Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: fantoboy on August 25, 2012, 01:08:10 pm

Title: Pros and cons on cabinet decisions
Post by: fantoboy on August 25, 2012, 01:08:10 pm
Making a bartop- need help making some decisions:

IPAC2 vs mini-pac-  opinions?  Seems like mini-pac is easier and has trackball capabilities

Cathode vs LED lighting for the marquee- any difference?

Gameongrafix vs this guy: http://www.hyperspin-fe.com/forum/showthread.php?14155-Decals-and-Printing-for-your-HyperSpin-Cabinet (http://www.hyperspin-fe.com/forum/showthread.php?14155-Decals-and-Printing-for-your-HyperSpin-Cabinet)

thanks for the input!
Title: Re: Pros and cons on cabinet decisions
Post by: thaddeussmith on August 25, 2012, 01:28:14 pm
i recently went minipac when converting my Neo Geo to mame. Absolutely no regrets - super easy to install  and I'm not worried about super tight and precise cable management. If you're wanting pretty zip ties and routed wires, you probably won't be happy with the limited length of the ultimarc wiring harness. it cant be beat for ease of installation though.
Title: Re: Pros and cons on cabinet decisions
Post by: Javinator on August 25, 2012, 03:24:44 pm
Quote
IPAC2 vs mini-pac-  opinions?  Seems like mini-pac is easier and has trackball capabilities

If you're unsure of whether or not you want a trackball you could always get the IPAC2 and then an OptiWiz later for trackball installation if that's what you want.

Downside is you're using more space and more USB ports, but if you decide against a trackball you saved yourself some cash.

Pricewise it would be pretty similar.
Title: Re: Pros and cons on cabinet decisions
Post by: darthpaul on August 25, 2012, 04:29:48 pm
Quote from: fantoboy on August 25, 2012, 01:08:10 pm
Gameongrafix vs this guy: http://www.hyperspin-fe.com/forum/showthread.php?14155-Decals-and-Printing-for-your-HyperSpin-Cabinet (http://www.hyperspin-fe.com/forum/showthread.php?14155-Decals-and-Printing-for-your-HyperSpin-Cabinet)

thanks for the input!
I have to choose Gameongrafix, I've used him a number of times and while I can't say there was never any problems, he was always quick to respond and correct the error.
Title: Re: Pros and cons on cabinet decisions
Post by: mgb on August 25, 2012, 11:41:43 pm
I guess the ipac2 vs mini-pac really depends on if you plan on having a trackball.
I would think Led would be the simplest way to go for the marquee light but I've never used cathode tubes.
I have dealt with Gamongrafix a few times and have never been disappointed.  My cpo came out great and its very durable.
Title: Re: Pros and cons on cabinet decisions
Post by: fantoboy on August 26, 2012, 12:34:40 am
So if I don't use a trackball it's not worth it to get a mini-pac?  Seems like their wiring harness makes things earlier.

Also- what is the texture like on a gameongrafix print?  It's not smooth, right?  A little textured?
Title: Re: Pros and cons on cabinet decisions
Post by: PL1 on August 26, 2012, 12:55:52 am
Quote from: fantoboy on August 26, 2012, 12:34:40 am
So if I don't use a trackball it's not worth it to get a mini-pac?  Seems like their wiring harness makes things earlier.

If you want easy wiring with an IPac, Paradise Arcade now has QDs crimped on wires 1 meter long (http://www.paradisearcadeshop.com/en/jamma-harnesses/402-16-wire-rainbow-packtm-with-110-quick-connector.html).

(http://www.paradisearcadeshop.com/1255-large/16-wire-rainbow-packtm-with-110-quick-connector.jpg)

Hook it to the switch, route the wire, cut to length, strip the wire, tighten screw.

Add a daisy chain ground (http://www.paradisearcadeshop.com/en/jamma-harnesses/405-30-connection-black-daisy-chain-110.html) and it's almost as easy as the mini-pac harness but with custom length wires.


Scott
Title: Re: Pros and cons on cabinet decisions
Post by: Well Fed Games on August 26, 2012, 12:59:43 am
Quote from: fantoboy on August 26, 2012, 12:34:40 am

Also- what is the texture like on a gameongrafix print?  It's not smooth, right?  A little textured?

Yes, it is a little textured.
Title: Re: Pros and cons on cabinet decisions
Post by: mgb on August 26, 2012, 11:16:24 pm
A slight texture to the gameongrafix cpo and it feels very durable.