Replace X-Arcade with custom CP

[rjpe]

Hi Guys,

I built a custom Arcade Cabinet arround X-Arcade Tankstick.
The project pictures can be found in http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=105752.0

I'm planning to build a custom cp, that would fit perfectly in the cabinet.

The requisits are:
- 2xUltimarc Mag-Stick (8-way) + 6 action buttons + player button + coin button
- 1xUltimarc J-Stick (4-way) + 2 action buttons (for older games)
- 2x pinball buttons
- 1xSpinner
- 1xTrackball;

I did a draft of the cp layout in Sketchup, using the available free 3d models, in inches and mm (see pictures).

I would like to have your opinion regarding the layout.
What trackball do you recommend? It looks that the x-arcade trackball will have a better fit in this space.

All comments are welcome, my main concern is if it is doable, taking in account your experience.

[LeedsFan]

I thought Mag-Stiks were top switchable between 4-way and 8-way? If so why the need for a dedicated 4-way J-Stik? Looking at those sketches will there be any room to rest wrists/palms while playing?

I've never owned a Mag-Stik so I can't comment on them. I did play on a cab with J-Stiks fitted at the r3play expo last week and they felt nice. Easy enough to switch 4-way to 8-way if you can access the panel easily. Other than that go with U360's and use automatic software mapping for any game as it loads. I really thought the days of having a dedicated 4-way were gone (unless you simply MUST have a certain controller for authenticity on a game you love)

[rjpe]

I really prefer to have a dedicated 4-way, just a retrogaming thing. 

Regarding the wrists/palms, you're so right! I need to add at least 5cm / 2inches in height in the top board.
I'll update the pictures later.

Thanks for the feedback.

[Donkbaca]

How big is your screen?  That narrow of a CP will have you awfully close to it. 

Do you not like your tankstik?  I have a x-arcade duo that I am transplanting into the cab I am building.  I actually like the x-arcade sticks, I like the big diagonals they have and I kinda lick the "clickiness" of it.  I have played with seimitsu sticks and the like, and I prefer the x-gaming sticks.  I've never played with ultimarc sticks though.  What do you think is the advantage of the magstick is?


I swapped out the buttons though, since I didn't like the feel of them, and I wanted to go LED. 

The only complaint about the encoder is that it wires up kinda weird, but to me that is no big deal. 

Just my two cents

[rjpe]

My screen is 28'' (70cm).
Just updated the cp pics with new height, and round corners.
It will be the same distance as it is now, and it looks good for me (check the current cabinet look).

I love my tankstick!  
I will continue to use it, maybe in my future PS3.
I need to refurbish the joysticks - my son and friends spent lots of hours on the machine, and the sticks are not what they use to be ...

I want to had a 4-way and a spinner, without messing arround with the x-arcade.

I don't know the MagSticks either, but they're magnetically centered, and I read some very good reviews

Thanks for the feedback,

[BadMouth]

If it were me, I'd make the CP wider than the cabinet by a few inches and extend it out toward the player more.
That would give you a lot more real estate to work with and get the players a little farther away from that big screen.
Just my $ .02

Build what you want. 

[rjpe]

If I make it wider, than I might go with a 4 player layout - it's the other option.
Thanks for the feedback.

[taylormadelv]

The first thing that stands out is how little real estate there is the rest your hand on the cp to use the trackball. I'd prefer to rest my hand on a bit more cp... You may consider a 2.25" to save some space. The spinner placement is kinda tight but that seems to be a unbiquitous kinda deal here on byoac.

[Donkbaca]

Just for reference, the 2 player panel on the build I am in the middle of is 33" wide by 14" deep. I think its a good size for two adult men to play comfortably. Though if had a dedicated 4 way and track ball I might make it a little deeper

[rjpe]

Still haven't decide wich way to go... 2-players vs 4 players...
The 4-players was more of a son's request, but I feel that the two players layout will look nicer.

Here is a layout I'm working on, taking in account your suggestions.
It will be deeper in the front, with a arc, to give more arm to the trackball.

the 3 buttons in the top will be p1,coin and p2
the 3 buttons below, will serve the 4-way, trackball and spinner.

Waiting for your comments,

[LeedsFan]

It's looking better. I still think the 4-way joystick is a little close to the trackball. Do you have the joysticks yet? If you do then try the Mag-Stiks in 4-way mode and see how they feel to you. I'm sure they are top-switchable between 4 and 8 way which would mean you wouldn't need the dedicated 4-way.

