My Control Panel (and CPO)

[pboreham]

Bit of reward for myself after a couple of months of hard-work - finally got the CP build underway. 

After not originally wanting a CPO, I threw something together at literally the last minute and it turned out rather nice I think.

Please let me know what you think - cannot wait to hear feedback about the trackball mount!!  I dont mind it, no matter how wrong it is - this cab is not about perfection and the mount is actually solid - I will also add some brackets underneath though for extra support.

Anyway, thanks for everybodies help to get me this far - not long to go now!! 

[leapinlew]

I just read your blog, and I read that you mounted the trackball like this because you routed the hole upside down. This isn't a big deal since you can remap the directions of the trackball either through the software or by switching some wires around. The trackball is held on just by the lexan? Be very careful with this, I wouldn't trust the lexan to support the trackball at my house with my friends playing bowling.

now you know...

[markrvp]

That trackball is sooooo wrong.       But, I agree with you, it's all about having fun.  If you ever rebuild it, spend the $10 on a trackball mounting plate, recess it into the panel, so the top is smooth and nobody knows there is anything there but a ball.

[pboreham]

I just read your blog, and I read that you mounted the trackball like this because you routed the hole upside down. This isn't a big deal since you can remap the directions of the trackball either through the software or by switching some wires around. The trackball is held on just by the lexan? Be very careful with this, I wouldn't trust the lexan to support the trackball at my house with my friends playing bowling.

now you know...

Damn! Think I was in such a fury and panic at doing the hole wrong, I didnt think about remapping the controls - just keep thinking it wouldnt work - like if you used a mouse upside down! 

Ah well - I think the Lexan will be ok - I've been doing test spins and its pretty solid - the square I cut is tight to the sides of the unit, the bolts are VERY tight into the unit (had to be 'screwed' in) and the plate on the top is helping to spread the weight distribution of the pressure from the bolts.

Fingers crossed it will be ok! When its all done, I will probably have the urge to go back and redo it. Cannot consider that at the moment though 

[Santoro]

While, as you say,  the trackball isn't ideal, I really like the way the CP looks. The artwork is simple and attractive and you haven't gone overboard with the colors.  Nice job.

edit:grammar

[pboreham]

That trackball is sooooo wrong.       But, I agree with you, it's all about having fun.  If you ever rebuild it, spend the $10 on a trackball mounting plate, recess it into the panel, so the top is smooth and nobody knows there is anything there but a ball.

Yea, I know! I cannot get the mounting kit in the UK though (not through any site I saw - Gremlin, Ultimarc etc) - so would have been another 2 week wait from the States. I really had to crack on though as I normally have a busy job and dont get much time, but took a week off part of which with the intention of getting this done.

Would have been gutted to have to wait to do any more to the cab.

Anyway, it works ok for me - tried some test spins for Golden Tee and more frantic 'Missile Command' type spins and it feels rock solid. I dont even mind the plate, but the silver bolts are a bit 

[pboreham]

While, as you say,  the trackball isn't ideal, I really like the way the CP looks. The artwork is simple and attractive, and you haven't gone overboard with the colors.  Nice job.

Thanks for that!  As I mentioned, I didnt think I could do a CPO justice, but I like how it turned out and with the silver t-molding on, it really looks smart!

[Donkey_Kong]

Mounting my TB on my current panel was the hardest thing to get right on my whole cab so far. I ended up making a jig from cardboard and even that took a few trys.

I'm with Santoro, the artwork is looking great. Good luck on the rest of the build.

[FrizzleFried]

I'd be more concerned with the stench from the catbox next to the cabinet than the way you mounted the trackball...

[pboreham]

LOL.... aint that the truth!!!

Problem of having a small room. Once everything is finished I'm having a shuffle around! 

[markrvp]

Sorry about the trackball comment earlier - that's my biggest hangup when judging cabinets.  I think your artwork looks REALLY nice and I would be very proud to have a control panel with artwork that looks like that.

[pboreham]

Sorry about the trackball comment earlier - that's my biggest hangup when judging cabinets.  I think your artwork looks REALLY nice and I would be very proud to have a control panel with artwork that looks like that.

Hey, no problem! I know its not ideal, so I fully expect people to find it odd. 

Thanks for the comments! 

[councilface]

 Hey Paul, Im in the UK too and enjoy reading your blog. I think you've done a great job.
 Dont beat yourself up about the trackball. For a 1st time attempt its truly stunning. I hope my 1st CP is 1/2 as good as yours (watch this space!) - Good work fella  

[pboreham]

Hey Paul, Im in the UK too and enjoy reading your blog. I think you've done a great job.
 Dont beat yourself up about the trackball. For a 1st time attempt its truly stunning. I hope my 1st CP is 1/2 as good as yours (watch this space!) - Good work fella 

Cheers dude! Good luck with your cab - dont forget to blog it! And if you need any help - just holla!

[scotthh]

Why don't you print out the "missing" part of your CPO and tack it to the trackball (double sided tape or a little glue). Sure there'd be a seam at the end, but it would look almost as good as doing it the "right" way with a mounting plate.

[councilface]

Hey Paul, Im in the UK too and enjoy reading your blog. I think you've done a great job.
 Dont beat yourself up about the trackball. For a 1st time attempt its truly stunning. I hope my 1st CP is 1/2 as good as yours (watch this space!) - Good work fella 

Cheers dude! Good luck with your cab - dont forget to blog it! And if you need any help - just holla!

Haha! You'll regret saying that mate, but cheers.

My 1st question - what buttons/sticks did you use? They look exactly like what Im after.

I shall be blogging/recording my attempts at converting my generic "Videomaster" upright. Like you I dont really have any DIY skills but I have enough enthusiasm to make it happen.

I'll be cracking on with it as soon as this barmy summer ends 

[pboreham]

Hey Paul, Im in the UK too and enjoy reading your blog. I think you've done a great job.
 Dont beat yourself up about the trackball. For a 1st time attempt its truly stunning. I hope my 1st CP is 1/2 as good as yours (watch this space!) - Good work fella 

Cheers dude! Good luck with your cab - dont forget to blog it! And if you need any help - just holla!

Haha! You'll regret saying that mate, but cheers.

My 1st question - what buttons/sticks did you use? They look exactly like what Im after.

I shall be blogging/recording my attempts at converting my generic "Videomaster" upright. Like you I dont really have any DIY skills but I have enough enthusiasm to make it happen.

I'll be cracking on with it as soon as this barmy summer ends 

The sticks are Happ Supers - I got all my parts from Groovy Game Gear in the US - took 2 weeks, but its worth the wait!