Control Panel method - simple

[Ond]

In addition to my current Retro-Futuristic Astro cab project http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=88912.0 I've been helping out a friend with his cocktail cab
rebuild.  I've replaced his previous metal CP's with some custom built ones in line with his requirements.  I thought I'd share a slightly alternative approach to CP construction which essentially allows you to drop the Joysticks into the top of the unit.  It means no screws or bolt heads showing and you can use a thin Laminate covered MDF panel to cover so no painting of the CP top.  This suits the use of Sanwa JLW units really well.

I haven't included build pics of the CP, it's a fairly straightforward glue and screw of 16mm MDF panels though.  The CP box is rebated using a template to allow the joystick mount plate to sit flush with CP top.  Note I've left plenty of room for switches and wiring connections to drop straight through.



You need to drill two extra holes in each joystick and then countersink drill them as well.



Screw down each joystick into it's snug fitting position.  You could probably even leave the screws out altogether but I think screwing the units down just makes the whole job a bit more solid.



Now we take the laminated plate which has been routed to exactly match the button layout on the CP (use the same cutting template) and position it over the top of the unit.



Test fit the controls, screw in all the buttons.  It's a little bit cramped but not that difficult.  After that add the dust washers and balltops.





...and voila!  a simple clean CP.  For the rest of the CP I've sprayed gloss black, no cut back or polish, just left it as it dried.




I have two other single player units to do in exactly the same way.  The straight, no artwork finish suits cocktail cabs quite well IMO but you could use a vinyl printed plate instead for an artwork finish.

OK dude, it's ready to wire up! (come and get it   )

 

Ond

[leapinlew]

very cool...

Why did you drill holes for the joystick (in the corners).

[Ond]

very cool...

Why did you drill holes for the joystick (in the corners).

The holes at the corners are to allow clearance for the spade connectors and wiring on each switch on the joysticks.  (I mentioned that in the first post  ).  Those spade connectors stick out quite a way, to the edge of the mount plate and wont clear the cut-out otherwise.

[leapinlew]

Note I've left plenty of room for switches and wiring connections to drop straight through.

Is that mentioning it? I did read the entire post (twice now) and if thats the mention it easily zipped over my head.

As always, good work!

[DaOld Man]

Good job OND. But like leapinlew, I was wondering about the holes in the corners also. Your answer to LL's post cleared it up for me.

[Blanka]

I have the same corners, as they are dictated by the smallest CNC machine bit, 18mm. The only difference is that I route deeper, so the washers are under the CP.

[Martijn]

Thnx, i was just arrived at this part, howto flush sink the bolts with the joystick plate.

[Ond]

This weekend I got around to doing two more CP units for my mates cocktail cab.  He's been waiting quite a while for these, I finally found time to work on them .




Here they are after primer coat in the spray tent. 



Still to do, sand back the primer and spray with a couple of coats of gloss black.

[GregD]

What is the plate that you are using to cover the panels made out of?

[Malenko]

looks amazing! I do kinda like the idea of routing a little deeper so the dust washers dont hide that awesome finish.

[Ond]

What is the plate that you are using to cover the panels made out of?

It's gloss black laminate sheet contact glued to 6mm MDF.

looks amazing! I do kinda like the idea of routing a little deeper so the dust washers dont hide that awesome finish.

Thanks,  I like the simple look of these, just with the control colors against the gloss black, good for a cocktail cab.