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Ideas for a "classic" gaming control panel
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shponglefan:
As per this thread, I'm looking at building an arcade cabinet/controller with detachable tops.  Right now I have three control layouts in mind:


* 2 player fighting game layout w/ 7-8 buttons per player
* 3 player beat-em-up layout w/ 4 buttons per player
* classic gaming w/ 4-way joystick + spinner(s) w/ 2 buttons for each control
The third layout is the one I'm having the most trouble with.  Right now my basic plan is to go with dual spinners (w/ the Turbo Twist 2's + mini wheels for use with 360 degree driving games), and a single 4-way joystick in the middle.  Plan is two buttons per controller, although I'm not sure if it's worthwhile going 3 each?

Anything else that might be good for classic gaming?  I thought about a trackball, but the only game I'd want that for is Marble Madness and can't justify the expense of one for a single game.  Also thought about a flightstick style control, but not sure what games it would be good for...
HanoiBoi:
Based on your design, but without knowing dimensions, why not consider making one control panel with all?

If your panel will be as large as I'm imagining, your swappable controls won't really fill up the space. 

Is there any reason you would omit Player 4?  Do you really need 2 spinners/steering wheels?

If you aren't aware of this thread I'd suggest checking out everyone's CP layouts.  You can derive many great ideas.

 http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=59359.0

Check out Reply #19 for starters.  I think you could do similar, using your 2 spinners in place of some of the dedicated joysticks pictured.

mytymaus007:



--- Quote from: shponglefan on June 25, 2012, 01:06:09 am ---As per this thread, I'm looking at building an arcade cabinet/controller with detachable tops.  Right now I have three control layouts in mind:


* 2 player fighting game layout w/ 7-8 buttons per player
* 3 player beat-em-up layout w/ 4 buttons per player
* classic gaming w/ 4-way joystick + spinner(s) w/ 2 buttons for each control
The third layout is the one I'm having the most trouble with.  Right now my basic plan is to go with dual spinners (w/ the Turbo Twist 2's + mini wheels for use with 360 degree driving games), and a single 4-way joystick in the middle.  Plan is two buttons per controller, although I'm not sure if it's worthwhile going 3 each?

Anything else that might be good for classic gaming?  I thought about a trackball, but the only game I'd want that for is Marble Madness and can't justify the expense of one for a single game.  Also thought about a flightstick style control, but not sure what games it would be good for...

--- End quote ---

Classic arcade control panels are actually more confusing because there was alot of unique layouts then newer arcade games, you said classic so i would make a list of games that you want to play and build around that. I know i have 2 spinner for 360 driving games 1 is super sprint but i also use it for tempest which i use use my right hand to spin and omegega race i use my left hand to spin, will you be adding a pedal which you can eliminate some buttons on your CP for that.If your building hot swap panels you have the advantage of making many and uncluttered panels. Right you can make just one panel with all controls but many games will be annoying to play. Another good thing about hot swap panels you can build them as you need them. Personally I love my trackball, you might not want one now but after play for a while you can always buy one if you feel the need!
shponglefan:

--- Quote from: HanoiBoi on June 25, 2012, 07:07:39 am ---Based on your design, but without knowing dimensions, why not consider making one control panel with all?
--- End quote ---

Several reasons.  1) I'm trying to avoid a Franken-panel layout.  2) I want each controller to be ergonomic as possible; some multi-use layouts are clean, but invariably sacrifice usability of certain controls.  And 3) I want to be able to match certain controls with certain types of games, which is a little easier to do with swappable panels.


--- Quote ---Is there any reason you would omit Player 4?  Do you really need 2 spinners/steering wheels?
--- End quote ---

Omitting player 4 is a space decision.  And I don't imagine it would get used that much to begin with.

As for the spinners, I debated this, but would like two for games like Super Sprint.


--- Quote ---Check out Reply #19 for starters.  I think you could do similar, using your 2 spinners in place of some of the dedicated joysticks pictured.
--- End quote ---

Hmm, that's making me think I may also add a 45 degree 4-way stick...

shponglefan:

--- Quote from: mytymaus007 on June 25, 2012, 08:35:58 am ---will you be adding a pedal which you can eliminate some buttons on your CP for that.
--- End quote ---

Yes, for driving games I'd rather use pedals.  Not sure what kind yet, though.


--- Quote ---If your building hot swap panels you have the advantage of making many and uncluttered panels. Right you can make just one panel with all controls but many games will be annoying to play. Another good thing about hot swap panels you can build them as you need them. Personally I love my trackball, you might not want one now but after play for a while you can always buy one if you feel the need!

--- End quote ---

That's the plan.  I figured it's a lot easier to crank out a new panel top with a handful of controls, than re-do a kitchen sink-style control panel from scratch.
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