Warning: The DSD button box shown in this post does not currently work with ED
That sounds a shame. I think I will wait for the newer version and pay attention to the reviews for it. Thanks for the feedback.
For the dashboard, I looked around at parts and boards but eventually plumped for a Derek Speare Designs P1 which I promptly tore apart, re-wired and re-assembled.
http://www.derekspearedesigns.com/p1p2.html

It worked out very cost effective - international shipping was included in the price.
A backlit trackball would be very cool. I think the issue with it would be the depth. It'd likely be a bit bulky to mount in the centre. One at the side would certainly work. I guess a trackpad is also an option but this can also be emulated on a tablet.
Thanks for that and your control panel looks great. The mesh is very effective and I really like the paintwork under your missile switch cover! Being able to see through it also gives it an effective industrial feel too.
Yes, the Ultimarc iPac, I used one in the first project I ever undertook - a MAME cabinet

The iPac is a great piece of kit.
This is turning out to be a really good thread for capturing options. Once I've completed the project, I'll update it to list all the suggestions everyone has chipped in with.
Thanks for everyone's on-going interest with this and please keep the feedback and suggestions coming!
@Sanderson, I've been thinking a lot about that expanding foam!
Edit: Those backlit trackballs do look great:

I have one. I tested it out when it first arrived and have never used it since. Their is a fairly small zone that it will read your hand gestures in, and it does not always read them accurately.
I haven't used it since it first came out. They may have improved the software or sensors over the last year.
Question, where do you source your pots and push buttons from? I really like the look of those dials.
That sounds a shame. I think I will wait for the newer version and pay attention to the reviews for it. Thanks for the feedback.
For the dashboard, I looked around at parts and boards but eventually plumped for a Derek Speare Designs P1 which I promptly tore apart, re-wired and re-assembled.
http://www.derekspearedesigns.com/p1p2.html

It worked out very cost effective - international shipping was included in the price.
A big, built in trackball would get my vote!
A backlit trackball would be very cool. I think the issue with it would be the depth. It'd likely be a bit bulky to mount in the centre. One at the side would certainly work. I guess a trackpad is also an option but this can also be emulated on a tablet.
Well this is awesome work and I've subscribed to the thread to keep an eye on what you do. This is teh sort of mad project i occasionally embark on.
I read earlier some mention of control panels and may i suggest an excellent option for that is the iPac arcade control interface. Very easy to setup, works as a USB keyboard and fully programmable.
I used one for my own control panel project
Thanks for that and your control panel looks great. The mesh is very effective and I really like the paintwork under your missile switch cover! Being able to see through it also gives it an effective industrial feel too.
Yes, the Ultimarc iPac, I used one in the first project I ever undertook - a MAME cabinet

The iPac is a great piece of kit.
This is turning out to be a really good thread for capturing options. Once I've completed the project, I'll update it to list all the suggestions everyone has chipped in with.
Thanks for everyone's on-going interest with this and please keep the feedback and suggestions coming!
@Sanderson, I've been thinking a lot about that expanding foam!
Edit: Those backlit trackballs do look great:

Last edited: