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my_lo
4th July 2008, 08:18
Lately, i've been thinking about buying a new controller to play my amiga games. At the moment, I use a logitech paddle but it just doesn't feel right...

I was thinking about a competition pro usb.
It is sold here (http://www.speed-link.com/?p=2&cat=313&pid=18089&paus=1) and back in stock since last week. I don't know if the adaptation of the old classic is a success but i found this test (http://www.zombienexus.com/forums/cms_view_article.php?aid=28&page=1) and it seems pretty good. I was using it on my amigas, so to find it back would be really nice, also it wouldn't take too much space on my desk... I must admit that i would prefer a blue transparent with the silver stick but unless i would use an adapter and buy an old one, it doesn't seem i could find that model in a usb version...
I just wanted to know if anyone here had already tried it and if it works fine, if it's worth it... or maybe is there another brand which i would be unaware of.

Another option would be to buy an X-arcade solo (http://www.x-arcade.com/solo.shtml) (i mostly play alone), it would be fine to use with MAME as well but it's more expensive and i've never used such a controller for Amiga games... It sure would remember me all those hours (and all the money :p) spent in those arcade rooms and, at least, i'm sure that a lot of people are satisfied of it.

Hmmm, difficult choice. :hmmm:

Puni/Void
4th July 2008, 10:24
A few months back, I bought the new version of the Competition Pro. I didn't buy the USB one, as I was going to use it with the CD32, 600 and 1200. I'm very happy with it and the quality is as high as it was back in the days.

In my opinion, it's worth the money, as you get to play the Amiga games they way they were meant to be played. ;)

Vesalia has a bundle you can purchase for 17.99 EUR. Look here (http://www.vesalia.de/?V02b0f1459524714725f5652520a514e01101f0954414752050140090a1e31115579633a223c6373744e03263f2a2a73661560131e7c75233768707229676f207b58524b5841116945595 75b4e005e4744072860022a7663041f67400d7859115d726a703014582d5c0b532c556b61235577656e6).
You'll get a CD with 185 classic games bundled with the stick.

AmigaKit (http://amigakit.leamancomputing.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=612&osCsid=de46b492016d8351b1e601953fd857f7) has the blue USB version available for 30.46 EUR, which is a bit expensive. Here you'll also get a CD with games on the side.

Hope this was of some help mate. :)

Harrison
4th July 2008, 13:43
I don't own the new USB version of the competition pro, but I've heard that it is a very nice joystick for Amiga emulation, and other retro games. Very faithful construction. Plus you can use it for any PC and emulated games that can use a digital joystick. It also has 4 fire buttons which is useful for more recent games.

Instead I used a USB adapter and connect up my original Amiga joysticks to the PC to play Amiga games. I've currently got an original Black/red competition pro connected up to one of my PCs for this purpose. I also sometimes use a Competition Pro CD32 gamepad which also works well. My USB adaptor was from a US company called Retrozone (http://www.retrousb.com/). They no longer make this adaptor and are now focusing instead on direct game controller conversions, selling USB converted original gamepads for the NES, SNES, Megadrive etc... They do however sell USB conversion kits, including an Atari RetroKit for $17 USD if you fancy doing the conversion on an existing Amiga joystick.

But any USB to Atari Joystick converter will work with Amiga joysticks. The Stelladaptor will work perfectly well for example. You can find that here (http://www.atariage.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=267).

Or you could build your own adapter if you are handy with a soldering iron. A good example of such a project can be found here (http://joystick.world3.net/).

And regarding X-Arcade controllers. These are great for using with all emulation. I've got the standard X-Arcade two joystick controller and this works perfectly will WinUAE. The emulator even has support for it built in. And I have to say that if you want the best and most accurate joystick control for retro gaming get the X-Arcade. You won't regret it. The control is much better than any Amiga joystick. The controller is more solid and responsive and makes Amiga games feel suddenly nicer to play than you remember from years ago. However I still use the real Amiga joysticks with my USB adapter a lot for that retro feel, even tough I also have the X-Arcade. The other reason is that the X-Arcade is very large and takes up a lot of desk space. I only use that when I'm spending a whole day playing loads of games in MAME, WinUAE and other emulators. If I just want a quick game I just use the AMiga Competition Pro joystick.

my_lo
4th July 2008, 13:44
Thanks guys, I've just bought the competition pro red and black from Vesalia. The website of speed link actually only displays their products but doesn't sell them. I'll be soon mashing my favourite red button again :thumbs:

I've also ordered a second-hand transparentblue/silver but still for Amiga, happily i have found a second-hand Stelladaptor 2600 to USB Interface for only 10 euros.

