Author Topic: RIDE THE LIGHTNING ARCADE CABINET MAME PROJECT (Read 25082 times)

Comp1demon · « **on:** January 17, 2006, 04:22:42 am »

I am announcing my Project.

Ride the Lightning.

read about it all here.....

HTTP://ridethelightning.2fear.com
OR IF THAT IS DOWN
Http://ridethelighning.isCool.net (it has a banner stuck to it - ugh!)

All is explained on my webpage and will be updated often. Check this thread to see when the site gets updated.

Been working onthis since December 27th or so.

Still a WIP.

Thanks,
C1D

THE SITE IS LIVE!

WEB SITE UPDATED ON 2/1/06

Comp1demon · « **Reply #1 on:** January 20, 2006, 10:47:34 pm »

I posted my Project Days ago. I know it far from complete but I think I did a good Job with the site and the photos so far. I cannot believe I have no feedback at all. DO you all think it's too Simple or not that interesting of a project?

Hope to get some feedback, Advice - ect..

Thanks,
C1D

markrvp · « **Reply #2 on:** January 20, 2006, 11:48:22 pm »

Hi:

First let me congratulate you on your cabinet. Welcome to the hobby. Your cabinet looks very clean.

Here is why you have not gotten any feedback:

1.) One of my personal pet peeves is when people post a project here and they just put a link with "see it all here" and don't explain anything else in the thread to make me want to go to the website. At the very least you should put one picture and a description of the project. The description should give enough info to make me want to see what you have on your site.

2.) Even on your web page you have not identified what feedback you want. Do you need ideas for artwork? Are you undecided about the controls to use? Have you run into any construction roadblocks?

Basically, no one sees anything to comment on yet. So far you are assembling a kit. While it looks very nice, most of the projects getting feedback at this stage are being praised for their uniqueness or creativity OR people are giving ideas in response to direct questions by the creator.

If you have specific questions, please post them and we will answer them. Be sure and post one or two pics at each stage of the cabinet building process in this thread as well to keep interest and give readers a reason to go to your other website.

Congrats again on your cabinet and let us know how we can help.

quarterback · « **Reply #3 on:** January 21, 2006, 12:24:02 am »

Quote from: markrvp on January 20, 2006, 11:48:22 pm

1.) One of my personal pet peeves is when people post a project here and they just put a link with "see it all here" and don't explain anything else in the thread to make me want to go to the website. At the very least you should put one picture and a description of the project. The description should give enough info to make me want to see what you have on your site.

You are correct, sir!

mccoy178 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 21, 2006, 02:17:39 am »

With agreeing with the above being said, I like the looks of it so far, very professional.

DrewKaree · « **Reply #5 on:** January 22, 2006, 09:44:05 pm »

Your website is pretty plain. That's not your fault, but just to see pics of your cab, I had to go through three levels of links. That's IN ADDITION to hitting your link just to go there in the first place. I was starting to feel like I hit upon the "link to the best dumb blond joke" thing. Not even thumbnails.

I'll tell ya, the first pics I FINALLY came across showed a kit laid out, and reading a little bit told me there were 58 more pics, and I guessed there were 56 more just like those two I had to go through so much hassle to find, only to realize there wasn't going to be a thumbnail page at the very least.

Modify your first post and at the very least put a pic of where you're at in the progress of your cab so people can determine if they want to go through seeing how you got to that point. I suspect many are like me and simply closed your project page.

Like Mark said, what advice are you looking for? I've gotten very little advice in MY project thread, but I never expected any, nor have I asked for much, and when I DID want some advice, I believe I've been clear in what I was asking about.

It appears you're building a kit. My advice is to follow the instructions carefully, and do it in sections. FORCE yourself to take breaks when you get subassemblies put together to avoid pissing yourself off if something doesn't go right, and to allow you to clear your mind.

Help us help you.

AtomSmasher · « **Reply #6 on:** January 22, 2006, 11:36:10 pm »

Quote from: DrewKaree on January 22, 2006, 09:44:05 pm

Your website is pretty plain. That's not your fault, but just to see pics of your cab, I had to go through three levels of links. That's IN ADDITION to hitting your link just to go there in the first place. I was starting to feel like I hit upon the "link to the best dumb blond joke" thing. Not even thumbnails.

I'll tell ya, the first pics I FINALLY came across showed a kit laid out

Thats as far as I got, after clicking my way through to find the pictures and then just finding a pic of a kit laid out I said screw this and closed the browser. It's all well and good having a nice website for your cabinet, but if you want feedback then tell us more about it here, not on your website.

RxBrad · « **Reply #7 on:** January 23, 2006, 05:24:40 am »

To give him credit, he does have a pictorial with narration on the site, also. However, it's not immediately obvious where to find it.

Click "Tutorials" at the top of the page, then click on the photo of the cab halfway down the page.

All of that eventually takes you to http://mame.christopherdolan.com/ua2log.html

That section's a bit better than wading through his photo albums. Although, right now all he covers is assembling the kit.

DrewKaree · « **Reply #8 on:** January 23, 2006, 10:13:48 am »

Quote from: millerbrad on January 23, 2006, 05:24:40 am

However, it's not immediately obvious where to find it.

Therein lies the major problem. Are you telling me that clicking ANOTHER link is the solution? I'll never make it that far. Clicking all those links was done only to see what he had that no one thought worthy of commenting on. If I had to click one more link, I'd have never been able to give the advice about his kit that I did, because I'd have been gone. I'm not certain you've been around to see Randy T's old web store, but he was plagued by the same problem. He had things he wanted people to notice, but it wasn't readily apparent and far too much work to go through.

If commentary is desired, it behooves a person to make it as easy to find something to comment on as possible, and that starts with easily (and readily apparent) located pics in a thumbnail setup if you've got SIXTY pictures in one album to go through.

Zakk · « **Reply #9 on:** January 23, 2006, 11:01:33 am »

Yeah, ditto what Drew said.

DrewKaree · « **Reply #10 on:** January 23, 2006, 11:08:29 am »

Quote from: Zakk on January 23, 2006, 11:01:33 am

Yeah, ditto what Drew said.

