New Project/Control Panel ?

[Yarb]

I've decided to build a MAME cabinet and am working out some of the planning decisions necessary before jumping in full force.

I have decided to use the I-Pac4 as it seems to give me lots of flexibility and room to grow, I am wondering what steps are necessary to make a control panel hot swappable with the IPAC, While I realize that would not be an issue if I put a USB IPAC in each panel that would get a bit spendy so I want to put the IPAC in the Cabinet then have a connector. Is the IPAC buffered or would I fry it trying to swap panels?

I was thinking of routing out a groove in the cab, backed up by a frame below, that a panel could slide into. I could then use a couple window type rotating latches, accessable through the coin door, that grab and pull the panel down tight. This would allow for easy but secure changing of control panels.

I have one of the KDS 21" monitors coming from the eBay auction so once the control panel issue is resolved I need to decide on the cabinet, new fab or old cab?

Mike

[gajaman]

I made my control panels hot swappable by connecting the wires that run from my i-pac4 to a male 21 pin serial connector.

Each of my panels has the wires from the buttons connected to a female serial connector.

When I want to change panels I just move the panel and unplug the cable then do the same in reverse - works great and haven't fried anything (yet)

[Tiger-Heli]

I made my control panels hot swappable by connecting the wires that run from my i-pac4 to a male 21 pin serial connector.

I think you prolly mean DB25 25-pin serial connector.

This is what I plan to use.  (Look for RS-232 DB25 M/F null modem cables ($1-$2 on www.pricewatch.com)  Then cut the cable in two and connect one end to the I-pac and the other to your panels.

[Dahno]

any of you got a site with a guide on swapable CP's?

I've gotta make a choice concerning my CP. 1 go with a fully loaded CP (spinner, 2 play sticks and spinner optional 4 way stick in center above T-ball) or 2 go with swapable CP's prolly 2.

I could use some advice on the options, my preference goes out to swapable seeing as i don't like the looks of the "cluttered"CP.

This is my last hurdle i gotta take before i can start ordering parts and materials for phase 1 of construction.

[rampy]

any of you got a site with a guide on swapable CP's?

I've gotta make a choice concerning my CP. 1 go with a fully loaded CP (spinner, 2 play sticks and spinner optional 4 way stick in center above T-ball) or 2 go with swapable CP's prolly 2.

In my research, I've heard that placing the 4-way directly north/12 oclock of the trackball is a recipe for bashed knuckles when using the trackball enthusiastically =P  Just a thought to keep in mind.

rampy

[Yarb]

My primary concern was frying the Ipac-4, just not sure if its properly buffered for that. As for the connector I am planning to use a self-Aligning connector if I can find one with that many conductors, that way the CP can just slide in and out easily.

Mike

[Dahno]

In my research, I've heard that placing the 4-way directly north/12 oclock of the trackball is a recipe for bashed knuckles when using the trackball enthusiastically =P  Just a thought to keep in mind.

rampy

Now there is some helpfull info don't wanna hurt myself whilst playing now would we

Just one more point going for swapable CP, this with my love for Missle command will prolly mean 3 CP's with this in mind i'll try and map out something on cardboard tonight.