Best Controls Kit on the market today?

[bsoder52]

I'm working on a cabinet rebuild.  Original was based of Lucid's model (If i remember correctly).  Doing the software rebuild now and want to order all the controls in one purchase.  Ideally with a prebuilt control panel and wire harnesses.  Looking for the best kit out in today's market? 

Found this one on ebay that looks promising:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Player-Arcade-Control-Panel-Kit-Panel-Joysticks-Buttons-Encoder-T-molding-/281173919549?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item417745873d

Thanks for any help in pointing me in the right direction.
(former set-up was a 2 player street fighter).  Need at least that.

[Nephasth]

Those buttons are junk.

[keilmillerjr]

I'd visit one of the reputable arcade vendors here and purchase what you want individually so it's tailored to what you want.

[johnrt]

I'd visit one of the reputable arcade vendors here and purchase what you want individually so it's tailored to what you want.

+1

[JDFan]

Can do much better cheaper  -- Also that 1 includes a CP box but you mention doing a rebuild - did you need the CP box (and is it the proper dimensions) or just the buttons\joysticks etc. ??

Also the pics show a lot of parts that are not part of the package so check closely exactly what is included. (ie. it shows both balltop zippy sticks and Happ competition but only includes 2 of either where pic shows about 6 of each) same for buttons (shows over 50 but includes 22)

It's pretty much the same as the any of the low end $30 - $50 button kits with an added CP box so $160 seems a bit high (edit : actually $200 when you include the $50 shipping)

[mgb]

When looking for the "best" control panel kits, I would definitely not be looking at kits on eBay with no name parts.

What kind of budget are you looking to keep.
What buttons and sticks do you have now and what do you like or not like about them?

As already said, go to one of the known dealers of this equipment. Save yourself some headaches

[bsoder52]

Thanks for the quick responses!  My first cab is in the garage and still works, but plan to sell it cause it's old and cumbersome.  I'm not sure what joysticks I bought for it, but I think I everything was Happ components.  (they were not competition joysticks but cheaper ones I recall) with standard black buttons.  I'd like to get LED joysticks and buttons.  Yea I can make the Control Panel, but would prefer to buy on in a package deal if possible.  Plan to build the rest of the cab from scratch.  could build the control panel as well, but would rather have one CNCd so the buttons are all laid out perfect and not left to my hand drilling imprecise skills. 

If anyone could list some links to the best most reputable vendors I'd appreciate it.  Also what LED buttons and joysticks are the best quality for reasonable price?  Lastly I ran the Ipac (version 1) in my old cab, what's the best option for that these days.  1st cab build was over ten years ago! 

[Kane]

I'm building a CP with this-

http://www.paradisearcadeshop.com/wolfware-pcbs/1172-howler-alpha-vs-beta-two-player-deluxe-kit.html

[lisowskikevin]

Groovy Game Gear and Ultimarc are 2 of the most reputable you will find. I've personally dealt with both and can tell you that both are quality businesses that stand behind their products and will SUPPORT their product after the sale. Ie technical questions.

Check out their sites.... Groovygamegear.com and ultimarc.com

Just my 2 cents.

[BadMouth]

Those buttons are junk.

Holy crap those do suck!
I was just expecting standard happ knock-offs.

[nitrogen_widget]

I've been picking up used arcade parts from ebay or arcade boneyard when their in lots and cheap.
Actual arcade parts with leaf switches or non-clicky type microswitches just feel smoother to me and like I remembered back in the day.

I did pick up a new 4-way intro model joystick from one of the vendors & while it felt of solid construction the switches need to be changed out cause they are loud & clicky.

[flippn]

I'm building a CP with this-

http://www.paradisearcadeshop.com/wolfware-pcbs/1172-howler-alpha-vs-beta-two-player-deluxe-kit.html

Built mine from them. Good stuff

[DeLuSioNal29]

I agree with everyone here:  Get quality parts from the vendors directly, not the cheap knock-offs.

I'm assuming you have the Lusid design here:  http://lusid.net/arcade/
If that's the case you have many options to swap out the control panel with.  My recommendation (if you don't want to build your own) is to go with North Coast custom's kit, and then put your own parts inside:  http://mameroom.com/webstore.asp?productid=CLASSICKIT&category=151

I would call North Coast Customs and get a kit WITHOUT the trackball cut out (but still has the same dimensions).  It may be cheaper?  Then at a later date you can always use a hole saw to add the Utrak from ultimarc (does not require a mounting plate unlike the HAPP trackball).  http://ultimarc.com/trackball.html

Edit:  I added the Classic Template below (found from North Coast Custom's website) where you can design your own artwork and submit it to GameonGrafix for printing:  http://www.gameongrafix.com/products/control-panel-custom-design

Good Luck!

DeLuSioNaL29

[bsoder52]

Thanks for the links!  I'll check out those 2 vendors for sure!  Good to know I can get quality parts from a reputable vendor.  I'll take a look at the control panels as well, but might end up building one yet not sure, decent with woodworking. 

So my last one had 2 joysticks, 6 buttons per player, player 1 and 2, and a start and select buttons.  Ohh had coin1 and coin2 buttons down low where you would have inserted a coin.

What is the set-up most are going with today for a 2 player control panel?  Would it make sense to put two buttons in for volume?  a power button as well to turn the machine on and off?  Are most people putting a keyboard tray in their cabinet to shut down the pc when not in use? I'm running Linux Ubuntu with Attract Mode on the build I'm working on now. 

Thanks again!

[bsoder52]

Ohh and yea, my first cab looks very similair to Lucid's the link you posted before.   Thanks Lusid if your out there in BYOAC land.  That cab brought me and my friends years of enjoyment!

[mgb]

I personally will never understand why anyone would want to put a keyboard tray on their arcade.

As far as layout, the street fighter layout is still real popular but typically with the buttons angled to some degree.
Check out slagcoin.com for some layout ideas.
For layout, it's very important to first consider what games you will mostly play

[yotsuya]

I personally will never understand why anyone would want to put a keyboard tray on their arcade.

[bsoder52]

Is there a good resource out there to just by the CPO overlay, (if you build the controller box yourself)?
I don't really want to mess with plexi, so hopeful there is a service out there that you can pick a stock overlay printed on like heavy duty vinyl material or plastic or something. 

Thx!