Custom 2 players Control Panel

UDb23

@MattyL42 said in Custom 2 players Control Panel:

do you get the switches with the joysticks/buttons and does everything come with connectors fitted so it's easy to connect up?

I bought the arcade components from ArcadeWorld UK (note: not affiliated in any way to them). While planning for this Control Panel I found out most professional buttons come without switch so you can choose what brand you want for the switches. There is a standard and very easy "snap-in" way to connect switch and button. I choose Cherry switches as I know that brand for their top notch keyboards they produced for IBM PC's (and currently for gaming keyboards like Corsairs').
From the above mentioned e-shop you can get also the Ipac and "cabling kits" with connectors so you get basically all cables you need and no need to solder. You just have to take care you select the right kit for the joystick and buttons you selected (different size connectors). I had to solder one button as it was too close to the control panel border and not enought space to use connector.
Joysticks usually come with switches already included and mounted.
Maybe some arcade guru in building cabs can provide you more detailed info.

UDb23

@pjft said in Custom 2 players Control Panel:

How comfortable is it playing with it on your lap, and with two players how do you do it?

As said I studied quite deeply about CP actual size and button position; also checked what would be the ideal angle ( 7 degrees was my choice). Size is the same as Neo Geo original cabs with that 4 button layout plus some extra cm at the bottom (I have big hands ;-) ).
So it is as comfortable as an original 2 player cab (if you ever tried). You left hand has enough space to lay/rest on the CP and right hand also of course.

Do you place it on a table? Do you sit very close to the other person in order to have that work and be stable?

You can keep it on your lap but my use is to place it in front on the Pouf while you and the other person just sit nearby on the couch.
I used 14mm Plywood as it is way lighter and more robuts than usually suggested MDF.
Still the whole CP is not that light to keep it on your lap for long time ;-)

And how are you connecting it to the Pi 3? A long USB cable?

Ipac supplied cable (short) + USB extension cable (2m).

The tough part is woodwork and painting (especially if, like me, you're not an expert in that area).

UDb23

@pjft I can share the plan if needed (did it in Inkscape with actual sizes).

FlyingTomahawk

When I build my arcade stick I used this website as guide. They have a lot different button layouts and they explain things really well.
In my case I took an old Dreamcast arcade stick and put in a wireless 360 controller PCB and replaced all the buttons and stick with Sanwa products. Did similar with my Buffalo arcade stick, removed all cheapo components and replaced them with Seimitsu stuff.

Building an arcade stick from scratch is harder then it looks.

UDb23

@FlyingTomahawk said in Custom 2 players Control Panel:

Building an arcade stick from scratch is harder then it looks.

Oh yes, fully agree.
btw checked that site too before making my CP

pjft

@UDb23 you're very kind. I'll see. I'm not an expert in that area, and up until today I was certainly more inclined towards an actual cabinet, but if I end up not having the room for that I might certainly ask if you'd still be up for it.

Thank you and congrats!

MattyL42

@UDb23 hi buddy thanks very much for the detailed explanation. I'm now another step closer...id only been looking at stuff on ebay so thanks very much for pointing me to the shop...time to get an order together! :D

UDb23

If you're interested in making your own SINGLE player arcade stick, check here.

lilbud

@udb23 said in Custom 2 players Control Panel:

initially tried using plexi as top cover but, as feared, had issues (cracks) cutting the button holes. Without professional tools cutting plexi the right way is almost impossible

When cutting plexiglass, cover the entire surface in packing tape and it won't crack

UDb23

@lilbud will try next time, thanks for the tip.

grant2258

@udb23

i used a steel rule and a pizza cutter a few times to make a good indent on it. Then it was held on the table with 3 clamps and just snapped it off lining the indent on the tables straight edge and bend the plexi by hand. I did think it was going to crack but it didnt

UDb23

@grant2258 Interesting approach. If I'll make another CP in the future (or even a Cab..) I surely will retry with Plexi.