TurboTwist Spinner and Happs TB controlled by Mini-PAC

[Lutus]

Ok, making a single player CP and was looking at getting the TurboTwist Spinner and the 3" Happs Trackball.  Can both of these be connected and run from the Mini-PAC.  The only other controls will be a 4-way and a couple buttons. 

If both of these will work with the Mini-PAC does it matter if I get USB or PS/2 connection for the TurboTwist Spinner. 

Thanks in advance everyone.

[Havok]

The TurboTwist comes with an interface already that will control both your spinner and trackball. You could use the Mini-Pac for the joystick and buttons.

You can use either the USB or PS/2 connection. However, since the Mini-Pac is designed for an optical interface, this is kind of wasting your money. (Duplicate, unused functions)

I would suggest just going with a Keywiz Eco, and not use the Mini-Pac: you can save a couple of dollars...

[Ninten-doh]

Do you already own the 4-way?  If not, consider buying the new Ultimarc joystick that comes with something like 7 or 8 button connectors.  This way you'll have the trackball connected to the spinner, with both plugged into the PC via USB, then you'll have the analog/digital joystick with buttons plugged in via USB.  No Minipac, Ipac, or Keywiz necessary, plus you'll be able to use the joystick for 4-way, 8-way, analog, whatever.

Just a thought.   

[Havok]

Do you already own the 4-way?  If not, consider buying the new Ultimarc joystick that comes with something like 7 or 8 button connectors.  This way you'll have the trackball connected to the spinner, with both plugged into the PC via USB, then you'll have the analog/digital joystick with buttons plugged in via USB.  No Minipac, Ipac, or Keywiz necessary, plus you'll be able to use the joystick for 4-way, 8-way, analog, whatever.

Just a thought.   

Good advice - you may even want to ditch the joystick, if you already have it - that Ultrastick 360 sounds like it may possibly be the best all around joystick ever. One of these days when my piggy bank is full, I'll pick a couple of those up...

[Lutus]

Thanks very much for the advice guys.  I saw that the spinner would also run the trackball and just wasn't sure about how to get the other buttons.... how shall we say, economically.  (Especially after the price of the good trackballs).  Keep the suggestions coming if anyone has any.  Thanks again.

[Unkis17]

Lutus,

  Just to clearify, the UltraStik does NOT come with the wiring for the 8 buttons, you have to buy it extra (I believe it cost $8)  You could make one yourself if you want,  it is a 10 pin molex connector that connects to the UltraStik header under the joystick.  8 wires, one per button, which will need to have quick disconnects added or you will need to solder and 1 common ground wire that will need daisy chain to each button.

I bought the UltraStik just a few weeks ago as I just got back in the MAME scene and am making a new MAME box.  I currently have the UltraStik up and running as a solo CP.  With eight buttons (7 to play and 1 "Special" Key) I have been able to map all buttons for MAME and Mamewah to work WITHOUT the need for any encoder (although you do need to modify the controler files)!  I am working on adding Console emulators next.

I have not added a track as of yet, but want to.  I was thinking Mini-PAC at first, but Havok is right, it is a waste of cash just to add a trackball to.  I think I may go with Ultimarc's stock trackball and an optipac.  Andy says that the Happ's 2-1/4" replacement balls are identical and will work in his trackball housing, this way you could buy a different color ball than red or white (happs 3" is ~$100 and Andy's is $38 + $16 for a Happs replacement, still cheaper).  Keep in mind if you go with a smaller trackball the CP could be more "Lap" size rather than "Desk" size.  I am going for Lap myself as these are just mock ups mainly for testing till the Upright cabinet is complete.

[Lutus]

Good point,

As I sit at work thinking about this bartop, I came to a realization that may turn the tide in my decision. 
1.  The cab is being built for my father and sister.  Dad LOVES missile command (the need for trackball and three buttons) and my sister LOVES arkanoid (spinner).

2.  I already have an upright two player MAME cabinet with the whole ROM set and other console emulators blah blah blah...

3.  Due to the other MAME cabinet, I will only be playing "old-school" (mainly 4-way) games on the machine since I will want a joystick to choose games anyways may as well have 4-way games.

This being said I will go with the cheap KeyWiz encoder, a dedicated 4-way (any suggestions), trackball, buttons for missile command and start, coin, etc... and a spinner.  Thanks again for the suggestions, and by all means, more (constructive) criticism.