Controller set for first build

Morkin

Hi there,

looking for some info. so I can make a call between a cheaper non-IPAC kit and an IPAC version

It's a first build and a RasberryPi based controller only initially (full cab when time allows). Will most likely keep this build as well as eventaully full size build so reuse is not an issue.

Pros/cons appreciated. Have seen IPAC mentions a lot in various places but the price delta would essentially cover my core Pi costs

non-IPAC
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ARCADE-MACHINE-2-X-JOYSTICKS-16-BUTTONS-USB-INTERFACE-/281034967851?pt=UK_Video_Games_Coin_Operated_MJ&hash=item416efd4b2b

IPAC
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ARCADE-JOYSTICKS-BUTTONS-KIT-WITH-IPAC2-WIRING-/370734170384?pt=UK_Video_Games_Coin_Operated_MJ&hash=item56517a8110

hay,
I'd go ipac all they way.
I wouldn't recommend those buttons (the ones in the ipac kit) but thats personal preference.
I had them before and there a pain.and crazy noisy and loads of travel.
Had the ones that are in the non i-pac and they were grand.

Get your parts separately off gremlin solutions !

Myrddin

urbanledge wrote: »

Get your parts separately off gremlin solutions !

This. Stay away from those parts bundles, overpriced & usually generic rubbish

CathalDublin

I'd buy separately too. Having tried other keyboard encoders in the past I'd also recommend the ipac, they just work.

The Last Bandit

Are you running Mame on RasPi or using it to make controller ?

Anyhows,
The non-IPAC one will present itself to the host (PC or RasPi) as a pair of Joysticks with a heap of buttons each.
You cannot change the configuration of these, Button 1 on the PCB will always be Button 1 for that joystick. But Mame and most PC frontends can be configured to work (fully) with a single joystick. I'm using something similar to this on my Mame-Hyperspin PC and never have to reach for the keyboard as everything can be controlled from the joystick.


The IPAC is a keyboard emulator and every input can be reprogrammed to whatever keystroke you want - comes with a nice gui so you can visually draw your control panel and map the buttons accordingly. Also the ability to 'shift' keys effectively doubling up the number of keys available, add macros to alter the volume on the PC etc.
Incredibly versatile but obviously more expensive and you may not need a lot of these extra features.
Its does require a driver though (at least for the GUI to reprogram it) so I don't know if it works with Raspi.

the ipac does come pre programmed for mame and could be programmed via a pc

Morkin

Thanks folks,

Have had a good look around Ultramarc and Gremlin. I'm not pushed about extra programmability at the moment so all control via the sticks is fine and it's gonna be a MAME based build for pre 2K games. Will step up thereafter.

btw anyone got a link to a cutting list for a table top Arcade machine?

M.

CathalDublin

Wee Cade is the nicest I've seen
http://www.koenigs.dk/mame/eng/drawweecade.htm