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Brainstorming a rotating control panel
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Generic Eric:

--- Quote from: Xiaou2 on February 03, 2014, 01:04:29 am ---
 Depending on the diameter, you can have quite a lot of controllers on a circular CP.

--- End quote ---

Like Uncle T's Mothers driving game?
mgb:

--- Quote from: Generic Eric on February 03, 2014, 07:15:18 pm ---
--- Quote from: Xiaou2 on February 03, 2014, 01:04:29 am ---
 Depending on the diameter, you can have quite a lot of controllers on a circular CP.

--- End quote ---

Like Uncle T's Mothers driving game?

--- End quote ---

That's the one that came to my mind during this discussion.
DaveMMR:

--- Quote from: michelevit on February 03, 2014, 07:10:01 pm ---With all that effort to incorporate all those controls in one cabinet, it would be easier and possibly cheaper to build the following 5.

a cab with a 2 person streetfighter layout (two 8 way sticks allow for robotron, crazy climber, karate champ and other 2 stick games)
a cab with a steering wheel (pole position and other driving games.
a cab with spinner (tempest, arkanoid)
a cab with a dedicated 4 way joystick (dk, pacman etc)
a cab with a trackball (centipede, marble madness, missile command)

These rotating or modular cabs are never half as nice as a dedicated design.


--- End quote ---

While I agree with the overall "rethink control overload" rhetoric, especially with regards to rotating panels, I don't think building multiple cabinets (all with its own need for lumber, a PC, display, etc.) is in anyway the cheaper solution. Not to mention, many people may just not have the room for a mini-arcade.

To be blunt, unless you do have the money and space, concessions will always have to be made in this hobby. That is to say: all "all-in-one" cab ideas always have some downside to consider - even post-construction. For example:

Rotating monitor. Pros: two orientations on one screen. Cons: Monitor size limitation plus excess bezel.
Rotating control panel. Pros: numerous layouts that are easy to switch out. Cons: More excess bezel to accommodate the control clearance.
Modular control panel. Pros: unlimited layouts without duplicate controls. Cons: unsightly seams in the control panel; too complex for anyone other than designer to switch things out.
Swappable control panel. Pros: Clean design, unlimited orientations. Cons: expense (duplicate controls), storage, and again too complex for guests.

Again, I tend to favor the "swappable route" myself. Design you cab with the basic two player/six button (or seven) layout. Perhaps stick a trackball and spinner in there if you have the space (and you don't need as much as you think unless you're really into Golden Tee.) Make it so that the panel and wiring can be easily removed (panel clamps and Molex connectors work well) and, down the road, you can make a second panel with, for example, a Tron Stick and dedicated spinner or, heck, even a simple 4-player layout with only 3/4 buttons each that doesn't require a wide-panel.
Xiaou2:

--- Quote ---I thought about what you said and while, in theory, it would work. However, again in theory, it would take up an enormous amount of space. At the point you start talking about having couch-like seating, multiple players and seating for spectators all inside of a theater-like box with full surround sound, you might as well drop the lazy susan and install multiple screens so your party can enjoy all of the controls all of the time. Like a Sprint 8 or Tank 8 with a flat panel for each side.
--- End quote ---

 Theres no way to have every controller available for all players at the same time.  I pretty much have every specialty controller thats ever been built.

 While the idea of a mini arcade is nice in theory... that means:

1) Several PCs  $$$
2) Several Encoders $$$
3) Several cabinets, cab hardware, paint, glass, wiring, power strips, lighting, artwork
4) Several Displays $$$
5) Even if you built 6 cabs, you still wouldnt be able to fit all of the Controller configurations, into them all..  and they would still take up more space than the version I started to envision.
6) If you built those cabs to try to save space, they are going to all be standups... which isnt as comfy nor nice as sitdowns.
7) And, you wouldnt have the mini theater to boot.
8 ) Having friends over, when people are playing.. all are sort of forced to witness the great moments of gaming.  Rather than merely doing their own thing, and not really bonding.
9) Being enclosed, theres better sound quality capability.. as well as reduced sound leaks both from inside to out.. as well as outside to in.   With good insulation, it could make a nice quite meditation room, recording area, place to nap.. or place for adults to have a little private fun without the kids breaking in.  heh   It could also have its own heating and cooling.. thus saving on utilities.

---

 With an all in one, theres One PC.  One assembly.  And one artwork theme.

 
 The cabs main design would be for 2 players, but have certain controllers in the rear area for 4 players support... such as spinners, for Warlords.

 
 The design was inspired by Unclets cab design... but on a much grander scale & functionality.  More controllers, better layouts, different structural design.

 
 When I get a breather, and stability of income.. Ill get back to it...
Xiaou2:

--- Quote from: michelevit on February 03, 2014, 07:10:01 pm ---With all that effort to incorporate all those controls in one cabinet, it would be easier and possibly cheaper to build the following 5.

a cab with a 2 person streetfighter layout (two 8 way sticks allow for robotron, crazy climber, karate champ and other 2 stick games)
a cab with a steering wheel (pole position and other driving games.
a cab with spinner (tempest, arkanoid)
a cab with a dedicated 4 way joystick (dk, pacman etc)
a cab with a trackball (centipede, marble madness, missile command)

These rotating or modular cabs are never half as nice as a dedicated design.

--- End quote ---

Yet, with all of those cabs.. it still does not allow for playing all of the games... some of which are very fun and interesting.

 Wheres the Mechanical Rotary sticks?   Discs of Tron?   Spy Hunter wheel?   Is there a 360 deg wheel?  Race Drivin 5 way Shifters + 3 pedals each?   Afterburner II throttle?   Mad Planets Spinner + trigger stick?   Sinistar 49 way optical stick?   Baseball & Golf games  "spring loaded"  pots?   720 controller? 

 And you mention something like dual 8 way sticks.. but honestly, Nothing plays Robotron like true Wico leaf sticks..  yet Wico leaf sticks dont work well for Fighters.   Similarly, are there leaf buttons?  Micros?  Or both?   4 analog trigger sticks for two player tank games?

 Theres a lot more gems too.


 A lot of people make compromises in controls, because they 1) dont really know the difference.  2) Cant afford or get hold of the originals.  3)  Have never used the originals.. so are clueless as the to the reasons.  4) Dont care enough..  spends more time playing the latest 3d fps than their mame cabinet.  5) Dont really have as much passion in classic gaming as others.  6) Value the Look of their machines more than the functionality..

 But for many of us.. who grew up on these games..  we know what they are supposed to feel like. How they are supposed to control.  The difference in feel, performance, and control, is like choosing between a Ferrari.. and a Yugo... & to try to win a race.   Even if you get something in between those two...  Once you have tasted the top of the line.. its hard to suffer with anything less than the best.

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