Hello & First Question From a New Forum Member

[WillyByte]

Hello,

Nice forum guys. 

I just registered here a few minutes ago.  My real name is Gabe.  I’m a stay at home dad.  Oh, and I’m planning to build myself an arcade cabinet.  For a shocking bit of personal data I think no one has ever said before.  I've never done anything like this.

I've spent a number of hours (probably about 12-15 at this point) scanning the net for ideas and information but I still haven’t decided what my first arcade build will look like or even consist of.  I've been going back and forth between a bartop and a low profile upright.  What I've been thinking is I want something classic with contemporary features – whatever the heck that means. Fortunately, I don’t feel the need to rush. I expect that decision will come to me when I’m ready. 

The decision I have made however, is that my first project is going to be building a standalone control panel. I’m sure I read that this is the way to go a few times in a few different places. What a fantastic journey it’s been to have read that wisdom early on, forgotten about it by getting caught up in other interesting aspects of building arcade machines, and ultimately coming to that conclusion on my own. 
Now that I’m ready to get some hands on experience I felt it was the right time to register and ask for suggestions.

(My very first hands on project will be building a standalone control panel - for testing purposes - looking for suggestions with CP)

Here are some particulars:
-   Budget: $100.00
-   Number of Players: 1 (keeping it simple)
-   OS: Windows XP
-   MAME Version: latest  (not sure if this info makes a difference in answering my question)
-   Frontend: GameEx (not sure if this info makes a difference in answering my question)
-   Are there particular games I must be able to play with my first CP build? No. But I’m looking forward to learning what games go with what joysticks as part of this project.
-   The computer has USB inputs.

Here is my first question:
Excluding parts and materials for the box itself (i.e. wood, Plexiglas, screws). What is a complete list of parts should I order for this first CP?  Joysticks, buttons, wires, harness, etc.  Please spend as close to $100.00 as you can - going a little over would be quite alright too. 

If I've left something out please let me know.  Also, please feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Thank you,

Almost Forgot - added later 

Also, I’d like to point out a few folks in here whose work has inspired me.  As a guest I probably looked over at least 10 threads where people were sharing/discussing their arcade builds. Here are the ones that stuck out the most.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,123039.0.html : florske.nl’s “evo XR cade” xbox bartop was great to see.  In particular his impeccable woodwork and attention to details in styling really impressed and inspired me.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,59359.msg1283314.html#msg1283314 :gildahl’s “Project X Arcade” was one of the first cabinets that got me absolutely thrilled. 

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,118612.0.html :Ond’s generosity by sharing his “Metropolis” arcade plans made me want to become a member here.  I really like this design a lot.  This very well could be the first upright I build.  Awesome!

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,121570.msg1289719.html#msg1289719 :griffindodd’s  “Marvel v Capcom: Revolution” insanely good.   And Barrel of Kong is ingenious.

I’m sure there are many other fantastic builds to be enjoyed and I look forward to finding them. 

Thanks again!

[Slippyblade]

A lot depends on the type of games you will be playing.

For a first build on the cheap, Happ Super stick is a decent choice - $8-9  or a Zippyy (has restrictor to do 4-way or 8-2ay) is just shy of $10.
Buttons, I like a 7 button setup myself - $1.20 each
Player start - $1.50
Coin, 2 admin (I use exit and pause) buttons - $1.20 each

The encoder is gonna be a decent chunk of your budget.  A Kade DIY kit is $22.  The raw encoder soldered directly into the CP is $14.50. 

[lilshawn]

make yourself a fighter stick.

i think if you are going to give this a first try, your best bet would be to pick up an inexpensive USB gamepad and hack it to use a joystick and arcade buttons.

you can go crazy on what kind of encoders and whatnot for another build.

get your basics down, and the next ones will be easy as pie.

[Slippyblade]

Gah, forgot about gamepad hacks...  I've been in debating encoders with myself so much lately, those totally slipped my mind.

What Shawn said.  A cheap USB gamepad can be gotten for less than $10.

