Gauntlet: Control Panel Mock-Up

Earlier this week I received my shipment from Arcade Overlays.   The CPO from Arcade Overlays is better (and thicker) than I had expected, but that’s a good thing.  I would highly recommend them for anyone building or refurbishing an arcade machine.

Since I had the overlay and was waiting on controls, I figured I’d start working on a mockup of the control panel.  My plan is to install the controls into a mockup, making sure everything fits right and is ergonomically pleasing.  Assuming that works, I could then use the mockup as a template for the real thing.

I went to the local hardware store and bought a 2×4 sheet of 3/4″ plywood (sanded, the nice stuff) and a 2×4 sheet of 1/4″ particle board.  Together with a set of new jigsaw blades, I spent less than $15.

I took the overlay, laid it flat on the particle board, and traced the outline.  I then brought it outside and used the jigsaw to cut the outline.  It turned out pretty well aside from the one part I had to freehand (since I forgot to lay a straight edge down for it, but I figure it’s a template and not a big deal.

Now I’m just waiting on my order from Bob Roberts, and once they arrive my next task will be drilling out holes for the controls.