Noob - wanting to build a Win10 based arcade

[Dedge]

Hi Guys,

 

Sorry for the noob questions,

I have ordered a pandoras box a couple of days ago and got very dissapointed when I found that there is no mortal kombat II there. so that gave me apetite to build a true arcade machine.

Now I started searching and found Hyperspin and this forum, but there is still some stuff I am not getting.

 

as for the physical machine build - there is no issue, some wood, spare monitor, controller parts from amazon - no issue.

Machine - I have a spare NUC from a couple of years ago I can use and it will do the job.

 

What I don't understand - is how do you connect the controller kit (joystick buttons etc..) to windows?

Is there some kind of controller I need to order?

 

Thanks in advance

[thatman84]

I believe what your looking for is a keyboard encoder or similar.

I dont have an arcade so wait for someone else to answer

iPac controllers are commonly mentioned

[Dedge]

Thanks thatman84! I will look up iPac to find more info, thanks for answering!

[gigapig]

Thatman is correct, you can also try Ultrastiks which support 8 buttons and show up in windows as a game controller. You will need a key mapper program as well if you use anything that shows as a game pad.

[thatman84]

Ya this PC stuff is getting in to my brian on the DL

[Bungles]

Or if you don't want to build it yourself, you could buy a pre-built arcade stick(s) and build a cabinet around that.

 

My friend has one of these and it works pretty well with everything I have tried.

 

 

 

[thatman84]

1 hour ago, Bungles said:

Or if you don't want to build it yourself, you could buy a pre-built arcade stick(s) and build a cabinet around that.

 

My friend has one of these and it works pretty well with everything I have tried.

 

 

 

For the time factor im looking at this route myself. I wont build it into a cab but hopfully intergrate it nicely into my bureauDeCade when i finish my house renovations !

[32assassin]

20 hours ago, Dedge said:

 

 

What I don't understand - is how do you connect the controller kit (joystick buttons etc..) to windows?

Is there some kind of controller I need to order?

their are two types of controller interfaces

1. Keyboard encoder (example ipac)

when you plug them to your PC, they register as a USB keyboard

You simply connect a button and  when you press a button --> they mimic a keyboard button press

 

2.  Joystick encoder (hundreads to choose from)

a joystick encoder is nothing more then a gutted out generic Windows USB controller

when you plug it in to your PC,  you will find it in your device manager and be able to pull up this window

similar to this

 

and you will be able to go into the controller settings and test the buttons

 

 

after you connect your buttons and joystick to your Joystick encoder

 

 

you simply map your buttons in your emulator.

similar to this

c

 

 

both Keyboard encoders and Joystick encoders have their pros and cons its up to you on what you want to get.

I personally would not touch a keyboard encoder,  as you noticed from the previous posts allot of people love their ipacs

 

 

 

 

 

[thatman84]

2 minutes ago, 32assassin said:

oth Keyboard encoders and Joystick encoders have their pros and cons its up to you on what you want to get.

I personally would not touch a keyboard encoder,  as you noticed from the previous posts allot of people love their ipacs

 

I would love for you to expand here. I highly respect your opinions. Your an asset to this community.

[32assassin]

I mentioned this in another thread but I can't find it.

When emulators first came out we had Windows 95 PCs,  and the serial based joysticks

similar to this

 

 

Serial joysticks where complete joke,  the best way to play MAME and the other emulators was to do this to your keyboard

 

 

Since their is allot of people who are not comfortable soldering,  we ended up with keyboard encoders.

 

Joystick support has come a long way since Windows 95, and most modern day emulators fully support Joystick inputs.

unless you are running some outdated or obscure games/emulators;  their is really no need for Xpadder/Joy2key becasue you can directly map your joystick

to your emulators.

 

The only major drawback to Joystick encoders is that Hyperspin Joystick support at its best is hit or miss.

but that problem is solved with ghutch92 start up script.

 

One thing you should know is

I'm in no way shape or form stating that keyboard encodes don't work. 

if you have a limited amount of emulators in your system you will probably never find a problem. and if you do it will be those weird bugs, 

the biggest one is when you press multiple keyboard inputs and your games exits. (something easily fixed in RL but most noobs will not have a clue on what is happening)

 

 the problem I have with them is that

allot of modern day PC games don't fully support keyboard inputs. some are pre-configured to work with xbox controllers (and no you can't re-map the buttons)

see the threads with the new Street Fighter PC games with ipac controllers.

only way you can use an ipac  for Player 2 in those games is if you install a

virtual joystick  ---> map your keyboard keys to the virtual joystick buttons  

then

install XboxCE  --> an Xbox 360 controller emulator   ---> map your virtual joystick buttons to this program to re assign your joystick buttons.

 

I use XboxCE in a virtual pinball machine to map an analog pinball plunger input ( using a generic joystick encoder) to Pinball FX2/3

again,   Modern day PC games are pre-configured to work with Xbox 360 controller.   and no their is no analog plunger keyboard controller in this game (as I mentioned limited keyboard support).

You have to use a joystick encoder with an analog joystick support.

