Control Panel Mounting

[DirtyDachshunds]

First off, I know there are plenty of threads on this subject, but I wanted to get a poll together to see which way the the majority of the community leans.

I also have a top mount idea without ruining the CP art.  Use the regular, non sticky vinyl, and just place the vinyl between the CP and the plexi, using the buttons as screws.  This way you can top mount the controls and still get to them without ruining the vinyl.  This is the way I am leaning toward making my panel.  Any reason not to do this?
 
 

[bkenobi]

What's the point of not adhering your artwork?  If you make everything attach from the bottom, you won't need to mess with anything on the top.  I used bolts that stick through the artwork and plastic, but at this point would probably opt for t-nuts instead if at all possible.

[DirtyDachshunds]

True, but I want to avoid attaching from the bottom to maintain proper length and throw on my joysticks.  Also, the trackball I have needs to be top mounted.

[ragnar]

Dirty D,

I am doing the same exact thing you are doing with my build.

I am top mounting and sandwiching the vinyl between the CP and glass witout adhering the vynil.  Simple reason is that I can more easily service it that way.  And with the u360s, I am saving $24 in not needing to buy the longer sticks.  And I think the throw will be more natural when surface mounted.  And to state it, I am doing dustcap over the acryllic.

With the recesses for the joystick, I am going to fill in the extra space with something.  paper, cardboard, wood, something.  Just so the vinyl does not sag there.

[DirtyDachshunds]

Also, how do most people attach their control panels to their cabinets?

I saw these from GGG and thought about going that route.
http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=70&products_id=204

Do most just screw their CP directly into the cabs?

[justinjstark]

Also, how do most people attach their control panels to their cabinets?

I saw these from GGG and thought about going that route.
http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=70&products_id=204

Do most just screw their CP directly into the cabs?

The CP clamps are nice.  I used them not only to hold my CP on, but I made my cabinet split in two (top half and bottom half for transportation) and the two are connected with dowels and clamps.  Depending on how wide your CP is, it can be nice to remove it to get through doorways...if you ever want to move it.

[JustMichael]

Also, how do most people attach their control panels to their cabinets?

I saw these from GGG and thought about going that route.
http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=70&products_id=204

Do most just screw their CP directly into the cabs?

Most control panels I have seen (including mine) are connected to the cabinet via a hinge.  Mine has clamps similar to the those GGG ones to lock the control panel down.

[MB]

I used these clamps.

http://www.arcadeshop.de/Accessories-Panel-Clamp-adjustable_814.html

They're great because you can adjust them and it wont matter much if you attach them a little bit too
high or low.

[ids]

My control panel is a fully enclosed box.  It is mounted to the cabinet (UAII) using flanged insert nuts (like these ) and large head bolts (something like this , but shorter, and with more thread).

The inserts are in the cab, and the large-head bolts drop through holes in the bottom of the control panel.  Using 6 in all.  Provides good strength, with easy removal.

The control panel top is hinged in front (player side), and the back (cabinet side) is held shut using something much like this .  They are hidden from view on the sides.  Makes for a strong hold-down, and relatively quick access to the underside if need be.

That's my current plan, anyway.  Open to suggestions.


As to the original question, top-mounting everything.