I don't think you are the only one thinking I was out of control. The idea was to keep only the controls you need to play a game visible. Even though the build is much more difficult than a so called normal build, my goal is to have a much simpler cabinet to use, especially when company comes over to play. My skills aren't all that great or I wouldn't be pulling this thing apart for the third time. While I have it apart, I'm going to install Molex connectors, so if I have to take it apart again, it will be way easier.
Good luck on your build.
Hey, the cool factor on this build is so high it more than justifies any craziness. & a lot of what we're (can I include myself when all I've accomplished so far is a really crappy looking ddr pad build, a stack of parts in the basement, & some sketchup drawings?) trying to do here is as much about the building itself as the gaming is (I think I can safely say that if u want a really well built cab, it better b about the build first).
More & more, I like the idea of making it simple for guests. Darn it, I'm almost sold on some big reconsiderations for my illusionary future cab. I'd pretty much decided on a modded Ghost in the Machine clone, but now...
I do have at least one more concern: a heavily automated cab sounds like a lot to go wrong, especially as it sees more use over time. A lot of what you're doing involves moving parts--how durable r they?
...& as for 'my build', I'm always using terms like 'illusionary', or 'fantasy', as if it will never happen. I've got some serious obstacles in my way, but I'm slowly (very slowly) making progress. Right now I'm sketchuping controllers (using way more detail than necessary, but I'm having fun), & the next step is to start cab drawings. I don't have a workshop or anywhere to put one, so my plan is to hire a carpenter to do all the cutting for me. So it is happening, just way slower than I would prefer.