Frank-n-Panel solutions

[Xiaou2]

Heya,

For those planning to build podium type panels.. or even large panels with many controls... this may be a better solution:



Basically, the panel would have 2 sides... and you could rig it to rotate and lock in place... or just unlock, manually turn it, then lock it back down (using control panel latches).

The reason.. is that 'frank-en-panels' become a pain in the but when you try to 'reach' controls that are too far away.  Its unconfortable... and youll fatigue quite fast because of it.

Btw:  The panel was just slapped together to show a point.  Its controls and placements wernt deeply thought out.  

  You will also note another idea on the cab version:  A locking pullout trackball drawer.  This would help free up a ton of CP space... as well as giving you Lots of room to roll dual trackballs and not hit any joysticks on accident : )  You could also use it to control the mouse for game selections...ect.

[paigeoliver]

I always thought an easy to build (although major space hog) of a Frankencab solution would be to build a cabinet with a control panel on each side (4 control panels), and make the monitor area rotate so you can rotate the top of the cabinet to face the panel you are playing on.

Or, build the same cabinet but with NO top section (monitor mounted facing straight up, standing cocktail, like Atari football). Then you wouldn't even have to rotate it.

[Xiaou2]

 Actually, one of my idea was simular...  but instead of rotating the monitor... the controls are built in a horizontal circle that spins arround the monitor pedestal.   This is simular to what has been done recently in a sitdown version by someone.

 For some... those designs are too complex - or at least - appear to be too much for most to try to build.  This idea is a lot friendlier to the typical cp builder i think...

[paigeoliver]

I always thought just spinning the monitor would be easier to do because you only have two cords to deal with (both of which are strong), as opposed to the zillion smaller easy to break wires coming out of most control panels.

[TheTick]

Isn't this cross-posted, rip-off of an idea kindof half-assed? You go thru the trouble of making a rotatable panel, but you don't hide the unused sides, and you basically miss out on a third side for additional controls.

Instead of borrowing an idea and improving it... you stole it and made it lame

[Xiaou2]

 First of all Mister Tick...  I dont need your attitude.

 I simply was offering a "SIMPLE" solution for the many 'franken-panel' designs ive seen out there.   Its not a rotation panel... rather simular to removable panels - but with 2 built into one. (saves space, and no 'over-reaching' for the controls)

 As for Looks... thats personal opinion.   For the frank-n-panels... i dont think anyone is worried about looks - cause the clutter isnt all that pretty anyway.

 As for design Improovement... I was one of the FIRST people to make a rotating control panel designs (couldnt finish due to unemployment)... mine being 6 sided.  While not 'Hidden' like the later 1up build... it has functionality and more controls - for more accurate play.

 I take the time to help others in thier designs.. and Im getting blasted!!!???!!!  Grow up.



 http://www.xiaou2.homestead.com/arcade.html

[Xiaou2]

I always thought just spinning the monitor would be easier to do because you only have two cords to deal with (both of which are strong), as opposed to the zillion smaller easy to break wires coming out of most control panels.

 If the monitor stayed still... and the controls & pc spun... then there would hardly be a problem.  Youd need a limiter either way though.

 As for the rotating monitor... i think it has to do more with placement.  If you make a 4 or more sided setup... youll  have to put the thing in the middle of the room to get full access to all the sides.  If you have that room to spare.. then its a good design... however if you cant.. then the rotating controls idea might better suit you.  

 Each design has its own positives and negatives... and one has to choose what works best for them... or what is more important (or financially plausible ; )

[TheTick]

 First of all Mister Tick...  I dont need your attitude.

 I simply was offering a "SIMPLE" solution for the many 'franken-panel' designs ive seen out there.   Its not a rotation panel... rather simular to removable panels - but with 2 built into one. (saves space, and no 'over-reaching' for the controls)

 As for Looks... thats personal opinion.   For the frank-n-panels... i dont think anyone is worried about looks - cause the clutter isnt all that pretty anyway.

 As for design Improovement... I was one of the FIRST people to make a rotating control panel designs (couldnt finish due to unemployment)... mine being 6 sided.  While not 'Hidden' like the later 1up build... it has functionality and more controls - for more accurate play.

 I take the time to help others in thier designs.. and Im getting blasted!!!???!!!  Grow up.

First off... its TheTick. You need to grow up yourself and realize this is a public forum. If you don't want people to criticize you're work, you shouldn't be sharing it.

You're right, its a personal opionion. And frankly I think your current design is crap. It might be easier to use controls than a franken-panel, but it isn't any less ugly.

Was your six sided panel the one with the metal frame holding it up?

[Xiaou2]

 What the hell have you created thats so great that you can talk trash about my designs?!

