X-Arcade: Is it really that bad!?

[ripperman]

Hi everyone

I am embarking on my own cabinet adventure and up until lately I had my heart set on getting the x-arcade two player tankstick. I was planning on putting custom graphics over it. However after reading many comments through these pages, now I am not so sure. Any advice? I personally love the old classic games but to be honest the machine will be used mostly for bouts of streetfighter and king of the fighters with my mates. Would u360 joysticks be the better option? If so what kind of setup with these do I need(springs, plates etc). All that stuff is new to me. Thanks guys.

PS. The level of talent, knowledge and enthusiasm shown through these pages is astounding. Keep up the good work

[kowal]

X-arcade: lack 4way mode, keyboard encoder is  crap
yes U360 is better

[Dervacumen]

I had an X-arcade dual before I built my own CP.  And I did that because I wanted to build an entire cabinet and add a few controls.   It really comes down to what you like.  Try it out if you can and see if you like the way it feels.  This topic is pretty subjective.
I didn't mind it, but it's not horrible or anything.  Just feels a little sloppy, somehow.

[lharles]

I also had a two player or dual before building my own monstrosity.

I personally didn't have any issues with the FUNCTION of the X-Arcade but the PERFORMANCE was sometimes a problem.

What I mean is that the feel of the layout of the joysticks and buttons were fine and that the four way/eight way thing wasn't ever an issue for me.  However, I had quite a few problems getting the device to play nice with various PC configurations - not to mention having difficulty getting it to behave the way the manual/tech docs indicated it should.  It certainly could have been a problem with my individual unit but that sort of thing turned me off more than anything else.

I actually liked the thing once I got it set up the way I wanted.  It just didn't do EVERYTHING I wanted.  So, I built my own. 

[divemaster127]

I had a xarcade for a month before I dumped it & built my own, save your money & make your own
dm

[severdhed]

i bought an x-arcade 2 player unit a few years ago, and it is the reason i wanted to build my dedicated cabinet.  i ended up gutting the x-arcade and using the components in my own control panel.  i am very happy with it.  sure it has some limitations, but it works just fine for most things.  i have added a 4way stick and now it does everything I need it to do.  maybe the sticks and buttons arent the top of the line components, but they are not nearly as expensive either.  i play my cabinet a good bit, and i have had quite a few people play it also, and I have not once heard any complaints about the controls. 

they may not be for the arcade purists out there, but for alot of people, they are just fine.  the controls are a little too close together in the controller, but the tankstick seems to be better than some of the others.

[Teebor]

 
I'm still using my X Arcade Encoder, but when I bought it I changed the sticks slightly and used different buttons and its worked out fine for me that way.

I'm sticking with the encoder as I am hoping to use it with my Wii, Xbox, and anything else I decide to stuff under my TV

I've not got complaints about it really, sometimes it seems to run slightly sluggish but that could be the machine or me putting the joysticks together wrongly as I've just rebuilt it in a rush recently

[TheAdMan]

 I use my x-arcade on my pc & consoles, I have absolutely no complaints it feels just like any arcade controls I have ever used. If I ever build a cabinet I will build my own controls and scavenge parts from my x-arcade for practice

As far as putting your own graphics over it, you might want to consider making your own panel or something, the x-arcade has painting or some kind of veneer that probably isn't the greatest for applying custom graphics to. I've never built my own control panel but when/if I do I would/will gut the x-arcade, cut a new panel to my specs/paint/graphics and reassemble the x-arcade parts to my panel, then later of course you can change parts or rebuild. - basically I would start slow and not get myself in over my head, I'm always wary when people tell me "Oh, it's really easy", some people sound like know-it-alls but when u need help they run out of answers.

[Green Giant]

I use my x-arcade on my pc & consoles, I have absolutely no complaints it feels just like any arcade controls I have ever used. If I ever build a cabinet I will build my own controls and scavenge parts from my x-arcade for practice

As far as putting your own graphics over it, you might want to consider making your own panel or something, the x-arcade has painting or some kind of veneer that probably isn't the greatest for applying custom graphics to. I've never built my own control panel but when/if I do I would/will gut the x-arcade, cut a new panel to my specs/paint/graphics and reassemble the x-arcade parts to my panel, then later of course you can change parts or rebuild. - basically I would start slow and not get myself in over my head, I'm always wary when people tell me "Oh, it's really easy", some people sound like know-it-alls but when u need help they run out of answers.

