Minimum space between Trackball and Joysticks/Spinner?

[Noobert]

I see over and over in various threads: "Don't put your trackball too close to your joysticks/spinner or you'll smash your fingers," but I don't see any specific distance mentioned (although somebody did mention at least 8" from the front of the monitor bezel).  Sounds like more distance is needed mainly for Golf and Bowling, not for Centipede and Missile Command, etc.

I will not be playing much Golf or Bowling, but I will play a lot of Marble Madness, Centipede, and Missile Command.  How much space do I need to leave from the center of a 3" trackball to protect my dainty fingers?

Thanks.

[ahofle]

6.47 inches.   

Seriously, there really isn't a set number.  You should mock up a panel out of stiff cardboard and try spinning the thing the way you normally do.  See how much clearance you need for yourself.  If you don't have a big follow through, then maybe you can get away with having a stick closer to it (but be sure to have friends sign a waiver before playing on your cabinet ).  Personally I wouldn't put a stick directly in front of the spinner.  Just put it off to the right or left a little and you should be fine.