Please take a look at my CP

[dheck]

This is my design for a 4 player CP.  It is a 2 story CP.  The second story is only there if I decide I want to add a spinner or a flight stick later down the road.  Do you guys think this is a user friendly CP?  I gave some rough dimensions.

Thanks!

[Hoopz]

What trackball games will you be playing?  If you have to roll the ball forward quickly or with much force, your fingers may slam into the 2nd tier. 

[kelemvor]

No need for that many buttons for players 3 and 4...  I don't think any 4 player games use that many buttons.

But it looks nice.

[dheck]

What trackball games will you be playing?  If you have to roll the ball forward quickly or with much force, your fingers may slam into the 2nd tier. 

I will use the trackball for mostly the mouse.  I know some of my buddies like to play Golden Tee.  They may have to deal with it.  I will move it down some and see what it looks like.  I see what you are saying though.

[Hoopz]

You'll probably be told by a lot of people to do a mock up and see what you like/dont like.  It really is the best way to see if your idea works well and what may need to be changed.
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Lemme be the first...do a mock up and see what you like/dont like! 

[dheck]

My other concern is the angle of the 3 and 4 players being able to see the screen correctly.

[WwonderLlama]

It looks like you have the flanking players (P3/P4) joysticks at an angle.  I asked about this when planning my CP, and got a resounding "Don't do it that way."

Check this thread: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=22806.0  (especially the last few posts with the pictures)

(All of my links are broken, but the others seem to be good)

[dheck]

When I originall drew it I had them all facing the screen.  Then I printed out the CP full size and stood around it trying to get a feel and it just felt awkward with them not rotated.  But without actually playing a game like this I can't be sure.  If I rotate them back so it faces the screen, should I move the buttons around as well?  With the sticks facing forward the button placement felt too high.  It's hard to explain.   

[dheck]

Here they are rotated.  But now the button placement looks off.  Like the stick is too high.  Like if you are hittin UP on the joystick you are too close to the first set of buttons.

[Hoopz]

Never mind.  I re-read your post and realized what you meant.  My original response had nothing to do with what you meant. My bad.... 

[dheck]

Never mind.  I re-read your post and realized what you meant.  My original response had nothing to do with what you meant. My bad.... 

Sarcasm much?

It's just easier for me to brain strom and get a good idea on paper even before the mock up. 

[Hoopz]

Never mind.  I re-read your post and realized what you meant.  My original response had nothing to do with what you meant. My bad.... 

Sarcasm much?

It's just easier for me to brain strom and get a good idea on paper even before the mock up. 

No sarcasm.  I originally answered something that you didnt ask.  Thats why I edited it out. 

[Dagg]

If he's running console Emulators its not to many buttons, I find alot of folks here are always to fast to comment on that point.

[dheck]

I came up with this one.  I don't like it as much but I think it's a little more playable.

[WwonderLlama]

When I originall drew it I had them all facing the screen.  Then I printed out the CP full size and stood around it trying to get a feel and it just felt awkward with them not rotated.  But without actually playing a game like this I can't be sure.  If I rotate them back so it faces the screen, should I move the buttons around as well?  With the sticks facing forward the button placement felt too high.  It's hard to explain.   

I know what you mean. I thought it seemed an odd layout as well.  I eventually mounted all 4 joysticks' UP facing the top of the CP (as the people on the board suggested) and playtested it with 3 other friends.  They didn't have a problem with it, even though my 3/4P are at rather sharp angles.

My artwork highlights the positioning of the buttons to joysticks (they're all uniform).  It's not often that P3/4 are used, but when they are, I've had noone complain.  I'd personally not change your distances from the joysticks/buttons, but do whatever feels right for your cab. 

Another idea would be to get 2 people both playing a game (P1 & P3) and see what they think. You're likely to be much more critical of the placement than others are.  If the "All joysticks UP" layout seems natural to someone "off the street", then you're good to go.

Also, if you're thinking the buttons look "off" because of your diagram, try removing the rectangles from around the joysticks... You won't be seeing them on your final CP, will you?  Also, P3 would be standing at an angle from the CP, so his left arm would be perpendicular to his button-rows, so his arm shouldn't ever be interfering with his button-smashing hand.

[WwonderLlama]

I came up with this one.  I don't like it as much but I think it's a little more playable.

I personally stayed away from that sort of layout for one reason: broad-shouldered players.  If your cab will be played by mainly teenage (stick-figure) girls, you'll likely never have a problem.

But, if you'll have larger guys (say, 6'1"), they may be jostling each other while trying to play. 

Elbow/shoulder room = good.

[Clonedsheep]

I may be reading it wrong but my only question is that with that U cut control panel, are you making the players smash there faces to the monitor to play? If that is the case. Then go with less of an deep cut. I do like the style.

[WwonderLlama]

The monitor isn't shown in his diagram, the 6.5" deep, 2'-5 wide area is part of the control panel (where a second-tier might be?).  So, it looks like the center of the trackball is about 1 ft. from the monitor.. should be enough for comfort.

[dheck]

When I originall drew it I had them all facing the screen.  Then I printed out the CP full size and stood around it trying to get a feel and it just felt awkward with them not rotated.  But without actually playing a game like this I can't be sure.  If I rotate them back so it faces the screen, should I move the buttons around as well?  With the sticks facing forward the button placement felt too high.  It's hard to explain.   

I know what you mean. I thought it seemed an odd layout as well.  I eventually mounted all 4 joysticks' UP facing the top of the CP (as the people on the board suggested) and playtested it with 3 other friends.  They didn't have a problem with it, even though my 3/4P are at rather sharp angles.

My artwork highlights the positioning of the buttons to joysticks (they're all uniform).  It's not often that P3/4 are used, but when they are, I've had noone complain.  I'd personally not change your distances from the joysticks/buttons, but do whatever feels right for your cab. 

Another idea would be to get 2 people both playing a game (P1 & P3) and see what they think. You're likely to be much more critical of the placement than others are.  If the "All joysticks UP" layout seems natural to someone "off the street", then you're good to go.

Also, if you're thinking the buttons look "off" because of your diagram, try removing the rectangles from around the joysticks... You won't be seeing them on your final CP, will you?  Also, P3 would be standing at an angle from the CP, so his left arm would be perpendicular to his button-rows, so his arm shouldn't ever be interfering with his button-smashing hand.

You pretty much hit every concern I had.  I feel a lot better now.  I will mock it up just to make sure.  I did not like the last design so I am glad you gave me some insight that my original just might work after all.

[dheck]

The monitor isn't shown in his diagram, the 6.5" deep, 2'-5 wide area is part of the control panel (where a second-tier might be?).  So, it looks like the center of the trackball is about 1 ft. from the monitor.. should be enough for comfort.

Yes, sorry.  Here is my cab design if it helps clear things up.

[WwonderLlama]

You pretty much hit every concern I had.  I feel a lot better now.  I will mock it up just to make sure.  I did not like the last design so I am glad you gave me some insight that my original just might work after all.

Happy to help.   I'm just glad that other people can learn (or draw comfort) from my mistakes.