Swappable bartop control panel, is it plausible?

[heyyouguys]

I am building a bartop and have been debating whether to set it up for 1 or 2 players. I have been reading the pros and cons to both in a few threads. This got me to thinking about rotating controls and thought like it should be possible to build a bartop with swappable controls. I would like it to be one unit and not be a separate panel that sits in front. I have passed on the fascination and love of coin ops to my daughter and this is a project that we are looking to do together. This is mainly the reason for two player controls that are needed once in a while.

Also not sure of what type of connector that could be used dor this that allows multiple disconnect and reconnecting. Granted I have not searched for this part yet (but ideas would be greatly appreciated).

Currently have a Dell 19 (19.5 can't remember off top of my head) monitor to use in this.

Also wanting to do he following (more for reference into what I am thinking).
On 1 player panel would like the standard joystick and buttons along with a track ball and a spin wheel. 2 player to have 2 joysticks and just buttons.

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.

Has anyone thought about doing this of have any ideas how to tackle a swappable control panel in a bartop? Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

[DaveMMR]

Totally possible.  I think there are some people who've done that. I was going that route myself for those five minutes I was building a bartop; just use any sort of quick disconnect (Molex, IDE Cables, Cat5, whatever works based on your needs) and a latching system.  Just need to find a place to store them, but they're small.

Though I would ditch any keyboard drawers.  It's already going to be on a tabletop of some sort, just put the keyboard in front of it for those one or two times you're in need of it.

[leapinlew]

Sure, it's possible but I think it would be more plausible to build another bartop. This is my standard response. I have 4 arcade machines which have all the different monitor configurations and controls I want.

If you are using a PC, you could add on a control panel that uses a different USB encoder and she could play on that.

[heyyouguys]

@DaveMMr, thanks for the info and I was not planning on using keyboard only the drawer design to store the light guns. But as you said about the keyboard, same applies to the light guns. Just as easy to plug them in only when needed for those one or two times.

@leapinlew, I agree that separate bartops would be better. Unfortunately space is the issue, so multiple ones are out of the question (that is why I am not building a full size mame cabinet and wife does not want that in the living room). So this is why I was thinking of a removable control panel that can be swapped out easily and new plugged in and ready to go. I have access to a cabinetry shop at work along with a full machine shop, so if I have to make a few parts, its not a problem.

I am drawing out plans now and would rather solve any issues with connections and controls prior to building.

If anyone has pics of this or can point in right direction, I would appreciate it.

[PL1]

You may want to look at the TaxiCab bartop here.




Scott

[menace]

I love swappable panels--I say go all in 

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.

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]

Possible buttons for pinball on side (not sure as I never played video pinball)

Search on my posts that contain the keyword "MagnaSave" for relevant info and considerations.   


Scott

[heyyouguys]

@PL1, thanks, I will check that out tonight.


Any ideas on other questions?