Critique My control panel mockup

[DarkKobold]

I've started my cab, and So far all I have done is the frame, and my control panel mock-up.
My dad and I decided to make a mock control panel, so we could learn some things, and perfect it for the future one. Plus, this gave me a working toy to play with while the rest of the cab gets finished

Personally, it feels like there isn't enough room below player 1 & 2 buttons....

Does it need a spinner in the open space? Oscar's milled steel mame knob would look sweet, even if the spinner barely ever gets used

Anyway, tell me what you think. Remember, you can be harsh, this isn't the final one.

[TalkingOctopus]

It looks like a good start.  I would make the cp a bit wider and try to put the trackball between player one and player 2.  I am also worried that player 3 + 4 may have a terribly difficult time seeing the screen at that angle.

Here is a picture of the template of my cp.  There is just enough space and player 3 + 4 have a decent view.

[Spaced Invader]

Hey Ocptpus,

Why six buttons for player 3 & 4? Just wondeing if I overlooked something...always willing to learn!

[hooded_paladin]

The 3rd and 4th players' buttons are shoved up compared to the 1st and 2nd players'.  Seems odd, but if you're sure that's what you want go ahead.
And that angle seems VERY steep.  Judging from where they all point, looks like the monitor would be a couple inches INTO the pad.  Ideally they should all point right at where it will really be.

[Rom]

You might want to rethink the placement of the player start buttons. Asuming that player 1 & 2 and the Black and Blue buttons. To have the player 3 start button right over by where player 4 is standing would mean having to stretch over to press it ever time they wanted to start a game.

[TalkingOctopus]

Hey Ocptpus,

Why six buttons for player 3 & 4? Just wondeing if I overlooked something...always willing to learn!

You really only need 4.  I just went with 6 because I was not sure if I would need it for any console games or need it for future games.  So far I have not used the 5th and 6th buttons for player 3 + 4.

[DarkKobold]

Thanks for all the input.

Rom: When a 4 player game is being played, I intend to have the controls mapped so 3 becomes 1, 1 becomes 2, etc. So, the only reaching is for player 2, but that is unavoidable, for looking good's sake

Hooded_Paladin: I agree. The buttons  for 3 & 4 seemed a little high up, and the player 1/2 buttons seemed low. Also, the angle was wrong. We were orignially try to keep the panel from being to wide, but that seems more and more difficult.

Talking_Octopus: Thanks for the layout pic. I may use that when I redo my cp. I don't think I want to put the trackball any lower, as there is already a slight problem with running into the 2 player joy.

[Luxury]

I recommend at least 6 inches from your controls to the edge of the cp for your wrists.  and i also say do NOT angle joysticks 3&4.  i did this, thinking it made the most sense....but was so awkward.  so i had to change them later.  was a big pain in the ass.