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Newbi advice
stan2323:
I have read a lot hear and I have a couple of questions.
1st let me attach a picture of my control panel layout so far. I have do not have much experience with control panel layout so I was wondering what you guys thought of this layout? Are they too close together? The small circles are HAPP pushbuttons. I put the ruler in for scale. I have not cut wood yet or ordered the parts as I want to get a good layout first. I decided to use a piece of cardboard and cut the items out so I could move them around to see how different layout would look and feel. I have it set up at play height and put my hands where the controls would be.
I plan to put a 4 1/2 HAPP trackball in vs a 3in trackball. Do you think it is worth it based on $175 for the 4 ½ in trackball and the $80 for the 3 in trackball? :dunno I tried the search as I thought there may be a thread discussing this already but was unable to find one.
Thanks in advance for helping a newbi.
Stan
Teknique:
layout looks interesting.
-Any reason why its not symetrical between p1 and p2?
- dont bother with extra buttons for trackball. Incorporate them into existing p1 or p2 button layout (i think thats what the 4 buttons are for around the tball?).
- do not buy slik stik tornado- there are better options out there- check into groovy game gear's spinner from RandyT on the boards here.
- 4 and half inch tball might be overkill unless you want to play missle command alot. Most people use a 3 inch which is more 'standard'. Only game that I can think of that used such a big tball was missle command. this will save room and cash.
- button configs might be a bit far away from the edge of the cp for p1 and maybe too clsoe to the edge for p2. Check into the feel of it.
Looks nice otherwise.
Check out the cp database that is stickied at top for more ideas.
Tek
CheffoJeffo:
I have some of the old Atari 4.5" trackballs and they are quite the beasts -- I can't imagine playing some of the twitchier trackball games with them.
I would expect the modern Happ balls to be lighter, but it still may be a lot of work to play some games.
stan2323:
The 2 button to the lower right of the trackball are for the spinner and the 2 to the lower left were for the trackball itself. The four alone the top are for 1 - 4 player start.
I looked at the CP data base. I noticed that some of them put the spinner near the back of the CP. I tried that but found it awkward for me.
I hope mine looks as good as those when I get done.
Fozzy The Bear:
You don't need separate buttons for the spinner and the trackball.... They are effectively the two mouse buttons anyway. I've posted a picture of my layout, which works well for me and has the same functions as yours. It might give you some ideas. This layout is only 29" X 11" I attached a couple of pics so you can see how it comes out. This uses a 3" Betson Imperial TrackBall.... Also available from Groovy Game Gear http://www.groovygamegear.com A 4.5" Trackball is way too big and heavy for most games.
Don't angle player 1 to the screen..... like on the left side of your panel. It should be square to the screen. It makes play very difficult if it's not.
Personally I think you also have too much real estate in front of your controls... slim that beastie down, from back to front, or move the controls towards the player.
ALSO!! If you don't already have it, forget the SlikStik Spinner and get the turbotwist2 from Groovy Game Gear. Its a way way way better device and you'll actually get it delivered to you.
Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)