For the x-arcade controller, my wife asked me not to buy it so she has a gift-idea for my birthday (december, arghhh)... It's a bit of a trap because i'm so excited to get one BUT i have to wait... It suddenly puts me back years ago when i had to wait Santa for my gifts...

So, thanks again to both of you for your hints and advices, i'll post some pics in this thread when they will have been delivered...

sarek2k
4th July 2008, 14:33
I've also ordered a second-hand transparentblue/silver but still for Amiga, happily i have found a second-hand Stelladaptor 2600 to USB Interface for only 10 euros.

Where did you find the stelladaptor for that bargain price? Anyway i have several real zipsticks and other joysticks which i'd love to plug into my pc for winuae etc i've also got the same usb comp pro you have and it's great but i'd love to use my other sticks too!

I'd also love a an X-arcade/hot rod but it's a bit out of my price range at the mo :)

my_lo
4th July 2008, 15:14
I work in Brussel and there is a huge shop named "pêle-mêle", they buy/sell all kind of video games, accessories and comic books. There was a competition pro blue and an adaptor for sale. The bundle was for 25 euros (17 for the stick and 8 for the adapter) or separate for 20 euros the controller and 10 euros the adapter, i bought the bundle.

A workmate saw me browsing for that kind of herdware this morning and, during his lunchtime, he saw one at the shop, he called me and i could order it on the phone... The shop has a website (http://www.pele-mele.be/catalogue.php) but i'm not sure that all they have is listed on their ebay section. That shop is kind of messy, that's why they are named "pêle-mêle" which means "placed on top of each other"...

Anyway, if you want, i can always keep an eye on what they have and if, one day, i see one for sale, i can PM you and we can manage something together (i buy it and i send it to you). I go there at least once every 2 weeks but my workmate goes there all the time. I had no idea they would have that kind of stuff but if they do again, i'll contact you ;)

PS: If anyone else is interested as well, let me know and i'll make a PM list ^_-

Harrison
4th July 2008, 16:02
i have several real zipsticks and other joysticks which i'd love to plug into my pc for winuae etc i've also got the same usb comp pro you have and it's great but i'd love to use my other sticks too!

You could always get a certain people beginning with Z to build you one! ;)


I'd also love a an X-arcade/hot rod but it's a bit out of my price range at the mo :)

Avoid the hotrod arcade controller. While it does use real Happ arcade buttons/switches and joystick controls, while the X-Arcade's are made in house, the Hotrod has the disadvantage that the buttons are all hard mapped to specific keyboard keys. So for many emulators and a lot of PC games you won't be able to remap the controls to use the controller. In contrast the X-Arcade can be fully reprogrammed to map to whichever keyboard buttons you like.

Demon Cleaner
7th July 2008, 07:35
I mainly use the dual X-Arcade controller with MAME and use a Competition Pro USB with WinUAE.

my_lo
17th July 2008, 09:51
Bad news:

- My competition pro black/red oredered from Vesalia finally arrived but the right button is broken, i opened it and it's a plastic part inside that is broken, i can't repair it :( I am right handed, so it's not a problem to me but anyway, it was disappointing... I don't feel like sending it back and having to wait again to receive another one

- The shop in Brussels where i had ordered the adaptor and the blue version of the competition pro have sold it to someone else. I swear i'll never put a foot there again!

- I've lost an auction on an x-arcade and now i can't find any way to buy one here in belgium, except an online shop (http://www.x-arcade.be/) but i have contacted them by phone and it seems that it doesn't exist anymore (the shop). After what happened with the competition pro from Germany, i hesitate buying an x-arcade from USA. Damn, i really wanted one for my Mame games T_T
Anybody knows a way (safe) for me to get one?

Good news:

- I won an auction for a competition pro usb blue, it's already shipped, i hope this one won't be broken...

Harrison
17th July 2008, 10:22
The UK company http://www.gremlinsolutions.co.uk/ sell the X-Arcade units and ship worldwide.

DC might however know of a shop that sells them closer to you to reduce postage costs.

Demon Cleaner
17th July 2008, 12:39
I don't know any shop that sells the X-Arcade here in Europe, so I guess the UK should be the nearest, however you can do a search and find someone closer, if existing. I bought mine in the US, but that's already some time ago, I got it for 150$ (dual version).

