BNSUSA Fusion Series Metal Extreme Platform Dance Pad

trogita · Basic Member Joined: 22 Aug 2005

I just got mine today, and it is absolutely horrible. I am guessing I have a V1, because it is uber non-sensitive. I usually AA rhythm and police, I failed, and my max combo was 16. That is ridiculous. I hope that the pad just needs to be "danced" into, because it is no where near playable. Is there anyway to get a V2, or am I stuck? I wiegh 140 lbs., I know that is above minimum weight, but it may be a factor.

ThePandemonium · Trick Member Joined: 05 Jul 2005

I had no trouble with this pad except for that it does need to be danced into but I do think that it was because it was out for 3 days in the snow. But I also have found out that my cousins had no trouble with the pad at 80 lbs. Only problem was the holds but thats no big deal...
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Pixxel · Basic Member Joined: 21 Dec 2005

ThePandemonium · Trick Member Joined: 05 Jul 2005

I think I have a v2 since this thing is so goddamn sensative. I brushed my foot over the arrow and boom, is senced it. Is there anyway that I can tell if it is a v2 or not?
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trogita · Basic Member Joined: 22 Aug 2005

You must have a V2, that sounds really sensitive, V1's are not even close to that level of sensitivity. I e-mailed them and am going to try and get it exchanged since it has been less then 30 days and I still have everything. Hope this works out, twas my biggest christmas present

123aaabbbccc · Trick Member Joined: 19 Aug 2005

mine has been UBER leet as well. its a great pad, but i'm pretty positive i have version 1, since i got it some time a go and the V2 thing seems to be a new thing you guys brought up. are they selling them officially yet? no mention of this on their site yet.

either way. love the fusion series, but this may also be because i clear the weight limit no problem (if you know what i mean). either way, love it so far.
any more feedback on the V2 pads?

Pixxel · Basic Member Joined: 21 Dec 2005

I wish I could say as to the exact date that the V2 pads came out, but at least I can say this: I called BNSUSA on Dec 20 with a question about the add on accessories for this pad, and the salesman I talked to said that I should wait until V2 of the pad comes out, which will be really soon. When I asked how soon, he couldn't find the exact date. He promised he'd find out and send me an email with the date. The next day I got this:

"Per your request for information regarding the newer fusion dance pad, it is currently in stock but not fully intergraded into our inventory. If you would like to specifically special order the newer more sensitive Version 2.0 of the all metal dance pad please call in to special order that item to insure that you do not get shipped the original style one with the 135lb weight requirement."

It makes sense that he couldn't find the release date since it was already released.

I also have a question. On the website it said that the pad weighes 40 lbs. On Fedex.com it says that my package weighs only 25. Could someone clarify this? Right now I sarcastically reason that the pad just gets heavier after you open it.

Oh, and about the advertising of Version 2, (this post is geting way too long) I don't think that they will ever adveritse that it is a new version. Version 2 is simply an update to the older product. It contains no new features, nothing to distinguish it enough for advertising.
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"Ahh... so close. Just a tad, a trifling, a little more. The story of your life isn't it?" -The King of All Cosmos

ThePandemonium · Trick Member Joined: 05 Jul 2005

I have a version 2 for sure. My friend who also has this pad, has the Product ID of VG-DRXT1-FUS while I have VG-DRXT2-FUS which leads me that I have a v2. And for the weight It is appox 57 lbs. It is definaly NOT 25 lbs.
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123aaabbbccc · Trick Member Joined: 19 Aug 2005

i have V1, it is for sure not 25lbs. i think they were just mooching off the shipping company hoping they wouldn't check that exact package, hehe.
not sure how eavy mine is, at least 35+ pounds my guess though.

Shufflefield · Trick Member Joined: 16 Jun 2002 Location: Ohio

Well, I finally took the plunge, after threatening too for months. I just placed my order for a doubles set with UM3 and the xbox adapter. Quick question...

I thought that the pads cbox had the xbox and ps2 connections built in, but there was some talk upthread about an adapter, plus the UM3 bundle mentions that it comes with the xbox adapter, so am I correct in assuming that I will be using an adapter, not a native cbox connection, on the xbox?

