trackball mounting plate on a cramped panel

[krick]

When trying to squeeze controls on a tight panel, has anybody ever tried overlapping the trackball plate with the joysticks like this...

[Trenchbroom]

I don't know if it will work but...man that's a good idea!  It will look awesome if you do it that way.   

It should work...why wouldn't it?

[FractalWalk]

The trackball plates were really designed to go on top of the CP. If you are using wood your method would lower the trackball so much to be unusable.

If you are using metal then maybe you could get away with it, but putting it under the joystick mount would lower the ball 1/4" plus the thickness of the CP.

[krick]

edit: I just realized that I may have misunderstood you. In your drawing you have the plate under the joys. If you meant to have the plate on top of the CP and going though the joy mounts underneath, then I think that should work.

Exactly, trackball plate on top of the control panel, joysticks underneath, possibly in routed out holes.

[Grauwulf]

Physically it will fit, the only realy problem I can see will be a playability issue. If the 1P buttons are right aboe the trackball it will make it difficult to use them when you're playing tracball games, unless you're going to map all your button requrements on to the 2P buttons, since I believe that most of the trackball games have the buttons to the left side of the trackball.

Just something to think about.

[krick]

I was planning on having more buttons on my panel.

[LeedsFan]

Have you considered mounting the t-balls without mounting plates? It's not as difficult as it seems. You just need to add spacers (oversize nuts) under your panel to mount the framework. The hole needs careful cutting and you may need to file away round the underside of the panel where the hole is to give an "angle" for the ball (if you know what I mean).

[unclet]

Are you sure you can place the spinner, buttons and joysticks that close to edge of the control panel?  Seems like a very tight fit.   Do not forget the microswitches, wires and stuff which need to be located under them (especially for a spinner).  Make sure the wires do not get in the way of the controls as well.

[krick]

That's not my actual control panel.

[unclet]

What are you saving the middle empty space for?    If you do not put anything there, then I would assume the control panel would really looked cramped on both ends.   Although, if you like the look then you certainly have all the controls you would need.

[kinu64]

I have to tell you, that is an awsome design.  I may just take some of those ideas when I start building mine.

[krick]

In case it's not clear, my panel is the full width of the image.

[unclet]

Oh yeah...... are a couple of your joysticks going to have a Top fire button so you can play Tron, etc... type games.

Also, how about some pinball buttons on the side of your panel? 

Maybe a pause button can be placed in the center on your control panel.

PS:  Keep posting updates .... anxious to see how this design works out.

[ErikRuud]

If you haven't bought your trackball yet, you might want to consider a Betson/Imperial.  It is really easy to mount without a plate.

[armax]

Leedsfan, you wouldn't happen to have any pics of that install lying around?  I've contemplated not using plates due to size, it sounds like a great idea.

[krick]

Leedsfan, you wouldn't happen to have any pics of that install lying around?

[RayB]

Should we have a competition as to who can cram the most into the smallest space? 

[armax]

Thanks Leed!

Heck, cramming alot into a small space is extremely useful when considering the design of a bar top.   

[LeedsFan]

Leedsfan, you wouldn't happen to have any pics of that install lying around?