Author Topic: Mounting your Control Panel?? (Read 6673 times)

mkdevo · « **on:** March 11, 2003, 01:31:00 pm »

hello all,

i've been looking around, but i can't seem to find anywhere that goes into detail on how to mount your CP to your cabinet. i'm looking to make a 4-player CP and make it removable (not really interchangable, but removable for transport purposes)...

what i mean is, how do you go about mounting/attaching your CP to something like this?:

SNAAAKE · « **Reply #1 on:** March 11, 2003, 01:33:31 pm »

very easy

You open up your coin door then use some L-bracet...

I did mine just like this...

mkdevo · « **Reply #2 on:** March 11, 2003, 01:43:21 pm »

easy enough... BUT, that doesn't really allow for removability, does it?

SNAAAKE · « **Reply #3 on:** March 11, 2003, 01:58:58 pm »

Quote from: mkdevo on March 11, 2003, 01:43:21 pm

easy enough... BUT, that doesn't really allow for removability, does it?

for moving purpose,you just unscrew the panel..i mean how often will ya move anyways..?

This is 1 solid way i know..

rampy · « **Reply #4 on:** March 11, 2003, 01:59:37 pm »

Quote from: mkdevo on March 11, 2003, 01:43:21 pm

easy enough... BUT, that doesn't really allow for removability, does it?

well if you used carriage bolts and nuts it wouldn't be too bad (but you'll have carriage bolt heads which could be considered unsightly to some...) FWIW that's how my cp is mounted... although it's a little bit of a cludge/different animal.

*shrug*

rampy

PS I like the "skating rink" style stencil paint scheme... it's "wicked"

Nailz · « **Reply #5 on:** March 11, 2003, 02:02:51 pm »

Well, the thing with control panels is that you want them to be solid. If you just want it to be removable, then snaake's suggestion would be fine. All you need to do is remove some screws to take off the CP for transportation.

Mine is similar, if I need to move my cabinet, I just unscrew the CP and disconnect my wiring.

Brad Lee · « **Reply #6 on:** March 11, 2003, 02:22:06 pm »

On my first cp, i used l-brackets like above (I think tey were actually cisco rack mount brackets) that I kept fastened to the CP, and unscrewed from the inside of the cabinet when I would need to work on it

On my current incarnation, I have 2 latches(one on each end of the CP) that are similar to what you would find on a toolbox for example. These are screwed into the cabinet, and the metal "loops" that they hook into are attached to the bottom of the CP. I just have to flip the 2 latches and the CP is ready to be removed or flipped up to work on.

I'll probably either add an identical set of latches to the under side for stability- although with just 2 it's rock-solid- or find a set of latches that are wider and stay more secure.

I still need to work out some issues, as the new CP cuts into the bottom area of my bezel, so I need to shorten that. Also I need to find something to cover the front of the CP, some sort of box, or maybe a hinged piece of plexi to wrap around and cover any stray wires

I'll post pics tonight of my previous and current setup to try and make it clearer

Xphile · « **Reply #7 on:** March 11, 2003, 09:44:22 pm »

what are those latches called you would find on a band's music-gear box, where you lift a butterfly latch, twist it a couple times, and it releases from it's opposite latch-thing (?)

that sounds so stupid, but maybe someone knows wth I'm talking about..:-)

<edit>

found one:

couple on the back of your panel, couple underneath, and it ain't movin':-)

thes'd prolley work too:

SirPoonga · « **Reply #8 on:** March 11, 2003, 11:42:01 pm »

http://free.hostdepartment.com/S/SirPoonga/images/y_cab17.jpg

I have the brass l-brackets to guide the CP and the latch in the center to hold it down.