Also, the doubles set, it comes with 2 xbox adapters right, I know that sounds dumb, but the site isn't really clear, it says it comes with an adapter, but it's not plural. I guess if it comes with only 1 I will yell at them. =)

I sent an email, and made a comment on my order that I wanted the V2 pads. I hope that is what they send...
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ThePandemonium · Trick Member Joined: 05 Jul 2005

Pixxel · Basic Member Joined: 21 Dec 2005

First of all, happy new year! I got my pad on the 28th and I have been dancing it in. Although it has become much more sensitive than when I first tried it, I still can't hold freezes unless I look down at the pad, stand on my toes, and make sure I'm exactly in the middle of the arrows. Even though I called in and special ordered the V2, I don't think I actually have it. I weigh 140 lbs, by the way so if it is V2 anyway it should be a lot more sensitive (My pad is not even close to: "I brushed my foot over the arrow and it sensed it.") I will call BNS but I will have to wait at least until the weekend is over (they might have taken Monday off too for new years.) One more thing: my control box came with connectors for PS2, Xbox, and USB. From what I read from the other posts, people are getting control boxes that are either just for PS2, or for PS2 and Xbox. What is the deal with that?
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"Ahh... so close. Just a tad, a trifling, a little more. The story of your life isn't it?" -The King of All Cosmos

mthegreatone · Trick Member Joined: 25 Sep 2005

apparently it's all a matter of luck trying to get a x-box with a 3-way adapter. is it possible to simply ask BNS for a PS2/xbox/USB adapter? it would definitely make things a lot easier. but yeah good thinking about special-ordering the pad. in terms of the hold arrow issues, yeah it probably has to do with the one-piece design, or not. i guess it would require more dancing-in to hopefully.

Shufflefield · Trick Member Joined: 16 Jun 2002 Location: Ohio

Just arrived!!!

1st - It only came with one xbox adapter. This doesn't make sense, but don't fret potential buyers, it isn't because I ordered a doubles set and got one adapter, it is because each control box I got has the usb/xbox/ps2 plug right on it. So, I don't know why they sell it with the adapter...

2nd - Each of my two pads has the exact same nasty ding on the upper right corner. It's kinda squished in. I still need to try them out, so it's no big deal for me personally, if they work good, I am not going to complain at all.

3rd - Mine doesn't look like the ones on the site. Instead of a round graphic in the middle, I have a square graphic and BNSUSA is printed quilte simply. Also, The lower left square and triangle graphics are missing. However, I do have a nice "flame" graphic down the side of each arrow.

4th - My receipt does not list wether or not this is a version 2. But I have an email from a sales rep assuring me that they would be.

I will update once I can get on them. I have dinner to make and lost to watch tonight, but I plan to at least give them a quick whirl.

I would like to post pics if anyone is interested, but I don't have anywhere to store them...

Edit 1 - on closer inspection, the second pad also has a nasty and very prominent ding on the up arrow. I was worried this would cause the arrow to constantly ding, it doesn't. Everything on both pads seems to work. I am out of practice, and the flat surface will take some getting used too, but it's okay so far. I actually like it on the xbox better than the ps2, it is much more responsive on the xbox than my old RO ignition.

I will update again in a few days after I have had a chance to get up to speed and break it in more.
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"He's all the way live B..."
http://www.penny-arcade.com/view.php3?date=2001-09-19

Pixxel · Basic Member Joined: 21 Dec 2005

Wow, my pad has the exact same ding on the upper-right corner. I thought it was just a defect in my pad, but if you have two and they both have it too, then it may be just the way they manufacture it. I also don't have the circle logo in the middle, or the square and triangle graphics, but I do have the flame thing in the bottom-left corner. It makes me wonder if these features are also a way to tell the difference between version 1 and 2.
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"Ahh... so close. Just a tad, a trifling, a little more. The story of your life isn't it?" -The King of All Cosmos

mthegreatone · Trick Member Joined: 25 Sep 2005

for the most part it's at least good to hear that you guys are really enjoying the pads. all the more reason for me to purchase one (yeah yeah, i haven't gotten around to it yet; i'm still waiting for my konami soft pad to crap out

)

Shufflefield · Trick Member Joined: 16 Jun 2002 Location: Ohio

A few more impressions, a few questions....

