Selling my Slik Stik Classic, starting from scratch.....

[fmzip]

I built my first Mame cabinet a few years back and really never got into it. Reason being, the playing experience just wasn't close enough to the original games I grew up with.

At the time I built the cabinet, I was intimidated to build and wire a control panel so I purchased a Slik Stik Classic. It was plug and play and ideal for my needs. However, the "feel" wasn't what I liked and surely wasn't what I grew up with. My games of choice back then, Defender, Asteroids, Missle command, (All of which I turned over  ) Pacman, Dig Dug, Arkanoid & Tempest & Galaga.

So here's where I am at. Playing Defender is impossible to rack up the scores I was once capable of.  Improper placement of reverse button is death! Missle command, it's playable but I want the volcano switches and proper switch spacing. Galaga, playable but the firing speed is tragic!

The Happs Competition joystick and Ultimate 4 way in the Slik Stik Classic just aren't cutting it. Too clicky, no ball top, not precise enough for an experienced player for Pacman and Dig Dug.

Arkanoid, I swapped out the tornado spinner for  Turbo twist 2 and I like it better. Thing I need to accept, at 46 years old, my eyesight, nerves and reaction time are not up to par with my teenage persona. Scores of the past on Arkanoid may not be attainable 

So here are my plans. I am going to build separate control panels. My first will be a general use one for Pacman, Dig Dug, Arkanoid, Golden Tee, Tempest and Missle command. Next will be a Stargate panel so I have the extra button. And last will be an Asteroid panel unless I can get the buttons on the Stargate Panel properly. Unlikely....

What I need input on is switches, buttons and joysticks. I don't necessarily need to be a purist and go with original leaf switches if newer technology is on par/better. Not fond of maintainence/adjustments of leaf switches .

I did some searching on here and when I think I found what I am looking for, I then realize the post is 3-5  years old and the switches/joystick either no longer exist or maybe they are called something else?

I am looking for input from the older crowd here. What's a good 4 way joystick (switchable to 8 not overly necessary)? I was looking at the SANWA JLF-TP-8YT. Yes/No, maybe so?I don't mind buying a few different ones. I already purchased old stock Cherry switches and volcano's for missle Command. What I really need input on is buttons and switches for the named games above.

This post led me here:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=107408.0

What was described as the "Arcade Prime button + premium soft touch microswitch" sounded like a hit but I don't see all the switches on their website any longer. Plus being a post of over 3 years old, I assume their might be something better? Can I get some ideas from the group based on my game preferences? Much appreciated in advance

[fmzip]

No one has suggestions for me?

[wetwaterwalker]

I'm by no means a guru on the subject, but there are a lot of different things out there to suite different needs. I know there are also restricter plates that they sell for the happ joysticks that supposedly make a huge difference on playability. One good thread was about the tron joystick upgrade. I will try to find a couple of the threads and see what I can tell you

[wetwaterwalker]

Most of the threads I found about the restrictor plate were old and you can no longer get a hold of the plates. I'm sure they are still out there, just harder to find.

[RetroACTIVE]

If you are in a no-compromise must have the 'closest to the actual game' experience...

Leaf switches and Wico (4 or 8 way depending upon your panel) are really the only way to come close to classic gaming experience IMO.  As far as adjusting leafs, I don't think you will be in for a bunch of work ... its your personal machine and it won't be subject to the abuse that the classics had to BITD.

Playing Defender... you need a dedicated Defender layout, period.

Maze games like Pac... you need a dedicated 4 way with appropriate physical restriction, period.

These sorts of decisions\commitments can get kind of tough.  You will come close but if you are a purist, you will never quite get there.  I've found that I have dedicated classics for the games I must have (like Defender).  All others fall into my MAME machine.  That being said, I've designed my MAME machine for the masses, not for me personally.  I want to make it easy and fun to use.  Most of the people I hang with don't have the arcade game prowess to know what controls work for specific games.  They just walk up to the machine and use it.  So I compromise on controls quite simply because I don't want to be bothered with swapping panels or having my guests dealing with it.

Long story short, you can get into analysis paralysis with this sort of thing.  Pick your must haves and build your panels around them.  You'll find out really quickly that you will have many more permutations than you thought you would going into it.

Good Luck!
 

[fmzip]

Thanks for the input thus far.

