A few questions....

[Honkyharris]

Hey all,

    I have a question about cooling. I was thinking about adding 3-120mm fans in my case. One fan on either side to pull air across my CPU and one fan pulling hot air out the top. Is this necessary or am I just going to be adding eye sores to my cab? Secondly, if it is worth while, where can you find extensions long enough for the typical 4-pin fan connector?

    Another question I have is about the monitor shelf. What is a typical angle from horizontal that the monitor shelves are set at? I am working off a modified version of Lusid's plans.

    I notice many people have used casters in their design to aid in moving their cab. Is this really important? I don't see it helping me move it around on carpeted floor at all.

    I also have a couple of control related questions. Is there much difference between a Happ super and ultimate? I was thinking about going with the ultimate to match it with my color theme. As far as track balls go how are the Happ 3"? Are the any other trackballs people would recommend? I understand it will be necessary to pickup an ipac2, will it also be necessary to get an optipac for the trackball or should I just go with a trackball that has usb/ps2 support?

   Any insight to these questions would be appreciated.


Thanks,
Honkyharris

[Ginsu Victim]

Wow, that's a lot of questions....

Here goes....

Hey all,

    I have a question about cooling. I was thinking about adding 3-120mm fans in my case. One fan on either side to pull air across my CPU and one fan pulling hot air out the top. Is this necessary or am I just going to be adding eye sores to my cab?

Sounds like an eyesore to me. Put one at the bottom back of the cab drawing air in, and one at the top (top of cab or the top-back) for exhaust.

Secondly, if it is worth while, where can you find extensions long enough for the typical 4-pin fan connector?

Actually, it's more worthwhile to learn to strip wires, use quick disconnects, and learn to solder. This will save you money in the long run and give you more options as well.

I notice many people have used casters in their design to aid in moving their cab. Is this really important? I don't see it helping me move it around on carpeted floor at all.

Carpet isn't a problem. Mine works great on carpet. It doesn't roll unless I want it to.

I also have a couple of control related questions. Is there much difference between a Happ super and ultimate? I was thinking about going with the ultimate to match it with my color theme.

The main difference is: the Ultimates are the ultimate hunk of crap. Have you looked in Happ Competition vs Happ Super?

As far as track balls go how are the Happ 3"? Are the any other trackballs people would recommend?

Happ 3" trackball is the standard. You can't go wrong with it.

I understand it will be necessary to pickup an ipac2, will it also be necessary to get an optipac for the trackball or should I just go with a trackball that has usb/ps2 support?

USB/PS2 support will be the easiest way to handle it.

----

Other than the monitor question (my answer is "hey, whatever works for that style"), I hope I helped.

[Honkyharris]

Wow, that's a lot of questions....

Here goes....

Sounds like an eyesore to me. Put one at the bottom back of the cab drawing air in, and one at the top (top of cab or the top-back) for exhaust.

Sounds like a better idea.

Actually, it's more worthwhile to learn to strip wires, use quick disconnects, and learn to solder. This will save you money in the long run and give you more options as well.

I know how to strip wires and solder. I guess thats probably a better option I just haven't done that kind of work on something like a power supply cord.

Carpet isn't a problem. Mine works great on carpet. It doesn't roll unless I want it to.

Awesome!

The main difference is: the Ultimates are the ultimate hunk of crap. Have you looked in Happ Competition vs Happ Super?

Yea, the happ comps look just fine as an 8-way. I'd like to add a single 4-way at the top if my CP so you're saying go with a Super for that 4-way rather than the 4-way Ultimate?

Happ 3" trackball is the standard. You can't go wrong with it.

That's what I figured.

USB/PS2 support will be the easiest way to handle it.

Is there an issue with having two mouse devices connected through usb/ps2? I'm not sure how that would work.

Thanks a lot for the reply!
Honkyharris

[Ginsu Victim]

For a great dedicated 4-way, get the Ms Pacman 4-way replica (a modified Happ Super) from Tornado Terry's. I have one and love it.

http://www.tornadoterrys.com/surplus.htm

As for two mice, that's not a problem. I have a trackball and spinner that are both mice in XP. I'm about to add a mouse-based lightgun setup, as well.

[Honkyharris]

That's exactly what I was looking for. I like the Ms. Pacman/Galaga style of the ones Happ sells, but since it said metal mount only I assumed that was because of the shaft length.

That modification looks exactly the same with a longer shaft.

Thanks for the link!

Honkyharris

[Ginsu Victim]

No prob. I'm sure you noticed this stick is ready to mount in wood or metal. It's quite nice.

[Honkyharris]

No prob. I'm sure you noticed this stick is ready to mount in wood or metal. It's quite nice.

Sure did Ginsu, that looks like perfect fit.

Thanks again

Honkyharris

[Honkyharris]

So I'm getting ready to make my purchases for my CP and I have one final question I wanted to ask. I am planning on a 3 joystick 2P layout (2 - 8ways ; 1 - 4way). The 4-way would only be in use for single player or alternating two player games.

My question is do I need to get an IPAC-4 and wire the 4-way up as a 3rd player or can I just get an IPAC-2 and double up the wiring for the P1 and 4-way joysticks?

Any input would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Honkyharris

[Ginsu Victim]

Double wire it. There's no way you could play with three players like that anyway.

[Honkyharris]

That was my thought. Ginsu I <3 you as always.

Honkyharris

[Ginsu Victim]

A lot of people don't pay as much attention to this board, so I do what I can.

Cheers.

[severdhed]

i agree..just wire it up the same as p1 joystick.  that way you dont have the extra expense, and you wont have to reconfigure mame.