Re: Building my own console. Advice please!

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: :I'm 28 years old, and want to be 14 again ;) : Don't we all! : : Anyhow, it seems that Happ controls are the way to go. I need some general advice on building my setup: : : a) I will go for the keyboard hack method. I will use a USB keyboard (building this for MacMAME, on a G3). Will those 'paper layered' keyboards work? It doesn't seem to me like these newer design will let you solder that easily. : I assume you mean mylar (paper layered). See the Joy of Joys writeup on the keyboard hacks section of this site and do something similar. Basically, you want to find the circuit card which the keyboard controller is mounted too and solder to this. You will want to trace the matrix out first and choose key assignments carefully to avoid blocking. I can provide further details by E-mail, if you're interested. : Thinking further, on IBM's USB is limited to six simultaneous keypresses at a time. If a Mac is set up the same way, this would be a rather serious limitation. The I-PAC is USB compatible and avoids this and avoids all soldering for $39.00 : : b) What exact Happ part do you long-timers recommend for a joystick? I want it to be 8 way (combine corners) and it must NOT click. Happ has too many joysticks! : General consensus is Happ Super or Ultimates, see thread below for opinions. They both click. I think only Wico sells non-clicking leaf switch joysticks (www.wicothesource.com) $50.00 minimum order though. : : c) Does each Happ button have everything I need, or do I need to purchase a separate part for complete assembly and mount? : It has everything. : : : d) If you think I might be overlooking assembly parts, please raise your hand. Once I place my order, I guess there's no turning back! : : -2 joysticks : : -8 buttons : : -1 'player 1 start' button : : -1 cherry mini button (insert coin) : : Thanks a ton, I can't wait to get this started! : If you're using two joysticks, maybe a "player 2 start button" for 2 player games. : I like to have a button on the panel for pause (could be a mini button) : Some people have buttons for tab, escape, Coin input 2, etc, although these aren't really required and I don't plan to add them to my panel. : 0.187 Quick disconnects Happ P/N 43-0538-00, http://www.happcontrols.com/gaming/electrical_supplies/43040100.htm. You need two per button and 8 per joystick. : Wire, 22-gauge stranded, IMO : Happ carriage bolts for the joysticks if you want them to be black. (They don't come with them!) : Good luck and game on!

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