Control Panel Size Question

[the3eyedblindman]

My cabinet is done, all controls are purchased, its gettin down to the nitty-gritty, time to build the control panel...... Ok the question. I really like this control Panel http://arcadia.gerety.net and am using the same shape and layout. The sides are going to stick out 11 inches, but im not sure how far forward it should stick out. By doing some algebra and ratios, I concluded 28 inches, but that seems like way too big. Im talking from the TV to the very front of the cab, does anyone know how far out most 4 player control panels stick out, I need some suggestions and ideas, thanks.

[versapak]

My control panel is 49" long and 18" deep, and it overhangs 10.5" on each side.



28" deep definitely does sound like alot to me.

[GGKoul]

My 4 player panel is 48" long  x 19" deep and it probably over hangs 10-11 inches.

28 is too deep.   Make a mock up of the size with cardboard and place controllers where you want them.  As you'll found 28" being too deep.

[the3eyedblindman]

by looks I was originally thinking 19, guess I was close, thanks guys, the thing is tho, if you look at that website how hes got the trackball behind the joysticks and buttons, i was wondering if I would need more room? cuz thats how i was planning on going.

[GGKoul]

by looks I was originally thinking 19, guess I was close, thanks guys, the thing is tho, if you look at that website how hes got the trackball behind the joysticks and buttons, i was wondering if I would need more room? cuz thats how i was planning on going.

On my 48x19 panel, I have P1 & P2 with 6 buttons, P3 & P4 with 4 buttons with a trackball between P1 & P2.

[erikthecat]

i keep seeing these massive panels, most on fantastic looking, monster large cabinets. i bet you all live in the States, in huge houses:). my question, why do you feel the need for fourplay? most games are single,  less are two, even less three. what games are you building these for, it can't be just for Gauntlet, can it?
i am just interested, i would like to know how it costs in?
regards,
GaRy:)

i'm only jealous, i couldn't rustle up that many interested friends, know one seems to share my passion aka mental problem:(

[the3eyedblindman]

I can think of the simpsons, X men, and some others, the cost isnt much more at all, your going to pay the same price for the wood to build it, all you are paying more for is a few extra pushbuttons, which are only like a dollar apeice, and 2 joysticks, probably about 50 dollars more for a 4 player than a 2 player.

[unclet]

Yeah, when I built my 4-player control panel (56"x19") I decided to simply have 4-player joysticks since the money was negligible at that point.   Also, I believe some games you need 2 joysticks for each player ..... so if you planned on playing these type games with two players, then 4 joysticks are a must (2 for each player).

[paigeoliver]

Some of these control panel widths are like legendary. I have two dedicated 4-player cabinets in my apartment and the widths are 37" and 31" respectively.

[DrewKaree]

Some of these control panel widths are like legendary. I have two dedicated 4-player cabinets in my apartment and the widths are 37" and 31" respectively.

Mine doubles as a landing deck in times of war...I don't know HOW you'd get a plane to land on a CP sized so small, Paige 

[Gunstar Hero]

I want to do a 4 stick cab someday for 2-player Smash TV & Total Carnage... and I figure I may as well throw a couple more buttons on there in case I ever get a chance to play some 4-player NBA Jam or TMNT. 

[KrawDaddy]

Mine is 47 1/2 X 22

[FractalWalk]

BTW it works well for smash TV to use the top center button and bottom row of three out of a 6 button layout for the guns.

[Bill Mote]

I have 3 kids.  With me playing as well the 4 player games are awesome.  You're right; there aren't that many.  At $7/joystick (HAPP Competition) and $1.25/button (w/microswitch) it really doesn't impact the cost that much.  Of course I had to flip for an $80 I-PAC/4 instead of the $30 keywiz I was going to get.

Anyway, we've played a few 4-player games already and it's a blast.  We play 2-player SmashTV with Player 1 using #1 and #3 joysticks and Player 2 using #2 and #4 joysticks.  The kids really like that game.

My cabinet is 28-1/2 inches wide with the control panel hanging over about 7 inches on each side.  My panel is only 16 inches deep at it's deepest point and a little less on the corners.  9 inches of the panel box rest on the cabinet.  The cabinet without the panel is 35 inches deep.

It's not really that big, but you are correct.  I live in the states.

dot

[fleevo]

don't forget that there are a few 4 player console games from nintendo and sega.....
all the more reason to have a 4 player mame system.

[Minwah]

what games are you building these for, it can't be just for Gauntlet, can it?

I don't have or plan to make a 4-player CP/machine atm, but if I did it would be for Gauntlet/2 

As well as the 4-player games mentioned there are some good 3-player games too...

[Bill Mote]

I was going to build a 2-player panel for cost reasons.  Then, by accident, I happened upon a forum post that mentioned SmashTV.  I love that game, but it's a 2-stick move/shoot game.  It's not the same without 2 players.  I figured if I was going to add the extra sticks anyway then 8 more buttons wasn't a big deal.

In the end I'm very glad that I did it.

dot