CP help - is this an original concept?

[johnnysmitch]

Hey all - I'm a newb planning out my first project; I want to build a stand-alone control panel (for now - probably build it into a showcase-style cab later on).  I want to make a 4 player CP with a trackball, spinner, and dedicated 4way stick, along with a pair of pinball buttons - yes, a frankenpanel at its finest.  My 'original concept' here is to build a CP that rotates around, with the 4player layout on one side, and the trackball/spinner/4way/pinball buttons on the other side. Any comments/suggestions?  Here's my proposed layout:

[ThePaul]

What are the measurements on that bad boy? It might be quite a stretch reaching for the joysticks?

[etumor]

What are the measurements on that bad boy? It might be quite a stretch reaching for the joysticks?

I don't think you understand what he means.  The whole panel turns by 180 degrees.  So when you are using the trackball, you are closest to the trackball, but when you are using the joysticks, they are closest to you.

I think it's a very cool idea with lots of possibilities.

-Jeff "etumor"

[ThePaul]

you're right I wasn't on board with the concept. Seems like a sweet idea with that lazy susan action.

[johnnysmitch]

yeah - you've got it etumor - I want the cp to 'spin around' so that the conrols you need are always close.  This type of setup also allows me to more comfortably fit in pinball buttons on the sides, even with a 4 player setup.  My CP dimensions on this layout so far are roughly 38"x18".  And to address another possible question about the drawing, I'm planning on doing a metal (hopefully stainless) top, and possibly masking and sandblasting the space invaders graphics into it (then most likely putting lexan over it).  It's still in the concept stage, so I'm playing around with it a bit yet.

[mcdo15]

great idea..
run with it

[REBIRTH]

Very cool idea, see no reason why it wouldn't work with a showcase cab.  You will probably have to put stops so the thing couldn't keep spinning around in the same direction over and over.  Good luck!  

[NoOne=NBA=]

Hulkster was originally planning something similar to this for his showcase cab, but decided not to.

I like the idea of sandblasted stainless, but I think that lexan over the top would ruin a good piece of art.

[RoboG2]

Nice idea johnnysmitch!  I have an idea.  If your up to it, when you build your cabinet, you could make it tilt forward and the turn and tilt back down to turn it around.  That way, the cabinet itself will stop it from spinning and maybe make the function (ability to turn) less obvious to the casual viewer.  Good luck and nice idea!

[crashwg]

Only thing that comes to mind that might be a problem would be if someone were to try and use the TB while the CP is in the joystick position that all axis would be reversed.  It wouldn't be too hard to come up with an idea to reversed the axis when it's rotated...

[johnnysmitch]

Thanks for the great insight, Robo!  I had the whole mess way overcomplicated in my head (with spring latches and whatnot), but your idea for the lift-spin method would be way easie AND should be a bit more effective (I can make it settle into notches, ensuring a tight, sturdy fit in the two positions).  I'm not much concerned with the trackball axis being reversed, as I don't think I'll be using it much when it's spun away from me (seems like it would either be too much of a reach, or I'd be standing on the wrong side with my back facing the screen ).

Now for another question - have any of you routed your controls (Ipac, trackball, and spinner) into a USB hub, sending a single USB cable out to your computer?  I'd like to send the least amount of cables possible out of my CP, but I'm not sure if that'll cause any problems with control lag/etc.

[johnnysmitch]

I forgot to mention - I'd also like to run dual Playstation2 USB converter into said hub, as I'd like to put PS2 controller ports in my CP for playing the occasional console roms.