What is Your Single Biggest Regret of your Arcade Build?

[yotsuya]

That reminds me, where the hell is PBJ? Did the moldy meat and bootleg hooch finally do him in?

[jdbailey1206]

That reminds me, where the hell is PBJ? Did the moldy meat and bootleg hooch finally do him in?

He's on a honeymoon with Jennifer.

[dkersten]

Using latex paint.. even after a half a year it just isn't as good as an oil based paint.  Takes forever to cure, and inevitably it gets scratched or marred because I don't want to wait 15 weeks to move or play the thing.. Oil based - 2 days to cure fully..

Overall, my biggest regret is not easing into this hobby.  I jumped in with both feet, and ended up building a cabinet I ultimately don't want.  I'm glad I built it, but I wish I had the money back and could start from scratch.  I would build a virtual cab with a 50-55", two player control with trackball and recessed spinner, then build a dedicated vertical screen cab with true 4 way sticks to go next to it.  I still might, but lately I am busy writing again.. now that my book is out I really want to get a sequel done, so that will take me until summer.  And with recent "life" happening, I don't know if I can afford to do what I want.  Unless the book takes off, lol, then I can afford to have a real builder make me what I want.. haha..

[liquid134]

well, this being my first conversion/build, my biggest regret.....is making it playable so quickly!! i have gotten even slower with finishing this thing up now that it works. i guess i could also say, i wish i had a better PC for the build, but i could always upgrade and redo the software when the time comes.

[ChanceKJ]

Actually, (and seriously the only one i can think of): Not replacing the foam in the matching stool with memory foam. Its comfy, but i know it could be way better. especially for those extended play sessions.   I've got another stool for my new build, so i have a chance to do better this time.

Your ass will eventually soften up and constipate over time. 

Both of you, stop thinking about ---my bottom---.

[yotsuya]

Actually, (and seriously the only one i can think of): Not replacing the foam in the matching stool with memory foam. Its comfy, but i know it could be way better. especially for those extended play sessions.   I've got another stool for my new build, so i have a chance to do better this time.

Your ass will eventually soften up and constipate over time. 

Both of you, stop thinking about ---my bottom---.

I bet it's as pasty white as those toes of yours. 

[jennifer]

That reminds me, where the hell is PBJ? Did the moldy meat and bootleg hooch finally do him in?

He's on a honeymoon with Jennifer.

Eye of toad, A pinch of regret...Aye friend, you are about to have a REALLY bad day!

[jdbailey1206]

Actually, (and seriously the only one i can think of): Not replacing the foam in the matching stool with memory foam. Its comfy, but i know it could be way better. especially for those extended play sessions.   I've got another stool for my new build, so i have a chance to do better this time.

Your ass will eventually soften up and constipate over time. 

Both of you, stop thinking about ---my bottom---.

[zallax]

I think the term frankenpanel is thrown out there too quickly in these parts, sometimes for people who want ANYTHING more than a two player trackball panel.
There's nothing wrong with having an analog joystick, trackball, & spinner on your CP.

To me,  a 2 player panel with a trackball is a frankenpanel

I think the completely negative stigma that goes with the term "frankenpanel" is undeserved.  There are classy eloquent "multi-control" solutions, everything from rotating panels, to proper placement. I have my 4 player panel, and when I get the scratch to spare I'll be throwing a GGG Turbo Twist spinner on it (with a hockey puck shaped top) to play some Arkanoid.

When people hear frankenpanel they think:

(no offense mytymaus007)
and

(no offense zallax)

I feel violated.        

[Malenko]

naw, dont be.  What you have is a frankenpanel. That doesnt mean its a bad thing, so long as you like it. 

[zallax]

I definitely have a frankenpanel.  However, it is much more ergonomic than other frankenpanels. 

I admit.  We don't use player 3 and 4 as much as I thought we would.  Probably could have gotten away with wireless PS3 controllers for them.

As for biggest regret, I wish I put more of an angle on the monitor.  Galaga is much harder when the screen is large and too vertical.  If the cab was a showcase cab, it would have been less of a problem.  Definitely mock up your control panel with cardboard and also test the monitor placement to make sure it meets your needs.

[pbj]

Hmm, I tend to not dwell on regret if I can avoid it.  I've unintentionally added flaws to games that nobody else notices but drive me crazy.  Best to just roll with it and enjoy the patina. 

Keep fading, pinball cabinets....

 





 

[Louis Tully]

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[yotsuya]

Curved button layouts   and thinking everything build needed 6 buttons per player. It frelt good to kill those things.

