PS2 Cabinet, Removable Control Panel?

[Tritoch84]

Hi, I'm new to making cabinets and such, but I have researched a great deal. I originaly just wanted to make a 2 player arcade stick a button setup for my PS2, but it grew into the want to make a cabinet.

I was wondering if anyone had made a control panel that could disconnect easily and be used else where. Since this setup would only have the 2 PS controller ends coming out, (The PS2 would be stored in the cabinet, ) I figure it would be easy to simply pull out the controllers, and make the panel so I could use it on the floor or whatever at someone elses house, who also had a PS2.

I was thinking of a MAME cabinet, but this will do for a good first attempt.

I'm guessing I'll have to use a design like Lusids, rather than the defender style I had planned on.

Thanks for your help,  this forum has been very helpful.

(edit): I would be using this cabinet mostly to play 2-D fighters along the lines of Street Fighter and the like.

[Tritoch84]

I am also going to be using a 20' TV for my project, I've seen a few cabinets, and the screen size just looked horrible on them. I was thinking the defender type cabinet would fit a 20' better than lusids design. Anyone know?

[HaRuMaN]

You can take any plans, and modify them to fit the TV you are going to use...  it's all a matter of what you think looks best.

[Minwah]

I would use the Defender style, if that is what you really want...take some measurements of your TV and modify the cabinet size accordingly - you should be able to retain the defender shape.

I did something similar: I copied an Atari System 1 cab, which originally used a 19" monitor, but I made sure I could fit a 21" screen in there.  

Edit: and your removable control panel should be do-able...you might want to consider making a box of some kind so you can safely transport it and use it elsewhere (kindof like a HotRod/X-Arcade).  Personally I would make the 'box' part not visible when installed into the cab tho, particularly if you do decide to go with the Defender style.

[Tritoch84]

Thanks for your posts, I will probably go with the defender style, and make it so that the controller "box" will just lay down on steel or wood supports, and then be easily "pushed" out and lifted with ease (for two people, I guess.).

Thats my only idea.

[Minwah]

Thanks for your posts, I will probably go with the defender style, and make it so that the controller "box" will just lay down on steel or wood supports, and then be easily "pushed" out and lifted with ease (for two people, I guess.).

Thats my only idea.

That's basically what I was thinking.  I would probably use wooden batons around the inside edge of the cabinet opening (where the CP will sit).  Make sure you support it well in case you ever decide to make a MAME panel for it - trackballs, steering wheels etc (who knows, you might want to add these one day) take a bit more of a beating that just sticks...