more cp layout questions

[MiKman]

I am in the final stages of my cabinet and I'm still not sure how I want to layout the entire control panel.  I want the 4-way (4) / spinner (s) and 2 (p1 p2) buttons located front and center but I'm worried that they might be in the way of the trackball (tb) and mouse buttons (m1 m2 m3), I thought about putting them at the back but I think it might be too much reaching. and for fast spins on the trackball you migh bang your hands on the 4way or spinner.  what, if any, are your guys thoughts on this? My finshed panel is 44" X 17.5" with about 41" X 15" usable area (with overhang etc.) I know it's hard to visualize it, but I'm not very handy with the paint programs :-)

                              1start                     2 start

8way  b1 b2 b3                                                           8way  b1 b2 b3
          --BINGO! Either that, or I was attempting to say "before" but it was too many letters to type-- b5 b6                tb tb tb tb                                      --BINGO! Either that, or I was attempting to say "before" but it was too many letters to type-- b5 b6
                                        tb tb tb tb
                                        tb tb tb tb    m1 m3 m2
 
                                         ssss
                                         ssss   4way   b1 b2  

[RacerX]

I think the 4way is definitely going to be in the way of the trackball.  It wouldn't hurt to build a cardboard mockup of your panel so you can try out different layouts.  That way you won't drill holes into your wood panel just to find out that your layout doesn't work.

Good luck.

[hyiu]

maybe the spinner and the 4 way will be in the way of the tb...

especially if you're trying to spin fast / hard !!....

[MiKman]

Ok here are some crude sketches (sorry not very good with photoshop).  these are my two options so far.  Any suggestions, comments would be most appreciated.

Thanks,
MiKman

[TalkingOctopus]

I'd lose the mouse buttons.  I always spin the trackball with my right hand, and then use 3 of player one's button.  With your setup, you'd have to spin with your left hand, and use the 3 buttons with your right.  I realize you might be left handed, but then you should try to use the p2 buttons.

I think making a cardboard mock up is the best advice.  It is hard to perfect the layout the first time.

[MiKman]

true enough about the mouse buttons, but I kinda need them for windows stuff :-)  I was trying to remember which side the buttons are on for missle command. and I decided to put them on the right side for the lefties and the righties can use the player one's buttons...  Thanks for the input, I might wanna rethink what I have here.

One other design I have on the drawing board is the player 1 and plaeyr 2 joys/buttons tilted sideways. My panel is quite wide and in the above 2 examples you have to look right (player 1)  and look left (player 2) to see the screen. so I thought by tilting them like this you look directly at the screen.  has anyone ever tilted the main joys/buttons this way?  Is it ok or do you find your self pushing incorrect directions on the joys?

Thanks for all the comments/suggestions I need them.  

[hooded_paladin]

if you need the mouse buttons for windows stuff, consider ditching them anyway and daisychaining the P1 buttons to the (optipac, mousehack, whatever)  to keep functionality and save space.  And maybe remove those little hole cupholders and add folding ones to the side for more space.

[matt888]

Get rid of the mouse buttons and use PL1's first three as suggested.  Also, move the 4-way above and left of the trackball...and the spinner above and right of the trackball!    

[MiKman]

ok with everything actually in a wood (test) panel I have it laid out like the following pictures.  With the width of the panel I decided that I wanted 3 separate buttons specifically for the trackball/mouse.  It seemed too far of a reach to get to the player 1 buttons. Where the blank hole is beside the spinner is going to be the 4 way...  So far eveything feels ok.  Any constructive critism is welcome.

Thanks

[MiKman]

another angle.

[MiKman]

one more straight on.

[BlackThorne]

And maybe remove those little hole cupholders and add folding ones to the side for more space.

I agree with the folding cupholders. Not only to get more space, but for the mere reason that nothing can spill over your cp.

[CthulhuLuke]

If you decide you want some overlay on that bad boy, now that I got this new computer I can more than likely hook you up with something good.  I know Snaaake spits em out fast, but I need some practice, so if it turns out I take too long, you can just ask him.
    -Looking good so far
       -Chu

[MiKman]

If you decide you want some overlay on that bad boy, now that I got this new computer I can more than likely hook you up with something good.  I know Snaaake spits em out fast, but I need some practice, so if it turns out I take too long, you can just ask him.
    -Looking good so far
       -Chu

Definately going to be putting something there, the one in the picture is only a test panel from an extra peice of mdf I had left over.  Thre real mc-coy is currently painted black with no holes yet. :-)  have you got any pics of some of your work so far?

[CthulhuLuke]

yah, actually, I put this together the other night as an idea for a single player overlay, I can do whatever style you want usually, I specialize in character type of stuff, like my example, but I do make exceptions.
    -Chu

[CthulhuLuke]

Mmmmk? *bump*

[SNAAAKE]

OH hey,I can do a marvel theme if you want.
I am thinking about using the high res magneto I got,spiderman from mamestation and wolverine.keep it simple  !  

Here is another I did last night for someone(or course I sold him a stick ).