Comment thief

Zakk · « **Reply #11 on:** January 23, 2006, 03:43:29 pm »

Comp1demon · « **Reply #12 on:** February 02, 2006, 04:03:21 am »

I am working on making the Site easer to look at.

Gonna take time.

Albums are easy to look at now. (new ones anyways)

Video is on first page in Log area (just click beware - 122meg).

Added a Pictures Up top TO Show off the Cabinet and grab the attection of readers.

Thanks,
C1D

http://HTTP://ridethelightning.2fear.com

chase017 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 02, 2006, 01:07:55 pm »

Congrats on your progress!!! I'm still in research and very jealous

.

I really appreciate all the diligent photography (I love the cab style, and you've shed light on a lot of the questions i had brewing). looking forward for the video to finish buffering

I know Ride the Lightning is gonna ROCK!!! Can't wait to see what you do with the cab next...

Ubernoob...chase017

Comp1demon · « **Reply #14 on:** February 04, 2006, 01:13:14 am »

I got a whole bunch of updates on my site.
Check them out.

Patent Doc · « **Reply #15 on:** February 07, 2006, 08:41:11 am »

So based on your website I see you're a Metallica fan and that was the inspiration. FYI - in the future state what your inspiration is in the forum so we know why you chose to name your cabinet as you did. To be honest, I thought your cabinet was going to be themed on "The Flash," which owned the monicer "ride the lightning" before Metallica even existed. HOwever, you webpage reminded me that Metallica also named an album "Ride the lightning." Anyway, my point is...which has already been stated by everyone else before me...put more information here so we know more about your project and want to go to your site.

Comp1demon · « **Reply #16 on:** February 26, 2006, 03:15:43 am »

Site Update

Lots of pictures..

Here is a Teaser to get you to go to my site.

Side art has been done.

Snaake Designed my Side art for me based on my ideas and concept.

DC414 Designed my Marquee based on Ideas and Style I wanted to convey.

Both came out amazing!!

Also my Front Glass (bronze Tempered) has been ordered and was custom! IT was Expensive.. You will see why in later post.

Also decided I dont like plastic marquee retainers for my marquee so I ordered Real Glass for my Marquee too.. (just the front the back will remain plexi..) Glas was only $20.00 for the Marquee.

Lastly Slikstik said my CP is #1 in the Queue so should be done this week. Hopefully i have it in the next seven days.

They take for EVER, I ordered Dec 27th and its Feb 26th - Do the math.. Im getting Kind of annoyed but hey it's paid for so I guess I can be patient for another week.

EDIT: If a Business cancels orders because people vent their frustrations with delays then shame on them. I never said I didn;t like them, I didn;t even get my CP yet so I have no opinions about the business, I just am letting you all know that the reaon my Cabinet is not finished is because by CP is not here yet.... Did you see me say anything negitive other than that I FEEL ANNOYED.

Wow I hope the word ANNYOED don't piss anyone off..... IF it does then that person needs to AVOID THE NOID.

Bad joke sorry.

markrvp · « **Reply #17 on:** February 26, 2006, 11:40:54 am »

Be careful what you say about SlikStik before you actually get what you ordered. They have a history of just cancelling the orders of anyone who complains about long delivery times.

Once you have the Control Panel in hand, then feel free to say it.

Orclord · « **Reply #18 on:** February 26, 2006, 04:24:23 pm »

HAW.....

Comp1demon · « **Reply #19 on:** February 26, 2006, 05:57:20 pm »

Quote from: markrvp on February 26, 2006, 11:40:54 am

Be careful what you say about SlikStik before you actually get what you ordered. They have a history of just cancelling the orders of anyone who complains about long delivery times.

Once you have the Control Panel in hand, then feel free to say it.

I replied in an Edit to you above.

Quote from: Orclord on February 26, 2006, 04:24:23 pm

HAW.....

Whats HAW?

is something funny?

IS my cabinet Funny looking?

Are you laughing at MARKRVP's comments?

Please clarify....

Thanks,
C1D

markrvp · « **Reply #20 on:** February 26, 2006, 06:01:17 pm »

He's laughing at my comment about SlikStik. There is a HUGE pissing contest going on in the MAIN forum between SlikStik and GGG. Every skeleton in SS' closet is being exposed. I just don't want you to be the victim of their wrath over getting grilled.

Comp1demon · « **Reply #21 on:** February 26, 2006, 08:39:48 pm »

AH ok, read that.....

Thanks man,

WOW TALK ABOUT PISSING CONTEST....

I DON't KNOW WHAT TO SAY,

IF I READ THAT 3 WEEKS AGO I WOULD BE WORRIED..

Thanks again,
C1D

Comp1demon · « **Reply #22 on:** March 02, 2006, 04:29:31 am »

Huge Changes to my website today.

Made the Tutorials Section a Quick HOTLINK dropdown, so you can still go to the overview page for TUTORIALS or just Drop down and Hot link right to the Tutorial you want to see or read.

I ordered my glass for my cabinet.
S*&T cost me $250.00 cause I needed Notches cut out on it since i can't use a standard Square piece of glass becuase my speakers get it in the way, up top, of it laying flat and perfect, and moving back the retainer wood is not an option right now.

Slikstik said on Saturday my Order was boxed and ready to ship. This is from them on fridaynight/Saturday morning. It's now Thurs and NO SLIKSTICK. I LIVE 40 miles from them... EVEN GROUND SHIPPING BY EVERY service imaginable is (1) day. (2) days if for some reason the truck brokedown. Im getting annoyed It's the one thing that would really make progress in finishing my cabinet.

I made PHOTO ALBUMS 1 and 2 easer to browse. It's no longer 2 GIANT THUMBNAILS per page. You can sellect from a Easer to navigate smaller thumbnail album. FULL SIZE PHOTOS are still avalble by clicking on the thumb. But there are now 9 or 12 photos per page.

I went all glass for my Marquee not plexi. Was only $20.00 and will be done weeks end.

Artwork files that I did not use are avalable for download on my site.
I even made my Side art avalable for download so you can play with it and make your own cool side art.
Kickplates and Marquee avalable too.

