Layout and Hardware ?s from the New Guy

[spiffykyle]

So hi everyone, I'm the new guy. I've been lurking around here for some time now and finally decided to join as I am now planning to build my own MAME cab from scratch, starting with the CP. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Here's my initial layout. I'd love feedback about this:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=51525.0;attach=62891;image

The main controls I am planning on:
     2 - Ultimarc Mag-Stik Plus 8/4 joysticks
     1 - SlikStik Tornado Spinner
     1 - TBD Trackball

I am going to run the joysticks and buttons through an I-PAC. My big questions right now are about the trackball and spinner. I initially want to use an X-arcade trackball assembly because of the price and USB hookup. However the Tornado Spinner is also USB.

I've read about problems having both hooked up to the computer as a USB mouse. Can I have both hooked up via USB at the same time and just use the one I want for a given game?

My other option is to get the Opti-PAC version of the spinner and get a different trackball and run both through an Opti-PAC. Or can you hack the X-arcade trackball to work with the Opti-PAC? What trackball is preferred (besides the HAPP, I'd have to convince myself its worth the money first)?

Thanks!!

[Donkey_Kong]

So hi everyone, I'm the new guy. I've been lurking around here for some time now and finally decided to join as I am now planning to build my own MAME cab from scratch, starting with the CP. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Here's my initial layout. I'd love feedback about this:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=51525.0;attach=62891;image

The main controls I am planning on:
     2 - Ultimarc Mag-Stik Plus 8/4 joysticks
     1 - SlikStik Tornado Spinner
     1 - TBD Trackball

I am going to run the joysticks and buttons through an I-PAC. My big questions right now are about the trackball and spinner. I initially want to use an X-arcade trackball assembly because of the price and USB hookup. However the Tornado Spinner is also USB.

I've read about problems having both hooked up to the computer as a USB mouse. Can I have both hooked up via USB at the same time and just use the one I want for a given game?

My other option is to get the Opti-PAC version of the spinner and get a different trackball and run both through an Opti-PAC. Or can you hack the X-arcade trackball to work with the Opti-PAC? What trackball is preferred (besides the HAPP, I'd have to convince myself its worth the money first)?

Thanks!!

The elctric Ice from Groovy Game Gear might prevent the compatibility issues you are trying to avoid. She goes for a COOL 109.95 though...Also, I love your CP design with the curves!! That is gonna be tight! Be sure to keep us informed on that baby and we likes pictures!! Lots of them!!

PS: Welcome to arcade building and ENJOY the MADNESS!!

[Donkey_Kong]

  Me pssst duh!!

I'm sure there are solutions about how to make all of your stuff work together and keeps things sane economically. I'm NOT the one to give you the examples of how to make that stuff all WORK...But one other suggestion could be to skip all that other stuff and get the new Turbo Twist 2 from Groovy Game Gear instead!!

This thng is the shiznit for spinners right now man!! TURBO TWIST 2 LINK

[spiffykyle]

I noticed from the GGG website that the Electric Ice trackball is "driven by Opti-Wiz technology." Does that mean the built in encoder has open space for adding a spinner?

[Xam]

Pm RandyT...it may take a while for him to get back to you...but he is usually very quick with a response. He has always been more than helpful with me in accessing the compatibility of his products (GGG).


Xam

[whynotpizza]

Ah, welcome to the fun of trying to design the perfect arcade and control panel. Take your time and do the research, and then jump right in.

In terms of controls, you really should stick with top end. Spend the money and get high quality for sure!

Don't go for the wal-mart brands out there! In the end, it just isn't worth it!

I'd suggest HAPP controls for the buttons, sticks and trackball.
  Sticks - http://www.tornadoterrys.com/surplus.htm
  Flight Stick - http://www.happcontrols.com/joysticks/50997000.htm
  Trackball - http://www.happcontrols.com/trackballs/560100xx.htm
  Buttons - http://www.happcontrols.com/pushbuttons/5896xxl.htm

In terms of spinner, well it goes without saying that Apache Controls is the ultimate. You will not be dissapointed for sure, and Yes it even has push/pull which allows for all sorts of game combinations. And in terms of Arkanoid and Tempest, it rocks! And the spinner tops are top knotch. All custom aluminum and feel great in game play.
  http://www.apachecontrols.com/

Good luck with your project.

 

   David

[u_rebelscum]

I've read about problems having both hooked up to the computer as a USB mouse. Can I have both hooked up via USB at the same time and just use the one I want for a given game?

You can hook both up by USB at the same time and mame can see both mice.  However, mame now treats them like joysticks: each mouse device is read seperately.  So much like if you have a steering wheel and a gamepad hooked up at the same time, you will need to do some remapping so driving games use the wheel and others use the gamepad.

This is easy.  Discover what each device is called; you can temp map in any game with analog inputs and note the numbers.  Once you know the mouse numbers, use "Input (general)" to remap all of player 1's trackball ports to read from your TB device (whatever mouse number it is) and dial ports to read from your spinner.

You might want to save this as a ctrlr file, but this not needed.  But even if you don't ctrlr it, the one remapping will stick for all games, and you'll be able to play like you want.

My other option is to get the Opti-PAC version of the spinner and get a different trackball and run both through an Opti-PAC. Or can you hack the X-arcade trackball to work with the Opti-PAC? What trackball is preferred (besides the HAPP, I'd have to convince myself its worth the money first)?

IMO, happ has the best, but followed closely by betson/imperial; I tried an Xarcade TB, though.  However, I wouldn't worry about trying to combine the devices into one mouse since mame can handle the mice devices seperately.