Author Topic: Ebay for controls? (Read 2402 times)

sphetr2 · « **on:** January 15, 2007, 06:12:56 pm »

This has probably been posted before, but...is Ebay a good source for arcade controls? They have a lot of cheap auctions there. Should I go ahead and buy them off of Ebay, or directly from the manufacturer (Happ, etc.)?

miles2912 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 15, 2007, 06:27:14 pm »

Your best bet is to click on the Vendor Store Link above and buy from one of them. Great service and you will get new stock. E-bay is a crap shoot.

Don

FunWithFire · « **Reply #2 on:** January 15, 2007, 06:47:00 pm »

Never buy directly from Happ. Tornado Terry on ebay is a great seller with great service.

leapinlew · « **Reply #3 on:** January 15, 2007, 06:56:30 pm »

Quote from: sphetr2 on January 15, 2007, 06:12:56 pm

Ebay a good source for arcade controls? They have a lot of cheap auctions there.

Yes! Ebay is a good source from controls as long as your willing to take a risk. The question should be:

"Am I willing to risk my money for arcade controls to save a few bucks?"

It really does comes down to a few bucks too. There are vendors here at the site who will sell you just about anything you need. When building an arcade, there are 2 areas you shouldn't scrimp and be a penny wise and a pound foolish.

1. The monitor - Since you spend most of your time staring at the monitor, you should make sure you aren't upset with it. Things like not having side art, or not having a coin door can be overlooked - but if the monitor is crap, you can't look the other way.

2. The controls - this is your only interface to your machine. If the controls aren't responsive or just don't work right, you'll know it. And regret it!

I spent quite a bit on my controls. Not because I bought expensive controls, but because I bought a couple sets of cheap controls trying to save a few bucks. Not to mention all the time I spent trying to rig things up.

I've had good luck with Divemaster, and others tell me Ponyboy is also good.

Encryptor · « **Reply #4 on:** January 15, 2007, 10:40:11 pm »

I've bought from ponyboy and he is good. I've also bought from ebay. You just have to watch what you buy and make sure you are getting NEW if NEW is what you are looking for. I bought a brand new Happs red translucent trackball from ebay for $65. I didn't see anyone here that could touch that price. You just have to look around and compare price to what you're getting.

Encryptor

divemaster127 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 16, 2007, 10:11:35 am »

If you look at the prices for sticks, happ buttons etc on ebay ponyboy or myself(divemaster127) almost always will offer lower prices & better shipping prices
dm

Kaytrim · « **Reply #6 on:** January 16, 2007, 10:16:36 am »

The thing you really need to watch for on eBay is the high shipping charges. Some sellers up the charge on the shipping to cover a loss on the auction. eBay is cracking down on this but they can't look at every auction.

Unholyknight · « **Reply #7 on:** January 16, 2007, 02:52:35 pm »

Quote from: FunWithFire on January 15, 2007, 06:47:00 pm

Never buy directly from Happ. Tornado Terry on ebay is a great seller with great service.

I live near Tornado Terry's arcade.

If you want any Japanese controls http://www.akihabarashop.com/ is a great source, the only thing is that when you place an order someone literally walks into Akihabra shops and buys your parts, then goes home and boxes and ships them. He takes orders in sections, but if you want Japanese parts from he manufacturer this is the most reliable source.

daywane · « **Reply #8 on:** January 16, 2007, 09:49:20 pm »

most of my stuff came from eBay
some from buy/sell/trade
and poneyboy
I went with eBay because I like leaf switches
you will not find new leaf joysticks anymore

Tron stick came from buy/sell/trade
Parts to fix and mod in 2 more thumb switches for Tron stick from poneyboy

Ms Pac stick ( old style) eBay
xenophobe ( 3 of them eBay)
I know the ones from eBay will need some repair
Tmolding Buy/sell/trade
spinner from eBay (new)
track ball eBay (new)
shop around I guess is my advice
and what you want to buy.
I hate the clicks from the new style joystick and buttons

Encryptor · « **Reply #9 on:** January 16, 2007, 10:11:42 pm »

Quote from: daywane on January 16, 2007, 09:49:20 pm

Parts to fix and mod in 2 more thumb switches for Tron stick from poneyboy

What switches did you use for the thumb switches on a Tron joystick? I have one and there isn't much room in the top for switches. Thanks.

Encryptor

Minwah · « **Reply #10 on:** January 17, 2007, 05:11:09 am »

Ebay is great for old or unusual stuff.

daywane · « **Reply #11 on:** January 17, 2007, 07:29:07 am »

[/quote]

What switches did you use for the thumb switches on a Tron joystick? I have one and there isn't much room in the top for switches. Thanks.

Encryptor
[/quote]
talk to poneyboy. he had a blown up diagram of parts for a tron style Jstick
got 2 small plastick switches and the cover fit perfectly.
you are right very tight fit. also do not over tighten the switch, I broke my first one and had to use super glue to fix.

Texasmame · « **Reply #12 on:** January 17, 2007, 03:36:46 pm »

Same rules apply for arcade controls on eBay as anything else -

Know what you're buying
Review your seller's feedback
Ask any questions you have BEFORE bidding

I'd gotten some good deals off eBay. Also ordered from UltiMarc and Ponyboy directly. It's all good.

