Noobie needing a control panel builder

[turff49]

Hi guys. New here and fairly new to the MAME scene. Not new to arcade games though(playing them that is). 

With all the talk about Slikstik, which I was getting ready to order, I've decided to steer clear of them. So I'm now looking for someone who does build these with the same quality that the slikstik is built with. I've read several tutorials on building my own but really don't want to take that on. Building an actual cabinet or undertaking modifying one to suit my needs I don't mind undertaking when that time comes. Any of you guys who are wanting to take on a job like this let me know. I will say I want to use the best parts. Ultimarc, Happs, turbo twister2, etc.

And if my post is totally out of line here then just delete it and slap me silly lol

Thanks, Brian aka turff49

[Green Giant]

And if my post is totally out of line here then just delete it and slap me silly lol

The only thing out of line is the idea of making your own cabinet and hiring out the work on the control panel.

Just keep researching and you will see making a control panel is extremely easy.  Takes less talent than making a cabinet.  All a control panel is is a box with holes in it.  You stick in buttons which could not be easier to wire up.  You connect a joystick, also extremely simple.  Then you wire these to a controller, Ultimarc or GroovyGameGear, easy as sticking a wire in a hole and tighting a screw.  After that you are done with the wiring.  Add an overlay to make it look like you want it, and your control panel is done.

[HaRuMaN]

How many players, what controls, etc?  What dimensions do you want as well?  Finish: paint, laminate, or other?

[turff49]

I know, I know, but I'm just not going to have any time before the end of the year. I get a couple hours a day after work of what I call "my time" and I'm usually beat. Just want to sit and enjoy not have to be building something. Also just not sure on the I-pac wiring. Also want pinball flipper and nudge buttons, spinner, trackball, and of course joysticks. On the joysticks I guess I should go with both 4 way and 8 way, unless their is something that does both. Basically I don't want to put a lot of my time into it to only find out I should've done this or done that. I'd rather let someone who has a lot more knowledge and experience in building these do it. I know it's like throwing money away but hey, I'm helping someone out too by paying them. So everyone wins(I hope)

[javeryh]

Knievel has made a bunch for members here.  Not sure what he charges though.

[turff49]

How many players, what controls, etc?  What dimensions do you want as well?  Finish: paint, laminate, or other?

2 Players. Would like to keep it to the width of a pinball machine(I'd have to check those dimensions).  Controls, Happ, ultimarc, turbotwister Ipac(I think, although I was told I should go with a Optipac).  Layout I probably need someone with more experience than me to give me advice based off of the main games my family likes. Right now it will be played from a table.  Finish I'd like something cool, probably some sort of graphix with skulls, tombstones, vampires, evil type theme. If I left something out just let me know.

[turff49]

I'll drop knievel an email if he doesn't respond here. Thanks!

[Kaytrim]

HarumaN does panels too.  I think that is why he was asking you the questions.   TBH you can't go wrong with either HarumaN or Knievel.  Both are top notch builders.

TTFN

[knave]

So do you Kaytrim? Right? 

Or perhaps I'm getting the wrong idea from "Kaytrim's Kustoms".

I also think that Timoe does builds too.

[HaRuMaN]

I'm currently building a custom Xbox 360 controller for a member in Belgium.  Should be done soon...

[Kaytrim]

So do you Kaytrim? Right? 

Or perhaps I'm getting the wrong idea from "Kaytrim's Kustoms".

I also think that Timoe does builds too.

Tim and I build single player models turff is looking for a full arcade panel.  I could do one but I am not completely set up for that yet.

TTFN

[Kangum]

Timoe does such awesome 1 player setups id love to see a full size control panel from him. his quality is so high that would be 3 kinds of awesome.

[turff49]

Actually I suppose what I'm looking for is a Hybrid. It will be used on a table right now and moved around. That's why I want it only at the width of a pinball machine. I won't incoprorate it into a cabinet until next year sometime. I'm thinking probably on the same size as the slikstik. Not sure what those are considered. My main goal on the pinball width is I like to play pinball

Brian(noobie in training)

[Kaytrim]

Pinball width may be too small for a two player panel.

