CP Mockup, I need comments, suggestions, and criticisms

[The cranky hermit]

Here's a doctored image of a control panel top. Currently, my plan is to build one that resembles the image at the bottom.

I've left plenty of empty space because I plan to eventually add a trackball, spinner, and 4-way. Here are the supplies I'm getting and the prices, not counting the woodworking stuff.

Stuff from www.ultimarc.com:
IPac2 USB $43
Wiring kit: $17
Shipping: $14
Subtotal: $74

Stuff from http://www.dameon.net/BBBB/parts.html
2 happ supers: $19
18 Happ Microswitch Pushbuttons: $26.10
4 Red
4 Blue
10 White
PBs Pair Player 1 & 2: $3.20
Shipping: $11
Subtotal: $59.30

Aside from any suggestions and comments you have, I also would like to know the following:

Am I missing anything? Pretend I have a control panel box, predrilled and everything, but it is completely empty. Is there anything else I would need?

What's the best "all-purpose" pushbutton type?

[jakejake28]

nice panel. u r right about the empty space. personally, if i were u, i would pay the extra cash to buy some j-sticks. i have a few, and am actully looking for more. u can get them at ultimarc. also, get the ultimarc pushbuttons. my opinion is that they are equal to, if not better, the happs. that way you could cut the shipping. one stop shop: ultimarc

[Amra]

Well, dont forget to count your overhang, and the thickness of wood, thats going to take off a lot of your "space".  I made my box 27x17 , and the top panel 33x19.  The usuable space to put componants is only about 25x15 inches, due to thinkness of wood, and 1/2 inch clearence around area.  So, you might need to take all that into consideration before actually drilling and all.

[u_rebelscum]

How much would the shipping from Happ be?

~$10-$15 for UPS ground for the stuff you listed


One point, those four buttons in the corner: player 1 will have a little trouble reaching them during 2 player games.  But you'd have to weigh moving them to a more central spot against where you are going to put your trackball, spinner, and 4 way.  I know others will say "use the shift function so you don't need the extra buttons", but I've accidently exited a game in the heat of the battle because the shift key was one of the action, start or coin keys.  Once is far too many times, and it happened to me more than that.  
I love the idea of having at least 2 "utility" buttons; one of them could be the shift key, and the other + shift = exit.  This way both the shift and the exit buttons are not any of the action, joystick, coin or start switches.  I say keep at least two of those buttons, if not all four, and see if you can find a more central spot for at least the pause button.

[slug54]

I would consider moving the P1 stick and buttons
a little farther to the right. It looks like your wrist
would be resting on the left edge of the cp and that would be very un-comfortable. Before I built my cab I built a stand alone CP and mine was a little to close to the edge it was irratating during long gaming sessions.
Your arms actually approach the Joystick from an angle instead of going straight up to the stick. Like someone else said ,think about centralizing the maintenance buttons.

                               Slug54


 
 

[zaphod]

1) Forget about ordering from Happ.  Order from Ultimarc, like jakejake28 suggested, or from Bob Roberts (http://www.dameon.net/BBBB/parts.html) where you can get your list of items a whole lot cheaper than Happ.  Shipping would be less than $11.

2) Your joysticks (and buttons) need moved toward center more.  The side walls of your base will not make that layout possible.  The underside of the joys and the connectors that attach make the space requirement more than you'd think.  You also need some space for the heel of your hand to rest.  

3) Put your admin buttons (whatever number you decide on) closer to center as many times only player 1 will be used at any given time.  I'd also read this forum for how people are handling their admin buttons.  There have been several threads in the last couple weeks about that.

Nice layout, though.  Just a little tweaking is all that's needed.  

[The cranky hermit]

Thanks a lot for the bobroberts link. I've modified my purchase plans. Here's a recap:

Stuff from http://www.dameon.net/BBBB/parts.html
2 happ supers: $19
18 Happ Microswitch Pushbuttons: $26.10
4 Red
4 Blue
10 White
PBs Pair Player 1 & 2: $3.20
Shipping: $11
Subtotal: $59.30

Now I need to know, do the joysticks and pushbuttons come with everything you need to mount them? Do the supers come with the microswitches? Do you need any aditional mounting equipment?

And I will center the sticks and buttons some more, but I need plenty of space between them. I want to throw in a trackball in there eventually, once I get the money.

[zaphod]

Now I need to know, do the joysticks and pushbuttons come with everything you need to mount them? Do the supers come with the microswitches? Do you need any aditional mounting equipment?

The joys and buttons come with what you need to mount them.  Everything comes with the microswitches.  You will just need some wire and connectors (Bob sells those, too (http://www.dameon.net/BBBB/conectas.html) as "Fully insulated standard size .187 50 per bag").  I used them and they work wonderfully.  These can be found many places but you may want a bag or two while you are making your order.

You may want to inset your joys from the underside, by routering them in a 1/4".  There has been several threads here recently about how to do that.  Works well.

[JesterDEV]

In addition to the great advice everyone else has provided. I would suggest a 4-way. That is if you are planning on playing 4-way games.  I've been was using an 8-way up untill recently, and let me tell you, it makes a huge difference.  I also bought a 4-way restrictor plate from oscar controls, which also made a huge difference.  Just dont forget to get the mounting plate. Without it, it's a pain to center the restrictor.

[JODY]

Like JesterDEV said, I'd add a 4 way.  I've got the Pac-Man anniversay stick.  Bob Roberts sells them.  There are other good 4 ways too.  I like the ball top for for Pac games, Mr. Do, etc.  Without a 4 way (in one form or another) you're going to make wrong moves.

[jakejake28]

y'know, with the j-stikcs you get a 4 and 8 way joystick with a built in restricter. save yourself 14 dollars