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What buttons are really necessary?
johnmartin:
Hi all,
I am in the process of designing my MAME cab and have a question concerning buttons. I am big on the classics like Galaga, Defender, Asteroids, Tempest, etc, and never really got into the fighting type games other than Mortal Kombat. My wife and daughter like stuff like Frogger and Pac Man. With that said, what buttons do I really need?
And as far as admin goes, I plan on having a CP with a keyboard tray and mouse underneath so do I really need any admin buttons other than pause or exit?
I see many of the CPs on this site have 6 buttons on P1 and P2 and 4 usually on P3 and P4. Many have trackballs but I am going to forego a trackball for now.
I am actually thinking of going with a joystick and 4 buttons for P1 and P2, a spinner with 3 buttons, and a dedicated 4 way for my daughter. P1 coin, P1 button, pause, exit, P2, P2 coin, and flipper buttons on the side. Anyone think I should go otherwise and why? I am so new to this I really don't know what is best for me so all options are considered.
Thanks.
John
javeryh:
Where to begin... there is no right answer really. I would say that if you are going to allow for Mortal Kombat (5 buttons), add the 6th button so all the other fighters are playable. Also, I don't think you need 3 buttons for your spinner - there aren't many games that use them all (unless there is something specific you are looking to play). Plus, you can map them to other buttons on the CP.
I'd also look into using Ultimarc 360s for your two joysticks - this eliminates the need for a dedicated 4-way or to worry about restrictor plates and stuff on the 2 main sticks. You just pick a game and the stick behaves as it should.
Teknique:
Pause and Exit are quite helpful. Make the exit button a shifted function so accidental presses will do nothing. (example - pressing both pause and exit will exit)
shift your P1 and P2 coin buttons to cut down on clutter (example- Pressing P1 start and P1 B1 will give you credit)
If spinner goes in middle, link your buttons to exisiting P2 buttons.
Why are you using three buttons for spinner?
Tek
ark_ader:
I like the button placements for Asteroids, which I can easily add two more for Defender. This gives me excellent placement and helps me to refrain from slouching. A wrongly designed CP can hurt you in the long run.
As I find with the Xarcade, there are too many buttons, and I find I hit some by accident. I think your idea on having the admin buttons are excellent. I'm not sure about the 3 buttons for the spinner. A trackball maybe, but I think that is a little excessive.
Who needs admin buttons on the top? That is asking for trouble. I don't want to inadvertently ding myself out a very good game or high score because of some dumb admin button.
There again its a personal preference.
You can always redesign another CP if that one doesn't work for you. :cheers:
lettuce:
If your going to be using an I-PAC, then all admin buttons can be added to its shift function, with P1 Start usually being the shift key, ie....
Hold down P1 Start and then press P2 start will quit the game
Hold down P1 Start and the P1 Button 1 with add a credit
Hold down P1 Start and Pull right on P1 Stick will Pause the game
etc....