Ideas for removable cocktail CP's?

[rchadd]

I am currently thinking of possible ways to implement removable CPs on a cocktail cab. Idea is that P1 and P2 CPs can be moved to 3rd side to allow play of horizontal games. I will also build a CP with trackball - so solution will allow play of vert and horiz TB games in native resolution.

I have already seen this cab that uses a hooking system http://www.arcadecontrols.org/yabbse/index.php?board=10;action=display;threadid=19099 which i currently think might be the best solution.

Please see graphic illustrating the proposed fixing solution.note that the CP is "backless" to allow plexiglass lighting to work. notches in the cabinet sides will provide a secure fixture to prevent any side to side movement during game play.  the only disadvantage that i see of this solution is that will require opening the tabletop to change the position of the CPs. i would prefer a solution that does not require the table to be "opened".

I am just putting this out to see if any clever people here have any other ingenious ideas for alternative solutions?  

cheers in advance!

[cjb]

I'm in the midst of my cocktail project, which will have removable control panels (that can be set up on the horizontal side).  I had the same issue as you - I didn't want to remove the top to swap the panels.  I'm going to use some shelving hardware...hold on, let me see if I can find a picture...

it's sort of like this:


the tracks will be mounted on the side of the cabinet, and the shelf support ends will be mounted inside each control panel.  The only problem is that the tracks will be visible on the side when the control panel's not mounted there; with the hook setup you pictured, that's not an issue.  I'm using serial-type plugs to be able to quickly swap them out.  I'll get a better picture once I get farther along on my project...

[Tilzs]

You could maybe come up with some sort of hooking mech to hook the top of the cp sides to the underside of the cocktail top. That way you wouldn't have mounting brackets on the sides of the cabinent and yet might be able to do it without requireing the top to be opened.

[Doc-]

You could scale this modular panel concept down to make a modular cp:

 http://www.beersmith.com/mame/panel_mounting.htm

Here's a proposed cocktail based on the concept:

http://www.arcadecontrols.org/yabbse/index.php?board=10;action=display;threadid=19801

[rchadd]

I don't think a modular panel will meet my requirements, it would still require static CP frames to be built and attached to the table.

Another reason why I want removable CPs is purley due to domestic/space reasons. For example when not in use i can remove & stow away the CPs, then push the table into the corner. throw a cloth over it and it could be considered a regular unassumming table.... until it's play time!

hmmm....maybe this project should be called "Schizophreniac"?

plus ability to remove the CPs makes the table much easier to transport (a fixed CP on the 3rd size will make it diffcult to fit the door frame.

[rchadd]

I was wondering whether a larger version of the method to hang clock on a wall - they have a keyhole shaped socket on the back, then maybe using a carriage bolt to fit the socket

more odd ball ideas have included... something like how ski bindings work, or step-in snowboard boots?

come on, be creative and help with this brain storm

[cjb]

I was wondering whether a larger version of the method to hang clock on a wall - they have a keyhole shaped socket on the back, then maybe using a carriage bolt to fit the socket

Yep, I considered that too, and got a little keyhole slot piece of hardware to test it out.  I decided the shelf hardware seemed to hold better (no wobbling), but it depends on what kind of stuff you can find at your local Lowes/Home Depot...

[Doc-]

I don't think a modular panel will meet my requirements, it would still require static CP frames to be built and attached to the table.

You are right - you still need a static (or moveable) frame.  Since you don't move them all the time, could you not go with something simple like a shelf bracket and that simply screws in or bolts onto the case?

Another alternatives include various types of door or snap latches.  

What might be really elegant is if you could hide the bulk of the locking/support mechanism under the lip of the table top so it is not visible to most players.  This might work since you rarely lift up on the panels with a large force while playing - so control panels hung from the top corner would probably be pretty stable in most situations.  You might need some kind of small latch to hold the bottom down but it need not bear much load.  This would allow swap-out without large visible supports on the cabinet sides.