CitznFish · « **Reply #9 on:** March 12, 2003, 12:17:18 am »

Quote from: SirPoonga on March 11, 2003, 11:42:01 pm

http://free.hostdepartment.com/S/SirPoonga/images/y_cab17.jpg

I have the brass l-brackets to guide the CP and the latch in the center to hold it down.

i'm looking and looking and i still cant figure it out. just that one latch holds it down? I see 2 brass 'L's on the sides, but why do you need those? it looks liek the wood would guide itself down..am I looking at the picture wrong?

djsting · « **Reply #10 on:** March 12, 2003, 12:38:17 pm »

Why not use the real thing and get yourself some panel clamps? You can either yank some off an old cabinet or buy new ones from http://www.happcontrols.com/index.html?http://www.happcontrols.com/amusement/acesor/49005900.htm! (look under 'Amusements' -> 'Accessories' -> 'Cabinet Accessories' from the home page to find them) and cost $4.80 each.

Sorry, I could not get this thing to take the pic of the clamp so you will have to visit the website to see it.

Homebrew · « **Reply #11 on:** March 12, 2003, 04:08:46 pm »

Those happ panel clamps look nice and beefy, but they're a little pricey at $4.80 a piece. By the time you paid shipping, it probably cost you $15-$16 for a set. I used window sash latches on mine, not the kind you normally think of though(tried those too, they sucked). I'll try to take pictures tonight of what i'm using. The work very well for me, my panel is nice and tight. Best of all, i think the set of 2 cost me like $4 from Lowes. I'll see if i still have the bag so i can get the part#.

-Kevin

SirPoonga · « **Reply #12 on:** March 13, 2003, 02:10:28 am »

Quote from: CitznFish on March 12, 2003, 12:17:18 am

Quote from: SirPoonga on March 11, 2003, 11:42:01 pm
http://free.hostdepartment.com/S/SirPoonga/images/y_cab17.jpg

I have the brass l-brackets to guide the CP and the latch in the center to hold it down.

i'm looking and looking and i still cant figure it out. just that one latch holds it down? I see 2 brass 'L's on the sides, but why do you need those? it looks liek the wood would guide itself down..am I looking at the picture wrong?

The l brackets keep the cp from moving from side to side. The latch (from my double dragon II cabinet) hold it down. Well, the latch AND the shelf.
http://free.hostdepartment.com/S/SirPoonga/images/y_cab11.jpg
I am goin to redo the shelf and make it level with the top of the CP and screw a 1x1 on the back of the cp so the shelf still holds the cp down.

Minwah · « **Reply #13 on:** March 13, 2003, 07:37:33 am »

I was thinking of using some clamp things that are used on stuff like kitchen/bathroom cupboard doors. Not sure what they are called, but here's a poor attempt at an ascii pic:

[Control Panel here]
_________________
l __ l
l___l l___l

__
_______l l________

[Cabinet here]

The part which I have labelled as on the control panel has ball-bearings facing inward towards each other - when the other part of the clamp clips in, the spring-loaded ball-bearings hold the parts together. The tension of the bearings is adjustable using grub-screws.

I am not sure without testing whether you can get a good enough 'hold' for a control panel. But I suspect this would be fine for sticks / trackball etc. I am a little doubtful whether the clamps would hold say a steering wheel panel (ie a lot of possible leverage).

Anyone used these?

Wade · « **Reply #14 on:** March 13, 2003, 01:08:04 pm »

Here's how I'm doing mine. It was really the simplest and first thing I came up with, but it requires no tools or special latches and will be VERY strong.

I have a 2x4 support going across the cabinet right under the control panel. The CP actually rests on it, basically. It looks like you have a similar board going across yours.

I am putting two large bolts in that board, face up. Then putting a nut on each one and tightening them down. The nuts are countersunk into the board and tightened with a socket. Then just about 1.5" of the bolt is sticking straight up. Two holes match up in the bottom of the CP box and a couple of wing nuts hold it down. The CP top hinges like most. So if I want to remove the panel for moving, I don't even have to get tools.

The only thing I might add is a lock to the rear of the CP box that locks the top of the CP down. It isn't needed, since the cab is only used in my house, but lifting up the CP is basically the key to disassembling the entire cabinet, so I feel it should be lockable.

Wade

mkdevo · « **Reply #15 on:** March 13, 2003, 01:29:19 pm »

thanks to everyone for the replies and ideas. just to clear up any confusion, that's not my cab up above; i was merely using it as an example. i'm nowhere near there yet, as i'm still in the planning phase..

pezkore · « **Reply #16 on:** April 03, 2003, 02:29:02 pm »

I am planning a control panel expansion that is going to require that i "box in" the CP...how do i attach the "box" to the cabinet?

hyiu · « **Reply #17 on:** April 03, 2003, 04:42:58 pm »

yes.... Happs panel clamps are expensive....

but I think they're good....

