New, is there a name for what I知 looking for?

[Facemelter]

Hi, I知 new to arcade builds. I did some searching, but couldn稚 find exactly what I was looking for. My aim is to build a four player arcade controller panel to attach to the PC hooked to my TV. I have a few starting questions:
1. Is there a name for what I知 looking for here? Everything PC controller related I saw is for one player.
2. What kind of cabling should I use to connect this to my PC?

[Facemelter]

Please forgive my ignorance. Sounds like I need an encoder. Is the I-PAC 4 still the best option?

[PL1]

Sounds like I need an encoder. Is the I-PAC 4 still the best option?

If you insist on building a 4-player panel, it is a great option for 4/8-way joysticks and buttons.
- Remember to heed the wise words, "Green is good.  Red is bad."


If you want a spinner or trackball, you'll also need an optical (mouse) encoder because the IPac4 doesn't have any optical inputs.

Before you start ordering parts, you may want to carefully work through the design process covered in the "What type of build meets my needs?" section of the FAQ.   
https://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/FAQ#What_type_of_build_meets_my_needs.3F

Another nice hardware option is the Neutrik NAUSB-W-B USB feedthru.
- You can reverse the center barrel so the "B" side is on the outside. (2nd pic)  That allows you to connect your control panel box to the PC using one commonly-available USB A-B cable.  Remove that cable for storage or transport.
- If you plan on having a spinner/trackball and an IPac4 in your panel, connect both of them to the Neutrik feedthru using an unpowered 4 port USB hub.   

 


Scott

[ericball]

One suggestion is to make sure you think through and prototype everything before spending $$$ ordering stuff.

• Get the software running on a PC you have before you buy one just for this purpose.
• Do you really need a dedicated control panel or will 4 cheap USB controllers be good enough?
• Build a prototype control panel out of cardboard or paperboard (use pencils & erasers for joysticks & buttons) & have a sit-down test.
• Do you have the tools, knowledge & drive to complete the project?
• When you're not using it, do you have a place to store the control panel?

[minorhero]

It sounds like you want a 4 player pedestal honestly. The difference being that what other people are talking about is a basically a mobile giant controller that you would put on a coffee table or some such. This thing would be unwieldy due to the size (probably weighing 30 or 40 lbs just from the wood it would need). And would be annoying to store because it would not be small. This is why people are asking if you really are sure you want such a thing.

Alternatively, you could build a pedestal which is basically a piece of furniture that holds the giant control board. You could store your PC inside of it as well which may or may not make the whole process more palatable for you. Here is a random picture from online of someone's pedestal so you understand what I mean: