Main > Main Forum
Smash TV inspired control panel -- please comment!
<< < (3/3)
Ummon:
Classic cabinets only measure about 19-21 inches, right? Those TBs on MM might be a foot apart. The thing is, since this is a reversible mod, there's going to be compromise. The inside sticks, however, I think are more the problem. Not them being behind the TBs, as unless one's sitting really low in front of the panel their arms will be plenty above them, but being so close to each other. You can do it, but it'll very likely be a recipe for constant bumping of knuckles. Even the original spacing of STV is kinda close. In all, you might be best making your own CP that extends out. Lastly, that half-rotating idea might be really unrealistic.
willhs:
This gives me ideas -- if you make some mockups, would you mind posting pics?  I'm putting the finishing touches on my own CP, but I may need to tweak it a bit.  :-)
m_mcgover:
First off -- Thanks everyone for the comments.  In the end your suggestions will drive this towards a better design.  As for specific comments....

@ahofle - ahhh.   I get it.  Yes, if the trackballs are too close you are right that the right hand player will need to rotate so as not to be standing on top of the left hand player.

@Ummon- Marble Madness was ~25" wide, so based on the picture, I'm going to estimate that the trackballs are ~16" apart.  Yes, this control panel will extend beyond the original, I'm just trying to avoid something that looks out of place on this machine.

@Jakobud - You may be right.  I am trying to squeeze 2 trackballs in there, mostly for Marble Madness.  I may decide to revert to a single trackball.  But before I do, I will check out this layout with a mockup, but I tend to agree with Ummon that I think for most people, the trackballs will not be in the way for joystick games since the players' arms will be above the joysticks

@willhs - Yes, I can post pictures after the mockup.  I'm waiting on controls.  I hope to get them in by Sat...I would really hate for them to arrive on Monday! 


arzoo:
m_mcgover,
When I designed my cp, I had some similar requirements - joysticks for SmashTV and a button layout good for a lot of classics. Two suggestions for your design (beyond what others have already said) - I would put a couple of buttons between the player 1 and player 2 joysticks (center on the cp). This may require pushing the sticks farther to the sides or even increasing the width of the cp by an inch or two, but they'll be really useful for classic games, help keep the single player centered on the panel, and give a choice of left or right hand play. Also, I'd go with U360s rather than 49-way with GPWiz49s. Just like your concept, my cp had 49s for the center sticks, but I later switched to U360s - since they have an analog mode, they're just more flexible.
Turnarcades:
Be very careful this does not turn into a frankenpanel through either being too crowded or just plain confusing.

I admire the attempt to get max versatility and you have thought it through, but my general observation is that people tend to stick with a certain layout that covers most bases without overcrowding or build complexity, so as to compromise but allow most games to play well. Ask yourself how often you will play certain games one or two player, as the resounding feedback I've seen is that extra sticks, 'balls and the like soon get tiresome and a lot of people regret the extra trouble/expense/crowding.  :)
Navigation
Message Index
Previous page

Go to full version