thanks javeryh - I could also email slikstik or ask divemaster127 (who I am buying all my stuff from) to measure it roughly
I am *currently* set on the tornado spinner because Divemaster127 said that the TT2 spinner "feels cheap" - the guy has "everything" and chose the tornado spinner for his own cabinet.
I have seen both mechanisms (not in person mind you) and the tornado does seem a lot more substantial without costing that much more ...
. WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK? Have more of you tried BOTH spinners and could comment?
. How's my CP layout lookinbg now?
Thanks.
I could have sworn I replied to this last week but apparently forgot to press post...anyway.
I have four spinners: a TT2, a Vortex, an Arkanoid-style from Arcade Shop (probably by Happ) and an Apache. I like spinners.
I would most definitely disagree with the "TT2 feels cheap" argument. When you throw the TokenTop knob on it, it feels like a dream. Great spin time and it can be physically adjusted to play Arkanoid with ease. Add this to the small footprint and you have the perfect option for a small CP like yours. You can also connect a trackball to the TT2 interface. All that makes the TT2 a compelling choice.
As for your layout, if you are only planning to play spinner games with your left hand doing the spinning and your right hand pressing buttons (on the 2P side of the cab) then your layout is fine. However, if you are looking for a more ambidextrous setup, which I prefer (when possible) so that others can play however is most comfortable, then you should look for more centralized placement. One thing I heartily recommend is that you use a scrap to prototype your panel before settling on a final design. You cannot beat "feeling out" the panel - laying it out on the computer is simply not good enough IMO. (duh, looks like you did that later on)
That said I can tell from looking at yours that I would *not* be comfortable playing on your cab for long periods. There is not enough room to comfortablly rest your right hand flat on the panel. I'd recommend at least 3" from the bottom edge of the bottom row of buttons to the edge of the panel. Now if you're planning to round off the edge of the panel rather than edge it with t-molding, what you have might work fine. Again, mock it up (completely if possible) and test it, assuming you are going to throw away the panel before you settle on the final design. Even if you decide it's perfect, throw it away anyway and do it again...the workmanship will be better on your second build.
Feel free to disregard any and all advice - after all it's YOUR cabinet!