Will Pay Someone To Build DK sized Mario Bros Mame CP

[KeithPuetz]

I been working on my project for months but it's at a stand still because I need the CP built. I would rather not do it myself. It requires tools and knowledge I do not have and I tend to mess things up my first try and I need this thing to look perfect. To me, the control panel is THE MOST IMPORANT part of a cabinet.
The project is a DK sized CP with a custom Mario Bros CPO with 6 buttons for each player. I would like to have LED buttons. If anyone is interested in helping me,
please e-mail me at KeithPuetz@gmail.com. I will post the finished results on the forum and you will get credit for your work when I post a thread dedicated to the build.
It was a beat up DK cabinet that I redone, repainted Mario Bros colors and I have some ideas that are unique and new to mame that will be showcased with the cabinet build.
If anyone knowledgable, with the know how to pull of a CP of this nature, will be greatly appreciated by me, whom is new to arcade building. 
You're assistance will not go unrewarded as I will pay you, and also give credit where credit is due.

[yaksplat]

You were going to send me the art files to work with so I could give you a quote for the completed panel.

let me know..

[KeithPuetz]

Yaksplats service, while great, was much too expensive for my budget. Can someone PLEASE build me this control panel so I can finish my arcade?
I am hoping for somewhere in the $200 area. I will give you credit for your work and your services on the thread that I will create showing off my Arcade.
Please contact me at KeithPuetz@gmail.com

[yaksplat]

Now just to be fair. It's quite difficult to build a panel that contains the following for under $200:

Spinner
12 lit buttons
2 lit ball top joysticks
led-wiz
ipac-2
plexi top

Add in tax & shipping to acquire all of the parts and you're nearly at $500.  Then add in labor to build and neatly wire the panel up, test everything, program and make everything was in a plug and play state.  I dropped my hourly rate quite low because I thought this would be a project with a pretty cool result.  But please, don't consider my service to be expensive, just be realistic about the scope of the project that you're asking someone to bid on.

[yotsuya]

Wait, he wants you to do ALL of it? I thought he just wanted you to cut the panel/plexi?

[KeithPuetz]

Yeah, I need the whole enchilada.
I am terrified I will mess it up if I attempt it myself.
I have a habit of destroying things when I attempt them for the first time.
Someone said 250 plus shipping would be reasonable.
That was on Arcade Museum.
But unfortunately the gentlemen is too busy.
Can someone please lend me a hand here?
I am hoping someone that is looking for an exciting project that will be put to great use.
This is a hobby isn't?
Who wants to help me tackle this project?
I will pay for all the parts and I'll pay what I can in labor!
I'll be EXTREMELY, EXTREMELY greatful!

[yotsuya]

If you paid Yaksplat to do the panel and plexi, you'd have the hardest part out of the way. The rest is easy (but not cheap- the iPac and LED-Wiz alone, after shipping, would be around $100).

[KeithPuetz]

I dont want to even attempt that.
CP is the most important part and I KNOW I will ruin it my first attempt.

[Nephasth]

So, you want to pay me less than what it would cost you if you were to do it yourself? Sounds like a deal! Where do I sign up?

This is a hobby isn't?

Yup, a DIY hobby, get to practicing...

[KeithPuetz]

EDIT: ACCIDENTALLY POSTED MORE THAN ONCE

[KeithPuetz]

EDIT: ACCIDENTALLY POSTED MORE THAN ONCE

[KeithPuetz]

So, you want to pay me less than what it would cost you if you were to do it yourself? Sounds like a deal! Where do I sign up?

Is there some confusion of what I am looking for? I am looking for plain ol' one color led buttons and joysticks.

16 Led Buttons (cost: 35 dollars)
http://www.paradisearcadeshop.com/en/led-pushbuttons/230-red-led-convex-arcade-pushbutton.html

2 Led Joysticks (cost: 50 dollars)
http://www.paradisearcadeshop.com/en/119-paradise-led-bubble-top-arcade-joystick.html

LED Track Ball (cost: 25 dollars)
http://www.paradisearcadeshop.com/en/trackball/47-ps2-led-trackball.html

IPAC2: 30 dollars?

CP ART PRINTED: 30 DOLLARS

DK Sized Cp (I already own one and I can send it)

TOTAL COST: 170 DOLLARS

Parts do not cost 550 dollars.
But this is not me stating Yaksplat was over charging, just stating he was reaching "top shelf" for the best products available while not realizing I am a poor, poor man.
As you can see I am paying $100 dollars in labor.
Grant it still it's not a lot of money but I am really giving all the money I have..
And its really going towards a worthy project and one which will have a very cool result.
Look guys, really, I would really appreciate the help, and that last part can not be stated enough..
*Crosses fingers*

[PL1]

16 Led Buttons (cost: 35 dollars)
http://www.paradisearcadeshop.com/en/led-pushbuttons/230-red-led-convex-arcade-pushbutton.html

One small suggestion on the buttons -- upgrade to the 20 gram switches.
For an extra $1.60, I think you'll be glad.

