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My Mame Cabinet Project (Cocktail Table Style)

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truepusk:


--- Quote from: compute on September 08, 2011, 07:59:33 am ---How many games use 8 buttons on players 3 and 4?

--- End quote ---

I don't have an answer to that.  There are a lot that use 6 in general, and I know there are a few that use 8.  One thing I lose (which may not matter much once I put together the final design) is the ability to set any of the 4 controls as 1 or 2 player for any game if I reduce the number of buttons on some.

The question remains, what do I gain by dropping down to 7 or 6 buttons?  Do I gain a smaller control area and thus more space/flexibility?  I'm assuming we aren't talking about the benefit of saving $4 to $8 on buttons.

I guess this brings up something else that I'm going to have to figure out.  My plan is to have recessed controls that reside under the table, just like a typical or classic cocktail table.  I'm not sure how much elbow room I need between controls if people are sitting side-by-side.  Also, it's possible that the space to the left and right of the controls will be open, but if it is blocked, I'm not sure how much additional space I need there, as well. 

As an aside, to help me answer some of these questions, I've been trying to find some arcades that have joystick/button consoles so I can do some 'research', but I haven't had much luck (Dave n Busters is all shooters and racing games here in Chicago, for example).  Tonight I'm going to hit up at least one bowling alley.

Malenko:


--- Quote from: truepusk on September 08, 2011, 08:49:26 am ---
--- Quote from: compute on September 08, 2011, 07:59:33 am ---How many games use 8 buttons on players 3 and 4?

--- End quote ---

I don't have an answer to that. 

--- End quote ---
I know!!!! NONE. (console games excluded)

most use 3, a few use 4.

Typical 4 player panels use 7 or 8 on P1 and 2 and 3 or 4 on 3 and 4.  Its not a matter of saving $4 on buttons, but not having a button you'll never use cluttering the panel. Its your game do what you want. These are just the opinions of people who have built cabs before.

Hoopz:


--- Quote from: Malenko on September 08, 2011, 09:06:03 am ---
--- Quote from: truepusk on September 08, 2011, 08:49:26 am ---
--- Quote from: compute on September 08, 2011, 07:59:33 am ---How many games use 8 buttons on players 3 and 4?

--- End quote ---

I don't have an answer to that. 

--- End quote ---
I know!!!! NONE. (console games excluded)

most use 3, a few use 4.

Typical 4 player panels use 7 or 8 on P1 and 2 and 3 or 4 on 3 and 4.  Its not a matter of saving $4 on buttons, but not having a button you'll never use cluttering the panel. Its your game do what you want. These are just the opinions of people who have built cabs before.

--- End quote ---
Just a handful of D&D games used 4.  May not be worth it to add the 4th button for just a few games.  I can't see adding 8 for Players 3 and 4.    :dizzy:

Donkbaca:

On a 21 inch, 4:3 screen, you are looking at 12.6 inches high by 16.8 inches wide, mounted vertically, that means that each side is going to be looking at a screen that is 12.6 inches wide by 8.4 inches high, give or take a few fractions of an inch.  That is a pretty small screen area to be sharing with a game designed to display 4 players.  Also, cocktails mount flat, so its hard to be comfortable and get a good viewing angle unless you are right on the end.   Lastly, the spacing of controls will make it cramped, even if its okay elbow room wise, you have to remember this is a sit-down cabinet, so you have to make sure there is enough space for people to sit in chairs comfortably.

I don't know any arcade games that use 8 buttons.

You don't need more than 4 buttons for players 3 and four, and you probably only need 3 for them

truepusk:

So has anyone ever heard of a 4 player (at one time) Cocktail cabinet?  As I mentioned earlier, it seems like most 4 player cocktail cabinets are designed for either 2 opposite or 2 side by side but not 4 all at once.  I'd really like to know what the best options for this type of MAME are.

I could potentially consider doing 4 all along the long side, but that might be worse.  Donkbaca's concerns about the screen size definitely need to be looked into before I sink all the time and effort into this.

I appreciate all the help thus far!  I'll definitely keep updating my progress and I'm sure the questions I'm asking thus far are just the tip of the iceberg.

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