Author Topic: RetroBlast Video Review: SlikStik Arcade Cabinet (Read 21081 times)

KevSteele · « **on:** October 05, 2003, 03:06:42 pm »

I've just finished uploading the RetroBlast video review of the SlikStick Arcade Machine DIY cabinet.

http://retroblast.com/video.html

A detailed written review is underway, and should be done in a day or so.

(Oh, and sorry, no "guess the intro" song this time -- I just couldn't figure out what song was appropriate for a cabinet review, with the possible exception of "Brick House", and that just didn't seem, well, respectful

)

Kevin

Frostillicus · « **Reply #1 on:** October 05, 2003, 03:30:33 pm »

Nice video and narration. The plastic sheets on the sides are a nice touch - how was it shipped, again?

Also - so your existing model of slikstik panel already had the mounting holes drilled for easy attachment? If so - that also is some good foresight by slikstik.

Though, in fairness for a balanced review, I find it hard to believe there wasn't anything critical to say about it apart from the open panel in the back.

KevSteele · « **Reply #2 on:** October 05, 2003, 03:43:33 pm »

Frostillicus,

The cab was shipped in three large boxes. I was impressed by how much packing material they used. I've got a pic of the packing in my "construction diary":

http://retroblast.com/articles/mameframe2-2.html

And no, my SlikStik didn't already have the mounting holes, but all currently shipping SlikStiks should have the new bottom panel. They made the change after I bought my SlikStik, and shipped out the replacement bottom panel with the cab.

As far as a balanced review, the written review will be much more detailed, and I will go into some of the areas that I think the cab can be improved. It's just kind of hard to squeeze in every detail I want to include in a short video review!

Kevin

Radical · « **Reply #3 on:** October 05, 2003, 04:12:36 pm »

Anyone know where I could get some of those locking cams for my own cabinet?

It would be nice to be able to take it apart for moving or whatever...

Edit: spelling

Frostillicus · « **Reply #4 on:** October 05, 2003, 05:53:25 pm »

Cool - usually I'm very critical of Slikstik and other 'premade stuff' companies, but it looks like they did a pretty decent job overall on the cab. Did I just say that?

All obvious, old arguments aside (price/lucid design/etc), the screw-together format should appeal to those with no skillz whatsoever.

I do have concerns on stabiltiy when moving - since there aren't any rollers (are there? I didn't see any...) and if you try to move it on carpet, could the torque rip out one of the cams do you think? Just getting the ineria to move it might break something loose. That's been a traditional problem with screw-together furniture.

As for the written review - I look forward to it. I am a big fan of Consumer Reports-esque reviews, and the tradition there is to write no opinions, cold hard facts, and sound as least like an endorsement as possible. Unfortunately they usually do it in a 'comparing product brand X against brand Y' so...you may have to get a Hanaho, too!

KevSteele · « **Reply #5 on:** October 05, 2003, 06:14:14 pm »

Frostillicus,

The cab has 4 plastic "feet" on the bottom, which makes sliding it fairly easy (teflon feet would be even easier, but I think I'd trade some ease in sliding to keep it from moving during a frantic game of Robotron!

)

I can't comment on the long-term holding power of the cams, but the cabinet uses a total of 46 cams, and it feels extremely solid once you've gotten everything locked together. I was actually surprised at how solid it feels, since I was somewhat skeptical of the cam system to begin with.

Oh, and as to a comparison to the Hanaho cab -- I'm working on it.

Kevin

RedSquirrel · « **Reply #6 on:** October 05, 2003, 07:40:52 pm »

nice review. the cab actually looks quite impressive (should do for the price!).

Regarding wheels, whats the best place to put them on your own cab? On mine, i could for example attach them to the floor of the cab., but i just not sure if it would actually move with all the weight on it.

