Multi tier CP

[KungFuJoe]

Kinda like the supercade one...I was thinking of doing something like that but was wondering how "ergonomic" it was.  I was wondering if it's awkward to use the controls on the upper/lower tier for any extended period of time.  Is there an actual benefit to using a multi tiered cp as opposed to just having everything on a single level cp?

[NoOne=NBA=]

The advantage to it is that you don't have to reach over other controllers, and then back DOWN to the CP.
As far as the ergonomics of it, that's going to be really subjective.
I personally don't like having to lean in, or reach, to use controllers.

[armax]

You don't have to lean in or reach in.  Simply move your hands.  It's no more uncomfortable than playing on someone else's cab.   I should know, I built one.   

[NoOne=NBA=]

You HAVE to reach if the controls are not at the front of the CP.
Leaning is dependent on how deep the CP is though.

There are alot of "can't use my 4-way for long because it's too far back" threads in the archives here.

Something else to keep in mind is that it is really uncomfortable to play for any length of time, unless you can support your hands on the CP.
Keep that in mind when deciding what to put on the second tier.
Flightsticks/spinners generally aren't a problem, but buttons/joysticks may be.

Also keep in mind that you don't want to make room for your upper tier by pulling your lower tier controls too far to the front.
There's been more than a few people here that have designed their CP without enough palm room on the primary controls, and regretted it.

[armax]

noone, have you actually used a supercade setup?  most who have or use one don't seem to have ergonomic problems (me included).

[KungFuJoe]

I hate to drag everyone over to yet another one of my topics, but since it is related to this topic, I have posted an example of what I'm attemping to do here:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=41994.0

[NoOne=NBA=]

noone, have you actually used a supercade setup?  most who have or use one don't seem to have ergonomic problems (me included).

I didn't say it was a problem, just that it was personal taste.
I don't like trying to play around/over other controllers, and hate abnormally deep CP's.
My original design was a staggered all-in-one that never made it past prototyping.
It's buried out in my garage somewhere, lost in favor of modular/swappables.

That's my taste though.
I'm sure I'm one of the few here whose computer desk is pushing 4' deep.
I keep a minimum of 10" in front of all my keyboards (work and home).
That way I can rest my forearms on the desk, and I don't have to bend my wrists at all.
That prevents carpal tunnel.

I have played UT on my rig for 12 hrs straight many times, with no ill effects.
On the other side, I can't even get in ONE 15 minute game at my dad's house without my wrists/hands literally killing me from lack of support.

[armax]

so you haven't used a supercade setup?

[NoOne=NBA=]

I haven't been over to THAT guy's house, but built one during my testing phase.
It was very similar to the supercade layout, but had two Tron sticks.


Things I didn't like about THAT one specifically:

Sticks/buttons ended up too close to the front.
Tron sticks were stuck up in my face all the time, but too far back to reach comfortably.
Trackball was a little dangerous with the spinner hanging down from the shelf right behind it.

Also, the CP was too big for the 21" monitor I was using.
It put the P-3/P-4 too far out to the side.

Do you have any pictures of your cab Armax?
I'm curious if you did something different than the Supercade guy did.

[armax]

Well I followed the supercade plans and it works like a dream.  I'm simply move my hands and play.  no fatigue, no awkwardness.  But then again, it does depend alot on your height (I'm 5' 10") and it fits like a glove, I could see it being a problem if you're shorter or you have a spare tire that might force a person back from the CP.  other than that, I haven't had an issue at all.  But you may be right, one size does not fit all in this case. 

[NoOne=NBA=]

I'm 5'10"/155

I've been looking at my playing posture, and found that I tend to lean ON the machine while playing any game with buttons.
For joystick only games (Crazy Climber notably) I stand more upright.
I think that's why I didn't like the tiered CP.
I had the two Tron sticks, and a spinner up there, and was reaching in, rather than leaning on the machine.
With the same sticks closer to the front, I stand more upright.

My tiered CP was about 18" deep, IIRC, and the Tron sticks were back about 14" from the front.
That put my arms almost completely straight to reach them, which doesn't let you work them properly.
That resulted in me leaning over to have proper arm position.

How deep is your CP, overall?
I had my front controls alot farther back than the ones on the Supercade because I wasn't comfortable with them that close to the front during initial testing (prior to adding the second level).

[Bones]

I was leaning towards the Supercade style CP in my early days. I mocked-it up size for size and personally found it way to cramped for a 4 player CP.

To overcome this I increased the size of the CP and then found no reason to add a second level as I had enough space for everything I needed.

It is a great looking CP though.....