Thats it for now,
C1D

MovingTarget · « **Reply #23 on:** March 02, 2006, 12:43:06 pm »

Holy crap you spent $250 on your glass???

I spent $25 for a piece of smoked plate glass custom cut (no notches).

You didn't have any other options on the sizing? Is it at least tempered glass for that price? Does it hurt to sit now?

Comp1demon · « **Reply #24 on:** March 03, 2006, 02:56:56 am »

AS PER POSTED ON SLIKSTIK'S FORUM

I AM ON THE FENCE NOW

I got my slikstik today.

WOW... It’s Big.

Was Kind of Pissed the UPS GUY just left it on my porch in while it was snowing?
NOT SLIKSTIKS FAULT AT ALL.

Thankfully someone told me it was on the porch so the top of the box didn’t even get that wet. With all the tape on it a towel took all the water/sleet off in one shot.

The Cardboard didn't even get wet and neither did the bottom of the box.

I must say it was nicely packed.

When I opened the box I was kind of disappointed..

When I phoned in my order and spoke to Jerold I walked him through what I wanted.

I wanted my layout like this one

Though I had a few changes.

On the right hand side where to 2 Top fire sticks were IO wanted my Flight Stick.
On the left side where the other 2 twin sticks are I wanted a Qbert Joystick.

What I got was this

I used this Photo as an example of the CONTROL PANEL Graphic I wanted..

But I Was Adamant to Jerold on the phone, who was also on the phone with I believe Christian, (I also Emailed Jerold a Picture of the quad unit I wanted with the cheaply photoshoped in Qbert Stick and flight stick to show the position.

This is what I wanted (I GUESS PHOTSHOP SKILLS COME IN HANDY THANKS DC414)

I got Gypped 3 buttons

Not once was I consulted after I placed my order.

I also emailed Jerold the color Code I wanted after I placed the order on the phone.

You got the color code right...

The layout was wrong.....

Basically you took the Lightning custom panel I saw and basely replicated and gave me the SAME EXACT ONE.

I wanted a different lay out.

I know I paid for the custom work, the hardware all seems correct.

Spinner is right
Trackball is right
Color of Trackball is right
Color code is right
Optical 360's are right.
Player 3 and 4 are right

Qbert Stick is in wrong spot

I got a Top fire 8 ways instead of a Simple 4 way...

There is no 4 way at all, though the 8 way top fire works fine.

The Flight sticks in the wrong spot..

The reason I was adamant about being above player 2 and by player 4.

I wanted it there so the large stick didn’t get in the way of my monitor.

Now I have to Prop the Monitor Up 3 inches so the Flight stick don’t get in the way when I am in the player one position.

More work I got to do....

AM I complaining..

YES

DO I want to return it??

Nope..

I waited since December 27th and today is March 2nd.

You guys do a great job

The stick is kick ass....

But there are short comings of the layout I got..

If I wanted the same exact quad as in the custom section of your site... I would have a 3 second conversation with Jerold.

ME: HI I want the Custom Quad panel. How much?

Jerold: it is $XXXX.XX shipped

ME: OK

Jerold: Let me get your information.

END OF CALL

But that’s not the call we had..

I layed it all out for him and made sure he understood.

When I hung up I was under the impression I was getting EXACTLY what I ordered and paid for.

If there was a problem I should have gotten a call or email..

I hate to say it, but when a Customer spends $1000+ on a CUSTOM UNIT.. Not just a COOKIE CUTTER SLIKSTIK with special color code.. You really should Keep them in the loop and show them the layout before it's all finalized to avoid problems like this.

I guess I'll have to live with it... I am sure over time I will like it.

I like it already, but the extra work I need to do just irks me..

Thanks for a kick ass arcade product, but take my recommendation and use them in the future for other CUSTOM CUSTOMERS.

Thanks,
Chris..

PS: I will now be asking Allot of configurations questions...

I loaded the Proper SLIKSTIK File.. But How do I get Remap the flight sticks so it takes affect overall in mame, I don’t want to configure it PER GAME..?

Thanks,
Chris

THERE ARE LINKS TO THE POST..

http://slikstik.invisionzone.com/index.php?showtopic=761&st=0&p=3456&

http://slikstik.invisionzone.com/index.php?showtopic=761&st=0&p=3456&

DrewKaree · « **Reply #25 on:** March 03, 2006, 05:36:45 am »

Quote from: Comp1demon on March 03, 2006, 02:56:56 am

I hate to say it, but when a Customer spends $1000+ on a CUSTOM UNIT..

I don't care if it's a custom unit or not, that's a foolish amount of money to pay for just a control panel.

Zakk · « **Reply #26 on:** March 03, 2006, 10:46:38 am »

$1000+ ?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Holy Crap, that's criminal. To make a monstrosity frankenpanel to begin with, but not even give the guy what he wanted??

May this be a lesson to everyone reading this: THAT'S WHY THIS SITE IS CALLED BUILD YOUR OWN ARCADE CONTROLS!!!!!

Man, tell them to send you everything you are missing (plus the other $600+ they charged you for labor), and we'll help you build your own proper panel. Even if it ends up being a frankenpanel, at least it will be what you wanted.

sheesh. I gotta quadruple the prices I'm charging on my cabs.

Comp1demon · « **Reply #27 on:** March 03, 2006, 03:08:06 pm »

well let break it down.....

According to the web site here are the cost's.

STANDARD QUAD PANNEL = $694.95
OPTICAL JOYSTICK UPGRADE FOR P1 and P2 = $77.00
LIGHTNING BOLD OVERLAY = $69.00
Q*Bert Stick = $23.00
Trackball illumination = $35.00
Flightstick = $116.00
Shipping =65.00

SO that adds uo to $1076.95
MY invoice Jerome Mascari was = 1076.95

They don't play games here - they are serious business men. They do a good job and they know their stuff.

I got what I paid for... Though im just perturbed that what I wanted in terms of layout and the layout i received were completely different.

Here is what I paid for and DID NOT GET

That Layout yelds me 3 extra buttons

Though I have to admit getting a 8 way top fire instead of the Standard 4 way is a bonus.

Just puts me 2 buttons Short.

