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Custom control panel build

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dth930:
I'd like to upgrade my Konami 4-player cabinet, which was converted to 2-player, back to 4-player with an updated and slightly larger control panel and more modern controls.  I'm looking for recommendations on someone who can produce this CP based on my general design and layout.  I can take the parts in knock-down form and assemble it myself.

And before someone says "it's fun and easy to do with a hand drill, router and circular saw" - yes, I know.  And I've done that before.  But in this case there are some angles and mounting points that would be much easier to build for someone who has experience with these cabinets or can work off of the CAD drawings to CNC the parts.  This will ensure the correct angles, holes and dimensions are machined.  If I wasn't trying to get it to bolt up to an existing cabinet it would be a little different.  I just need to tweak the overall size and, obviously, update the top panel layout.

I know that Haruman is well-regarded and I've reached out to him but it seems he's too busy to take on this project.

I've considered local cabinet makers, but that would require a lot of detailed design and explanation about how the controls are placed and need to be mounted.  I'm more confident working with someone who has experience with arcade machines.

Is there anyone recommended on the forum who's currently in business and can take on this kind of project?
 - Dave

bobbyb13:
Even someone who has built one of these before would hesitate because you want a custom built box.

But it is just a wood box (a cabinet) that you put electronic components in, so why not a cabinet maker?

If you brought the existing panel (or better yet the whole machine) to a local cabinet maker and told them what you wanted different that is your best bet by far.
Drilling holes and routing panels is laughably easy for any decent cabinet making person, but be prepared to pay some $$ because it won't be cheap for them to drop what they are doing for a custom piece.

I'm not afraid of much with cabinet building at this point and I wouldn't even bother trying to do this unless I had the cabinet (or existing CP) in front of me to measure, especially for a one off item.

dth930:
I understand your point, so let me ask about your thoughts on a few different ways to proceed...

1. Presumably, I could get a replacement top for the CP in the original size with the new control layout.  Obviously, there are builders who have made these before as exact duplicates.  It would be easy enough to get one that goes back to the traditional 4-player layout.  My challenge is fitting the extra controls that I'm looking for - trackball, pause, start & coin buttons, etc.  I'm not confident I can get all of those to fit and work comfortably within the footprint of the original box.  But maybe I need to spend some more time testing mock-ups of potential layouts.

1.a. For ideal playability, I may be able to fit all the controls within the stock-sized CP box, but running up to the edge of the top surface.  This will need a little larger top panel for hand rest area, etc.  Then I would only need a custom top panel, with slightly larger dimensions than stock.  This should be a simple project for someone who has built these before.

2. While I agree that having the original CP box or full machine would be helpful... it's really just a rectangular box with a slanted top.  If you ignore the mounting holes and hardware (which I could install myself), there isn't a lot of specific design or precision required.  Admittedly, there are some radii and chamfers, but they're not critical to the mounting or functionality of the CP.

My hesitation going with a cabinet maker is the need to explain and/or provide drawings for the controls... routing joystick bases and trackballs.  I agree that it would be laughably easy for them, but it's still design and setup time that someone accustomed to building CPs wouldn't require.
 - Dave

bobbyb13:
I would bet you are right that someone here has tried option #1 successfully already.
I've found that sometimes a google search that begins with forum.arcadecontrols is the best way to find an existing thread.

You may be able to squeeze a trackball into the middle of the original size panel (above the sticks) but it may limit playability if too close to the screen.
I'm not familiar with the layout or the panel size or I would offer specific advice.
If it is a MAME build you can always use shifted keys to take care of the admin button issue (and greatly reduce panel clutter) if you configure it well.

The other (maybe best?) option is to have two panels that can be swapped.
One original layout panel and a second that could have a trackball, 2 sticks and buttons (and even a spinner if you care for it.)
That one would get the most use I imagine.

In the (probably rare) event that you have 3 other players you can swap in the original.

Don't sell your local cabinet guys short.
If you showed up with an original panel in your hands (with or without controls and wiring) you would probably be pleasantly surprised with the result if they can dedicate the time to you.
Someone unfamiliar with our hobby might not be good at design/layout to begin with but execution should be no problem if they are worth talking to at all !

Exactly which cabinet are we talking about?
Post a picture of your panel with rough dimensions and maybe I could design something for you.
Bobby

dth930:
It was a hacked up Sunset Riders cabinet before it got to me.  A long time ago I modified it to a 2-player cabinet with some additional controls, but now I want to go back to something a little more traditional. 

My concern with the swappable CPs is pretty much as you stated... it will be somewhat rare to run 4-player and most likely would never swap them.  I don't see the 4-player CP getting much use if it has to be swapped.  However, if the controls are there and 3-4 people can jump on all at once, I could see that happening often.  Rampage, the Simpsons and Gauntlet are some favorites.



Here is a picture of the CP with my desired controls.  This is within the original footprint of the panel, which is 37" x 14".  The top row of admin buttons work because the box is open on that side.  The light gray shaded area is what's open within the CP box itself.  The circle on the bottom-right is a spinner.  I could take it or leave it, but it would be nice to have for certain games, even if it's in a compromised location.

If this looks reasonably usable, I would definitely give it a try.  The next step would be to find someone who can make it.  As I mentioned from the start, it would seem relatively easy for someone who has built this CP before to make this version (or even a blank one).  I'd like to exhaust that option before spinning up someone locally who will have to design the top before adding the controls.
 - Dave

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