TalkingOctopus · « **Reply #7 on:** October 05, 2003, 07:55:24 pm »

Quote from: RedSquirrel on October 05, 2003, 07:40:52 pm

Regarding wheels, whats the best place to put them on your own cab? On mine, i could for example attach them to the floor of the cab., but i just not sure if it would actually move with all the weight on it.

Putting wheels on the floor will be fine. I used 4 3" casters that I got from home depot - 2 were 360 degree swivel casters and 2 were fixed. I just put them in the 4 corners of the bottom with about an 1" of clearance.

The cab moves great and it holds the weight just fine. In fact, I don't know how I would have moved it around without the wheels.

OSCAR · « **Reply #8 on:** October 05, 2003, 08:10:11 pm »

Another great video, Kev! A lot of nice highlights that whets your appetite for the review. Before long, Paramount Pictures may be knocking on your door to do some trailers...

Regarding the wheels... 2 of my cabs have a really nice setup. They have fixed wheels in the back and leg levelers in the front. When you tip the cabinet back, you can easily wheel it around, but when it is upright it is firmly planted and doesn't move at all. These cabs generally have a small angle cut on the bottom of the backside that allows you to tip the game back on the wheels. With that much weight on 2 wheels, the cabinet is very easy to move around, just like a furniture dolly.

SNAAAKE · « **Reply #9 on:** October 06, 2003, 12:46:05 am »

IMPRESSIVE DUDE !!

I cant belive how nice the slik stick cabinet actually is.
If I were to buy,wouldn't hesitate.

HAH,most of us who build cabinets already knows how actual building goes...

While the assemply of slikstick cab is piece of cake(hour job).

Great review !

YEH ! this is the REAL cabinet compared to book shelve x-arcade sells.

SpamMe · « **Reply #10 on:** October 06, 2003, 03:02:25 am »

What does the completed cabinet weigh (sans monitor and control panel)?

Cisco Kid · « **Reply #11 on:** October 06, 2003, 06:32:02 am »

WOW ... being lazy as hell and already building one myself (JAMMA not MAME) ... I would buy that cabinet in a heartbeat.

I know what I'm buying myself for christmas ... hehe

Super review

KevSteele · « **Reply #12 on:** October 06, 2003, 07:38:00 am »

Quote from: SpamMe on October 06, 2003, 03:02:25 am

What does the completed cabinet weigh (sans monitor and control panel)?

Good question - I have no idea!

I'll see if I can find an answer for you.

Kevin

paigeoliver · « **Reply #13 on:** October 06, 2003, 07:43:17 am »

I haven't seen the video yet, and I know you would never do this, but in the past I remember you having some pointless demo bits at the end.

I would have loved to have seen you trying to use the cabinet as a sled or something.

KevSteele · « **Reply #14 on:** October 06, 2003, 09:08:18 am »

SpamMe,

According to SlikStik, the cab is 200 pounds.

paigeoliver,

Sorry, but this cabinet is just too sweet for a pointless demo. I suppose I could have climbed inside just to show how roomy it is, however...

Kevin

Lilwolf · « **Reply #15 on:** October 06, 2003, 09:17:55 am »

Nice review!

Now, I"ve had some furnature that use those types of locking 180` turn mechanism (whatever they are called)... But they seem to have a problem after a few months that they need to be tightened down.

Could you keep us updated if these have that problem, and if they are easy (with the monitor and such inside) to tighten down.

Thanks!

Ted_Striker · « **Reply #16 on:** October 06, 2003, 03:37:49 pm »

would there be room for 1x1 strips in the joints? For people worried about stability you could glue and screw strips in the joints. This would eliminate the "knock down" ability of the cams but would make the cabinet a permanent cabinet rather easily.

Although I wouldn't mention that at that price I shouldn't have to mod it. Maybe SliKStick should consider adding these wood pieces for those who want it.

Also, how long did assembly take you (maybe you said in the video and I missed it). You said as I recall "in an evening".... so I'm guessing what 2, or 3 hours? Or was it faster than that? Or because of your video review you had to go way slow to get all your shots in? Gimme your best time guess.

