A few questions on MAMEing a cab.....PLEASE@@!!>>??

[borals]

Hi All,

I'm new to all this and have just started work on MAMEing a cab.

I live in Tasmania, Australia, so it was quite hard to get hold of one. I finally ended up getting two, one for myself, and one for a mate.

They were both in pretty bad shape, but I have gutted both of them and cleaned the one I intend to use up.

I have an old TV that I am using for the monitor, and  I have fitted it in the machine using some metal fixtures. That is connected to a pc via a TV out.

I'm fine with how to do most things but I just have a couple of questions regarding the control panel.

I was hoping to have a 4 player CP with no trackball or extra joys. So  just 4 joys with 7 buttons for p1 and p2 and 4 for p3 and p4.

Here's my questions:

1) I can get locally HAPP, MCA or SANWA joysticks. I assume that it comes down to personal choice and I was leaning towards the SANWA (j-stick with ball top). Any other info to help my decision would be fantastic.

2) I was going to make the CP 1200mm (approx 47") long, is this enough to comfortably have 4 players playing. Also how far apart should I have p1 and p2?

3) I was just going to get the standard dimple arcade micro switch, does brand matter?

4) Finally, I wanted to make my CP out of MDO after reading a few different threads, but I cannot find anyone who sells it. Does it go by other names? Is it just an American thing? Is there a different name for it in OZ?

Any help/comments are very welcome.

Cheers, borals.

[Jack Burton]

You would probably like the Sanwa best if you don't care for trackball games or 4 way games.  They are usually best for newer types of games.

[lanman31337]

Hi there.

I can answer a few questions for you. 

#2 - my control panel is 47 inches x 19 inches.  It's great for 4 player action.

#3 - around here we use cherry switches, they seem to last well

#4 - you're looking for MDF - Medium density Fiberboard. 

[Kajoq]

I would definitely say get Sanwa buttons/sticks.  If you buy their parts you don't need to buy standalone microswitches as they come with them.

[Jack Burton]

If you do end up buying microswitches make sure you get soft switches that are made for gaming.  Industrial microswitches have a very stiff actuation that will make your hands hurt after a while and hurt your gameplay.  Also be careful of cheap joystick knock offs because they usually come with the aforementioned microswitches.

[u_rebelscum]

4) Not sure about OZ, but MDO (medium density overlay) might be under "laminated plywood".  MDO is not MDF.  It's better than MDF: lighter, stronger, outdoor grade, and paints as well as MDF.

[borals]

Cheers guys!

Awesome. Heading to the hardware >.<