Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Yarb on August 02, 2002, 12:36:24 pm
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I've decided to build a MAME cabinet and am working out some of the planning decisions necessary before jumping in full force.
I have decided to use the I-Pac4 as it seems to give me lots of flexibility and room to grow, I am wondering what steps are necessary to make a control panel hot swappable with the IPAC, While I realize that would not be an issue if I put a USB IPAC in each panel that would get a bit spendy so I want to put the IPAC in the Cabinet then have a connector. Is the IPAC buffered or would I fry it trying to swap panels?
I was thinking of routing out a groove in the cab, backed up by a frame below, that a panel could slide into. I could then use a couple window type rotating latches, accessable through the coin door, that grab and pull the panel down tight. This would allow for easy but secure changing of control panels.
I have one of the KDS 21" monitors coming from the eBay auction so once the control panel issue is resolved I need to decide on the cabinet, new fab or old cab?
Mike
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I made my control panels hot swappable by connecting the wires that run from my i-pac4 to a male 21 pin serial connector.
Each of my panels has the wires from the buttons connected to a female serial connector.
When I want to change panels I just move the panel and unplug the cable then do the same in reverse - works great and haven't fried anything (yet) ;D
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I made my control panels hot swappable by connecting the wires that run from my i-pac4 to a male 21 pin serial connector.
I think you prolly mean DB25 25-pin serial connector.
This is what I plan to use. (Look for RS-232 DB25 M/F null modem cables ($1-$2 on www.pricewatch.com) Then cut the cable in two and connect one end to the I-pac and the other to your panels.
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any of you got a site with a guide on swapable CP's?
I've gotta make a choice concerning my CP. 1 go with a fully loaded CP (spinner, 2 play sticks and spinner optional 4 way stick in center above T-ball) or 2 go with swapable CP's prolly 2.
I could use some advice on the options, my preference goes out to swapable seeing as i don't like the looks of the "cluttered"CP.
This is my last hurdle i gotta take before i can start ordering parts and materials for phase 1 of construction.
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any of you got a site with a guide on swapable CP's?
I've gotta make a choice concerning my CP. 1 go with a fully loaded CP (spinner, 2 play sticks and spinner optional 4 way stick in center above T-ball) or 2 go with swapable CP's prolly 2.
In my research, I've heard that placing the 4-way directly north/12 oclock of the trackball is a recipe for bashed knuckles when using the trackball enthusiastically =P Just a thought to keep in mind.
rampy
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My primary concern was frying the Ipac-4, just not sure if its properly buffered for that. As for the connector I am planning to use a self-Aligning connector if I can find one with that many conductors, that way the CP can just slide in and out easily.
Mike
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In my research, I've heard that placing the 4-way directly north/12 oclock of the trackball is a recipe for bashed knuckles when using the trackball enthusiastically =P Just a thought to keep in mind.
rampy
Now there is some helpfull info ;) don't wanna hurt myself whilst playing now would we ;)
Just one more point going for swapable CP, this with my love for Missle command will prolly mean 3 CP's :) with this in mind i'll try and map out something on cardboard tonight.