Control selection question - MAME compatable?

[Texasmame]

Hey, guys!

While I know I don't want to start collecting the classics again, I know I do want my MAME cab to have the look and *feel* of a classic cab.

With that in mind, I intend on using classic parts for my CP - an authentic Spy Hunter shifter and steering wheel, authentic Pac-Man stick for my 4 way, authentic Pole Position steering wheel, noisy Tempest spinner, Centipede trac, etc.  I've seen the new-fangled  red ball 4-8 way switchable sticks and have that classic look about them, so I'm thinking I'll go with those.  Also want old time leaf switch buttons!  Weren't none of them microswitches on the true classics!   

Anyone have comments or advice - for instance, any controls from "back in the day" that are KNOWN not to work in MAME?
I know I'm taking a bit of a risk by using some old hardware (physical or electronic breakdown of components) but, for the most part, it was the monitors or PCBs that went bad on the classics, hardly ever the controls.

TIA,
John in TX

[javeryh]

My advice would be to make either swappable control panels or better yet make more than one cabinet.  That's a lot of controls...  I think the project arcade panel is about as elegant as you can make a CP without turning it into a Frankenpanel.

Good luck!   

[Texasmame]

My advice would be to make either swappable control panels or better yet make more than one cabinet.  That's a lot of controls...  I think the project arcade panel is about as elegant as you can make a CP without turning it into a Frankenpanel.

Good luck!  

Sorry, probably should've linked to my initial thread:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=56632.msg556736#msg556736

I intend on a rotating or modular design, thx. 

[Texasmame]

*bump* really just for this one question:
Any controls from "back in the day" that are KNOWN not to work in MAME?

[monkeybomb]

I think 720 is a problem.  Although you can kind of use a spinner.

[u_rebelscum]

I think 720 is a problem.  Although you can kind of use a spinner.

Actually, with the current mame, you have to use a joystick (analog is better than 8-way).  Used to need a spinner, but that was changed a while ago. 

But yes (or should that be 'no'? ), the 720 controller won't work in official mame.

Gear shifts are another controller that may or may not work, depending if the mame driver matches the hardware or not.  They can be hacked to work somewhat.

Most hardware that "won't work" is due to not having an interface to hook them up to the computer and/or not recognized by windows, not due to mame.  49-ways and HallEffect sticks used to be that way before the interfaces came out, for example.

[Lilwolf]

And don't forget... most 'good' frontends will handle more then one version of mame.

So you use Analog+Mame for 20+ games... and the latest for others.

I usually keep an older version setup in my frontend so I can copy roms to that location if they break in the latest build. 

[Tiger-Heli]

Mechanical rotary joysticks have problems.  You can "almost" get there with the proper interface board, but it's not perfect.

Prop Cycle !!!