Going to gut a panel and build my own this time!

[Justin Z]

Just wanted to look for some general guidance in taking apart an old Slikstik panel to keep the costs down for the DIY project I wish to embark on.

Here's what I (think!) I have:

- 4 Happ Competition 8-ways
- 1 Happ Ultimate 4-way
- 1 Happ 3" trackball, blue translucent, with mounting hardware
- 1 Tornado spinner
- An IPAC-4

So . . .  I was planning on purchasing the UAII kit from Mameroom.com and a control panel blank from arcadesrfun.com (love the flush-mounted trackball!).  I saw the retroblast review of the LEDWiz and my jaw dropped, so I will definitely be putting together an order at Groovy Game Gear.

I also want to get lighted balltop handles, as I'm sick of the bats.  I dislike how springy they currently are as well; if you quickly move to one side and release you can actually get it to register a move in the opposite direction because of the recoil.  I think I have read about stronger springs that can be installed?

Since I am not a wiring or soldering expert, I'm debating how to light up the balltops.  GGG has translucent ones that can undoubtedly be fitted with LEDs.  Slikstik has ones that don't appear to need even an LEDwiz but they are about double the price.  Any suggestions on these?

Also, any encouragement/advice from those who have used the LEDwiz to light up their buttons would be appreciated.  At this point that is the most daunting task ahead in my mind.  By the way, I do have Saint's book -- it sure is invaluable when it comes to keeping all this information organized!

Thanks everybody!

[Kaytrim]

Lighted joystick handles are not cheap because of the work that goes into them.  The wires for the LED go through the stick from the bottom.  The LED is inside the plastic top.  The sticks at GGG are not hollow so you couldn't hide the necessary wires for the LED.  Randy at GGG has been requested to manufacture lighted sticks but there has not been any confirmation or denial from him about them.

All sticks have some amount of recoil.  Personally I don't think it is an issue because if you keep your hand on the stick you can control the recoil.  It is all personal preference though.

TTFN
Kaytrim