Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: two40 on July 06, 2015, 08:39:03 pm

Title: WOPR Control Panel
Post by: two40 on July 06, 2015, 08:39:03 pm

I wanted a quick project so that I can comfortably play games whenever I wanted to take a quick break from the important tasks of browsing Reddit and Facebook. I have one of those desks with a table top that slides out to reveal the keyboard and mouse so it made sense to add a control panel directly below it.

Originally I was going to just leave the top surface flat with a small recessed section for the joystick plate but in the end I decided to plate most of the top and add some artwork. I'm glad I went with the artwork despite the extra time and cost involved.
(http://i.imgur.com/BDOTJKr.jpg)

Underside
(http://i.imgur.com/GVCkpcP.jpg)

Underside detail. Hand routed so a bit rough.
(http://i.imgur.com/qAPErX2.jpg)

Underside detail. Hand routed so a bit rough.
(http://i.imgur.com/1beoTsV.jpg)

Time for a break while we wait for the artowork to be printed and the paint to dry.
(http://i.imgur.com/gYF5quH.jpg)

After changing the location of the drawer slides I'm really pleased with the function and comfort of both table tops.
(http://i.imgur.com/bglQKc5.jpg)

Keyboard table top.
(http://i.imgur.com/BuJZOy6.jpg)

Control panel. Note I did reduce the depth a bit as the original size was a tad uncomfortable.
(http://i.imgur.com/2nm4SSb.jpg)

A nostalgic nod to one of my favourite films from yesteryear. I messed up the application of the artwork which was disappointing but all was forgotten after the first game if Galaga... ;)
(http://i.imgur.com/z1RRs2U.jpg)

Title: Re: WOPR Control Panel
Post by: sealcouch on July 06, 2015, 08:46:52 pm

Sexy. Wouldn't change a thing about it. It's beautifully convenient.

Title: Re: WOPR Control Panel
Post by: wp34 on July 06, 2015, 08:53:04 pm

That's pretty cool. War Games is what got me into programming.

Title: Re: WOPR Control Panel
Post by: two40 on July 07, 2015, 08:51:39 pm

Thanks gents. For a quick project to keep me playing regularly and comfortably I'm really pleased.

In fact, I'm a bit concerned this will keep me from building my bartop I've been planning recently.  :-\  I'll just ponder that over a quick game of Metal Slug...  :D

Title: Re: WOPR Control Panel
Post by: SpaceHedgehog on July 08, 2015, 03:52:36 am

Looks great. Nice to see something a little different and inventive  :cheers:

Title: Re: WOPR Control Panel
Post by: pbj on July 08, 2015, 10:10:57 am

Thanks, bro, you made me go watch War Games for the 10,000th time last night.

Title: Re: WOPR Control Panel
Post by: vwalbridge on July 08, 2015, 11:37:49 am

Clever idea for an arcade control panel.  ;)

Can we see pictures of the bottom wiring? I'm curious why you routed recessed areas for everything? Did the button threads not reach?

Title: Re: WOPR Control Panel
Post by: two40 on July 08, 2015, 09:27:14 pm

Quote from: pbj on July 08, 2015, 10:10:57 am

Thanks, bro, you made me go watch War Games for the 10,000th time last night.

 ;D  :applaud:

Quote from: vwalbridge on July 08, 2015, 11:37:49 am

Can we see pictures of the bottom wiring? I'm curious why you routed recessed areas for everything? Did the button threads not reach?

Yes, the threads did not reach so I routed the underside.

Sorry but I don't have a picture of the underside after I finished it. I was going to build a box for it out of scrap mdf but found an old metal cookie (yum yum) tin so I cut a hole for the usb port and screwed it in. A bit lazy but it'll serve well to keep dust out.

Title: Re: WOPR Control Panel
Post by: mgb on July 11, 2015, 01:10:14 am

I saw the title of WOPR and I was like "I gotta see this, I love War Games"
Its my favorite non-Molly Ringwald movie of the 80s

Very nice job, Love it