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Quad Control Panel Layout Feedback

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uiucphoenix:

I am looking for some feedback on the layout. It is a variation of the Space Paranoids CP (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=39025.0) with no 4-way stick and curved buttons. I am missing any buttons? Do I have too many buttons? I will be running an IPAC4...

zanna5910:

IMO,  You probably dont need all those admin buttons.

Just my 0.02.  Also, there are many ways to design a CP, use the one that fits your needs.  Some people will want a minimalist CP, some people want enough buttons to do everything.  Just remember there is a ALT button that can be used to minimize buttons on the cp by holding your alt button and pressing another button.

Also, it depends on what games you are putting on for how many buttons you want.  Remember, your guests are not going to know how to play every game and what buttons they need, so try to account for usability and self-understanding of how to play. 



Drnick:

Are you planning on console games, if so then 8 buttons each for 1&2 is OK, if not then drop down to either 7 for a neogeo layout or go down to 6 which covers pretty much everything.

Nice to see the joysticks straight on and not angled. (Ignore any crazy people who advise angling them  :P :P  :dunno :dunno)

I would probably move all those function buttons up onto the bezel area or lose them altogether.  I have 2 small buttons on the front, 1 to exit and 1 for any other required function.  I don't know about having the buttons above the trackball, I would move them off to the side more.

Other then that it's looking good, nice to see you have got pinball covered too, Don't forget you want 2 buttons each side if you like games with dual flippers/magnasaves.



uiucphoenix:

The setup is going to be at my work and it needs to be as user friendly as possible. That is why I was going for the necessary buttons on the CP itself without having to hold down an ALT button. This seems easier to me, but I could certainly be wrong. I think ease of use is always a priority, so has anyone had their system in a place when you will not always be around to show people how to run it? Are more buttons better or does it just mean that people will press the wrong ones?

PL1:

You may want to refine your button selection to ensure that it is both easy to use and harder to mess up.

P1 and P2 only need 6 player buttons (7 for Neo Geo layout) unless you are emulating certain console games.

** You did start the design process by listing the games/emulators/software you want to play/use, right?  **

The Exit and Pause buttons are the two main admin buttons that contribute to an easy user experience IMHO. (No need to do alt/shifted functions if you set it up right.)

Admin buttons for menu and reset are probably not needed after initial setup and menu may cause more trouble than it is worth if co-workers accidently mess up your settings.

Mouse buttons are probably not needed either.

For the pinball buttons, you may want to add a second button on each side for Upper Flipper/MagnaSave, a button on the front for ball launcher, and 3 buttons for R/L/Up Nudge.

For related info on Visual/Future Pinball controls and wiring tips, use BYOAC's search for "MagnaSave" and author "PL1".


Scott

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