Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: borals on May 16, 2008, 01:36:25 am
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Hi All,
I'm new to all this and have just started work on MAMEing a cab.
I live in Tasmania, Australia, so it was quite hard to get hold of one. I finally ended up getting two, one for myself, and one for a mate.
They were both in pretty bad shape, but I have gutted both of them and cleaned the one I intend to use up.
I have an old TV that I am using for the monitor, and I have fitted it in the machine using some metal fixtures. That is connected to a pc via a TV out.
I'm fine with how to do most things but I just have a couple of questions regarding the control panel.
I was hoping to have a 4 player CP with no trackball or extra joys. So just 4 joys with 7 buttons for p1 and p2 and 4 for p3 and p4.
Here's my questions:
1) I can get locally HAPP, MCA or SANWA joysticks. I assume that it comes down to personal choice and I was leaning towards the SANWA (j-stick with ball top). Any other info to help my decision would be fantastic.
2) I was going to make the CP 1200mm (approx 47") long, is this enough to comfortably have 4 players playing. Also how far apart should I have p1 and p2?
3) I was just going to get the standard dimple arcade micro switch, does brand matter?
4) Finally, I wanted to make my CP out of MDO after reading a few different threads, but I cannot find anyone who sells it. Does it go by other names? Is it just an American thing? Is there a different name for it in OZ?
Any help/comments are very welcome.
Cheers, borals.
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You would probably like the Sanwa best if you don't care for trackball games or 4 way games. They are usually best for newer types of games.
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Hi there.
I can answer a few questions for you.
#2 - my control panel is 47 inches x 19 inches. It's great for 4 player action.
#3 - around here we use cherry switches, they seem to last well
#4 - you're looking for MDF - Medium density Fiberboard.
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I would definitely say get Sanwa buttons/sticks. If you buy their parts you don't need to buy standalone microswitches as they come with them.
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If you do end up buying microswitches make sure you get soft switches that are made for gaming. Industrial microswitches have a very stiff actuation that will make your hands hurt after a while and hurt your gameplay. Also be careful of cheap joystick knock offs because they usually come with the aforementioned microswitches.
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4) Not sure about OZ, but MDO (medium density overlay) might be under "laminated plywood". MDO is not MDF. It's better than MDF: lighter, stronger, outdoor grade, and paints as well as MDF.
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Cheers guys!
Awesome. Heading to the hardware >.<