Author Topic: GAMECAB COMPANY......... (Read 11603 times)

GroovyTuesdaY · « **on:** January 21, 2004, 03:52:36 am »

I had placed an order for a 2 player deluxe control panel (empty) so i could build my own setup and i went back there today so i could guide my sister and friend into getting something for themselves and i noticed something quite ODD. I had bought my panel for 43.50 + shipping and today the price is set at $70.00!!!!! I bout crapped!
I have sent them an email as to why the sudden and dramatic price hike , so i will have to wait and see what he says, but man, thats kinda nuts. Especially for a company thats fairly new on the scene. I would think that you wouldn't want to be jackin prices around like that. Its one thing to start them out at a higher price to begin with (SLIKSTIK!!), which to me slikstiks empty panels are a little overboard on price for an empty panel, but thats just me, but when a newer company starts moving prices around like that , that makes me ponder a little.

Just thought i would send the word out there about it. I saw it, so i thought i would report the news.

groovy

Goz · « **Reply #1 on:** January 21, 2004, 09:48:00 am »

I purchased one at the $40 mark as well and the very next day it was listed at $70. They likely realized that the ammount of work to make it / demand for it, that they could raise the price and still sell them. Even at $70 it's not a bad price for what you get.

zaphod · « **Reply #2 on:** January 21, 2004, 11:10:00 am »

I would imagine that he has been receiving more orders than he can handle and this is a nice way of slowing them down a bit. From his site, it appears he does not have an abundance of free time (2 hr/day commute). He also describes his construction of a small CNC machine for speeding the construction process/standardizing quality, which would suggest a change in the status quo (eg. increased sales).

Commercially, $40 was quite inexpensive for a laminated, empty control panel with the holes already drilled out.

GroovyTuesdaY · « **Reply #3 on:** January 21, 2004, 01:52:35 pm »

I received an email back about it and it seems that he was having some trouble with his website software and now it is remedied.
It shows the discount of $25 from the $70.00, so if your looking for a empty control panel, thats an awesome deal!
I will post my review of mine when i get it.

Thanks fort clearing it up charlie!

You have been great about responding to emails and answering questions.

groovy~

AlexC · « **Reply #4 on:** January 23, 2004, 10:27:01 am »

Is there a link for his site somewhere??

greywolf22 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 23, 2004, 01:01:08 pm »

Here's the link

http://www.gamecab.com

AlexC · « **Reply #6 on:** January 23, 2004, 02:03:05 pm »

Hehe

, (smacks forhead)
Thanks !!

Gamecab · « **Reply #7 on:** January 23, 2004, 08:54:22 pm »

Hi Guys, Sorry about that price Mixup. As you can see I also do all of my own web site work too. Sometimes and error made at 2AM isn't caught until a day or so later

. The price for the 2 Player Deluxe Control Box only will remain at $45 for quite some time. To tell the truth, I really enjoy making these units, and have made quite a few in the past 3 months that I have sold this product. Lets face it, it's easy to make, easy to ship and you all get to add the buttons and wire the things.

One other thing - I am always open to suggestions for button hole and joystick placement. If you happen to have a "design Cad" drawing of the holes and joystick placement that you would like your control panel to look like, feel free to contact me through the gamecab website. (i'd post the email link, but I really HATE spam). I'll post the control panel template for download this weekend. You will need to have a Cad program to view the file.

Thanks

Charlie

GroovyTuesdaY · « **Reply #8 on:** January 24, 2004, 01:48:15 am »

Good to hear about the price staying the same charlie

I know i have thought about buying a couple more of them.
I am looking forward to getting my panel that i have already ordered.

Its nice to see companies as yourself quick to respond and to take suggestions and recommendations from the people on this forum. It shows me that your serious about doing business and are willing to work with us.