Donkey_Kong · « **Reply #13 on:** January 17, 2007, 03:44:47 pm »

I use ebay much and use it often...TO SELL! I have to admit that occasionally I will buy some stuff and usually the deals are SMOKIN'

What it is is this: If a manufacturer needs to use ebay to promote there product...chances are there not doing so hot in the other markets. Ebay tends to be almost a shameful woe for high end producers to have there products end up there especially as a main platform for sales. IMHO...I would guess this to be true for for our little industry as well. If you can't get it done here then you will go to ebay and give it a shot.

It's all good no matter where you end up if you have given effort into your product and hopefully it can work out for you whether it is ebay, or the flea market, or your bricks N Morter store or whatever. You get back what you put in usually and sometimes luck will help out as well!!

sphetr2 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 17, 2007, 03:54:00 pm »

Thanks for all of your replies. It appears that Tornado Terry no longer is an ebay seller- I can't find his name.

I'm still not sure what to do....I guess I'll see the best deal for me on ebay and compare that to the prices that the members here charge.

Do you know any other recommended ebay sellers for controls?

Kaytrim · « **Reply #15 on:** January 17, 2007, 03:57:32 pm »

Quote from: sphetr2 on January 17, 2007, 03:54:00 pm

Thanks for all of your replies. It appears that Tornado Terry no longer is an ebay seller- I can't find his name.

I'm still not sure what to do....I guess I'll see the best deal for me on ebay and compare that to the prices that the members here charge.

Do you know any other recommended ebay sellers for controls?

He is still in business. Here is his site on ebay. http://myworld.ebay.com/tornadoterrysdot/

You can still find the stuff you are looking for just do a search. At the bottom of the list you will see a list of stores that are selling the things you are looking for. For example I just did a search on ebay for "Happ Trackball" There were 11 auctions and 9 items for sale in various stores through ebay starting around $65. I did another search for "360 joystick" and came up with several Happ Joysticks, but nothing from Ultimark.

Good luck in your searches and don't forget to look at the BOYAC Vendor Stores and Buy Sell Trade forums here.

Donkey_Kong · « **Reply #16 on:** January 17, 2007, 04:04:24 pm »

Quote from: divemaster127 on January 16, 2007, 10:11:35 am

If you look at the prices for sticks, happ buttons etc on ebay ponyboy or myself(divemaster127) almost always will offer lower prices & better shipping prices
dm

Absolutely! I would stick around here to make your buys especially if you are going to continue to stick around here. I mean what if something happens with what you buy on ebay. We don't REALLY know for sure that you won't be stuck with a dead product.

Now OTOH- I have ordered ALL of my arcade related products from people right here at BYOAC. LOTS of stuff. Had a few problems. E-mailed. FIXT & FOC.

I think you get the message...

Recent example here...
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=62243.0

Recent example here...
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=61401.0

If there is a vendor HERE at byoac. They are only here still because they have a good rep! If they didn't they would be GONE in a flash. This I know. Ponyboy, Divemaster and the like...

sphetr2 · « **Reply #17 on:** January 17, 2007, 04:32:09 pm »

Hmm...looks like I'll be buying from one of you guys, then.

How does payment work? Money Order? Check? Paypal?

Thanks again.

Donkey_Kong · « **Reply #18 on:** January 17, 2007, 04:45:18 pm »

Quote from: sphetr2 on January 17, 2007, 04:32:09 pm

Hmm...looks like I'll be buying from one of you guys, then.

How does payment work? Money Order? Check? Paypal?

Thanks again.

Thats more like it...

Now DON't get me wrong...Ebay can be great for some things and I have heard nothing but good about Tornado Terry. It is just that go to ebay if you want a video camera or a vinyl cutter or a toaster or some new shoes...but if you are gonna buy gaming stuff ya gotta start here. You will not be disappointed. I'm finding it to be a GUARANTEE here.

Good luck bud!! Now fie up the orders!!

daywane · « **Reply #19 on:** January 17, 2007, 04:47:41 pm »

Quote from: sphetr2 on January 17, 2007, 04:32:09 pm

How does payment work? Money Order? Check? Paypal?

Thanks again.

that you will have to work out with the seller here
I have been able to work out Postal money orders for every thing I have bought here

Virtualmatt · « **Reply #20 on:** January 17, 2007, 04:59:45 pm »

divemaster saved me a ton of money on joysticks

CheffoJeffo · « **Reply #21 on:** January 17, 2007, 05:48:14 pm »

All of those responses and not one reference to the wiki:

http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Vendors

For shame.

I buy most of my controls on eBay, but that is primarily due to the fact that the stuff I am looking for is no longer made (e.g. for Wico's eBay is perhaps your best bet). For anythingHapp, I buy from my local distributor and you can't go wrong with divemaster, ponyboy or Tornado Terry.

Cheers.

sphetr2 · « **Reply #22 on:** January 17, 2007, 06:35:59 pm »

Hmm..I found Tornado Terry's actual website, and I might actually just purchase from there, because he sells the ball top + base combo....

Do ponyboy + divemaster sell these?


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