seeking control panel feedback

[specfire]

Standard layout.  I put 2 rows of 4 buttons across the top for 2 x TT2 spinners, player 1 and 2 coin and start, and 2 admin buttons.

Do I have enough space between the trackball and the other controls?

BTW, the horizontal dotted line is where the leading edge bend will be (metal control panel.)

Thanks for all your comments.

[specfire]

My main question:

What is the minimum distance for a 3" trackball from the player 2 joystick in order to prevent most hand strikes?

[dullivan]

Good question. I've been concerned with this myself, as I'm getting geared up to start my first project. Anyone around that can offer some guidance?

Also, what did you use to use to generate your layout graphic you've got there?

[specfire]

I can't take credit for creating that, my buddy used SolidWorks.  He has access to a CNC machine to cut it into a metal panel.  We are planning on using aluminum instead of steel and then hard anodizing it.

I was thinking of 12 gauge, can anyone let me know what the minimum gauge of an aluminum control panel should be?  Perhaps Franco?

Thanks, spec

[BadMouth]

Did a quick measure on my X-arcade.  
It is 5-3/8" from the center of the ball to the center of the joystick shaft.
It's about 3-1/4" from the edge of the trackball cutout to the edge of the joystick ball.