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First time building a custom Control Panel - help :)

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swirlee:

--- Quote ---Things to consider when ordering these items:

* Joysticks - Mounting hardware? (Ultimarc has threaded inserts)
* UTrak - The trim bezel is HIGHLY recommended. I assume you will also choose one of the translucent ball options.
* MiniPac - Make sure the harness QD size matches the microswitches in the buttons and joysticks.
* Buttons - You haven't indicated how you intend to wire the LEDs (Daisy-chains from Paradise or GGG are probably a less expensive option, even with shipping)


Scott

--- End quote ---

Ok this is some of the info I was trying to get at.

*Do most joysticks not come with mounting hardware?

*I was confused about this trim bezel.... Ultimarc and these other arcade parts websites seem bad at advertising a part as "the best, easy install kit blah blah" but then hit you with all these exceptions and add on install parts that leave me rubbing my head.

*Not sure what the QD size is... does't this kit advertise that it comes with all the wiring I'd need? Again another example of a kit advertising that "it's so easy" but ends up being confusing as well

*Again doesnt the Mini Pac kit come with all the wires?



Remember total noob here so if you hit me with arcade part slang and abbreviation I might not know what they are... haha sorry!

Thanks!

PL1:

--- Quote from: swirlee on April 05, 2014, 03:47:33 pm ---

--- Quote from: PL1 on April 04, 2014, 08:27:37 pm ---Things to consider when ordering these items:

* Joysticks - Mounting hardware? (Ultimarc has threaded inserts)
* UTrak - The trim bezel is HIGHLY recommended. I assume you will also choose one of the translucent ball options.
* MiniPac - Make sure the harness QD size matches the microswitches in the buttons and joysticks.
* Buttons - You haven't indicated how you intend to wire the LEDs (Daisy-chains from Paradise or GGG are probably a less expensive option, even with shipping)


Scott

--- End quote ---

Ok this is sone of the info I was trying to get at.

*Do most joysticks not come with mounting hardware?

--- End quote ---
As mentioned in the FAQ, there are a variety of ways to mount a joystick using different hardware so vendors usually don't include it.

The UTrak does come with mounting hardware (threaded inserts and screws) since it is designed to mount in a 3/4" wood or a 5/8" wood + 1/8" plexi panel.


--- Quote from: swirlee on April 05, 2014, 03:47:33 pm ---*I was confused about this trim bezel.... Ultimarc and these other arcade parts websites seem bad at advertising a part as "the best, easy install kit blah blah" but then hit you with all these exceptions and add on install parts that leave me rubbing my head.

--- End quote ---
Some people can make a neat enough trackball hole that it looks good without the bezel.

For the rest of us, the bezel keeps the mount hole from looking like :censored:.


--- Quote from: swirlee on April 05, 2014, 03:47:33 pm ---*Not sure what the QD size is... does't this kit advertise that it comes with all the wiring I'd need? Again another example of a kit advertising that "it's so easy" but ends up being confusing as well
*Again doesnt the Mini Pac kit come with all the wires?

--- End quote ---
For the buttons you chose, the 4.8mm (0.187") QDs are the right ones -- there's a convenient reminder on the order page.

The Mini-Pac does come with the wiring you need for the UTrak and for the joystick/button microswitches.

Wiring for LED lighting is separate since the Mini-Pac isn't an LED controller and, like joystick mounts/hardware, there are a wide variety of options.


--- Quote from: swirlee on April 05, 2014, 03:47:33 pm ---Remember total noob here so if you hit me with arcade part slang and abbreviation I might not know what they are... haha sorry!

Thanks!

--- End quote ---
No problem, that's where we all started and why Felsir and I wrote the FAQ -- which has been updated to clarify that joysticks don't come with mount hardware, thanks to your question.  :cheers:


Scott

swirlee:
I read over the FAQ. Thanks for this! I'll try to look over specific sections for answers before bothering you guys from now on. Still have a few questions though!   ;D

I think the first joystick undermount is the one I will go with as it seems like the easiest install. I guess I should also get extensions to increase the joystick height. Do they make extensions for this style joystick?
Or am I stuck having to buy the more expensive ones that appear to have more customization options? 

Good call on the trackball bezel! I'm probably one of those people incapable of cutting out a nice hole that big. Whats the recommended tool for that job anyway? I found the section on trackball installation, but no mention of tools. I'm guessing jigsaw?

Ok, so I am still going to need another wiring kit for the button LEDs. Can you guys recommend a good one? Might be worth mentioning that I am going to be running MAME off an old gaming laptop, so I'm not sure how I would power the button LEDs.

Thanks!



 

PL1:

--- Quote from: swirlee on April 07, 2014, 02:43:49 pm ---I think the first joystick undermount is the one I will go with as it seems like the easiest install. I guess I should also get extensions to increase the joystick height. Do they make extensions for this style joystick?

--- End quote ---
Already built-in -- use the e-clip slot closest to the end of the shaft.




--- Quote from: swirlee on April 07, 2014, 02:43:49 pm ---Good call on the trackball bezel! I'm probably one of those people incapable of cutting out a nice hole that big. Whats the recommended tool for that job anyway? I found the section on trackball installation, but no mention of tools. I'm guessing jigsaw?

--- End quote ---
Several tools that are suited to this task:

1. Hole saw - finding the exact right size can be difficult.



2. Dremel circle cutter attachment or the older-style Model 330 router attachment.

 

The recommended technique for Dremel is here.

3. Circle cutter -- drill press recommended for these whirling blades of death.   :scared




--- Quote from: swirlee on April 07, 2014, 02:43:49 pm ---Ok, so I am still going to need another wiring kit for the button LEDs. Can you guys recommend a good one? Might be worth mentioning that I am going to be running MAME off an old gaming laptop, so I'm not sure how I would power the button LEDs.

--- End quote ---

Given the number of buttons, my recommendations are these:

Order 12v LED buttons.

Power them using 5v from a hacked USB cable (pinout here -- right side, a little way down the page) or this pre-fab one from GGG

Since Paradise no longer appears to carry the red 30-position .250" daisy chains ???, you can get 2 of the 14 button harnesses from Paradise Arcade or GGG


Scott

swirlee:
Already built in! Nice!

I have a hole saw kit, but not sure if one of them is big enough to cut a trackball hole. My guess is probably not. Why do you saw finding the exact right size can be difficult? Are larger hole saw bits harder to come by?

On powering the LEDs, the USB pre-fab kit seems like a nice option. Since the LED buttons that come with the Ultralux buttons are 5V are you saying I shouldn't get those?


Thanks!



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