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| Swappable bartop control panel, is it plausible? |
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| menace:
I love swappable panels--I say go all in :applaud: --- Quote ---I also thought about using design where there is a keyboard drawer below the control panel and instead of using a keyboard, have it store two light guns. --- End quote --- I second (or third) the idea of ditching the keyboard drawer--I used real gun holsters on the side of mine (long since sold) and nothing was easier than slipping them in and out for some light gun games. For occasional keyboard access I use a mini bluetooth keyboard (off ebay for 13 bucks) and I love them. As far as connection mechanisms go, I used velcro with great success and rare earth magnets for some success as well. |
| mnewt:
After having a look around at the projects on this site, I eventually settled on modelling my bartop on the taxi cab project above (been on-going for 2 years now and still not finished.....). I decided to use a mini-pac for each control panel - an expensive route to take but I wanted the convenience of just plugging the control panel into a USB port. Another one I was looking at for a future build was LeedsFan's Defender project http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,111218.0.html This also has removable panels - If you look carefully at the pictures in the thread, you can see how they swap out. |
| heyyouguys:
@menace, thanks for input, I agree with the Bluetooth keyboard. That was my plan to get or one of those flexible ones ( dang just remembered my wife bought me a Bluetooth keyboard for iPad a couple years ago for Xmas). I will ditch the drawer for light guns. I am not sure if they have USB ends as that would be just as easy to add on side of cabinet. I would like to see a pic of magnet connection, if you have any, could you post? @mnewt, I like the way he swapped out the panel. Especially the way he used cabinet door "locking" brackets. It is smart use of readily available products. I also like the idea of a simple USB connection to swap out control panels. And agree that your way is a little more expensive but it does simplify the swapping out. Does this allow you to not swap the panels or do you have to power down? @PL1, thanks I am checking it out and can't see (or just missed it in his plans or posts) how he connects the separate panels to the cabinet? I assume USB but not sure. I also like the sturdiness of the control panel when it is not connected to cabinet. It has less of possibility of getting damaged. But I am not a huge fan of the look of it (only the two piece design). With that said, it is a damn nice cabinet and well done. I have to really think that design over. I also agree who his modeling first, since I can't or don't know how to design 3D (other than true 3D, which is a cardboard mockup). I also just want to say that it is refreshing to come this site and be first time posting and get great responses instead of getting attitude (not just this post, other I have been following). |
| heyyouguys:
Well, definitely going to go route of removable CP. I will start with 1 player and go from there. I have spent the last few days going over what I want and what is out there and trying to layout buttons to fit what I want. To get all the items below on CP, I am thinking of 19-20" wide. One of my biggest issues is that I am not sure how far to make the joystick from left side? Any suggestions? The csbinet pattern I will use will be similar to weecade sides or more like jahilton2002 (premier arcades) space invaders bartop sides. I really like the look of his cabinet sides. Also which brand of trackball to go with? Definitely one that is no bigger than 2 1/4" (they seem to take up a lot of underside of CP real estate. I would also like to just see the trackball not have square mounting plate show Decided that I want for 1 player; 1 - 4-8 way joystick (debating on mag stick plus for ease of switching from 4 and 8 way) Buttons need to light up on which ones to use (this is key for my family) for each game. 6 buttons (straight or curved pattern, whichever fits better) 1 trackball (love the trackball games) 1 spinner for tempest ( and the few others that use it) Possible buttons for pinball on side (not sure as I never played video pinball) The standard buttons needed like1-2 player, coin, power, pause, enter, esc (if needed) these may be on front below cp or below screen. Thanks for the help, EDIT NOTE: removed and made a post of its own as I kinda sidetracked my own thread. sorry. |
| PL1:
--- Quote from: heyyouguys on May 15, 2014, 06:38:04 pm ---Possible buttons for pinball on side (not sure as I never played video pinball) --- End quote --- Search on my posts that contain the keyword "MagnaSave" for relevant info and considerations. ;D Scott |
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