Thanks and another nice job.

KevSteele · « **Reply #17 on:** October 06, 2003, 03:51:15 pm »

Ted,

The first assembly took a few hours, since I was videotaping, taking photos, and writing down the installation instructions. It took me a few hours.

Later, I took it apart in about 10 minutes, and the re-assembled the unit in about 20 minutes. Trust me, it's brain-dead simple.

Bracing strips would be a good idea if you know it's going to be a permanent installation, but like I've mentioned, I'm currently very impressed at the holding power of the cams - I don't sense any creak or "give" at all.

I'll be sure and report back in a few months if things have changed, but my opinion right now is that with 46 separate cams holding things together, it's probably going to hold together well (not to mention the fact that the monitor, when bolted in, acts as another brace).

NEWSBREAK:

The written review is now ready:

http://retroblast.com/reviews/slikcab_1.html

Kevin

ashardin · « **Reply #18 on:** October 06, 2003, 05:56:14 pm »

Kevin,

Maybe I just missed it as I read though. Does the purchase price include the control panel?

Also, what does the shipping run on something like that.

Thanks for the review. At first it seems pricey, but when I think back to all of the $30 and $40 trips to Home depot and the hardware store, and money spent doing something just to tear it apart and do it again, not to mention the hours of planning, sanding, tweaking, mounting, disassembling, re-mounting, painting et. it isn't that expensive. Something I will certainly look at as friends and family continue to plead for me to make them one...

SirPoonga · « **Reply #19 on:** October 06, 2003, 06:56:44 pm »

Your song could have been Pacman Fever if you can find it.

Ghoward · « **Reply #20 on:** October 06, 2003, 07:45:07 pm »

Hi,

I like the cab, however don't you think they could have covered the keyboard draw inside for the money.

I am thinking about buying one of those too instead of building another cab myself however I'm not sure how well this cab will hold together in the long run.

Gary

KevSteele · « **Reply #21 on:** October 06, 2003, 08:04:30 pm »

Quote from: Ghoward on October 06, 2003, 07:45:07 pm

I like the cab, however don't you think they could have covered the keyboard draw inside for the money.

I thought the same thing - I'm just going to put down a piece of adhesive black felt.

Kevin

Todd H · « **Reply #22 on:** October 06, 2003, 08:14:36 pm »

Kev, is the coin door that comes with the cabinet functional? If so, have you hooked yours up and how hard was it? I'm assuming you just hook it up to the I-pac.

KevSteele · « **Reply #23 on:** October 06, 2003, 08:20:01 pm »

Todd,

The coin door is a fully functional Happs door. I haven't wired it up to the IPAC yet (I may wait), but I am going to wire up the coin door lights soon.

It's really easy to hook up to the IPAC - just connect the microswitches on the coin door to the Coin 1 and Coin 2 inputs on the IPAC, and then add a ground wire.

Kevin

Todd H · « **Reply #24 on:** October 06, 2003, 08:25:05 pm »

Thanks Kevin. Looks like my tax return for next year is already spent!

KevSteele · « **Reply #25 on:** October 06, 2003, 08:37:58 pm »

ashardin,

The price does not include the control panel, and shipping is $145. (Sorry I missed your question earlier!)

Kevin

TalkingOctopus · « **Reply #26 on:** October 06, 2003, 09:45:13 pm »

Did that marquee come with the cabinet?

KevSteele · « **Reply #27 on:** October 06, 2003, 10:09:17 pm »

Heh...the marquee you see is something I just cranked out of my inkjet printer to "fill in the gap" until I get a real marquee. Three sheets of inkjet photo paper and some graphics.

The SlikStik cab is supposed to come with a marquee, but the marquee wasn't ready when they shipped me the cab. I'm planning on getting my own custom design printed up, so no biggie.

