Cabinet Plans w/ Keyboard

[toasty]

Hey folks, I'm new here and just getting ready to finally embark upon this project after thinking about it for quite some time.  Looking forward to digging in!

I've seen a number of cabinet plans on the internet, but I haven't seen any that have a hidden area for the keyboard under the control panel; in other words, one where the keyboard is housed under the control panel and can slide out when needed.  I have seen a number of people incorporate this into their cabinet design so I know it is out there. 

Can anyone direct me to any plans on the internet that have this feature in their design?

Thanks in advance.

[brophog]

Really not much to plan. Just cut the slot out and place your rollers in. Almost any of the plans floating around can be easily altered in this fashion.

[toasty]

any idea how deep the control box would need to be to not have to worry about clearance issues between the keyboard and the underside of the controls?

[Avery]

Kind of depends what you are putting in your CP.  A Tron style joystick and some spinners have a lot of hardware "below deck".  Most buttons and joysticks only require a couple inches.

Happ's web page has dimensional drawings of most of their stuff, so that would give you an idea of how much space you'd need.  Also, some stuff (particularly track balls and joysticks) can be recessed into the wood a bit (I'm assuming 3/4 plywood or fiberboard here), buying you an extra 3/8 - 1/2 of an inch.

Also, not all keyboards are created equal, so look for one with a lower profile.

[AtomSmasher]

http://mame.velociworks.com/

[toasty]

gracias, all

[neuromancer]

How often will you use the keyboard?

If you won't use it frequently, you could just leave a USB port accessible and plug one in when necessary. That's what I did with mine.

If you think you will use it a lot then a keyboard tray of some sort makes sense, or else a fold out shelf. If you just have plain buttons and sticks, about 3.5" is necessary.

Bob

[MPTech]

If you're still looking, I just finished building 2 Arcades, using the plans for "Ultimate Arcade I Cabinet " and I REALLY like it.  It has a door below the Cntrol Panel, with a slide out drawer for your Mouse & Keyboard. It also accomodates a 25" TV (they are hard to find these day, but we bought 2 a BestBuy).

Here's the link to the site:
http://www.mameroom.com/UAIPlans_info2.asp

But I know I came across a free download of the exact same plans from somewhere else (I wasn't looking for them, just encountered them!).