How should I lay out my buttons?

[level42jeff]

So, I'm about ready to start construction on my control deck, but I'm still trying to figure out the configuration of my buttons.

As for the player buttons, I've decided on this for comfort mainly. I've also put the joystick a little further to the left.



If anyone has and other suggestions then please let me know

I've also decided on 2 buttons on the left and right for Pinball.

But, my main questions is I have 4 spare buttons, and 2 Player indicator buttons. What should I do with them?

I still need a start and stop button for my front end, and a coin button for each player (2 player) I figure I'd use the player indicator buttons for this, not sure what else I would use them for :s? That leaves me with 2 extra buttons, what could I do?

Also, as for button layout, what should I do. This is what I currently have.


Full size click here: http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/2975/captureqya.png

Any suggestions for better button placement? I'm open to all ideas at the moment, I only plan to make this control deck once.

[Well Fed Games]

I suggest going with 6 buttons at the most per. What games will use 8 at a time? (Unless this is for a console CP).

Also, everything but the action buttons and the P1/P2 start could be accessed through a shifted button combination. Will make for a nicer CP in the long run- fewer wires and inputs equal less headache, and fewer admin buttons is less of a chance that a guest will hit the wrong thing at the wrong time.

[level42jeff]

At the moment, I haven't really accounted for any admin buttons. I've decided on the 8 button because my front end has MAME and several other consoles, I figure it was worth having the extra 2 buttons in case I ever needed them. I'm not to worried about wiring, I've allocated like 2 solid weeks to ensure the wiring is done right, nice and clean and organized.

The main buttons in question are the 6 across the top, what buttons do I need?

1. Menu Select
2. Menu Return
3. Player 1 Coin (Player 1 button)
4. Player 2 Coin (Player 2 button)
5.
6.

Any ideas? I also need to know the best organizational method for mounting these 6 buttons. Where they should be positioned.

Thanks

[drventure]

Looks like you've already seen slagcoin, and that's about as definitive and you can get,

After that the best idea is punch some holes in cardboard and mount the buttons to see how it feels.

I went with a 7 button layout, but, in retrospect, the most buttons I've ever used was 4 on a player. Realistically, if I'd read a bit more before attacking my project I probably would have gone with 5-6 buttons per player and for the few console games that require 8, pick up some wireless USB controllers for them (that'd be more comfortable anyway because, well, controlling 8 buttons with one hand is insane).

[AlienInferno]

I used roughly that same button layout as you except I moved the joysticks to the left a little and tilted the buttons counter-clockwise.  Felt more comfortable for me that way.  I used a 6 button layout on mine. 

As far as the admin buttons you could add a pause button.

[level42jeff]

Ohh, a Pause Button, that sounds interesting. That still leaves me with 1 extra button. Maybe I'll just keep it as a spare.

Do you guys think its a better idea keeping the Admin buttons seperate panel above the control deck?

Like this:


Or should I just keep them on the control deck like this:


If I separate them I can shrink my control deck down by about 4-6 inches lengthwise.

[drventure]

I like them up off the main flat surface of the CP , but that's really a design/aesthetic/personal taste decision.