Thanks for the heads about about the price change, its much appreciated

gary "GROOVYTUESDAY" meekin~

AlexC · « **Reply #9 on:** January 24, 2004, 02:52:07 am »

Ordered one myself, great product.
I was really dreading trying to build one myself.
Now I just have to figure out how to attach it to the cab....

GroovyTuesdaY · « **Reply #10 on:** January 24, 2004, 03:03:16 am »

Quote from: AlexC on January 24, 2004, 02:52:07 am

Ordered one myself, great product.
I was really dreading trying to build one myself.
Now I just have to figure out how to attach it to the cab....

LoL yea,its always the little details that slap ya upside the head hehe.
How do you like yours?

groovy~

Gamecab · « **Reply #11 on:** January 24, 2004, 09:47:39 pm »

Hi again Guys,

Yes, I like suggestions and welcome them. Lets face it we are all into the classic games here, and either build our own cabinets or build for other people. I'll be the first to admit that my ideas are not always the best but when I get input from other people I can make a better product. I try to keep up with this message board as much as possible just to get a feel for what is going on, it really helps out and I personally want to thank you all for your suggestions.

So, with that in mind I want to run an idea past you all and you can let me know what you think. I was up really late last night ( Insomnia again) messing around with plastics and was able to duplicate a mold for a button cover that looks very close to either an Asteriods or Missle Command button. My idea is to just sell the plastic cover, but this cover can be screwed on to a Cherry type illuminated button that I saw at Radio Shack for about $6. Would anyone be interested in this item? I would sell the button as well but I think you would be better off just picking up the button yourself.

Let me know what you all think. I'll post a picture as soon as my digital camera recharges.

Thanks

Charlie

Gamecab · « **Reply #12 on:** January 24, 2004, 10:26:27 pm »

Ok, Here is the Picture (Yes, My camera has seen better days). The button cover is about .40 of an inch high and about .80 of an inch wide.

Carsten Carlos · « **Reply #13 on:** January 25, 2004, 05:12:31 am »

Hey Gamecab!

Any chance you could post a picture of the cherry-button that is suitable for this?

Speaking of me, I'm interested in these parts as the original Atari-buttons are getting more and more crazy in pricing!

bdsjake · « **Reply #14 on:** January 25, 2004, 11:01:11 am »

yes, I'd buy a couple,

thanks for the all the hard work for the hobby!

Goz · « **Reply #15 on:** January 25, 2004, 12:09:35 pm »

Volcano Style buttons.. I'd consider buying.

What sort of cost are you thinking about charging?

Are you considering selling just the cover or as a set?

Thanks,

Gamecab · « **Reply #16 on:** January 25, 2004, 01:33:58 pm »

Personally I would like to sell just the cover, but if enough people want the buttons I'm sure i can do that too. I'm going pick up a few from Radio shack later today and I'll also give you guys the part number.
As for the Button covers price, I would say about $1.50 for just the cover.

Gamecab · « **Reply #17 on:** January 26, 2004, 11:35:08 pm »

Ok, I was at Radio Shack and the button not in the store. It's always just my luck when that happens. I'm going to check around and see if Digikey has the same illuminated button, if so i'll order a few and pass along the part number as well.

Generic Eric · « **Reply #18 on:** January 26, 2004, 11:42:32 pm »

Quote from: Gamecab on January 26, 2004, 11:35:08 pm

Ok, I was at Radio Shack and the button not in the store. It's always just my luck when that happens. I'm going to check around and see if Digikey has the same illuminated button, if so i'll order a few and pass along the part number as well.

They didn't have the button in stock? Or they didn't sell the button at all? Do you have a stock number for radio shack?

DARRYLICSHON · « **Reply #19 on:** January 26, 2004, 11:49:08 pm »

I would be intrested in some , also the aluminum ones would be nice

Carsten Carlos · « **Reply #20 on:** January 27, 2004, 05:48:17 am »

Hope you can find a picture of the buttons itself - finding a good looking buttons for replacement isn't that easy!

