slikstik VS DIY

[jefftse]

Guys.. I'm building my cabinet and I got a nice plan from mameroom.com and now I have to decide on if I want to buy a 4 player CP from slikstik or I should just DIY.  Maybe my math is wrong, but I think I will only save $150 is that if I build my own.

Is any reason I shouldn't buy it from a vendor?

Thanks
Jeff

[BobA]

It may take longer to get it from Slikstik then building it yourself.   You get satsisfaction from building it yourself.  If you are not up to the woodworking how about a custom cp assy from arcades R fun and populate it yourself and get most of the experience of BYOAC.fun

edit: error in name

[jefftse]

I'm just a little worried about the wiring although i'm pretty good with that.

[Jeff AMN]

I'm just a little worried about the wiring although i'm pretty good with that.

Wiring is much easier than it appears. In fact, I think the woodworking is much more difficult than the wiring. Read up on some wiring guides and you'll see that it's not as scary as you might think.

[javeryh]

yeah, the wiring is a piece of cake.  I never wired anything before and I nailed it on my first try.  I thought the woodworking would be the easiest part - boy was I wrong...  Also, $150 is a lot of savings, IMO - build it yourself!!

[jefftse]

Really? where should I order all the parts? If I do it, I want to do it right.  I want to do the glow buttons, spinner, trackball, pinball buttons and everything else!

[Donkey_Kong]

jeff- I was saying the same things to myself as you are when I was pondering the exact same scenario. Then someone sent me this...It is a simple to use interface that you hook your buttons and joysticks too via little screws and wires...Get one of these and the rest of your buttons and sticks....


Wiring=Easy
Product Page Here




 

EDIT: You may need to opt for the Ipac 4 as you are going for a 4P control Panel!!

[whynotpizza]

Ah, parts parts and more parts...

Here are some good ideas for vendors with top end products:
   www.ultimarc.com (KB encoder, 360 stick, etc)
   www.happcontrols.com (trackball, flight stick, buttons, regular sticks 4/8, etc)
   www.apachecontrols.com (Blackhawk push/pull spinner)
   www.ram-controls.com (new Star Wars yoke - due out soon)

Good luck with the project.
 

   David

[Kaytrim]

Really? where should I order all the parts? If I do it, I want to do it right.  I want to do the glow buttons, spinner, trackball, pinball buttons and everything else!

Too bad there isn't a smily that bounces up and down that would be you at this stage.     Listen to the DK man he has you started off right.  Slow down a bit, set your budget and plan it out. You are going to be playing on this thing for a few years.  You will thank yourself for taking your time now because things will not be breaking down later.  For the bling you would be best served over at Groovy Game Gear.  Randy has plenty of bling and keeps adding new stuff all the time.  If you like 3D art check out the artwork that DK's wife can do.

I will be honest here if you want to go total bling be prepared to shell out the money or plan it out in stages.

TTFN
Kaytrim

[jefftse]

Does happ make glow trackballs?

I'm tempted to build.. just need to plan it well!!!

[am_monkee]

Just as an add-on:

Check out RandyT's (a member here) www.groovygamegear.com
Has a bunch of cool illuminated stuff you might be looking for, as well as keywiz, joysticks, and other parts.

Also, if you're going to buy Happ stuff, do so through ponyboy or divemaster. Otherwise, your shipping cost will be ridiculous through Happ (and it's nice to go through trusted byoac members).

I'll echo other people's comments with planning everything out. If you're nervous about stuff, pick up Saint's Project Arcade book for very detailed descriptions about building, etc. Good luck

[Donkey_Kong]

Just as an add-on:

Check out RandyT's (a member here) www.groovygamegear.com
Has a bunch of cool illuminated stuff you might be looking for, as well as keywiz, joysticks, and other parts.

Also, if you're going to buy Happ stuff, do so through ponyboy or divemaster. Otherwise, your shipping cost will be ridiculous through Happ (and it's nice to go through trusted byoac members).

