The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls

Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: Aabra on June 08, 2009, 12:24:09 pm

Title: How do you make a detachable control panel?
Post by: Aabra on June 08, 2009, 12:24:09 pm

I'm in the process of designing a cabinet.  It will be a 4 player cabinet so in order for me to get it through the doors in my house I need to be able to detach the control panel easily.  All of the designs and pictures that I've seen never seem to explain this process in detail. 

I've seen a control panel clamp set here:  http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=70&products_id=204

How do these work exactly and are they even what I should be using?  If somebody could explain the process and take a picture or two of how their own detachable control panel is attached to the main cabinet I would greatly appreciate it.

Title: Re: How do you make a detachable control panel?
Post by: javeryh on June 09, 2009, 04:42:57 pm

Use some LATCHES (http://www.happcontrols.com/accessories/49005900.htm).

Title: Re: How do you make a detachable control panel?
Post by: Aabra on June 12, 2009, 02:36:17 pm

Thanks.  So I was looking at the right thing then.  :)  I guess the bottom of the CP needs to be hollow then for this to work.  I'll have to figure out a good place to put the control interface.

Title: Re: How do you make a detachable control panel?
Post by: Hitek on June 14, 2009, 09:00:04 pm

It doesn't necessarily need to be hollow, it just depends on how you want to mount it. My CP has a locked hinged bottom and I use the clamps.

Title: Re: How do you make a detachable control panel?
Post by: Aabra on June 15, 2009, 05:34:25 am

Ahh, that's much clearer.  A picture says a thousand words.  Thanks a lot.  :)  Is it secure though with only the 2 latches holding it on there?  (1 on either side)  Would it be better to go with 4 or is 2 enough?

Title: Re: How do you make a detachable control panel?
Post by: javeryh on June 15, 2009, 10:05:55 am

Quote from: Aabra on June 15, 2009, 05:34:25 am

Ahh, that's much clearer.  A picture says a thousand words.  Thanks a lot.  :)  Is it secure though with only the 2 latches holding it on there?  (1 on either side)  Would it be better to go with 4 or is 2 enough?

2 is probably enough but I'd go with 4 - put 2 on the bottom so it won't pull up and then 2 in the back so it won't pull forward.

Title: Re: How do you make a detachable control panel?
Post by: Hitek on June 15, 2009, 10:44:34 am

Quote from: Aabra on June 15, 2009, 05:34:25 am

Ahh, that's much clearer.  A picture says a thousand words.  Thanks a lot.  :)  Is it secure though with only the 2 latches holding it on there?  (1 on either side)  Would it be better to go with 4 or is 2 enough?

2 is plenty. My CP is 49" wide and they hold it down just fine, even with 4 adults playing. You could use 4 if you wanted, but I don't think it's necessary at all.

Title: Re: How do you make a detachable control panel?
Post by: Aabra on June 15, 2009, 02:09:31 pm

Thanks a lot guys.  I really appreciate all the information and have a very clear idea of what I'm going to do now.  :)