 

aside from all that,   you will have to find a uniform key mapping system.

the ipac is pre configured to MAME keys,  but some emulators don't like service keys as inputs.

so you have to remap the ipac keys to something like this, where you no longer have service keys as inputs

 

 

 

 

 

[ci2own]

On 20/2/2018 at 12:34 PM, Dedge said:

Hi Guys,

 

Sorry for the noob questions,

I have ordered a pandoras box a couple of days ago and got very dissapointed when I found that there is no mortal kombat II there. so that gave me apetite to build a true arcade machine.

Now I started searching and found Hyperspin and this forum, but there is still some stuff I am not getting.

 

as for the physical machine build - there is no issue, some wood, spare monitor, controller parts from amazon - no issue.

Machine - I have a spare NUC from a couple of years ago I can use and it will do the job.

 

What I don't understand - is how do you connect the controller kit (joystick buttons etc..) to windows?

Is there some kind of controller I need to order?

 

Thanks in advance

I would recommend you an Ultimarc I-Pac controller.  I have Ultimarc Ultimate I/O which work perfect and has great support.

[thatman84]

@32assassin would you care to repost that info as a topic in the cabs forum? To be built on. I will then pin it if @gigapig approves. Very nice info like that should be highlighted 

[gigapig]

2 hours ago, thatman84 said:

@32assassin would you care to repost that info as a topic in the cabs forum? To be built on. I will then pin it if @gigapig approves. Very nice info like that should be highlighted 

Absolutely pin it, great information. Thank you 32assassin. 

[wallmachine]

@32assassin just wondering did you have that keyboard without the colours?

[Dedge]

WOW thanks for the great answers! this is an awsome forum!

Now that this is understood, I have multiple other questions for you guys, Thanks in advance:

 

My goal is to build an arcade machine for four players, playing MK3 Ultimate, WWF, and simsons at first stage.

I am thinking about building either a full size standing machine, or a "stand" that will connect to a tv on the wall.

 

1. What type of hardware is recommended for such setup? I want to use a PC with Hyperspin.

2. What type of Joystick and buttons should I purchase? is there a difference between ultimarc.com joysticks and a complete kit from Aliexpress?

3. How important is the joypad controller? should I purchase an I-Pac or any board from Aliexpress is enough?

 

 

Thanks a lot everyone!

 

[ci2own]

12 minutes ago, Dedge said:

WOW thanks for the great answers! this is an awsome forum!

Now that this is understood, I have multiple other questions for you guys, Thanks in advance:

 

My goal is to build an arcade machine for four players, playing MK3 Ultimate, WWF, and simsons at first stage.

I am thinking about building either a full size standing machine, or a "stand" that will connect to a tv on the wall.

 

1. What type of hardware is recommended for such setup? I want to use a PC with Hyperspin.

2. What type of Joystick and buttons should I purchase? is there a difference between ultimarc.com joysticks and a complete kit from Aliexpress?

3. How important is the joypad controller? should I purchase an I-Pac or any board from Aliexpress is enough?

 

 

Thanks a lot everyone!

 

I would recommend you a 2 Player cab (Due to size needed for a 4 spaced players). You can always use two wireless XBOX 360 controllers for player 3 and player 4 together with the two joysticks for Player 1 and player 2.

1.- You need a normal PC. Speed and Graphics card depending on the Emulators you want to run. (PS3, etc will need better hardware). For the rest you only need USB ports and a soundcard.

 

2.- You can use the joystics and buttons you want. Don't know if the aliexpress ones are durable as the other places. You can also buy RGB joysticks and buttons if you want.

 

3.- I would only buy a good keyboard encoder for any setup. IPAC is the best i have used and has a great support on RL and his seller is a really great guy and solves your questions. Not like the Howler controller which is crap.  

 

Here is my cab with RGB Joysticks and buttons:

[badboo]

Great info, I am starting planning out my Arcade Project now and gathering all the information I can before I start. 

And like OP, the part the concerns me the most are the controllers as I am not familiar with them. I have only used the Xbox 360 controllers for my hyperspin setup, which was pretty easy.

I have this on my parts list to order, please let me know if this is something that you guys recommend(link below), like if the USB enconder there, is the ipac you guys are mentioning about?

Longruner LED Arcade DIY

I have found some of these on aliexpress too, but I am having second thoughts on ordering these parts form there (you know, quality)... I can order other parts from that website to lower costs though.

@ci2own como estas socio? me he perdido un tiempo por aca pero de vuelta con este nuevo proyecto.

 Ok in english now lol.. Love your cabinet, you have pretty much what I have in mind for my setup. I am just debating if I can add a second monitor for the hypermarquee or not, so I will have to modify the plans I have now.

I am seeing some setups that have a spinner, a middle stick and trackball.

What do you control with the spinner? Also, I believe the stick in the middle of the CP is to choose the games from the hyperspin menu, right?

[ci2own]

2 minutes ago, badboo said:

Great info, I am starting planning out my Arcade Project now and gathering all the information I can before I start. 