I use them to clamp down my ctrl panel...

I used 4 of them and its not moving a bit even if I shake REAL hard !!!... (so hard that it moves the whole cab....)

window latches are not as good... in my experiences....

if you're going to order from Happs for other parts.... throw a couple of those in....

if you want to save.... use some 2 x 4 to create some "guide", so that the ctrl panel box already is sitting somewhat securely... then use a couple of those to tighten it up so that it doesn't move a bit.....

I can imagine... if you use 4 at most... it'll DEFINITELY be strong enough....

good luck....

rampy · « **Reply #18 on:** April 03, 2003, 04:53:24 pm »

Quote from: pezkore on April 03, 2003, 02:29:02 pm

I am planning a control panel expansion that is going to require that i "box in" the CP...how do i attach the "box" to the cabinet?

Is this still giving you difficulties?

Have you taken off the extisting CP and can you take a picture?

Hyu, I don't think the clamps used to hold on the control panel top to the control panel box/cabinet would be best for this particular application IMHO.

It should be pretty straightforward using L brackets... *shrug* or some sort of support brace... A pic of your particular control panel opening would help us give you ideas...

Besides "use L brackets" there isn't much more specific help we can give without seeing your particular install IMHO.

rampy

hyiu · « **Reply #19 on:** April 03, 2003, 05:25:21 pm »

well.... if its needed to be taken off like only when you move... then you're right.... L brackets with bolts and nuts could be better....

but this clamp can give you a very tight, snug fit and will hold on... real arcade uses these and it holds up for years.... so, I guess it should be good enough for a cab that is mainly for family / personal use....

of course what I said is based on my personal experiences... (and I haven't tried out all types...) so... take my word at your own risk....

Cue-Ball · « **Reply #20 on:** April 03, 2003, 05:59:20 pm »

I have a cabinet exactly like that. My CP attaches using three long bolts. One on each side going horizontally into the cab and one in the center going vertically into a piece of wood on the inside of the front panel. The CP itself flips towards you on a long hinge. In the down position it's held down by metal clamps that work similarly to the bottom ones posted by Xphile. The ones on my panel are metal, but they work in pretty much the same way. If anyone is interested i can get some pics tonight and post on my site.

rampy · « **Reply #21 on:** April 03, 2003, 08:06:14 pm »

Quote from: Cue-Ball on April 03, 2003, 05:59:20 pm

I have a cabinet exactly like that. My CP attaches using three long bolts. One on each side going horizontally into the cab and one in the center going vertically into a piece of wood on the inside of the front panel. The CP itself flips towards you on a long hinge. In the down position it's held down by metal clamps that work similarly to the bottom ones posted by Xphile. The ones on my panel are metal, but they work in pretty much the same way. If anyone is interested i can get some pics tonight and post on my site.

I can't speak for pezcore, but if you would kindly photograph and upload what you are describing it woudl go a long way to showing how it could be done (i.e. the 3 bolts and the clamps for the top) visually where textually we have failed =)

Thanks!

Rampy

Jakobud · « **Reply #22 on:** April 03, 2003, 08:21:10 pm »

I did the same thing that Snake did with the LBrackets underneith. Then I had long bolts (pointing upwards toward control panel) that were epoxied (sp?) to the LBrackets so they wouldn't move. Then in my control panel I just created holes for each bolt. Then just add a washer and nut and tighten and that's it. Very easy to take apart, yet very sturdy.

Sasquatch! · « **Reply #23 on:** April 03, 2003, 10:40:52 pm »

I have a Neo-Geo conversion cabinet (and it's the same cabinet style as yours), and this is how that cabinet does it:

The cabinet has pieces of wood mounted to "shelve" the control panel. These pieces of wood have holes in them, like so:

The back and bottom of the control panel also have holes, through while carriage bolts go through, and then through the holes in the cabinet:


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