Happ 3" trackball mounting w/ flush mounting plate

[cack01]

This is a very basic question and is probably why none of my searches yielded any results. 

How do I mount this thing to a 3/4 MDF CP?  I figure I have a few options but am unsure to which is the most common and best. Do I?

1) Use a 3" hole saw to cut the hole for the ball and then use a router to recess the underside of the CP to allow the trackball housing to be as far up as possible.  Then recess the top of the CP in order to have the mounting plate flush with the top of the CP.

2) cut out a square smaller than the mounting plate so the trackball is pressed up fully against the plate and then recess the top of the CP so the mounting plate is flush.  This would leave about .75 inches on each side for the mounting plate to rest on.

I think #2 is much easier, but I have never seen any posts mentioning that this is the way to do it (although to me the whole reason of having the mounting plate is so I do not need to go through the mass routing of option #1).

*Optional question"
I got the lighted happ trackball from twisted quarter.  Any idea on the voltage I should send to the bulb? 5V 7V 12V?


Thanks for any insight you guys have.

[Razzer]

2) cut out a square smaller than the mounting plate so the trackball is pressed up fully against the plate and then recess the top of the CP so the mounting plate is flush.  This would leave about .75 inches on each side for the mounting plate to rest

That's how i did it.

Check out my build (link in signature) for pictures.

Razzer

[mcseforsale]

Here ya go...

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,119081.0.html

I just use a straight edge and my router to flush mount it. 

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,117977.msg1261988.html#msg1261988

AJ

2) cut out a square smaller than the mounting plate so the trackball is pressed up fully against the plate and then recess the top of the CP so the mounting plate is flush.  This would leave about .75 inches on each side for the mounting plate to rest

That's how i did it.

Check out my build (link in signature) for pictures.

Razzer

[cack01]

Excellent!! Thank you very much you two.

[Silverwind]

Do you have the project arcade book?  The CD in the rear or the book includes a mounting template for the happ 3" trackball.

I cut the sort of diamond shaped hole out with a rotozip.  I did not flush mount the trackball place because I was pressed for time.  Other than the non-recessed plate the fit is great.

Unfortunatly I can not find the bolts that secure the trackball from the underside of the control panel.  Had to buy some #6 bolts from home depot that sorta fit but not very well.