Also, the joystick LEDs are 5v.  Default LEDs for the buttons are 12v.  There are ways to make them work if they don't match, but it will be easier to do if the button and joystick LEDs run off the same voltage.

Since budget is a big concern, why not get a $28.95 Xin-Mo 2 Player encoder from Paradise and save the additional shipping charge from Ultimarc for the $39 I-Pac plus the cost of wire and QDs.

You can use xpadder or joy2key to map the admin buttons.

Bonus round: the Xin-Mo already comes with the crimped wire harness and printed diagram for what wire goes to what button.  This is REALLY EASY to connect!

That just leaves the LEDs to wire, and Paradise's .250" daisy chains in black and red will let you wire all the button LEDs.

That just leaves the joystick LEDs to wire.  Not sure what connectors they come with, but if you put .250" Male QDs on the 4 wires(2 LEDs x 2 wires), you can plug into the .250" LED daisy chains assuming you changed to 5v button LEDs.

Almost forgot to mention the 4 mounting feet for the encoder.

Two closing questions:

Are you using carriage bolts for mounting the joysticks/trackball?

How will you connect the CP to the cab?  Panel clamps?


Scott

[KeithPuetz]

Well. You made that seem really easy but most of the stuff your talking about right now is pretty much Spanish to me = /.  I am also nervous once I see the project I will be completely stuck, over and over and over again.

For your questions.

Carriage bolts? Dont know what they are. Lol.

Yeah panel clips if the person who decides to make it uses my CP.

[yotsuya]

I would have made the same 'mistake' that Yaksplat made in assuming you wanted to use quality parts. I have those buttons, but personally I wouldn't buy them again (in fact, I've just replaced them now while I'm redoing my control panel). I also wouldn't use that trackball, either. I'd spring for a U-Trak (I did and I love it). PL1 brings up a good alternative on the controller, but you have nothing in place to control the lighting. If you're fine with the lights being on all the time, that's ok, but if you want animations, you'll have to get an LED controller. You'll also need wiring, quick disconnects (unless you're going to solder, but then you'll need all that equipment) and you see how it quickly adds up.

Yeah, you can build it for under $200, but like you stated, it's the most important part of your project- why go cheap on it? Save up $25-$50 every payday until you can get what you really need.

[KeithPuetz]

Yeah, maybe I should upgrade the track ball. But the buttons are fine I am trying to match the cabinets control scheme, if I got buttons and joysticks that changed color than I am looking to spend too much. If I can spend 200 for parts or 500 dollars for parts I am definitely going to the 200 dollar route.. Call me crazy. I heard the Paradise Arcade parts are pretty good anyway I don't see any reason to spend half a grand on a DK sized CP.

[yotsuya]

Keith-

Those buttons are ok and light really easily, but I am more a fan of the IL concaves. It'll cost you more to light them, but the feel is much more arcade authentic. I would strongly recommend ordering a few different LED buttons to see what you like. Again, you could go cheap, but make sure you like what you buy, or it'll cost you more in the long run if you decide to replace them. I speak from experience.

Anyway, good luck with this. I actually started out the same way. I was going to buy a Tankstick because I was intimidated, but I decided to take the plunge and build my own. It was the best thing I ever did.

[KeithPuetz]

I know what buttons I like, the nintendo like ones. Paradise has them and they are the same price as the ones I linked to. I will most likely get those.

Building an arcade sounds like it's doable. But you don't understand when I say I mess up crap the first time I attempt them. Lol.
I will touch it and it will literally blow up like a grenade, jk. But it seems tricky and something you get better at with practice. I want this arcade to be perfect so I would rather someone experienced do it.

Yotsuya if your interested in the project and have some good work with an overlay I will pay you. And hell, I'll really appreciate it.

Anyone?

[yotsuya]

Sorry, I barely have enough time for my own projects. But I encourage you to try it on your own. It's really not that hard. 

[KeithPuetz]

HANDS + NEW FEAT = EPIC DISASTER

[PL1]

Well. You made that seem really easy but most of the stuff your talking about right now is pretty much Spanish to me = /.  I am also nervous once I see the project I will be completely stuck, over and over and over again.