It is really easy. 

1.  If you can cut out the wood to shape a box for the panel, you are halfway done.

2.  Then just drill out some holes for the buttons and the joystick.  Probably the hardest thing is routing out the panel a little so the joystick isn't so deep under the panel. 

3.  After that you will paint or stick on an overlay.

4.  Then you stick the buttons in the hole.  Should be easy for most guys.

5.  Next step you attach the microswitch to the button, extremely easy.

6.  Then you will run quick disconnects to the switches and to your controller of choice.  A keywiz from groovy game gear is nice and easy with screw down terminals.

7.  Now you will plug in the usb cable from the keywiz to the computer.

8.  Now you play mame.

As you can see, it is as easy as people make it sound.

And if you need answers, just ask.  I along with many others will explain it to you or point you in the direction with the answers.

[mr.Curmudgeon]

Re: X-Arcade: Is it really that bad!?

Well, given that this forum isn't called "Buy Your Own Arcade Controls", you can imagine there'll be a wee bit of animus.   

[NickG]

I am still using the x-arcade encoder from my Tankstick, and will continue to do so until somebody can prove that there is another encoder which I can connect to multiple consoles and offers the same price/performance, or until I finally get around to hacking a bunch of controllers, whichever happens first.  Until then, I am going to swap my Tankstick Joysticks out for some U360s, and connect the discrete mode outputs to my X-arcade encoder, to have the best of both worlds. 
If you are going to build a big cabinet the control panel may be too small as is - maybe alright for a 19-20" screen cab, though. If you are limited on resources it would still be suitable for use as a flush cutter template, except player1 and player2 really are too close for bouts of Street Fighter and King of Fighters with your mates (depends on what kind of mates  ). 
If you need console adapters, then the X-arcade DIY kit is a good start. 
If you are going to utilize the advanced functions of the U360s, you should probably start with them instead.

[TheAdMan]

I understand this isn't rocket science Green Giant, but until you've done it --BINGO! Either that, or I was attempting to say "before" but it was too many letters to type-- it's sometimes hard to visualize exactly what to do & what parts to buy, for example Ripperman asked what plates and springs he needs to use for u360 joystick but nobody has yet answered that question for him, it's little questions like that that us noobs get hung up on.

[4Aaron GE]

Plates?  Springs?  Looking a the pics at ultimarc.com, it would appear that one would mount that like any other joystick - IE, it doesn't require any additional hardware, except the bolts to hold it to the CP.

Ripperman, unless you really really must have the feel you get from the U360, it would be somewhat of a waste if the primary use of the cab will be fighters, since the software won't be able to take advantage of the U360's full capabilities.  However, if you're going to play games that can take advantage of it, go for it.  For a fighter cab, I would recommend Happ Super Sticks, or Happ Competition Sticks if you're on a budget, or a Seimitsu/Sanwa stick if you like the feel of them and are feeling spendy.

[genesim]

X-arcade: lack 4way mode, keyboard encoder is  crap
yes U360 is better

And the U360 lacks an EASY restrictor plate setup.   Too expensive for real feel of a 4-way so really a moot point.   

As for the ecoder bing "crap".    Do share your experience, because for me, it has worked great and you get the added benefit of cosole gameplay.

I have both that and the IPAC and I don't see a difference at all other then the fact that there is more versatility with an X-arcade going to usb/ps2/to console.

[Green Giant]

I understand this isn't rocket science Green Giant, but until you've done it --BINGO! Either that, or I was attempting to say "before" but it was too many letters to type-- it's sometimes hard to visualize exactly what to do & what parts to buy, for example Ripperman asked what plates and springs he needs to use for u360 joystick but nobody has yet answered that question for him, it's little questions like that that us noobs get hung up on.

