version just for the rotary games) so that the rotary part works properly for both player 1 and player 2 (considering that they'll be using different controls to rotate their character)?

[markrvp]

For player 1 you will need a GP-Wiz 49 & 49-way joystick.

[Bursk]

That is exactly the sort of detailed reply I was looking for!  Thanks a bunch.

Of particular concern to me was whether or not my unusual rotary setup would work for both player 1 and player 2.  I have no interest in only being able to play rotary games with 1 player.  I know player 2 having to use a joystick and spinner isn't ideal, but as long as my setup will work well (which you've indicated it will) then I'm happy.

Oh, can I just use standard MAME i.e. MAME32 Plus!, for what you've described - 'In MAME you map the rotary control for player 1 to the two inputs on the GP-Wiz 49 (one rotates left, one rotates right).  You will map player 1 rotary to this in MAME for Ikari Warriors and other rotary games.  For player two you will map the rotary control to the mouse axis your spinner uses.' or will I need something like Analog MAME (not that specifically, but some sort of deidcated build)?

The analog sticks I'm considering are both from Happ.  It's either going to be the 'Analog Joystick with Trigger Handle' - http://www.happcontrols.com/joysticks/95006500.htm or the 'Heavy Duty Analog Trigger Joystick' (I'm assuming this has a trigger button as well as two thumb buttons) - http://www.happcontrols.com/joysticks/95070100.htm.

I haven't ordered any parts yet, so it'll be a while before I'm ready to get everything assembled.  I will let you know, however.

[markrvp]

I like this one better, mainly because it is like the Tron stick.

[Bursk]

An optical rotary device actually gives you smoother response in rotary games as MAME is looking for an optical device (read Mouse Axis) instead of the more authentic mechanical rotary switch. 

So how well would rotary games work when using the player 1 controls?

[markrvp]

It works pretty well.  Mechanical Rotary joysticks have actual click stops when you turn.  In Ikari Warriors, the gun doesn't rotate freely like in Tron - it has distinct stops which correspond to the click stops on the mechanical rotary switch.  The trick in MAME is to adjust the analog sensitivity to where one click on the rotary switch actually translates to one movement of the gun.  Sometimes when turning quickly, MAME will miss a click.  It's not a big problem, only a slight annoyance at times.  If you can adjust it correctly, the game plays with more of an authentic feel to the original game with mechanical rotary sticks.

[Bursk]

And I'll be using a Mechanical Rotary setup if I go for the GP-Wiz 49/49-way joystick/fl0yd's rotary adapter/Druin's interface combo?

[markrvp]

And I'll be using a Mechanical Rotary setup if I go for the GP-Wiz 49/49-way joystick/fl0yd's rotary adapter/Druin's interface combo?

Yes.

[Bursk]

Cool.  I know it may have sounded like a stupid question, but I just wanted to be sure. 

I was leaning towards the Analog Joystick with Trigger Handle, but I'm now in favour of getting the Tron-style stick, provided I can get it with a trigger and two thumb buttons.  Perhaps I'll give Happ a ring one day and see if they can provide such a thing.