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Install trackball on wooden panel WITHOUT mounting plate or carriage bolts

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Marsupial:
This may look silly, but I've been searching for a while for a good way to mount the trackball without using metal brackets.

The traditional method to mount a trackball is to use a bracket and try to hide it with a pocket on top, to be hidden (not quite) under the art.

But, sometimes the bracket is pricier to ship than the cost of the trackball.
Sometimes people aren't used enough with their routers to consider this method.

Sometimes they would like other inputs closer to the ball. For instance, the mouse buttons gets too far off when using the metal plate. It's a matter of personal preference.

But... You know... Sometimes people thinks they know better and insist the only way is using a mounting bracket.
Sometimes they can't imagine people thinking otherwise. But, hey, it's cool. There are other ways. One of which is without a mounting plate.
here's how:

https://wereallgeeks.wordpress.com/2021/06/18/trackball_noplate/









I hope this may help people out.


Otherwise, some people are looking at more extreme methods, such as this one:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=161771.0

Which is cool too...

Regardless,

Enjoy.

Marsupial:
Here's what it looks like on a more complete control panel


Note the lack of apparent mounting hardware.

Mike A:
I find it interesting that lots of people worry about seeing carriage bolts, but then have visible dust washers that don't seem to

bother them.

Marsupial:

--- Quote from: Mike A on June 21, 2021, 08:21:44 am ---I find it interesting that lots of people worry about seeing carriage bolts, but then have visible dust washers that don't seem to

bother them.

--- End quote ---

The dustwasher is part of the joystick. They even sell decorative dustwashers.
Removing them on a wooden panel equates to possible pinch injury... unless you do something with the holes - rounded works but isn't interesting when having artwork.
It is far less ugly on wood panels to see the dust washer than the 3/4inch hole.

Do you see carriage bolts around the joysticks? The issue is showing the mounting hardware.  :angel:

Mike A:
Real arcade machines had visible carriage bolt heads and the dust washers were underneath the panel.

Decorative dust washers are sold by people who never played games in an arcade to people who never played games in an arcade.

The best way to mount the trackball flush in wood is to use the Mounting plate. You just route out a pocket in the top of the panel and drop the plate in.

Your CPO can go right over it. No visible mounting hardware.

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