I only know a shop in France who sells very nice cabinets.

http://armyofdreams.com/

my_lo
17th July 2008, 13:09
Thanks for your infos, guys... I have found another site (in germany): http://www.arcadeshop.de/Joysticks-X-Arcade-Solo-Controller_57.html

But i think i'll go for http://www.gremlinsolutions.co.uk/, the x-arcade solo has a modified version with a sanwa joystick... I'm gonna have a week at home this summer, i'll try to manage the things so i'll be there for the delivery... Also, OMG, have you seen this: http://www.gremlinsolutions.co.uk/products/zombie.htm I know, the price is killing but what a beauty...

Demon Cleaner
17th July 2008, 13:29
Also, OMG, have you seen this: http://www.gremlinsolutions.co.uk/products/zombie.htm I know, the price is killing but what a beauty...Have you looked at the Army of Dreams site, they have some nice cabs too.

my_lo
17th July 2008, 13:41
Also, OMG, have you seen this: http://www.gremlinsolutions.co.uk/products/zombie.htm I know, the price is killing but what a beauty...Have you looked at the Army of Dreams site, they have some nice cabs too.

Yeah, the black pearl (http://armyofdreams.com/3-produits/produit?product=3) is really nice but i prefer the control panel of the zombie (http://www.gremlinsolutions.co.uk/products/zombie.htm). To be honest, if you are looking for my next birthday gift, i'd be very happy with any of those (hint) ;)

Harrison
17th July 2008, 14:24
:lol: There are some amazing MAME arcade cabinets available to order these days. I've still not begun to remake mine, but I also had the idea to use an LCD screen to replace the very large and heavy 21" CRT I had in my old cabinet. Some of these new LCD based cabinets will give me a load of ideas on how to build my new one.

I wouldn't personally buy a pre-made cabinet. I would much rather build one from scratch, or customise a vintage real one.

Demon Cleaner
17th July 2008, 14:54
I wouldn't personally buy a pre-made cabinet. I would much rather build one from scratch, or customise a vintage real one.If you have the time and the knowledge. Building one from scratch is a real challenge, and you have of course to find a good carpenter.

Harrison
17th July 2008, 16:35
I can do the carpentry myself. It isn't too hard to cut MDF or to assemble the parts into the final build, and the cosmetics just require patience with layers of spray paint and lacquer, plus some plexiglass sheeting to protect the screen if needed.

The key to getting it right is to draw up detailed technical plans to scale so everything is worked out before you begin. I'm lucky to have been trained in technical drawing so that isn't a problem. Then creating life sized templates to use against the MDF sheeting to mark them up for cutting. And you can always mark up the sheets and then take them to a store to be cut for you if you don't feel your skills are up to scratch.

When I do the technical drawings I might also create a 3D version on the computer so I can see the competed design in the 3D for a better idea of the end result.

Teho
17th July 2008, 17:10
Just want to comment on working with MDF, breathing large quantities of the dust from it is actually quite harmful, so when cutting it be outside or wear a mask.

Probably not very harmful for someone just working with it once for a hobby project, but to someone like me who work with it all the time there is a real healthrisk if not taking proper precautions. So you know. better safe than sorry. At least be aware of it. ;)

Demon Cleaner
17th July 2008, 17:19
:lol: You know Teho, I doubt he will begin with the project in the near future. And he's also getting married soon, so the project will be laid on ice, and eventually never realized.

Harrison
17th July 2008, 17:26
Right that's it! The project will be started in September! :lol:

Teho
17th July 2008, 17:31
Ah right, didn't think about that. :D

my_lo
7th August 2008, 14:58
I had promised to post some pictures when i would have received the controllers and here they are:

The 2 competition pro usb, one bought from Vesalia and the transparent blue on ebay:

http://www.noplan.be/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/compet_family.jpg

The X-Arcade solo which just arrived this morning from the shop Gremlin Solutions (http://www.gremlinsolutions.co.uk) advised by Harisson:

http://www.noplan.be/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/dev3.jpg

Thanks all for the great advices :thumbs:
Now it's time for me to game...

Buleste
7th August 2008, 15:00
See you in a few weeks. Hope the wife's very understanding.;)

my_lo
7th August 2008, 16:11
See you in a few weeks. Hope the wife's very understanding.;)

Lol, yeah, she games too. She spends days on animal crossing for DS at the moment :cool:

Demon Cleaner
8th August 2008, 06:35
You should've bought the dual X-Arcade version, so you could compete against your wife on MAME. There are many multiplayer games.

my_lo
8th August 2008, 09:50
She doesn't really like arcade, she is more into nintendo handheld games... I had asked before buying the controller.

