Completely changed my gameplan...

[DaveMMR]

After quite a few weeks of drawing plans and building a prototype, I complete abondoned my plans of my 4-player, rotating control panel     Even though I tested it using a poorly cut top panel (the one that actually rotates, I wasn't really happy with the small, albeit distracting, gap to allow it to rotate. I still can use the cp box itself so no big loss.

Although I was opposed to it at first, I think now I'm more keen on making the center of the panel swappable (the outer joysticks and two inches on top for the start buttons will remain a permanent fixture).
I realized that (a) I'd no longer be bound by only two panels, allowing me to make a panel for any need (especially that YDKJ panel I've been gunning for) (b) I'd be the one playing the cab most of the time so I needn't worry to much if "other people can do it without my help", and (c) I realized I can store extra panels in the cabinet.  

I've been thinking of making the cps almost cartride-like, using connectors that require only pulling force to remove it (think removable hard drives), while gravity keeps it in place.  

Now on to the actual question: I know you can 'hot swap' the connectors for the controls to the I-Pac/Opti-Pac, but can you do the same for electrical connections?  I wanted to have light up trackballs and one of the control panel's buttons but I don't know if you can plug stuff in to the Molex connector while it's powered up.  Or better yet, can I use a battery to power up the LED's on the control panel itself (I'd put a cheap Radio Shack swich under the front lip to conserve juice when it's stored away)?

Any thoughts, tips, or suggestions would be appreciated.   Thanks.

[rockhopper]

People keep talking about removable panels that can just be inserted in place causing electrical contact to take place. Someone mentioned edge connectors like you get on JAMMA boards (or like the old cartridge system consoles used).

I'm not sure how removeable hard-drives do this, but have you (or others) considered using something similar to a ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) socket that is used in electronics?

ie you place the cp in your cab and then pull a lever to clamp onto an edge card. Could also use this lever action to lock the cp into place two so it is dual purpose.

extending this is to use solenoids actuated by a limit switch so once a cp is in the cabinet, it hits the limit switch causing solenoids to clamp the connection and locking pins to hold the cp in place

sorry to ramble, just a thought...