Kevin

MaximRecoil · « **Reply #28 on:** October 06, 2003, 11:19:12 pm »

Those reviews are great, I watched all of them. Nice written reviews also. The Sony car speakers in the SlikStik cab; are those the ones that you hooked up to the PC speaker set amp? How is that working out?

BTW, while reading your spinner review you mentioned concerns about the aluminum (as opposed to steel) contruction of the mounting bracket on the SlikStik Tornado. From the photos that bracket appears to be 1/8" thick. I would be surprised if you ever bent it. It is true that steel is stiffer than aluminum (stronger too, aluminum has a modulus of 10-11 and a yield point of 11-59 while steel has a modulus of 30 and a yeild point of 46-162), but the thickness of the material makes a big difference.

What is more important here is the strength (since flex really isn't the issue so much as whether or not it will get permantly bent). Steel is considered to be twice as strong as aluminum on average so a 1/8" piece of aluminum will have roughly the same strength as a 1/16" piece of steel and still be lighter and nearly as stiff (strength = yeild point = how much force is required to make it flex to a point that it can't return back to its original shape = bent).

1/8" aluminum for such a small mounting area (2"x2") on that spinner (very little leverage potential to multiply force) actually seems over-built to me.

KevSteele · « **Reply #29 on:** October 07, 2003, 07:15:23 am »

Maxim,

The Sony speakers are the ones I was having the "problem" with (if you can call accidentally pushing the mute button a problem!

) They're working fine now, and because the cone on the speakers is translucent red plastic, they glow from the marquee light behind them, a very cool and unexpected bonus.

As for the Tornado spinner bracket being made of aluminum, the "flex" was the reason I was concerned about the use of aluminum. If the bracket flexes, you can potentially get the bearings out of alignment. It hasn't happened to me, but it was a design concern of mine.

Kevin

PileOfMonkeyCrap · « **Reply #30 on:** October 07, 2003, 09:54:55 am »

Your concerns about stability are certainly valid. Those cams can and wil be ripped out if attempts are made to move or reposition the cab while on carpet. That happened to a computer desk I was moving a few feet one time. Got the pics to prove it. Those locking cams are meant to be assembled once or twice and not moved. Otherwise the torque will rip them out of the wood.

The problem with this review is that it isn't a "Consumer Reports" type of review. CR always BUYS what they review. In this case, Kevin didn't buy the cabinet. I feel that he cannot sufficiently review a $1300 base cabinet because he did not PAY the $1300. In my opinion, no bare cabinet is worth $1300. Why not just got buy an intact, working arcade game with a 27" monitor for $500-$600? Pretty easy to find a dead cab or empty cab that size for under $200. In fact, I've been selling my spare Virtua Fighter cabinets that will accomodate a 27" monitor for only $100.

http://members.aol.com/pileofmonkeycrap/Virtua-fighter2-cabinet.jpg

Marquee is just removed in this picture.

Additionally,for $1300, shouldn't the Slikstik cab come with a marquee light fixture? How about the rear of the cab being finished?

So $1300 for a cab, then $550 for a Slikstik = close to $2000. A person still has to buy a monitor/TV, PC, sound system, etc. Wow! That's big bucks.

This reviewer just cannot answer the question, "Is it worth $1300?" without bias.

Rick

Quote from: Frostillicus on October 05, 2003, 05:53:25 pm

Cool - usually I'm very critical of Slikstik and other 'premade stuff' companies, but it looks like they did a pretty decent job overall on the cab. Did I just say that?

All obvious, old arguments aside (price/lucid design/etc), the screw-together format should appeal to those with no skillz whatsoever.

I do have concerns on stabiltiy when moving - since there aren't any rollers (are there? I didn't see any...) and if you try to move it on carpet, could the torque rip out one of the cams do you think? Just getting the ineria to move it might break something loose. That's been a traditional problem with screw-together furniture.

