Starting to Work on a Control Panel with Insertable Subsections


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Posted by tektreve on 12, 2001 at 10:58 AM:

In Reply to: How about a replacable section in the center? posted by Johnny the MAME'r on 11, 2001 at 11:25 PM:

: Here's an idea I have. Why not have a metal section in the middle of a wooden control panel that could be changed out. This way you wouldn't need to build a whole new panel with additional sticks and buttons. I'm thinking about a drop in wheel, yoke, spinner/trackball, etc. Dual guns will take up too much room and will need a flat surface. I'll need a new panel for that. Make most (or all) of the controls USB for the plug-and-play. I'm planning on attempting this someday when I have lots of spare time (HA) and I'll just run a USB extension cable up to the control panel area.

Yeah, this is an idea that I've been thinking about doing for the last few weeks. Basically, what I'm planning is to use an MDF panel with an insertable metal panel in the center.

However, I'm considering going one step further... I'd like to make the whole panel in sections so that I can complete reconfigure it whenever I need to. The idea is that I could put in dual trackballs or spinners (one on the left and one on the right) for the games that need it, or put just one in the center, etc. My plan is to be able to play games like Missile Command and Tempest with the controls in the right place. I considered multiple panels (not sure where I'd keep the panels not in use) and rotating panels (may take up a lot more space and loose some stability), and I think modular subsections would be the best.

'Of course I don't want to over complicate the design. Easy of use and finished appearance are important to me, as is stability of the mounted panels. I'm leaning towards a compromise where part of the panel is fixed and part is replaceable. For the past couple of weeks I've been working with a friend on the design of this panel and really just have to finalize a few detail before I get started. I've already spoken with a few machine shops in my area to make the custom metal plates. Hopefully, I can start building the panel by next week or so :-)


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