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Arcade In A Suitcase

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CpCaveman:
Right I`m running out of steam finishing my cab, I think the only thing that`ll get me going is knowing there is a new project to follow, so I dug out my old xp laptop which I`ve tested and can run mame well and is just gathering dust,  I could build another Cab/table but i`d be sleepwalking doing that, everyones doing bartops as well, so for something different (well havent seen its like mentioned in what little I`ve seen) and that has a bit of cerebral action involved, I was thinking of making an arcade in a suitcase ( see pic for type of case )

1. How hard is it to remove a laptop screen from the laptop and link it in a new position (its an old 15" samsung one,can provide details if anyones interested) ? I would like ANY info before i just rip it apart and see for myself.(and probably regret it :) )
2. Is there such a thing as quick release joystick handles / unscrewable ones? as I`ve either got to make a mech that will raise/lower the control panel into the case (which means the case will have to be deeper) or make my own joystick arms/handles

was just thinking that, like my cab in a few years it`ll just sit there, but if its in a case it can "be put out of the way" but still ready for action and wont need to be got rid of because we need the space:), thoughts?

Nephasth:
Not the same, but similar. Might give you some ideas to work with: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,84113.0.html

sandheaver:
The connection to a laptop screen is usually LVDS, which is not a common connector in PC-land, but is a standard signalling method.  You'll also need to power the backlight, which is pretty straightforward.  You'll need longer cables for both of those.

You'll probably also need to fabricate a bracket to actually mount the screen.  I can't recall any laptop I've disassembled having a mounted screen; they were all held in place by the monitor half of the case, not screwed to the case, but held in place when the case itself was screwed together.  It was a pressure fit, inside.  I guess it would depend on the make & model; some probably do screw it down.

If you get a case with a deep enough lid, you won't have to worry about it.  I don't know of any joysticks that aren't meant for, or designed to look and act like they were, designed for use in public places.  Accordingly, none I've ever seen have easily removable sticks.  An easier method than retracting would be rotating down and away from or toward the latches.  Those mechanisms are tricky.  It would be even easier if you had a mounted panel, but, when opened, placed controls INTO the panels and optionally fastened them down.  Kind of like how X-Arcade joysticks (ugh) sit inside X-Arcade cabinets (ugh).  Removable, but sturdy when in put in place.

sandheaver:

--- Quote from: Nephasth on March 08, 2013, 03:27:57 pm ---Not the same, but similar. Might give you some ideas to work with: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,84113.0.html

--- End quote ---

The spinner on that thing makes me nervous.  Seems like it would touch the screen when folded.

It is impossible for me to think much of cabinets that try to do everything.  Joystick, six buttons, spinner and a trackball?  Seriously?  I would make separate cabs, or at least separate control panels.  You can't do each method justice if you include them all in the same panel.

jpS14:
Hey caveman I have a similar project going on. I haven't announced it yet because i've been pretty busy with a newborn. For the joystick I'm using one of these  http://www.focusattack.com/jlf-link/. I hope that helps you out. I'll be posting my project soon and hopefully it will help stay motivated to keep working on it.

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