New Kid on the Block has some questions

[Webster]

Ok, hello, where do I start? Ive recently decided that i want to build my own MAME cabinet. It sounds like fun! But like always, I want to ask some experts a few dumb questions before I go off and do something stupid.

OK, first of all, im alot more worried about my control wiring than I am about my woodwork. I think ive pretty much decided on the IPAC, it seems to have minimal blocking/ghosting, and it seems like a good way to go for a first timer like myself.

However I'm still not sure just how everything will roll. First of all, I read somewhere on here that its easier to work with 22AWG wire with joysticks/buttons (btw, im leaning toward a full set of HAPP controls, meaning Joysticks, buttons, and trackball etc.) however, im not sure if you mean Solid or stranded wire. Is there any particular advantage to either one?

Also i read somewhere on here that you need to run all the common wires into a wiring block. Can someone elaborate a little more on what that is exactly, and how I wire it to my IPAC? (Im thinkin GND, but i could be wrong) I think that's it for the most part! Thanks for your help everybody!

[BobA]

I like stranded over solid as it is more flexible and does not break if you nick it with the strippers.  It also holds in  the quick disconnects much better. (specially if you fold over a bit of stripped wire before crimping).  The grounds do not need to be brought to a wiring block.  A more common method of wiring is to daisy chain all the grounds and then terminate the ground wire at your IPAC. To daisy chain 2 gnd wires are crimped into each quick disconnect.  One from the previous ground and one for the next ground in the chain. 

Note: If you daisy chain your grounds and bring both ends to the grounds on the IPAC you effectively make the wiring redundant and a single broken wire will not compromise your grounding.

[Kevin Mullins]

And yes.... the term "common" = "ground" and vice versa.

[Kaytrim]

You should be able to find answers to many of your questions in the Wiki.

TTFN
Kaytrim

[moriartyds]

Also i read somewhere on here that you need to run all the common wires into a wiring block. Can someone elaborate a little more on what that is exactly, and how I wire it to my IPAC? (Im thinkin GND, but i could be wrong) I think that's it for the most part! Thanks for your help everybody!

Wiring is not that tricky really once you get the hang of it.  With an IPAC you shouldn't need a wiring block.  Just wire the COM/Grounnd of each button/joystick to the next one forming a complete loop.  The loop should start and end at the IPAC ground forming a big circle (technically you don't need the complete circle, but it helps if you have a break somewhere in the wiring). 

(Oh, and I'd defintely recommend picking up Saints' book).

[Webster]

OK, now im feeling pretty confident that i can do this, thank you very much for your fast help! I might consider picking up the book. My only other question is when you wire the ground from switch to switch, do you just braid both of the wires together and put them in a quick disconnect, then put THAT into the switch? Or am i completely wrong?  This is alot of information to keep up with especially when im working on a custom water cooled computer and a LN2 cooled benchmarker and a MAME cabinet all at same time!

[shardian]

OK, now im feeling pretty confident that i can do this, thank you very much for your fast help! I might consider picking up the book. My only other question is when you wire the ground from switch to switch, do you just braid both of the wires together and put them in a quick disconnect, then put THAT into the switch? Or am i completely wrong?  This is alot of information to keep up with especially when im working on a custom water cooled computer and a LN2 cooled benchmarker and a MAME cabinet all at same time!

Yep, thats how you do the ground wiring.