Control Panel Questions

[spratkobasa]

Hi Everyone,

My setup has 4 u360 sticks and 1 ipac4.  I was wondering what kind of "fasteners/mount/?" do you use to screw the ipac to the MDF (in my case 3/4 inch MDF).  Also what size and type of screws are you using for screwing wires or other parts to the underneath side of your control panel?

I am also trying to figure out which usb hub to get for my control panel.  My plan right now is to get a 7 port usb 2 hub and have 3 extra hubs for charging wii or other types of controllers.  I read that some die out quick (I want one to last for a long time).  Are there any USB hubs that you recommend for my setup?

Cheers

[jdbailey1206]

These along with zip ties will work fine for your cables.  And I used these for my iPac and motherboard in my weecade.  As far as your USB hub is concerned just do a quick search on your favorite marketplace website (amazon etc.) and sort your search by user review.  This way you have something being feild tested by others and you don't have to worry about getting bit in the ass. 

[WakiMiko]

Speaking of PCB feet, is anyone using them to mount their mainboard? Are the screws the right size for that?

[spratkobasa]

Those seem really high in the air. This may be a dumb question but why do we need mount the ipac at all?  Why not screw it directly into the MDF?  I have been checking out amazon but so far the reviews are a mixed bag on the quality of the reviews.  I'm concerned about the ID changing issues some other people have had on the forums with MAME due to USB hubs.

[yotsuya]

Those seem really high in the air. This may be a dumb question but why do we need mount the ipac at all?  Why not screw it directly into the MDF?  I have been checking out amazon but so far the reviews are a mixed bag on the quality of the reviews.  I'm concerned about the ID changing issues some other people have had on the forums with MAME due to USB hubs.

Plug it in once. Leave it there. Problem solved. 

[PL1]

Speaking of PCB feet, is anyone using them to mount their mainboard? Are the screws the right size for that?

The screws should be the right size, but double check that you aren't shorting anything out.

Some boards have components/traces very close to the screw holes -- you may need to make an insulating washer by drilling a hole in a piece of plastic/cardboard then hole-punching it out. (pic shows after drilling but before punching)

Those seem really high in the air. This may be a dumb question but why do we need mount the ipac at all?  Why not screw it directly into the MDF?

The reason they are that high is to allow air to circulate and cool the board -- more important for a motherboard than the IPac. 

You can screw it directly to the MDF, but by using the PCB mounts, you can remove/replace the IPac without worrying about wearing out the mount hole in the MDF.

As screw threads bite into MDF, the MDF breaks down into fibers -- each time you remove the screw and replace it, the screw hole is more likely to strip out.


Scott

[spratkobasa]

Is there a way to make the same mounting thing using local store parts?  I want to start wiring this week and don't want to wait a whole week for one part.

[PL1]

Here's a method using a vinyl loop clamp and a zip tie or two.

If there's a clear path from the mounting hole to the edge of the PCB, you can use the method in pic 1.

If there's something blocking the way, use the two zip tie method.

The first zip tie is secured to the loop clamp so the tail points straight up. (pic 2)

Cut the "head" off the second zip tie and use it to hold the board down. (pic 3)

If you need to remove/replace the board, you can cut/replace the tie straps without loosening or removing the loop clamps.

Depending on the size loop clamps that you use, you may also want to put a piece of electrical tape over the screw head to prevent shorting pins or traces on the PCB.


Scott

[jdbailey1206]

If you are still looking to use the pcb feet and you don't have a lot of room I would recommend purchasing a right angle ratcheting screwdriver.  You can pick one up at Harbor Freight for next to nothing.

[spratkobasa]

Smart idea guys!  I have the feet but they have stickers instead.  I will use those with ties as I have a million of them.  Thank you

[BadMouth]

I've seen people cut the tube from a pen into sections and use as feet.
They use screws long enough to go all the way through to the mdf.

I use rubber grommets from harbor freight in the same way.
Bought one of these packs for the large ones and had the tiny ones leftover:
http://www.harborfreight.com/180-piece-harness-grommet-set-67582.html
I've also used the next few sizes up on the sides of the PCB with the PCB sliding into the slots on the grommets.

Not as good as the feet, but not bad for using something that was laying around.

[PL1]

I have the feet but they have stickers instead.  I will use those with ties as I have a million of them.

Not so sure about this -- can you post a pic of what you plan on using and how? 

If the only thing securing the PCB mount points to the cab is an adhesive foam pad, you may want to reconsider.


Scott

[jdbailey1206]

Smart idea guys!  I have the feet but they have stickers instead.  I will use those with ties as I have a million of them.  Thank you

If you use the flat ones where you have to install the zip tie afterwards don't be afraid to screw them into place.  I used those and after two weeks the clips came loose from the internal heat of my weecade and I had to cut all the wires free and screw the clips into place and re zip tie everything.  Pain the butt.   

Sprat, below are a couple of shots of the PCB feet I have in my weecade.  Just for reference.  You can also see the wire clips I was referencing above. 

[Asmotron]

I have my iPac mounted in my test CP box using these. I had some coarse thread ones laying around.  Drilled some pilot holes and hand threaded them in.  Works like a charm.

[spratkobasa]

I will definitely consider screwing it in.  I stuck one of those stickers on a test piece of MDF and I instantly couldn't take it off.  The only think that can generate heat in my control panel is the USB hub and the ipac.  We will see how a test screw on the test sticker goes before I start screwing into them.

[severdhed]

I've seen people cut the tube from a pen into sections and use as feet.
They use screws long enough to go all the way through to the mdf.

This is what I did and it worked great. 


Sent from my Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 2

[mgb]

Are these the sticky feet you're using?
 If so, you should use a small recessed screw to mount them. The sticky part always fails on them. They don't even typically stick well to smooth metal, let alone mdf.

  I like the cut pen idea. Also your local Home Depot or lowes will have small vinyl spacers. They'd be in the drawers of the hardware isle. They work well with something like a #4 screw right into the mdf.

[PL1]

Another option is 1/4" PEX pipe like this or this from the plumbing aisle. (vertical spacer in pic)




Scott

[spratkobasa]

Those are exactly the stickers I have.  It has a hole for a screw so I will screw them in as well then.  Are those stickers ok for holding wires in the control panel?

[mgb]

Yeah they'll work as long you have a screw holding them. Make sure the screws recess in so they block the tue wrap from going in. I've also used epoxy on those before where a screw couldn't be used.
 

[PL1]

Are those stickers ok for holding wires in the control panel?

That's what they were originally designed for -- wire bundling/routing.

You can also use them with plastic covered wire twists while you're building your wire bundles and switch the wire twists for zip ties once you've confirmed everything is wired and routed right.


Scott