Control Panel and latches/magnets

[frotter]

Hi,

I am nearing the end of my first ever build of an arcade cabinet (cocktail) and am hoping someone might be able to help me with one last problem.

I have made my CP's on a hinge so that I can access the internals at anytime if I need to (you can see from the photo). I hadn't really given much thought to what method I will use to keep them closed while playing until now and it is starting to be a bit of an issue. I have thought of using a latch of some kind, but figuring where to place it is another problem. I also thought of using magnetic catches and placing them on the inside edges, but will the magnets have an effect on the workings of the CP?


This is a picture of the cabinet with the CP's closed.


This shows the Player 1 CP open (all control panels open the same).


 Has anyone got some good ideas on the best way to be able to keep it shut. I still want access to open them without having to undo screws, etc.

Thanks again for everyone's help.

[HanoiBoi]

Besides magnets, you could consider velcro.  The hard interlocking 3M stuff that they use for EZ Pass and such.

[DashRendar]

Besides magnets, you could consider velcro.  The hard interlocking 3M stuff that they use for EZ Pass and such.

+1

This is what I used to anchor my CP in place.  Home Depot sells an industrial velcro which won't detach from the adhesive.  Super easy to put in there.

[RandyT]

I didn't see what type of monitor you plan to use.  If using a CRT, you will likely not want to use magnets.  They will screw up the screen if they are too close.  If using an LCD panel, magnets are fine.