Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: MAMEBase on May 25, 2005, 01:59:04 pm

Title: Behold... IMACS!
Post by: MAMEBase on May 25, 2005, 01:59:04 pm
I thought some of you might want to take a look at my little contribution to the world of home arcade controls.

Please take a look at my Interchangeable Multiple Arcade Control System (IMACS) prototype at

http://homepage.mac.com/mamebase/PhotoAlbum4.html

Keep in mind that this is a mark I prototype... The Mark II in on the drawing board, and will hopefully be built soon (when I can resume funding... :P)
Title: Re: Behold... IMACS!
Post by: RayB on May 25, 2005, 02:38:16 pm
Careful you don't get sued by Steve Jobs.  :D
Title: Re: Behold... IMACS!
Post by: clonestar on May 25, 2005, 03:38:48 pm
How you ewnsure that you don't have two modules competing for the same wire?
Title: Re: Behold... IMACS!
Post by: Ghoward on May 25, 2005, 04:21:20 pm
Why in the world would you need so many admin buttons.

Gary
Title: Re: Behold... IMACS!
Post by: Zathras on May 25, 2005, 05:54:08 pm
That's a lot of buttons. 

Reminds me a bit of Doc's Modular MAME http://www.beersmith.com/mame/

He used RJ45 connectors/jacks which might be something to consider as I bet they would be a bit more durable than the ribbon cable.
Title: Re: Behold... IMACS!
Post by: MAMEBase on May 25, 2005, 06:22:23 pm
Careful you don't get sued by Steve Jobs.
Title: Re: Behold... IMACS!
Post by: MAMEBase on May 25, 2005, 06:32:32 pm
How you ensure that you don't have two modules competing for the same wire?


It is a bit of a concern, but I have 36 inputs to play with... :)

It's currently configured for single players... Player two controls are wired to player two defaults.

The modules pictured are the ones I was able to finish before the funding ran out... :(

Not pictured are the unfinished double wide modules, which would have housed the spinner, the trigger stick, the dual joysticks, the tank grips, and a few other configurations... ;D

I'm saving all this for the Mark II
Title: Re: Behold... IMACS!
Post by: MAMEBase on May 25, 2005, 06:39:31 pm
Why in the world would you need so many admin buttons.

Gary

Remember, this is a prototype... ;)

The original idea was to eliminate the need for a keyboard, and still be able to access all the functions in MAME.

If this ever becomes a production device (Which I hope will happen someday), it may have fewer buttons for MAME control.

I forgot to mention that I originally designed this for use with MacMAME... ;)
Title: Re: Behold... IMACS!
Post by: MAMEBase on May 25, 2005, 06:46:44 pm
That's a lot of buttons.
Title: Re: Behold... IMACS!
Post by: richms on May 27, 2005, 05:09:27 am
I was going to do something similar with a USB keyboard hack in each panel, I have a cab thats currently a 2 player thru the use of stainless steel plates about 300x180mm with the jstick and 6 buttons on each, they are in a ply top.

I was going to make a new ply top, and make 4 drop in modules, each with a stick and 6 buttons, and then make a few more with the alternate sticks or wheels etc. Being USB with a keyboard hack for each, I wouldnt have blocking issues between the boards (I hope)
Title: Re: Behold... IMACS!
Post by: ras2a on May 27, 2005, 09:43:02 am
OMG - I remember I got pulled up (in jest) for too many buttons.  Even so, I find it very appealing, almost like an old retro analog-synthesizer or something

Craig
Title: Re: Behold... IMACS!
Post by: TOK on May 27, 2005, 02:27:12 pm
OMG - I remember I got pulled up (in jest) for too many buttons.  Even so, I find it very appealing, almost like an old retro analog-synthesizer or something

Craig

I got that retro vibe from it too. Since most of the admin buttons don't look like anything I've ever seen on an arcade game, it reminded me of a spaceship control panel from a 50's B movie. All they need to do it blink randomly!