Si quieres aprender, podemos ayudarte y enseñarte.[/spanish]
If you want to learn, we can help and teach you.

Carriage bolts? Dont know what they are. Lol.

Unless otherwise noted, joysticks and trackballs usually don't come with mounting hardware.

A Carriage bolt has a square area under the head to prevent the bolt from turning as the nut is tightened.

They look like this when installed (4 per joystick)


Many people prefer using threaded inserts since they don't mount through the plexi and artwork.


They look like this when installed (underside view)

Yeah panel clips if the person who decides to make it uses my CP.

The person who makes your panel needs to know how you intend to fasten it to your cab.

Many people use hinges for easy access for repairs or upgrades.

Panel clamps like these can hold the panel down, but you'll want to figure out where to put them so your panel doesn't shift around and cause them to disengage..

HANDS + NEW FEAT = EPIC DISASTER

That's why you do a practice panel -- so it'll be an old feat by the time you build your nice cab and panel.


Scott

[KeithPuetz]

Wow that was insanely helpful. I am nervious about the stuff I can't replace if I mess up.
Drilling holes doesnt really make me afraid, I got bondo if I mess up.
But applying the overlay kind of has me nervious, and getting the overlay image to the correct size to fit my DK sized panel GAURANTEED so I don't have to buy a new one is what scares the crap out of me.
Also, all that daisy chaining for the CP looking EXTREMELY confusing. There is daisy chaining and another set of wires too am I correct? Than the led buttons. And making sure I get all the correct stuff the first time seems impossible because I don't REALLY know what I am doing. I'd be just following steps.

If someone wants to step in and make my life a million times easier, I will pay you labor. But if not, I will have to attempt it myself and I think I already know how it's going to turn out if I attempt it = / And it doesn't sound good.

It's going to take me four times longer than someone who is experienced, and my version will almost gauranteed have a few visible flaws. Plus, I don't own ANY tools at all.
It really sucks. I'd have to call out for a bunch of favors to get this project complete by myself...

[KeithPuetz]

Who wants to be a hero on BYOAC.

[Nephasth]

BYOac...

[KeithPuetz]

Lol I am not here to build my own arcade controls I subscribed to show off my Arcade Mame. But I can't because I am stuck on this CP. 
And considering the forum I am on I am surprised no body wants to take on the project. 

[Hoopz]

Where are you located?  If you post that, you may find someone local who can help.

[jmike]

Lol I am not here to build my own arcade controls I subscribed to show off my Arcade Mame. But I can't because I am stuck on this CP. 
And considering the forum I am on I am surprised no body wants to take on the project. 

I think you should change your "I want to build my own arcade controls!" to something more suitable.   

Good luck with CP.

[pinballjim]

You can go pinballjim style... have Lowe's cut the board you need.

Get a $10 barstool from Wal-Mart.  Use a couple of $2 c-clamps to hold the board steady.  Drill the holes you need with a 1 1/8" bit.

Done.   

[yaksplat]

You can go pinballjim style... have Lowe's cut the board you need.

Get a $10 barstool from Wal-Mart.  Use a couple of $2 c-clamps to hold the board steady.  Drill the holes you need with a 1 1/8" bit.

Done.   

From what I've read, the c-clamps are optional and you can just work in your lap. 

[yotsuya]

And considering the forum I am on I am surprised no body wants to take on the project. 

The problem, I think, is that your vision for what you want doesn't mesh up with what you want the costs to be. Plus, it sounds like you are a perfectionist. What if I cut the panel, you get it, and you decide that the buttons aren't spaced far enough or that they aren't as bright as you want? That's why you either pay someone who has the tools to do it right (but it will cost you), or  you do it yourself (which is cheaper). Buy a 2x4 sheet of 3/4 wood or MDF. You'll have enough there to easily make 3-4 panels incase you mess up the first one.

[Stingray]

And considering the forum I am on I am surprised no body wants to take on the project. 

This is Build Your Own Arcade Controls, not Build Arcade Controls for a Perfect Stranger for Next to Nothing. You own no tools and you don't even know what a carriage bolt is. I'm not surprised that you don't understand that you're asking for someone to do a big job for you and that you aren't offering to pay enough. You clearly have a huge amount of enthusiasm, but if you settle down and do some reading you can learn how to do this yourself right here on this site and that information won't cost you a dime. Buy some tools and learn how to use them. Yes, this will take more time. However, you'll be infinitely more proud of the finished job if you do it yourself.

-S

[KeithPuetz]

I just proved that the panel costs 170 and I said I would pay 270. So 100 profit.

