New Builder Super Scared!

[crow216]

I've read this forum and gotten some really great information.

However, I've had some trouble finding resources for sites that sell cabinet kits which are reputable. So, there are two areas that I really need help with.

1) I'd like to buy a cabinet kit where I can get the pieces and build it.

2) I'd like to have a 2 player controller with a spinner & trackball. The problem is that I can't figure out a good design where the spinner is still comfortably located. Does anyone here have some recommendations? I would love to be able to buy one already made but I'm also happy to use something like an Xtension controller and mod it by drilling one extra hole. I just hate their 8 button controller setup.

Really appreciate any thoughts or help here. This forum really is amazing.

[ark_ader]

I've read this forum and gotten some really great information.

However, I've had some trouble finding resources for sites that sell cabinet kits which are reputable. So, there are two areas that I really need help with.

1) I'd like to buy a cabinet kit where I can get the pieces and build it.

2) I'd like to have a 2 player controller with a spinner & trackball. The problem is that I can't figure out a good design where the spinner is still comfortably located. Does anyone here have some recommendations? I would love to be able to buy one already made but I'm also happy to use something like an Xtension controller and mod it by drilling one extra hole. I just hate their 8 button controller setup.

Really appreciate any thoughts or help here. This forum really is amazing.

Good idea on using a button hole for a spinner mount.  Why not buy a tank stick and mod it from there from xgaming.com and the spinner from ggg.com

No need to be scared, the whole idea is to have fun.

Let us know how you get on.   

[crow216]

I've read this forum and gotten some really great information.

However, I've had some trouble finding resources for sites that sell cabinet kits which are reputable. So, there are two areas that I really need help with.

1) I'd like to buy a cabinet kit where I can get the pieces and build it.

2) I'd like to have a 2 player controller with a spinner & trackball. The problem is that I can't figure out a good design where the spinner is still comfortably located. Does anyone here have some recommendations? I would love to be able to buy one already made but I'm also happy to use something like an Xtension controller and mod it by drilling one extra hole. I just hate their 8 button controller setup.

Really appreciate any thoughts or help here. This forum really is amazing.

Good idea on using a button hole for a spinner mount.  Why not buy a tank stick and mod it from there from xgaming.com and the spinner from ggg.com

No need to be scared, the whole idea is to have fun.

Let us know how you get on.   

Thanks Ark! The thing about the tank stick that bothers me is the shape. If I buy a cab from recroom, it doesn't look like the tank stick fits right. Very awkward shape.

Has anyone used this mega controller from xtension? http://www.recroommasters.com/Xtension_Control_Board_Emulator_Edition_Plus_p/rm-xt-sd-board-ee-plus.htm

I'd go for that but it really seems like the spinner location is in a weird spot and would be hard to manage. Do you think it would be difficult to reach? Otherwise, I'm happy to buy something else and drill a couple holes.

[tommyinajar]

 It's still kind of daunting even to build a cabinet from a kit, depending on the amount of "finishing" work that has to be done. Some of those DIY kits, like from eBay, the bar top ones for $70- Basically they cut out the outside of it, (easiest part) and you have to route for the controller, tri-wing for the t-molding, bore holes for buttons, etc, etc.

With premade controllers, you have to watch out for expensive one with bargain basement controls. I bought the X-arcade ones 10 years ago. A week after I got the thing I oredered all new guts for it.

You want a full-size cab correct? Any thoughts of getting a nonworking arcade game and gutting it for a  Mame or whatever? You can get them for under $50 (or Free), then you have a basic shell with a bunch of parts maybe you can or can not use. Then you can just spend money and time on the controls and system plus wiring.

Example- Here is a finished Midway type cab that you should have no trouble finding, with a big cp so you could add spinner -4 way and a trackball to if needed.
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,154285.msg1617666.html#msg1617666

Here is one with tb & spinner from scratch- http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=150757.0

[n3wt0n]

I would talk to Haruman. He is active on this board and makes kits. He has a very good reputation around here and may be able to help you out. https://www.harumancustoms.com/
Also, depending on where you live you may want to speak to Rick at Gameroom Designs. He does kits as well.

As for the spinner issue, because of the lower number of games that the spinner is used for when compared to the full joystick layouts it usually gets put off to the side or out of the way. If it is super important to you sometimes it is better to have two panels - one for your two player layout and another with spinner and perhaps trackball.

[crow216]

Well, I've been focused in on recroom masters because there's a handful of youtube videos showing instructions on how to build. I've found that buying a kit is only a degree more expensive than building it yourself and far less time consuming. So, I may reach out to your recommendations but perhaps for the control panel rather than the cab.

This is all super duper helpful. Best arcade community I've found.

[NIVO]

Some kit suppliers even go an extra step and can assemble for you as well. Pack it up and ship to you. I know Haruman has done this in the past for some of his clients, and time permitting may be able to continue to do so. He is just one example, but I can speak for the level of quality from his kits as im currently putting one together. Good luck to you.

[crow216]

Thank you. I plan on calling a few of the sites to chat and decide who to buy from. I love Rec Room but their setup with the xtension controller also seems to be the most expensive.