Yeah, I don't have U360's, but I can answer that one.  The U360 comes with everything you will need.  The extra springs give it a tighter feel along with the restrictor plate.  The restrictor plate doesn't control 4/8/49/etc-way.  It just controls how far your stick will travel and what it feels like in the edges.

But ignoring the U360, you can buy all the components that are in the xarcade for half the price.  Plus you get to tweak little settings and control the colors of the buttons.  And in the end you will be proud to call it your own.

If you have questions about 49-way, mala, ledwiz, or crap like that I can help you out.

[kowal]

As for the ecoder bing "crap".    Do share your experience, because for me, it has worked great and you get the added benefit of cosole gameplay.

X console adapters has lag
encoder bad cooperates with many euro keyboards - It is not possible to program it correctly

[NickG]

As for the ecoder bing "crap".    Do share your experience, because for me, it has worked great and you get the added benefit of cosole gameplay.

X console adapters has lag

How much lag? How much lag compared to other options?  What encoder has the least lag of all?  'By how many microseconds?  I wish to have the best!  To blatantly state that it has lag is not very informative.  Please elaborate and prove it.

[kowal]

Lags are on DC adapter is large, smallest on PSX but there is

WII and X-box  i did not check

'By how many microseconds?

ask X-arcade, surely they will answer it

[NickG]

I was fairly certain you had no helpful information, but it was worth a shot.  Thanks anyway, I guess

[genesim]

Lags are on DC adapter is large, smallest on PSX but there is WII and X-box  i did not check

So in other words you have no idea.

I on the otherhand I own the xarcade and have the Dreamcast original and actually tested it myself.    Same for the PS1 and PS2.

Large lags..but small on Playstation..    So I guess with a PSX to Dreamcast adapter those "small lags" should be identical.    Because guess what...I HAVE THAT TOO!   Or are you gonna say the adapters are faulty too. 

The Ipac on the other hand, which is another that I have owned had numerous problems reported also by at least one other proven owner.

So in closing, you most likely go by what you "heard" over personal experience.  Typical.

Though I would be curious as to know if you reported your problems to Xarcade instead of bashing here.

For my words, I kept in contact about the Ipac game adapter for several months before I returned my Ipac after 2 failed chip shipments.    Andy, was ok, and being a long time customer I was very dissapointed.  I am sure he would have stuck it out with me a while longer, but I wanted cosole playing NOW.    The Ipac game adapter that I paid ~$150 dollars for just wasn't cutting it, and I wasn't taking anymore chances.

The Xarcade is a great board with multifunction WORKING tech.    Also this supposed lag isn't even present on over 40 feet of USB active wire!    The Ipac and Xarcade are virtually the SAME!    I have done the pepsi challenge because I own both currently.    Can you say the same for yourself?     

The only thing I ever heard about Xarcade was "ghosting" which was years ago on beta hardware to boot.    I have seen none of this and I am proud to say the Xarcade and Ipac are living in harmony together on panel.

[kowal]

"virtualy" trabant and ferrari this the same - car

X stands 2 class lower, it has not + 5V pin you will not connect electronic joysticks, no LED support, requires next adapter to work on USB, normal cable PS/2 / USB does not act. PS/2 my problem from detecting on laptops. I have already problem at PC he did not want to programme keys on Polish and German keyboard. I have IPAC, PSXadaptor, 4x minipac and... X - arcade. X nearer to TKON than to IPAC
I do not alter encoder in X becaouse has good wiring

[Teebor]

Erm from trying to decode that 

Its not designed to support electronic joysticks, but you could easily get 5volt from somewhere else anyway.

Not designed to have LED support and you could easily argue this over other encoders anyway.

I have no idea what you were talking about with the PS2/USB thing, but is an optional upgrade you don't need it, and if using PS2 you need a keyboard plugged in to the encoder even if its never used.

You can change the options on the encoder and completely reprogram all the buttons to represent different keys if you want anyway.

And the X Arcade wiring sucks, no common ground so you have to use the correct ground for that wiring loom, and they are ALWAYS too bloody short.  I did not enjoy extending half of them when I made my first control panel.