As for the written review - I look forward to it. I am a big fan of Consumer Reports-esque reviews, and the tradition there is to write no opinions, cold hard facts, and sound as least like an endorsement as possible. Unfortunately they usually do it in a 'comparing product brand X against brand Y' so...you may have to get a Hanaho, too!

Lilwolf · « **Reply #31 on:** October 07, 2003, 10:43:04 am »

hehe, made it with a bunch of replies before the old posting 'not worth the money' comes out.

1) do you know what he paid for it? (good question though... but none of our buisness... we just have to take it with a grain of salt)

2) The review complains about everything you said but the money.

3) The money was mentioned in the written... So you can come up with your own appinion.

4) If I had the money, I would buy one even thought I have one already. Why? Time is more important to me... I have a sitdown cab that I get to work an hour on a week. I would like to actually sit in it...

5) Skills has a 's' on it. I don't know why being able to screw or cut wood would make you L33t

6) He complains about a bunch of stuff. So I would guess that he would complain about anything he finds... Not hiding the (oh yeah... and it wont work... but not ganna tell you because I got me free cab...)

I'm personally curious about how well it would do with other monitors in it... But that will have to wait for others to review.

JackTucky · « **Reply #32 on:** October 07, 2003, 10:50:16 am »

Where do the manufacturers think this cabinet will fit in the marketplace?

A DIY'er will build one or buy a real cab because he/she can or doesn't want to spend the money on this kit.

A person with cash who doesn't have time skills to build won't buy this because they still have a lot of work to do, get a PC, get an FE, config, sound, monitor, etc.

A person with real cash will just get one built and complete.

My relatives are all bugging me now that I have a complete cab. Help me build, help me build! You can't say to them, spend the $1300, then we'll start from there. I've told everyone I got complete for around $1000. If this was <$500, it might be a good starting point. You could get a PC, TV, controls and CP for around $500, and be done at $1000.

Meh.

Art

KevSteele · « **Reply #33 on:** October 07, 2003, 11:59:26 am »

I know I shouldn't respond to Rick's post, as he's apparently been baiting me on A.G.M., but I will clarify what I wrote in the review:

1. The cab was payment for my writing the installation manual (and creating the installation video CD that will ship with it) for SlikStik. Basically, they had to ship me a cab anyway so that I could write the installation guide, and it seems pointless to ship it back. I don't owe SlikStik anything.

2. I point out the above in the review, so you can filter my opinions about it through that information. I did pay for my cab, just not cash.

3. I sold my MAMEframe to buy the D9200 and the computer that would go into this cab. It was a leap of faith, as I had to do this before I even saw the cab. If it had been a piece of junk, trust, I would have made that very, very clear in the review.

If you want a "Consumers Report" review where I buy all the items I review, then in the future you'll just have to buy my reviews to fund this (just like you do for Consumer Reports).

As I said in the review, only you can decide if the price is fair. I think it is, and I said so in my review.

Kevin "Damned if I like something, and Damned if I don't" Steele

PileOfMonkeyCrap · « **Reply #34 on:** October 07, 2003, 05:55:22 pm »

I've decided the price isn't fair. I'm just commenting on a public product and a public review and offering my opinion.

Another poster was correct, a *complete* mame cabinet (including monitor/TV, PC, controller, etc) could be purchased for $1300-$1500.

Another person mentioned how much of a time saver it would be. Not really. There's still the PC to load and configure, a light fixture and marquee to add, sound system to install, monitor to install, wiring/connections, sideart, power strips, system power button, etc. Anyone who's built or retrofitted and existing cabinet knows there much more to do after the cab is complete.

An original arcade cabinet is going to be MUCH more durable and sturdy. After all, it *IS* an arcade cab and has withstood player abuse, moving to and from arcades/auctions/warehouses, been converted, etc.

Just a shame with the adundance of original arcade cabs available so inexpensively, that someone would have to buy a piece of furniture instead of a real cabinet.

