More controls than needed? Help!

[jfunk]

My cabinet's not even done, yet..  But I've been collecting controls since day 1..  I don't have as impressive a collection as some, but I've got more than I need, I think..  My question is, out of these controls, what's the best control panel I can make?  I want it to be able to play a lot of games.. But not be monstrous.

2x T-Stik Pluses with black ball tops
2x P360s
4x Midway 49-ways
1x J-Stik with red ball top
1x 2 1/4" Ultimarc trackball (w/mounting plate)

I've also got an assortment of both regular and competition pushbuttons.  And a 24x8 character LCD I'm trying to figure out how to add...

Is there any other, simple, small, MUST HAVE control?  Thought about spinners, but thinking the TB could do in a pinch..?

I was _PLANNING_ on trying to build swappable control panels.  But there are a couple of problems.  First, I can't figure out a good way to swap the hinged panel tops    The wiring is easy to swap with cat5 cable and ethernet jacks..   2nd, swapping the LCD would be a PAIN!  Also, I'm just not sure it's necessary anymore..?

I was going to have 3 panels, at first:
- Everyday panel: 2 players, 7 buttons per player, trackball, t-stik pluses
- Fighter panel: 2 players, 7 buttons per player, p360s (I really enjoy fighters when my brother comes up, but typically, the first panel would be fine)
- Q-Bert/Congo Bongo panel, angled J-stik, buttons

And then, I could just add new panels (SW yoke panel? spinner panel?) when I get controls..  But, I'm thinking now that's overkill...

I've got my admin buttons, on a separate panel under the monitor.  (P1/P2 start/coin, escape, pause)  So, that should help with the design a bit.  But, what should the rest of an "all-purpose" control panel look like with these available controls?

My available dimensions are:

14 1/2" x 27 3/4"

That's actually the inner dimensions of my currently built CP box.  There's probably another 1/8"+ in each dimension...  Here's what the current CP looks like:



It's using the t-stik pluses and an IPAC4, with the trackball and an optipac, and regular pushbuttons from Ultimarc.

I still like the idea of swappable panels.  Maybe keep my original 3, but add a 4-player panel with the 49-ways..  I keep trying to figure out if there's a stable/secure way to add "wings" to my panel to make it a bit wider for 4-player use.  Would like to NOT angle the joys so I could have 2 player Smash TV/Robotron...  But this all might just be a pipe dream.  Plus, still have to figure out how to swap the tops easily.  Don't want to spend 30 minutes at it each time

So, any thoughts?  I'm just looking for ideas/direction..  Once painting is done (everything has stalled, recently, with the birth of my 2nd daughter   ) I'll be ready to put it all together!  Except for the CP!

Any/all help greatly appreciated!  THANX!!!!

[Flinkly]

well, if your up for spending the money to get 4 gpwiz49's, i'd say just stick with the 49's for all your joystick needs.  that's my 2 cents.

[Dire Radiant]

The everyday/fighter panels seem a little redundant to me unless you're really REALLY picky about how your fighter sticks feel.
(Hey! One of those free keyboards! Haven't seen one of those in ages!)

[markrvp]

I am asking and addressing several of the same questions here:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,35938.0.html

[jfunk]

The everyday/fighter panels seem a little redundant to me unless you're really REALLY picky about how your fighter sticks feel.
(Hey! One of those free keyboards! Haven't seen one of those in ages!)

Heh.  Yeah, maybe more background is needed    At first, my 'everyday' panel was going to be what I've got described, but instead of 7 buttons/player, only 4 buttons/player.  Less cluttered and plays the majority of the games.

I got anxious, though, and knew it would take longer to get 2 panels created than one, so semi-combined the everyday and fighter.  I was planning, though, on redoing the everyday at one point to be more geared towards the non-fighting genre...

And I'm not terribly picky about feel.  I love the t-stiks..  EXCEPT for fighters 

That free keyboard has been used on more little projects of mine..  I never did find an easy way to use those extra buttons

Thanx.

[jfunk]

I am asking and addressing several of the same questions here:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,35938.0.html

OK.  WOW.

I guess I really don't have too many controls after all!! 

I'll have to look through that thread    But if anyone has any suggestions on my specifics, I'm all ears 

Thanx.

[JODY]

I am asking and addressing several of the same questions here:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,35938.0.html

OK.