Main > Main Forum

First Cab shopping list - advice wanted

(1/4) > >>

zero_koop:
Hello everyone, I'm getting ready to build my first cabinet.  I've been gathering information about what to buy over the past year and I even bought a few parts already as a trial to see if I could get it to work and if I liked the parts.  I want to share my proposed shopping list for my control panel parts and get any feedback you have.

What I have already:
- I-PAC2 from Ultimarc
- Mag-Stik Plus from Ultimarc
- 2x classic pushbuttons from Ultimarc
- 2x goldleaf pushbuttons from Ultimarc

I'm building a 2 player cabinet so I only needed the IPAC2 and so far I think it works great.  The Mag-Stick Plus was chosen because of its easy 4-8 way switchable from the top (I like the physical restriction).  I've used the joystick a little bit and I think I like it.  I know the general opinion is that there are better options, but honestly I don't have anything to compare it to myself.  So that's why I bought 1 and I think it's fine.  But opinions on this are welcome.  I thought I might like the leaf switch pushbuttons, but in the end I think I like the microswitch ones better.

Here is my shopping list for the remaining parts.  So far I've had a good experience with Ultimarc and they seem to have everything I want and there prices are reasonable so I'm just planning on ordering everything from them.  Other suggestions welcome.
- 30x classic pushbuttons (I need to figure out the exact number, plus I plan to have some extras for backup)
- 2x Start logo buttons for 1-2 players
- 2x SpinTrack Rotary Control (spinner)
- 2x Knob for SpinTrack (black/silver)
- 2x Flyweight for spinner (small)
- Mag-Stik Plus (I already have 1)
- Opti-PAC Interface with USB Cable
- U-TRAK FlushMount Arcade Trackball
- Trackball Adaptor Harness for Opti-PAC

So any advice or feedback on these particular items is greatly appreciated.  I do have a few questions myself:
- I can use the spinners to act as steering wheels, correct?
- Anyone used a spinner without a flywheel?  I don't have much experience with spinners so I really don't know what I like.
- Anyone have 2 spinners on their cabinet?  I think I'd like this but I'm actually having trouble finding a good list of 2 player spinner games.
- The trackball is a 3" ball.  Ultimarc also sells a 2 1/4" trackball.  Any advice on the size you prefer?

I plan to make this purchase in the next couple of weeks.  That way I can start building trial control panel layouts and practice mounting the parts before I do it on the final version.

Thanks for the help!  If you want more info from me just let me know.

Paul Olson:
If the magstick plus feels good to you, then it will be great. I didn't like the short throw, but otherwise it is a really good joystick. I think that spinner is probably too light to use without a flywheel, but I haven't used it to know for sure.

Steering wheels are basically just big spinners, so it will work for games that used optical steering wheels (like Pole Position, Super Sprint, Offroad), but it wouldn't be a whole lot of fun. the wheel adds a lot to the games.

I would definitely stick with the 3" trackball. I have a 2.25", but I never use it. The 3" was a good upgrade, so I wouldn't go backwards. I really didn't like the wico 2.25" trackball that Ultimarc sells. It just never felt right compared to the Atari/Happ versions. I have never tried their U-Trak, so I don't have an opinion on that one.

I don't think there are enough 2 player spinner games to justify the cost - unless you and your friends find that you like driving games with a spinner. I can only think of Pong and Warlords.

GregD:
I think the rule of thumb for the spinner is that if you do not get the flywheel then you should get a heavy knob for it.

yaksplat:
I'm a fan of the leaf buttons from ultimarc.   They work great, no clicking and just the right amount of spring tension.

Go with a 3" trackball, you won't regret it.

I have 2 spinners for use as steering wheels.  Get the flywheel on the spinner, it's a cheap option that you wont want to have to purchase later and pay shipping again.  The spinners from GGG are great, and there's a steering wheel option that works well.

Rando:

--- Quote from: zero_koop on January 08, 2012, 10:02:05 pm ---- The trackball is a 3" ball.  Ultimarc also sells a 2 1/4" trackball.  Any advice on the size you prefer?

--- End quote ---
I placed a similar order to Ultimarc and was very happy with my experience.  Regarding the trackball, I went back and forth, finally decided on the 2 1/4", and am very happy with it.  Plays great, looks to be a perfect size, and I haven't had anyone tell me they wish my ball was bigger.  ::)

Luck on the Spinners, I haven't installed one yet and have some of the same questions you do.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page

Go to full version