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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: armax on April 25, 2005, 03:07:45 pm

Title: creative control panel layouts for single player???
Post by: armax on April 25, 2005, 03:07:45 pm
Anyone have any creative single player control panel layouts (pics would be appreciated)?  I'm tossing around the idea of  2 joysticks in a tank configuration with the 6 button fighter setup in-between them, spinner on the far left, trackball to the far right.  Sort of a solo frankenpanel desktop controller until I free up more space in my house.  I can't be the first to contemplate a versatile CP for a single player...
Title: Re: creative control panel layouts for single player???
Post by: markrvp on April 25, 2005, 03:42:25 pm
Here's one, although I ditched the spinner.
Title: Re: creative control panel layouts for single player???
Post by: armax on April 25, 2005, 04:07:54 pm
Thanks mark! what project are you working on?  I like the layout, though I'm thinking of moving the spinner to the right for disks of tron.
Title: Re: creative control panel layouts for single player???
Post by: markrvp on April 25, 2005, 04:57:19 pm
I think I'm working on a similar project to yours.  I'm building multiple panels for an upright cab.  I would prefer to have rotating panels, but I think that is beyond my abilities.  I know you're going to build a rotating CP (with interchangeable panels), so please document how you do it.

This panel is the one I plan to play single player games on and it will probably be used 80% of the time.  All the panels are 27-3/8" wide by 14" tall.  There will be 7 - 9 CPs total and will interchange between two cabs and a desktop base (I'm building all 3 bases at the same time).

I really wrestled with where to put a spinner.  The location in the diagram is in the way of the TB for Golden Tee golf, so I scratched it.  I have a Discs of Tron spinner that I will use on a separate panel.  An Oscar V2 or SlikStik would fit on this panel on the left fairly easily, though.  Maybe higher and to the left of the 49-way (but left of the 6 button cluster).
Title: Re: creative control panel layouts for single player???
Post by: armax on April 25, 2005, 05:03:52 pm
actually, I planned on a rotating monitor setup with swappable panels.
Title: Re: creative control panel layouts for single player???
Post by: markrvp on April 25, 2005, 05:15:40 pm
Quote
actually, I planned on a rotating monitor setup with swappable panels

Oh, I misunderstood.  I'm not sure if that makes it easier or harder.  What size monitor?
Title: Re: creative control panel layouts for single player???
Post by: mahuti on April 25, 2005, 05:30:23 pm
(http://homepage.mac.com/mahuti/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2005-02-26%2014.11.27%20-0800/Image-A5D35386883B11D9.jpg)
Title: Re: creative control panel layouts for single player???
Post by: mahuti on April 25, 2005, 05:36:21 pm
The panel I use for player 1 has a 4/8 way joystick (soon to be 49way, etc) Spinner in the middle, trackball on the outside. I could add a "hyperspace" button to the center now that I'm using a smaller spinner. All admin functions use a shift command from pressing the player 1 button... so no admin buttons.

The button layout is fairly intuitive for visitors, too. 1 button games use the red, 2 button games use green/blue, 3 button games use yellow/green/blue.
Title: Re: creative control panel layouts for single player???
Post by: armax on April 25, 2005, 05:47:03 pm
I like that idea with the admin buttons.  it would clean up my panel.
Title: Re: creative control panel layouts for single player???
Post by: mahuti on April 25, 2005, 11:46:41 pm
People will argue the benefits of admin buttons vs. no admin buttons. On a single player panel, I personally see no need for them. Other than the mini frankenpanel, I like to keep the experience as un-PeeCee like as possible. I never have a hard time remembering the basic admin functions, pause, tab, enter, coin, etc.
Title: Re: creative control panel layouts for single player???
Post by: markrvp on April 26, 2005, 01:19:27 am
This one panel is the only one where I have admin buttons.  I put them there because I will use this panel to test all the games first and enter my options.

I agree it's ugly, but function over form for this one panel.