Layout template for a

[Mamezilla]

Based on this thread: http://www.arcadecontrols.org/yabbse/index.php?board=1;action=display;threadid=8474, does someone have any layout in any format (Visio, AutoCad, Photoshop, etc...) for a 2 players control panel, that would include 2 8ways sticks, 1 4way stick, a trigger stick, a trackball, a spinner and buttons? I'd like also to fiddle and play with that kind of layout.  

Basically, since I don't play any 4 players fighter stuff, I want to make some kind of a

[Felix T Cat]

I was hoping you would get a reply, if you did please let me know.
I was hoping for a layout (any format) based on the Slikstik CO2 (link: http://www.slikstik.com/photosco2.htm )

[SirPoonga]

You sure you want an all in one instead of like making swappable or modular design?  Personally, I think those all in ones looks hideous huge.

[Felix T Cat]

I'm building an UA 2 but I don't want 4 players so I intend to use the base 4 player size and install the CO2 layout.  

[Mamezilla]

I was hoping you would get a reply, if you did please let me know.
I was hoping for a layout (any format) based on the Slikstik CO2 (link: http://www.slikstik.com/photosco2.htm )

Unfortunately, no reply at this moment.  The layout you are tempted about would interest me also.  

You sure you want an all in one instead of like making swappable or modular design?  Personally, I think those all in ones looks hideous huge.

I know those are huge, but wouldn't mind.

[traknfieldSUPAstar]

you know... i always wondered is there any game(s) out there that has three/four players with 6 buttons each?... the most i've ever seen was four buttons (d&d:tod and som)...

[The cranky hermit]

I'm currently designing one myself. Here's my blueprint so far:



Keep in mind, I haven't actually built this yet. So I have no idea how well it works yet.

[REBIRTH]

I went with 3 panels which I can rotate around on a triangle shaped axis.  I too didn't want a 4 player cab and wanted a spinner/trackball/4 way joystick/8 way joysticks/2 way joystick for defender/etc...  Instead of trying to fit all that on one panel with a lot of clutter I decided to go 3 panels.  I have a 1 player panel with an extra 4 way joystick for pac-man and the like, a 2 player panel with a trackball and since the whole reason I found Mame years ago was looking for a Defender game (best game ever! ) I wanted a panel dedicated to defender (also added one more button for asteroids since it is a very similar layout, plus a spinner).  See below or my web page.  I am not 100% done, so you'll still see some bare wood right now

[KevSteele]

My modified SlikStik classic design fits everything you've mentioned: 2 8-ways (w/7 buttons), trackball, spinner, 1 4-way, 1 top-fire joystick, and as a bonus an asteriods layout.



(More pics available on my site.)

It's worked out pretty well -- the only minor problem is that the spinner is "cozy" with the 4-way and top-fire joysticks, but it actually isn't that much of a problem if I'm using a smaller knob, such as the Oscar MAME engraved knob or the SlikStik aluminum skirted knob.

Actually, if I had a chance to do it over, I'd move the trackball into the center of the panel. Other than that, I'm happy with the layout.

Kevin

[Felix T Cat]

How do you play Smash TV or Total Carnage on that one ?
Do you use Player 1 and 2 sticks ?.  I love both games so I lean more towards 2 8-ways per player but from the looks of your panel it will get very tight.

[KevSteele]

Yes, I play Total Carnage and Smash TV with my cab, although only 1 player. If you want 2-player Smash TV/Total Carnage, you'll definitely need something like the CO2 unit.

I should point out that the 4-way is wired to the player-1 inputs, and the top-fire is wired to the player-2 inputs. The joysticks at the top are "alternate" joysticks to the regular 8-ways, basically.

The 4-way and top-fire placement is also perfect for Battlezone, btw.  

Kevin

[AlanS17]

Ya'll are soooo lucky to have room for large control panels...
My CP is about 24" X 6"...
I'm having to enlarge it just to make room for more controls!
It kinda sucks balls...

[Paul Olson]

Here is an Idea I am toying with.  2 trackballs (thinking Marble Madness).  The top joystick is a trigger stick, to go with the spinner on the right for tron.  2 8-way joysticks and 6 buttons for each player.  These should take care of fighting games.  The extra joystick is for Karate Champ  
The joystick on the bottom is a 4-way.  I'm not sure about the middle joystick.  Either a diagonal 4-way for Q-bert, or a 360 for 720.

I would really appreciate any feedback on this layout.  I made up a full size mock-up, layed out with templates, and it feels pretty comfortable.


pcolson

[Felix T Cat]

HOLLY MOTHER OF GOD.  I like it (and take into account I have not built one yet) but I would bet the response from here will be the following:
1) You can't mount anything that close to the edge (eg your trackballs) because the CP box portion doesn't extend out that far.
2) your players will be too far off center to really make it enjoyable.

But I do like it.......

[Paul Olson]

Felix -  You're right about the trackballs.  When I did my template mock-up, I moved them in so the outside of the plates are 2" from the edge.  That puts the edge of the ball 4" in.

I'm not sure if it would be awkward having them that far out.  I put them that way because I'm a lefty, and all of my friends are right handed.


All -  Does anyone know any good software to make up these layouts?  I used the Interactive Control Panel Designer to do this one, and it worked pretty good.  The only problem is, I can't find a way to save the layout.


pcolson

[grafixmonkey]

All -  Does anyone know any good software to make up these layouts?  I used the Interactive Control Panel Designer to do this one, and it worked pretty good.  The only problem is, I can't find a way to save the layout.

I used CorelDraw to do mine.  Lets me work in inches or cm and convert between, and I have a little row of "parts" that I can select, duplicate, and drag into position.  Also can make a pushbutton arrangement and duplicate it for multiple players to get the buttons the same, align controls on vertical or horizontal lines, rotate by precise angles, all that.

It's a full graphics package tho, i.e. not free and not exactly mac&cheese easy for those who haven't done grafix before.  It's been the single most useful software I've owned, tho, for 9 years.