Building a new System - Control Panel questions

[eezeetee]

My last cabinet came out to be a frankencab  meaning it looked like a homebrew slapped together monstrosity.  I'm trying to avoid that this time.

My questions are

1) Which order do you think is best for a new control panel. I'm thinking
    Plan the size of the CP
    Create the Artwork to match the size with the button holes first
    Drill the button holes and others based on the graphic ---- (I learned my lesson from trying to add art after)
2) Is there a vector template site that will have say 20" by 16" control panels that I can use?  Or i'll have to create a image using PixelMator (MAC)
3) Is a Vinyl sticker type cover enough or do most people opt for acrylic on top to save the graphics?
4) Any outsourcing sites people are aware of for basic graphic requests?

Many thanks!

[PL1]

1) Which order do you think is best for a new control panel. I'm thinking
    Plan the size of the CP
    Create the Artwork to match the size with the button holes first
    Drill the button holes and others based on the graphic ---- (I learned my lesson from trying to add art after)

Check out the design process here in the FAQ.   


Scott

[eezeetee]

1) Which order do you think is best for a new control panel. I'm thinking
    Plan the size of the CP
    Create the Artwork to match the size with the button holes first
    Drill the button holes and others based on the graphic ---- (I learned my lesson from trying to add art after)

Check out the design process here in the FAQ.   


Scott

Did you mean #11 only?
"Design the rest of the cab around the monitor and control panel. The control panel and monitor often dictate the required dimensions for the rest of the cabinet. Keep also in mind the considerations at point 1 in this list! "

Because the FAQ has only 3 mentions of certain keywords (hole as example) that would discuss about how to design the graphcics to fit the wood, or the wood to fit the graphic.

I've already built and torn down a cabinet. Wired 2 light guns,  20+ buttons, Xbox controllers, etc etc.  I'd like my new cabinet to look a little more "retail" if you know what I mean.

So what i'm wondering is how do others plan their control panels?

[PL1]

I was referring to the whole process.

Your game list determines the controls you need.

A test panel allows you to determine a comfortable arrangement of those controls.

Arrange the art around the desired control template so you don't have things like buttons covering eyes, "joynicorns", or "crotch-sticks". (keep the template in a separate layer)

When getting their art printed, many people also get a paper drilling template to ensure that they drill the control holes in the right places before aplying the vinyl art.


Scott

[TapeWormInYourGut]

The above info should be enough. I am building a pedestal cab and it is revolving around the control panel design.

A full cab should almost always revolve around the screen imo. Otherwise you will end up with big gaps, or the screen not fitting.

You should just copy the mario or pacman cab, or another retail cab if you are going 1-2 player. There are pretty accurate plans somewhere around the forum. Can't go wrong with that.

[eezeetee]

I was referring to the whole process.

Your game list determines the controls you need.

A test panel allows you to determine a comfortable arrangement of those controls.

Arrange the art around the desired control template so you don't have things like buttons covering eyes, "joynicorns", or "crotch-sticks". (keep the template in a separate layer)

When getting their art printed, many people also get a paper drilling template to ensure that they drill the control holes in the right places before aplying the vinyl art.


Scott

I did chuckle at the "crotch-sticks" and could image poor Mario. Er, rather...

I think you just subtly answered my real question  -- "ensure that they drill control holes in the right places before applying the vinyl art"

But actually, I need to create the image, print it out on plain paper and figure out how I line up the graphics on the panel.  To avoid those nasties that you mentioned early.


@TapeWorm

Since my new system is only a half cab (I'm using the x-arcade system that I've drawfted in sketchup)
http://shop.xgaming.com/collections/arcade-machines/products/arcade2tv-showcase-with-250-arcade-classics

But since I don't have the exact measurements, making a graphics panel is tough