Bartop CP Layout... Opinions please

[Bender]

I'm designing a new bartop and could really use some input on the controler layout
these are my first attempts
please let me know what you all think

I'll Have:
U360 with rotary and top fire mod (still working on that)
7 button neo geo thumb layout
up-down spinner
2 1/4 track ball (or maybe even a full size U-track, it might just fit)
player 1 button and coin button (white in layout) , 4 small admin buttons (black in layout)

[DaOld Man]

I think the trackball/spinner positions in the second pic would be best.

[Stobe]

And if you bring the TB up in line with the stick/buttons, you can shave some depth from the CP area.  But I definately like it better on the right rather than the middle.

[leapinlew]

I know you only asked about the CP, but make sure the overhang from the marquee doesn't block the view of the screen when standing above the monitor.

[Ginsu Victim]

I know you only asked about the CP, but make sure the overhang from the marquee doesn't block the view of the screen when standing above the monitor.

Yeah, now that you mention it....

[Bender]

Hi all,

Thanks for the input, please keep it coming
I am leaning toward the Track ball on the right
how about the spinner just above the buttons, does that seem like it might be awkward

as for the overhang those pics were a birds eye view so you could see the controlls, you would have to be like 11' tall to get that view
but I do really appreciate the heads up, it's stuff like that that I don't want to over look, Thanks!
here is a more normal view

[leapinlew]

here is a more normal view

Cool. Show us a side profile.

[Bender]

here is a more normal view

Cool. Show us a side profile.

I'll post this on the project thread after I tweak a bit more
I have a little something up my sleeve for this one

[Neverending Project]

Since the trackball is USB, you might want to consider housing it in its own little external CP. Then you could have a USB port on the front, side or back of your bartop. It is super easy to plug in when you want to use it, but you don't need to to make the CP on the bartop unnecessarily large.

But there a couple of negatives to this option... if the trackball will be lit, you will need to plug/unplug additional wire. Also if there are trackball games with buttons they won't be next to the trackball, unless you add buttons to your mini-trackball CP, which would require an additional wire again. But both the buttons and the lighting could be easily wired to a CAT5, to take advantage of easy connecting.

Just another option to consider...

[swaffar]

please do tell or post any pics you have of your 360 rotary/button mod thus far... i've already ordered all my parts and completely forgot about rotary games!  i dont know how.