Inexpensive USB single player starter CP

[bfauska]

Hey folks,

I am looking to build a stand-alone control panel that I can use with a laptop right now and then when I have the space for a cabinet move the components to a dedicated system.  Because I am starting with the laptop, I am limited to usb for the input.  I am also trying to do this on the cheap so that if I loose interest I won't have spent too much money and the wife won't give me TOO hard of a time.  I think I figured out a good aproach but would like some feedback.

I am running Mame32, Nestopia, and Stella for now.  As I said it's running on a laptop so I CAN use the keyboard if I have to and the touchpad is also available for input into the GUI systems.

Here is my proposed system, I think that it will be reasonably upgradable and still work for what I need now:

GP-Wiz49 Eco (not using a 49way stick but I need USB and this board is ~$18 less than other options I can find)
OMNI-Stick Basic in 8-way configuration
7 Happ pushbuttons w/ cherry switches (6 button fighter layout +1 coin-in)
1 1p start button
Homebuilt box/cp

I figure with this setup I have all the functionality of a comercially available single player usb arcade control (x-gamer for example) but better components and I can add transfer it into a cab later.  In the cab I would add a 49way stick, 6 more play buttons a 2p start and another coin-in.  I think that only uses 20 of the inputs and I would have 3 left for something else. 

I see this as about $50 + shipping now and then another $50 later to upgrade to 2 player.  If I am missing something I would love some input.

Thanks,
Brian


EDIT:

OK I don't know how I missed the GP-Wiz Eco USB, but now I've found it.  I feel kind of dumb for missing something so basic.  I had seen the GP-Wiz eco but only the PS/2 version and didn't see anything other than the Ipac for inexpensive USB options.  Now I have decided that this would be a better board for my expandable, intro set-up.  It would cut the cost of going to a 2 player setup considerably if I don't want to use a 49 way joystick.  I am still interested in any other ways to meet my goals on the cheap but I think that this is the way for now.

Later,
Brian

[freckleface]

That seems pretty inexpensive to me!...and a good choice. (And, don't married people have separate bank accounts?...that they can spend however they like? )

[rolls rolex]

It doesn't get much cheaper than that. Just be sure to install some girlie games, your wife will demand a 2nd joystick 

[bfauska]

I ordered today and I think that after a few hours of assembly I will have something I can upgrade and is probably better components than the x-arcade 1 player unit for $50 less after shipping.  I suppose by the time I get it set-up and if I try to make it look as professional as the x I will have spent more than $50 worth of my time, but that only matters if I miss an income opportunity by spending that time on the control, which I doubt will be the case, and I will probably enjoy making it as much or more than playing (that seems to be my standard operating procedure.)

I suppose I'll have to document my low-cost 1p CP and start a thread in the project announcements.

Good call by the way with the girly games, too bad I can't tap into any sentimental memories about gaming, she never really played anything in her youth.  I did get her ears to perk up when she heard the Super Mario Bros theme on Nestopia the other night.

Thanks for the responses,
Brian