Help me build the ULTIMATE 2 PLAYER CONTROL PANEL! Opinions Please. =]

[Visitor Q]

I am in the process of configuring an upright 2 up cabinet and need your thoughts. I need you to help me build the perfect control panel. I will more than likely be dealing with Mameroom for my purchase so I am looking to build off their default (current) 2 player layout, pictured here.
http://www.mameroom.com/ClassicController.asp

My question is what would you change about this layout? I was thinking and have already been recommended to change the button layout to 8 for each player as seen in the current X-Arcade layout.
http://www.xgaming.com/specialoffer/2player1.htm

I will be playing multiple systems on this cabinet meaning I need to consider layout controls for console systems as well. I am trying to cover my bases here as much as possible guys!

So far my thoughts are bringing the 4 way stick down lower as seen in this picture.
http://www.mameroom.com/examples/Image9.jpg

I was also trying to figure if I should relocate the spinner as I heard there are wheels that fit over the spinner to play some game.?. Maybe a bad idea?

There is no need to consider colors of buttons or anything like that at this point; my main concern is the layout of the joysticks and buttons however I would like opinions on the U360 sticks, if I should include them in this layout or any other special controller for that matter.

Your opinion is important to me! You guys know so your reply is valued very much to me. Please feel free to share your opinions, experience and any pictures you may have in helping me decide.

This is a big purchase and I want to go about this the right way.

Thank You.

[javeryh]

This is my 2P layout.  The less clutter the better, IMO.  I'm using 2 U360s, a slikstik tornado spinner and a 3" trackball.

[ivwshane]

I think 8 buttons is just too much.

In the first link I'd also get rid of the three buttons to the left of the track ball, I would also cut down on the number of buttons at the top as well.

I prefer a clean look as well with only the amount of buttons you would actually use.

javeryh, were you going to post pics?

I would love to have a spinner on my arcade but I just don't know where to put it. Here is my layout:

[Ginsu Victim]

(edit: nevermind...)

[Visitor Q]

First picture is not showing up.

I was considering 8 buttons for console games, bad idea?

[leapinlew]

From here: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=65141.0

[javeryh]

From here: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=65141.0

I tried attaching my pic again but this is the definitive 2P CP!

[Visitor Q]

 

Seriously though guys. 

[Cakemeister]

You forgot the dedicated 'O' and 'K' buttons!

[leapinlew]

I think the right way to do it is limit the controls to the essentials. If you want an "ultimate" 2 player control panel, just copy one of Knievels.

Heres an example of some arcade controls for 2 players.

• Smash TV, Vindicators and Total Carnage require 4  8 way joysticks with at least one of them being a pushbutton joystick.
• Marble Madness requires 2 trackballs
• Console games can take as many as 8 buttons per player
• Forgotten worlds requires a push/pull spinner
• Arkanoid 2, puzzloop, and blasteroids requires 2 spinners
• Karate Champ requires 4 four ways

You might as well give up trying to build a perfect control panel. Your best bet is to determine what games you plan on playing on it. If your answer is "As many as I can", your on your way to a nice frankenpanel. Nothing wrong with a frankenpanel, but I don't build them.

[Visitor Q]

As many as I can is right and I know there is a lot to consider espically after your reply. 

Let me ask you this, what is the ultimate 1 player setup that would give me the option to carry over well to 2-player?

[CheffoJeffo]

I think the right way to do it is limit the controls to the essentials. If you want an "ultimate" 2 player control panel, just copy one of Knievels.

 

[Visitor Q]

Can someone provide a link to Knievel's setup?

[CheffoJeffo]

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=30538.0

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=62958.0

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=55789.0

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=58647.0

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=70519.0

I know there is at least one of his cabs missing from that list, but you'll get the gist.

 

[Visitor Q]

There nice but they all look the same, the lay out of the controls that is.

I don't know if I like that he does not have buttons on the left hand side of the spinner.

Guys got taste, thats for sure.

The layout seems simple and that maybe good but it does seem limiting, very clean looking though...

I guess these big as you say "frakenpanels" are not all they are cracked up to be? Seems like you guys are kinda steering me away from them to a more simple layout?

[CheffoJeffo]

I prefer less clutter -- makes it easier to play.

knievel, in addition to having style, is painstaking in his details (so he thought out his design), has built many a cab and is widely copied.