I don't get the hate for curved layouts.  As long as they aren't arched that you need gorilla hands to use them, I find them quite comfortable. 

[harveybirdman]

Curved button layouts   and thinking everything build needed 6 buttons per player. It felt good to kill those things.

Astro City Player 2 all the way son 

       
   

[ChanceKJ]

  how many ---smurfing--- spinners does that thing have?!?

And yes Yots' whiter then the whitest white. With red hair.

(Enjoy that mental image)

[Louis Tully]

.

[rabidpuppy]

I have too many "mistakes" to list (I'm an office worker in finance, no experience in cabinetry or electronics) however now I see them as part of the cabinets charm.   

Looking at scuffs, marks, less than perfect cuts on my 2009 cabinet, I think of a being a kid in the big arcade in town and no way were there any brand new or even perfect looking machines.  All beat up to hell and hastily repaired fixups. 

Nostalgia! (what is this salty discharge)

edit: to answer, I forgot to glue most of the cabinet together, just screwed it, as was planning on dissembling to paint, but think I glued one of the last pieces.  Now it has a small charming wobble.

[jdbailey1206]

And yes Yots' whiter then the whitest white. With red hair.

Chuck Norris is a ginger.  Just sayin'.

[zallax]

how many ---smurfing--- spinners does that thing have?!?

And yes Yots' whiter then the whitest white. With red hair.

(Enjoy that mental image)

How much $$ is in that control panel?

As it currently is, it is about $1400, minus shipping costs for items as well as hardware like screws, bolts, nuts, etc.  There is also another $250 that was spent on parts that are no longer in use.  For instance, I used to have a Blackhawk Push/Pull spinner in a previous version of the panel that I could not fit into the new one because of sloped top.  The panel also used to have two UltraStik 360's.  I replaced those with ServoStik's but I did disassemble one of UltraStik 360 for the flight stick mod.  I had also tried numerous encoders for the LS-30 rotaries, the GP40 Max was the only one that worked consistently.

Control Panel price breakdown

Item	Qty	Each	Total
Wood (Lowes)	1	$20	$20
Control Panel overlay	1	$35	$35
T-Molding - cool blue (GGG)	1	$3	$3
Servo Stik (Ultimarc)	2	$39	$78
Servo Stik control board (Ultimarc)	1	$29	$29
LS-30 Rotary Joystick (E-Bay)	2	$40	$80
Flight Stick (Happ)	1	$131	$131
Replacement Tron Handle (GGG)	1	$25	$25
UltraStik 360 (Ultimarc)	1	$59	$59
8-way competition Joystick	2	$15	$30
Ms Pac-man/ Galaga 4-way (TT)	1	$20	$20
3" Trackball Translucent (HAPP)	1	$130	$130
3" Trackball Mounting Plate (HAPP)	1	$16	$16
TurboTwist Hi-Low (GGG)	1	$130	$130
TurboTwist 2 (GGG)	2	$70	$140
Blue Dome Knob (GGG)	2	$10	$20
Energy Storage Cylinder (GGG)	2	$6	$12
6" Mini Racer Steering Wheel	2	$35	$70
IL Concave Buttons - black player (Paradise)	4	$3.25	$13
IL Concave Buttons - black (Paradise)	9	$2	$18
IL Concave Buttons - blue (Paradise)	34	$2	$68
Versa-Micro switches (GGG)	34	$2.5	$85
I-Pac 4 (Ultimarc)	1	$65	$65
U-HID (Ultimarc)	1	$79	$79
GP-Wiz40 Max with Rotary (GGG)	1	$38	$38
Wiring/Connectors			$40
Total			$1434

[DeLuSioNal29]

One think I forgot to add:  On my first cabinet, I went "all out" and bought a Betson (Kortek) 27" Multisync arcade monitor.  It ran about $500.  Although it's great for authenticity, I can't really justify the cost.  (I didn't really know better at the time).  Since then I've built my arcade cabinets with 22" and 21" CRT PC monitors for virtually nothing.  People are practically giving them away due to their bulk.  I have 2 sitting in my garage for future projects and then look great when installed.

DeLuSioNaL29

[yotsuya]

how many ---smurfing--- spinners does that thing have?!?

And yes Yots' whiter then the whitest white. With red hair.

(Enjoy that mental image)

How much $$ is in that control panel?

