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Is there an optimal height for the CP?

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patrickl:

drewkaree,

You're not supposed to touch the CP with your forearms.

The idea was that the slope of the CP should follow the slope of your arms. Like with a computerkeyboard. You arms slope slightly up over the keyboard and when you keep your arms the way they are supposed to be kept your wrist is straight and your hands hover over the keyoard without your arms touching anything.  

Now the next step is that the CP apparently sits much lower than your elbows. So your forearms will naturally slope down. If you tilt the CP to match the slope of your forearms again things should work fine. Apart from the fact that it will probably look even more silly than a CP at chestheight  ::)

patrickl:


--- Quote from: Howard_Casto on March 31, 2004, 03:16:53 pm ---You'll find that 90% of all arcade machines fall somewhere in this area.  You'll also find that the averge male's elbow joints are about 4-5 inches higher than this, thus allowing for maximum comfort when your arms are on the control panel.  

I'm suprised so much debate was caused over such a straight forward question.  ;)

--- End quote ---
The problem is that you are (probably) right for people that are about 4' 6" tall. For a fullgrown (european) adult at about 6' the (underside of the) elbows will be around 45".

DrewKaree:


--- Quote ---I figured i'd give MNM's idea a try
--- End quote ---

dunno if that was missed.  I was going with HIS idea.  In testing this, if you DON'T rest your forearms on the CP, your shoulders will start to hurt.  Once your shoulders start to hurt, the natural inclination is to rest your forearms on something to take the pressure off of your shoulders.  


--- Quote from: patrickl on March 31, 2004, 03:20:56 pm ---You're not supposed to touch the CP with your forearms.
--- End quote ---

I understand.  Even though MNM didn't state that idea in his post, I never considered consciously resting my forearms on the CP.  In theory, it'd work like that.  In practice, it's a whole other ball game.  Another reason you will unconsciously start to rest your forearms is that with the reverse angle he referred to you will feel like you are "reaching" for the controls, bringing more odd muscles into play.  

I think when building from scratch, build the CP to suit YOUR needs.  The odds are that you will be the one playing the game MOST, so make it comfortable for yourself.  Take your CP, grab some books (if you don't have books, try produce ;D), and start playing around with angles.  

If the goal is to make a CP that you AND YOUR BUDDIES will be comfortable on, then bring YOUR BUDDIES over for a testing session.  This forum has provided examples, but what if you build it and your buddies say "This feels lame, awkward, wack, sketchy" etc?  Are you gonna tell them "the guys on the forum said to do it this way"?  

I don't intend that last part as sarcastic or ass-clown-like.  I just mean it as "build to meet your needs".  The only way your needs will be met is to flesh them out and give it a test.  The worst thing that could happen is that you take our recommendations, use them, and after building it, hate it for the rest of the time you have it.  

Optimal for you probably is not optimal for someone else, and you may decide on a compromise of what works for you vs what works for your buddies or you may say screw it, it works for ME, deal with it or play your own cab.  Regarding what Howard said, the cab he is referring to was built to accomodate a wide range of body sizes.  This means it will be playable to that wide range of body sizes everyone to play, but it won't be OPTIMAL for every person.  Your own stated preference for a chest-high position is testament to that.  Last I checked, they never made a Mortal Combat with that CP configuration. ;)

Think of it as beta testing for your CP! :D

*edit*
re-thought an idea

patrickl:

He, he, yes. Well the problem is I DID beta test and I ended up with a CP at 50" (for my height). The idea being that the angle of the forearm is at the same angle (to the ground) as the CP is. So then the height is a personal thing and in my case 50" (actually it even depends on how far you stand from the cab).

When people have their CP at 36" (and assuming they are 6' tall and also assuming they are standing up) they will have their forearms sloping down. Apparently using a different ergonomics design idea as the one in my drawing. I assumed it's that people point their hands down and press the buttons with their fingertips. but if I understand you correctly then you will rest your palms on the CP to stop your shoulders from hurting. If I try that then the bend in my wrists really hurts.

I actually did test a lot with books (yes I still have them) and even boxes (to get up to 50") and I have to say I was able to play with my hands pointing down for quite a while. Allthough I didn't test it for hours. Seriously you should try having the CP at a heigh just a few inches above your elbows. I think it feels great. It's just that it looks so weird (and gives me design issues for the rest of the cab).

DrewKaree:

Sorry, I was editing my post while you were posting that last item.  

Your first paragraph hits it right on the head with
--- Quote ---So then the height is a personal thing and in my case 50" (actually it even depends on how far you stand from the cab)
--- End quote ---

The only way CP height WON'T be a subjective thing (including angles and such) is if you're restoring a cab and want it to be "original".

Seriously, get your buddies over.  They may even have an idea you never even thought of.  Then they'll enjoy your cab even more thinking they contributed.  

And you can thank them by spanking 'em soundly in competition 8)

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