Complete Overhaul - Design Suggestions

[Richardgregory]

Hi folks: I kind of have some ideas on what I want to do with this 2nd hand cabinet I picked up. 

The existing configuration does not work for me because as mentioned earlier, the CP doesn't have enough buttons, and it's angled way too steep.   I was thinking of decreasing the angle by lowering the CP forward while redesigning it.  In doing so, I'll have more vertical real estate to work with and granting me room for a trackball.  I would then push the LCD back and also increase the angle so that it sits higher - straighter:up, so that it's not as flat as you see it.

Here are some images - let me know what you all think and come up with ideas to make this a better cabinet.

Thanks

[chopperthedog]

We have seen these pics before, you need to post better pics that show the full cab that will help others to come up with ideas. Also after your multiple threads of beating around the bush I know what you're are trying to do, but there isn't a specific manual for hacking and redoing a cab. Your best bet (if you think you are capable and have the tools) is cut and remove all that stuff and start from scratch with new panel and monitor mount. But once again there is no specific way to get from point A to B. That is limited to your skill set and creativity. Changing the angle and mount of your control panel can be as easy as using 2 chunks of plywood and 8 screws along with some latches. You can see what I did to a poker cabinet (New larger control panel, different angle, set back bezel, monitor mount and created marquee box with minimal materials) http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,130607.0.html. If you don't think you're up to the task it may be better to sell your current cab and seek out a different cab that fits your design needs and cut your losses.


good day.

[Monkeyvoodoo]

+1 to the above

More pics will be needed for anyone to throw ideas back at you. From what I can see you can extend the CP a bit and decrease the angle to a more horizontal position a d it's pretty easy to raise the screen up vertically.

Post a few more pictures of the full cabinet and if I have time ill doodle up some rough ideas (I'm a sucker for designing things)

You can see what I'm in the middle of if you click on take no quarter in my sig.

[zanna5910]

It sounds like you know what to do, just need to get hackin at it and get your feet wet.  Always mock it up first, and see if it fits your needs.

I may also suggest starting up a project announcements thread in the project announcement forum for your entire project, people love to give ideas, tips, tricks for anything you come across while building/modding. 

[paigeoliver]

Judging from the coin door that is not exactly a common cabinet that you are ready to chop up there. An early Universal like Cosmic Monsters perhaps?

I think you will be far less happy with the results than you think you will be.

If you really must extend the panel or reangle it look at pictures of a Berzerk cabinet. Not sure what makes it too steep though, several hundred thousand Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man cabinets seem to disagree with that assessment.

Not even sure why exactly you think the panel is too small. It is a vertical cabinet, which means 3 buttons tops, and there is plenty of room to do a joystick with 3 buttons and a 2 1/4" trackball without chopping up the cabinet.