Dynamo "cut-corner" CP modifications

[johnnybleu]

Hi all!

I recently picked up a generic 25" Dynamo "cut-corner" cab for the purpose of MAMEing. Now, I had a new CP layout all figured out, but reality got in my way again.

As the cab was once a SF2CE, it has the 6 button holes, and basically all I was gonna do is add a 7th button to the bottom row (more or less under the joystick) to get that standard Neo-Geo layout as well- you know what I'm talking about, it's a pretty standard layout. However, looking at the CP right now I realize that this 7th button would be smack where one of the joystick screws sticks out. "No biggie", I thought, it can hold fine with just 4 screws. Still, the joystick assembly itself would be in the way... Kindda wish I would clued in sooner, but that's another matter.

Anyway, what I'd like to know is if anyone did this already, and if so, how? Could I just cut part of the plastic joystick "bracket" to make room for the extra button? Or maybe just put the button on the other end of the bottom row? Any ideas?

Thanks, and sorry if I don't make sense. O_o

[NickG]

If there is enough room for "D" button to the right of the 6-button layout you can do:
XBCD
AXX

Personally, I just use the 6 button layout like:
BCD
AXX
Because I use my thumb, for "A" this works for me.

[johnnybleu]

There would be room to the right, but it would be tight for player 2- the last button would be right on the edge.

However, I'm loving your second idea.... I had never thought of that, but it could easily work. And as an added bonus, I wouldn't have to somehow drill an extra hole in that blasted sheet metal.

Hmmm. I thank you sir!
You've given me much to ponder. 

[MKChamp]

How often is/would that 7th button ever be used? I've had 6 buttons per player on my cab since conception ( around 3 years ), played many games...I mean many games...and I've yet to need a 7th button.

Just FYI...I had a Dynamo cut-corners CP as well. I finally broke down and built a custom CP so I could get a trackball to go in comfortably.

[johnnybleu]

Oh, it's not that I'd actually ever need 7 buttons at once- I don't think there's a game out there that actually requires that. The only reason I wanted that 7th button was to get a New-Geo layout, as well as a Capcom 6 button one. Best of both worlds.

As for a custom CP, I just might do that in the future, mainly because I just don't like the look of the cut-corner cab. I guess I could work on a 7 button layout then, but just stick with 6 for now.

Thanks for the input!

[Todd H]

I ended up modifying my Dynamo cut corner to take a bigger control panel. I had to cut notches out the build a shelf for the panel to sit on. Knievel did the same with his Neon MAME project. If you decide to go that route message either him or me and we can probably help you out with the measurements.

[Jack Burton]

I don't think you need to put a seventh button in place unless you are used to the Neo-Geo layout.  Otherwise, use


BCD
A

or my preference

AC
BD

[johnnybleu]

Thanks for all the replies! That's what's great about a place like this- the sharing of ideas. 

Anyway, for the time being I think I'll stick with just 6 buttons. Maybe some day down the road, I'll make a bigger CP to replace the standard one, with all the buttons I want/need. That being said, I really want to get this thing going as soon as possible, so if I can save some time by using the factory CP, then great- also, I wasn't exactly looking forward to drilling through that metal plate. O_o

Once (and if) everything is up and running, then I'll sit down and think about further modifications and customizations.

Thanks again!