Im sure I can easly Add 2 buttons in the future (after my slikstik waranty runs out - don't want to void it)

Yes this is called BYOAC and i can see how some of you feel that buying a full completed panel is cheating, but to be honest - I wanted to buy it completed so i can use it as a template for when i build my own Control pannel (Coming soon). I do plan on taking the plunge and designing my own 2 player layout from MAMEROOM and have them cut it and ship it (under $200) and then going to RandyT and getting a bunch of parts from him (mostly just ICE and LED WIZ) - i want to light up my next control pannel. And ill hit happs for everything else. I might even hit up Slistik for some light up joystick tops / tornado spinner and lightup Trackball. But next time around I want to do it. I already have a USB WINIPAC 2 player avalable to myself.

DOn;t hate my control pannel cause SS designed it all, i am starting to like it - I just wish there was something SS would do to make up for the tremendous mistake in layout...

Quote

Man, tell them to send you everything you are missing (plus the other $600+ they charged you for labor), and we'll help you build your own proper panel. Even if it ends up being a frankenpanel, at least it will be what you wanted.

All im missing is a few buttons - no big deal... They can get added later on.

the labor was well worth it - they are master craftsman - though they ignored my layout that i told them i wanted.

to make up for that mistake they would have to redesign the whole top again + a new grafic - that alone is 2-3 weeks and then they would have to take apart my entire CP now and transplanty it into a new case to give me EXACLY what I wanted. NOT GONNA HAPPEN. TOO MUCH WORK FOR THEM AND ME. I will learn to live with it.

Well here it is for you guys to look at

C1D

markrvp · « **Reply #28 on:** March 03, 2006, 04:25:32 pm »

That looks great. There's nothing quite like your first arcade cabinet.

Cheers!

Mark

Zakk · « **Reply #29 on:** March 03, 2006, 05:20:15 pm »

If I'm not mistaken, you posted about how they screwed up, now you're spending a lot of time defending how great they are. By the looks of it, that flight stick is set to smash your $250 glass. To me, that is a huge screwup. For that much moola you have a right to be mad. You say they are serious businessmen. Let them prove it and fix the thing. Drive it back to them.

mccoy178 · « **Reply #30 on:** March 03, 2006, 07:11:14 pm »

Based on the info provided in this thread, I would say that the major problem happened with SS not verifying final design with customer since it was custom. I would think that would be a must, even if it takes the customer forever to get back with you. If you honest to goodness had a set layout that was decided upon, I would demand they fix it because they charged full retail price for the item. If it was a buddy that did it or someone who did it on the cheap, then I would let it slide, but you paid an arm and a leg for that. That control panel alone is almost as much as building an entire setup from scratch.

Comp1demon · « **Reply #31 on:** March 03, 2006, 10:28:50 pm »

Quote from: Zakk on March 03, 2006, 05:20:15 pm

If I'm not mistaken, you posted about how they screwed up, now you're spending a lot of time defending how great they are. For that much moola you have a right to be mad. You say they are serious businessmen.

Don't take my comments at face value.....

BY SERIOUS BUSINESSMEN I MENT, they handle the customer (that don't know much) and talk to them in a mannor that makes the customer feel pressured so to speak. Also I have read how the nit pick delays becuase their order of a scrap part didn't come in... I undserstand overhead is overhead.. but come on... If you need a 4.00 piece of metal or something.. and your order didn't come in that you pay $3.25 a piece. GO hit Homedepot and buy the part u need to finish the product. Don't delay it becuae that order is due in again in 2 weeks.

Quote

By the looks of it, that flight stick is set to smash your $250 glass. To me, that is a huge screwup.

AS FOR THE FLIGHTSTICK.. NOPE IT BARELY MISSES THE GLASS... IF it hit the Glass there would be SERIOUS PROBLEMS. Though it does get in the way of my monitor. But as a test Jacked the monitor up another 3/4" and it's very playable.

I opened the slikstik up to look inside.. Very nice wiring job..... TOO GOOD>> Know why it's too good?

Becuase there is no room for me to slip in 5 wires to Wire up my coin door to the IPAC...

I tried one Wire and said F&**&K this!!!

I left it alone put the cover back on and That was that...

Maybe someone can help me out here. I had a WINIPAC (USB) that i had hooked up to my coin door. When I plugged in the SLIKSTIK my IPAC for the COin DOor was rendered USELESS. anyway to keep the configuration I had and have the 56 Input Ipac in the SLikstik and the USB Ipac (the smaller 2 player one) Coexisit with each other...

Now before youy ask - I know your gonna say how did u get the 4 slot coin door working with a 2 player IPAC

I used coin 1 and Coin 2..
and Start 1 and Start 2
Remapped Start 1 (1) to ( 7 ) which is Coin (3)
Remapped Start 2 (2) to ( 8 ) which is Coin (4)

That Ipac was working fine until I hooked the slikstik up.

Can they peacefully coexist with each other?

Quote

Let them prove it and fix the thing. Drive it back to them.

Sure if they want to pay my gas and tolls and let me drop it off between 11pm-5am since any time before that ROUND TRIP for 77 miles over 3 hours with the traffic around here + Have it Ready for me in less than a week! since i waited 2 + months already.

Im not gonna call and ---smurf--- and complain since they never answer the phone anyways..

I left him the same message on HIS FORUM.. He can respond to me there since it is at MY CONVIENCE that i chanck and reply back - not his... which takes forever.

vader · « **Reply #32 on:** March 03, 2006, 11:52:53 pm »

It's great that you like your panel and all ( for the most part ), but I'm sorry, I don't care what kinds of craftsmanship is put into a control panel, there is no way it is worth that much money unless of course you have a 4 players SW yoke panel in mint condition. Do yourself a favor, go to BST next time you need a panel and contract someone here to do it.

Tim

DrewKaree · « **Reply #33 on:** March 04, 2006, 12:33:08 am »

Quote from: Comp1demon on March 03, 2006, 03:08:06 pm

well let break it down.....

