RAM Controls Reproduction Tempest Spinner

Daviea

Permanently Banned - See: Ram Controls Forum Secti
Joined
Jul 18, 2006
Messages
958
Reaction score
8
Location
Huntington Beach, California
Rating - 85.4%
82   14   0
Hey guys,

I wanted to give everyone a status update on the reproduction Tempest spinner controller. I've got everything done except for zinc plating of the frame and the knobs. The knobs are going to be a pain, but I'll get them done. I have a sample reproduction knob from another arcade collector to use in the meantime and it's pictured in the photos. I'm also working on reproduction encoder boards, but the spinner will mount HAPP red boards (as well as OEM encoder boards), so I'll be using them for now.


This is the very first reproduction spinner off the production line, just before having them zinc plated.

Here we go:

DSC08069.JPG



DSC08070.JPG



DSC08071.JPG



DSC08072.JPG



DSC08073.JPG



Note that the frame is slightly taller than an OEM frame to accommodate the R4 ball bearings which are mounted to the top and bottom of the frame.

If some customers don't want the ball bearings, these can be setup to operate exactly like the OEM spinners without the ball bearings, replacing them with polymer bearings instead.

Everything else is to OEM spec.

Dave
 
Wow that looks great. To bad I don't have a Tempest.
I do have 3 SEGA Star Treks. Sure would be nice to have Star Trek spinners with ball bearings.
Hint Hint :D
 
Originally, I was shooting for ~ $55 spinners without ball bearings and ~ $75 with bearings. I think I MIGHT be able to hold those prices since I cut enough frame parts for 1000 spinners all at once, getting my price per part low enough. I've formed and welded half of that qty (500 units) for now, since 1000 units might be too much..... not that 500 units ISN'T too much. LOL

The only thing that might blow this out of the water are these dang knobs. If I can do some fancy footwork, I might even be able to hit below my original target prices. Now, wouldn't that be cool? I'm working on it!!

Dave
 
i need a new knob too. i have one of 20 raw aluminum tempest knobs made by oscar controls back in 2003 on my tempest right now. its cool but it just doesn't have "the look".
 
I have to admit... I liked those aluminum knobs - way off the reservation as far as look/feel, but I did like 'em nonetheless! Though, my fingers told a different story as the aluminum knobs have a tendency to eat through a few layers of skin as you're using them. LOL

Dave
 
Oh, and I forgot to mention. I'm going to be making Tempest control panels to go along with these spinners. Will also be available in MH roller controller flavor. :)

Dave
 
This project is coming to a close real quick now, so the spinners should be available sometime soon. I'm eager to close as many of these ongoing projects as I can.

Anyone have any comments about those aluminum knobs Oscar controls made awhile ago. I'm leaning far away from doing them that way, but I would like to hear opinions on the matter.

Dave
 
Anyone have any comments about those aluminum knobs Oscar controls made awhile ago. I'm leaning far away from doing them that way, but I would like to hear opinions on the matter.

Dave

Tempest being my favorite game, and also I have two of them, I would say the aluminum does wear on the fingers. I actually prefer the plastic for any time I am going for a long run playing the game.

I think the only thing I didn't like about the plastic is some have been worn down really bad to the point of being slippery and it makes playing on the higher levels difficult. But I have only seen one or two like that.
 
I think the only thing I didn't like about the plastic is some have been worn down really bad to the point of being slippery and it makes playing on the higher levels difficult. But I have only seen one or two like that.

If we had a brand new plastic spinner knob on our Tempest machines they would probably last until after we are gone. Unless you put them on route.

I vote for as true to the original as possible, as I know you probably do too Dave. People are used to waiting for a quality product from you so don't go cheap on this one. Or you could start selling the units with a coupon for a knob once they are done or just sell without for now and people can use their originals or something else until they are done.
 
Anyone have any comments about those aluminum knobs Oscar controls made awhile ago. I'm leaning far away from doing them that way, but I would like to hear opinions on the matter.

Dave
well, i have the aluminum one on my machine and im waiting for you to come out with "original" ones. that should tell you where i stand.
 
This project is coming to a close real quick now, so the spinners should be available sometime soon. I'm eager to close as many of these ongoing projects as I can.

Anyone have any comments about those aluminum knobs Oscar controls made awhile ago. I'm leaning far away from doing them that way, but I would like to hear opinions on the matter.

Dave
Dave,
Cant you repop the factory spinner knob out of aluminum? be more durable and shouldnt slice up the fingers.
In any case, put me on the list for a spinner WITH bearings.
Let me know when they are ready!! :)
 
I've got the aluminum knob and really like it. It does bite a bit at the fingers a little, but i prefer the weight over the plastic. I think if it could be made with a slight chamfer to each grove instead of the straight cut, it might reduce the bite.
 
I would prefer plastic over aluminum, however have you considered other options? What about a dense, hard rubber material? Same color as the original, different sheen, but heavier and 'grippier'. At the same time not too soft so that the ridges will wear over time. Just curious
 
I can make them from:

Aluminum <- Oscar Controls made from this
Steel
Nylon <- Originals made from this
Delrin
Urethane

I am leaning somewhat toward urethane, but will most likely make them from Nylon or Delrin. I've ruled out steel, obviously. I've almost ruled out aluminum, but it still has a slim chance.

Urethane has something over Nylon and Delrin - it's ever so slightly more "rubbery" which means it's softer and more likely to take long-term abuse you guys are so well known for. LOL

Downside is that urethane is more expensive and is more difficult to "inject" into a mold. It's very viscous, so it's somewhat difficult to get fine details in it without injecting, so open molds are out of the question. No worries, I'll figure it out.

Dave
 
Back
Top Bottom