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Stargate cab to MAME cab conversion
JohnnyG:
Here's another update for you guys. This one is completely about the control panel.
Here are some pics of the CP primed and painted (I left the inside of the base as grey because I felt like it :) )...
Overall, I am content with how the painting went. Notice the routed sections around the trackball hole. I purchased an Electric ICE-T Deluxe Trackball, and decided on the Super High Trackball Install Kit. I'm quite happy that I did.
Also, for attaching the top of the control panel top to the base, I decided to simply use 4 cabinet roller catches that I bought at Home Depot for 89cents each. The thing holds very nicely, but is also easy to pull off with enough of a tug. Here are a few images...
Anyhow, as for the CP art, I realized after the fact that I really should've designed the whole template with graphics upfront before I cut anything. By trying to do it afterward, it was going to be nearly impossible to get things to line up exactly. So I decided to take the coward's way out. I search quite a while online and found an awesome image on zazzle.com. It only cost $20 to have a 34.50" x 23.00" image printed, which was a little wider than I needed, and gave me plenty of height to work with. Here is a picture of it...
Obviously the little quote wasn't going to stay, but I am supremely happy with the way the rest of it looks. I also decided to turn it upside-down. Then it was time to clean the plexiglass, trim the post, and put it together. Here are the results...
I am VERY happy with how it turned out. I think that once I get the trackball light, the lights for the top six buttons, and also the lights for the coin buttons all working, it is going to be amazing. What do you guys think?
The next step is to work on the wiring (a wonderfully tedious task ;) ). I also need to get the T-Molding for the CP and cabinet. Originally I was going to use simple black for it all, but I have been re-thinking it. Because of the imperfections on the edges of the old cabinet, I am going to use the black t-molding that has a lip on both sides. That will help cover some of those defects. But for the CP I am thinking about possibly using a different color. Not sure yet. I have ordered several free samples from t-molding.com and we'll see how they look when they get here.
RayB:
Beautiful! The trackball will look great lit up a bright yellow
JohnnyG:
Thanks RayB.
Well, the wiring is all done. I didn't take a picture of the wiring itself, but it is rather tidy. I might include a picture later. Here is picture of the CP completely lighted up...
Both joysticks and the trackball work, and all the buttons associated with them. The coin buttons on the front are working, as do all the control buttons except one (which I am still playing around with). Overall, I am very satisfied with the results. Now I just need to decide on the t-molding and also mount it. Seems like it's never ending. :)
JohnnyG:
My only complaint at the moment is that the acrylic edges are really sharp, and I don't want people to hurt themselves. I was thinking of using a fine grit sandpaper (220 probably) and my hand sander to dull them slightly, but I was wondering if anyone else had any thoughts about better possible solutions. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Generic Eric:
--- Quote from: JohnnyG on July 04, 2010, 02:29:04 pm ---My only complaint at the moment is that the acrylic edges are really sharp, and I don't want people to hurt themselves. I was thinking of using a fine grit sandpaper (220 probably) and my hand sander to dull them slightly, but I was wondering if anyone else had any thoughts about better possible solutions. Any ideas would be appreciated.
--- End quote ---
I can't point to any examples, but I recall seeing the edges routed on some cabs.