I'd also get rid of those three buttons below the trackball. You don't need them. For trackball and spinner games you can map the top three buttons on each player side to be the active buttons. Then it will suit anyone who is left or right handed because they can choose.

Oh... and regarding a 4 player CP. You gotta think about how often you will play it with 4 players. Once in a blue moon isn't enough to warrant making it. But if you are sure you gonna have 3 or 4 gamers a lot then go for it.

EDIT:  I just checked on the Mag-Stiks... they are switchable between 4 and 8 way but not from the top of the panel. They use a lever you access from below the panel. Mag Stik Plus on the other hand is switchable from the top.

[rjpe]

Thanks! I didn't buy anything yet, I'm trying to plan the most I can and then order the material from Ultimarc.

Regarding 4-way, 8-way, Magstick plus and UltraStick 360, I read some reviews and I'm still not convinced...

I read that the MagStick, because of the magnet, will need some muscle! This wont do for now, since children use the machine a lot.

The UltraStick 360 looks like a great product, you don't hear the microswitchs clicking sound, but not beeing limited phisicaly is something I don't like... For me, the UltraStick would be a better option than the MagStick Plus, since you're able to map 4-way, 8-way, n-way through Software Mapping.

It's a shame I can't access with ease to this products (I'm only able to review them after ordering).

Right now, the choice would be 3 J-Sticks/Sanwa JLW-UM-8 (2 oval + 1 balltop), with a restrictor plate for the 4-way.
Off course, I'm counting with the help of all to convince me otherwise  

[BadMouth]

I still think the 4-way joystick is a little close to the trackball.

You can use the distance between the trackball and P2 joystick on your tankstick for a reference.
I have the tankstick and have never had anyone accidentally hit the joystick. 
Keep the 4-way at least that far away and you should be safe.

[rjpe]

Thanks again for the feedback.
That give me an idea for a new layout, what do you think?
The 4-way in the middle will give a real retro experience for pacman and donkey kong.

[LeedsFan]

Right now, the choice would be 3 J-Sticks/Sanwa JLW-UM-8 (2 oval + 1 balltop), with a restrictor plate for the 4-way.
Off course, I'm counting with the help of all to convince me otherwise  

If you are not decided on the joysticks then I would advise going with 2x U360s and get the circular restrictor for each. It plays great in 4-way and 8-way modes. Although it's not too hot for fighting games I hear. (But I'm not a fighter fan myself). If you use Mala frontend then you can use a plugin for the automatic mapping software. It works brilliantly. 2x U360s with circular restrictors may be a bit expensive, but all round I think it's the best solution to your problem. Then you can free up more room by dropping the dedicated 4-way. U360's also come with an optional wiring harness so you can plug in up to 8 buttons for each stick so you don't need an interface such as iPac.

There was someone that did a mod for the Mag Stik Plus to make the stick much more responsive and less stiff. If I seek it out I will post a link. But it does have a very short throw which makes 8-way games a little more tricky.

EDIT:  The only issue I've had with the U360s (I've bought three of them in the past for different projects) is that I had to buy a powered USB hub for each project. YMMV... and I'm sure others have plugged their U360s direct into a USB port without need for a powered hub. Maybe I was unlucky. It's not a big issue really as you are making a full size caba nd the sticks are awesome. Just thought I'd point it out.

[rjpe]

Thanks.
I think I have it defined! 
My last layout will be the final.
Regarding the joysticks, I'm going with the japanese ones. I understand the advantages of U360 and MSPLUS, but I prefer a dedicated and fixed 4-way.

I'm adding 4 pinball buttons (2 for each side).
All the buttons in the top of the pannel will be iluminated.

I gathered everything (I think) I need on Ultimarc shop, and the final price will be €466,10 or $529.72.
Attached the Ultimarc shopping list.

[rjpe]

Well... After the sketches and your precious help, I did some measurements, and I redesigned the cp again.

I'm going to try the MagStick Plus, and not use the dedicated 4-way.
Attached the new cp version, with a smaller trackball.

As for the Tankstick... I'm hacking it like Gremlin Solutions does!
I'm switching my 16:9 CRT TV with a LED TV, so I'm going to use it next to the upright, so the kids can play console games with the x-arcade while I',m playing the oldies.
I ordered the sticks and new happ buttons from Gremlin Solutions, with the custom plates.
Hope to update this thread soon with the new Tankstick pictures.