Best height above deck for control panel?

[docrings]

For a stand-up arcade cabs, I've seen plans showing anywhere from 30" to 40" in height for the top level of the control panel...   Any consensus on what might be the best "average" height for a stand-up MAME cabinet?  

My current drawings I'm drafting have a 39" height which seems relaxing for my arms, but smaller children might have to sit on a high-stool to actuate the controls.  I'm 5'11", so about average.

What height do you like?  (I'll wait while you go measure your cabinet... LOL)  

Cheers,
  Doc Rings

[mgb]

The low side of my control panel is 38" from ground while the high side is about 40" .
My panel is a slight bit high because of the cabinet being on wheels and I like it like that. I'm 6 feet tall and find that to be better on my back.
I have a 4 year old that plays on the cabinet all the time. He just stands on a chair.

[docrings]

Thanks for the quick reply!

I may need to modify the cab wood dimensions a bit for height, since I need to accommodate about 2" extra for 4" wheels.  So, I will make the 'cab' for 37" control panel height, and then get 39" after installing the recessed wheels.

[tsaylor]

Your plan sounds about right.  My Centipede cab was about 40" high, but I've added wheels so it is more like 43" now.  I'm also over 6ft tall so it works for me, but 43" does seem a bit higher than it should be.

[docrings]

I did some control panel mock-ups at different heights (30" to 40"), and 36" felt the best, and still accommodate someone 5' 7" of so without the panel being uncomfortably high.  (WAF).

I'll figure 2" for recessed wheels and remember to make the cab 2" shorter on the wood panel markings prior to cutting.