A breakdown of the prices doesn't in any way, shape, or form make that price any more astounding. $700 alone for a CP is still ridiculous. I do appreciate you for laying out the costs though. I was thinking after my buddy and I got a pattern sorted out for a midway cocktail, we'd sell 'em for about that price - THE ENTIRE COCKTAIL. I no longer am hesitant that we're charging a decent price

Quote

Yes this is called BYOAC and i can see how some of you feel that buying a full completed panel is cheating,

That's what you're missing - ENTIRELY. NO ONE has said or even implied that you are "cheating" by buying the panel. NO ONE! What we are all incredulous at is the exorbitant price you were charged. Knowing now that it's someone's pet peeve, one thing that LEAPS out at me as a tacky step not to take - even MORE SO now considering the amount of money you paid - is the trackball plate sitting out there crapping up your CPO. You paid almost $1100 - that's a nickel and dime thing to cheat you out of.

We're not telling you that you CHEATED. Get that straight. You just got rooked in our minds. SERIOUSLY rooked.

Quote

they are master craftsman - though they ignored my layout that i told them i wanted.

Those two statements don't go together. Due to what I just pointed out, that "master craftsmen" claim is specious at best. That CP is a blank that to anyone who's built one isn't hard to do. Also, "master craftsmen" don't ignore your layout. Period. They may be "very good craftsmen", but you're now trying to sell us a bill of goods that doesn't jive with your actions you've taken to run them up and down at every chance you get. This post is the FOURTH post you've laid down about these "master craftsmen". Either YOU are unrealistic in your expectations and are impatient beyond compare, or they're NOT who you're now trying to paint them as. Period. Nobody spends THIS MUCH EFFORT in trying to let everyone and their mom know how dissatisfied they are with a product from some "master craftsmen". Oh, one more thing. You don't "learn to live with" something from a "master craftsman". A "master craftsman" doesn't send something out with their name on it that someone "learns to live with".

Quote from: Comp1demon on March 03, 2006, 10:28:50 pm

Don't take my comments at face value.....

You sound like my wife. There is nothing we can do BUT take your comments at face value, since that's all the information you've given us. Much like my wife, I cannot read YOUR mind EITHER, and figure out what you mean that's not being said with the words you are using.

Using your words, your concept of what a "serious businessman" is sounds like a used car salesman. You're now complaining about setup issues and misconfigured panels yet you state that "they make you feel pressured, so to speak". Maybe "so to speak" is some wife-speak for "kind and gentle and made me feel totally relaxed and removed that "not so fresh feeling" I had", but that line right there is EXACTLY the reason you got what you did.

The bottom line is that YOU think you paid a fair price for everything for your cab thus far. We can talk about this until we're blue in the face (but I suspect we won't, unless you try further to justify your purchase to us) and we won't convince you that you lost money hand over fist. Enjoy your cab.

Comp1demon · « **Reply #34 on:** March 04, 2006, 01:37:42 am »

Dam Drew... I feel like i just got F#%&*#$ED iN THE BUTT.....

I THINK THAT SS do a great job... Even before i bought one, the quality I saw is amazing.

Yes they are Businessmen.... and yes people that sell a nitch product can make anyone feel out of place or PRESSURED so to speak when buying it.

There was on person somewhere that Said THIS IS BYOAC FORUMS - implining i didn;t build my CP. I honestly don't care... I Built the other 95% of the cabinet.... I built the pc, did the speakers, Ect...

PS: EVERYONE - IGNORE MY IPAQ QUESTION I GOT IT WORKING 100% with 2 IPAQ's USB.

Do I feel rooked?

Sort of.. I pretty much got everything I paid for. - minus a few buttons due to the layout.

Let me ask you this.. If you order a Custom Harley and they put the Exhuast on the wrong side... After waiting 10 weeks for it. DO you Ride it and learn to live with it or do you send it back. It's a tough choice. If its the middle of winter and you cannot ride it.. sure send it back and let em fix it. But if you bike arrives in time to go riding with the boys... do you send it back and continue to feel left out? well that a rough one.

I have Posted on SS public forum.. where christian WILL EVENTUALLY answer my questions... and shared the fact that my LAYOUT WAS WRONG and that's not what I paid for. I even have a nice Mock up of what i convayed to them on the phone and what I emailed Jerry M, at slikstik before i ordered it, and even refenced the email to him when on the phone.

They have my Phone number....They can call me.. Or they can answer my post on their site and tell me to call them.. but if Christian post's that its gonna take more than 7 days to fix my problem and or I have to front SHipping back to them Or drive it there and not get re-embursed.. Well Im gonna have to do some serious thinking.

As for building my own panel - I will eventually. I think I might want to build a 2 player panel to swap out with my quad every so often.... Just for the experience.

As for the Trackball plate in the open... I asked about that I wanted it flush and they told me NO CAN DO... I saw that in every picture of every slikstik with a CP overlay or Not that Plate is in the open. I knew full well that was gonna be like that... I don't mind.

Ok - I guess your right about taking me at face value.. it's hard to read sarcasm sometimes. I was being sarcastic about the Serious businessmen thing... No biggie.. either way they are serious bunch of fellows over there.

Learing to live with something from a "MASTER CRAFTSMAN" well your right again.. you don't learn to live with. But after the headache this project has been .. I don;t wanna drive any where else, and I don;t want to wait any more.. I think I have been patient long enough.

You are right also that I RUN THEM UP AND DOWN... ok here is the way I feel here

They are good.
Its a great product..

But..
They take too long.
FOR ME: it didn't come out right

Im just laying out the facts.. I'm not saying SS SUCKS SO DON'T BUY FROM THEM.. If I said that.. I have no chance of getting any help at all with my product incase I need help.

But I do run them down for the shortcomming of my experience.... Hopefully it will help influence another buyer in which way he/she swings when thinking about going with SS.

Damm if i knew someone here could have built me what i wanted for less cash and done a better job and got it right the first time, I would have gone that route... But i didn't know there were people here who did that.. I just though it was people doing their own projects and small side jobs.

Anyways .. I got everything working right so far..

Still cannot figure out why the Flightstick is mapped to Player 2 not player 1. -I'll wait for Christian to answer that.

