My approach to CP layout design (pics)

[jarrett]

When I built my arcade cabinet, I lived in a tiny apartment.  I barely had room for the cab, much less room to build it.  So I took the easy way out.  I bought a SlikStik Classic CP (2-player) and the cab to go with it.  I

[jarrett]

Now, I don

[jarrett]

I was able to get some bodies in there to see how comfortable a 4-player situation would be.  You bump elbows a little, but I suppose that

[largemann]

On that last picture, it looks like your 7th button is overlapping your joystick mount.
Maybe I'm just nuts, but it sure looks like it.

EDIT: Looks like I was a bit too late, this was supposed to go above your last post.
By that last picture, it's fairly obvious that your 7th button is overlapping your joystick mount.

[jarrett]

On that last picture, it looks like your 7th button is overlapping your joystick mount.

Indeed they are overlapping.  I don't have the hardware handy, so I'm not sure how close I can get those.  I'm not even sure exactly which 8-way joysticks I'll be using and how I'm mounting them.  Right now I'm just figuring I will get the 7th button as close to that position as possible.  I have a feeling it wouldn't be too hard to rig it into that spot, but it's one of a few variables that I'm still working out.

This will be my first panel, so I appreciate any feedback at this point.

[jarrett]

Oh, and one more pic.  Here's the cab.

[largemann]

Nice cabinet.

Now that I think about it, the button might actually be able to fit there, as the outer circle is just the button bezel. Hmm..

Another thing, do you play any golf games that use the trackball? If so, have you tried to see if your right arm will smack the player two joystick? It looks to be a bit close.

[quarterback]

Nice cabinet.

Now that I think about it, the button might actually be able to fit there, as the outer circle is just the button bezel. Hmm..

Except the nut on the bottom is basically the same diameter as the bezel on the top.  The only way I can see it working would be if the joysticks are countersunk, but even then it would depend on what joystick is being used and where the carriage bolts are.

I say 'nudge' the buttons out a bit (or at least the one overlapping each joy)

[largemann]

Except the nut on the bottom is basically the same diameter as the bezel on the top.

Oof. Looking at a spare button here, you're right. 

[jarrett]

I say 'nudge' the buttons out a bit (or at least the one overlapping each joy)

The buttons need to be nudged about 1/4".  It shouldn't impact the layout too much.

[jarrett]

...do you play any golf games that use the trackball? If so, have you tried to see if your right arm will smack the player two joystick? It looks to be a bit close.

I do, and it is rather close for the over-zealous Golden Tee connoisseur.  But every panel like this is a compromise, right?.  By putting the players 1 and 2 controls where they are, I have room on the sides for the pinball buttons, and more elbow room for players 3 and 4.  I can't move the controls closer to the screen because I'd lose palm resting space on the second row.

Anyway, you can still play golf, you just have to be a little more careful.  It seemed like the right compromise.  The trackball's position felt fine for precision games like Centipede and Missile Command, which I personally enjoy much, much more.

[largemann]

Alright, sounds like you've tried it all out. Overall, it looks to be a very nice CP.
Looking forward to seeing it completed. 

[Dire Radiant]

Looks ok to me even though I'm not a frankenpanel fan. And that artwork kicks entirely too much butt.

[CJK]

I agree -- the artwork rocks.

Where do you people get all this talent?

-- Chris

[jarrett]

Where do you people get all this talent?

I've been a full-time website designer since 1997.  Use Photoshop for a good ten thousand hours, and you really get the hang of it.  Anyway, speaking of artwork, I've decided the layout should work pretty well with some minor tweaks and I've done a preliminary sketch of the CPO.  After I clean it up a little, I suppose I should start a thread in the artwork forum.  Here's a peek anyways.

[Dire Radiant]

*jaw drops*

[joshbr7257]

wow that is one of the best conrol panel iv seen, nice work, do you thinkyou could upload the dimensions to the cp?

[SOAPboy]

hmm what you doing with the old CP

[ras2a]

Jarret, I thought my CP was ok, but bloody hell fire.  That thing is utterly SUBLIME!!!

Best Panel I've EVER seen.  *Tips hat in full admiration*

Well done, sir!

[CJK]

Where do you people get all this talent?

I've been a full-time website designer since 1997.

[unix4hire]

Yes I agree, that is a truly kick-ass CP.  Can't see anything about it I would change (except make that 4way a ball-top).
--Erich

[JamIt]

Artwork is sweet!  So is the layout, with following possible exception...
Just an FYI, (I'm sure you are aware of this and if so please forgive), but it looks like player 3 will have to play with right arm pointing inward and player 4 with arm pointing outward.  Again, probably not too uncomfortable and probably planned, but I just wanted to (hopefully in a helpful tone) point that out to you.
--JamIt

[markb]

Awesome design, I'm very impressed as to quote Blackadder I have all the artisitic talent of a pack of colour blind hedgehogs in a bag.

Just checking though is there enough space for player 3&4 to rest their wrists without them hanging over the edge? I cut my first CP with the controls too close to the edge and it was uncomfortable to play.

[jarrett]

hmm what you doing with the old CP 

I've already gotten a few PMs asking that very question.  I guess I'll put the empty SlikStik box on eBay, although getting it shipped out is going to be a major headache.  At any rate, it will be months before I'm done cannibalizing the old CP.

[jarrett]

Yes I agree, that is a truly kick-ass CP.  Can't see anything about it I would change (except make that 4way a ball-top).

Good news!  I have a NOS Wico 4-Way leaf-switch stick for the 4-way, with a red ball top, of course.  I just didn't bother to put it on the drawing.

Everybody's happy!   

[jarrett]

...Just an FYI, (I'm sure you are aware of this and if so please forgive), but it looks like player 3 will have to play with right arm pointing inward and player 4 with arm pointing outward.  Again, probably not too uncomfortable and probably planned, but I just wanted to (hopefully in a helpful tone) point that out to you.

I felt that the 26 degree tilt of the 3rd and 4th player controls were at a comfortable angle on the mock-up.  It's not the roomiest CP ever, but I wanted to keep the size down, and maximize the comfort for the more common 2-player matches.

[jarrett]

Just checking though is there enough space for player 3&4 to rest their wrists without them hanging over the edge? I cut my first CP with the controls too close to the edge and it was uncomfortable to play.

Now that's something I should probably take another look at.  On the cardboard mock-up it didn't seem like much of a problem, with about 2 1/4" of space in front of the buttons, and a generous 3 1/2" around the sticks, but I could actually give it more without impacting the rest of the layout

The compromise here is that moving the controls further back has an impact on 2-player 2-stick games.

Of course, it's my arcade so I get to use the player one controls if I wanna.  Elf and Wizard were meant to suffer a little if you ask me.

Thanks to everyone for all the feedback and compliments so far!  This project would be completely impossible without the BYOAC forums.

[jarrett]

I anyone is interested, I've posted the finished CPO design in this thread in the artwork forum, along with the rest of the artwork I had done for my cab.

[Franco]

Wow, if your tron joystick and CP graphic mockups are anything to go by I cant wait to see the finished product!