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dbldown768:
I know I am overly simplifying how to build a cabinet but I'm hoping I have the main idea. I basically need to layout joysticks and buttons and mount into MDF or something similar. These then connect to a IPAC controller or similar device which then connects USB to a PC. Correct?

In my head I'd really like a four player control panel for two games, the Simpsons and TMNT. Other games I would like to play are narc, street fighter and a few other similar games. The only game I would maybe need use a trackball for is for golden tee.

Does each button and each direction on the joystick get wired back to the IPAC controller?

In addition to Mame I wanted to run some Nintendo and a few other old console games.

My current plan would to build a pedestal for this control panel.

Anyone have tips or advice on controllers, 4 way, 8 way etc ?

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk 2

Slippyblade:
You've pretty much got it.  Keep in mind there are different types of encoders.  Things like the iPac and the GPWiz are seen by the computer as keyboards and output keycodes.  In my first cab I used a Xin-Mo encoder.  It is connected to the controls pretty much the same way as the iPac but is seen by the computer as two USB gamepads.  Subtle difference, but it changes the MAME config a little.

As far as a 4 player CP goes, use a 6 or 7 button layout for player 1 and 2 then a 4 button on Player 3 and 4.  Square the joysticks to the screen, DO NOT angle them in.  Also, if you mount trackball in middle, do not add dedicated buttons, just assign the buttons from P1 and P2 for left/right hand trackball use.


P3(4 button)                                                     P4(4 button)
            P1(6/7 button)   Trackball    P2(6/7 button)

Keep in mind, this is my opinion only and wars have started for less.   :soapbox:

PL1:
Welcome aboard, Dbldown768.


--- Quote from: dbldown768 on November 12, 2013, 05:53:24 pm ---In my head I'd really like a four player control panel for two games, the Simpsons and TMNT.

--- End quote ---
Before you decide to build a 4 player panel, read a lot of the threads on the subject.

Some guys have done a 4 player build and end up several years later never using all 4 positions.

A 2-player panel with Neutrik USB jacks for gamepads is another way to handle the rare 4 simultaneous player game.

Remember that there are 2-player ROM versions that allow you to play as your favorite character from either player 1 or 2 position.   ;D


--- Quote from: dbldown768 on November 12, 2013, 05:53:24 pm ---Does each button and each direction on the joystick get wired back to the IPAC controller?

--- End quote ---
Yes.  Pressing the button connects the "daisy-chained" ground to the input.


--- Quote from: dbldown768 on November 12, 2013, 05:53:24 pm ---Anyone have tips

--- End quote ---
1. Read lots of threads, especially the build threads in "Project Announcements" + bookmark relevant ones
2. The wiki is a bit out of date, but has a lot of good info
3. Slagcoin has printable button layouts


Scott

dbldown768:
Thanks for the reply. I have been browsing through here for maybe a month. Getting some good ideas but haven't dove deep into research.

Just for sake of example, if I had an 8 way controller with 4 buttons does this take up 12 spots on the IPAC controller?

Also the USB you are talking about do you use those to say plug in a normal gamepad or controller?

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk 2

PL1:

--- Quote from: dbldown768 on November 12, 2013, 07:14:49 pm ---Just for sake of example, if I had an 8 way controller with 4 buttons does this take up 12 spots on the IPAC controller?

--- End quote ---
Both 4-way and 8-way joysticks have 4 microswitches = 4 inputs.

A 4-way will only activate one direction at a time, 8-way allows you to activate up to two directions at a time. (Up+Right, etc)

On the Happ Super/IL Compact, you can flip the actuator (black hourglass shape at the bottom of the shaft in these pics) to switch between 4- and 8-way -- the 8-way side is a bit larger.




--- Quote from: dbldown768 on November 12, 2013, 07:14:49 pm ---Also the USB you are talking about do you use those to say plug in a normal gamepad or controller?

--- End quote ---
Yes -- they're easy to mount and look good.



Scott

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