Lastly, Im not tring to ASTOUND anyone with prices.... I have sold alot of stuff to afford this project.. It's not like I have cash out my booty. Im getting married, my wife to be hates that it cost so much.. I get flack from the parent about saving not spending.. But no one (FAMILY WISE) understands that I didn't drop a dime of my Paychecks on this project. I sold my Laptop, all my Xbox's (except 2), my Glass gamecube (Panasonic Q), and a ---Cleveland steamer--- load of software old SNES game (FF2 and 3, chrono trigger). I sold a healthy portion of my Old Carts and PsX games and such. I had a nice collection - still do , but its about $2000 depleted in terms of classic and rare games. Not to mention no more laptop - but hey I only used that laptop 4 weeks a year anyways. Also shows the people here, sometime you have to sacrifice to get intot he GAME.. LOL

Ok ill be back later gonna go play MAME

DrewKaree · « **Reply #35 on:** March 04, 2006, 02:03:04 am »

Your question about the Harley is only relative to everyone else here. Me, I'd drive the 11 miles to their damn factory and boot the front door in and tell 'em FIX THIS DAMN THING!

Or I'd drive half a mile to one dealer, 6 miles to another, or 13 miles to yet another (although I'd have to pass the factory 2 miles back for that one)

Oh, and for the record, you're not astounding us with their prices, THEY are astounding us with the prices they charge. The price is what it is, and if you're willing to pay it, then it must be worth it.

I just feel better knowing I'm way under what someone will be able to find my kits for online in case they think I'm hosing them on price.

Glad to hear you're done and the wife doesn't have to cut your head off anymore

Go enjoy your games. I can't help you on the IPAC, but take some pics of your problem as you see it and I'm sure we can solve it.

mccoy178 · « **Reply #36 on:** March 04, 2006, 03:08:24 am »

Here is how I look at your situation: I would kind of force the issue (if you did in fact send them a mockup and they did not confirm final production), since you paid soooo much for that. It would not take them very long to create a new top and that is what is wrong. They would loose out on labor and that artwork, but that is minimal if they are the personal builders. If the above conditions are true, they should be willing to correct the top, but you may have to be patient. Like two weeks patient, so they can get it done on top of their regular work. Seriously though, they wouldn't be loosing out on too much to correct the issue. Heck, they'll still make $500 or more even after that.

BTW, your GD straight if I bought a custom Harley and they jacked it up I would have them fix it. But I don't think they would f around either with making me wait unless it was out of their control. You have to live with that every day and you paid top top dollar, you better dang well get what you ordered! Now, if there are any facts that aren't straight, then tough luck.

Drew is correct in the fact that everyone is busting your chops for the price you paid for that and your glass and not the fact you bought something premade. I know they are in business to make money, it's just funny that someone from this forum bought something for that much. I worked at a place that sold some of the Ultracades and Quasicades and it was funny how much people paid for those things. Right now they are asking $5000 for the Golden Tees with the Fores on it. How funny is that?! To some that may not seem too bad, but holy crap, in five years, those games will be old school like the first wave of GT. Anyways, the cabinet looks great and the control panel looks sweet(except for the trackball plate over the art thing), and I honestly believe that if your story is true, then SS will and should take care of you without bad feelings.

Zakk · « **Reply #37 on:** March 04, 2006, 12:51:28 pm »

From the "Master Craftsmen's" web page:

SlikStik offers custom design services for our arcade control panels and arcade cabinets. We have made hundreds of one of a kind units for customers who want a professional arcade control panel but have special requirements. These units have had special order top panel laminates from Formica & Wilson Art, different button & joystick placements and specialty controls.

Look. If you ordered a custom unit from these guys, paid full price for it, then got a "run of the mill" layout., THEY RIPPED YOU OFF. Period. From the looks of it, your price is $400 more than the already overprided quad unit. Did they give you what you wanted? No. Are they master craftsmen? pffft. I've got a guy here right now building a 10' built-in wall unit. We agreed on a layout and look for it. If he just goes ahead and builds whatever he wants, he'll be grabbing a crowbar and ripping it out and re-doing it. I just asked him if he considers himself a "master craftsman", since he had done a lot of work for hotels and retaurants in town, his reply: "no, I'm a hack like everyone else"

Not many in here have a lot of love for ole SS. If christian actually participated in these boards instead of simply spamming them with his products he'd be in here blasting away on us for ever questioning him. Not much chance, he doesn't care for "project announcements", since every home built unit is a lost sale for him, nothing more. If you make an honest attempt to get your panel fixed, we'll all back you. And if SS outright declines to "make it right", it'll be big news, and yet another black eye on their already spotty reputation. We're not against you, we don't like seeing 'one of our own' taken for a ride.

mccoy178 · « **Reply #38 on:** March 04, 2006, 05:24:23 pm »

I just noticed this. You paid over $600 for just the plain jane cp and they can't counter sink the trackball plate? Why don't they use raised lip trackballs and put the trackball plate under the laminate? What a hose job. That's not even professional to not do that. It takes all of what? two minutes to route that out? Again, if it was a buddy, no problems, but for that price, it should've been delivered with a bow on top by Christian himself.

Comp1demon · « **Reply #39 on:** March 06, 2006, 04:16:59 am »

Bunch of new Stuff on the website.

C1D

Zakk · « **Reply #40 on:** March 06, 2006, 11:18:58 am »

No thanks, it's still too tough to hunt around on.

Did you at least ask for the money back that you paid for a 'customized' stick? You do say they gave you a run of the mill stick, after you paid extra for a custom unit. I'd say they owe you that 'extra' back.

Or you can continue to argue and ignore our helpful posts. If that's the case, don't post on here about any more problems. We're just trying to help out.

Comp1demon · « **Reply #41 on:** March 08, 2006, 07:23:44 pm »

Quote from: Zakk on March 06, 2006, 11:18:58 am

No thanks, it's still too tough to hunt around on.

I hugely disagree, The main page gives alot of options..

The links up top take you to Exactly where you want to go.

You don't need to go to the tutorials overview page to see a particular Tutorial, you can just select it from the rollover right from the main page.

The Photo albums page is nicely laid out and simple and descriptive.

