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First-Time Project Dreamer Seeking A Few Answers.
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DJTommyTheCat:
I'm a long-time reader of the forums here, and fortune has it that I should actually be able to afford a cabinet of my own by this coming summer.  As such, I'd like to first say hullo to the entire board, and thank you lads and lasses for what you do and the help you give!  I have a few questions, so I thought I'd give a go putting them out there.

Firstly, are there any opinions on saving money buying an empty cab on Ebay versus building one from scratch?  I can't check Craigslist just yet as I'll almost definitely be moving by summer and I'm not sure just where yet.  Ebay seems to have a few empty cabs for around 150 dollars shipped, and I know a few sheets of MDF will run me around 80 dollars, but I'm obviously not taking into account cross-pieces and so forth that I'd need to build a cab from scratch.  Has anyone got experience with this?  I'd love to get this first 2-player cab finished for under 1,800 USD (including whatever computer I put in) and I'm not sure which method would be the best.  Keep in mind I'm an absolute beginner.

For my buttons, I know I want lighting and have decided to go with the LED-Wiz for my first cab.  I want to learn 'proper' LED wiring, for a future cab, but I know the Wiz both lessens the difficulty of the wiring and adds options for lighting patterns and colours if I choose the RGB Drive boards for my pushbuttons.  My question has to do with which LED-Wiz related option people seem to like best, the RGB Drive, or the more expencive NovaGem buttons.  With 7 player buttons per stick, then a credit and start button for each player, plus three pinball buttons, I wouldn't likely break the budget if I went NovaGem instead of RGB, but I'm looking for a couple mini-reviews on either or to help me decide.

Whilst I'm on the button subject, may I use the RGB Drive boards with 'standard' translucent buttons and still get an attractive light from them?  Or does most of the light get absorbed this way?  Buttons will be among the single greatest expence for my project already, I'm just looking for what options I might have whilst maintaining a nice look.

From the math I've run just generally on what I know I'll need, I -should- be able to get everything in under 1,800.  I have to buy a router, jig saw, drill, sander, and circular saw, which add about 370 dollars.  I do realise that if I choose a prefabricated empty cab, I won't need the saws, but then I save cash with sheets of wood over the empty cab anyway.

I'm rather just feeling out the situation with my first post here.  If anyone has money-saving tips I haven't thought of, I'm all ears.  I appreciate any help I get here or will ever get, thank all of you!

Cheers.
Endaar:
Welcome to the boards and an absurdly expensive hobby. :)

Here are some pictures of the Electric Ice buttons (which I think are what you're referring to as RGB Drive) alongside the clear Novagems, also with the RGB Drive modules. You can use either the RGB modules or any single color LED in either button.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=90562.0

I really like the flexibilty of having RGB buttons, regardless of which button type you choose. Keep in mind however that RGB requires three inputs on the LED-Wiz per button. For what you describe, you will need 2 or 3 LED-Wiz boards if you go with RGB.

Endaar


DJTommyTheCat:
Bloody _wow._ That's the only thing I can say to those amazing comparison photos.  I don't care that they're about twice as expencive as the Electric Ice buttons.. NovaGem is the way to go.  Those look so much better it's shocking.

Actually checking Groovy's website, my buttons run about 25 dollars more for a 2-player panel than if I went with the Electric Ice.  I can live with that. ^.^  I'm -assuming- the Novas come fitted with LEDs, from looking at the product page.

Thanks for the reply mate.  I look forward to starting and indeed learning more.  Still hoping for a few replies on building a cab versus buying an empty one too.

Cheers.
Neverending Project:
Welcome aboard. It's a great hobby to get in to, and I'll bet that before long you will be in a way different position than you thought you would be.

About the cab - I would say that Craigslist is definitely the way to go. If you can wait until you move, check once you get there. If you can't wait, you may want to consider moving the cabinet with your stuff. If you're looking to save money, don't plan on buying a cabinet off of ebay and have it shipped. You should be able t find some great looking empty cabinets on Craigslist for free, or $50-$100.

Building a cabinet can be fun, but it will definitely take a long time. It may take weeks or months, depending on how much time you have to throw into it. It may be enjoyable or frustrating, depending on your woodworking skills and patience. In the end, you will put way more than $80 into a build-it-yourself cab when you consider all the 1-by lumber, 2-by lumber, hinges, screws, glue, brackets, glass, lights, tools, you name it.

If you really want to maximize your money and time, wait to find a cabinet on CL or eBay that is in good physical shape, and one that you like the look. If you really enjoy designing, planning and working on projects, go for the build-it-yourself.

Either way, there are plenty of bright folks here to help you on your journey. Don't stop, believin'. Oops, sorry, that last bit just slipped out.
DJTommyTheCat:
So that's at least one vote for the pre-made cabinet.  I've been thinking about the ancillary costs I'd save, like the plexi over the monitor as you said, coin door and mechanism would also likely be included.  I'm leaning towards looking for a 2-player empty cab to buy for my first project, then go to the all-on-my-own side of things for a 4-player.  That way the only thing I really have to 'build' would be a control panel since I want the 7 buttons per player configuration, and P1/P2 start and two credit buttons.

I've looked at overlay and side art and marquees, researched buttons and sticks.. oh, as I'm going with the U360s, can I simply use one I-Pac2 to wire the credit and start pushbuttons to?  Even if I build a 4 player panel in the future?  I know the 360s support 8 buttons each.  And if someone could fill me in on the differences I'll get out of a 'regular' arcade spinner and a push/pull spinner, I'd be pleased.  The push/pull spinner is a good bit pricier, but it's quite lovely..

Oh, and.. if I go with the empty cab, what are some decent ways to remove old T-Molding and side art/paint?

Cheers.
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