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Request for Defender CP layout details
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TheShanMan:
I have a single joystick (swappable) CP that currently has 3 buttons on it. I want to add a couple more buttons to make this panel defender-friendly, though by no means will this be a defender-specific panel. I use it for all my 4 way games (it's actually an ultimarc 4/8 way switchable mag stik plus, but I don't find it to be a very good 8 way stick).

The 3 buttons that are on it right now are actually laid out very similarly to the 3 grouped buttons on the real defender panel. So I'm thinking of the reverse and hyperspace buttons. I think I'd like to put a reverse button in the "correct" spot, and probably the same goes for the hyperspace button. I have 3 questions:

* Given that it will be used for many games, can you think of a reason I'd regret this layout? Actually there aren't many games where I use all 3 of my current buttons so my thinking is that it will be fine. But then again more buttons would open up the possibility to more games. I do have a 2 8 way joystick, 6 button panel too, so keep that alternative in mind.
* How about other games that this will be a GOOD layout for? Seems like there must be some games where having that thumb reverse button would be really useful.
* Finally, for those of you with a real defender or repro defender panel would you mind measuring the distance from the center of the stick shaft to the center of the reverse button, and also the angle? Looks like 45 degrees, but I would want to place it as precisely as possible (unless people don't like the original position!).
Thanks!

P.S. My motivation: my DK games are starting to take so long (usually over 1/2 hour) that I don't like to play it during the week when time is at a premium and the kids are itching to play too. Therefore I need a new game to focus on during the week. My 6 yr old son told me today that I practice DK too much and said I need to start practicing a different game. He asked me which game I want to get better at, and after giving it the day to think over, it's gotta be defender!
arzoo:
I'm not at home so I can't measure my Defender cp - sorry. I can't think of any games other than Defender and Stargate that use a left side thumb button, but I don't think it will get in the way. With two left side buttons and the hyperspace (lower center), you may have a pretty good Asteroids layout - depends on how far right your current buttons are placed. Could you  post a pic of your cp?
TheShanMan:
Don't have a pic handy, but the center of the leftmost of the 3 buttons is about 7" from the center of the joystick shaft. In fact, looking at it right now I'm not so sure I'll like the hyperspace button in the middle. It just doesn't look like there is enough space for it to look good. I'd be open to suggestions of whether I should go with 2 rows of 5 or 6 buttons (with a slight arc to them - leftmost button dropped about 1/2") or a single row of 4 (just adding the hyperspace button to the right of the existing 3).

I didn't figure there would be any other games which use a thumb button like that; just thought there might be some that would benefit from this layout.
Paul Olson:
arzoo - when you get a chance, would you mind measuring the button spacing on the whole panel? No rush at all; I probably wont get to this for a while. I want to try to remake the defender layout on my modular panel. Maybe I can actually learn to play it someday.


Thanks,
Paul
TOK:
If arzoo can't get you measurements, I can probably get you some decent ones... I built a Defender/Stargate cab around a repro Stargate overlay. When I made the panel, I traced the button layout onto a second scrap of wood so I'd always have a template.

There is a Defender/Stargate hybrid panel on localarcade.com, but the button layout is way off. That was originally what I was going to use. As soon as I did a b/w print of it and put my hands on it, I knew it wasn't gonna work. You can see how whack the button spacing is compared to the real thing. Finding that out was where my build plan went from a total cheapie made from existing parts and home printed artwork into a money pit.  ;D



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