And like OP, the part the concerns me the most are the controllers as I am not familiar with them. I have only used the Xbox 360 controllers for my hyperspin setup, which was pretty easy.

I have this on my parts list to order, please let me know if this is something that you guys recommend(link below), like if the SUB enconder there, is the ipac you guys are mentioning about?

Longruner LED Arcade DIY

I have found some of these on aliexpress too, but I am having second thoughts on ordering these parts form there (you know, quality)... I can order other parts from that website to lower costs though.

@ci2own como estas socio? me he perdido un tiempo por aca pero de vuelta con este nuevo proyecto.

 Ok in english now lol.. Love your cabinet, you have pretty much what I have in mind for my setup. I am just debating if I can add a second monitor for the hypermarquee or not, so I will have to modify the plans I have now.

I am seeing some setups that have a spinner, a middle stick and trackball.

What do you control with the spinner? Also, I believe the stick in the middle of the CP is to choose the games from the hyperspin menu, right?

Hi mate! Nice to see you here again!

Spinner is for games like arkanoid. Trackball is to use as mouse on some PopCap Games or similar, and bowling MAME games. Thirt middle joystic is rarely used in my case. I control HyperSpin menu with any joystick or Wireless gamepad.

[badboo]

@ci2own Oh I see, thanks for your reply. 

that is great, I've heard it is not a must but still recommended to have them, but I didn't know for which games lol. I will include the spinner on my list.

Thanks mate. For sure I will come back around with more questions later on

[ci2own]

3 minutes ago, badboo said:

@ci2own Oh I see, thanks for your reply. 

that is great, I've heard it is not a must but still recommended to have them, but I didn't know for which games lol. I will include the spinner on my list.

Thanks mate. For sure I will come back around with more questions later on

Theres a few games which uses Spinner:

 

720 degrees
Aqua Jack
Arkanoid
Arkanoid - Revenge of DOH
Atari Mini Golf
Aztarac
Beatmania (all)
Blasteroids
Boxing Bugs
Burmuda Triangle
Caliber 50
Cameltry
Car Polo
Cerberus
Cosmic Chasm
Cyvern
Dark Planet
DownTown
Embargo
Exterminator
Fighting Soccer
Forgotten Worlds
Gals Panic 4
Gals Panic S - Extra Edition
Gals Panic S2
Ghox
Gigas
Gigas Mark II
Gondomania
Guerilla War
Guts'n
Heavy Barrel
Hiphopmania Complete Mix 2
Ikari III - The Rescue
Ikari Warriors
Jan Jan Paradise
Jan Jan Paradise 2
Kaiser Knuckle
Kick
Kozmik Kroozr
Major Havoc
Midnight Resistance
Moonwar
Off the Wall (Atari)
Off the Wall (Sente)
Omega Race
Panic Street
Plump Pop
Pop 'n Bounce / Gapporin
Prebillian
Puzz Loop
Quester
Razzmatazz
Riddle of Pythagoras
Road Blasters
SAR - Search And Rescue
Sengeki Striker
Sen-Know
Star Trek
Subs
T.N.K. III
Tac/Stan
Tel Jan
Tempest
Time Soldiers
TouchDown Fever
Tron
Two Tigers
Victory
Victory Road
Vs Block Breaker
Vs Mahjong Otome Ryouran
Wall Crash
Wheel of Fortune
Wolf Pack
Zektor
Zwackery

 

You can also add a steering wheel as an accesory to the spinner just with a screew.

[badboo]

@ci2own oh wow, that is awesome, I will definitely add the spinner too. that is a good amount of games that use it.

Thanks for the detail information and the wheel is a nice accessory to consider  .... This is gonna be a fun project

[artman999999]

@ci2own - You make the spinner/clamp/steering wheel combo?  I REALLY like that! 

Regarding joystick integration - I didn't see this above, but something to consider:

Using an IPAC to convert joystick directions to key codes is not ideal in terms of lag or flexibility, but it has a definite advantage when it comes to keeping your Player 1 and player 2 sticks properly set.  Windows generally retains assigned usb joystick IDs so long as they are not moved from port to port.  But if you plug/unplug them on a frequent basis, it's only a matter of time before your player 1 joystick suddenly controls player 2 in your game and vice-versa.  With a custom controller config file, MAME has the ability to deal with this properly, but most of the other emus don't.  If you want the best of both worlds, use usb joysticks for all emus that properly recognize the physical device IDs (MAME, Supermodel).  But for all others, use joy2key or xpadder's application profile settings to convert the directions to key presses.  This will give you maximum compatibility, low lag, and analog capability for games that need it to be playable (all rail shooters, flying/driving games).

Last thought - turning the processing speed up too high on joy2key or xpadder will result in keystrokes coming in too quickly for the computer to process them as "simultaneous" and thus "multi-directional".  On 2x processing your diagonals will become problematic, but on 4x processing or higher they completely stop working, locking your joystick to 4-way only.  Took me a long time to figure out that one little checkbox was the reason my Demul emu fighting games would not let me jump towards or away from an opponent.

Just some thoughts.  -A