I'll echo other people's comments with planning everything out. If you're nervous about stuff, pick up Saint's Project Arcade book for very detailed descriptions about building, etc. Good luck

Duh  Good idea am_monkee

DON'T forget the book! If you do forget, then you can go through the rest of your life regretting it. It will help you with your entire cab project from head to toe.

Buy Book Here

[NoOne=NBA=]

Does happ make glow trackballs?

Yes, but don't buy anything from Happ directly.
Get it from Divemaster or Ponyboy.

You can find links to both in the Buy/Sell/Trade forum.
They both buy from Happ at a discount, and resell cheaper than Happ sells directly.

And I would also recommend checking out GroovyGameGear.
Their products and service are excellent.

[shorthair]

And don't forget to check the BST board.

[jefftse]

which one is the best joystick?

[am_monkee]

Go to retroblast for full reviews on joysticks. It really depends a lot on what you're looking for (a 4/8 way, ball/bat, etc.). They have a comparison chart as well as full reviews on the joysticks. It's really helpful and you should definitely start there.

[Arcades R Fun]

BobA,
Thanks for the reference.
You can't go wrong with wiring your own panel blank. It's not hard, just time consuming.
I recently wired a customers 4 plyaer Mini-Quad  plug n play panel last Weekend and I took many pics of how we wire things up.

There are many techniques to wiring a panel and we have documented this process. Look for our own "How to Wire Your Control Panel" Guide on our site in less than 2 weeks.

I'm Currently on vacation in Disney with the familt and Mickey but I will get straight to the wiring gide when I get back.

Jack

[jefftse]

BobA,
Thanks for the reference.
You can't go wrong with wiring your own panel blank. It's not hard, just time consuming.
I recently wired a customers 4 plyaer Mini-Quad  plug n play panel last Weekend and I took many pics of how we wire things up.

There are many techniques to wiring a panel and we have documented this process. Look for our own "How to Wire Your Control Panel" Guide on our site in less than 2 weeks.

I'm Currently on vacation in Disney with the familt and Mickey but I will get straight to the wiring gide when I get back.

Jack

I can't find the wiring guide. can you please send me the link?

Thanks

[BobA]

I think what Jack said is that is wiring guide is comming when he gets back from Disney.

[jefftse]

Where can I buy custom CP top graphic?

[Hoopz]

Scott at Mamemarquees is great to deal with. 

http://mamemarquees.com/

[Fozzy The Bear]

This whole question is a total no brainer.....

NEVER touch SickSlick stuff if you can avoid it!! I'm not going to say the product is bad. Because it's OK... BUT!!! He has a terrible reputation for delivery times. He has the worst reputation on here for absolutely terrible customer service and for coming in here and insulting his competitors and the members of this forum!! DONT GO THERE IF YOU CAN AVOID IT!

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

[jefftse]

Ok, I think I have made up my mind about DIY my 4player CP.  I have a question about the the width.  When I see the slikstik 4 player cp, I think player 1 and player 2 are too close for fighting games (i.e. Street fighter) and the 3rd and 4th are too close as well.  Can anyone give me some feedback about your 4 player cp?

I talked to Andy from ultimarc (very nice guy) briefly on the phone and I think I probably order everything from him except the happ ball because I think I can get it somewhere cheaper and he said he will have some illuminated buttons coming in 3 weeks which I will also want. 

He also said I don't need a dedicated 4 way for pac man or any old games because the mag stik plus can switch 4-8 way.  Can anyone give me some feedback with that?

One more thing,  he suggested the opti-pac for trackball and spinner.  Should I do that instead of getting USB trackball and spinner which I think it's easier to install?

I'm so excited!!! Getting all material ready to build by ultimate Arcade!

Thanks Guy!

[Kaytrim]

I would suggest that you get dedicated 8-way sticks for player 3 & 4 then get the Ultrastick 360 for players 1 & 2.  The U360 are programmable for 2,4,8,49 and analog.  This gives you the most flexibility for all kinds of games.  Most of the popular front ends support automatic programming based on the game chosen.