[stephenp1983]

I'd give my recommendation to Timoe if he is still building larger control panels.  He did mine and did an awesome job.  He was very helpful and built a quality product

[stephenp1983]

Actually I suppose what I'm looking for is a Hybrid. It will be used on a table right now and moved around. That's why I want it only at the width of a pinball machine. I won't incoprorate it into a cabinet until next year sometime. I'm thinking probably on the same size as the slikstik. Not sure what those are considered. My main goal on the pinball width is I like to play pinball

Brian(noobie in training)

Timoe has done a few full sized control panels for members.  Like I said he may just be doing the single player ones now though.  Here is mine that he did:

[knave]

I'm no expert but from reading around for my own yet-to-be-started projects the minumum width you'd want to try is 25-28".  And this depends on how many buttons you want and trackball etc.  I think for a two player six button setup with a trackball the smallest comfortable size is around 28". (Many would say this is too small)

I've seen folks shoehorn a trackball on a 25" panel but it is tight. On my stock SF2 cab player 1 and 2 are real friendy meaning that you rub elbows.  

So my advice is to look at all the examples and pick some that you like.  Lots have functional pinball buttons.

stephenp1983: can you give us the width of that CP for reference?

Cheers.

[turff49]

I think I could go up to 30" and still be comfortable playing pinball. I just measured and think it would be ok)  It might not be as comfortable for my son but he doesn't play pinball anyway.

[DaveMMR]

I'm no expert but from reading around for my own yet-to-be-started projects the minumum width you'd want to try is 25-28".  And this depends on how many buttons you want and trackball etc.  I think for a two player six button setup with a trackball the smallest comfortable size is around 28". (Many would say this is too small)

I've seen folks shoehorn a trackball on a 25" panel but it is tight. On my stock SF2 cab player 1 and 2 are real friendy meaning that you rub elbows. 

So my advice is to look at all the examples and pick some that you like.  Lots have functional pinball buttons.

stephenp1983: can you give us the width of that CP for reference?

Cheers.

Mine's 25" and I shoehorned a trackball in there along with the two-player, 6-button layout.  I could definitely stand an inch or so more on either end, but it's completely playable (Golden Tee, as I mentioned before, is not this panel's forte though). 

[ArcadEd]

I'd be happy to help as well.  Shoot me a PM, or a email (via the website below).  I'll give you a quote, just let me know exactly what you are looking for.

Good luck with your project.

Ed

[leapinlew]

Call Slikstik. 

Seriously, don't call slikstik.

[DeLuSioNal29]

You should try www.arcadesRfun.com.  There's a fellow named Jack there who designs control panels.

That's where I'm getting my CPT custom cut.  I plan to put the controls in myself though.  However, he does do the full nine with the controls and everything if you want.  He is a lot cheaper than SlikStik and he does not charge extra for custom layouts or flush mounted trackballs.  He also has an option for plexi, where the T-molding is recessed so that the plexi lines up perfectly with the T-molding once it's put in with no unsightly bolts.  Nice!

That, and he's a very personable guy.  I highly recommend him.

[johnperkins21]

HarumaN did a 360 controller hack for me, and the quality of his work is excellent.

Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of the guys mentioned here. I think your biggest problem will be that since these guys all create such quality work, that they're usually backlogged with requests. 

[turff49]

The ArcadesRfun CP really looks awesome. Very comparable to Slikstik using the top of the line parts. Haven't had a chance to sit down and try to contact Jack. Is the only contact by email or do they have a phone. I'd like to discuss what I want by phone rather than email. I really appreciate this site. I've spent a lot a time trying to absorb all this info.

[DeLuSioNal29]

I've never tried calling him directly.  Just e-mail.  However, I was very successful in sharing my vision with him via e-mail.  I was able to attach pictures of my ideas to the e-mail, which you can't do over the phone.  He got back very quickly to all of my e-mails.  But I'm sure you can ask him for his phone number.