My last question before I start building...I promise!

[Jeff AMN]

Ok, I'm about to start my project and order all of my parts today. I just need to make sure that what I'm ordering will be enough and that I'm not missing something important (or overdoing it).

Here's what I'm set to order, I just need to know if I'll have the proper encoders to hook it all up.

-2 P360s
-1 4-way stick
-1 spinner
-1 trackball
-22 pushbuttons
-1 Optipac
-1 I-Pac

Is there a more economical route in regards to the two encoders I have picked? Am I lacking anything here, or should I be good to go with this list to get it all hooked up?

Any help and suggestions would be great. I'm ready to get started, and I'm going to begin building my panel as soon as the parts get here.

[dpz147]

Don't forget the mounting kit for the trackball.

What does your button layout look like?  Don't forget the P1 & P2 buttons.

Good luck! 

[Timoe]

1. If you get your spinner from groovygamegear.com then you wont need an optipac as it comes with an optical encoder.  You then get a trackball without the usb/ps2 cable and you hook it up to the optiwiz on the GGG spinner.  This will save money and clutter.

2. p360s are cool.  But they're expensive.  A happ competition is awesome and only $8

[Timoe]

I have had a good experience with the Keywiz eco here
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=50862.0

also the Ipac VE seems like a nice item.

both of the above options are great if you are using the default button assignments in mame.






oh and dont buy directly from Happ, try one of the guys in the B/S/T forums like ponyboy or divemaster.

[dpz147]

If you can afford the extra for the p360's I highly recommend them.  That's what I have and they are really smooth.

[Jeff AMN]

1. If you get your spinner from groovygamegear.com then you wont need an optipac as it comes with an optical encoder.  You then get a trackball without the usb/ps2 cable and you hook it up to the optiwiz on the GGG spinner.  This will save money and clutter.

2. p360s are cool.  But they're expensive.  A happ competition is awesome and only $8

Thanks for the great advice. I'm going to stick with the P360s because I'm anal about clickiness. I'll definitely look into the GGG spinner/trackball combo; that sounds really slick!

[leapinlew]

1. If you get your spinner from groovygamegear.com then you wont need an optipac as it comes with an optical encoder.  You then get a trackball without the usb/ps2 cable and you hook it up to the optiwiz on the GGG spinner.  This will save money and clutter.

2. p360s are cool.  But they're expensive.  A happ competition is awesome and only $8

Thanks for the great advice. I'm going to stick with the P360s because I'm anal about clickiness. I'll definitely look into the GGG spinner/trackball combo; that sounds really slick!

What buttons are you using? And how many?

[Jeff AMN]

I'm planning on around 22 pushbuttons total (including P1 & P2 coin and starts, exit button, etc.)

It's a 2-player panel w/ 7 buttons per stick and a 4-way with another 2 buttons.

[miles2912]

Check the mini pac for your encoder.  If you are going to go PS2 spinner and standard TB connect then it is a bargain. 

I love my P360's.   Makes twin cobra and 1941 a blast.  Just got through playing Galaga for last hour with em.  Too much fun...

Mini Pac is the dinky thing to the right and below the TrackBall.



Don

[Jeff AMN]

Miles,

Is the minipac your only encoder? That simplifies things pretty nicely as well...