I used the T-Sticks from Ultimarc which were the predecessor to the Mag-Sticks and I was unhappy with the performance in 8-way mode.  I had a real difficult time hitting true up/down/left/right.  I purchased Happ Competitions to replace them and have had no problems with 8-way games since.  My T-Sticks work excellently as 4-way sticks though.  I am in the process of setting up 49-way joysticks with the GPWiz49 interface from Groovy Game Gear.  This gives me almost the same functionality as the U360s, just not true analog.

TTFN
Kaytrim

[jefftse]

I would suggest that you get dedicated 8-way sticks for player 3 & 4 then get the Ultrastick 360 for players 1 & 2.  The U360 are programmable for 2,4,8,49 and analog.  This gives you the most flexibility for all kinds of games.  Most of the popular front ends support automatic programming based on the game chosen.

I used the T-Sticks from Ultimarc which were the predecessor to the Mag-Sticks and I was unhappy with the performance in 8-way mode.  I had a real difficult time hitting true up/down/left/right.  I purchased Happ Competitions to replace them and have had no problems with 8-way games since.  My T-Sticks work excellently as 4-way sticks though.  I am in the process of setting up 49-way joysticks with the GPWiz49 interface from Groovy Game Gear.  This gives me almost the same functionality as the U360s, just not true analog.

TTFN
Kaytrim

Wow.  What an advice!

Isn't T-sticks usb joystick? or I can't find it on his page.  I think I will re-consider a lot of things here!

[Kaytrim]

T-Sticks are no longer being made and they were just a standard microswitch stick with a rotating restrictor plate.  The USB joystick is the Ultimarc Ultrastick 360 or U360 for short.  you will see a lot of threads for these sticks on the boards here.  Use the search link at the top of this page and enter U360, you will get a ton of hits.  This is a good way to learn about them.  From what I understand they are really good sticks, just expensive.  (you get what you pay for).

I got my Midway 49-way sticks used at 25$ for the pair.  I need one interface card for each stick and can get them for ~$21 for the eco model or $34 for the Max model.  The only real difference between the eco and max models are the connector method on the card.  Screw terminals for the Max and soldering for the eco.  The eco is also about 1/2 the size of the Max.  GGG is the only place that I know of that has a PC interface for 49-way joysticks, the GPWiz49.

Randy at GGG is also in development of his own 49-way stick and is upgrading the interface at the same time.  I am in line waiting for the upgraded interface but I am not holding my breath.  Randy will only release a new product when he feels it is ready and bug free.  His stuff is worth the wait though so I am not complaining.  Just look at what he has to offer.  Anything from the standard Happ buttons and joysticks all the way to the full bling of color changing lighted trackballs and buttons.

TTFN
Kaytrim

[jefftse]

T-Sticks are no longer being made and they were just a standard microswitch stick with a rotating restrictor plate.  The USB joystick is the Ultimarc Ultrastick 360 or U360 for short.  you will see a lot of threads for these sticks on the boards here.  Use the search link at the top of this page and enter U360, you will get a ton of hits.  This is a good way to learn about them.  From what I understand they are really good sticks, just expensive.  (you get what you pay for).

I got my Midway 49-way sticks used at 25$ for the pair.  I need one interface card for each stick and can get them for ~$21 for the eco model or $34 for the Max model.  The only real difference between the eco and max models are the connector method on the card.  Screw terminals for the Max and soldering for the eco.  The eco is also about 1/2 the size of the Max.  GGG is the only place that I know of that has a PC interface for 49-way joysticks, the GPWiz49.

Randy at GGG is also in development of his own 49-way stick and is upgrading the interface at the same time.  I am in line waiting for the upgraded interface but I am not holding my breath.  Randy will only release a new product when he feels it is ready and bug free.  His stuff is worth the wait though so I am not complaining.  Just look at what he has to offer.  Anything from the standard Happ buttons and joysticks all the way to the full bling of color changing lighted trackballs and buttons.