I decided to try out a few things and placed an order tonight for a few buttons/switches and a joystick:

1) CLASSX™ Leaf Switch Compatible Button
  - Switch Type: True-Leaf Pro™
   
2) Leaf-Pro™ True Leaf-Switch Joystick
  - Mechanical Restriction: 4-Way (Diamond)

If these don't fit the bill, I have a source that has A LOT of old school stuff. Just thought I'd buy some "new" stuff to see how it compares first.

Can the original leaf switches and buttons that were used on Defender etc still be ordered new?

[RetroACTIVE]

Thanks for the input thus far.

I decided to try out a few things and placed an order tonight for a few buttons/switches and a joystick:

1) CLASSX™ Leaf Switch Compatible Button
  - Switch Type: True-Leaf Pro™
   
2) Leaf-Pro™ True Leaf-Switch Joystick
  - Mechanical Restriction: 4-Way (Diamond)

If these don't fit the bill, I have a source that has A LOT of old school stuff. Just thought I'd buy some "new" stuff to see how it compares first.

Can the original leaf switches and buttons that were used on Defender etc still be ordered new?

You can find leaf switches... you won't have all of the options that are available in terms of colors and illumination (if your into that sort of thing).

I've played with all of the 'leaf'-like buttons and adapted leaf swtich types.  They are good but they just don't feel the same... they all feel a bit anemic to me.  Original leafs have a nice spring and longer throw to them than any of the modern 'leaf' adapted/simulated buttons.  Even though the throw is usually way longer than what is needed for contact on a genuine leaf I just like that feel, modern buttons just bottom out too quickly for my taste.  They solve the problem of eliminating the 'click' and do permit the 'feathering' that is possible with a genuine leaf, so from that angle they do the trick!

This is one of those topics that many people have many opinions on.  All of it personal preference.  Certainly buy a bit of this and that from the vendors out there... try them and see what works for you. 

[fmzip]

Thanks for the input.

I have no need for crazy colors or illumination. Can you point me to a source for original leaf switches and red/white buttons please?

[RetroACTIVE]

http://www.therealbobroberts.net/parts.html#buttons

[RandyT]

I've played with all of the 'leaf'-like buttons and adapted leaf swtich types.  They are good but they just don't feel the same... they all feel a bit anemic to me.  Original leafs have a nice spring and longer throw to them than any of the modern 'leaf' adapted/simulated buttons.  Even though the throw is usually way longer than what is needed for contact on a genuine leaf I just like that feel, modern buttons just bottom out too quickly for my taste.  They solve the problem of eliminating the 'click' and do permit the 'feathering' that is possible with a genuine leaf, so from that angle they do the trick!

It should also be noted that the long throw (usually much longer than necessary) is what was primarily responsible for the excessive wear of those contacts and constant need for adjustment.  When I designed the CLASSX buttons, this was taken fully into account.  I wasn't looking to re-create the problems of the past, rather fix them, while retaining the full functionality that this type of switch offers gamers.

Just thought that this should be mentioned

[jimmer]

for Asteroids just put an extra button next to Stargate Reverse.

CLASSX true-leaf are good, sound like an original button but not as loud, about 2.2mm travel, tweakable with pliers which might allow some clever firing techniques. Goldleaf are also good, sound dead but have longer travel 3.5mm, I prefer their shape and feel. I didn't like the (new) real leaf button I bought, too sloppy noisy for no apparent benefit (may have been a cheapo make). Don't bother trying Rollie on an IL button, poorly engineered, feels dead.


As you only want 2way on this panel, if budget allows could get this: http://www.arcadeshop.de/product_info.php?item_number=1034&products_id=1006&language=en

[Gray_Area]

My fave buttons so far are the flat seimitsus. The flatness itself  is the difference between a limp and stiff dick.

[stigzler]

Ah, in the company of pros.... I'm just setting out on my first MAME build.

On a serious budget, and becoming a bit of a loft clear out exercise! Old car speakers, car stereo, psus, Frankenstein PC....

However, the cab, controls and monitor have to be bought!

Anyways... the thing that really took my breath was the price of spinners!! £75 at the cheapest! See there's BYO options, but really not sure about the robustness!

Long story short: do you want to sell your Turbo twist 2 to a good home?

Cheers

Steve