Parts List advice

[Mark70]

Please review my parts list.  I've considered a lot of really nice options, but I've decided to keep it simple for my first build:

happ over under two slot coin door (aquired free)
2-3"x5" happ coin mechs .984 token size
200 BYOAC tokens
1-3" happ trackball
2-happ super 4/8 way joysticks
1- player 1 button
1- player 2 button
10 - coloured horizonatal microswitch pushbuttons (6 each player 4 admin)
Ipac2 interface
Optipack interface to connect trackball

Am I missing anything like a wire harness for the trackball or will it connect to the optipac directly? or maybe some power supply items.  I know that some of this stuff can be driven off of the PC power supply.

Oh, yeah, a PC and monitor with keyboard and mouse behind it all in the cab (already own)

[mahuti]

You'll need a trackball mounting plate if you are putting it in a wood panel.

I would personally suggest getting easily switchable joysticks like the ones sold at Ultimarc or Grooovy Game Gear... IMHO there's nothing very super about Happ supers.

Not to mention all the other junk, wire, quick connects, panel mounting clamps or carriage bolts, lexan or vinyl or repro overlay for the CP, etc. Whether or not you have a harness for the TB isn't really that important. You can do without.

[Mark70]

You'll need a trackball mounting plate if you are putting it in a wood panel.

I would personally suggest getting easily switchable joysticks like the ones sold at Ultimarc or Grooovy Game Gear... IMHO there's nothing very super about Happ supers.

Not to mention all the other junk, wire, quick connects, panel mounting clamps or carriage bolts, lexan or vinyl or repro overlay for the CP, etc. Whether or not you have a harness for the TB isn't really that important. You can do without.

The happ joysticks are a function of the fact that I'm in Ontario canada with one supplier in the province to order from.  The 4/8 ways keep the cost down compared to the 49 way which would be my ideal choice, but I'm willing to make a sacrifice to my first build.

I'm keeping costs for lexan, plywood and all cabinet related stuff separate.  So I'll throw an amount in for connectors and wire.

Does a happ trackball hook directly up to an ipac as it comes.

The Ipac, seems to me one area where I might be able to save a bit of money.

Keep in mind I pay duty to ship US products across the border.  This tends to make ordering a product out of the states, not so cheap when you find a cheaper price... even though our dollar is pretty good right now.

[Mark70]

Can anyone attest to the quality of the xarcade kit.

I can get 10 buttons, 1p button, 2p button, two happ supers for $CAN 55 + shipping.

I can get 18 buttons, 1p button, 2p button, two joys from xarcade for $US, 29.95 which at a canadian dollar value of .85 is $CAN 35 +shipping and duty.

And what about the xarcade easy connect? same as Ipac?

[pointdablame]

I really like Supers, but iif you are actually using them for 4ways, you'll be disappointed.  They are HORRIBLE 4ways... not worth it at all.... not even sorta.  Good 8ways, but not for 4 ways.

As for the Xarcade stuff... it's been mentioned a ton of times here.  The joys are Super clones and the buttons are fine.  The microswitches are VERY noisy in my opinion though (and many others opinions as well).  If you dont mind noisy micros, they could do the trick.  And you only get black buttons if that matters.

[skippy]

I like the Minipac from Andy(Ultimarc).  You can hook up joys a trackball and a spinner and it is only like $69.00 us with the harness.  Buy it with your joys(T-stick plus's are great) buttons,  and everything else from Andy and only pay 1 shipping charge.  Plus, his shipping is super quick.

[pointdablame]

or if you really wanna save a few bucks, grab a Mini-pac without the harness for $29 and just use an IDE cable.

or get a Keywiz for around the same price... although I'm not sure if there is a canadian vendor, so you'll have to pay some duty fees.

[CheffoJeffo]

Starburst has buttons ($2 per) and Comps/Ultimates ($14) on sale right now.  They typically sell Happs trackballs (white ball) for around $80, but occasionally have them on sale for $65. Supers will run you $15, but they were on sale earlier this year for around $8. I just found out that they stock Sanwa sticks for $25.

I also recommend Ultimarc encoders (is all I have used) ... shipping is fast and typically you end up having to pay GST and PST and a $5 fee. OTOH, I don't think you can go wrong with one of RandyT's encoders.

There is talk over on the CGCC forums of putting together a group Ultimarc order for distribution at the next STarburst auction.

Cheers.

[Mark70]

except for the sale prices you mentioned, that's how I got the amount I listed above, compared to the xarcade price.  Seems like they're pricey.  I'm not sure what the duty and extra taxes would work out to.  Even shipping, from Montreal loaction of starburst is $60.  I'm in Ottawa.