Question about Multi purpose control panel

[Animeka]

Hi everybody,

I built an arcade machine 2 years ago or so and never got around to finishing it. I'm doing the rest of it now. The original control panel is a 2 player/7 buttons config (you can see it here: http://www.animeka.net/mame.htm )

I am making the 2nd control panel I wanted to make for it but I wanted suggestions.

Here's what I want to put on it.

4-way stick
trackball
spinner

Other than the P1/P2 buttons (they are permanent on the cabinet) how many buttons should I put? My friend suggested putting 3 atari style buttons underneath the trackball for missile command. Any other ideas? Games with spinners, how many buttons do they need? And any 4way games need fire buttons?

Other question, what would you recommend to use to cover the control panels, buying upholstery vinyl and gluing it on? The control panel is 24" by about 10" in the controller area.

Thanks for the feedback!

Marc

[leapinlew]

For 4 way games - I have 3 buttons. Most games want just 1 button, but a few require 2 buttons (like astro blaster) and only 1 4 way game I play requires 3 - Punch Out and Super Punchout.

Spinner games - this is a tougher question. By spinner games are you talking like Tempest, Arkanoid or do you also want to play driving games. Games like Tempest and Arkanoid use 1-2 buttons. Driving games will require a lot more buttons.

Trackball - I think 3 buttons is enough. I'm curious if anyone things you'll need more.

[Animeka]

For 4 way games - I have 3 buttons. Most games want just 1 button, but a few require 2 buttons (like astro blaster) and only 1 4 way game I play requires 3 - Punch Out and Super Punchout.

Spinner games - this is a tougher question. By spinner games are you talking like Tempest, Arkanoid or do you also want to play driving games. Games like Tempest and Arkanoid use 1-2 buttons. Driving games will require a lot more buttons.

Trackball - I think 3 buttons is enough. I'm curious if anyone things you'll need more.

Driving games would be nice too, but mostly stuff like Ironman Stewart Super Off Road, which is one button I think, etc... So I would be safe by going 2 there (gas/brake) or 4 (gas/brake/shiftup/shiftdown)

But that's a lot of buttons for 1 player panel...
Let's see.
3 standard buttons for 4-way
3 atari style buttons for trackball
4 buttons for spinner.
I could combine these 4 with the 3 for the 4-way (so have only 4 buttons, depending on the layout...

so 7 buttons, plus the 3 controllers... Unless I cover all the bases and put 8 buttons total, just in case The I-Pac can take it so...

How's this layout?
4-way on the left, trackball center, spinner on the right.



Marc