  "You're right, its a personal opionion. And frankly I think your current design is crap. It might be easier to use controls than a franken-panel, but it isn't any less ugly"

  The design wasnt meant to beautify the panel.. but to make it better function.  I think that design acheives it well.  If you think its crap... then you post a better one big mouth!!!

  Its one thing to state your opinion in a way as to offer suggestion or improovment... its another to mock and use  offensiveness... which does not help anyone to achieve a goal.  It only creates anger and unrest thoughout the board.

  Also... you are 'ACCUSING' me of stealing an idea.  Which is Not the case.   Many people have the same ideas... and honestly... i could probably drudge up about 100 pages of designs that i did about 6+ years ago, before settleing on the rotating design.   This includes the idea that was posted.
.. and even many that have been created by others.

   I may also add... that NOBODYS design is completely original.  We ALL COPY in order to make things.  We take what is usefull (to us), and toss away what is most desired.

  If SHARING an idea is a crime... then sue me.

 
   and no... the base for the 6 panel is not metal.  its all on my site (which is old and needs updating.. including possible design changes...)  that is listed under my profile.

  I see no site for your wonderous works... o great critisizer


http://www.xiaou2.homestead.com/arcade.html
http://www.xiaou2.homestead.com/marbleinsanity.html
http://www.xiaou2.homestead.com/xiaou2s.html

[NoOne=NBA=]

TheTick,

That was a little harsh, don't you think?

He was throwing out info for people who may think that rotating panels (which are a better solution, although not BEST, IMO) are a little above their skill level.
His design is workable (albeit ugly, which even he admits) and looks like a workable alternative for those looking for a solution to their franken-panel dilemmas.

I personally opted for a swappable panel solution because it allowed me more than three panels in a classic cabinet setup.
Though similar in design to many others I've seen since designing it, the design is fully my own.

I'm currently working on a modular system to replace it because I think that is the BEST solution to this problem.
A modular system will allow me to recreate the individual control panels as accurately as possible for each game.
That is something even the rotating panels can't do.
An additional benefit to the modular system is that it will keep me from having to buy "extras" of controls I already own.

I'm sure there are other designs out there that contain many of the features I am designing into mine.
I posted this in hopes that I won't meet with the same harshness at such time as I start posting about my design.

[TheTick]

You need to chill. Who cares what I created? What does that have to do with me criticing your design!? Did you assume everyone was gonna love your design and sing you praises.

Thank you for sharing your idea. But I still don't like it, deal with it.

As for not giving you credit for designing an earlier version, my mistake... sorry.

So nothing I create exists, unless there is a link to it in my profile? And does absence of creation limit ones ability to form their own opionion? Will Batman be able to diffuse the bomb in time? Tune in next time...

[TheTick]

TheTick,

That was a little harsh, don't you think?

I don't think the ugly comment was harsh.

However, I do think my cross-post-accusotory-rant was harsh and inappropriate. And if his reply was more appropriate, I probably would have went back and retracted it.

[Xiaou2]

"You need to chill."

 No - I think you need an attitude adjustment.


"Who cares what I created? What does that have to do with me criticing your design!? Did you assume everyone was gonna love your design and sing you praises."

  I could care less if someone didnt like the design... however.. to accuse me of stealing it and making it Half-ass is totally out of line.  Thats not a critique - thats an attack.

 As for You not having a creation and able to cut others down... is saying exactly what you are.   You have no respect for others... and earn none for having nothing to even come close to backing it up.

 Its easy to Talk Sh*t... very easy.  Now try and DO SOMETHING!  Maybe then youll gain some respect and perspective.  

 Anyone can complain at such things as how the government is ran... but few would actually do better if put into thier shoes.  They are obnoxious loudmouths that seek attention... and feel better about themselves by putting others down.   Theres no real desire to make something work... just to complain and cut people up!


"Thank you for sharing your idea. But I still don't like it, deal with it."

"As for not giving you credit for designing an earlier version, my mistake... sorry."

  Why thank me now?  I hardly accept such a comment for an attacker.   I could care less about the If you dont like it.  If you dont like it... then why even say a thing?   You think I need your 'praise'  to make me feel good about my design?  As if your opinion meant so much as to be the sole reason for my entire life... !!!  

 And certainly... I am not going to take your abuse.  You want to say... 'im not so sure that design would pan out too well..."  thats peachy... but when you put 'theft+Half-ass' in there... them's fighting words.  

"So nothing I create exists, unless there is a link to it in my profile? And does absence of creation limit ones ability to form their own opionion? Will Batman be able to diffuse the bomb in time? Tune in next time..."