And it's not messing up the wood I am worried about it's messing up the 40 dollar overlay. I already stated that too. 

I'll also remind you guys that the buttons are fine, PA has Nintendo-like LED buttons for the same price.

All I need is someone BRAVE enough to put the damn thing together 

[KeithPuetz]

Okay I got a little story for you guys.

I was on ebay looking for someone that sells custom control panels in hopes that I would find someone that would make one at a good price.

Than I came across an item with a led cp that was built for mame. It looked decent. So I contacted him.

When he replied he stated "i saw your add on the forum sure i can do it for you send me a pic of the artwork you have thanks and please don't post that i will do it for you on the forum those guys can be pretty bad and nasty"

I thought that was weird and fishy. So I double looked at his posting on Ebay and on the listed it was stated that a friend built it for him. I thought that was weird that he led me to believe that he built the cp by not correcting my obvious mistake.

So I asked for references of work that HE has personally done.
I thought it was sort of fishy that he didn't want any of our transaction being discussed on the forum (as if he has scammed people in the past) so I asked him if we COULD make the transaction public and maybe do it the official way and do our transaction over Ebay.

He than replied "You contacted me through eBay . You gave me your Personal Email. Now you want me to go to the forum , I will pass on this thank you"

Was I over reacting for taking that precautionary measure? I thought it was simple request if he was innocent and scam-free.
Not saying he WAS trying to rip me off, hell for all I know he could be a great member here but I didn't know for sure. What do you guys think?

Here are some additional details.
The Ebay listing http://www.ebay.com/itm/donkey-kong-multicade-arcade-leds-control-panel-and-lcd-mame-hyperspin-/200833198502?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ec29769a6

He's posting right now in the Buy/Sell thread.

[Stingray]

I just proved that the panel costs 170 and I said I would pay 270. So 100 profit.

You own no tools and you don't even know what a carriage bolt is. I'm not surprised that you don't understand that you're asking for someone to do a big job for you and that you aren't offering to pay enough.

And yes, the guy you contacted through eBay sounds extremely shady to me.

-S

[Nephasth]

Tell you what... YOU buy all the parts, have them shipped to ME, send me $100 and I'll put the damn thing together for you...

[KeithPuetz]

  You are the man!


Anyone ever disrespect this guy, ima beat you up
Cuz he is DA MAAN!

[Hoopz]

That Ebay link is for a member here who has a thread in B/S/T right now:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,123225.0.html

Whoops, you edited before I posted for the same thing. 

[CheffoJeffo]

I just proved that the panel costs 170 and I said I would pay 270. So 100 profit.

You own no tools and you don't even know what a carriage bolt is. I'm not surprised that you don't understand that you're asking for someone to do a big job for you and that you aren't offering to pay enough.

And yes, the guy you contacted through eBay sounds extremely shady to me.

Most definitely.

Somebody who claims to have spent $1500 to have a cabinet built, and then lists it for $750 shortly AT THE SAME TIME that he is selling a cabaret that he claims he spent $1150 to have had built (listed for $500) is NOT somebody who is going to be able to build you a CP for $200 UNLESS he is lying about the cabinets (notice that they both have exactly the same configuration ... who spends $2550 to get two of the same machine ?).

Oops, there I go being all bad and nasty.   

FWIW, I am not saying that he doesn't have skills ... just saying that his statements don't add up.

At the same time, I would definitely pass on doing a project for the seller as well. Way too high maintenance and far too "I've proven this" and "I'll remind you" while at the same time not knowing even the basics. Too much potential for buyer dissatisfaction to be worth the effort. 

[Stingray]

At the same time, I would definitely pass on doing a project for the seller as well. Way too high maintenance and far too "I've proven this" and "I'll remind you" while at the same time not knowing even the basics. Too much potential for buyer dissatisfaction to be worth the effort. 

Agreed. If this ever amounts to anything, I'll be interested to see the outcome.

-S

[KeithPuetz]

At the same time, I would pass on doing a project for the seller as well. Way too high maintenance and far too "I've proven this" and "I'll remind you" while at the same time not knowing even the basics. Too much potential for buyer dissatisfaction to be worth the effort. 

Well you don't know that. And you're making that prediction out of nothingness. In fact I am very grateful and at the same time it's going to a worthy project.
Anything the man who completed The Double Headed Beast creates I wouldn't be able to do in my wildest dreams!
He knows what he is doing over me, CLEARLY. Anything he says I am just going to take his word on during the project and at the same time I am not picky.
And I am EXTREMELY confident in his abilities.
Just the fact he is lending a hand in my project is a flippin honor.