The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls
Main => Reviews => Topic started by: Amigoid on May 31, 2007, 12:39:50 am
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:notworthy:
When I was building my Supercade variant, it was mandatory that I make my control panel Discs of Tron -compatible. I was originally looking for the Oscar controls unit, but when they were not available, and I could not locate a used DoT spinner, I expanded my search and found the Blackhawk.
Wow.
This unit is one of the nicest, most well-built components in my control panel, and graces top-center on the panel (see web links at end). I waffled between the primary and secondary versions, finally opting for the only slightly more expensive Primary. Now, understand, I was new at this, so those that see the control panel will realize that its overkill; the Opti-Pac installed in my panel could have handled it, or conversely, the Apache could have handled both the spinner AND my trackball. But by making the devices separate I have some future expansion flexibility.
Now, about the unit. Spinning it, it is solid, and smooth as butter. The up/down switches are solid and reliable. Tron, Discs of Tron, Breakout, Arkanoid, Tempest, and Cameltry are all slick, fast and reliably fun with it. I re-wired the unit (switching the top and bottom switch leads carefully) so that I can use the trackball mouse and a quick tap on the spinner is the same as a left-mouse-click.
When the unit had a malfunction several months out, they were good to swap out my controller board. When my kids got too excited and whaled on the spinner a bit too enthusiastically, they cheerfully shipped me a replacement spring. Now, this is not to suggest that their gear is not top of the line. It is rock solid and reliable, after almost a year of use its still smooth. Their customer support is first rate.
I won't build another arcade panel without their Blackhawk, simple as that.
I just started a web page to show off the arcade cabinet, and plan to post detailed pics of the arcade machine soon.
Apache controls are found here:
http://www.apachecontrols.com/store/
And a pic of my new cabinet (completed, this is a WIP picture) is here:
http://home.comcast.net/~lbrown-amigoid/wsb/html/view.cgi-home.html-.html
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That 2 step CP design looks familiar. I almost went for that design myself.
Nice job!
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Curious the timing of this post with the Apache special in Main.
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I'm glad I didn't post my review this week. I got one in Feb and have yet to test run it. It is a very solid piece of equipment and the guys there go out of their way to help. I will post a review when I get it into a cab. I want to try it out with a trackball attached as I don't think anyone has reviewed that feature yet.
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8)
Hey, I didn't know they were running a special! Thats cool.
I just found this place and wanted to start posting about my cabinet design, and I will be writing next about the Ultimarc parts. I figured I would write about Apache first since I have had to contact them on two occasions, and both times when I needed help they either did a free component swap (control board) or just sent me the part (springs) for free. Try doing that at any other store... :cheers:
I have the Optipac, the ipac4, and a pair of ultrastic 360 joysticks in with the rest of the stuff. (oh and the rotary joystick interface for my Ikari sticks which suck). :hissy: