Few questions (2 vs 4, Ipac vs LEDWiz w/ inputs, Monitor, & Guns)

[SgtSlaughter]

I want to start working on my CP, but before I get into this I need to narrow a few things down.

I'm still really debating whether using 2 Player Vs 4 Player.  All my friends tell me to do the 4 player, but I generally hate the look of the oversized control panels.  The only game I used to play that was more than 4 player was Xmen.  I think it only needed 3 buttons for each player.  Out of the majority of 4 player games how many buttons are needed?  I've seen a bunch of peoples control panels that only have 4 buttons for the 3rd & 4th players.  I was considering just using regular gamepads for the 3rd & 4th player instead of creating an extra space on the control panel for them.  (The other reason I'm hesitating is I want a trackball in the middle and give enough room for each player so this panel would just be massive).

Generally low large are 4 player control panels?  I haven't seen any plans (only pictures)

I like the look of the LED-Wiz and RGB Lighted buttons.  But I'm a little confused on what I should get.  Should I buy 4x LED-Wiz (16output/16input) devices (if I go the 4 player route), that way I was thinking it might simplify controller output - and I wouldn't have to use an external power source for the RGB lighted buttons. 

Another option is I get an Ultimarc IPac (w/56 inputs - if I used 4 person I'd definetly use all inputs).  Then buy something like the LED-Wiz 32 and hook it up to an external power source.

Or if I end up going with U360's for all 4 joysticks, I guess this would do 6 buttons plus player start and coin button. and Then I'd just have to buy the 32 port LED wiz.

And last but not least... The big monitor debate.  I've definetly decided I'm going the LCD route.  Mostly to save size and weight on the cabinet.  The only problem is the whole 4x3 issue if I want to do 4 player as I don't want to dwarf my monitor even more if I go with a 20" LCD with a massive control panel.   Considering  LCD TV's have been getting so cheap getting a 32" is becoming more realistic.  Although I'm not too sure if you can have your computer output still produce a 4x3 layout that won't get automatically stretched on the TV (I guess this might be based on the TV) - I can live with the black bars.  Anyways I was wondering if anyone has had some luck with a larger 32" LCD and if they have any links.  I've seen some cabinets with widescreens mounted but haven't seen anything on the screen.  If the 32" TV works well that might lean me over to a 4 player cab.

Oh another thing... I bought one of the LCD Top Gun's last year or so and I hear they don't calibrate great to Widescreen televisions?  Anyone have any input on this?  Am I better going with a couple of Wii Guns?  (I hear they have issues with lag...)

Anyways once I get some parts I'll post my "idea" of what it should look like and the "actual" of how it progresses...

Thanks again!

[DaveMMR]

I'll answer some questions:

I'm still really debating whether using 2 Player Vs 4 Player.  All my friends tell me to do the 4 player, but I generally hate the look of the oversized control panels.

A nice compromise is to make a standard 2-player panel and stick a couple of USB ports somewhere handy so you can hook up gamepads.  (as you said). Sure, not as authentic but it works in a pinch.  Unless you have 4-players games being played constantly (i.e. - they live with you), it's not really a pressing issue to get a 4-player panel going.  Some of the best competitive games are 2 player simultaneous only.

BTW, the most buttons needed for 4-player games is 4 and only because of Dungeons and Dragons.  Most of the time, two to three would suffice.

Code: [Select]

I like the look of the LED-Wiz and RGB Lighted buttons.  But I'm a little confused on what I should get.  Should I buy 4x LED-Wiz (16output/16input) devices (if I go the 4 player route), that way I was thinking it might simplify controller output - and I wouldn't have to use an external power source for the RGB lighted buttons
You'll need 3 inputs per button with RGB LED (or one for single colors, like Start Buttons).  There are 32 inputs per LED WIZ.  Do the math, buy accordingly.  With a four player panel - assuming 4-6-6-4, you may only need three LED-Wiz's tops (two if you don't light the start buttons). 

[u_rebelscum]

Dave, could you fix you super wide post?  Either use a the quote or tt instead of code, or add returns inside the code.