Anyone ever incorporated a keyboard into their CP layout?

[Mattiekrome]

Just wondering, and if so, got any pics 

I think I am going to build a bartop due the the size of the monitor that I will be working with (17" flat CRT).  And since it is going to actually be a computer monitor instead of a TV, I am going to try and use it as  "fun" PC in addition to the MAME/VPIN.  It will be on my network, so it will have access to the net, as well as a mini music player for when we have get togethers.  I know I might be able to use a drawer, or a wireless keyboard, but I am looking for something more accessible and permanent.  I have seen these mini keyboards on ebay, which generally run 9" x 4", and I was going to have it recessed in my CP.  I was just wondering if anyone else around here has done something like this before?  Thanks! 

And an example of the mini keyboard



Hoping to end up with a 1 player, 8 way, 7 button cluster.  Might also add a 4 way for pac-man.  And of course the keyboard and a touchpad w/ buttons for general PC use.  Oh and cant forget the flipper/nudge buttons for VPIN.  I'm also going to try and conserve some space by using smaller admin buttons, I've seen them on eBay from one certain seller before, but I just CANT find him again. 

[Bobbler]

Why not go even smaller with the keyboard ?

http://www.edirectory.co.uk/pf/88888/mia/pid/5003453

[Donkey_Kong]

Well other than the fact that it works like crap...Here was my keyboard "solution" I haven't had time to troubleshoot with the Bluetooth adapter...Anyway check this out.

A Virtual Keyboard...
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=60221.0

[bfauska]

I think it sound like a cool idea.  Maybe ditch the touchpad and use a trackball instead.  I also think that to keep from getting too cluttered you could also ditch the admin buttons and just plan on using the keys directly.  If you don't do the admin buttons I suppose you would want to do some auxiliary labeling or instructions, perhaps in your FE or next to the individual keys.

Definitely post some pics WHEN you do it.

Brian

[Mattiekrome]

Well other than the fact that it works like crap...Here was my keyboard "solution" I haven't had time to troubleshoot with the Bluetooth adapter...Anyway check this out.

A Virtual Keyboard...
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=60221.0

I always wondered how those things would work.  Thought about picking one up just for the "cool" factor, but being that "cool" is still out of my price range   

I think it sound like a cool idea.  Maybe ditch the touchpad and use a trackball instead.  I also think that to keep from getting too cluttered you could also ditch the admin buttons and just plan on using the keys directly.  If you don't do the admin buttons I suppose you would want to do some auxiliary labeling or instructions, perhaps in your FE or next to the individual keys.

Definitely post some pics WHEN you do it.

Brian

I thought of doing the trackball too, but the left + right mouse buttons is what im iffy about.  I've never done any kind of hacking before, and Ive never picked up a soldering iron, so that kind of makes me wonder if I would be able to pull it off.  It would be 100% easier to use than a touch pad (touchpads are a pain)

[bfauska]

As far as I can tell, most of the trackball encoders that come with (or are required for) the trackballs have connections for the buttons just like the connectors on the keyboard or joystick encoder.  It would just be a matter of hooking up the trackball buttons to 2 of the buttons on your layout.  I think it would definately be worth a look.

Good luck, I think it should be a cool project,
Brian

[shorthair]

I think it's at least three. There isn't any reason for most people to want the wheel scroll function. Since I use Mame32, I've thought of switching the connectors around, but haven't gotten around to it.