Posted by Tiger-Heli on 18, 2000 at 7:16 AM:
In Reply to: Re: Interface>Platform>Speed posted by Darren Harris on 16, 2000 at 9:56 PM:
: The Hagstrom KE72 with everything I'll need to also interface one of my Millipede tracballs comes out to about $170.00 with shipping? And the I-PAC equipment I'll need that does all the same things will be about half that(if my math is correct).
Actually, the I-PAC will support dual trackballs or four spinners or combinations for half the price compared to one trackball or two spinners for the KE-72T, but basically correct.
: But that is the future. What I want to do now is use the Sidewinder PCBs in a setup where I can disconnect them from the control panel I'm using and connect the assembly to a different one. For instance, I may disconnect my 2-player Mario Bros. CP so I can connect my Star Trek(spinner) CP, or my Millipede(trackball) CP.(As mentioned, these are the actual arcade control panels(which I will be building into their own boxes)). I'm hoping that I will not have to endure the eternally long reboots when I switch, and I'm really hoping that the game port and PS/2 port can be used *at the same time*. Not just for a 2-player control panel like Mario Bros., but also for my Star Trek control panel where at certain times, the spinner motion and depression of two of the three game buttons will occur at the exact same time. Nevertheless, it appears that the PS/2 port and game port are all I need for everything I want to do(for now).
Building the control panels into their own boxes is unusual. (Are you going to move the computer from box to box?) I assume you don't have three computers? That sounds like it will be pretty difficult to set up.
What is usually done around here is using one computer, moniter, cabinet, and encoder, and using separate removable control panels.
: ***I'm still looking for the site mentioned concerning how to hack a PS/2 mouse for a trackball or spinner.(If I can accomplish this, I'm assuming that I will not have to worry about getting +5V from the PC power supply?). So if there are any "how to" instructions(idiot versions)-preferrably with visuals-anywhere on the web, I'd appreciate the links. :-)
No, you still need +5V, but the site covers that. Here's the link: http://home.earthlink.net/~seanhat/arcade/arcade.htm Click on "Mouse Interface" on the left hand side.
Good Luck!