control
This section of the blog is going to explain the thoughts behind the control panel on the surface tension arcade tables. After all, this is where your hands are going to be most of the time. This is also the bit that makes people say “Wow!” as the side of the table drops down on it’s pneumatic buffers, revealing the playground of joysticks and buttons.
The evolution of the surface tension table’s control panel has not been taken lightly and has changed a lot since conceptual and prototype stages. Genuine arcade parts were essential to maintain feel of the good old days.
sticks…
The joysticks obviously play a pretty important part in an arcade table, and these are no exception. Ball-tops are a must for comfort, control and aesthetics here.
The weapons of choice are Sanwa joysticks. They have a reasonable amount of throw (movement), and feel uninhibited. So whilst you are battling with aliens, you won’t have to do battle with the joystick!
balls…
How are you going to defend your bases from incoming missiles? How will you get that marble across the line in time? Happ controls make the best trackballs, which is why each surface tension table is fitted with one. With it’s fluid movement and solid feel, it wont disappoint.
Did I mention that it glows too?
pressing issues…
you won’t have to worry when going for that Track & Field 100m sprint record. These are the genuine article - Happ pushbuttons fitted with a microswitch that’s been tested to 10,000,000 cycles… that’s a lot of sprinting, hurdling and jumping.
Both players are provided with a 6-button control panel to cover any eventuality.
1 or 2 up?
I keep getting told this is reminiscent of the man on a restroom door… press it to enter!
Also manufactured by Happ controls and also tested to 10,000,000 cycles these are going to withstand the most impatient of players.
give me some credit…
For the credit buttons, we have some anti-vandal switches. So you won’t get any trouble from these whilst topping up your credits.
Manufactured from high quality stainless steel, they also have an illuminated blue halo. So, you won’t have a credit problem when you’re playing into the small hours of the morning.
control panel…
Set flush into the drawer, the panel is made from quality grade stainless steel, with a brushed finish and mounted with polished, countersunk hexagonal bolts. The surface tension branding is discreetly screen-printed onto the corner.
Designed and built in the U.K.