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Ideas for a Steering Wheel
zelony:
Hi everyone,
I recently purchased an NFL Blitz 99 Showcase Arcade to convert to a MAME cabinet. I have been toying around with what modifications I want to make to the control panel. The one thing that has really made me have to think is how to integrate Steering Wheels.
First, I do not want to build a removable or interchangeable control panel. The ones I have seen are great, but I like the way the built in steel panel hinges up on mine.
So, after looking at Groovy Game Gears latest spinner, I bought all of my buttons and 4 GPWiz-49’s from them, I got an idea.
I liked the idea of using a spinner for a steering wheel like the Turbo Twist2 with the Steering Wheel option; however the wheel is too small for my taste.
That’s when it occurred to me to modify the idea. I want to place a spinner side ways, with the shaft protruding horizontally from the front of the pedestal/control panel. Then I can attach a Steering Wheel to each shaft and have 4 Steering Wheels!!!
I plan on two major modifications to this.
1. Quick Release wheel, to make it easier to put the wheels away.
2. Some type of sliding/locking mechanism within the control panel to recess the spinner shaft when not in use. I figure it could be similar to the way a rack mount server is on rails and retracts.
So my questions for you are:
1. Has anyone already done this? (that way I can learn from them)
2. Any suggestions on a spinner that would have the strength to be mounted this way with a steering wheel attached to it?
3. Anything else I should think about?
Thanks,
Jeff Green
Havok:
If you mount them sideways, I would think the stress on the shaft would be much higher, coupled with the fact you want to use a larger wheel. I'm not sure even a TT2 would be able to handle it. Are you planning on a BYO type? If so, you would probably want to design one with more bearings to handle the added weight.
zelony:
I know that the additional strain from moving to a horizontal mount and a heavier wheel would be significant. That is why I am asking if anyone can recommend a sturdy enough spinner.
Otherwise, I will just buy four authentic arcade steering wheels and convert them for my use. I just thought this would be easier.
Donkey_Kong:
I've thought of somehow mounting the Turbo Twist 2 with just somewhat of an angle versus straight across level on my CP so that the mini racer wheel would have a bit of an downward angle to seem a little more authentic to a racing game.
Just a thought though really...What do ya think?
pcates:
Do you really need 4 wheels? I know that super off road cabs are not too hard to come by. I got a 2 player one a few years back for free, and they had a few 3 player ones available at the time. I just set up a dedicated driving cab for 360 degree games. That way you can just use the cab you have for stick, and avoid the whole mess of different panels.
Good luck, Patrick