[torcer]

I have it in my cab because it was my first project and I wanted to keep it simple.  It does the job, but it just looks out of place.  I’ll probably replace it with my own design this winter.  I don’t regret the X-Arcade, it let me focus on the Cabinet, but knowing what I know now, future cabs will have custom built controls.   

[genesim]

"virtualy" trabant and ferrari this the same - car

X stands 2 class lower, it has not + 5V pin you will not connect electronic joysticks, no LED support, requires next adapter to work on USB, normal cable PS/2 / USB does not act. PS/2 my problem from detecting on laptops. I have already problem at PC he did not want to programme keys on Polish and German keyboard. I have IPAC, PSXadaptor, 4x minipac and... X - arcade. X nearer to TKON than to IPAC
I do not alter encoder in X becaouse has good wiring

Dude, I got it now.   You are one of them guys that buys a item and then takes it back because it doesn't do what was never advertised on the box to begin with!

Xarcade never advertised itself to be a +5 v source for any of your electronic needs...big deal.  +5v can be had from just about any power supply.   Now what are these "electronic joysticks" again??

No LED support...and your point is?  The Xarcade isn't a blender either.      Yet there is console support right out of the box that is unmatched in the mainstream race.    Care to comment on this?    Or do you prefer christmas lights over real gameplay.

requires next adapter to work on USB, normal cable PS/2 / USB does not act.

What the hell are you talking about?   The Xarcade needs a powered USB to work or a keyboard plugged in to get the INITIAL detection.   After that, the computer will see the board just fine.     I don't know what the rest of that ramble was.

I have already problem at PC he did not want to programme keys on Polish and German keyboard.

Let me get this straigt, you are putting down a product cause some offbrand keyboard you heard had problems?   This is sounding alot like the "lag" issues.

I don't know what the rest of what you said meant or what your point was, but all I can say is that the Xarcade is a great encoder and does its job fine.    Add to that...better customer support.    They stayed on the phone with me till I got everything working(it took a while to figure out that my Computer had non-powered USB ports).

I don't really care if you like Xarcade or not, but to call them crap like others have said about products which virtually NOTHING to back it up, well lets just say it is nice to at least challenge it.     I hate to see any company slandered, and I am mad to this day that I shyed away from Xarcade based on some of the crap like "ghosting" and what not.

The Wiring harness does suck, but at least it is workable and if you really don't like it, just cut the wires yourself.   I am not defending it though, and the design really should be improved on....at least to the extent of giving us more wire to work with...but lets face it, Xarcade wants to sell arcade controllers not chip sets!

I applaud them for having a great "brain" to the whole system, and I cannot speak about their arcade controls because I do not own them....nor will I probably ever since I like Happs so much, but all I can say is don't believe everything you hear.

[DeLuSioNal29]

For those who want a low cost joystick until their "custom" CPT is done (or enough money is saved to build one) I think X-Arcade is a great option... but only if you score with this deal listed here:

A mere $99 dollars isn't a bad deal for a tank stick XXL (built bigger for an arcade unit).  Shipping is another $30.
http://www.x-arcade.com/mame-panel.shtml

I wouldn't pay more than that, since it doesn't have a spinner, but the price is not too shabby, especially for an XXL version of the TankStick which is perfect for MAME cabs and does not look like it doesn't fit!

[fjl]

I have yet to try an X-Arcade but I recall people bashing it mainly because of some lag issues and the quality of the parts. Can't mention about the lag since I have yet to witness it but I would hate to have bought something called a tank and later realize that the parts should not havet he privilage to be considered a tank.

At one point, I had decided to buy a Tank Stick. Never did simply because I stumbled upon this site. I
m glad I did cause now I learned how to create my own Cp and customize it to my liking. Which I am currently doing now.

So basically most people here bash the X-Arcade while some say it works. So I guess it all boils down to what people preffer. The hard core BYOAC's will say, "Build your own" while others will say, "X-Arcade is good enough." From this point, it's really up to you to decide.