CP for lap (not cabinet)? Is it possible?

[hydralisk]

This may be a crazy idea, but I am thinking that it would be fun and convenient to play games on my regular TV instead of a cabinet where people would need to stand.  It would essentially make the cabinet into a console type setup (like the wii, xbox, playstation, etc).  People could sit on the sofa or chair in the family room and game.

So I have two questions regarding this:

1.  Would it be possible to make a CP that would sit over one's lap with a joystick and buttons?  Or would it be hard to stabilize the unit for the joystick?  If so, I am thinking that I'd have to go with just a handheld device with a thumbpad.

2.  If I do go with a handheld device, would something like a USB Microsoft Sidewinder be ok?  And would 4 of these all work at the same time for 4 player games?

Thanks.

[Kajoq]

Theres a number of joysticks like this available.  I use my hori real arcade pro on my PC all the time with a USB adapter



If you prefer HAPP style controls to Sanwa, check out the sticks that MAS systems makes

[Jack Burton]

I am going to assume that you have already seen the literally hundred or even thousands of commercial and homade joysticks and arcade panels that are around.

So could you be a bit more specific and tell us what exactly you mean by a control panel that sits in your lap?

I am thinking you mean some large cabinet minus the monitor and speakers that can move around the room easily, scoot up to the couch to game, etc.  Sort of a "half-cabinet" with only the controls and the internals housing the boards or consoles.  If so, then I am working on designs for this very thing at the moment and could get up scans if you are interested.

[BORIStheBLADE]

I was thinking about making a CP with a mini computer in it, but i think tha if you make a two player CP and want to rest it on your lap its going to be pretty heavy. Maybe a table?

[_Iz-]

http://www.arcadeinabox.com

[hydralisk]

Thanks for your feedback everyone.

I was actually thinking of having the internals on a PC or laptop next to my TV then having a long cord for the joysticks or gamepads to the sofa and chairs.  As for the CP, I was just thinkng of one for each individual player with a long cord to the main system.

I had some concerns over the joystick stability for fast action games.  I did a quick search on the hori real arcade pro, and apparently, someone has had stability problems.  here is the reference: http://www.dannychoo.com/slide/eng/gadget/2570/photo/Hori+Real+Arcade+Pro/

As for the arcadeinabox.com site, that seems to be more for a table top implementation.

It looks like I may go with the gamepad solution.  Does anyone know of any good USB gamepads?  Also, can I have 4 USB game pads connected at the same time?

[Kaytrim]

I have built several laptop controllers just like you describe.  If they are not for a console system then use a Groovy Game Gear or Ultimarc USB controller interface.

Laptop Controllers

TTFN
Kaytrim

[hydralisk]

so how do these laptop controllers do as far as stability?  i can forsee wobbling for fast action joystick motion...just like the earlier link i had posted.

[Kaytrim]

If people can move 50 pound bartop cabinets then a little 5 pound controller stands no chance.  It just takes a little getting used to.  If you use Sanwa or Seimitsu joysticks you need less force to move the stick compared to Happ sticks.

[Kajoq]

I play a ton of fighters on my HRAP all the time.  Either just in my lap or on the floor in front of me... It works great for it.

Even on Marvel its fine.

Also, If you do decide to get gamepads instead of joysticks (I would still say get a nice joystick) - I recommend getting a good USB adapter for PS2 controllers or Xbox if you prefer that.  The vast majority of USB controllers are terrible compared to the PS2 / Xbox ones overall.

[Grasshopper]

I’ve toyed with the idea of building a laptop controller to use with my modded Xbox.

What I’d probably do is build the controller fairly wide - about the same width as a PC’s keyboard. But I’d stick the joystick and all the buttons in the centre so that only the centre section of the panel needs to be deep. The sides of the CP would rest on the knees and the deep section in the middle (housing the joystick and buttons) would rest between the legs. I’ve drawn a diagram to illustrate what I mean.

I believe this arrangement would solve the stability problem because you could grip the controller between your knees to stop it moving.

[hydralisk]

I am not really looking to build one (mainly due to time).  So now if I want to buy a controller, which one should I get?  The X-arcade lifetime warranty looks pretty good.  My concern initially is that their unit weights (12 lbs)  much more than the hori (5 lbs).  The 12 lbs is more than 2 laptops.  I don't see much advantage to the mas systems one to these other two.

Anyone have any advice on this?  Thanks again.

[Fozzy The Bear]

I am not really looking to build one (mainly due to time).  So now if I want to buy a controller, which one should I get?

The title of the forum is: Build Your Own Arcade Controls.   not Buy your own....

Given what you've said, just go and buy a couple of sidewinder gamepads or similar. They're what you want and what you need. You won't get an X-Arcade unit on your lap. On top of which the sticks and buttons on them suck!

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

[Kajoq]

Get a Hori stick.  Period.

I agree with Fozzy on not getting X-Arcade, they're pretty trash.  But I STRONGLY disagree with getting a sidewinder.  There are basically no good Computer controllers.  If you just want a controller get a USB adapter and use a Playstation or Xbox controller.

They're the absolute top of the line personal joystick.  If you go to Shoryuken.com (a forum for serious fighting game players) nearly everyone there uses Hori sticks, or custom sticks with Sanwa parts.  Basically the only players who prefer Happ is Marvel vs Capcom 2 players who tend to use P360s.

The only reason to get a MAS systems stick over a Hori stick is if you prefer HAPP controls to Sanwa style.

[hydralisk]

Thanks for the info.  I'll go ahead and get a hori.  Should I get an HRAP3 or HRAP2? If it's the HRAP2, can I just get any cheapo converter to USB on ebay?  Is there a favorite place that ppl go to get the HRAPs?

[Kajoq]

If you don't have a PS2 and only plan on using it for the PC, then I would say to get the HRAP3.

I have an HRAP1 (essentially identical to the HRAP2) because I play lots of games on my consoles as well.

If you get an HRAP2, theres a few adapters that are better than the rest.  I personally have an older RedOctane 2 port adpater that works great, as well as a Pelican PS2->PS3 adapter that also works great on PC.

Read this thread from over at Shoryuken a bit if you decide to get the HRAP2 and need an adapter
http://forums.shoryuken.com/showthread.php?t=132493

As for sourcing a Stick,  Ebay has had a bunch of HRAP2s available lately
I've never ordered from them, but i've heard people say http://www.ncsxshop.com/cgi-bin/shop/HP3-07.html is a good site for HRAP3s