I offer Large 1 and 2 thumbs per page albums as well as 9-12 Thumb pages for each Album - so the choice is there you don't have to flip through 90 pages to see all pics per album.. only 1-4 pages on the small thumb selection. Large thumb albums make it easy to see details without blowing up the pic to full screen resolutions, if you care to flip through 10-90 pages.

I think the site is well layed out and very easy to read.

The front page give Blog type progress and updates and offers movie downloads right from the blog entry.

Thanks for all the help so far.

C1D

mccoy178 · « **Reply #42 on:** March 08, 2006, 08:05:32 pm »

I saw on the SS forum that they said they were gonna take care of you. Did they?

rugby1 · « **Reply #43 on:** March 08, 2006, 08:19:41 pm »

YOU PAID HOW MUCH FOR A CP?

AND DIDN'T EVEN GET WHAT YOU ORDERED?!?!?!!?!?!?

That is an insane amount of money! Most people can build an entire cab for what you paid just for the CP. And I felt ripped off by the $100+ spinner from SS... not feeling so bad now

MovingTarget · « **Reply #44 on:** March 09, 2006, 10:43:04 am »

Ride the lightning brother...ride that lightning...

I nominate this thread as the most fun to read under Project Announcements

Comp1demon · « **Reply #45 on:** March 19, 2006, 02:23:31 am »

3/17/06: THE GLASS ARIVES - SORT OF

This place in Franklin Square called RITE GLASS was the place I went to for my glass order for my arcade machine. My measurements were perfect. I know they were. I got allot of flack from them about what I wanted. I'm the Customer and they wouln't listen to me. I finally got them to take my Layout and do my glass. For my Tempered Bronzed Glass that was going over my monitor, I was not very careful when installing the speakers in the top of my cabinet. This led to me having to have the glass notched and it cost me a pretty penny. They charged me $225.00 + Tax for it. First they told me End of the week (when i placed my order on a monday) then after i called on saturday to see if it was ready they told me 7-10 days. I started bugging them at day 18. It made it to day 21 and I finally was told NEXT DAY IT WOULD BE READY. I Picked it up yesterday and took it home. Not only did i order tempered glass to go over my monitor area, But I also ordered 2 pieces of glass to use instead of Plexiglas for my Marquee. I got home and the Custom piece that was notched for the speakers to go over the monitor was Spot on perfect. I had to trim my T-Molding with a razor to get it in there but it fit in 100%. There is no way to get the glass out unless you use a glass suction cup to pull it off. This is a good thing since Now I don't have to figure out a way to make sure the glass is secure in there. See the Picture album it fits perfect. Next I went to put in the Marquee glass. It was a 1/16 or maybe a 1/8th of an inch too big to fit. I measured it against the glass that covered the monitor and sure enough it was like (this much _ too big) compared to the monitor glass. I went back and asked them to trim it. They told me it was exactly 27" inches like i asked. I told them that it was a Fraction to large and since the glass was not tempered I wanted it trimmed. After Spending $225 + 20 for the marquee glass + Tax, I wanted it just right. They trimmed almost 3/16th off the glass and made it way too short, but they were closed when Ii got home and checked it, so i have to wait till monday to get it fixed, I have family member dealing with them now since she gets what she wants, I don't want to be messed around by them anymore. The other thing that pissed me off was this.. The Custom Glass I had made for the monitor, the guy made 3 of them. so when I went back to get the glass trimmed he said "the Tempering place had to do this and he made me 3 of them, I'm never going to sell the other 2 since they are custom for your project and I cannot cut it since it's tempered to cut the notches off so I'll sell you the 2 other pieces DIRT CHEAP. You know the Guy sold me 2 more $225.00 pieces (if that what they really costed) for $50.00. Hey now I have 2 more (I couldn't turn them down at that price - but he got more money out of me) - So if any one builds a UA II Cabinet and installs Xplode or 5 1/4 speakers and needs notched glass, or even not - as a bezel sticker would hide the notches - just re-enforce with some cardboard and tape you would never know. Hit me up ill sell them Cheap. The Notches also make good handles for pulling out the glass if you do it upside down. Anyway's I'm waiting for the right sized Marquee Glass still should be done monday I hope. That's it for now.

Zakk · « **Reply #46 on:** March 19, 2006, 12:48:19 pm »

But if we agree with you that it was a crazy price for a piece of glass (oh right, they suckered you into paying $350++ for glass that is the wrong size!!), and that you should demand a refund, will you get all upset and start defending them?

MovingTarget · « **Reply #47 on:** March 19, 2006, 01:18:16 pm »

Anyone else see how much fun this thread is to read? It just keeps getting better and better.

mccoy178 · « **Reply #48 on:** March 19, 2006, 01:59:15 pm »

Hey, I think your cabinet is very nice. I was able to navigate the site. It has more of an industrial feel than a hobbiest feel. I will only compliment from here on out, but please, for the love of the game, ask questions here and check here first before buying things. I appreciate the boost to the economy, but we're here to help. I think that is what Zack is trying to express. Anywho, it does look good and the glass is pimp, keep up the good work and put the wallet away!

Zakk · « **Reply #49 on:** March 19, 2006, 05:40:55 pm »

Nope I meant that for the price of the glass and the control panel, he should have instead bought a fusion reactor to power the machine. Would have been cheaper.

Next he'll buy a 'deluxe' pentium 2 with 500 whole megs of hard drive for only $2999.00 from compaq, complain that they actually sent him a pentium 1 with 250 meg hard drive, charged him double for shipping, but then argue with us that it was actually a great deal, and what he really needed in the first place.

Seriously, if I could cut this out of my "replied threads" page, I'd probably stop reading and replying to it, but as it is....

I don't think the replacement window for my dining room was even $350USD, and it actually was manufactured to the right size and everything!

Comp1demon · « **Reply #50 on:** March 19, 2006, 07:04:10 pm »

Im not defending anybody or anything.. Just keeping up on the thread.

I pointed out weeks ago that the glass was going to cost me $225+ Tax

I agreed to it.