Here's one for $5
$4.95 gamepad

[WillyByte]

@lilshawn and Slippyblade:  Thank you for pointing out those joysticks.  Would you mind spend more of that budget because I'd like as many sticks, buttons, and extras in the box as possible.  The more hardware you suggest the more I'll lhave an opportunity to earn about what controls work best with what games.  Also, I really would like you to suggest an encoder too. 

I am going to look at the Kade DYI but modding a controller doesn't seem like something I want to do.  I want to do things in this build that I would potentially do when making a CP for my first arcade machine.  There must be an easier way to wire a USB.

[Slippyblade]

Ah, I don't think you understood the reference to the gamepads.  What you do is crack them open and use the guts *AS* the encoder.  You solder the connections of your joysticks and buttons to the pads on the gamepad board.  The gamepad then connects to your computer via USB.

If you do a search on this forum for "gamepad hack" you will get threads with full instructions and pics.  It's very easy to do as long as you have a steady soldering hand.

[JDFan]

For a single player setup something like I used for my bartop build would work fine -- and it'll run less than your budget.

For the encoder I went with a cheap No delay Encoder for $11 shipped ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/251241729308 )- it is perfect for a 1 player setup with 16 inputs and includes the wiring (though it is kind of short) so works well for a single joystick and 8 buttons leaving 4 admin buttons or what I did was use 2 joysticks (for Robotron and Smash TV etc.) and 6 buttons then shared the 4 inputs for the second joystick with buttons 3-6 (since you don't use the 2nd joy and more than 2 buttons for any game and if using the 3-6 buttons you aren't using the 2nd joystick so having them share the 4 inputs works fine and leaves enough inputs for 6 admin buttons.

For the Joysticks and buttons I went with a 2 joystick 14 button set on Ebay for $30 + $10 shipping and had 2 Happ competition joys and 14 happ buttons. Like this set ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/HAPP-COMPETITION-8-WAY-JOYSTICKS-14-BUTTONS-COMBO-GREAT-FOR-MAME-FIGHTING-/380658941336?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item58a10a7d98 )

SO for the entire CP hardware setup was about $50 then used an old computer I had in a closet and an old 15" monitor. Printed the artwork on photostock paper at Office Depot for around $6-$10 (kept the width at less than 17" So could have it printed cheaply on 11x17 inch paper) and the side art was printed on my laser printer using some sticker paper and the only other parts I had to purchase was the MDF and some paint and screws etc. so all together spent less than $100.

Here's a pic of the bartop : (also based the side view on the EVO X-arcade with some adjustments)

[Generic Eric]

Check out the wiki @ http://newwiki.arcadecontrols.com/
Several people are working on transferring content from the old wiki to the new wiki, but don't let that distract you.

The wiki should answer many of your questions, there are even builder guides in there as well as examples.  Beyond this, here is my initial advice.

Configure your computer first.  Learn about setting up MAME first.  I think its a good choice to set up the control panel first.  That is the first thing I would go back in change given the chance.

Random advice:
Drill pilot holes. 
Measure twice cut once.
Buy good tools.
A hole saw is better than a spade bit.  I am told a forstner bit is better than both for drilling button and joystick holes.
Go to slagcoin for layouts.

A kade controller and several others will set you back around $29.  If you can get a decent solder iron for $15, solder and flux for another $5 if your lucky.  Add a $5 gamepad and you are close to that same $29 for shipping.  Either way, you'll want a decent wire stripper.  The only easier way is if you buy an encoder with precut wires.  Groovy Game Gear and Paradise Arcade shop have those.  Others may as well.

Getting a part list will vary by region/state and lumberyard.  Perhaps one day you can drive the kids to home depot and rummage through the lumber section and look at their lumber.  Menards had 4x4 sheets and 2x2 sheets.  Vigo had a vigolix project where he made a mini from a 4x4 sheet.  It might be worth checking out.  You are gonna need some wood to build that box anyway.

[ark_ader]

Get an X arcade. Easy to hide and bring out.

At the end of the day you will have to determine how many times you will be playing a game and is it worth the mess.

9/10 times its once a week and no room for mess.

That is why these portable sticks are so popular.

