Unique control panel layout question: Multi-"spinner only" game cabaret

[MonitorGuru]

Unlike most "how many controls can I put on a single control panel" type control panel layout questions posted here, I have a unique one.

I like ball/bat type games a lot (e.g. Arkanoid, Goindol, etc..) and have built a replica of a Atari Centipede/Tempest/Dig-Dug MINI Cabaret cabinet from scratch (Don't worry, no real classic cabinets will be harmed in this arkanoid conversion )

I have 3 versions of Arkanoid and had a Goindol but it was sold working but didn't and am looking for a replacement. So the plan is to have at least 4 games in 1 cabinet. All games work with 1 spinner and 1 fire button.

The control panel is 18" wide by appx 7" deep (if anyone has a REAL atari cabaret, could you measure the depth to let me know the real depth?).


I plan on centering the spinner and putting one fire button on both sides, equal spaced. Both of course are connected to the same input, but work best for both left and right handed players.

I then need to allocate space for the 1 player and 2 player start buttons, AND reserve space for either a rotarty (e.g. old fashion multi-printer switch) or a push button toggle with circuitry to switch between the boards on demand.  No need for credit button as that is discretely connected to the coin reject plunger on the coin door

Questions are:
1) How far back to center the spinner? Should hand be restable on cp, or slide off a bit?
2) Set the spinner horizontally or vertically? (bolt pattern)
3) Space between spinner and fire buttons
4) Should fire buttons be horizontally level with the spinner or higher/lower?
5) Where to put the P1/P2 start buttons? Left, Right, Top Center over spinner, top center between spinner and each fire button, or on Front like Sega Gremlin cabinets?
6) Where to put the game board selection switch (pushbutton/dial)? (Top, front or under control panel?)
7) What type of switches to use for the P1/P2 and/or game select. (I have lighted Atari start buttons (though only flat Xenophobe cones), or also silver Midway cocktail start buttons, or regular fire buttons/p1/p2 labeled)

I know this is a lot of unknowns but will leave it to the experts, as I have not laid out a CP before.  At least this is simpler than most.  Design goals are:
- Comfortable
- Ambidexterous
- Not easy to hit a button accidentially
- Easy to hit intended button purposefully.

Thanks

[mahuti]

1-3 I would suggest mocking the thing up with cardboard... or just trying some positions with your hand on a desk...see what's comfortable for you.

4. roughly horizontal... again... it's about your comfort.

5. up to you.

6. some place obvious... if you want it obvious.

7. whatever.

This is really all totally subjective stuff. There are no definitive answers for most of the questions you've asked. Just use your own judgment.