Slow progress...!

Okay, so finished the other half of the control panel...

I also got the speakers wired up to a cheapo Amplifier from ebay and an old  PC subwoofer secured in the base  of the cabinet.

The marquee lights are now all wired up, although I need to fit a switch to flick between full lights and UV meter controlled lights, or I may just do away with the UV meter - I have a feeling it will be annoying :-)

I applied more filler to the counter sunk screw holes which were still visible.  To kill time while the filler dried I played a couple of games  of Sonic the Hedgehog, although this was obviously just a scientific exercise to test the joysticks etc :-) .  Have to say I'm please with the kit from UltraCabs.

I've also completed the bit I was fearing the most - cutting the T-Molding slot - with the cab on it's side I was very conscious of there the blade might end up if it dropped out of the Router!  Thankfully the job is complete and the family jewels are still in one piece!

Have ordered all acrylic sheets from sheetplastics.co.uk (funded by ebaying a Commodore 64), once they have arrived I can finalise the positions of the monitor, then speakers and start painting!

I've also listed more Commodore 64 stuff on ebay since I found out how much the vinyl art is going to cost :-(

Have been "umming and arring" as to the colour scheme for the cab so have come up with a couple of mock-ups - so far I'l thinking white drawer and kickplate?

Haven't done anything constructive in over a week as I've been ill with "Man-Flu", mostly just felt sorry for myself instead...

Don't forget to subscribe and comment!

Half a Control Panel

Having a taken a look around the different common control panel layouts (http://www.slagcoin.com/joystick/layout.html) and feeling confused and overwhelmed, here's what I have decided upon for layout;

Although I might be going against convention I've decided on a left hand and a right hand control since although I'm right handed I prefer joystick control either left or right depending on the game - For most commodore games I'm used to right hand control, whereas Sega and Nintendo joyspads had directional control on the left, so it's a kind of best of both worlds.

I measured out the positions on the MDF by re-creating the lines shown in the diagram with a ruler and pencil.  I pre-drilled the holes with  a small wood drill bit.  Using a 28mm spade bit and a borrowed drill I have so far cut six button holes and one joystick hole.  It's kind of pain in backside job which takes more time than you expect.  I called it a day for tonight as the battery on the drill was low anyhow.  Due to the thickness of the wood the joysticks are shortened by quite  a bit but it's easier to mount them neatly under the control than it is above the control panel.  If it becomes an issue I'll simply add joystick shaft extenders.



Don't forget to subscribe and comment!