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To link or not to link buttons, that is the question!
Visitor Q:
--- Quote from: DaveMMR on October 11, 2008, 09:57:06 pm ---
--- Quote from: Visitor Q on October 11, 2008, 05:33:46 pm ---I understand both sides here but in the end isn't it better to be able to pick and choose rather than not have that option at all? I mean once a game is programed in mame, it is set everytime you play it and as far as console games go it will still be nice to have the option.
I mean if the only real draw back is the first time setup of the game being played in mame it does not really seem like that big of deal. What does have my wondering is programs like CPWizard, if I will be able to displyay the buttons correctly in it.
--- End quote ---
I agree with Delusional opinion for the opposite of your reasoning. My thought is that fewer choices is better sometimes so that you don't start confusing guests with a intimidating assortment of buttons, each of which does a different thing. Even six is too many sometimes....
If someone were to use the wrong set of buttons, but they're linked, it'll still work and you won't have to babysit them and tell them why they can't fire in Centipede (for example).
And no one ever reads instructions, believe me. I can't tell you how many times guests tried to start games with the action button when the instructions clearly indicate that the start button has to be pressed.
Random Burger King icon... :burgerking:
--- End quote ---
No I understand, when I had my Game Ex with 8 buttons for each player people had no clue when I brought it to a party but what about this...
Can't I just link the same buttons for those games in the emulator if I choose to do so?
hehehehe
Call me crazy, I like the freedom to choose but you guys do have some good points.
On another note I plan on using all Electric Ice Buttons so I am hoping to have the front end light up the buttons that are needed for game play anyway...
Not saying I have my mind set here or anything, I mean that is why posted this topic.
Visitor Q:
Rethinking this a little from what you guys said and looking at the layout.
I can't see how I would use the buttons from player 1 1-3 at the same time I would be using the dedicated 4-way buttons unless it would be possible to squeeze 3 people in there to play a game 3 player game that only used 4-way sticks. No having the CP in front of me I am not sure if that is even possible but if it isn't they seem like safe buttons to link. I also think the spinner buttons seem safe to link as well but I can see the possibility of using the trackball buttons for us with another emulator other than Mame as they do not seem too far out of reach from player 1.
Also if I am using Electric Ice buttons and I want the buttons to light up the buttons used for a game when playing, if some of the buttons are linked, are both sets going to light up? This maybe a draw back if button 1 and 2 player 1 is lit up at the same time the two spinner buttons are. :dunno
ps. Added a poll.
Turnarcades:
It all depends on which buttons you link. Having flipper butons linked would not be a problem as I don't envisage a situation where you'd need both top-mounted buttons at the same time as flippers. Similarly, buttons used in conjunction with analog controls like a spinner or trackball (if you even need to mount any extra - could just use either player's original 6) could be linked fairly safely.
The one big downside I can see to linking though is that following your wiring pattern could end up confusing and troubleshooting in the event of faults could be trickier with buttons not having their own dedicated input wiring.
Whatever you choose, consider first if you really need all those extra buttons before stumping up more cash for a bigger interface or getting into wiring hell. If you're just being over-presumptious about future expansion, remember you can always upgrade interfaces at a later date if the situation ever arrives.
Visitor Q:
I am not actually the one building or wiring the control panel but with that said, it is build to my specs.
I mean I see all the points here and again as it may seem I have already made up my mind, I have not. For me to the biggest hurdle to get over with linking buttons is once they are linked, you are stuck with it unless you rewire them. With each button being their own, the only drawback I can see is more programming but total control of what you are doing.
DaveMMR:
--- Quote from: Visitor Q on October 12, 2008, 12:27:09 pm ---I am not actually the one building or wiring the control panel but with that said, it is build to my specs.
I mean I see all the points here and again as it may seem I have already made up my mind, I have not. For me to the biggest hurdle to get over with linking buttons is once they are linked, you are stuck with it unless you rewire them. With each button being their own, the only drawback I can see is more programming but total control of what you are doing.
--- End quote ---
Did you make a test panel? (Even if just a quick cardboard mock-up with the button locations) If not, I highly recommend it before finalizing. It will answer a lot of questions for you. For starters, you may find that you don't even really need all the extra, dedicated buttons. That would definitely make your decision easier.
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