Anyone ever put a phone keypad on their MAME cabinet like Raw Thrills games?

[marioxb]

If so, how did you do it, and what did you use? A real phone booth keypad?

[PL1]

If so, how did you do it, and what did you use? A real phone booth keypad?

Tony.silveira did.
https://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,121193.0.html

The easiest way is to use a USB number pad.
- For some games, you may need to use AHK as suggested in this thread.

If you want something closer to a phone, there are a wide variety of keypad styles, usually in a 3x4 or 4x4 layout.
   


Keypads usually use a row/column matrix setup so you'll need a matrix encoder.
Arduino is your friend -- lots of tutorials like this one to choose from.
https://arduinogetstarted.com/tutorials/arduino-keypad


If you don't want to use a matrix encoder, you can make a keypad using mechanical keyboard switches and keycaps with a 3d printed housing.  You can use a wire wrap tool and 30 AWG wire on the switch leads then add a touch of solder to keep it secure.   


Scott

[marioxb]

That's awesome. Thanks!

[PL1]

Glad to assist.   

LMK if you want to go the 3d printed + mechanical keyboard switch/keycap route.

I've been working on a parametric model for that type of setup -- would be easy to custom remix it for you.


Scott

[Fursphere]

I wonder if it would make more sense to use an Elgato Stream Deck for this.

[PL1]

I wonder if it would make more sense to use an Elgato Stream Deck for this.

How did that work on your Twin Cabinet Build?

Looks like Tony tried one too.  No idea how well it worked for him -- only found one post where he mentioned it.
https://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,165098.0.html

TapeWormInYourGut ran into problems with using his in many emulators.
https://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,168180.msg1772075.html#msg1772075

Howard mentioned a potential problem using it with MAME and nexusmtz provided a possible workaround.
https://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,160059.msg1684108.html#msg1684108

Looks like a Stream Deck could be a viable option if your system, desired use case, emulator program(s), and wallet can support it.   


Scott

[Fursphere]

Honestly, I have never used the keypad functions of the raw thrills games.   Never really crossed my mind. 

I have the 6-button Stream Decks on my Twin, and they work good enough for the original intent.  They're currently used for front end navigation / cabinet controls. 

[PL1]

I have the 6-button Stream Decks on my Twin, and they work good enough for the original intent.  They're currently used for front end navigation / cabinet controls.

If that's what you're using it for, it can be great like gildahl's arcadeEIP.




Scott