49 way question...

[dpz147]

I've been reading posts for about a month or so, getting ready to build my first cab and I'm trying to plan out my CP.

Is it possible to use a 49 way stick as player 1, so it would automatically switch for use on 4 way games and qBert but keep player 2 as an 8 way?  I'm not sure I have the budget for two 49 ways, but I would like to save space on the CP by eliminating a dedicated 4 way. Would this kind of set up eliminate the need for a dedicated 4 way stick?

Thanks in advance for any replies!  This forum is a goldmine of information.  Thank you to all that share their knowledge! 

[Farmboy90]

Is it possible to use a 49 way stick as player 1, so it would automatically switch for use on 4 way games and qBert but keep player 2 as an 8 way?

Yes.  Buy a 49 way and gpwiz49 for p1 and a regular 8 way for p2.  You will also want to use PowerMAME instead of regular mame.  See the powerMAME forum.  You might get complaints from people when playing two player games, as those joysticks feel and play different.

I'm not sure I have the budget for two 49 ways, but I would like to save space on the CP by eliminating a dedicated 4 way. Would this kind of set up eliminate the need for a dedicated 4 way stick?

It would. 

[dpz147]

Thanks for the reply Farmboy!

In your opinion, would I be better off with the dedicated 4 way?  Most of the games I play are the classic 4 way games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Dig Dug, Mr. Do...

[Farmboy90]

Unfortunately the answer to that leads to a religious debate.  If you love the classics and are looking to recreate the sound and feel of the originals then a 4 way would be your best bet.  But if you would trade that for real estate on the CP and usefulness in other games, then a 49 way might be for you.

I have a buddy with 2 49 ways and no dedicated 4 way.  Playing 4 way games on his machine is fine with me.  It doesn't feel or sound the same, but I am looking to have fun, not recreate the originals.

I have 2 8 ways and a dedicated 4 way.  I usually end up playing the 4 way games with the 4 way stick.

If you love the old games that much you might consider finding a way to put a 4 way on your board.  I have never seen a control panel that doesn't have room for a 4 way stick, but yours may be different.  And I don't know what else you have planned for the board so it is hard to say.

[markrvp]

The thing about joysticks is you get used to whatever you have.  I like the dedicated 4-ways better for Pacman and Donkey Kong, but I kicked ass the other night on Donkey Kong with a 49-way joystick.  If you get the 49-way joystick, you will get used to it and anything else will feel weird.

If you get a 49-way for the P1 joystick, then I suggest doing the same thing I did and try to find a Wico 8-way leafswitch joystick for player 2.  That is the closest match to the 49-way in feel. 

Here is mine:



http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=35938.msg320448#msg320448

[mccoy178]

Just so you are aware, you don't have to have power mame.  Sir Poonga has made software that will automatically switch modes depending upon the game.  You can find an entire right up about it at TigerHeli's site.

[markrvp]

Just so you are aware, you don't have to have power mame.  Sir Poonga has made software that will automatically switch modes depending upon the game.  You can find an entire right up about it at TigerHeli's site.

He means write-up

http://www.mameworld.net/tigerheli/set49mode/

[boykster]

right....UP!!!

[Kremmit]

right....UP!!!

What is "The only two directions used in Super Mario Bros."?

[mccoy178]

Well, well, well, look at the comedic trio.

[dpz147]

I think to keep things a bit simple and after reading good reviews, I think I'm leaning towards the p360. I've decided I definitely want a dedicated 4-way because that's mostly what I play, but should I go with 3 p360's or some combination of p360's and supers? 

Will the p360 work with the KeyWiz?

Thanks for all the replies! 

[PoDunkMoFo]

right....UP!!!

On!! It's right on!!

Sanford and son Joke.

Don't know if anyone else will get it.

[markrvp]

I think to keep things a bit simple and after reading good reviews, I think I'm leaning towards the p360. I've decided I definitely want a dedicated 4-way because that's mostly what I play, but should I go with 3 p360's or some combination of p360's and supers? 

Will the p360 work with the KeyWiz?

Thanks for all the replies! 

P360s will work with the Keywiz.  You need to tap 5v off of it or from the computer power supply, either will work.

I would stay all P360s so they feel the same.