First off - "Dance into it" - Yup, previous posters were correct, I really didn't feel I was getting much out of the pad at first, but a few good sessions later (I have about 8 hours in on the pads now) and I am feeling them as much more responsive than when they were fresh.

2nd - I am finally getting used to the surface. After doing some stuff on beginner (so I could really watch my feet and make sure I was hitting stuff and it was responding) I am able to hit the arrows. I am still not 100%, but I have been able to AA a few things, even though they are lights or standard, this tells me that I am obviously hitting the sensor. After awhile I was able to actually tell without looking when I hit it and when I didn't. The pad will register on the outer edges of the arrows, but you can feel a "clean" hit, there is a slight indent, or give, on the panels when you hit it dead on. Not as spongy as the the arcade, but it's there.

3rd - Holds are a problem. When it's just a hold the pad seems to be getting a bit better, at first I had to be pretty concious of keeping my weight on it to register, this does seem to be improving though. However, when its a hold on one arrow and your other foot needs to hit some beats, the weight shift results in a lot of NG's. I think with some more practice and breaking in this will improve though.

4th - No arrow issues or phantom hits that I have notcied so far, and the arrows register when I hit them, so the internal wiring seems to be holding up. However, as others have mentioned, it is a bit stompy, it is better than it was on day one, and I do conciously try to play flat footed to be sure I am on it.

5th - Xbox compatibilty - at least with the control box, is very good. I actually like playing ultramix now, as it feels more like the PS2 versions. With my old RO ignition 2.0 the xbox connection just felt very "laggy".

6th - I play barefoot, but tried it with shoes, both feel fine to me. I haven't hurt myself barefoot since the surface is flat. I know that is an issue with some of the more arcade styled metal pads.

7th - This one is an actual complaint, the doubles link is crap. The holes for the screws on the bottom side of my pads were stripped so I couldn't anchor it there. I was able to attach the top ones, but they just get knocked loose so fast. The good news is that the pads are pretty heavy and don't slide on my carpet very much, if at all. Just placing them side by side allows for several songs on doubles without having to constantly readjust.

now for my questions...

Anyone open one up yet? I would like to do the sheet metal mod, as I think that would greatly improve the sensitivity and improve the situation with freeze arrows. However, I have no idea what the sensor is like on the inside, and since the top is all metal, I wonder if there even is any sensor or if the whole top itself is the sensor (any electrical geniuses want to set me straight? There has to be a seperate sensor right? Otherwise you would shock yourself with each step right?). Anywho, even if the sensor already uses something better than foil, I think a thicker piece would help reduce the space that the arrow has to travel to connect, thus improving response and sensitivity...

What should I use to clean it? I used some windex sprayed on a paper towel, it got kinda streaky. Any suggestions on polishing it up?

My last thought is just more of a suggestion -

I know some people are put of by the flat surface or can't find their way. I am getting used to it, but I had an idea to help my wife out. I might put a strip of grip tape down the side of each arrow. I think that would probably really help with finding the right place to step without having to look. Has anyone else done anything like this or have another suggestion?

All in all I dig the pads so far. I can't compare it to a CF (I still want one, but we got 2 of these for the price of one of those, maybe in a year... =)) but so far it seems solid. Once you break it in and get used to it I think it's a pretty good bad, If I ever make it to heavies I will probably have even more of an opinion on it, but for how I play and why I play, I am pretty happy so far.
_________________

"He's all the way live B..."
http://www.penny-arcade.com/view.php3?date=2001-09-19

mthegreatone · Trick Member Joined: 25 Sep 2005

good feedback. so overall this pad is pretty good except for the "dancing-in" which in itself isn't such a big deal either.

orb · Trick Member Joined: 20 Nov 2002

anyone else have some suggestions about this pad?

glfelt · Basic Member Joined: 03 Feb 2006

one more bump. I'm thinking I'm going to order it tomorrow, I'm hoping that those who have had it for awhile can give me one more update as to how it's playing/holding up.

If I were to put squares of light grain grip tape on the four corner squares, do you think that would disrupt the movment of my feet? I'm certain it will help me find the arrows, and I'll almost never be playing barefoot.

Thanks for the help.