CP spacing (joysticks relative to buttons, etc)

[mmmPeanutButter]

I'm planning my layout for my CP.  I've sort of lined up getting an empty cab with an inside width of 24".  Originally, I had planned a slightly wider cab (primarilly for a rotating monitor, but I should be ok with the 24") but now I need to see if I have enough room on the CP.  

The top drawing is what I think I have to go with just because of the space.  The 7-button layout is nice, but adds 1.5" to each set of buttons.  I think I would rather have slighly less playability on some neo-geo games in order to have better playability on the rest (because of more room).

So the question is:
Are there standard (or ideal) spacing for either A,B, C, or D?  I think B and C are probably the most improtant.  Ultimately, I guess it is a matter of preference, but I wouldn't mind some suggestions before I build my mock-up.

And would you agree with me on the removing-the-seventh-button plan?

Thanks for your help.

[Chris]

If your control panel connects to the machine with panel clamps, you may not have left enough room at the sides for the clamps' strike plates.

[mmmPeanutButter]

If your control panel connects to the machine with panel clamps, you may not have left enough room at the sides for the clamps' strike plates.

There are panel clamps towards the back, and a piano hinge on the underside of the front (it's a metal cp).  There are (3/4"?) wood supports on the sides of the cab, but if I need to go close to them, I could always use a router to give me a little room...   so the 24" is available room.

[aricade]

for your neo geo games just use buttons 1,4,5,6

First arrangement seems fine to me..  but if you plan to hook up an xbox , ps2, gamecube then you might want more buttons  (8 is ideal)...

decisions decisions

[grafixmonkey]

if you think you'd go for beatmania games, the seventh button will allow you to play more than 60% of the songs.  (many require seven keys, a lot only need 5.)

But if you're playing beatmania on it you need to rethink the button design anyway, so that you can play the buttons like a piano if you need to.

(just a thought - there really aren't that many beatmania players on BYOAC)