Thanks for the suggestions guys, I am going to do some calling around and see if I can find a unit somewhere in Phoenix, I missed one for sale two weeks ago on offer up right down the road for $120, so I'm really bummed about that. I have seen one in a retro game store for just around that price, but I doubt its still there, that was a good 5 months ago LOL.
I am leaning toward this as my starting point, then I may attempt the wire bridging myself after I have a working unit. Mine didn't even come with the correct controller so buying a functioning system for about $100 would be palatable for me at this point.