FWIW, I prefer javery's layout above to knievel's standard.

[Visitor Q]

I guess I am worried about not having enough to play what I want. I don't want to cut myself short and say, I wish I would have done that or I wish I would have added one more button. I do understand what you are saying though. I don't want to sit down to play something and not have room for my hands or be pushing something cause it is in the way...

It's really a lot to consider and I really appericate any opinions you guys have on this so please keep them coming.

I really like this layout here, thoughts?

[javeryh]

The layout seems simple and that maybe good but it does seem limiting, very clean looking though...

I guess these big as you say "frakenpanels" are not all they are cracked up to be? Seems like you guys are kinda steering me away from them to a more simple layout?

In what way is it limiting?  You can play just about every 4-way, 8-way, spinner and trackball game.  There's not much that is left out.  You can even configure two-joystick games to work (1 player only though).  Maybe a modular panel is what you are looking for?  Believe me, after you've built your first cab and you have a bunch of people over to drink some beers and play some games there's nothing worse than a million questions from your friends that could have been easily avoided with an elegant layout.  Do you really want to explain to everyone that you use joystick 3 and buttons 7, 8 and 9 to play Punch-Out, joystick 1 and buttons 1-5 to play Mortal Kombat, the trackball and button 17 to play Golden Tee, etc..??

FWIW, I prefer javery's layout above to knievel's standard.

Thanks!  I really just copied Knievel's CP though and just tweaked the button layout and got rid of the 4-way (because I'm using the U360s).  The overall dimensions are identical to Knievel's.  I don't think you can go wrong with his layout as a starting (or ending) point.   

[leapinlew]

I really like this layout here, thoughts?

I agree 100% with Javery. People won't be able to figure out that control panel. If your the only one playing it - you'll be fine. But if anyone else wants to play - they'll be asking you questions.

If there was a perfect/ultimate 2 player control panel - we'd all be building them. There isn't a "perfect" 2 player control panel, there is only perfect for you. It doesn't make sense to build the control panel first. First you should decide which games you want to play, cause I'll tell you now - you won't be able to play them all. Once you decide which games are for you, building becomes a lot easier.

This is like building a vehicle without knowing what the purpose of the vehicle is. Is it a bus? car? tank?

[Malenko]

javery and  knievel have the best overall layout, mines pretty much the same but I dont have a trackball,spinner, or 4way since there arent anygames I want to play that use them.  I have considered adding a spinner to mine, but then again Ive also considered building a little box that has a spinner and trackball that I can sit on my CP when I feel like playing those games.

Frankenpanels sound great in theory but theres just too much there. the only "good" frankenpanel I saw was the classy split level style on that is in the hall of fame on the wiki.  with the advent of the U360s the need for dedicated 4 way is gone.

Personally speaking 2 U360s with 6 (SFII layout)or 7 (SFII+NG hybrid) buttons per player is ideal

[padstack]

I really like this layout here, thoughts?

I agree 100% with Javery. People won't be able to figure out that control panel. If your the only one playing it - you'll be fine. But if anyone else wants to play - they'll be asking you questions.

If there was a perfect/ultimate 2 player control panel - we'd all be building them. There isn't a "perfect" 2 player control panel, there is only perfect for you. It doesn't make sense to build the control panel first. First you should decide which games you want to play, cause I'll tell you now - you won't be able to play them all. Once you decide which games are for you, building becomes a lot easier.

This is like building a vehicle without knowing what the purpose of the vehicle is. Is it a bus? car? tank?

Or in the case of the panel you revived, an airplane?   

I would SO like to see someone assemble that bad boy!  Imagine a full sheet of plywood as your CP!

[Visitor Q]

The layout seems simple and that maybe good but it does seem limiting, very clean looking though...

I guess these big as you say "frakenpanels" are not all they are cracked up to be? Seems like you guys are kinda steering me away from them to a more simple layout?

