Extra Parts

[Spectrum]

Just wondering what kind of extra/spare parts you guys keep around.  I am about to make another order from Happs (need some Tmolding, Marquee retainer, etc) and I wanted to get some spare parts.  So far I think I'm gonna get some extra pushbuttons, micro-switches, joystick springs (light and strong), and pivot rings.  Just wondering if you all keep this kind of stuff on hand just incase something breaks, and what else you think I should grab or if I have it covered  

Robert

[eightbit]

Enough controls to build another cabinet.   Just in case...

[Brad Lee]

I think you should order a set of 3" trackball rollers, and I can um, make sure they're in good working order

Seriously though, I've got some extra leaf buttons, start buttons, lots of zip ties & velcro, screws, plexi, paint, and wire wire wire. Basically just enough to be able to fix almost anything that happens

[JustMichael]

You might also want some extra e-rings for your joysticks (in case one goes flying...).

[Spectrum]

Thanks for the input.  Think I'll snag some e-rings too.  Think that will give me enough spares to fix anything that breaks.   Might have to grab supplies locally but I'm not too worried about that.  Just the stuff that I have to order and can't get quick.

[Chris]

I keep extra microsweitches, since I can't find them locally... I bought some non-Cherry "sale" switches at Happ's (http://www.happcontrols.com/wp/item_search.html?item-no=95-1436-00 ... 10 switches for $3.80); they take a lot of force to actuate, though.  Might be good for an Ultimate joystick, probably not as good for buttons...

I keep lots of everything.  Whenever my work disposes of something, I strip it of anything remotely useful.  We had a lot of old P75 cases get tossed, and before they went I took the LED's, the fans, the power and reset buttons, the fans, etc.  When my cordless phone burned out, I kept the AC adapter; if nothing else, it's wire!  Because of that, when I built my cabinet, I had so much scrap around that I had to buy very little.  Wiring harnesses were built of bits of scavenged wire and connectors; those LED sockets I've scavenged over the years found their way into the control panel; the fans are installed in the cabinet vents; even metal drive bay covers have found new life as mounting brackets.

--Chris