As it currently is, it is about $1400, minus shipping costs for items as well as hardware like screws, bolts, nuts, etc.  There is also another $250 that was spent on parts that are no longer in use.  For instance, I used to have a Blackhawk Push/Pull spinner in a previous version of the panel that I could not fit into the new one because of sloped top.  The panel also used to have two UltraStik 360's.  I replaced those with ServoStik's but I did disassemble one of UltraStik 360 for the flight stick mod.  I had also tried numerous encoders for the LS-30 rotaries, the GP40 Max was the only one that worked consistently.

Control Panel price breakdown

Item	Qty	Each	Total
Wood (Lowes)	1	$20	$20
Control Panel overlay	1	$35	$35
T-Molding - cool blue (GGG)	1	$3	$3
Servo Stik (Ultimarc)	2	$39	$78
Servo Stik control board (Ultimarc)	1	$29	$29
LS-30 Rotary Joystick (E-Bay)	2	$40	$80
Flight Stick (Happ)	1	$131	$131
Replacement Tron Handle (GGG)	1	$25	$25
UltraStik 360 (Ultimarc)	1	$59	$59
8-way competition Joystick	2	$15	$30
Ms Pac-man/ Galaga 4-way (TT)	1	$20	$20
3" Trackball Translucent (HAPP)	1	$130	$130
3" Trackball Mounting Plate (HAPP)	1	$16	$16
TurboTwist Hi-Low (GGG)	1	$130	$130
TurboTwist 2 (GGG)	2	$70	$140
Blue Dome Knob (GGG)	2	$10	$20
Energy Storage Cylinder (GGG)	2	$6	$12
6" Mini Racer Steering Wheel	2	$35	$70
IL Concave Buttons - black player (Paradise)	4	$3.25	$13
IL Concave Buttons - black (Paradise)	9	$2	$18
IL Concave Buttons - blue (Paradise)	34	$2	$68
Versa-Micro switches (GGG)	34	$2.5	$85
I-Pac 4 (Ultimarc)	1	$65	$65
U-HID (Ultimarc)	1	$79	$79
GP-Wiz40 Max with Rotary (GGG)	1	$38	$38
Wiring/Connectors			$40
Total			$1434

Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaammmmmmmnnnnnnnnnnn...... I have like three full restores that didn't even run that much combined. 

[dkersten]

how many ---smurfing--- spinners does that thing have?!?

And yes Yots' whiter then the whitest white. With red hair.

(Enjoy that mental image)

How much $$ is in that control panel?

As it currently is, it is about $1400, minus shipping costs for items as well as hardware like screws, bolts, nuts, etc.  There is also another $250 that was spent on parts that are no longer in use.  For instance, I used to have a Blackhawk Push/Pull spinner in a previous version of the panel that I could not fit into the new one because of sloped top.  The panel also used to have two UltraStik 360's.  I replaced those with ServoStik's but I did disassemble one of UltraStik 360 for the flight stick mod.  I had also tried numerous encoders for the LS-30 rotaries, the GP40 Max was the only one that worked consistently.

Control Panel price breakdown
Total  $1434

Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaammmmmmmnnnnnnnnnnn...... I have like three full restores that didn't even run that much combined. 

pshhh.. Add rgb illuminated buttons and that cost will jump another $400+

[Nephasth]

pshhh.. Add rgb illuminated buttons and that cost will jump another $400+

...only if you don't know what the hell you're doing.

[IAmDotorg]

pshhh.. Add rgb illuminated buttons and that cost will jump another $400+

Can confirm. Ooof.

[Louis Tully]

.

[yotsuya]

Yeah, LEDs are cool, but not 4 bills cool.

[dkersten]

pshhh.. Add rgb illuminated buttons and that cost will jump another $400+

...only if you don't know what the hell you're doing.

Really?  Teach me how to buy an ipac ultimate, 34 translucent buttons with RGB LED's, and a licensed copy of LED Blinky for less than $390 (before shipping) (More actually since you can only do 33 RGB buttons on a UIO).  Sure, you could go Randy's less expensive buttons for $2 less per button, but you need over 100 channels of outputs and the UIO doesn't work with his LED's (unless you want to burn them out after a few months), and to do that you would need 3 LED-Wiz's at $44 each so it about evens out to the same money.  I suppose if you really wanted to you could build your own controller with a few arduinos, program it all yourself, then get a hold of raw RGB LED's and custom make your buttons, but the extra 20-50 hours technically isn't free either (my time is worth at least $10 per hour to me, even if all I am doing is sleeping).  So since you know "what the hell you are doing", how do you do 34 full RGB buttons on a CP and make them change with each game to the right colors for less than $400?

[dkersten]

Yeah, LEDs are cool, but not 4 bills cool.

This is true.. But some of us are dumb enough to go "OOHHH, Shiny!" and then push "buy".. 