In what way is it limiting?  You can play just about every 4-way, 8-way, spinner and trackball game.  There's not much that is left out.  You can even configure two-joystick games to work (1 player only though).  Maybe a modular panel is what you are looking for?  Believe me, after you've built your first cab and you have a bunch of people over to drink some beers and play some games there's nothing worse than a million questions from your friends that could have been easily avoided with an elegant layout.  Do you really want to explain to everyone that you use joystick 3 and buttons 7, 8 and 9 to play Punch-Out, joystick 1 and buttons 1-5 to play Mortal Kombat, the trackball and button 17 to play Golden Tee, etc..??

FWIW, I prefer javery's layout above to knievel's standard.

Thanks!  I really just copied Knievel's CP though and just tweaked the button layout and got rid of the 4-way (because I'm using the U360s).  The overall dimensions are identical to Knievel's.  I don't think you can go wrong with his layout as a starting (or ending) point.   

I plan on getting the LED buttons that light up what buttons are used when you play a game.

[Visitor Q]

How are the U360s? I have heard mixed things on them... Should I be using them for my main 1 and 2 player controls? I heard some people do not like them because they do not feel as good as the regular controllers, I guess they are not as notchy or something. 

So with the U360s, I would not need a 4 way then?

As far as game play, I would like to focus on Mame first and then consoles there after. I would to emulate as many systems as possible.

[javeryh]

How are the U360s? I have heard mixed things on them... Should I be using them for my main 1 and 2 player controls? I heard some people do not like them because they do not feel as good as the regular controllers, I guess they are not as notchy or something. 

So with the U360s, I would not need a 4 way then?

As far as game play, I would like to focus on Mame first and then consoles there after. I would to emulate as many systems as possible.

Sounds like you really want a frankenpanel.  I'm curious to see what you come up with even though most people would tell you not to go that route.  As for the U360s, they can emulate just about any type of joystick so you wouldn't need a 4-way (or a 2-way or a 45 degree 4-way, etc...).  People who don't like the feel of them are mostly purists who are used to restrictor plates and microswitches.  If you are building a frankenpanel then it's a safe bet you aren't a purist and the U360s will be more than adequate.   

[Visitor Q]

I want the most functional control panel I can put together that handles the most amount of games\ systems. Currently I have an X-Arcade and I am not happy with it. It’s a dual stick version, no trackball, no spinner and no 4 way joystick, all things I desire.

As far as the 360s go, they sound neat. Maybe I can just skip out on the 4 player stick to save on some space, install a regular 8 way for player one and a U360 for player two? Do you think that would feel ok when playing games like Robotron or Smash TV? If not, maybe I would go with 2 8 ways, one for player one and two, then instead of a 4 way use a 360. I like the idea of the 360 for 2, 4 and 8 way motion which would cover a lot of games…

No, I am not a purist in your sense of the word but I am looking for an arcade feel or I would stick to playing this stuff on my TV or PC.

ps. Thanks for your help so far.

[Ginsu Victim]

It would feel odd to play Robotron or Smash TV with two completely different sticks.

Go for both sticks as U360s. I don't know where you read enough criticism to doubt them, because most of us who own them, love them (though, like you said, there are exceptions).

[javeryh]

I want the most functional control panel I can put together that handles the most amount of games\ systems.

We all do... it just doesn't exist.  I would NOT use an 8-way and a U360 for P1 and P2.  Make sure those sticks match at least.

check out weisshaupt's modular CP.  It's awesome and can probably be configured to play most games.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=75411.0;all

[Visitor Q]

It would feel odd to play Robotron or Smash TV with two completely different sticks.

Go for both sticks as U360s. I don't know where you read enough criticism to doubt them, because most of us who own them, love them (though, like you said, there are exceptions).

Rick at Dream Authentics said he had customers who did not like them. Glad I asked here... I will go with two U360s then. I think a lot of it was people did not like the feel of them, that they did not feel authentic (maybe).

[leapinlew]

I want the most functional control panel I can put together that handles the most amount of games\ systems.

Build a control panel with 2 8 ways per player, a trackball, spinner and 8 buttons per player. Use USB connections for joypads

It's diminishing returns after that.

[Visitor Q]

I want the most functional control panel I can put together that handles the most amount of games\ systems.

We all do... it just doesn't exist.  I would NOT use an 8-way and a U360 for P1 and P2.  Make sure those sticks match at least.

check out weisshaupt's modular CP.  It's awesome and can probably be configured to play most games.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=75411.0;all

That is nice...

So what I am hearing so far is...

