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

[ivwshane]

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?

Any time you copy or slightly modify a Knievel cab you will be ok;)

[jban4us]

I wanted a four player panel to play some capcom shmups with friends. I also wanted to play some of my classic favorites. I now have two panels that are swappable by d-sub connectors. The second panel is a defender/stargate layout and it rocks. I suck at defender, but it is an addicting game.

Only problem is I don't know where to store the extra panel (in a dorm room  ). On the plus side it gives me an excuse to build another cab just for classics later on

[Ginsu Victim]

I wanted a four player panel to play some capcom shmups with friends.

4-player shmups?

[jban4us]

I wanted a four player panel to play some capcom shmups with friends.

4-player shmups?

gah I feel stupid. I meant to separate that into "capcom fighters" being four player and "shmups that used two sticks". Somehow things got mixed up and deleted when it went from my head to the screen.

[Visitor Q]

Swapping panels in and out is clever but I agree, when I am not using my X-Arcade I even have trouble storing that... However, a second panel is a good idea for sure.

I don't know... I think I am slowly getting an idea of what I want and what will work.

Do you guys agree then, two 360s and no 4 way?

[Xiaou2]

 The layout has changes a bit since my last designing... but here are some of my
ideas.   Its a panel which can be played from either side.  That effectively gives
you at least 2 panels with good reach  - without needing two entirely seperate
boxes (as well as encoders, wireing..etc)

 Im still waiting on a few parts.   Will post more later.


 Btw - dont feel you have to do what everyone else does.   Do what you want,
because its your panel.   Not everyone has the same feelings about various
things of this nature.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=75399.0

[CheffoJeffo]

Lew -- he's got you beat!

[Xiaou2]

 
 Ok, well.. here was the last proto sketch I had made.   I still have to retest the
playability yet,  by making a cardboard test model,  to make sure that all controls
are playable without any discomfort / interference.

 Ive made two pics.   One shows the panel as one unit.   The other shows basically
that it is really Two panels back to back.   (Shows two separate panels for clarity)

 Things like Flip-up Trackballs,  and Horizontally mounted spinners really help to
make more space without effecting playability... or causing compromise by having to
remove some controls that you really didnt want to remove.

[Visitor Q]

I guess ya like what ya like.

[Xiaou2]

 As per your question about 4 ways...

 This again comes down to preference.   The u360 has a long throw without being
restricted.  That can be a problem in playability.   If you restrict it... it loses analog
resolution.   If you only restrict it 8 way...  then it still will not match the feel of
a dedicated 4 way that uses hardware restriction. 

 Some people do not mind the occasional control loss that comes from using
a non-authentic controller.   However..  to some of us, we take the game a
bit more seriously.. and can not stand such compromises.

 Everyone has different feelings about this stuff.    You have to realize what your
own priorities and likes/dislikes are.  Then you can better weigh your options.

[Visitor Q]

I have pretty much decide that I am going to go with Mameroom to build my CP.

Looking at the picture below...

Should I stick with 2 (8 Ways) for p1 and p2 or go with two 360s?

If I do go with 2 (360s) what should I put in place of the 4 way up top or should I keep the 4 way?

If I do keep a joystick up top, 4 way, top firer or whatever, should I change the 3 button layout to maybe 4 or is it not needed?

[Ginsu Victim]

If you have room for a cheap 4-way, go ahead and put one, even with the U360s. I love playing 4-way on my Ultrastiks, but I've considered adding a dedicated 4-way just for the diamond feel.

[Visitor Q]

If you have room for a cheap 4-way, go ahead and put one, even with the U360s. I love playing 4-way on my Ultrastiks, but I've considered adding a dedicated 4-way just for the diamond feel.

Would you change the button layout for the 4 way? Is there any games that use more than 3 buttons with a 4 way stick?

[Ginsu Victim]

I wouldn't have any extra buttons myself. I would just use the buttons on the player 1 or 2 sides (ambidextrious setup). Others like to have the extra buttons.

Anything that uses more than 3, just use the player buttons.

[Visitor Q]

I wouldn't have any extra buttons myself. I would just use the buttons on the player 1 or 2 sides (ambidextrious setup). Others like to have the extra buttons.

Anything that uses more than 3, just use the player buttons.

Let's just say if removing the buttons was not an option for the 4 way, would you keep them spaced as they are or would you move them all in a row like Street Fighter or maybe arch them like the picture below?

[Ginsu Victim]

I would move them down adjacent with the stick in a straight line.

[Visitor Q]

I would move them down adjacent with the stick in a straight line.

Thank you for your input. Is there any reason to add a 4th button? I know that is sorta a bad question since you said you would kill them all off but if I am keeping 3 in place, is there any reason to add a 4th? 

[Ginsu Victim]

Nah, most 4-way games used 3 or less, so any that are the exception, I'd just use the player 1 or 2 buttons.

[Visitor Q]

Fair enough... It's nothing to have another button up there because there is room but I see your point.

I think a lot of 4 way games are a single button, two or none at all.

I just wonder if it would be nice to keep those buttons as is since a lot of classic 4-way games use only a single button. Dragon's Lair, Donky Kong etc...

