cp stick/button positioning.. and other general q's

[sunrise3500]

Hi there,
I've been busy fixing up an old cab, and prep'ing it to become a mame cab.. I've fixed up most of the surface with a lot of sanding, and bog to repair damage..

Anyways. I'm at a point now where I'm doing a CP (One issue is 8 vs 6 buttons.. I'm now thinking I'll use just 6 buttons to keep things as simple as possible).
But I was trying out this layout from slagcoin.com, (I might just use the left 6 of the 8 though.. unless there's some good reason to put all .



is there a trick to positioning ? I'm trying a common sense approach; balance distance from the left and right ends.. and the gap between the 2 players.. and high up enough so there's some rest area for the palm without being right up top.. any more of a mathematical approach to what's best? or past experience from others?


Another question is how much higher than the CP do most people put their displays? I'm using an LCD and on my mock run didn't have it much higher than the CP.. I'm also considering raising the CP half an inch too. But most people seem to have atleast a few inches. Any good reason/practicality for this? ie more comfortable for players? For me it seemed to suit best having it lower; easier to see without the top of the cab getting in the way. Hoping the wisdom of those here might know something  that I don't that can help me get these little details right the first time.

Here's my mock run;


Finally, any standard on CP height? I think it's about 92 or 93cm atm.. (Around 36"). A bit higher than originally, but it seems better and more natural. Even higher would be better, but might not be so great for those that are younger / not as tall. (I'm 6'2)

[Donkbaca]

1) No need for 8 buttons, unless you are going to try and play consoles, in which case I would highly recommend using control pads.  You do see a lot of the 7 button variety.  That is what I used.  I have the same slagcoin layout, and I used the right most top three buttons and all 4 of the bottom buttons.  The 7 button layout is handy for neo geo games, that way the bottom 4 buttons have the same layout as the neo geo cabs.  It also comes in handy for UMK3, that 7th button is used for run.  If you want to play fighters, 6 or 7 buttons. Can't think of a good reason for 8.  As for positioning.  Just make sure the buttons and joys are on the same line,  I just eyeballed distance for what felt/looked right.

2) Monitor position is a huge personal choice.  Questions about monitor position/angle come up all the time.  There does not appear to be a standard, if you look at arcade cabs you can see monitors placed at all sorts of angles.  I think lower is more comfortable.  But I also thing that it should be somewhat centered in your monitor area so that the bezel looks right.

3) CP height seems to vary between 34" and 36".  Build it to suit you