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MrFish7:
Hello, I am new to the hobby and am about to set out on my first cabinet. I have a few questions and they concern things from wiring to joystick choice. I have read over many posts and you all seem like very helpful folks and I would like to thank you in advance.

I first need some clarification how and where I would use quick disconnects in my cabinet. My understanding is that I will connect short wires to each input on my encoder chip(keywiz or I-Pac) and then on the end of those I connect a quick disconnect. Then I connect a wire to my buttons also with quick disconnects on the ends to hook up to the disconnects on the wires attached to the encoder. Do I have this correct?

My next question is how to count number of inputs. It is my understanding that a four way and eight way joystick both use four inputs. Is this correct?

In regards to encoder chips, is it possible to use two? I ask because I have not yet decided on whether I will make a four player control pad or simply a two. If I were to make a two player controller using a cheaper encoder such as the KeyWiz Max, would I later be able to add another to increase the number of inputs? How would that work? Also, has anyone made use of the special connectors for the KeyWiz to make a button permentally

rsoandrew:

--- Quote from: MrFish7 on June 10, 2004, 12:52:35 pm ---I first need some clarification how and where I would use quick disconnects in my cabinet. My understanding is that I will connect short wires to each input on my encoder chip(keywiz or I-Pac) and then on the end of those I connect a quick disconnect. Then I connect a wire to my buttons also with quick disconnects on the ends to hook up to the disconnects on the wires attached to the encoder. Do I have this correct?
--- End quote ---
Sort of.  You will run a wire from the keyboard encoder directly to the buttons/joystick. The end at the encoder is simply striped and insterted. On the other end you will crimp a quick disconnect and then push that onto the button/joystick switch. Just make sure you have enought wire for a service loop (ie you can open your CP without putting strain on the wiring). You can take a look at my CP wiring . It worked out pretty well.




--- Quote --- My next question is how to count number of inputs. It is my understanding that a four way and eight way joystick both use four inputs. Is this correct?
--- End quote ---
Yes. On the 8ways you are just pushing 2 buttons at the same time.


--- Quote --- In regards to encoder chips, is it possible to use two? I ask because I have not yet decided on whether I will make a four player control pad or simply a two. If I were to make a two player controller using a cheaper encoder such as the KeyWiz Max, would I later be able to add another to increase the number of inputs? How would that work? Also, has anyone made use of the special connectors for the KeyWiz to make a button permentally
--- End quote ---

etumor:
More to the 4-way/8-way discussion.

Most of the Happ joysticks that claim that they can be made 4-way (Super, Ultimate, and Competition) do so by using a smaller actuator that can't reach two switches at the same time.  This is absolutely no help in a game like Pac-Man.  Just about a month ago, after years of using the Happs joysticks in both 4-way and 8-way mode, I broke down and purchased a couple of Ultimarc's controls that claim to be "true 4-way," meaning that they actually use a restrictor on the bottom of the joystick that makes the joystick "slide" between the four positions (diagonals are physically blocked).

I was shocked how much of a difference it makes.  I will never play a 4-way game with my Happs joysticks again.  In fact, I'm pretty sure I'm going to buy all of my joysticks from Ultimarc now (since they make both bat-handle and ball-top sticks).

I have all of the 8-way/4-way switchable joysticks that you are asking about.  If you want an 8-way joystick that you are also going to use for 4-way games, seriously consider the T-stick Plus from Ultimarc (it switches between the two modes simply by pulling the joystick upward and turning it -- hard to explain, but once you see it in action you'll love it).  I personally prefer the T-stick Plus over the Omnistick by a mile.

If you need a dedicated 8-way or 4-way joystick, consider the J-stick.

If you are going to use the "Perfect 360" joystick from Happs, keep in mind that you have to run a power line to it, in addition to the usual inputs.  I've never used this stick personally, but I would recommend only using it for a dedicated 8-way stick, and not for a stick that will be used for 4-way games.

-Jeff

NoOne=NBA=:

--- Quote from: MrFish7 on June 10, 2004, 12:52:35 pm ---I first need some clarification how and where I would use quick disconnects in my cabinet. My understanding is that I will connect short wires to each input on my encoder chip(keywiz or I-Pac) and then on the end of those I connect a quick disconnect. Then I connect a wire to my buttons also with quick disconnects on the ends to hook up to the disconnects on the wires attached to the encoder. Do I have this correct?
--- End quote ---

One wire for each button/direction will go directly to the I-pac input terminal for that switch.
The other wire (common/ground) will go from the I-pac ground terminal to the first button, and then directly from that button to the next, etc...
That way, when you press a button, or move a stick, you complete a path from the input on the I-pac through the switch, back to ground on the I-pac.


--- Quote ---In regards to encoder chips, is it possible to use two? I ask because I have not yet decided on whether I will make a four player control pad or simply a two. If I were to make a two player controller using a cheaper encoder such as the KeyWiz Max, would I later be able to add another to increase the number of inputs? How would that work? Also, has anyone made use of the special connectors for the KeyWiz to make a button permentally
--- End quote ---

MrFish7:
So is the Jstick good for a dedicated 4? Do I not need to buy a pure 4 way joystick? Does it feel the same?

Also how much does it generally cost to put art on the side of the cabinet? What do you print it on?

Sorry for the simplely worded questions, its getting late and I tired. Thanks.

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