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Angled vs. Flat Control Panel

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Unstupid:


--- Quote from: patstg on April 10, 2013, 02:49:07 am ---I thought the two level panel was a nice idea to make room for extra controls. Does it have a bad rap here?

--- End quote ---

I have never seen a multi level panel that is not a "Frankenpanel"!

DaveMMR:


--- Quote from: Unstupid on April 10, 2013, 04:23:12 am ---I have never seen a multi level panel that is not a "Frankenpanel"!

--- End quote ---

I agree, though I think they can look somewhat 'neater' and/or 'organized' than regular Frankenpanels.

Just as a caveat to OP: make sure you really, really want all those controls (that would necessitate the two-levels). Don't, for example, put a Tron stick thinking you may want to play Tron one day... maybe. Have some specific 'must play games' in mind and their control requirements and design accordingly. It'll save you time and money.  ;)

My old machine had joys/TB/spinner and I realized about 90% of the time, I just played simple joystick games. Guests almost never played anything requiring special controls (except Arkanoid).



kahlid74:


--- Quote from: DaveMMR on April 10, 2013, 08:14:01 am ---
--- Quote from: Unstupid on April 10, 2013, 04:23:12 am ---I have never seen a multi level panel that is not a "Frankenpanel"!

--- End quote ---

I agree, though I think they can look somewhat 'neater' and/or 'organized' than regular Frankenpanels.

Just as a caveat to OP: make sure you really, really want all those controls (that would necessitate the two-levels). Don't, for example, put a Tron stick thinking you may want to play Tron one day... maybe. Have some specific 'must play games' in mind and their control requirements and design accordingly. It'll save you time and money.  ;)

My old machine had joys/TB/spinner and I realized about 90% of the time, I just played simple joystick games. Guests almost never played anything requiring special controls (except Arkanoid).

--- End quote ---

To add to the chorus of Dave and unstupid make sure you really really need those extra controls.  Every one I have seen looks super crowded and just doesn't flow nicely IMO.  This is also an opinion, so if the OP really wants it go for it.  It's yours in the end, not ours.

rCadeGaming:

I would say angle it so that the average height player (probably you if you'll be playing it the most) can lay his/her forearms comfortably on or just above the panel while playing, so the wrists are straight.  Same thing with button layout, make sure you don't have to twist your wrists left/right.  Don't angle the joysticks though.

arzoo:

My first mame rig uses a two level control panel (pic here). Putting aside the Frankenpanel debate, I'll say this - although the upper level allows the controls to be spread out nicely, for long gaming sessions it's not as comfortable as the lower level. And even with 14" between the track ball and plexi - fingers are still occasionally smashed when playing Golden Tee. But it is angled - about 8 degrees  :)

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