[lilshawn]

http://www.xgaming.com/store/arcade-joysticks-and-game-controllers/product/x-arcade-solo-joystick/ 

[mgb]

Another good way to learn is to check out the vendors.
There is Ultimarc, Paradise Arcade and Groovy Game Gear, as well as others
Such as Focus Attack.

The ipac2 is a great encoder

[WillyByte]

@ Slippyblade Thanks. Maybe I should try it.  To be honest though, I’m hoping to avoid soldering if possible.  How many different controls can I hook up to the gamepad? 
@ Generic Eric: Thanks for the tips. I checked out the wiki, it’s very helpful.  In your opinion, is the Kade easy to wire and hook up?
@ lilshawn & ark_ader:  Thanks but I really want to build my own controller.
@ mgb:  Thank you. In your opinion, is the ipac2 easy to wire and hook up?
@ JD Fan: Thanks for your suggestions.  I think I’m going to order the sticks, buttons, and encoder you suggested.
 
I’m still eager to receive input from anyone with suggestions. Based on suggestions made so far this is what my first order currently looks like: 

1 Encoder No Delay Arcade USB Encoder PC to Joystick For 2pin+Japan Type Push buttons http://www.ebay.com/itm/251241729308 Total: 10.99
1 Joystick ZIPPY Classic Competition Style 2/4/8 way Arcade http://www.ebay.com/itm/ZIPPY-Classic-Competition-Style-2-4-8-way-Arcade-Game-Joystick-Arcade-MAME-JAMMA/190921824497?rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D261%26meid%3D3323008100514508870%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D1088%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D5%26sd%3D380658941336%26  Total: $13.98
2 Joysticks HAPP COMPETITION 8 WAY JOYSTICKS GREAT FOR MAME / FIGHTING
14 Buttons HAPP LONG LENGTH CONCAVE BUTTONS http://www.ebay.com/itm/HAPP-COMPETITION-8-WAY-JOYSTICKS-14-BUTTONS-COMBO-GREAT-FOR-MAME-FIGHTING-/380658941336?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item58a10a7d98 Total: $37.99 

This order still leaves me with $40.00 to spend.  What else would you recommend I get, a spinner, a trackball, another joystick of a different kind, another encoder?

Here are my goals for this CP project:
1.   To learn, by doing, how to build a control panel.
2.   Test as many different controls as possible to learn what works best with what games.  Based on what I’ve already read I expect the biggest variance to be among joysticks.  I.e. 2 way, 4-way, 8-way, analog, etc. 
3.   Understand encoders better and learning which ones to use under different circumstances.  Find the easier ones to work with.

[jdbailey1206]

Don't forget shipping!   My words of advice is don't get aggravated.  Push through it and if anyone gives you a hard time here it's all in good fun.

[mgb]

If you wanna do some comparisons on joysticks,
Maybe try picking up a Sanwa JLW or JLF also.

Yes the ipac is easy to wire. It has screw terminals.

For using the Zippyy in 4 way, you'll find it has a kinda
Odd feel. A lot of guys fix this by modding the plastic restrictor
For more of a diamond shape.
  If you plan on learning more about proper 4 & 8 way operation,
  I'd advise you to look up info on restriction.

[JDFan]

One thing - when ordering that encoder just be sure to get the wiring for the correct version (ie. the one I listed is for the Happ type joysticks or the Zippy you linked that use 4 switches so will work with the kit I listed but if you get a Japanese type joystick you will need the 5 pin wire for the joystick (they sell the same encoder with the that type of wire included also but you need to get the one that matches your parts) THe encoder will work with either but they only include one of the two types of connectors so if you switch you'll need to make the wires for the other type (not difficult but might as well get the one that you need with it to begin with !)

The various encoders are all pretty easy to wire up (esp. if you get the wiring harnesses for them) - mainly you just run a ground wire either to each buttons ground or in a chain from one button to the next and back to the encoder ground ( depending on the encoder they either have just one ground input or one for each connector) then you run another wire from the other connection on the button (NO or Normally Open) and back to the proper input on the encoder to complete the circuit so that when the button is pressed that input opens to let the encoder know a button is pressed. The joystick are the same except they have 4 connections that go to the 4 inputs on the encoder.

