Back in the "Game" and need advice

[GameDork]

(For you old timers I was the machinist that fab'ed up custom CP's and other metal what nots about 4 or so years ago.)

I am running a JAMMA cab and a J-PAC and ArcadeVGA. I started this MAME years ago (around MAME .083) and started a new CP and never finished it and lost interest.

Well after watching The King of Kong the other day I am re motivated to finish this up!!

I want to use MameWAH and I think I have it to auto boot to the frontend when I power on. ( going this evening to get my machine back to my house)

I wouldn't mind updating both MAME and MAMEWah. Should I do this?

I want to have six buttons per stick (2 player) I have a trackball and also want to have Pinball buttons on either side of the CP.

 So the advice I need is:

How many buttons should I have overall?and where? so I can get this CP finished up!

What has happened in the last few years? Will I still need separate buttons for the mouse control? If so I would like to hide them on the underneath of the CP so it will appear and operate like a normal arcade machine.

I need to freshen up on what controls do what. I.e. what buttons simulate putting in a coin and so on...

You guys have any advice?

[Turnarcades]

I'd say there is much more available in the way of parts and ready-made solutions for interfaces etc, but as far as software goes I wouldn't say there's much need to change your current Mamewah/Mame setup unless you want really new games.

At Turnarcades we build basic functional machines and I'd just say go with what you will play most of all. A 2-player, 6-button layout covers most regular Jamma-originated games, with a start button each, 'credit' button and maybe a handful of admin buttons for easy launch game/pause/exit functionality. If you can stretch the few extra quid/bucks then plump for a 3" trackball and maybe a decent spinner, if that is your thing. If classic games are your thing you may want these, and with all the 4/8-way switchable and programmable sticks you don't need to have a control panel that looks like a dildo display shelf in a sex shop either.

Places like Ultimarc will provide high-quality parts with ready-cut/crimped looms and compact interfaces to make it all easy, so throwing together your own arcade has never been easier!

[GameDork]

I'd say there is much more available in the way of parts and ready-made solutions for interfaces etc, but as far as software goes I wouldn't say there's much need to change your current Mamewah/Mame setup unless you want really new games.

At Turnarcades we build basic functional machines and I'd just say go with what you will play most of all. A 2-player, 6-button layout covers most regular Jamma-originated games, with a start button each, 'credit' button and maybe a handful of admin buttons for easy launch game/pause/exit functionality. If you can stretch the few extra quid/bucks then plump for a 3" trackball and maybe a decent spinner, if that is your thing. If classic games are your thing you may want these, and with all the 4/8-way switchable and programmable sticks you don't need to have a control panel that looks like a dildo display shelf in a sex shop either.

Places like Ultimarc will provide high-quality parts with ready-cut/crimped looms and compact interfaces to make it all easy, so throwing together your own arcade has never been easier!

What admin buttons would be needed? The two for the mouse that would work with my trackball? Is that all? One or two credit buttons?

I want it to be able to be used by somebody without me having to be there and explain how to use it. Like I sid, I'm sure it will all come back to me once I get back in there and get to playing.

I have all the interfaces I need right now.

Thanks for your help!