Tiger-Heli · « **Reply #21 on:** January 27, 2004, 07:11:21 am »

Very cool idea! Glad someone decided to make repro Volcano buttons. Thanks!

Stingray · « **Reply #22 on:** January 27, 2004, 11:13:12 am »

Though I don't have any use for volcano buttons at the moment, it's good to see people making reproductions of those hard to find parts. You probably would get a lot more response if you start a new thread called "Interest in Reproduction Volcano Buttons?" or something similar.

-S

Minwah · « **Reply #23 on:** January 27, 2004, 01:33:36 pm »

I'd be interested - probably more interested in whole buttons (inc switches) than just the cone part. Saves me the trouble of tracking down suitable switches in the UK...

Gamecab · « **Reply #24 on:** January 28, 2004, 08:31:23 pm »

Quote from: Minwah on January 27, 2004, 01:33:36 pm

I'd be interested - probably more interested in whole buttons (inc switches) than just the cone part. Saves me the trouble of tracking down suitable switches in the UK...

The pushbutton seems to be the biggest problem here. I'll keep an eye out for someone who may make these buttons. If the buttons turn up, I'll post the results. Keep your fingers crossed.

mpm32 · « **Reply #25 on:** January 29, 2004, 02:47:03 pm »

Maybe these buttons would work.

http://www.nkkswitches.com

Click on the product line link

Click the KB miniature

The LCD programmable pushbutton looks interesting, not for the volcano buttons.

Gamecab · « **Reply #26 on:** January 29, 2004, 09:03:53 pm »

Thats too Cool!!!

I may have found a possible button at www.newark.com and have one on the way just to see what can be done with it. Here is the part number 95F7145

Carsten Carlos · « **Reply #27 on:** January 30, 2004, 04:27:46 am »

Don't mean to sound harsh, but I think this button doesn't help either. As far as I've seen its not lightable and much to expensive! ($12!) The only good thing about it is easy screwable with the bezel.

The button is the hardest thing to find - I posted the picture below in an older topic, this was the nearest I could find here in Germany for this purpose.

I've no idea how to connect this elegant with a bezel? Any idea?

By the way, this button goes for something like $1.95 - I've one in red (with led) at home, picture shows only the green lightable.

mpm32 · « **Reply #28 on:** January 30, 2004, 02:33:05 pm »

This is the one I was talking about. I don't see why it wouldn't work

Carsten Carlos · « **Reply #29 on:** January 30, 2004, 02:41:05 pm »

Quote

This is the one I was talking about. I don't see why it wouldn't work

Sorry, thought it was clear - I meant the button Gamecab suggested.

The KBminiature looks good, but I wonder how pricey it is. Somehow I feel it goes for over $10, too.

Gamecab · « **Reply #30 on:** January 30, 2004, 08:42:12 pm »

Quote from: Carsten Carlos on January 30, 2004, 04:27:46 am

Don't mean to sound harsh, but I think this button doesn't help either. As far as I've seen its not lightable and much to expensive! ($12!) The only good thing about it is easy screwable with the bezel.

Your not being harsh and your input is very helpful. Listen, I have a few REAL ILLUMINATED CHERRY BUTTONS

on the way

. A good freind of GameCab.com was able to come to the rescue.
I do like the buttons that you have presented and really feel it was a great effort made in helping out. I am going to order a few of the buttons that you have mentioned and see if it's possible to make them fit as well. I happen to be a fan of the Cherry buttons myself, they have been around for years and the quality of these buttons are fantastic. I think I should have something to display on the GameCab website by mid next week. I am also making a mold of a High Volcano Cone this weekend as the ones I displayed are low cones.

Thanks again

Gamecab · « **Reply #31 on:** February 02, 2004, 08:22:35 pm »

Quote from: Carsten Carlos on January 30, 2004, 04:27:46 am

Don't mean to sound harsh, but I think this button doesn't help either. As far as I've seen its not lightable and much to expensive! ($12!) The only good thing about it is easy screwable with the bezel.

