Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: georgemcfly on August 11, 2008, 12:23:37 pm

Title: Controls and control board??
Post by: georgemcfly on August 11, 2008, 12:23:37 pm: For the control board I was considering the I-Pac b/c of price and how easy it looks to install. How well does it work? Anything out there better in terms of ease of programming and setup?

http://www.ultimarc.com/ipac1.html

As for controls I plan on just getting this cheap set for my first build and see if later I want to spend more money on the 2nd build, if I keep interest that long.
http://www.xgaming.com/arcade_bundle.shtml

Any input?
Title: Re: Controls and control board??
Post by: scotthh on August 11, 2008, 12:38:59 pm: The I-Pac (http://www.ultimarc.com/ipac1.html) and GGG's interfaces (http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=76) are the most widely used PC interfaces around here. I haven't seen any complaints about either. I have equipment from both vendors, and am extremely happy with all of it.

I'd spend a little more to get actual Happ or Suzo switches and joysticks with actual Cherry switches as opposed to things "based on" them. And I'd buy from either Divemaster (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=47066.0) or Ponyboy (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=36770.0), both frequent this forum and have excellent feedback.
Title: Re: Controls and control board??
Post by: Ginsu Victim on August 11, 2008, 01:46:42 pm: Quote from: georgemcfly on August 11, 2008, 12:23:37 pm
For the control board I was considering the I-Pac b/c of price and how easy it looks to install. How well does it work? Anything out there better in terms of ease of programming and setup?

http://www.ultimarc.com/ipac1.html

The I-pac is an excellent item. I use the Minipac myself (with optional wire harness) which is great for beginners, but will switch to the I-pac2 for future projects.

Quote
As for controls I plan on just getting this cheap set for my first build and see if later I want to spend more money on the 2nd build, if I keep interest that long.
http://www.xgaming.com/arcade_bundle.shtml

Any input?

Avoid the X-arcade parts. I know when you're looking to start your first project, it might sound like a bargain, but it's more like "bargain bin".

IMO, Cherry microswitches with Happ pushbuttons are what you'll want in a wood control panel, Sanwa buttons in a metal one. Try http://www.lizardlick.com
Title: Re: Controls and control board??
Post by: georgemcfly on August 11, 2008, 03:07:11 pm: Thanks for the info.

As for the 4/8 way joystick. The IPac only allows 4 way correct? Why would I need an 8 way?
Title: Re: Controls and control board??
Post by: Ginsu Victim on August 11, 2008, 03:11:00 pm: joysticks with microswitches only have 4 directions. What makes them 8-way is when you move diagonal and hit two switches.

I-pac does exactly as it should.