Progress...

I've got both control panels cut and the monitor shelf mount. It's starting to look like an arcade cabinet now!

It's been a long time since I rock and rolled

I've finally started to work on this project again. I've cleaned the paint and decals off, cleaned the inside out, done some initial sanding, and finalized a layout for the control panel.

I made a slight mistake with this control panel. The buttons are too far apart, probably by 1/4 to 1/2 inch too far. I don't think it will be a problem with the 1 or 2 button games, but SFA3 and MK might be a little uncomfortable. I might cut the control panel one more time.

My logic behind the control panel layout is all based on personal preference. Most of the time, I will be playing single player games, or games where 2 players alternate. Having the joystick in the middle was more natural to me. The buttons would then be placed on the right hand side, leaving the trackball to go on the left.

P1, P2, Credit, Pause, and Exit buttons, as well as the speakers and volume control will go above the joystick on a second control panel. Instead of using the speaker holds of the Atari cabinet, I will build another panel to hold the admin buttons.

I still need to vacuum the cabinet out to remove the dust and dirt. Then I will build a shelf for the monitor and get the second control panel cut. After that work will probably slow again as I'll have a playable arcade cabinet...