cp 7 button layout

[Iceman81]

http://i780.photobucket.com/albums/yy89/packagegoods/20151220_184704_zpsf2pwqrcs.jpg

i basically modded one of the templates from slagcoin.  i didn't like it parallel to the monitor, so i turned it until it felt comfortable in a rest position.  looking for some advice before i pull the trigger and drill the holes.

it doesn't really show in the pic, but i plan on having the index finger button the same distance from the back of the cp as the joystick

if anyone has a better template, please link it

any help would be much appreciated

[Slippyblade]

I, personally, prefer a straight layout with no curve.  I find the curve to be highly over rated.  However, it is your layout.  Just make sure you keep the stick square with the screen.

My only real advice is...  do a mock up first.  Actually build the CP with your layout in heavy cardboard, or thin ply or something easy and cheap.  Play a few games with it.  If you like it, THEN cut real wood.

[Iceman81]

that's a great idea! i did try the button part on cardboard, but it was so thin that it was impossible.  maybe i can cut a few using my cp as the template and glue them together.  I like the part about playing a few games that way... that may be the only way to really tell if its good or not.

[Slippyblade]

I like 1/4 hardboard (high density fiberboard) for testing.  It's thick and heavy enough to hold the controls well and it's dirt cheap so a couple different designs doesn't break the bank.

Heck, I've seen people use an upside-down tupperwear container to test layouts with.

[Jamesbeat]

Just don't try using plywood, at least not lauan.
I made an experimental control panel out of 1/4" lauan for just this reason, and drilling it with a spade bit made it splinter horribly.

I came to two conclusions from this experiment:

1. I prefer the standard straight layout for a six button cp rather than the curved version.

2. Removing a hardwood splinter from the ball of your thumb hurts even more than getting a large hardwood splinter in the ball of your thumb.

The accident occurred while drilling the holes, not while I was playtesting the panel.

[yotsuya]

Just for discussion sake, I'm going to throw out that I use the curve layout with NO issues whatsoever, and I've never heard a guest complain, either. Just don't go with some weird custom curve- the one at slagcoin is pretty much the most curvature I'd use.

[DeLuSioNal29]

It looks like you are rotating the already curved layout counter clockwise?  If so, your elbow will be sticking out into the player next to you on the right.  Kinda weird.  Any reason you are rotating it extra?  There is no need rotate it additionally with a curved layout.

D

[Iceman81]

yes i was rotating counter clockwise.  I felt that rotating it was more natural for the way my hand would sit.  Like slippyblade suggested, i did a test run on thick cardboard, and that design was terrible.

i tried again leaving it straight, and i think that's the best way to go. I have the templates taped and ready for drilling, i'm confident that it will be perfect when its done.

thanks for the advice guys, i really appreciate it.

[Slippyblade]

Well, it's yer project, obviously you can do what you want.

But keep in mind, if you end up building it and then changing it later we are gonna hand you a ration of ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---.  :p