Demon Cleaner
8th August 2008, 09:58
You can also use the controller with NES, SNES or N64 emulators.

Puni/Void
8th August 2008, 10:01
You should've bought the dual X-Arcade version, so you could compete against your wife on MAME. There are many multiplayer games.

Do you have any multiplayer games to recommend when it comes to MAME, Demon? I'm thinking of games similar to Mario Kart, Warblade, and so on. Thanks. :)

Demon Cleaner
8th August 2008, 10:28
You should've bought the dual X-Arcade version, so you could compete against your wife on MAME. There are many multiplayer games.

Do you have any multiplayer games to recommend when it comes to MAME, Demon? I'm thinking of games similar to Mario Kart, Warblade, and so on. Thanks. :)There are a lot of shmups that are multiplayer, and MAME has a lot of them. MAME has a lot of games generally, almost 7.000 playable with the latest set (0.126), do you have it? If not, I suggest you d/l it and try some games out, I don't know them all by name, there are so many.

Puni/Void
8th August 2008, 11:15
Thanks for the info mate. I'll download it tonight. :thumbs:

It's great that there are many multiplayer games available for MAME. I'm sure I'll manage to track down some titles that we can play in the living room. :)

Harrison
8th August 2008, 15:39
Definitely. There are loads of multiplayer games ranging across all genres. Lots of great shoot 'em ups and fighting games, but also lots of sports and other types.

Oh, if you are downloading MAME is is worth mentioning that MAME32 has now changed name to MAMEUI and it comes in two versions. MAMEUI32 and MAMEUI64. For 32-bit and 64-bit OSs. And that was the reason for the name change. http://mameui.classicgaming.gamespy.com/

It is also worth downloading the Extras torrent from Pleasuredome too as this includes all of the support files so you can see the screenshots, flyers, cabinets, controls etc of the original machines.

I also recommend you download the History dat file as it is great having the history of each cabinet next to each entry. You can get that from http://www.emulator-zone.com/doc.php/arcade/mame.html plus they have lots of other supporting files and different versions of MAMEUI.

Demon Cleaner
8th August 2008, 22:22
And don't forget the cheat dat file, as some shmups are really tough, and with cheats enabled you can at least manage it to play through ;)

Harrison
8th August 2008, 22:51
Good point. Some Shoot 'em ups are so hard more mortals will never complete them. However it is still great fun with unlimited lives or energy playing through them as the visuals and levels are worth seeing in many of them, especially ones from Japanese companies like SNK.

Puni/Void
9th August 2008, 10:34
I've now got MAMEUI up and running. Have installed three packaged containing flyers, screenshots and icons. Beside this, I've downloaded a few games to try out. Most of them worked right away, but some refused to function.

Several of the shoot'em ups I tried are amazing graphically - while testing them out, I thought that this is the kind of stuff one could have made for higher end Amigas. ;) The gameplay was excellent as well.

Now I'm beginning to ponder the idea of making a small machine for the living room, which could host MAMEUI along with some other emulators. Does any of you have such a box set up?

Cheat dat file is noted. :cool:

Thanks for the pointers guys. :thumbs:

Demon Cleaner
18th August 2008, 12:10
I use a barebone system for emulation only, together with a dual X-Arcade and a competition Pro USB, I think we already have discussed this. I have 2 500GB disks inside, one is mirror, and it's almost full, only some MB still free. There are over 3,000,000 files on one disk, I have the full TOSECs for every system installed. As for the emulators, I also have many installed, I'll post a picture here. Desktop hasn't been updated since some month now though (you can see it as the latest version I had on it was MAME v117).

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y184/cioprgr/desktop.png

my_lo
19th August 2008, 07:37
Cute wallpaper DC ^_- I'm a fan of mario wallpapers... Here is the one i use at the moment:

http://bp2.blogger.com/_FYeRi_HOuJk/SGQMA-sdepI/AAAAAAAAAI4/clmVmFkyml0/s1600-h/mariowallpaper.png

Could you link the one you use please?

Demon Cleaner
19th August 2008, 08:07
Could you link the one you use please?I'll have to fire my barebone up again, but I'm not often home at the moment, but when I will, I'll post the wallpaper here.

my_lo
19th August 2008, 08:24
Thanks mate ^_-
If anyone else has other Mario Walls, they would be welcome to link them as well ;)