Also for that 4 way I am going to go with a ball top but the bat top on the 1up, 2up. Should I make the ball top shorter like the Donkey Kong stick ya think?

[Ginsu Victim]

If you're mounting from underneath, it will be shorter more than likely anyway. My U360s are bottom-mounted and I like the shorter height:

[javeryh]

I think a lot of 4 way games are a single button, two or none at all.

Don't forget about Punch-Out!!   

Seriously, check maws.com for all of your control panel worries.  According to maws there are 18 4-way games that require 3 buttons and another 11 that require 4 buttons.  Punch-Out!!, Super Punch-Out!! and Tutankham are the only notable games on either list, IMO.

[Paul Olson]

Looking at the CP of Tutankham, it is actually 1 button (plus start buttons) and a second stick for firing.
On (Super) Punchout, I only see 3 buttons, and they are not positioned close together and could be mapped to any convenient buttons on your CP.

[Visitor Q]

If you're mounting from underneath, it will be shorter more than likely anyway. My U360s are bottom-mounted and I like the shorter height:

Looks Nice.

[Visitor Q]

I think a lot of 4 way games are a single button, two or none at all.

Don't forget about Punch-Out!!   

Seriously, check maws.com for all of your control panel worries.  According to maws there are 18 4-way games that require 3 buttons and another 11 that require 4 buttons.  Punch-Out!!, Super Punch-Out!! and Tutankham are the only notable games on either list, IMO.

maws.com, bad link.

I figured it out, cool site... Thanks!

http://www.mameworld.net/maws/

[Ginsu Victim]

http://www.mameworld.net/maws

[Visitor Q]

http://www.mameworld.net/maws

 

[wbassett]

I have a serious question... instead of an all-in-one type panel, why not go modular?  I've played my general purpose all-in-one cp now for several months and as fun as it is, the layout doesn't match any game's real layout.  If you go modular you can set it up quickly for any game and have as many types of controls as you want... just not all on the cp at the same time.

That's my idea of the 'ultimate' control panel.

[Visitor Q]

You mean swap in swap out panels?

BTW... Any emulators that use 8 buttons other than Playstation?

[Malenko]

You mean swap in swap out panels?

BTW... Any emulators that use 8 buttons other than Playstation?

Super NES 8:  ABXYLR Select Start
Genesis has 7: ABC XYZ Start

[Xiaou2]

 Many years ago... I had the Idea for a Modular CP.   (Well before it showed up here)
Initially its seemed like the best idea in the world...   but then I realized it wasnt so
hot.  And eventually scrapped the idea totally.   Reason:
 
 Modular is a pain in the butt. 


 You have to make a zillion boxes for each component.   Then you need to be able to
store them all.   

 But the worst.. is not being able to just switch from one game to another without
needing to take a few minutes locating and swapping all the parts around.


--- Moving on...

 
 One problem about deep control panel layouts is that you often have to
reach too far to get to the control you want.  That will cause quick fatigue when
trying to play games for any duration of time.  It will be
extremely uncomfortable.

 Solution:   Simply put controls on either side, and turn the control panel when
you need to change controls.

 Im quite shocked that nobody has done this yet.  Its such a simple idea,
and yet a much better alternative to reaching too deeply into the control panel.

[Visitor Q]

You mean swap in swap out panels?

BTW... Any emulators that use 8 buttons other than Playstation?

Super NES 8:  ABXYLR Select Start
Genesis has 7: ABC XYZ Start

Without counting start and select.

[Malenko]

then no; and 8 buttons per player is too much.

We've already said what *WE* think is best, its up to you what youre going to do

[Xiaou2]

 I chose 8 buttons per player:

 Heres what I wanted:

 6 button layout for Streetfighter type games.
 4 button horizontally for Neo Geo games
 1 Leaf switch button for classics (leafs are better for rapid firing games)

 
 Placed down, it came to 8.

 (1)(2)(3)(4)
 (L)(a)(b)(c)

 (L) = leaf button


 I might move the leaf to where the C position is however.
 

[Visitor Q]

then no; and 8 buttons per player is too much.

We've already said what *WE* think is best, its up to you what youre going to do

"Some" of you have said that and I heard you the first time you said it. No offense but asked what controllers for console had 8 buttons.

I thought the PSX did, 4 shoulders buttons and 4 on the pad. 

[Ginsu Victim]

It does. Nothing you want to play on a cab will use L3 or R3, or else that would make it 10. (I don't count Start or Select either)

[Visitor Q]

Am I right though? 4 on the pad and 4 up top (shoulder buttons)?

[Ginsu Victim]

If you can subtract L3 and R3 from 10, that would make 8.

So yes, you are correct.

[Visitor Q]

I think I am just going roll with a 7 button layout. When I play PSX I can toss a button somewhere else or just hook up a game pad.

[Ginsu Victim]

Honestly, I can't think of ANY PSX games you'll want to use on your cab will use all eight buttons. I've been using my seven button setup and haven't hit a single game that gave me a reason to want eight.

[Visitor Q]

Honestly, I can't think of ANY PSX games you'll want to use on your cab will use all eight buttons. I've been using my seven button setup and haven't hit a single game that gave me a reason to want eight.

Good Info.

Thanks.