Control Panel Limitations *** 3 designs to choose from - opinions please

[ex_directory]

OK, I have three designs to choose from, not overly set on any of them yet, opinions/experiences please... before I spend 2 days cutting it all out!!

Note I am using an IPac for shift button (coin, esc, tab etc) which I have used before and am happy with. Also, will somehow work out how to double up two buttons as mouse clicks, hence this is all my controls - none to bump into on the front.

Option 1 - wide 1p/2p (1p might interfere with 1p joy, 6 buttons though)


Option 2 - 6 buttons, 1p/2p together balancing with spinner, but when buttons are lit may look one sided


Option 3 - 4 buttons (no SF but I could live with that), 1p/2p still together, more space for spinner and play 2 joy

[Ginsu Victim]

I like number 1 best, though my personal preference is to have the start buttons above and slightly left of the player buttons. In your case, above and between the joystick and player buttons.

[ex_directory]

Like this - option 4 

[Ginsu Victim]

Exactly like that.
I like the way that looks.

[javeryh]

Sorry if this has been covered already but why not move the start buttons to the front panel?  You can recess them (flush mount) so they won't be accidentally pressed during gameplay and there will be much less clutter on the CP...   

[ex_directory]

Sorry if this has been covered already but why not move the start buttons to the front panel?  You can recess them (flush mount) so they won't be accidentally pressed during gameplay and there will be much less clutter on the CP...   

Was partly covered, keen to keep the buttons up on top, reasons,

1, Cab looks sleeker
2, Will be led-lighting all buttons so may look a little odd if two are out the way
3, p1 will probably be shift and so would have to go looking for it if it was on the front
4, if p1 is not shift it will double as a mouse button
5, Want to avoid risk of getting excited when searching for that top score and bumping into a button 

[ex_directory]

OK, I have three designs to choose from, not overly set on any of them yet, opinions/experiences please... before I spend 2 days cutting it all out!!

Note I am using an IPac for shift button (coin, esc, tab etc) which I have used before and am happy with. Also, will somehow work out how to double up two buttons as mouse clicks, hence this is all my controls - none to bump into on the front.

Option 1 - wide 1p/2p (1p might interfere with 1p joy, 6 buttons though)


Option 2 - 6 buttons, 1p/2p together balancing with spinner, but when buttons are lit may look one sided


Option 3 - 4 buttons (no SF but I could live with that), 1p/2p still together, more space for spinner and play 2 joy

Woke up this morning, counting my leds
buttons = 14 or 10 (4 button arrangement), Joys with leds = 2, Extra bling leds = 16, Trackball led = 1

So if I want full led functionality, and I go with 6 button layouts I guess I need two led-wiz's as I will have 33 leds  that's an extra $50
4 button layout will have 29 leds.

[Franco B]

I wouldnt base your button layout (4 or 6) on the amount of lighting ports you have availiable. Decide how many buttons you want first and then work out your lighting, definitely function over form on this one.

I think I know what your extra bling LEDs are

[ex_directory]

Your right Franco, but due to space the 4 button option may be more playable on most games (losing some fighter games such as SF2 etc).  I am between option 3 and 4 at the moment - can't decide.

If I go 6 button I will just have to double up on one led port.

[csa3d]

Your right Franco, but due to space the 4 button option may be more playable on most games (losing some fighter games such as SF2 etc).  I am between option 3 and 4 at the moment - can't decide.

If I go 6 button I will just have to double up on one led port.

Save yourself the hastle, and go with the 4.  The end goal of your panel should be playing enjoyment.  My 2 cents. -csa