[jdbailey1206]

Yeah.  I'm interested too in how you got up past $400 for LED buttons....Like I want a price breakdown.  Unless you wired them wrong and you had to reorder. 

[IAmDotorg]

Yeah.  I'm interested too in how you got up past $400 for LED buttons....Like I want a price breakdown.  Unless you wired them wrong and you had to reorder.

In my case, 36 buttons @ $6 each, A Ultimarc UIO for $99 (which can't do all of them), a PACLed64 at $60, and some extra wiring because the harnesses are short, ~$30ish, and LEDBlinky for $20.

That's $425.

Edit: There's about $30 in shipping there, too... forgot about that.

[dkersten]

ClassicRGB buttons: $7.50 each x 34 = $255
ipac UIO:  $99
LED Blinky: $25
Extended wiring harness: Around $20 whether you build or buy

Keep in mind shipping, as well as the fact that the ipac UIO is short by 3 outputs.

OR, GGG:
electric ice 2 buttons with RGB led's: $5.70 x 34 = $193.80
UIO can't drive those LED's because it overdrives them by 2ma and they degrade rapidly (this is what I tried).
So for 102 outputs, you need 3 LEDwiz's @ $44.95 each = $134.85
You still need LED Blinky and some extra wires, although extending them is not horribly expensive since you don't need DuPont connectors with the LEDWiz, so about $30-35.
Add shipping and you are getting really close to $400 again.  Chances are with 3 LEDWiz's you need a USB hub as well, which would put you over.

If you plan ahead and don't try to retro this into your build, you can save on the cost of the original buttons, about $100, and if you go with the UIO, another ~$50 in an encoder, so then it is only hitting you for around $250 extra. 

Plus if you haven't done it before, you will have dozens of extra hours into wiring and programming.

(P.S. I only went the basic 4 player with trackball and spinner, no other controls and still had around $1250 into my cp with full RGB.  By the time I added aimtrak's, bought pedals that I never put on (and an apac for the pedals) and completed the rest of the cab, I totaled in at $3k)

[IAmDotorg]

I've only had mine "done" for a few months. I did a lot of planning, so there's not a lot of regrets, per se.

What I wish I'd done differently is not bought the UltraStik360's. I have four of them, with buttons plugged into them and the sticks plugged in via USB. They're fantastic joysticks, but they're a real hassle to use (through no fault of Ultimarc, to be clear) because of the way MAME and MESS map joysticks. I had to remap everything one too many times when windows moved my joystick IDs around, and eventually had to shell out for Xpadder to make them look like normal keyboard sticks. I could've run harnesses from them to my UltimateIO, but that starts to reduce the value of them.

I'm not sure what I would've done in its place, but I would've either gone with servosticks, or planned the wiring such that I had enough encoder inputs to run them via encoders. Probably the former, just because the $200 extra cost of having four of them isn't warranted by the scenarios where the analog input is actually useful.

It all works, it just was added money and time I probably could've saved on.

[Nephasth]

I'm tired of hearing how people insist their time is worth something to themselves. What a ---smurfing--- joke.

Do you charge yourself to take a shower? ---fudgesicle--- no. Then why the hell are you charging yourself to build something for yourself?

If you don't want to spend a boatload on RGB LEDs, then spend the time to save some money. Don't have the time? Then be prepared to spend the money to save some time.

[yotsuya]

Maybe the problem is I can't fathom having 32 buttons on a control panel that would need to be lit three different ways anyway....

[Louis Tully]

.

[Louis Tully]

.

[Nephasth]

I'm tired of hearing how people insist their time is worth something to themselves. What a ---smurfing--- joke.

Do you charge yourself to take a shower? ---fudgesicle--- no. Then why the hell are you charging yourself to build something for yourself?

If you don't want to spend a boatload on RGB LEDs, then spend the time to save some money. Don't have the time? Then be prepared to spend the money to save some time.

I think my running tab for sketchup is getting near the $100K range.

Careful now... Wouldn't want to have to take yourself to collections.

[yotsuya]

I owe myself $450 for my Illustrator work, but I've been a real bastard and I've kept ignoring my texts and emails.

[yotsuya]

(P.S. I only went the basic 4 player with trackball and spinner, no other controls and still had around $1250 into my cp with full RGB.  By the time I added aimtrak's, bought pedals that I never put on (and an apac for the pedals) and completed the rest of the cab, I totaled in at $3k)

  X 10


$3K  That's more than every arcade project I've ever built.

Dude, you put in at least $3000 worth of work carving the brick pattern on your pedestal......