Insert Witty Subject Here

[questionallthings]

How's it going everyone? I'm very new to the obsession hobby and now have decided to build a cabinet. I've got most of the parts ordered and am waiting for delivery. I guess my next step is to design the dreaded Control Panel. I know I've got it down to 4 Players (Player 1-2 have 6 buttons and 3-4 have 4 buttons), 2 1/4" trackball, 1 4-way joystick. The only thing I can't decide yet is placement and how many function buttons to have.

Well wish me luck and I'll post pictures as they come along.

Later.

[javeryh]

I'd go with a 3" trackball on a 4 player CP.

[DrewKaree]

Mark me down in the "Decidedly Underwhelmed" column about your "announcement"

[missioncontrol]

i find it best to wire the buttons before desining the cabinet

[DrewKaree]

i find it best to wire the buttons before desining the cabinet

Your idea leaves me whelmed

[c64rulez]

I'ts best not to use a CP. Also those MDF sheets are a total waste of space and money.
Now, with the marquee nowhere to be placed, you're actually down to deciding which trackball to use.

Hope this helped. Please post when you've progressed some.

[questionallthings]

I was thinking about going with a 3" trackball instead of the 2 1/4" but I wasn't to sure about comfort. I created a small mockup of the 3" and 2 1/4" and it appeared to more comfortable with the 2 1/4". If the final CP turns out to be a bit off in comfort I may switch it to a 3" and see how it performs.

Update: I just got a nice deal on a 27" tv. Found it on craigslist for $150. Now I just have to wait for the CP pieces to come in from Happ. I think they will be arriving today or tomorrow.
Oh and I took some advice from the forums and did a mock up of the CP today for the final layout and it looks good. The only downside is I have the designs and layouts but won't be able to start the build until beginning January (using my dad's workshop then).

[MYX]

Skip the trackball altogether and just get a balloon. Blow it up and toss it into the air. The rules of the game are that it can't touch the floor. It is much less expensive than a cab and will give you hours of fun and excitement.

[c64rulez]

Skip the trackball altogether and just get a balloon. Blow it up and toss it into the air. The rules of the game are that it can't touch the floor. It is much less expensive than a cab and will give you hours of fun and excitement.

And with that said, you're problems are gone altogether. Go to the beach.

[questionallthings]

Well good news is the parts came in and I'm glad to see nothing is missing in shipment. Also I've come up with a theme. I'm going to go with Spawn since he's my favorite comic character. Now I just wait for the build (2 weeks from now).

[allroy1975]

wtf is going on in here?

I see all you guys from EE giving this poor noob a hard time and he's not even flinching.  Is this a joke thread?

if not.....yeah, build your cabinet.  I'd say keep the wood off the floor (put it on casters or levelers).  Go with something that will fit through your doors and that you'll like.  then maybe....MAYBE...reply to this thread. 

[questionallthings]

Actually I noticed the comments but ignore them. I figured that's what they were trying to do but I don't flinch that easily. The way I see it if someone is interested in my progress then cool...if not then at least I'll have some sort of journal to work with for my website.

PS. Never thought of casters. That's actually a good idea. I'll pop that into the design. Thanks.

[questionallthings]

Well I'm off to Ohio tomorrow to begin contruction of the cabinet. Once I get it back to DC I'll post pics. Man I can't wait. Kinda excited about my first cab.

[topher0002]

Yes, I agree,  Build your cabinet,  Balloons are for P***ies.     

I just got started on mine myself.  Its tough to get started but once those parts come in it just seems to take off I think.  Just follow the advice in these forums,  most people in here know what there talking about and give good advice.   

Being original is good to though so dont be afraid to throw your own ideas onto the cabinet.     I went with the 3 inch translucent trackball myself.  Put a flashlight or any small light under it glows in the dark and stuff,  I was really happy with that.

Is this for mame i assume?    What kind of specs you got on the pc?  have you  loaded it up yet.   How does it run?   What front end are you using?   What kinda video card you using? 

Also check out my project post on here,  prolly just do a search on my id or soemthing. 

Anxious to see the pics....good luck.

[markrvp]

The balloon game IS a fun game.

[BobbyG66]

Sounds like fun too.

I was thinking about making my own balloons.
Has anyone done this before?
Know any good links or books on the subject?

I will start working on the standard round red balloon.

  :DYIPPEE!!!

[DrewKaree]

mark, try this variant.  Pul the couch into the middle of the floor, and use it as the "net".  Play volleyball with the kids.  Hours of fun.   

[metaHipster]

where can I get some of those "balloons" for my control panel?  I tried buying them at Happ, Ultimarc and SlikStik but they don't seem to have them listed under "controls"...  I hadn't even considered an inflatable CP until you brought that up.

[MYX]

DUDE!!! You get the balloons at the grocery store. Happs will mark em up to something like $80.  Drew you are right, couch makes a great net. R.I.P. Snarls Binkly, Balloon Champ of the whole world (and Canada too.)