Galaga Mame Conversion - What Controller to buy?

[EddieArcadian]

Hello!  I'm fixing up a dead Galaga cabinet to be a nicely polished Mame machine that will play one-person two-way joystick games (galaga, joust, etc.).  I bought a new (old) Galaga two way control panel, will re-paint, apply new artwork, bought a new (old) marquee, new (old) coin door, etc.  The bezel is in decent shape, monitor I assume to be dead.  I plan on inserting an old 21 inch CRT (that I have arranged to pickup tomorrow off craigslist for 25 bucks) and tilting it vertically on its side to achieve the look of the original vertical monitor.  This will be my very first attempt at a "real" mame machine.  I plan on giving it to a buddy to who loves Galaga.

My question:  Can I get a few recommendations on a nice inexpensive controller for the joystick/buttons/coincredits?  I'm not savvy at all to this stuff... so ease of use and plug and play definitely take priority.  Ipac?  Something from Randy?  Cheap ebay key encoder?  Again, it's gotta be easy for me to hookup the wires and then actually get working.

Also, are there any caveats to expect with the original leaf joysticks and wiring?  Other thoughts?

Any other suggestions are appreciated!  Will post pictures when I'm done.  Hoping to complete in a week and a half.

Eddie

[Ginsu Victim]

The IPAC and the Keywiz are both excellent products. You can't go wrong with either of them.

[EddieArcadian]

Thanks Ginsu.  I assume the cheapest flavor of Ipac would be okay?

[HaRuMaN]

Thanks Ginsu.  I assume the cheapest flavor of Ipac would be okay?

Should be.  Sounds like that will give you all the inputs you would need for your project.

[taylormadelv]

The x-arcade DIY kit is nice as well. All the cables and connectors are there, so no stripping and crimping!