Here's my external CP

[Gh0sty]

Hello,

i just wanted to show you my own build Control Panel. On the first Picture you see i have
this two 37" CRT monitors, what i needed was an external sit down panel. Because i use
the monitors also for Racing and Lightguns the plan was to build a CP what can be
dismantled easy, but it have to be strong. Because of new CP's in the future i plan to build
(ie: Track Ball, Spinner) i build the I-Pac4 also into a external Case. Connecting the CP to
the I-Pac4 is done with regular D-Sub connections (25 & 9 pins). This way i can connect
2 external CP's for 3 or 4 Player games if needed and the main reason i dont have to buy
a new I-Pac for every new CP ;)

Now a quick description of the pics, i started to build the CP 1:1 from cardboard, this way
I could find (and instant feel) good positions for the buttons and Joysticks.
The units were then transferred to the wooden plate and the work on the wood started
(bore & saw). A friend of mine build the two racks from aluminium where the plate will be
screwed on with Lock-screws (sp?). In order to hide the Joystick metal plates i bought a
veneer (sp?) and stick them with patex adhesive on the wood. I dont know how to describe
veneer, but its very durably, its like a kitchens sill plate and its availible in many different
colours and textures. Then i prepaired the edges for the t-molding. Next was the underbody
for the cables, it serves also for the whole CP stability. I think the last pictures are
self-describing, but one more note, the two holes in the bottom are made so i can manually
quick change the Joysticks (Suzo 500) to 2/4/8 way mode.

[Gh0sty]

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[Gh0sty]

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[Gh0sty]

finish

[PCtech]

Looks good, and durable.  Looks like a good fix for what you have.

Looks like a slight bump might knock it over though....do you have problems keeping it stable?
Neat idea!   

[Gh0sty]

Looks like a slight bump might knock it over though....do you have problems keeping it stable?

absolutely no, we play-tested 2 player games for a few hours and its solid like a rock.
The rack is aluminium, but it is heavy, its aprox 0.39 inch thick. Steel would be even

[tkuper05]

I really like your veneer you put on there.  Where did you purchase it?

[Gh0sty]

I really like your veneer you put on there.  Where did you purchase it?

i bought it from a local wood-shop here in germany, they selling everything from/for wood.
I doubt this will help you, but you just have to look for a similar shop in your area.
Unfortunately they mainly sell for bussines only in large quantities. Veneer was only
availibe minimum 3m x 2m. So i still have plenty enough for more CP's ;)
One more note, you can bend veneer easy but not to much, it brakes very easy
you have to be carefull while cuting it.

R
Gh0sty

[Gunstar Hero]

I'm digging the legs, they look awesome, and the CP looks like it covers all the bases. Sweet!