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Need Modular CP ideas
Paul Olson:
After trying unsuccessfully to add a dedicated 4-way to my current CP, I am thinking of trying my original idea of making a modular CP (Of course, I decided this after I started selling off my extra parts ::) ). I would like something similar to Doc's modular panel, but I want to do it in metal. I would appreciate any feedback and advice you can provide. I have added a (very) rough sketch of what I have in mind. This is the best way I could see to have a flat panel. If anyone knows about metal working, please let me know if this is something that can be done fairly cheap. I don't know if the bends would cost to much to be worth it.
I haven't come up with a way to lock the bottom of the panel yet. Whatever is used to lock it down needs to be able to clear a wheel/yoke panel. (See pic, it might be easier to modify the panel design to accomodate a hinged cover that will close over the ends of the panels.
Thanks in advance for in suggestions you have,
Paul
NoOne=NBA=:
Can you post pics of your current CP area--preferably inside and out?
That will help with the suggestions.
My first instinct if you hadn't built anything yet would be to let you CP overhang the front, but not put a bottom on the overhanging area.
That would let you use panel clamps on the inside of the front wall of the CP box, to hold down the front of the modules.
I'm guessing your current CP has a bottom in that area, as did mine, so that's probably out as an idea, at this point.
I thought about taking my saw-all and removing that are, but rejected the idea because I like the blue light there, that lights my coin door.
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As far as what's been done already, Doc and I both used bolt through the top for ours.
Some people are set on hidden hardware methods, and have opted for other methods.
I know one person used dowels and cabinet catches, but I can't remember who.
I have a few ideas based on your drawings, but will need to see the actual cab before presenting them.
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As far as other tips go, Cat 5 run to jacks at the back of the control box seems to be the best method so far for connecting everything.
This will let you have ONE mouse hack (two if you want dual trackballs, or more than two spinners), and ONE keyboard encoder, that stay in the cab at all times.
That way you just have to plug the module into the appropriate jack and go.
Paul Olson:
I will be doing a completely new CP. My current one uses the original box from a 4 player cab. I like the width of it, but I would like to have a longer control panel , the inside of the box only leaves 9". I think that would be more cramped than I would like. In my sketch, I intended the slot to be at the top of the CP, then figure out a latch for the bottom. It just seemed like it would be easier to plug in wires that way.
I did another sketch that's a little more accurate. These are the dimensions I want to try to work with. The rectangle in the middle would be the modular section of the panel. I am definately open to opinions on this. The only 2 dimensions that are mandatory. The 28 1/2" on top, because that is the width of my cab. The Height of the box is what is needed to keep the CP at its current height. The 7 3/4" is the box + height of the top piece. The other pic is of the current CP.
Thanks for the help,
Paul
Samstag:
What a coincidence!
IMMark:
I too am exploring the Modular CP design...if you haven't already seen this design it is worth a look.
Hope that is helps...and please post any new ideas you come up with.
Thanks ;D