TTFN
Kaytrim

Um.. I was so set with Ultimarc.. I think I need to reconsider.  it looks like gp-49 plus are similar to I-pac.  I think I agree with you saying to get a 8 way happy controllers for player 3 and 4.  but I'm still having a tough time to decide on player 1 and 2. 

so many options... so confusing...


Jeff

[Kaytrim]

Um.. I was so set with Ultimarc.. I think I need to reconsider.  it looks like gp-49 plus are similar to I-pac.  I think I agree with you saying to get a 8 way happy controllers for player 3 and 4.  but I'm still having a tough time to decide on player 1 and 2. 

so many options... so confusing...


Jeff

Jeff,

I like your attitude about jumping in and getting started.  Don't let this indecision be a setback for you.  Instead learn that there are many opinions.  I like the GGG line of products.  There are many on the boards here that like the Ultimarc line.  I am not saying that one is better than another.  Just that there are options.  This hobby has grown by leaps and bounds because of the work done by Randy at GGG, Andy at Ultimarc and Saint here.  Just a few years ago people were hacking keyboards to connect their buttons and joysticks.  Take a little time and learn what your options are and make your own choice as to what will work best for you.

I originally was going to purchase two of the U360s myself, they are a little more versatile.  I just happen to run across a deal on the used Midway 49-way sticks.  If I want to use both of these sticks right now I would have to purchase two of the interface cards from GGG.  For now I am still working on my layout and the options I want for my cab.  Follow the links in my sig and you will get an idea of what I am working on.

There is also more support for the U360s in the more popular front ends.  They automatically set the map that the stick uses depending on the game chosen.  I would still recommend looking at these sticks very hard as your main sticks.  I had one bad experience with the switchable sticks.  It doesn't mean that others are better.  The electronic switchable sticks are more expensive and for the most part are better but you have to weigh your options and your budget.

TTFN 
Kaytrim

[jefftse]

Man... i think you have me convinced to get 4 u360s!!! i always want the best so i don't have to worry about it later. 

I'm looking at the opti-pac and trackball from ultimarc.  maybe just me,  but it seems a little too much for what it is.. am i missing something? i saw GGG offers a similar product called Opti-wiz but sell for a lot cheaper.. I basically want trackball and spinner!

do you know anything about led-wiz?  I emailed Randy but i haven't heard from him yet.  I want to get that also to make the button light up only the buttons when the buttons will work the games i'm playing. 

many many thanks!

Jeff

[Kaytrim]

For the  spinner GGG has the TT2 spinner with the Opti-Wiz optionally included.  Most of the popular front ends also have plug-ins for the LED-Wiz to do the things you want.  That is still in the works last I knew but there is a framework in place.  Take some time and troll the software forum.  That is where all the developers hang out mostly.

Since you are wanting to go with the full bling you might want to look at the GGG Electric Ice Trackball.  This is basically a Beston Imperial trackball with Randy's Lighting upgrade kit and Opti-Wiz already installed.  If you want a Happ Trackball then purchase the standard model not the one with the USB/PS/2 interface. You can get your Happ products cheep from divemaster and ponyboy in the Buy/Sell/Trade forum here.  Their sell threads are stickied and usually at the top.  You can connect the Happ trackball to the Opti-Wiz on the TT2 spinner and get the lighting upgrade kit from Randy.

With the TT2 spinner and the Electric Ice Trackball get the TT2 spinner without the Opti-Wiz and connect the spinner to the trackball's interface.  If you go with the Happ trackball get the TT2 with the interface and connect the Happ trackball to the spinner's interface.

Again options galore. 



Now let's look at all the connections to your computer....

