Main > Main Forum
Encoder and control panel question
BLah247:
I used the search function but didn't really find the information I was looking for. There were some posts that seemed to contradict each other so thought I would post my question with specifics.
For my cabinet I will have the following controls;
2 8-way sticks
1 4-way stick
1 spinner
1 trackball
20 pushbuttons (that's 6 by each 8-way, 2 by the 4-way and spiner, 3 above each 8-way for coin, 1/2 player, & mouse)
4 pushbuttons (at least 4 for an admin panel for things like shift, start, enter, ect...)
1 or 2 lightguns (at some point)
Here's my question. I plan on using MAMEWAH as a front end to MAME running on a Windows XP box. I'm confused on what type of encoder I should use. I'm thinking an I-pac right now but not sure on the version. I read some posts that the Trackball goes through the I-pac and others that it just plugs into a USB port on the windows box. Also do I need an Opti-Pac for the spinners and what sort of interface will I need for the lightguns?
Thanks for any advice.
FrizzleFried:
You can find trackballs with USB interfaces or you can use an Optipac or something similar. Same goes for the Spinner.
I used a Happ USB 3" trackball for one of my cabinets...plugs directly in to the PC. I also use the Turbo Twist 2 spinner which also uses a USB interface.
The light guns will use USB and/or a VGA box I do believe...depending on the type you get.
I use a Jpac for both of my cabinets as I use an arcade monitor in them both.
BLah247:
Okay I just looked it up and the spinner is USB. The problem with the trackball is I need it to be translucent green. Doesn't appear happs has a translucent green one that's USB. They do have one that's not USB and comes with some sort of harness. So do I need to use an optipac for that?
Catastrophic:
If you end up with a Trackball that has the 6 Pin Molex instead of a USB (or serial) then you will indeed need an OptiPac, or something like it.
I use an OptiWiz (and a KeyWiz!) from GroovyGameGear.com and really like it, you can order a cable that plugs in between the molex connector and the interface, no soldering required.
On another note, you might want to consider placing your admin buttons somewhere other than on the actual control board. I've seen some elegant solutions (smaller pushbuttons behind the coin door, for instance) and some "whatever works" solutions like just drilling some holes in the side of the cab. The reason I suggest this is that you've already got plans for 20 buttons, 3 joysticks, a trackball and a spinner on the board. While Dr. Frankenpanel would most certainly be proud, I find that the more cluttered the panels are, the better the chances for an inadvertent and unfortunate "oops!" button press.
Especially since these wonderful machines tend to be magnets for rowdy friends and alcohol.
Just my $.02. Good luck with your build!
BLah247:
Here's a picture of the CP layout I'm looking at doing. It really doesn't seem all that crowded and the admin buttons will be going above that on a little piece I'm putting under the monitor.
Anyone know of some good lightguns? Good as in cheaper and easy to connect...