Rick

Quote from: kevsteele on October 07, 2003, 11:59:26 am

As I said in the review, only you can decide if the price is fair. I think it is, and I said so in my review.

Kevin "Damned if I like something, and Damned if I don't" Steele

PaulT · « **Reply #35 on:** October 07, 2003, 07:01:10 pm »

I do not think the price is an issue, the product looks like a quality piece of kit and I believe Kev has completed an objective review. The like's of us who post and search this board are probably looking for a different option most likely a cheaper option, after all this is build your own arcade. Although for me building or refubishing is the fun. but if I had the money I would definitely go for the Slik Stik it is cool.
Good job Kev, you dont have to justify yourself, you have paid for it in more ways than one.

Ted
*spelling's dire been up the pub*

KevSteele · « **Reply #36 on:** October 07, 2003, 07:25:13 pm »

Quote from: PileOfMonkeyCrap on October 07, 2003, 05:55:22 pm

I've decided the price isn't fair. I'm just commenting on a public product and a public review and offering my opinion.

And you're more than entitled to post your opinion. But when you start accusing me of bias, I have the right to respond as well.

Oh, and if you have a place where I can buy a factory new complete MAME system for $1300, I'm interested. One can never have too many cabs.

Kevin

Minwah · « **Reply #37 on:** October 07, 2003, 07:50:29 pm »

Well I'm pretty impressed by what I've seen of the cab (& the review).

If SlikStik were in England (where I live) then I would be very tempted to buy the budget version, finish it off, and make my own control panels. All this I could do in the comfort of my own home / shed.

As it stands I have to fart about in a cold garage 10 miles from where I live. My woodworking skills are lacking (haven't really got to that part yet tho) and I don't have enough time

PileOfMonkeyCrap · « **Reply #38 on:** October 07, 2003, 08:14:55 pm »

I have a full MAME system for sale right now for $1200. Athlon 1ghz PC fully loaded with a Dreamcast + 20 games, MP3s, 800 music videos, PC games and MAME. Uses a Sharp 27" TV (s-video to PC) as the monitor and includes a universal cable descrambler. Watch cable TV, DVDs via the player in the PC, connect any console gaming systems, etc. A 2 player X-Arcade is the control panel and also includes the Dreamcast connection cable, so the Dreamcast games can be played arcade style. An RF wireless keyboard with thumb trackball is included for full PC use. There is a storage area that the keyboard can be placed when not being used, and this is where the Dreamcast, USB hub and Quickcam are stored as well.

Shipping via Yellow Freight to Ohio would be in the ballpark of $300.

Let me know if you're interested and I can provide pics. I'd rather not ship though because I prefer to setup & display the system to my customers, but I'll make an exception in your case since you know what you're doing.

Fresh out of my factory called "The Workshop".

Rick

Quote from: kevsteele on October 07, 2003, 07:25:13 pm

Quote from: PileOfMonkeyCrap on October 07, 2003, 05:55:22 pm
I've decided the price isn't fair. I'm just commenting on a public product and a public review and offering my opinion.

Oh, and if you have a place where I can buy a factory new complete MAME system for $1300, I'm interested. One can never have too many cabs.

Kevin

PileOfMonkeyCrap · « **Reply #39 on:** October 07, 2003, 08:17:32 pm »

I always see people post about their lack of "woodworking skills". You're not building a house to live in, you're building a cabinet. Trust me, I had no woodworking skills to brag about when I started building systems and retrofitting cabinets. But you know what, it's not difficult, especially if you're going to follow plans. If you can follow directions, then you can follow plans to build a cab.

Rick

Quote from: Minwah on October 07, 2003, 07:50:29 pm

As it stands I have to fart about in a cold garage 10 miles from where I live. My woodworking skills are lacking (haven't really got to that part yet tho) and I don't have enough time


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Author Topic: RetroBlast Video Review: SlikStik Arcade Cabinet (Read 21081 times)

Cisco Kid