modular cab control panel

[ee0jsp]

What do you guys think about building the cp so that it is split into 5 equal sections?

e.g.
so, if I want to play pac-man, I put p1 4-way joystick into the centre and put blanks into the other 4 places.

2player street fighter: p1 joystick, six buttons, blank, p2 joystick, six buttons.

etc.

Too much hassle, or worth it? anyone seen anything similar?

Just thinking that I don't want 10 buttons in the way when I play donkey kong junior (I LOVE that game).

I'm thinking the panels will be secured somehow, don't know about the connectors.

[Sasquatch!]

I know there have been people that built swap-out components, but damned if I can find/remember them.  This has been done though, if it makes you feel any better about the feasability of it.

[TheTick]

This one will be modular when its complete...

http://www.arcadecontrols.org/yabbse/index.php?board=10;action=display;threadid=6122

Nothing wrong with doing it that way. Just make sure you have something supporting the weight and force that will be placed on each panel. You don't have to secure them, gravity works pretty well. Just use 15 position molex connectors, should be enough for each individual panel.

Would be easier to swap out than an entire panel would, cause of the smaller size.

[SirPoonga]

jelloslug.mamehost.com

Splut!

Hmm, wonder where the slug is at, he hasn't been in chat for sometime.

[ee0jsp]

more details:

I was thinking of using 15-pin D-type connectors, but aren't sure if they require too much force to connect/disconnect. Also might be finicky to connect and allign.

build quality shouldn't be a problem as I used to design and build robots for a living. Although it is soo hard to do a good job with a work-mate and minimal tools.

Have to go to the local university, say I'm a student and use their workshops I guess (hopefully I can scrounge materials whle I'm there!).

I've looked around and I think there is definite promise for this design. When I get some tech. drawings together I'll do another post for hints as some of the people here have an incredible knowledge of this subject.

thanks all

James