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My Control Panel

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cpetzol2:

Hello all, I am coming up with some ideas for my control panel.

I want to make a 4-player control panel, p3-p1-p2-p4 from left to right. I am debating on whether I should make the entire control panel flat and straight, like a rectangle, or if I should separate it into 3 sections, player 3 section, players 1 and 2 section, and player 4 section, and then each respective section will be slanted towards the player that it belongs to. This would create two joints between the p3 and p1-2 sections, and then another joint between p4 and p1-2 sections.

I know this isnt the best description, just understand, that the CP would not be on one plane, and would be 3 individual planes that meet at angles.
How hard would it be to put plexiglass on top, and then taper the edges so they meet at a flat, flush angle at the two joints in the middle? How about if I got the vinyl with the laminate from MameMarquees, would that be easy to butt at joints, and create a smooth transition between the panels? SHould I scrap my idea of an uneven control panel?

Thanks for any input.

ahofle:

If I understand you correctly, slanting each section toward the player implies that you will be angling your P3 and P4 joysticks (ie. not pointing in the same direction as players 1 and 2, but rather toward the center of the screen).  Just so you know, this is a highly debated topic around here, with many if not most people (me included) preferring all joysticks pointing in the same direction (straight toward the horizontal plane of the cabinet).  Your idea sounds interesting, but just wanted you to realize you'll have to take this into consideration as well.

shardian:

I understand what you are saying. While it could be really neat looking, I'm not so sure it would give you any real benefit.

My recommendation to simplify things would be to use some type of cover seam at the joints between planes. This would let you use 3 sheets of cp overlay, and would allow you some "wiggle" room when cutting the plexi and wood.

definitely make sure to do some 3d mock-ups with cardboard before you dive in head first.

Good Luck

jelwell:


--- Quote from: ahofle on October 12, 2006, 03:40:42 pm --- Just so you know, this is a highly debated topic around here, with many if not most people (me included) preferring all joysticks pointing in the same direction (straight toward the horizontal plane of the cabinet).

--- End quote ---

With an Ultimarc 360 and the right mappings, you can mount the joystick at any mechanical angle and change the in game angle later (on a per game basis even). As far as I can tell, it won't "feel" like it's pointing in any direction - unless you end up using a restrictor plate.

And thus, begins the debate.  :blah:

As for the planes, I suppose you're thinking of something like Super Sprint. Which, I believe has a subtle slope down towards each player:


I'm not sure the benefit though (short people? elbows at different planes?) for splitting the plane up, as opposed to something like Gauntlet, with a single pane:


As for lexan/plexiglass. Trying to get 3 planes to seem would require heat and skill.
Joseph Elwell.

cpetzol2:

Super Sprint is pretty much what I had in mind, but the overall panel will be bigger, and will not have steering wheels.

Are you guys saying that angling players 3 and 4 is bad because it will be hard mentally to be those players. Like, since horizontal on the TV screen is actually diagonal on those joysticks, it will be hard to play them initially, since things wont quite be calibrated the way it would be if you are straight on.

If this is not what you guys are implying, why is it such a debated topic on whether or not to angle players 3 and 4. Is it a matter of convention, or some physical constraint that makes it difficult to play like that.

Thanks, just trying to get the best result, and the only way to do it is ask questions. I appreciate the input.


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