Ok, I just got the button from Newark today as well as the Cherry buttons. It turns out that the Newark button is indeed "Lightable" and has a socket to place a small bulb or LED (depending on what you want to install. The only downside about the Newark button is that you have to spend an extra $1.10 for the lens and I'm sure radio shack has the bulb.
Now the Newark button seems to drop in cost if you purchase a larger amount. I think the price went to $10 for 25 buttons. I agree that that price is high but the button look as it can take a beating.
On the other hand, the Cherry buttons are also priced the same although I forget the discount for larger purchases. The plus side about the Cherry button is that it comes with a lens and bulb.

So attached is the picture of the Newark button . Personaly I think I may just sell the button covers without the button as the threads of both buttons are the same.

Everyone - Thanks for all the input, I hope to have the buttons ready for sale within a few days.

Thanks

Charlie

froggerman · « **Reply #32 on:** September 21, 2004, 06:29:52 pm »

Has there been any update on this topic? Does anyone know what the part number is for the Cherry pushbutton?

Gamecab · « **Reply #33 on:** September 22, 2004, 12:05:27 am »

Froggerman,

As far as I was able to gather, Cherry no longer makes the needed pushbutton. Trust me, I have searched long and hard.

JODY · « **Reply #34 on:** September 22, 2004, 09:39:34 pm »

What about using a different one such as the one pictured by Carsten Carlos?

Gamecab...are you still planning on releasing the plastic part for use with other buttons or are you waiting to make sure it works with a particular button? I'd like a few for a project I plan on starting soon.

JODY · « **Reply #35 on:** September 22, 2004, 09:57:41 pm »

Will this work? See the SPST Red / Green buttons for $4 each. Says can be lighted but bulb not included.

http://www.surplussales.com/Switches/SWPushB-1.html

MinerAl · « **Reply #36 on:** September 22, 2004, 10:09:42 pm »

(SWP) 3W720-S520 in the above link looks very promising.

Hmm...

Gamecab · « **Reply #37 on:** September 23, 2004, 10:55:47 pm »

Quote from: JODY on September 22, 2004, 09:57:41 pm

Will this work? See the SPST Red / Green buttons for $4 each. Says can be lighted but bulb not included.

http://www.surplussales.com/Switches/SWPushB-1.html

These might do the trick and the price is very nice!!! but that 1/4 mounting hole has me worried. I just ordered a few so we will so how it goes. Thank you for the research.

Now to answer the question about the plastic cones......... YES, The project for the High and Low cones is about 99% complete. This and many other GameCab items had to go on the back burner due to a major work related project from the "day job" that has taken up about 6 months of my life. I'm in the process and am "Trying" to get the cones made of black anodized aluminum as well, not sure how they would sell but I like the idea.
I'll post a new topic as soon as the cones are ready. It really should not be more than a few days for the plastic to come online.

Thanks
GameCab

Minwah · « **Reply #38 on:** September 24, 2004, 06:50:19 am »

Quote from: Gamecab on September 23, 2004, 10:55:47 pm

Now to answer the question about the plastic cones......... YES, The project for the High and Low cones is about 99% complete. This and many other GameCab items had to go on the back burner due to a major work related project from the "day job" that has taken up about 6 months of my life. I'm in the process and am "Trying" to get the cones made of black anodized aluminum as well, not sure how they would sell but I like the idea.
I'll post a new topic as soon as the cones are ready. It really should not be more than a few days for the plastic to come online.

Cool, I'd be more interested in aluminium ones...

AlanS17 · « **Reply #39 on:** September 24, 2004, 10:47:48 am »

You've certainly got my attention with those empty CP's, but I've got a question. Do you think a mini-ITX or SFF motherboard could fit in there? I'd like to try and make an all-in-one.


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