 
  I teach Kungfu privately... and its amazing to hear the things that people "think"  they know about martial arts.  Almost 90% of which is completely wrong & opposite of thier 'supposed' ...
'expert commentary' type 'knowledge'.   However... when a true "PRACTITIONER"  comes my way and sends a bit of knowedge my way... Im much more apt to have some sort of respect for that persons views and knowlegde... even if he is incorrect.  And further more... theres usually a MUTUAL RESPECT for each other and each others views.  In some cases where EGO'S arnt hurt... theres good exchange of information and both parties are better for it.

 Its too bad some people act opposite of these principles.  Claiming "i know more (or am better)  than you.. and your style blows"... and sometime with little working knowledge or practice even... !  

  Its these people that Ive fought in HEAVY, FAST & POWERFULL sparring matches... that have gotten thier A$$es so craftily handled by youys truely (to the point of embarresment.. or in worse case,  sevear pains)  to proove that thier views were incorrect.  

  I myself was once a bit cocky... but that went away quickly when long ago... I too was "handled"  into respectfullness.  Maybe youll learn it someday... (Hopefully before its too late and someone with less control of thier aggression bats you with a 2*4)

 

[hulkster]

hmmm....too much arguing, not enough arcade.  

[shmokes]

However, I do think my cross-post-accusotory-rant was harsh and inappropriate. And if his reply was more appropriate, I probably would have went back and retracted it.

Yeah Xiaou2!  When are you going to learn to be polite in the face of unwarranted, unprovoked and self-described inappropriate attacks on you?  It's like you have no sense.  If only you would have extended Tickmaster some respect in this "public forum", in return for his tactlessness, he would have retroactively been a perfect gentleman.

You really need to learn how to behave in public Xiaou2.

[paigeoliver]

Whoa, come on guys, grow up. Around here we like to save the name calling for when people tear up working dedicated games and stick cup holders on them.  

I consider all scratchbuilt designs both valid and interesting. I often give my 2 cents on them, and try to help improve them and point out obvious flaws (like whenever I see a joystick or sticks made to be held in the wrong hand), but there is no reason to get into all this!

[shmokes]

I didn't think these instructions would be necessary, but now I'm not sure.  Please, when reading my prior post, apply a very healthy dose of sarcasm.  

[Xiaou2]

lol,  thanks shmokes  : )   i needed that!   ^_^

[BobbyG66]

How about you guys face off in a 24 hour PONG match to determine the winner?

[paigeoliver]

How about you guys face off in a 24 hour PONG match to determine the winner?

What my friend Dave and I do is this.

Best of seven series.

First game is selected randomly (just rotate both joysticks and move them around with your eyes closed, which will pretty much get you a random game in Mamewah or Gamelauncher).

Loser of each game picks the next game, and will go second in that game.

Cooperative games are played in one player mode. ALternating or competitive games are played two player.

This is a great contest because it really helps even the score. First game being random is a great test because it will likely bring up something neither player has much practice at.

Since loser picks the next game, you have to literally beat people at their own games to win.

[Spaced Invader]

TheTick's opinion not withstanding, I actually think it's a good idea...even better it got me thinking. I think you could enclose this panel for a standup cab. And it wouldn't even have to be ugly...granted you would only have two panels. But I think it's an interesting idea...akin to Unclet's sit down. I made a (very) rough drawing showing side, front, and overhead views. Comments...

[Howard_Casto]

Getting back to the original poster.....The tick is right.... rip-off ideas and design flaws aside, your individual sides to the panels are STILL frakenpanels.  4 joysticks with 6 buttons to the side and 4 to the bottom.  How exactly does that look better?  I've seen so-called fraknepanels that look better.  

I don't mean to make waves here, it's just when you post the message as "solution to frakenpanels" a person expects it not to look like a frakenpanel itself.

[Buddabing]

Heya,

For those planning to build podium type panels.. or even large panels with many controls... this may be a better solution:



Basically, the panel would have 2 sides... and you could rig it to rotate and lock in place... or just unlock, manually turn it, then lock it back down (using control panel latches).

The reason.. is that 'frank-en-panels' become a pain in the but when you try to 'reach' controls that are too far away.  Its unconfortable... and youll fatigue quite fast because of it.

Btw:  The panel was just slapped together to show a point.  Its controls and placements wernt deeply thought out.  

  You will also note another idea on the cab version:  A locking pullout trackball drawer.  This would help free up a ton of CP space... as well as giving you Lots of room to roll dual trackballs and not hit any joysticks on accident : )  You could also use it to control the mouse for game selections...ect.

I think this would be a nice idea for a pedestal controller. I don't think it works spatially for a cabinet, the controls would have to sit too low to comfortably fit below where the monitor goes.  

The trackball tray may not work on an ergonomic basis. You'd also lose some of the arcade "feel".

Thank you for sharing your ideas. I especially like your 2p/4p hybrid.

Buddabing