Top Mounting of Happ P360 and PacMan Reunion Joystick

[superbigjay]

Hello, I've done a few search, but couldn't find exactly the answer I was looking for.

I want to Top Mount my joystick on my CP and was wondering how to smooth the top surface for the CP overlay?
(I want the top mount because I prefer a "taller" joystick)

The thing is that the Joystick base surface a not flat (kind of recess).

So if I install my overlay on top of it, I'm afraid that will see the "unflat" surface?

how do you guys do it?  Bondo?? Wood filler??  mounting plates??

Thanks
Jay 

[rockin_rick]

If I was doing it I would use mounting plates.  Route the CP so that the mounting plate sits down and flush to the top of the CP.  Cut the hole in the CP for the stick big enough to be able to attach connectors (or solder if room is tight).

And put the dustwasher in that recess of the stick before mounting. 

Rick

[superbigjay]

Thanks,

if I use a mounting plate, I guess the 4 installation screws will be visible on the top of the CP?

Jay 

[Knievel]

Jay since you are using a non-adhesive overlay and covering it with plexi you should have no problems with the joy plates/trackball affecting the artwork.

When I use an adhesive overlay I do like to put cardboard spacers in the recesses on top of the joy bases, so the overlay doesn't sink into there and get stuck. I never had this happen with any of the earlier CP's I did using paper overlays though.

As for securing them I use #8 32x1 1/4 tapered head--> \  / machine screws with suitable lock-nuts and washers. These screws will sink into the plastic joy plate as you tighten them.

Insert a screw into each of the 4 corners of the plate. Then from the underside of the CP attach a washer and lock-nut onto each screw. Tighten them with a screwdriver and pliers/nutdriver until the screw head is sunk just below the top of the mounting flange.


BTW Tim has a good guide for making router templates, it's stickied over in the Woodworking forum.

[superbigjay]

As for securing them I use #8 32x1 1/4 tapered head--> \  / machine screws with suitable lock-nuts and washers.
These screws will sink into the plastic joy plate as you tighten them.

Thanks knievel. 
I'll build my templates and try both under/over to see which one seems more
comfortable.  My guess is I will prefer over to have a longer shaft (literally speaking)

PS: I love your "tapered head" description 

Jay 

[Knievel]

Ok, good luck!

[superbigjay]

All right, thanks to Rockin_rick and knievel.

Tonight, I did my template and tried the joystick when bottom mounted.
The height of the stick seems appropriate.  Since I feel more confident in bottom mounting them, this is the route I'm gonna take.

Thanks

Jay