My first CP, critique?

[unix4hire]

Here's my first attempt at a CP.  I plan to use 49-ways with the rotary interfaces for the main stick for both players, and probablky a super for the 2nd stick per player.  Anything wrong with that combination?  I will also be using the smaller radio shack buttons for the front-paneled admin buttons.

The top controls are for playing tron and whateever else.  Maybe I don't need all 3 buttons in between, not sure.

Anything I should add or remove/place?  I appreciate your suggestions.  Thanks!

PS I took edge's original visio and manipulated it to get this one, so it's based on his plans.
--Erich

[BASSOFeeSH]

Have you done a mock-up yet?  It looks like the buttons might be a little close to the joysticks.

[shardian]

Why two shift/pause buttons?
Also, You may want to swap the spinner and top-fire so you don't have to play left-handed.

[fatfingers]

Any chance you'll be bumping those MENU/EXIT, Admin, and Enter games while you play?  Maybe it's just my big belly...

[unix4hire]

I have not done the mockup yet.. plan to this weekend.

I wanted each player to have a pause button within easy reach while at the same time not clutter the board with admin buttons.

I planned on using those smaller, volcano type buttons for the admin in the hope they will be a little harder to accidentally hit, but still easy to access.  If I can think of some little panel to cover them up that would be better.

I'm thinking the topfire joystick may not work for tron, isn't it analog or maybe that's just zaxxon?  I put the stick on the right and the spinner on the left to simulate the tron panel.  Those 3 buttons there, maybe I should move them down near the t-ball such as in the upper right/left corner of it for bowling or golf usage?  Or maybe I dont' need them at all?

Thanks for the thoughts, keep 'em comin!

[unix4hire]

Also, I'll mention that I have to still buy a TB, spinner, and 1 GPWIZ... if anyone has one to sell.  Already have 1 stick, 2 rotaries and 1 gpwiz.

[ahofle]

I'm thinking the topfire joystick may not work for tron, isn't it analog or maybe that's just zaxxon? 

I can tell you from experience the topfire sucks for Tron (well, at least the light cycle level sucks).  I have basically the same layout as you, minus the 2nd stick for each player.  I'm really waiting on some trigger or flight stick handles that can go on a 49 way or the new Ultimarc 360 analog stick to replace my topfires.

Overall, I like your layout though.  Looks great for cooperative Smash TV and Total Carnage!

[unix4hire]

I will be very happy when the day comes that 49ways can be triggered as well...

I'll hold out on buying/adding a topfire then until I get a better option.  thx for the input.

[unix4hire]

I'm surprised not more people replied.  Does that mean it's a perfect layout and needs nothing more?  I doubt it!  Here's another version altered a bit.  There is enough room for 2 players without the hands hitting the right joysticks.  Would it give me additional games to play by using top-fires for the 2nd sticks on each player or should I just leave it be?  I tried to make the top row tron-familiar..

[motorfish]

You're going to really hate it the first time you play street fighter on that and miss the medium kick because of the offset buttons.

If you're going to offset them, then you need to angle them as well to conform to where your fingers naturaly set on the the control panel, otherwise, you're just going to give yourself carpal tunnel.

[leapinlew]

I'm surprised not more people replied.  Does that mean it's a perfect layout and needs nothing more?  I doubt it!  Here's another version altered a bit.  There is enough room for 2 players without the hands hitting the right joysticks.  Would it give me additional games to play by using top-fires for the 2nd sticks on each player or should I just leave it be?  I tried to make the top row tron-familiar..

well, heres the deal. It's a big panel, and ultimately it's however you want. If your wanting opinions - heres mine.

I don't like offset buttons - I prefer mine like street fighter. I've never seen a game with 6 buttons have them offset in the arcade.

Nothing should be above the trackball. Someone will hit it. I've already had someone hit the speaker grill on mine playing a game of shuffleshot. In fact, my girlfriend hit the quit button (which is about 12" away from the trackball) playing a game of bowling.

I came to the realization on my first cab, that I would need another cab. I couldn't fit all the controls I wanted for all the games I wanted on 1 cabinet without it being a huge and user unfriendly design.

Other than that - what your doing is pretty standard. Looks good. Keep up the good work.

[DigDreams]

I like the layout, but I would change one of the 8 ways to either a 4 way or a 4/8 way switchable.  I used the Ultimarc Mag-Stick plus which allows you to switch from 4 to 8 way from the top of the CP and it still uses a standard hole (just lift and twist the joystick to switch modes).

I use offset buttons, and I like them - but I have mine reversed from yours.  I have the top row offset to the left of the bottom row, not right.  I'd suggest making a cardboard mockup of the buttons and playing around with it top see what feels best to you.



One other thing, if you like Battle Zone you may want to switch one of the paired joystick sets with a top fire.  I still haven't decided how I want to do it with my next cab (this one is a bartop), currently I have to use an external game pad for battlezone (Notsromo N45).

Good luck!

- DigDreams