First you are talking about 4 U360 joysticks.  That is 4 USB connections there.  Your trackball/spinner will need one USB connection if done as I suggest above.  Otherwise you will need 2 USB connections.  If you go with the full bling on a 4 player panel you will need 2 or 3 LED-wiz cards.  The buttons for player 3&4 can be doubled up on the LED-Wiz.  In other words the wires for P3B1 and P4B1 can be connected to the same terminals.  This is because those players will have the same button setup when they are available and off for 2 player games.  For your buttons they can connect the switches to the U360 sticks.  If you need more buttons than the U360s can handle I would suggest getting an interface card.  KeyWiz or GPWiz from GGG or the iPac from Ultimarc.  The KeyWiz uses a PS/2 port on the MB while the GPWiz and iPac use a USB port.

Looking at the above paragraph you will need at minimum 7 USB ports and a max of 10.  Because most motherboards have 4 USB ports I would recommend getting one or two USB expansion cards for your computer.  I found mine for $5 each plus shipping on eBay.

That should keep your head spinning for a while.

TTFN
Kaytrim

[armax]

silly question, but why not get a powered usb hub instead of expansion cards?

[Tiger-Heli]

There is also more support for the U360s in the more popular front ends.  They automatically set the map that the stick uses depending on the game chosen.  I would still recommend looking at these sticks very hard as your main sticks.

There is also similar support for the GGG 49-way sticks as long as your FE supports batch files (but I don't know just how current it is).  See http://www.mameworld.net/tigerheli/set49mode/

[Tiger-Heli]

I'm looking at the opti-pac and trackball from ultimarc.  maybe just me,  but it seems a little too much for what it is.. am i missing something? i saw GGG offers a similar product called Opti-wiz but sell for a lot cheaper.. I basically want trackball and spinner!

Wouldn't say you are missing something, but they have different capabilities.

Opti-Pac supports two trackballs and up to four spinners (two trackballs and two rotary joysticks and two spinners) - two sets of two dual axis controls, and can auto-switch between them, so moving the spinner won't mess up your game of Centipede and interfaces through a single USB port (or serial ports, but not much reason to use these anymore).

Opti-Wiz supports one trackball and an single spinner on the Z-axis, which is fine for MAME, but maybe not good for other emulators.  So you need about three Opti-Wiz's to have the capability of the Opti-Pac.  It is less expensive and most of the Opti-Pac's capability often goes unused, so I am not saying it is a worse option, by any means.

I have a slightly dated but extensive run-down of the options at http://www.mameworld.net/tigerheli/encoder/index.htm

[Tiger-Heli]

silly question, but why not get a powered usb hub instead of expansion cards?

six to one, half-a-dozen to the other.

expansion card gives you the advantage that it is seen as a different USB controller, so plugging two of the same mice into different expansion cards they don't swap numbers on a re-boot.

Otherwise, it depends on how many PCI slots you have available and where you find the best deal.

IMNSHO.

[jefftse]

I just talked to randy from GGG today. very nice guy!!! and now I have so much information and decision needs to make. it's basically coming down to Andy or Randy. LOL  I know they both are good companies.  I just want to get the things I need and easy install!

[Tiger-Heli]

I just talked to randy from GGG today. very nice guy!!! and now I have so much information and decision needs to make. it's basically coming down to Andy or Randy. LOL  I know they both are good companies.  I just want to get the things I need and easy install!

Well, this will sound weird coming from the guy with a 15-page website comparing interfaces, but . . .

I recommend you make sure you get the joysticks you want nailed down first.  Unfortunately, this means knowing if you want long-throw or short-throw, or do you care.  Unfortunately, for the most part, this also means either buying one of several sticks to compare in a hardboard mockup, or finding a lot of friends with panels that you can see how they feel.  With the U360's at $60 each, and the 49-ways at about the same price or more when you include a GPWiz-49 Eco interface, that's a lot of money to put down to decide "Nope, this isn't for me, time to put these on the B/S/T board."