So it is pretty much just running the wires to the proper spot and then if needed running through MAME's setup so that the buttons represent the right key press ( the encoder I listed is seen by windows as a game pad with 12 buttons ) while some others are seen as keyboards )

[keilmillerjr]

Your budget is ridiculously low. I think your best budget to have a machine that you will want to keep and not toss later would be to get one of them fighter sticks like posted above and throw a raspberry pi in it, so you can just hook that unit up to a tv and go.

Just an idea. It's over your budget, but then again, it will be about as cheap as it gets for something that I think you will want to keep.

[zanna5910]

Note: sorry, skimmed the original and missed the purple part about CP only, dropped all the stuff that doesn't apply.

1. You need a free monitor and free pc.
4. You probably wont be able to print any artwork, and would probably have to rely on painting/stain only options.
5. You will have to drop purchasing any plexi/glass.

[yotsuya]

I've spent a number of hours (probably about 12-15 at this point) scanning the net for ideas and information but I still haven’t decided what my first arcade build will look like or even consist of.  I've been going back and forth between a bartop and a low profile upright.  What I've been thinking is I want something classic with contemporary features – whatever the heck that means. Fortunately, I don’t feel the need to rush. I expect that decision will come to me when I’m ready. 

The decision I have made however, is that my first project is going to be building a standalone control panel.

[mgb]

Your budget is ridiculously low.

I thought the same thing.  A $100 budget really only lets you build the CP.  To stay in budget, all the following will have to be true in my opinion.

1. You need a free monitor and free pc.
2. You probably wont be able to build a cab or bartop unless you already have all the wood, and all the tools and hardware needed.
3. Your probably going to have to drop the marquee and t-molding.
4. You probably wont be able to print any artwork, and would probably have to rely on painting/stain only options.
5. You will have to drop purchasing any plexi/glass.

I think the opinion that you need to build a fight stick or a cp only that can plug into a pc and into an existing tv is the way to go.  Its doable, but make sure you plan carefully.  The good news is if you build a pluggable CP, you built the first part needed for a full on stand up or bartop arcade, which you could build with additional budget down the road if your end result is to build a full arcade.  The CP will give you all the fun of the arcade at a much smaller overall cost.  As you get additional funds you could always enhance and modify what you already have to get you where you want to be.

Good luck, you will

He's only looking to build a cp in order to get started

[Drnick]

3 joysticks and 14 buttons for a 1 player control panel.  Damn that sounds a little bit busy.  You may want to grab a 2 player encoder and go for the 2 player setup,  If you went 2 player you would need another 4-6 buttons too.   

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Xin-Mo-Arcade-to-USB-controller-2-player-MAME-Multicade-PS3-Encoder-/181269827864?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a34861118

I am using the above encoder and it works well,  The zippy joystick is pretty good as a dedicated 4 way.  The Happs should be good for all rounders.

If it was my first panel I would go with making a 2 player 6 button layout control panel with dedicated 4 way for the classics.
Decent trackball and encoder or spinner are going to be outside your budget for now.  There are DIY Methods but you could always do that as a side project.

[zanna5910]

He's only look to build a cp in order to get started

Sorry, missed the GIANT PURPLE LINE skimming that was the most important part in the original post, updated my post to leave what is relevant.

[keilmillerjr]

Sorry. I thought a "standalone control panel" meant a unit that could hook up to a tv or monitor and play games. I didn't know he meant just a control panel. If that is the case, then why is he talking about an OS and FrontEnd?!

Just a control panel can be done. Use plexiglass and or plywood for material. Each can be found at Home Depot or lows in small sections, reducing cost. I have ultimarc gold leaf buttons that are reasonably priced and actually very good. I'm sure some one can recommend a really cheap joystick. Then just get a cheap encoder. 1 player setup is all that is really needed for testing. Done. /thread

[mgb]

Yeah true, he does mention os. I thought he said something though about having a computer. 

[lilshawn]

Soooo, more of a pedestal then.

[jennifer]

     Jennifer is all like... Budget ?? You dont need no stinkin budget, Build what makes you happy. ... I personanally would go get yourself the real deal, a cab in need of some TLC.