Question on how to build a control panel.

[wonkalow]

I apologize ahead of time, I'm pretty sure this question has been asked in some form, but unfortunatly something is wrong with my brain and I dont seem to follow the same train of thought as others  Im not sure how to word and search for this. Ive tried but no luck finding anything helpful.

Basically I've decided to do my CP first. I have the wood and buttons. I have a friend lined up to cut the wood and make the holes for the buttons. I have the buttons and wiring and Ipac and can do that part, and in the mean time im working on finding someone to do an overlay for me.


My question is, when this is being done in 3 different steps, how do I do each step so that it's correctly done and lined up for the next step...

By that I mean, can I just judge on my own the size of the CP I want? I dont have my Cabinet yet (waiting on auction next month) so basically if I wing it on the size to what I think is big enough, will it fit on most cabinets? ( Im thinking about a mid sized cabinet. nothing 4player, nothing small. itll be a 2p setup.) or is there a standard or preferred size when it comes to CP's?

then, assuming I get that worked out. Do I judge the placement of the buttons on my own as well? Just stand in front of it with a friend, and see where it feels right? Theres really no standard or "normal" way of doing this?

Then... assuming those two steps are done, and Im getting a CPO made. How do I measure out where my buttons will be, so they can line up the artwork appropriately.

Thanks for any help, and again, Sorry if this has been asked before.

[weisshaupt]

1) Mock up the controls on heavy cardboard ( and potentially  install them and try playing with them) This will help you best judge the size CP you want to have. There are no right answers ( my own has been compared to a surfboard )  Looking at classic designs you like (and searching for measurments) will also help in this regard, but in the end standing there with a friend will be your best guide to height, width and control placement.
2) Once you know how big your CP is, use Google Sketch-up to build a model cabinet (its easy to learn and free )  This will also give you a CAD model you can give to artwork and fabrication people so they can build it. (but I think its more fun to do that myself.....)

[javeryh]

I can't imagine not knowing the entire design of a cabinet before I start building it.  I'm not saying it can't be done but to me you run the risk of the CP looking "tacked on".  You really should be careful if you plan to have the CP completely within the boundaries of the cabinet sides (no hangover).

As for button placement, it's what feels right but also what works - do some research and mockups with cardboard until you get something you like and keep in mind the types of games you are hoping to play.

[wonkalow]

Thanks for the help. After watching some Youtube videos of some mame cabs running, im twice as excited to get going. I don't think I'll make it, waiting for the Orlando Auction June 7th. Im going to meet a guy tomorrow who has a warehouse of machines. I may be able to pick up something there. Once I get get that here, Ill be able to judge the panel as you suggested more accurately. That should eliminate most of my questions and concerns. Thanks to your help, and trying it out, ill be all set to try to get someone to make a CPO for me. I just have to figure out how to write out the measurements and placements of the buttons for them.... maybe thats a question best asked to the person making the CPO?

That and a small issue figuring out the monitor I want, and I can hopefully dive in by next weekend 

[weisshaupt]

Thanks for the help. After watching some Youtube videos of some mame cabs running, im twice as excited to get going. I don't think I'll make it, waiting for the Orlando Auction June 7th. Im going to meet a guy tomorrow who has a warehouse of machines. I may be able to pick up something there. Once I get get that here, Ill be able to judge the panel as you suggested more accurately. That should eliminate most of my questions and concerns. Thanks to your help, and trying it out, ill be all set to try to get someone to make a CPO for me. I just have to figure out how to write out the measurements and placements of the buttons for them.... maybe thats a question best asked to the person making the CPO?

That and a small issue figuring out the monitor I want, and I can hopefully dive in by next weekend 

While modifying an existing cab is an option, you will risk the wrath of the forum gods if you mame something that is in good condition or rare. You may consider just building one from "scratch" - its actually not that much harder than Maming an existing cabinet IMO, and there are certainly ample resources to help you do it here. Not to mention that your end product will be uniquely yours.. other than that, I think waiting till you have the cab you are going to Mame would be very wise if you just plan on modifying the CP...
Is is just a time constraint that you want someoneelse to fab a CP for you? Or some other consideration?