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Looking for modular CP feedback (UPDATE: Construction started, pics added)

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Neverending Project:

I have decided to go with the design as shown, but will change the modules as they fit in the cp.  I had a couple of hours to work on it today (which anyone with young kids can tell you is extremely rare) so I started construction. I finished the box and top, but will need to cut the holes and route. I cut the panels for the modules but they too will need the corners rounded and need to be routed. Lots of work left, but it's a start.

kajoq: I do not know for sure that it was originally a mercs cabinet, but there is no evidence of a conversion. In fact, both my cab and yours have the three coin slots, so I am pretty sure it was a mercs. Mine were wired for three separate player starts.

telengard:

DB9 and DB25 connections will work but with a modular setup I imagine you will have a difficult time swapping modules.  I at one point used molex connectors (same idea) but since you use 2 hands to make or break the connection it was awkward to *also* hold the module itself.  I ended up switching to RJ45 connections and CAT5 cabling.  I'm very glad I did.

Just some food for thought...

~telengard

protokatie:

DAMN YOU VILE PERSONS!

Now I had to have an idea which (if I persue it) will add months to my cab... What if instead of modules, you had the tops of the CP set up like a sliding "in and out" assembly. You know, like those plastic puzzle games where you can move the puzzle pieces around to form the end picture. Just router the top pieces to fit in with each other. Then you could always make an infinite number of top pieces that have whatever control you want on them, and change them out without the hassle of moving entire block modules...

Just my thoughts, and someone tell me my "idea" is stupid so I dont persue it and waste time!

I swear someone here is named Lois, and I must be wearing huggies while dealing with an alcoholic dog!

Neverending Project:


--- Quote from: protokatie on January 21, 2008, 01:50:38 am ---DAMN YOU VILE PERSONS!

Now I had to have an idea which (if I persue it) will add months to my cab... What if instead of modules, you had the tops of the CP set up like a sliding "in and out" assembly. You know, like those plastic puzzle games where you can move the puzzle pieces around to form the end picture. Just router the top pieces to fit in with each other. Then you could always make an infinite number of top pieces that have whatever control you want on them, and change them out without the hassle of moving entire block modules...

Just my thoughts, and someone tell me my "idea" is stupid so I dont persue it and waste time!

I swear someone here is named Lois, and I must be wearing huggies while dealing with an alcoholic dog!

--- End quote ---
No you have made be rethink things... Curses!  :hissy:

I like the idea of routing a slot in the edges of the hole so you can slide the panels in from the front. It would solve two problems: 1) keeping the panels locked into place during game play, and 2) providing a "track" in which you can slide the panel in, and allowing you to apply enough pressure to push the connectors together.

However in my CP, I would have to cut the front of the panel off horizontally, since the holes are in the middle of the cabinet. If I do this, I do not like the idea of all the extra seams this would create - it seems disjointed to me. Also, I would not be able to round the corners of the panels, and not only is that sharp, but MDF (which I am already using) tends to chip/dent easily. And I am afraid that there wouldn't be enough support in the CP top between the slots. Here is a pic to show what my panel would look like, using the slide-in idea:


Anyway, I started construction on the box. Here are some pics:



Now I have to cut the holes, do the routing, not to mention figure out how to get the connectors installed. Oh, and I have yet to order my joysticks/buttons, too. How does one ever finish a project?

weisshaupt:


--- Quote from: Neverending Project on January 23, 2008, 12:03:03 pm ---DAMN YOU VILE PERSONS!

--- End quote ---

You may also want to consider adapting my velcro "shoelace" approach I just completed. Look here:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=75411.0

Or here:

http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Velcro_Based_Modular_Panel

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