But the point I am getting at is:  If you don't like the feel of the sticks compared to something else, it will bother you every time you play your panel.  The interfaces all basically do what they are supposed to.  So if you only have a single trackball with no spinner and you bought an Opti-Pac to control it, you threw away a lot of money compared to an Opti-Wiz, but it will work fine, and it's just a lesson learned, but once you have the cab built, you'll get over the cost factor.

[jefftse]

I just talked to randy from GGG today. very nice guy!!! and now I have so much information and decision needs to make. it's basically coming down to Andy or Randy. LOL  I know they both are good companies.  I just want to get the things I need and easy install!

Well, this will sound weird coming from the guy with a 15-page website comparing interfaces, but . . .

I recommend you make sure you get the joysticks you want nailed down first.  Unfortunately, this means knowing if you want long-throw or short-throw, or do you care.  Unfortunately, for the most part, this also means either buying one of several sticks to compare in a hardboard mockup, or finding a lot of friends with panels that you can see how they feel.  With the U360's at $60 each, and the 49-ways at about the same price or more when you include a GPWiz-49 Eco interface, that's a lot of money to put down to decide "Nope, this isn't for me, time to put these on the B/S/T board."

But the point I am getting at is:  If you don't like the feel of the sticks compared to something else, it will bother you every time you play your panel.  The interfaces all basically do what they are supposed to.  So if you only have a single trackball with no spinner and you bought an Opti-Pac to control it, you threw away a lot of money compared to an Opti-Wiz, but it will work fine, and it's just a lesson learned, but once you have the cab built, you'll get over the cost factor.

I absolutely agree.

I'm leaning to U360 because it seems a lot of people like it and it seems very user friendly.  ( you are correct that I have no clue how it feels).  I really hope it feels what the way I expected. 

As far as trackball and spinner goes, I decided to go with GGG ice-t trackball and spinner.  It is a little expenisve but It's bling bling and plug and play.

This thing is definitely costing me more than I ever expect but I think once is done.  It will last for a while and I don't have to do much for a while. (hardware wise)

[Kaytrim]

Good stuff is not cheap.  If you are going to blow out your budget might I suggest you spread out your purchases a bit.  Sounds like you might want to go with the Electric ICE buttons and LEDWiz as well.  I know that these add up so buy your sticks one time, then the trackball and spinner another time.  Then you can do the LEDWiz and ICE buttons in one or two orders. 

During that time you can work out what you are going to want for artwork.  Even learn how to make your own.

I have been purchasing my stuff piecemeal for quite a while and I should be done here soon.  I can start building now and add/replace other stuff later.  I still want to pick up some ICE buttons, the trackball lighting kit, maybe another LEDWiz and larger monitor.  A cab is never 100% done.

TTFN
Kaytrim

[jefftse]

Good stuff is not cheap.  If you are going to blow out your budget might I suggest you spread out your purchases a bit.  Sounds like you might want to go with the Electric ICE buttons and LEDWiz as well.  I know that these add up so buy your sticks one time, then the trackball and spinner another time.  Then you can do the LEDWiz and ICE buttons in one or two orders. 

During that time you can work out what you are going to want for artwork.  Even learn how to make your own.

I have been purchasing my stuff piecemeal for quite a while and I should be done here soon.  I can start building now and add/replace other stuff later.  I still want to pick up some ICE buttons, the trackball lighting kit, maybe another LEDWiz and larger monitor.  A cab is never 100% done.

TTFN
Kaytrim

You know it!! I'm actually planning to get them with this order as well.  Attached is my shopping cart with GGG.  Any comment welcome!  It's not included joysticks because I'm thinking to get 4 u360s and key controller since I really haven't made up my mind for gp-wiz or ipac.

[Kaytrim]

Seeing as you have a KeyWiz on the list you won't need another encoder.  If you go with the U360s you can connect your action buttons to them leaving plenty of room on the KeyWiz for the admin buttons.  Just remember that the KeyWiz is a PS/2 keyboard encoder so you will need the PS/2 connections on your motherboard.  If you don't have PS/2 connections then go with either the iPac or GPWiz Max.