Control Panel Design

[mxpxpxpx]

Hello, I got this custom built arcade cabinet from a thrift store in 2014 and I want to finally change the control panel. The dimensions I am working with are about 22x11. I am primarily a retro gamer, and will have a HDD with hyperspin on it and about 90 consoles. I want to have a trackball, 8-way and 4-way ball stick with a possible spinner. I will also be going to 6 main buttons, with 2 extra for the 4-way, 2 for the coin and start, and 2 to enter, exit consoles in hyperspin. First is that enough buttons for the games or should I do eight? Also is there going to be enough room for a dedicated 4-way stick or should I get an 8-way that can be set to 4-way? I was thinking of putting the trackball in the center, the 8-way to the left and the 4-way and 2 buttons above the trackball and the bulk of the buttons on the right. Would it feel weird to have your arms over the track ball to reach the 4-way. I would also like to add a spinner at the top if there is extra room. Please let me know if y'all like this idea or if yo would change anything. The way it is now makes it hard to play some games with limited buttons. I will be getting an I-Pac 2 for the PC interface. Thank you and please reach out if you would like more photos.

[bigster]

6 buttons is fine for retro games but when you go past 2009 you might need more.  You have too much stuff for that control panel.  Less is more. 

I would either pick trackball or spinner based on what you think you will use the most.  Also remember track balls require more space to spin without hitting your hand/fingers on things.

I am mainly providing this advice because your name is great.  See you tomorrow....at....the.....show.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

[bobbyb13]

Arcade and console games don't mix well in regard to controls.

Pick what games you REALLY want to play before you do anything, and then design around your must have list.

How stable is that thing and what does it have for guts?
Appears to be an end table with a screen bolted to it.

[javeryh]

There is no way you can fit all the controls you listed in a 22x11 space.  I would figure out what games you want to play and design around that. 

Also... 90 consoles?  Consoles aren’t great with arcade controls.  If that’s what you mainly want to play i would just set up Hyperspin with an Xbox controller and a TV.

[PL1]

Pick what games you REALLY want to play before you do anything, and then design around your must have list.

Agreed.  Check out the step-by-step design process outlined in the "What type of build meets my needs?" section of the FAQ.
http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/FAQ#What_type_of_build_meets_my_needs.3F


Scott

[mxpxpxpx]

Thanks for all the replies. MxPx is my favorite band, I am loving their live stream as of late.

The machine will have 90 consoles, but will be used for mame for the most part. I can part with the spinner and dedicated 4-way. I'd like to have a joystick and trackball, buttons and I-pac2. I would get a 8-way that can also be a 4-way. I play a lot of namco classics and 80s arcade games. The PC was built in 2014 and is about 3 ghz and 8gb of ram with a 4gb graphics card and Windows 10. I will probably use a xbox controller for the console games.

[bobbyb13]

Should have plenty of horsepower to play what you like!

If you are into Namco classics and only want one stick I would recommend you make it a 4 to 8 way switchable one.

Playing classic 2 or 4 way games with an 8 way stick is NOT satisfying.

You have space for a trackball or spinner for sure but both would probably get crazy.

Put your coin and start buttons on the front of the CP and that will help a lot with clutter.

And if Scott (PL1) chimes in on one of your threads...
Heed his suggestions!

[Gilrock]

Please let me know if y'all like this idea or if yo would change anything.

Personally I'd change everything.  Plenty of simple designs around here you could copy that would be much more satisfying in the end.  That just looks like a simple frame built from 2x4's and 2x6's.  You could rebuild that entire stand in a couple hours but spend longer and make something nicer.

[mxpxpxpx]

Again thanks for the replies. I have decided to go with a less is more approach. 1 joystick 8 and 4 way switchable, a trackball and some buttons. I might put the coin and start button on the side. The front is a pull out keyboard mouse tray. I might close it off and make the controls on a hinge to get better access. Right now I have to un screw 2 right angle brackets to get to the panel. I have thought about changing the base, but on a tight budget, so I will do the controls first.

[bobbyb13]

Again thanks for the replies. I have decided to go with a less is more approach. 1 joystick 8 and 4 way switchable, a trackball and some buttons. I might put the coin and start button on the side. The front is a pull out keyboard mouse tray. I might close it off and make the controls on a hinge to get better access. Right now I have to un screw 2 right angle brackets to get to the panel. I have thought about changing the base, but on a tight budget, so I will do the controls first.

A good plan!
Maintain playing ability while you scheme on building a full-on cabinet.
 

If you have a keyboard that accessible then you really don't need to sweat admin or coin and start buttons anyway, unless you really want them on the CP.

[mxpxpxpx]

Hello, I bought this 4.5 cm track ball. Now I am having one hell of a time finding a Mounting plate for it. I have ordered 2 and neither work. I have a 3rd on the way but it will not be here till June 17th also it only has holes and no pegs for screws. I do not want to have screws showing. The trackball says it is for 60 in 1 jamma, but the connection looks like it will fit the I-Pac2 that I have. Will this trackball work with mame, and is there a better mounting plate I can get that also will not take forever to get here? If not I will try and return the track ball and get a better one. Thanks again for the help.

[PL1]

I think the vendor where you bought the trackball has restocked the mounting plate for it.

PM sent.   


Scott