coffee table rotating control panel

[menace]

So My goal for this one is to build something that is only visible when you want to play it.  I also wanted something all in one box so its easy to move around and relocate upstairs if I want to.  I used the x-arcade as a design template for a nice spacious 2 player panel.  The end theme is going to be clone wars type stuff since the kids are huge into that right now..

The joysticks are temporary for now--needs longer shafts to feel right and I'm debating doing a manual turn on the center joystick versus an automatic (and more prone to failure ) one

features:
-dual core laptop with HDMI out so I can plug it into whatever TV is available at the moment (darn kids...)
-rotating 4 way that can switch to a q-bert stick with a push of a button
-hide-away design (still to come)

progress pics so far:

[Nicodumas]

Did you think about channel setting the joysticks? You can get a bit more height without needing to mod the shaft.

Also, i like the idea, and hope to see something crazy that has a flush top when not in play.

[menace]

Also, i like the idea, and hope to see something crazy that has a flush top when not in play.

Thats the plan

I'm torn on some quick and dirty artwork-- Anyone's thoughts on the control panel art?--will be edited and printed on adhesive gloss vinyl..

A.



B.



or C.

[wp34]

-rotating 4 way that can switch to a q-bert stick with a push of a button

Looking good so far.

I'm very interested in this your rotating 4 way as I'm restoring a Q*Bert.  Can you give more information when you get to that point in your project? 

[menace]

yup no problem.  the concept so far is to have a two position switch that you pull a pin, or press a mechanical button that releases it, spin it 45 degrees then pin/switch or something to lock it back in place.  I'll probably route the base into the underside to buy myself another 1/4" in height on the joystick.  we'll see how it all fleshes out..

And if anyone was interested, the family voted C--I voted A but was defeated in a gingerbread induced swing vote staged by the opposing party a.k.a. the wife...

[wp34]

I liked A depending on where your controls end up related to the artwork. 

yup no problem.  the concept so far is to have a two position switch that you pull a pin, or press a mechanical button that releases it, spin it 45 degrees then pin/switch or something to lock it back in place.  I'll probably route the base into the underside to buy myself another 1/4" in height on the joystick.  we'll see how it all fleshes out..

Looking forward to seeing how this turns out.

[drventure]

Nice artwork.

I have to second the vote for insetting those sticks though. They just look way too short as is.

It's really no big deal, just route about 1/4 to 1/2" in a square underneath and then set the sticks in that.

They'll end up a little higher up on the CP that way.

[menace]

Some slow progress--finally got the adhesive vinyl--I ordered 4 pieces and they worked out to about $10 shipped each.  The quality is fine for my needs.  It was a hong kong company off ebay--was very happy with them overall.



Now on to wiring...

[Le Chuck]

That's looking pretty sharp.  I've been thinking about something similar or a dedicated cab for my kids.  This definetly helps steer me that direction.  Keep it up 

[Kangum]

im glad you went with the first image for the background. it is the most balanced art. The other 2 while nice do not have good composition for the background.

[Le Chuck]

im glad you went with the first image for the background. it is the most balanced art. The other 2 while nice do not have good composition for the background.

Totally forgot about that, I was totally for A too.  Glad you changed your wife's mind. 

[segasega]

Some slow progress--finally got the adhesive vinyl--I ordered 4 pieces and they worked out to about $10 shipped each.  The quality is fine for my needs.  It was a hong kong company off ebay--was very happy with them overall.

Now on to wiring...

Mind sharing the name of the ebay seller, looking to get some cheap stuff done too. Cheers

[leapinlew]

I vote A, if you can remove as much as the crotch plate as possible. Maybe put a "Wheres the beef" sticker on it.

[menace]

Mind sharing the name of the ebay seller, looking to get some cheap stuff done too. Cheers

they are prints-mart.

Not much progress, just got the buttons wired up but not wired to the encoder.  For some reason I've been dragging my feet...I've also been mulling over a servo actuated q-bert mode on the rotating joystick in the middle.

[Le Chuck]

Totally been playing with the same idea.  I'd love to see what you come up with, my take is mounting the joy to a large thin gear then routing that into the CP as a bottom mount and having brackets with small ball bering feet to support the gear from the underside.  That way with the servo you wouldn't even need an actuating arm, you can just put the post right against the gear.  If alligned correctly the servo will prevent unplanned rotation.  

[menace]

You'd have to custom source that gear--know anyone with a 3D printer?  that sure would help!  I think even with the connecting arm and linkages you would have a tough time spinning against the servo.  The ones I have are for RC crawling --metal geared and good amounts of torque.

What I need now is a way to secure my control panel top that will support being upside down, is hidden, yet easily undone should I need to get to the guts...I might go completely obvious and just dress up some control panel retainers on the outside but make them look like they belong there...

[menace]

Small progress:  Got the table top cut--think the wife will notice?  I know how its going to rotate and just need to buy/build the hardware.  I also have to secure the control panel to the underside somehow--maybe just a boatload of screws?

[alfonzotan]

You'd have to custom source that gear--know anyone with a 3D printer?  that sure would help! 

I've toyed around with this site/store a bit.  Never ordered anything from them, but their samples look interesting:

http://bigbluesaw.com

[Le Chuck]

I'd use a mess of screw inserts and bolt is down to the platform, that should work pretty well.  Are you routing in a center axle for the bottom side to get your flip rotation?  Also, any plans to add wood to the sides of the coffee table so you don't see the panel hanging off like a bat from the underside?

[menace]

Good idea on the screw inserts!!--I was just going to use some 3/4 #12 screws but your idea may be even beefier!  I also hadn't considered the skirt but in consideration it may help to camouflage things a bit.  Maybe I'll build a box under there and make a shelf so it looks like something other than just a box...

[EightBySix]

Take a look at this idea... Tapping a screw thread into wood. It looks cool , but I want someone else to try it first
http://www.thewoodwhisperer.com/videos/tapping-threads/

You can then bolt the thing together!

[menace]

After picking up my control panel, There's no way i would trust tapped threads into the softwood--I'm going with the screw in anchors.  Here's a quick and dirty test run of the rotating hardware:









Everything is on track (knock on wood!)

[menace]

The control panel has been glued and screwed to the table and the rotating part of the contraption is complete!!!

to do list:
Fab some locks so the table top can be locked closed and open with the same doo-hicky
install servo controls to rotate joystick and power on

http://www.youtube.com/embed/dnnr6iK-FGQ

[AGarv]

I really like the $.25 buttons - where did you get those?

[menace]

Groovygamegear awhile ago--finally got around to using them..

http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=73&products_id=295

[menace]

Is it still necro-posting reviving an old project?  Anyways, finally got it mostly done (curse myself for making it playable but oh well).  Just needs a remote power button and the servo actuated joy to be done but other than that it works great.  Kids even love "playing the table"