Gave up on modding, now need to buy a new pad.

[djpanda]

I was modifying my old tx-1000, but now i have given up. it is just way too difficult. there's no way this pad will live up to other people's homemade pads. i spent about 30-40 dollars trying to fix this thing up. But i can reuse the soldering iron, so just $30 i guess.

And, since I recently got a job and have already earned about 130 dollars in three days work, i think i will save up for one or two weeks and buy a new ddr pad.

now. the most common question. which one should i get? Well, if i work a few extra shifts in my spare time and do all my homework on time, i can probably afford a new blueshark pad in a couple weeks. (i go to uc berkeley, and school is just about to start so these first two weeks should be a bit light.)

there are only two reasons that i would NOT buy a blushark metal pad.

1.) Guilt for spending that much money.
2.) Weight. it weighs alot. I live in college and have no tv. i'd have to carry my pad downstairs to the main lounge to be able to play. but there is an elevator, so no stairs will be involved. 90 something pounds, am i right?

so my question isn't so general or vague: Is it appropriate for me to buy a blueshark metal pad?

i suppose i could always buy a small television, but coupled with the price of the pad, that would be a very LARGE amount of money spent to play ddr. i don;t know if i could manage that.

with the issue of guilt over spending so much money:
when i think about it, there;s no point in buying a cheaper pad if the more expensive one is better. the blueshark pad has special arcade sensors correct? i could spend less and buy the cobalt flux pad, but i don;t know if it has the arcade sensors. i hope it does.

but if i can earn the money, then i should buy the better one, right? or should i settle for an afterburner for half the price? this decision is sooooo confusing, but it;'s down to four pads.

1.) Afterburner
2.) Cobalt Flux
3.) MyMyBox 2200 (similar to blueshark but costs less. i don't think it has the special sensors)
4.) blueshark metal pad

Advice? Input? Experience?

Which of these pads has the best and most crack-resistant panels?

Which of these has the most arcade feel?

Which of these is the sturdiest?

Which of these is most appropriate for the dorm lifestyle?

Which of these is the most sensitive?

Which of these has the least bugs/issues?

Well the issues that are most important to me are these: crack-resistant panels, arcade feel, and dorm lifestyle.

well i guess all of the issues are important to me, but some have to be sacrificed with certain pads.

wow that was a long and unorganized post.

so here is my analysis:

Blueshark:
pros: it has good sensors and a good arcade feel
cons: i don't know how good the panels are and it is very heavy

Afterburner:
pros: arcade feel, light
cons: idk about panels, sturdiness, sensors

mymybox 2200:
pros: arcade feel,
cons: heavy, idk about panels, not as good sensors as blueshark

cobaltflux:
pros: good panels, sturdy, light
cons: not a good arcade feel (smooth surface), idk whether the sensors are as good as the blueshark sensors.

please tell me if this info is correct or not. and for the stuff that idk, please give me info.

in retrospect it looks as if the cobalt flux is the best for me. but can anyone tell me about the sensors? and also how i can get over the un-recessed arrows?

[Razor LOL]

Definately go for the Flux (as for the smooth surface, you can buy kits to give it a more arcade feel)
_________________

Recall
Groovestats (Now completely filled in, challenges plz)

[psisarah]

From what I've heard metal pads are extremely loud, and probably not appriopate for dorm living. I live in a second story apartment, and here what I did;

Go with an Ignition-style pad. Leave the foam out (I've found they work better without the foam between the pad)

Buy replacement foam so you have two sets. Superglue all the pieces together for a bit of extra stability. Duct tape the two layers of foam together, then duct tape the pad to the double foam layer.

I've found this greatly reduces the noise and I've had no complaints from my downstairs neighbours since I've done this (as opposed to having my super come up and heckle me at least one a week) It's cheaper then buying a metal pad too. You can also inexpensively mod the pad so the sensors don't die in a week. If you can find a cheap TV to stick in your dorm this might work (and avoid future battles over the TV in your lounge)

That's all I have to offer, since I've never owned a metal pad before.
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[mouseish]

wait....A TX-1000 is nearly identical to a TX-2000 in design. I've modded my TX-2000's into something playable and I should be able to help you do the same. You will need some material, but it shouldnt be too bad and it will be more than worth it.

- solder/soldering iron (you have)
- old PS1 controller ($2.00 used)
- 10 ft CAT5 (ethernet) cord ($6.00)
- 1 roll of weather sripping ($1.79)

- 8 pieces of 10"x10" sheet metal
(roofing flashing works best, very thin) ($20.00 max?)

This replaces the flawed aspects of the TX series. The wiring gets replaced with CAT5 wiring, the control box (that sucks) gets replaced with a PS1 controller, and the seneors get replaced with sheet metal/weather stripping. Since the sheet metal makes a completly flat sensor surface, the stock arrows do not crack (you need to remove the LED's from the arrows too, but who really minds that.) If you have questions or want pics, AIM me or something

[DefaultGen]

[djpanda]

yeah i think the cobalt flux sounds like the best idea since it is light.

about the foam padding pad, i've tried soft pads, trust me i have, but they just don't work for me. i really need a good arcade feel. Also, i live on the first floor and the only floor below me is the main lounge. and i think dorm floors are pretty thick. this dorm at least.

i don't think i can mod my pad anymore. i dissassembled the whole thing and it would be a horrible mess to put it back together. i'm just not good at this building stuff deal.

If i buy a CF then i can afford a cheap tv as well. it will be an okay weight. the panels are resistant to cracking, the pad is sturdy. The only problems are whether the sensors are good enough and the recessed arrows thing. where can i purchase this kit?

does anybody know how good

[Razor LOL]

[djpanda]

oh really? They will install the kits for me? WOW!!!!

Thanks! I'm going to get a cobalt flux for sure now!