Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: lordnacho on July 21, 2011, 09:18:41 pm

Title: Vendors selling empty desktop CPs?
Post by: lordnacho on July 21, 2011, 09:18:41 pm

Hi all,
Seems whenever I search for empty single player control panels, I get older posts and sites that seem to not make or sell them anymore.  Anyone know of a vendor or member that still makes them?  I've already got a joystick and buttons, so just need a shell.  Not really a fan of the x-arcade button layout, but I could deal with it after replacing parts I guess.

Would love to build one(and a full cab), but I live in a city apt with no space for cutting/drilling/etc

Title: Re: Vendors selling empty desktop CPs?
Post by: Gatt on July 21, 2011, 10:57:23 pm

There's alot of them,  depending on where you are.

I don't want to slight any vendors,  do your google search for "Control panel blank" or "Prebuilt Arcade Cabinet".  The second one will actually yield a bunch of sites that also sell blank CP's.  www.mameworld.com (http://www.mameworld.com) also has a number of vendors in it's advertisements at the top.

Title: Re: Vendors selling empty desktop CPs?
Post by: Jack Burton on July 21, 2011, 11:05:50 pm

arcadeinabox.com is a reputable company.

I'm fond of Voltech's work.  He does custom sticks and cases and he can probably work with you:

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6149/5923223548_fe67f1bf61_z.jpg)

Title: Re: Vendors selling empty desktop CPs?
Post by: lordnacho on July 21, 2011, 11:21:32 pm

Gatt,
Been using those search terms, but didn't see a lot for "desktop" or "1-up" CPs.

Jack Burton(great name btw),
Woah Voltech's sticks are amazing, sort of a step up from what I was thinking(both in style and price, so I'll have to think about that)
I did email arcadeinabox, they don't sell without buttons/joystick and I already bought a u360 and some GGG buttons.

Title: Re: Vendors selling empty desktop CPs?
Post by: Donkbaca on July 22, 2011, 01:09:41 am

Get an xbox 360 or PS3 joystick. Both plug into a pc since they are USB. People mod the hori sticks all the time

Title: Re: Vendors selling empty desktop CPs?
Post by: lordnacho on July 22, 2011, 11:57:06 am

Donkbaca,
I'm only going 6 buttons, the Hori one with 6 looked a bit flimsy/light weight.  Want something that won't move when playing.  Not sure what the weight limit for that would be, I could mod that I guess.

Title: Re: Vendors selling empty desktop CPs?
Post by: Donkbaca on July 22, 2011, 01:24:30 pm

Hori ex-2

How heavy do you want it?  Its the cehapest, easiest way to go.

Title: Re: Vendors selling empty desktop CPs?
Post by: lordnacho on July 22, 2011, 01:45:37 pm

Not sure really, Arcade in a Box has their true arcade listed at 5-7lbs vs the Hori ex-2 which amazon says is 3.5lb.  I figured the heavier the better so it doesn't move around on my desk or coffee table(if the kids play).

I'll try to find one somewhere to test

Title: Re: Vendors selling empty desktop CPs?
Post by: Donkbaca on July 22, 2011, 01:54:40 pm

Maybe, but if you wanted an AIB with Sanwa parts, you are looking at 200 bucks.  You can get the madcatz sfiv premium stick for that much with all premium parts, or just mod the hori with sanwa parts for half that cost

Title: Re: Vendors selling empty desktop CPs?
Post by: lordnacho on July 22, 2011, 02:07:00 pm

Yeah that's the issue, I don't want to pay for parts as I already have them.  I don't want to spend too much on the case, since it's hopefully a temporary solution.
So the ex-2 is a good solution and better than my xbox gamepad(pc version), just concerned about it moving around while playing(as one comment did mention). 

Was just hoping there was a simple empty box out there(like a mameroom one chopped in half)

Title: Re: Vendors selling empty desktop CPs?
Post by: TopJimmyCooks on July 22, 2011, 06:45:53 pm

I've got a mayflash fight stick, it's a POS but if you have parts to install, there are videos out there of guys mounting decent sticks and snap in japanese style pushbuttons in them.  It's light but you can unscrew the bottom panel and glue as many fishing weights as you want to the metal bottom panel.  you can even use it's usb/PS2 interface if you can solder.  If you're interested I could be convinced to part with this fine piece of arcade excellence for reasonable remuneration.   :cheers:

Title: Re: Vendors selling empty desktop CPs?
Post by: Donkbaca on July 22, 2011, 06:53:38 pm

I have an ex2, its fine, doesn't slide around at all.

I also have the wireless tekken fight stick.  Its bigger, and wireless and can be had on ebay for under 50 bucks.

Title: Re: Vendors selling empty desktop CPs?
Post by: mgb on July 22, 2011, 11:38:53 pm

Those Voltech sticks are very nice.

What about NorthCoast Custom Arcades, they sell blank control panels, basically just like the old SlikStik panels.
http://www.mameroom.com/Products_kits.asp (http://www.mameroom.com/Products_kits.asp)

Title: Re: Vendors selling empty desktop CPs?
Post by: Jack Burton on July 23, 2011, 03:40:59 pm

The Hori Real Arcade Pro and the Madcatz Fightstick Tournament Edition are not flimsy or lightweight.  They both have a very solid feel and won't slide around at all.  If you prefer six buttons then you can buy button plugs for the two extra holes.  Or if you wanted to go the extra mile you could buy a new control panel for one of them that only has six holes in it. 

Title: Re: Vendors selling empty desktop CPs?
Post by: lordnacho on July 25, 2011, 10:10:25 am

Thanks all.  I have an email into a vendor(was mentioned in the back of Saint's book - new version), can't think of the vendor right now and book is at home.  They had a single player control panel, I just liked the look of it over the fight sticks.  But if that doesn't pan out, I'll probably get one of those.

mgb,
I dropped them an email, they don't have a single player one.