Control Panel set up (Mouse buttons)

[batdive]

Ok long time lurker.  I have read and gone through all the control panels that are posted and I have a question as I go about designing mine (hopefully this it the right forum).

Im going for a 2 player set up with 7 buttons each and a trackball.  The trackball (Happ 3") has wires and set up for 3 buttons for mouse functions.  Looking like UAII set up which the control panel has the 3 buttons laid out already.

What are the pros/cons of setting up the 3 buttons and since they are tied directly to the trackball, the rest of the buttons would (if im correct) work off the IPac2, which would be maxed out with the other buttons I have planned.  (7 buttons per player, exit, pause, coin1,coin2, player1 start, player2 start, pinball flipper rt/lt, nudge lt/rt, and ball shooter).

Any input on either side would be appreciated.


Thanks

[DaveMMR]

Personally, I'm not big on putting "dedicated" mouse buttons on the panel.  The only time you'd need them is for admin stuff (or windows games you can't remap).  Other than that, the main buttons are fine. 

If you find yourself worried about panel clutter, gratuitous buttons, and excess wiring, I'd ditch the three buttons.   Conversely,  I do see why sometimes people put them on (convenience, etc.)

[MAME nut]

I have the same issue.....but for games like the PC version of Golden Tee, mouse buttons on the CP make sense.....or is there a better way to do it???

[ahofle]

I have them to the left of my P1 stick.  That way, I get the convenience of using them in windows/windows games (and there are a lot of them that REQUIRE mouse), and I have them mapped in MAME so they are P1 button 1 and P1 button2.  This allows people to use the joystick with their right hand if they prefer that (for some reason my wife prefers the buttons on the left).  Many actual arcade games had the buttons replicated on either side of the joystick, so I don't think it's too cluttered.