Ultimarc RGB trackball kit with pearl trackball
UPDATE!!!!! I have been in contact with Andy, it turns out that the model that I have is being superseded by a new and improved model. New models are on the way. When they become available I will review it. I will put side by side comparisons of the two different kits. Again, Ultimarc standing by their products!!!!!!
I think this is the first time I have been disappointed with an Ultimarc product. The pearl trackball is nice and smooth but the RGB is very dim. You can barley see the color. I don't know how to fix this or maybe it is a defective unit. I am not sure, but it does not live up to my expectations. I will have to contact Andy about this to see if this is normal. I can't believe that it is.
Ultimarc Spintrak
In keeping with my Ultimarc control panel I purchased the spintrak. This is the first time I have used the spintrak. The other spinners I have owned were GGG's turbo twist 2. To me, I feel and see no difference between the two. They both work out of the box plug and play style.
It installed in a button hole and comes with an usb interface, can't get any eaiser than that. I did notice that my tempest scores were higher with the spintrak..LOL
I picked up the black know with the silver ring, I thought it would match nicely.
Ultimarc Mag Stick Plus
I thought I read somewhere that this stick would fit the mounting holes of the tankstick, well it doesn't. You have to modify the mounting plate which is no big deal. I busted out the dremel tool and wallah.
This is where Ultimarc's customer service came into play. I ordered two and one was defective. I didn't even have to ship the other one back. He sent me out another one in no time. Can someone explain to me why I can get something faster from oversees than from Ohio. I live in Michigan.
I installed them and I absolutely hated them at first. I couldn't get them to switch from 4 to 8 way, the short throw. I almost gave up on them. Then I started to play around with them and now love them. I don't think I could use anything else. I got the switching down and they work perfect and look damn nice. A perfect solution to non accessible joysticks!
The biggest key with the mag stick plus is getting the feel for the switching. I spent some time just switching it back and fourth, to get the feel of it. I strongly recommend doing this before you install the stick in your CP.
Paradise Arcade Lighted Balltop Sticks for Mag Stick Plus
When I started this whole process over 6 months ago I knew I wanted to try and light what ever stick I installed. I couldn't believe that I found the lighted stick that I needed.
First, these sticks are made perfectly. The craftsmanship on these is second to NONE. The ball tops match the buttons and trackball almost perfectly as well as the colors. It was almost designed with the same rgb's as Ultimarcs.
This was the second time I have purchased from Paradise, they are very easy and nice to deal with. They have some very unique items such as these lighted sticks.
In closing...
I know that this build is not for everyone. This does not have the look and feel of an original arcade but for me that wasn't the point. The point I needed was a function unit that I can keep in my office at home. Sometimes you just want to sit in your chair with your feet up and a gamepad in your hand playing some Final fantasy. One day, once the kids move on, I see a showcase build in my future
All in all with the exception of the tankstick controls everything thing and everyone I have dealt with have been fantastic. I can't say enough about Ultimarc, Paradise arcade and RecRoomMasters.
Now this was all done from my memory. Forgive all the grammar and punctuation mistakes I made. I am so not an English major. I will start to upload some pics tonight and as I remember more or think about more to say I will add to my review of the different items I put into my arcade. Thanks for reading....
Z.