Re: What is the best controls solution for an electronic dummy

Subject:

Comments:
: Well, it probably comes down to what you are willing to spend and how much you want to research. I mean that in a sense of viability for you with your knowledge of simple wiring, and keyboard encoding. I will assume that you don't want to get into the keyboard hacking option and want some sort of pre-built interface... so you will probably be looking at (I just guessing), 100 bucks estimate, and that is if you do it yourself with a 2 player/ 8+ button setup. Mame control panels aren't as simple as using an arcade control panel, as you need some way to interface it to the computer. (They will work.. but you have to have the interface). In reality, it isn't that hard if you have the right parts and plan ahead/keep diagrams. Some people like the hacked keyboard approach, but I see too many problems with that setup for anything over 10 inputs myself, then you get in the whole diode debate, not to mention latency. I would say for a standard control panel, you'd need the wood, wires, soldering tools or molex crimps, the joysticks (5-15 bucks a pop), 8-20 buttons (can be $1+ each if new with microswitch), and most importantly, the interface. Some of the keyboard interfaces are straightforward, like the I-pac ($40), Hagstrom ($50-$100). Plus you need the tools and time to put it all together. : In short, something like the HotRod may be exactly what you are looking for, unless you want a bunch of interchangeable ones. www.hanaho.com . It's more expensive (170 or 200 bucks), than building one, yes.. but its guaranteed to work with none of the hassles of putting it together. Downside? its one control panel... and you'd have to start from scratch if you wanted a new control panel layout. So depends how much effort you want to read up on the encoders/keyboard hacks, versus a prebuilt one like the HotRod. : Building a mame control panel "right" is not cheap unless you have a bunch of spare buttons, and sticks. Most people end up spending more than they think building them.... but.. you can build them any shape you want. Depends how much you want to read up on the technicals. There's a lot of internet sites around that give the stuff in laymans terms, rather than Electrical Engineering terms, so check around. If its all too intimidating.. check out the HotRod if you don't mind putting out the coin for it. It's built for mame and comes with a ton of CapCom roms to boot. I've not seen many at all people who build control panels for mame and sell them to others consistently. its more of a personal hobby than a buisiness, and not too awefully many people know how to do it. There's a lot of risk of $ loss when building them for someone, cause things don't always come out right :) You might get lucky and get someone to build you one, but by the time you factor in what they'll charge, shipping, labor... you might like the looks of the hotrod for a few extra bucks. : : : Hi all hardware gurus! : : I'll build my own MAME-cabinet. Currently i own : : a old Phoenix cabinet - it is empty - NOW! : : Because i'm an electronic dummy - i don't know : : nothing about how build my own arcade controls. : : What is the best solution for me? : : Should i buy a ready to use control-panel and : : install it in my cabinet - and if so which one? : : Or, is there anybody out there (sounds like Pink Floyd) : : who can build a control-panel for me (sure for money) : : Please gurus - a arcade lover needs help!

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL: