Salut,

So after a number of years watching from afar I've decided to bite the bullet and start putting together a system.  I've always wanted to plan everything out and design what I would consider the perfect system and have probably been a bit paralyzed by that.  What I've learned over time is that people seem to be seldom satisfied with their first system, so I'd rather jump in and start small (with a small control panel) and have the concept of rebuilding/expanding as I go.  So my question is, as a minimum, what would you buy to get started?

I was thinking of just buying an I-PAC2, a couple of Mag-sticks and 20 or so buttons.  One concern is the I-PAC2, although it says that you can daisy-chain them together, is it really practical, or should I go for the I-PAC4 right off?  I'd rather shave off some of the initial costs now and add on a bit more down the road should I decide to expand the controls, I'm just wondering if people have had experience with it.

Also, Ultimarc seems to be the shop of choice, any other good options (I'm in Canada).

So far from them it doesn't take much to add up.
1 x I-PAC 2 Interface.
2 x Mag-Stik Plus
20 x Ultralux Translucent Illuminated Pushbuttons
Total: $187.00

Thanks

I wouldn't really call that a "total".  Don't forget......1) US funds 2)Shipping 3)Duty 4)Those buttons don't light themselves

As for the IPac thing - if you have any intention of upgrading your Control Panel later, bite the bullet and spend the extra $26 (US) dollars from the start.  Else you'll be paying shipping, and duty again when/if you upgrade.

This hobby is not for the cheap.  Did I say hobby?  I meant sickness.  

Heavy P

Thanks for the comments.  I realize the extra costs in exchange, shipping etc, which is why I was wondering about any domestic options.

For me, I think it's more about the short term costs, versus the long term.  I realize it's not a cheap hobby, but I'd rather not let my better-half know that up front.  I'm looking to minimize the "And you paid what for that?" fallout that would most likely curtail further purchases.

For example, I can see my next order including the leds for the buttons and perhaps a couple of ultra sticks.  The order after that, perhaps the IPAC4 (or another IPAC2), some regular buttons, more sticks, at which point I would have enough for two systems (the cottage is just begging for a system).

The shipping costs are stated as being by weight, starting at $12.  I guess I'll play around with a few options to see what the cost difference is based on the part breakdown.

Im building my first Mame right now and have never done it before.   I think I have read enough to get it right the first time, but yes it not going to be cheap...

New PC
New WG monitor
KI cabinet with new coin door, joysticks, buttons, marquee, overlay
JPac
ArcadeVGA

Well if you are just getting started, you may want to hit up CGCC to see if anyone there has any parts before you buy your own in batches.  Sure you fool yourself into thinking you are saving by getting a little bit here and there..... but you'd save more by just getting it all at once.  And even if you do any searching, you'll find that Ultimarc is still the most recommended place to buy outside of Canada.  If local is your thing - Starburst might be an option - depending on where you are.  Could save you some cash as a starter.

As for your thing with your other half - dude......sounds like you may be on a short leash that might not reach the basement.   You could always use the guilt trip and say - "Well honey, it could be worse - I could be addicted to porn".

Heavy P

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHHA!

Most of us don't end up liking our first system because we either go too complex, or cheap out.  My first one was made of junk parts, which i overpaid for (grrr #$*#$& TOPEC) Second Mame (official) is my current one, which i did simple at first, then just recently got a set of lite-up buttons for it... Thinking back, i should have gone light up buttons at first... since now i am going to have a whole bunch of extra red buttons. meh, i'll use em up.

Andy at ultimarc is a great guy.

You mention the Ipac 4, are you going to build a 4 player cab?  I only ask, cause i considered it myself, but decided against it... since 90% of the time it is me and the brother in law.  I am thinking of setting up 2 usb ports and using usb game controllers for the few times when i have neough players wanting to play 4-player gauntlet.

Heavy, I'm under no illusions that I'd be saving any $$ doing it this way, think of it as lowering the monthly payment, I realize I'll pay the interest in the end.  As for the wife, I've found over the years that it's best not to force my ideals her way...I'm going for the rope-a-dope on this one.

I'll scan CGCC, then most likely go with Ultimarc if nothing turns up.

Axe, that's the reason why I figured I'd go with the lite-up buttons at the start (at least the shells), ok, maybe the leds too.  And yep, the 4 player would be one of the end goals.  Games like NBA Jam and Gauntlet come to mind.  Actually the Gauntlet in the for sale section has my eye.....

I would use 'divemaster' at BYOAC.
Here is the link:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=47066.0
He carries most of the HAPP line as well as Ipacs,Optipacs,Ect. I have ordered from him many times and have had no problems whatsoever. Shipping is fast and reasonable too. Just e-mail him with the list of stuff you want and he'll e-mail you back with the total. He'll ship USPS as well so there are no brokerage fees.

Ultimarc was pretty resonable for shipping to Canada when I bought from them.  Much better than going straight to Happ.  If you're looking for generic sticks/pushbuttons though, I ended up picking some up at the Playdium store in Misssissauga (since they're local).  Shipping from there is also reasonable, since there's not going to be any customs issues.  

If you're going to order from Ultimarc though (for things you can't get through Playdium), I'd swap at least one of the MagSticks for an Ultrastik.  I've got one of them in my cab, and I really like being able to reprogram the mappings for different games.  Plus, it has its own leads on it, so you can use the extra inputs on the ipac for other cabinet buttons.  

Ultrastik360 is great.  I have one.  A bit 'soft' if you are used to the more stiff, late 80's style.   And Ultimarc has great customer support.  He has helped me, quickly and easily, in the past when I had a few issues.

I got the longer handle and stiffer spring upgrades, and it makes it much more usable.  I don't think I would have liked it as much with the stock springs, and I prefer having the slightly longer throw for fighting games.  Plus, it works as a analogue stick and a mouse pointer.

I just went with the competition in the end, standard buttons and I-PAC2.  I figure this will be more of a prototype than anything else.  Worse case I'll sell it or take it to the cottage.  Ended up ordering from Arcade Emulator as well, thanks for the tip.