U360s for sure, player 1 and 2.
No 4 Way Joystick
6 or 7 Button layout for player 1 and 2

Trackball and Spinner???

[Visitor Q]

I want the most functional control panel I can put together that handles the most amount of games\ systems.

Build a control panel with 2 8 ways per player, a trackball, spinner and 8 buttons per player. Use USB connections for joypads

It's diminishing returns after that.

Call me crazy but I like this one and yes, 8 buttons per side.

Maybe get rid of the 4 way up top and go with 2 U360s for each player or are they that? I am not sure how they differ is looks...

I don't want to sound like I have my mind set or anything here because I don't even though it may sound like I do sometimes. All your opinions are welcomed and appericated. This sorted of layout is what I had in mind when I came here but I did not think about the two sticks per side... If it is a mistake to build something like this, please let me know the pros and cons.

[Visitor Q]

hahaha

What did I kill the thread because I said I like that control panel?

[Malenko]

hahaha

What did I kill the thread because I said I like that control panel?

yeah.

heres whatchu do:

spend WAY TOO MUCH buying all the parts to build that panel.

after a few weeks/months you'll be sick of it then you can rebuild it with what youre going to actually use.
We wont say "We told you so" but I will say I told you so.

[Visitor Q]

hahaha

What did I kill the thread because I said I like that control panel?

yeah.

heres whatchu do:

spend WAY TOO MUCH buying all the parts to build that panel.

after a few weeks/months you'll be sick of it then you can rebuild it with what youre going to actually use.
We wont say "We told you so" but I will say I told you so.

LOL! Worst yet; spend all that money on building a full cab and when the novelty wears off.  Don’t think I haven’t thought about it.

I see your point. I will more than likely stick with 2 U360s.

[Malenko]

novelty?

if thats the outlook youre in the wrong hobby. Building my MAME cab made me want dedicated machines even more.
My MAME cab doubles as a jukebox and all around emulation machine and part time baby sitter when my nephews are well behaved.

[Visitor Q]

I did not mean to sound offensive... I am just saying that I bet I will spend more time setting this up than I ever get to play it, as you know its a lot of work.

[M.Lanza]

Check out this site.
You may be enlightened.

http://www.wickedretarded.com/~crapmame/


The u360's are definately the way to go.

[Visitor Q]

Check out this site.
You may be enlightened.

http://www.wickedretarded.com/~crapmame/


The u360's are definately the way to go.

Well I certainly don't want to end up there. 

[Visitor Q]

Ok, ok... So I am starting to see the light here.

How about k's setup...

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=30538.0

Same layout and design but take out the 4 way up top if I am going to go with two 360s, does that make sense?

With the 4 way out, move the spinner over to where the two buttons are and then move the spinner to where the 4 way was, sound good?

I am 100% sure I want at least a 7 button layout for p1 and p2, so keep the buttons for player 1 and 2 the same but install a 7th button staggered off to the left to create the neo geo layout, cool?

I am not sure what he is using the buttons for next to player 1 and player 2 start but I am guessing coins. I would move them down to the sides of the control panel and add two more for pinball. Left and right flippers with bumps, so 4 buttons on each side of the control panel I was thinking...

Other thoughts...

Other than that, maybe 8 buttons for player 1 and 2... I mean really to have that extra button would not get in the way and it would allow me to play certain console games if I decide too.

For me, a few admin buttons would be nice but they do not have to be on the control panel up top.

Thoughts?

[Cakemeister]

You are going USB to connect your panel to your cab?

IMO a swappable approach is best. Make three panels. Each panel can be the width of your cabinet, no need for it to jut out.

1) 2 joysticks with 7 buttons each, or 8 if you like playstation emulation. Build this panel first.
   
            x  x  x                x  x  x
   O       x  x  x        O     x  x  x
         x  x                   x  x

2) a dedicated 4-way joystick, three buttons, and a trackball, for your classic 4-way games, Centipede, Missile Command, etc.
                           
     O     x  x  x     TB

3) a dedicated Defender joystick, 6 buttons in a Stargate-like layout, a spinner, and a flght stick, for Tron, Defender, Star Trek, Tempest, and so on.

                                    x   x     
            O         SP     x          x      FS
                x            x               
 
But that's my opinion, one of many.