Introduction, couple of questions

[Quaternion]

Hi all. Great forum you have here. Just wanted to introduce myself, although I'll probably mostly lurk.

I hail from the days of the classics and used to play MAME in the late 90's. Got kind of irritated with it though, as I couldn't use classic controls. Not that I need everything to be perfect, but a typical computer joystick just wasn't cutting it. Recently noticed that it's a lot easier to build your own control panel now (thanks to you guys), not to mention that I have money to spend that I didn't then. Had the same issue with PS2s Namco Arcade Classics - made me want to play those classics even more, but was frustrating with the console controller.

So on to the questions. I'm going to start out with a prototype control panel, probably just something I'd plug into the laptop (displaying either on laptop display or to the TV.) Nothing fancy at first, probably just a couple of joysticks (robotron!) and enough buttons. I've never really been into the fighters, so three (per player) might be enough. On the other hand, given that I may end up more interested in this, should I just go ahead and purchase lots of buttons?

I'm handy enough with woodworking and electronics and computers that I don't see any issue with building, etc., and I have enough wood around that I think I'll just try out a couple of things and see what I like rather than do tons of planning for this first CP. Next question, from reading everything I think I'd be happiest with the Ultrastik 360. I think I prefer ball-top though, and Ultimarc is currently out of stock. Anybody have any idea how long I might have to wait, or should I just go ahead with the bat top? I'll probably pick up buttons at the same time, and postpone any trackball/spinner decisions until I see how deeply I'll be getting into this hobby. Sound reasonable?

I guess that's it for now. Thanks to everybody who participates here, it's a great resource.

[Encryptor]

I asked Andy at Ultimarc and he informed me that the ball top U360's should be back in stock around the second week of March.

Encryptor

[rackoon]

Welcome, I to come form the days of classics. I saw my first arcade (space invaders) cab when I was eight.
Like you I was not happy playing remakes of the classics with the wrong controls. Hell, try playing Donkey Kong Jr or Joust with a keyboard, it sucks. I tryed to explain this to my teen age son but he wouldnt listen.

Heck, try playing Robotron with your thumbs on an Xbox 360; hard to squeez through those tight spots on levels obove 10, trust me.

You will soon come to realize that you will want an arcade monitor and cab to truly relive the experience. If you dont have the room, build a cocktail cab like me.

Trust me, an control panel will only get you half way. I'm almost 40 and I still dump quarters in the Ms. Pac Man cocktail cab at the local Pizza joint.

[ids]

Another option is to spend more time planning.  I went the prototype route and now I dont think I'll even finish.  I keep tweaking my prototype.  I am learning the hard way what has been posted a thousand times before: figure out what games are important to you, and build the cabinet first.  Another thing holding me up now is deciding what monitor is going in there.  The size of the monitor will dictate some of the cab dimensions.

I have the U360's (balltop) and generally like them, but sometimes miss physical restriction.

As for buttons - planning.  How many per player?  How many players?  What about admin/pinball/start/coin buttons?  You have a colour scheme in mind?  Artwork?  Or hell, do like my, build a working prototype and think about those things later.  You may take a lot longer and spend more than you should have, but you have some fun along the way too.

[divemaster127]

I have 2 left of the red balltop u360's if you need, send a pm & i can get you a quote
thanks
dm