Control Panel Box

[Smittydc]

I've got my new mini-computer built and I want to make my control panel portable and play games over a projector.  

My question is for those who have made desktop controls -- have you had trouble with the weight of the box?  Is it heavy enough to deal with a moderate amount of body-english while playing?  Did you add weight to the box? Or mount it to the desk somehow?

My control panel top is only 27"x7", so I'm a little concerned.

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[Gopherboy]

Hey Smitty,


My box is in construction phase at the moment. The actual box (without top, controls etc....) is put together and though I haven't weighed it, it is not really going anywhere. I dread to think how heavy it will be when finished!

I used 16mm MDF and the dimensions of the box are 850mm x 300mm with the top panel 900mm x 400mm.

I am adding some rubber feet to the bottom too so the friction coupled with the weight will ensure that the only reason the box would move is if the entire table is shaking!!!


cheers,

gb.

[Zeitgeist]

You shouldn't have a problem with excessive movement due to lack of weight  on a box that size Smitty, unless you go really nuts with the body english.
I have 2 panels about the same size (24"x8" & 23"x9") & they stick to my desktop nicely durring gameplay even with 2 people at the controls.
I do recommend however that you use some rubber feet (the softer the rubber the more griping it will do) & don't put any Pledge or Endust on your desk surface.
Goood luck!
Z

[shmokes]

Yeah, that thing's plenty heavy.  You need the rubber feet on there more for the sake of your desk's finish than for you panel game suffering, IMO.