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RetroBlast review: Ultimarc T-Stik and T-Stik Plus!

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Tiger-Heli:

--- Quote from: patrickl on June 14, 2004, 10:06:25 am ---I think the dust washers look hideous on 80's style CPO's (where they will often overlap some graphics) and I sure plan to get them out of sight. I can't help feeling that they won't work (well) anymore when recessed in the CP though. Wouldn't the dust just accumulate under the CP overlay? And eventually maybe even work its way into the stick anyway?

--- End quote ---
I think the real purpose of them was to keep cigarette butts out of the joystick internals.  I doubt a LITTLE dust would hurt, and it's not like you will be pouring a cup of sand down your joysticks every few days.

I doubt dust will accumulate under the CP overlay, and it's no more likely to get under the washer and into the joystick with the washer under the plexi cutout than over the wood cutout, so I think you're fine.

RandyT:

--- Quote from: AndyWarne on June 14, 2004, 08:24:43 am ---On the subject of mounting the dust washers, I think on most classic cabinets they were mounted under the control panel overlay, and the faceplate of the stick was recessed into the top of the wood, allowing extra depth for the overlay to clear the washer.
On all contemporary cabs I have seen including my own Sega Naomi cabinet, the dust washers rest on the top of the overlay. I have researched this in a few arcades!
So I don't think there really is a "correct" way, it's a matter of choice.

--- End quote ---

Well, if the primary purpose of the disc is to keep debris out, which we have to assume it is, then any installation method that would not prevent this as near to 100% as possible would technically be the "incorrect" way.  

In other words, if you can lift the disc and stuff a chunk of quarter pounder with cheese in there, it's not doing it's job!  :D

A quick survey in my local arcade shows 90% of them under the overlays.  If you look at conversions, you will see a potpourri of installation methods,  but the "big boys" tend to do it right.

Having said that, I can't say that it's a big deal for a home unit.  But when you compare it to the fine job that Oscar did on his, I'd have to agree with patrickl and say that...well...lets just say there's no comparison. :)

RandyT

JoeB:
doesn't it also matter what you install it into?

My install uses 3/4" MDF as the CP top.  If I put the disc below the CP, I'm asking for trouble.

Not only is the exposed, unpained MDF is showing, but it also allows moisture to get into the exposed MDF and over time, destroy the CP!

For older CP's, which were made of metal, putting it under the CP is a no brainer..

NoOne=NBA=:

--- Quote from: JoeB on June 14, 2004, 06:33:16 pm ---doesn't it also matter what you install it into?
--- End quote ---

Not really.
They are there to cover up the spring/grommet area of the joystick, and prevent stuff from getting in there.


--- Quote ---My install uses 3/4" MDF as the CP top.  If I put the disc below the CP, I'm asking for trouble.
--- End quote ---

Again, not really.
If you put them on top, someone can lift them up, and stuff something under them.



--- Quote ---Not only is the exposed, unpained MDF is showing, but it also allows moisture to get into the exposed MDF and over time, destroy the CP!
--- End quote ---

Why isn't the inside of the hole painted?

Moisture will get in either way, if it's present.
Having the dustwasher on top will actually TRAP the moisture, so that's a problem too.

An even bigger problem (at least to me) about having the dustwasher on TOP is that it is going to cause wear on the overlay.

I guess what it really comes down to is which problem you want for YOUR CP?


--- Quote ---For older CP's, which were made of metal, putting it under the CP is a no brainer..

--- End quote ---

Alot of the older CP's were metal OVER 3/4" wood.
They used the method Oscar showed to keep the dustwasher as high as possible, without having it on top, wearing on the graphics.

Minwah:
I must say dust washers on the CP surface doesn't bother me...I've seen many real machines like this.

Similarly, visible carriage bolts - if it was good enough for Atari it's good enough for me :)

Can't deny the awe of Oscars Sinistar CP tho...

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