Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: ladysephiroth on July 30, 2015, 11:09:21 pm

Title: Newb Question
Post by: ladysephiroth on July 30, 2015, 11:09:21 pm

I've been banging my head against Google for a couple of days now on this one ....

I'm looking to build a 2-joystick, 7-button (think the old HotRod controller layout, but modified with curved buttons) and I want to add a trackball and a spinner for MAME on Mac. Can I use the same buttons i already have connected to the PCB for the joysticks (I'm going USB) to fire/jump/whatever while using the spinner or trackball to control?  I know it's going to end with 3 USB cords coming out of the back, but I'd prefer to drill as few holes as possible!

Thank you so much! 

Title: Re: Newb Question
Post by: Ginsu Victim on July 30, 2015, 11:20:52 pm

Of course.

Title: Re: Newb Question
Post by: harveybirdman on July 30, 2015, 11:54:03 pm

Not only can you do this, you absolutely should.

Title: Re: Newb Question
Post by: mgb on July 31, 2015, 08:12:22 am

Yes, definitely.

A lot of people used to needlessly add those 3 awkward looking extra buttons for the mouse when they just aren't needed. They make about as much sense as a keyboard drawer on the front of the cabinet.

Title: Re: Newb Question
Post by: BadMouth on July 31, 2015, 10:07:11 am

...and if you want dedicated buttons to go with the trackball, you could just wire them in parallel with the Player 1 buttons (either can be used then).

The trackball wiring harness will also have inputs that post as mouse buttons.
I find having those wired up to buttons on the back or side of the control panel (somewhere they won't be accidentally hit) to be useful for clicking around the desktop without getting a mouse out.

Title: Re: Newb Question
Post by: yotsuya on July 31, 2015, 10:25:54 am

Quote from: mgb on July 31, 2015, 08:12:22 am

Yes, definitely.

A lot of people used to needlessly add those 3 awkward looking extra buttons for the mouse when they just aren't needed. They make about as much sense as a keyboard drawer on the front of the cabinet.

(http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/article/media_slots/photos/000/760/085/applause-gif-tumblr-47_original.gif?1363040789)

Title: Re: Newb Question
Post by: ladysephiroth on July 31, 2015, 10:39:58 am

Aww, thanks guys! Yeah when I look at ideas online, I see so many with al the extra buttons and it's so cluttered! This is just going to be for the TV, I don't have the room for a whole cabinet (yet), plus I want the machine to do other things with the TV, like Stepmania :P

I know I'll have more questions as I explore the process.  Keep being awesome, please?

Title: Re: Newb Question
Post by: mgb on July 31, 2015, 12:15:29 pm

Well as you proceed you can always find the answers here.

One piece of advise for all new builders, go through the project announcement section and read as much as you can.
If you find an answer, ask it. You can save your self a lot of trouble by the advice here.

Good luck with the build.