I went to threee glass places (over a 30 mile radius). If the glass was square and Tempered it would only be $50.00 Pretty much at all 3 places. I was not messing with the layout for the Bezel and tring to countersink it back more so I could use a regular piece of glass. I tried and the wood that the bezel sits on just didn;t line up right. SO the only way to make it fit correctly was to notch the glass. One place would not notch it, the second place never got back to me after contacting them multiple times and the last place wanted $225.00.

To make the project as complete as possible I was not going to use Plexi - too ugly.

I had no choice but to go with place 3.

I figured since I was there I would get Real glas for my marquee....

Thats what the screwed up the Marquee glass (only $20.00), but hey it is going to get fixed tomorrow for nothing.

I was a bit surprised when the dude pulled out 2 more monitor glass covers and only wanted $50 more for both. I could have just said no thanks, but hey ... why not just take them... I now have 2 replacements or I can sell them - with a bezel sticker they will fit any UAII machine perfectly, the notches can be covered or be used as handles or even just do the same layout I did with the speakers - I might even just build another UAII - (not now - still have to finish this one).

I just hate all the mistakes people make.. It's like a never ending thing.

I guess I made the Biggest mistake - Starting this project... If i just played mame on a PC and a Monitor and didn't want teh cabinet nostalga then I probibly could have put a down payment on a motorcycle.

I'll admit, it's super frustrating - but it's almost done.. Just a few more small things to do and it will be 100% finished.

Thanks for the support advice and sarcasm.

C1D

mccoy178 · « **Reply #51 on:** March 19, 2006, 07:16:23 pm »

Looking at your site, why didn't you mount the speakers on the inside like they are supposed to? I'm asking because you thought plexi looked terrible, but you put car speakers on the front of your cabinet which you had notches especially made so it would all fit? I don't get it? I still think it looks good, but from my point of view it's like you said, "I wanted a rad sports car, that's why I didn't paint it pink. What do you all think of the four doors I had custom installed?"

Comp1demon · « **Reply #52 on:** March 19, 2006, 07:47:20 pm »

The Speakers I wanted to use the Sony X-plodes don't mont on the inside.

Second, the Wood Grill cuts that Mameroom has in the speaker pannel looks really ugly so I was going to put grilles over them anyways, but the way these speakers mount the grille on the ouside holds the speaker in sort of on the inside. I didn't plan on mounting the speakers then notching the glass, I only noticed that the speakers impead the glass bezel from sitting correctly after the speakers are installed. I'll be honest, it really is a flaw in the design of the UAII, I was working on my speakers from what Retroblast had installed. I then noticed that the Panel that Retroblast installed their speakers into is alot bigger and is a SLIKSTIK CABINET. The 5 1/4 speaker is too big to installed on the speaker pannel then install the Bezel holder and the marquee retainer. I only Changed my plans based on the speakers since they were installed already, I wasn't going to attempt to make another speaker panel and mount smaller speakers, especially since I mounted 4 speakers of them not just 2 on the top... all would have to match. _ and ohmage is important too. If you read the Original Speaker Blog on the SPeaker Tutorial page you will see I originally wanted to use ALL LOGITECH SPEAKRS
, but they blew up on me - i think that was a ohm issue too since i tried to mix with the X-plodes.

If I didn't have to notch the glass I wouldn't have, It's all about "Build and learn". I though I had it all planned out correctly, Plus I am doing this alone and for the first time. If I had to do it again, it would take 1/2 the time 1/2 the money and have no mistakes. I don;t want a cabinet full of mistakes So every mistake I make I have retrofit it so it looks 100% correct in my eyes.

C1D

mccoy178 · « **Reply #53 on:** March 20, 2006, 12:26:50 am »

Cool. It looks good. I like the four doors.

MovingTarget · « **Reply #54 on:** March 21, 2006, 12:43:37 pm »

I'll stop busting your chops because I've got some serious questions.

Why did you go with the brown vs. grey tinted glass?

Now that you have the glass in place, do your knuckles hit the glass when you're using your flight joystick?

What are you going to use to hold the marquee glass in place? I'm not sure a HAPP marquee retainer would hold that much weight. It would totally suck ass if the marquee glass came crashing down on your expensive control panel.

Comp1demon · « **Reply #55 on:** March 22, 2006, 02:36:21 am »

All good Questions.

The Marquee glass is not that heavy.. at all.. its only 1/8 inch thick so its quite lite and the retainer works well, I have tested it already. you would be surprised how much weight the retainer holds.. the retainer came with the cabinet .. not happs.. but im sure they sell the same stuff.. Ill post pics when i get that done.

I went with Bronze tinted glass not Brown.. I read in this forum somewhere that a glass guy who built his own cabinet recomended Bronze or Smoke Tinted.. they only had bronze so that what I went with.. to be honest it's so light it don't affect the Monitor at all... It looks arcade perfect...

Lastly, I have more than enough room when I push the flight stick all the way foward.. my hands wrapped around the stick pushed foward I have over 2 inches before glass, and even the head of the flight stick pushed all the way foward has about 2 fingers rooms between it and the glass, there are pic's posted on my site.

Thanks,
C1D

Comp1demon · « **Reply #56 on:** July 03, 2006, 05:21:52 am »

I finally Got around to Getting my Marquee Glass (yes Glass) Cut to size and installed + I got my Bezel Glass Sticker Installed.

Besides alot of software - this machine is physically done!
[img=http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/332/sany0007final2gl.th.jpg]http://

Comp1demon · « **Reply #57 on:** September 26, 2006, 03:28:24 am »

Website has been updated as well as some Long ass Videos Posted.
Final Pics (for now) Posted in Album area.

Enjoy.

I will be doing a full front end update SOON!

Adding some new hardware and such also.

As well as Wireless 360 controllers when the $20 adapter hits in october to use all the wireless peripherals on the PC.

Comp1demon · « **Reply #58 on:** March 19, 2013, 08:16:32 pm »

Computer on RTL died... Updating the PC and the Software. Will repost soon!

Updated the CPU for $30 and the RAM was Lifetime Warranty so I RMAed it.
NEW Video card $40
SSD to boot XP (120GB OCZ drive) Cost me nothing.

Everything else still the same pretty much.


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