Best way to attach control panel to cabinet?

[Tzakiel]

How do y'all (I am not southern, so I don't know why I said that) attach your control panel to your cabinet?  I am assembling a UAII cabinet so I will have the keyboard drawer with an open top like so:

http://www.mameroom.com/manuals/UAIIKit_Manual.pdf

I will be building a 1/2" MDF control panel... I am assuming it will just be a flat board with holes in it... and I won't need "depth" or box sides for it since it will just sit on top of the shelf.

North Coast/MAMEroom seems to just assume you will use the included corner brackets to screw down your control panel on to the shelf. I am thinking that might make it a pain to reach the underside of the CP for initial testing and service. And, I would like to be able to change out the CP artwork under the plexiglass easily without unscrewing the shelf.

Has anyone used a hinge or other way of attaching the CP to make it easier to test and service?  (I know some have, but I guess I am wondering if there is a specific good way to do this for a UAII) If so what hinge and how would I install it exactly so it opens without damaging anything? Would that be sturdy enough not to slide around on the non-hinged side?

I'm pretty clueless and this is my first CP so any advice is appreciated, especially if you have built a CP for a UAII.

[Richardgregory]

Maybe you can try one of them latches that can be found on trunks?  Install a piece of wood on each end of the CP and attached one end of the latch to it and the other onto another piece of wood that's attached to your cabinet.

[wp34]

I ran a couple of 1/4" carriage bolts up through the shelve and used wing nuts to hold the CP in place.  It is very secure and very easy to remove.

[mcseforsale]

This might work...

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,117977.msg1265003.html#msg1265003

AJ

[Cynicaster]

I used pieces of angle iron that look sort of like this: http://i01.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto/v1/594819189_2/L-shaped-Angle-Iron-Axle-Bracket-Iron-Plates-20-Holes-for-DIY-Model-Accessories-Robot-Body.jpg

Actually, the stuff I got at the local hardware store came in a length of several feet that I cut as desired, and it had every other hole elongated which made it even easier to use (less precision required). 

I mounted that stuff on the cabinet, and attached the CP using 4 carriage bolts.  Works like a charm. 

[EMDB]

Or this...

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,130690.msg1354240.html#msg1354240

[DLinkOZ]

What EMDB said.  That's how my DK cab attaches, and it's super-solid.  A wood CP on a wood base, you could use furring on the bottom of the CP to locate it.  Or, like the original, a simple metal plate that protrudes up into a notch on the bottom of the CP to keep it fixed on the flat plane, while the latches suck it down to the cab.

[Richardgregory]

I couldn't find these at HD....where would I be able to get these. They look like they would work very well.

Or this...

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,130690.msg1354240.html#msg1354240

[BobA]

If you are building the UAII type cab it is designed for a Control Panel box to sit on top of the front of the cab.  If you do not build the Control Panel into a box it will not sit properly on the UAII.  A simple flat control panel cannot be used unless you build up the front of the UAII to fit it. 

[Tzakiel]

BobA, yep. Figured that out last night as I finished assembling my uaII. Now I'm feeling quite overwhelmed. Seems like a more complicated project. Hopefully it will still be doable for a woodworking newbie like me.

[BobA]

Just go slow and steady.  The UAII control panel instructions show the pieces needed to box in the panel.

[Tzakiel]

Just go slow and steady.  The UAII control panel instructions show the pieces needed to box in the panel.

Edit: Aha! found it under kits rather than controllers. That is some help, along with dimensions of the controller product. I guess that gives me a start.  Thanks!

Hi Bob, where is that document located?  I took measurements from my cab but I'm having a hard time picturing all the pieces and angles I will need to cut. I don't see that doc on their site however.

[BobA]

Forgot if you are doing a 2p or a 4p but the 4p is the size that the UAII uses.  The 2p would probably have to be altered to fit the base on the UAII.  I have attached both documents which were available on their site when I downloaded them.

[Tzakiel]

Thanks Bob.  I am making a photoshop file with pieces and dimensions drawn out. Once I am confident it's right I might send it your way to see if you agree. Based on the 2p classic controller and actual dimensions of my cabinet's shelf.