9 replies to this topic

[zebulon]

 

[yagesz]

Zeb your amazing. I will be ordering one asap. Well as soon as I have the bills for it haha. In the next few months. Any possibility you will include undergrowth lighting for the cab?

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[nickbuol]

I saw this on your website while you were out on vacation/holiday...  I did have one question, and please understand that I am still learning here, so not a criticism, but just a question.  Why solenoids and not contactors like what so many people do? 

 

Also, any plans to add a wiper motor? Seems like the only thing missing. 

 

Again, I don't even have a cabinet, but was very intrigued by this when I saw it on your website a week or so ago, so just wondering, not criticizing.

 

 

It looks like a solid kit and SOOOO easy to install.  I Love It!

Edited by nickbuol, 31 August 2016 - 03:27 AM.

[Nemo]

über cool ! Man time to fatten that piggybank, i just have to have it......

[roar]

I saw this on your website while you were out on vacation/holiday...  I did have one question, and please understand that I am still learning here, so not a criticism, but just a question.  Why solenoids and not contactors like what so many people do? 
 
Also, any plans to add a wiper motor? Seems like the only thing missing. 
 
Again, I don't even have a cabinet, but was very intrigued by this when I saw it on your website a week or so ago, so just wondering, not criticizing.
 
 
It looks like a solid kit and SOOOO easy to install.  I Love It!

I've got to guess cost in the solenoid versus contractors front. When the news pricing it out I could get 10 solenoids for about the cost of one or two contractors.

[zebulon]

Part of the reason for solenoids vs contactors is definitely the price.  For my peace of mind retailing a unit involves using brand new parts and a decent, long-lasting contactor is too cost prohibitive.  Personally, I prefer the sound of the solenoids better as well, contactors always seemed like too much of a 'dry' sound, while a solenoid has a somewhat more realistic sound and feel.  I dropped the gear motor for much the same reasoning as it's just not something that I think is necessary to the experience.  The savings in shipping costs without the extra weight outweighs the effectiveness of the gear motor.  There are extra ports on the driver board (only 12 outputs are used on the high power board) and a further 2 driver boards can be added to the existing setup so adding in a gear motor is easily accomplished.

 

As you can imagine, the units are pretty labour intensive (basically wiring a complete cabinet) but they are incredibly easy to install.  you simply screw the left and right panels to the inside walls of the cab, mount the lightbar and solenoid bar and connect up the 3 molex connectors and 1 ribbon cable.  Plug in the usb cable and the power cord and you are done.  

 

I also have a solid state version of the Saintsmart board that  I'm just finishing testing that replaces the relays with mosfets and has an onboard opto circuit for the flippers.

 

[hlr53]

I've seen push pull solenoids for as low as $3.00 on Ebay shipping from China. Makes a lot more sense on a cost basis than contactors.

 

That kit is beautiful and really tempting! Naturally, a cost premium over pure DIY but man, the time savings and it is tested and ready to go. When I get ready to add the feedback toys I may just go this route.

[zebulon]

Thanks for the interest and support!!

 

[Umpa]

What a fantastic idea. If I build another one I will be ordering!

[nickbuol]

Thanks for the insight everyone.  Honestly, despite being someone who likes to run wires, tinker, etc, this ready to go kit seems to be a good value actually.