Suggestions for Designing a Control Panel of limited size

[MPTech]

I currently have an X-Arcade 2-Player CP that is adequete for most games, but I'd like to build my own and incorporate a spinner and maybe a trackball.
My CP area is 25" x 11" without extending past the cab sides (I don't want and overhang on the sides).

(btw, I spent about 3 hours searching CP designs last night, so  have looked already and got some ideas, but I'm looking for some specific suggestions).

Couple questions:
I'm still undecided on the Joysticks, I've looked at the GGG OMNI-Stik PRODIGY Joystick. Seems like a good design for 4 & 8 way use. (It's a challenge trying to play some of the classic 4-way games with an 8-way stick). or I could add a dedicated 4-way, but I have the space limit.
Any other JS recommendations? (I've heard the Happ super 8 is the best 8-way, but I'd like to stick with GGG if possible).

A spinner (TT2) is a must, do I need any dedicated buttons or could the JS buttons be used?
I've also seen mouse buttons listed, with the Trackball are they necessary? or again, can I use the JS buttons?

I want to keep the buttons to a minimum and will probably mount the Admin buttons elsewhere.

Any suggestions before I start designing?

Thanks Guys!  This forum is great! (just wish it was cheaper, not that I'd spend less, I'd just buy more!)

MPTech 

[Xam]

As far as the trck goes, you could try this....kinda pricy though.

http://www.happcontrols.com/trackballs/56020000.htm

might see if divemaster or ponyboy can get em cheaper for you.

Xam

[Tahnok]

I see no reason you can't fit a two player setup, spinner, and 2.25" trackball on the panel. It might be a bit tight for some people's likings though.

Here's a basic idea (note that it's very rough, not something to build from). I'm not sure how big the Omni sticks are, so you may need to allow a bigger area for the joysticks. Still, if you plan well, you should be able to figure something out.

[QuixoteQuest]

If you have a CostCo in your area you may want to see if they still have the Chicago Gaming "Arcade Legends"/UltraCade units so you could give them a spin. The cabs are 25.5" w --the CP 1.5" narrower than that--and have 2 joys, 6 buttons per player plus a 3" trackball. When I tried them out they were a little too compact for my tastes, but they do function all right. They undoubtedly would suit others fine.

If you were to lay out yours similar you could stick in a spinner--especially a Turbo Twist 2 model--where they have their frontend escape button. Coinup and escape buttons could easily be faced out on the front instead of on the CP.

http://www.quarterarcade.com/GamePicture.aspx?c=&g=3569&o=3&m=0

[Arcades R Fun]

Hello,
We are currently developing a full featured space saver 2 player control panel with 6 buttons per player and a 3" trackball. The panel is only 24" wide. The reason the panel can be so small is we are using Ultimarc's new Ultrastick 360 USB joystick. The stick has a similar footprint to the Happ sticks but they have no microswitches to stick out plus the 3/4" crimp-on/wire connector width that adds to the space problem. There'a also room for a GGG TT2 spinner as well. I can send you a CAD screeshot in Word if you like.
Jack

[knave]

Would you post a screenshot here, I know I'd like to see the layout.

You can host it at imageshack...

[MPTech]

QuixoteQuest / Arcades R Fun:  Both good news.

While I would prefer to spread out a bit more, I'm beginning to think this is doable.
I've been looking at the u360 sticks the last couple days and they look like an excellent option. The TT2 was the other component and it looks doable as well.

Arcades R Fun: yes, please PM me and I'll send you my email (or you can PM it it to me?)

My next challenge is to find out the footprint for a 3" trackball.

I'm thinking I'll start laying it out on paper, then a cardboard prototype.  If it looks close, I'll try it on a piece of MDF. Worst case, I lose a piece of MDF and some time.  But I'll be closer to a nice CP!!!!

please keep the suggestions coming, I'm learning a lot!
 

[Arcades R Fun]

it's OK. The world can see my e-mail.

arcadesrfun@hotmail.com

Jack

[Tahnok]

[...]
My next challenge is to find out the footprint for a 3" trackball.
[...]

No challenge:
http://www.happcontrols.com/trackballs/560100e.htm

And the mounting plate (make sure to check the 3" one):
http://www.happcontrols.com/trackballs/55110100m.htm

[MPTech]

Thanks Guys!
I'm still gathering information and dimensions.

I located this review on the Ultimarc UltraStik 360 Joystick
http://www.retroblast.com/reviews/Ultimarc_Ultrastick_0925006-01.html

this thing looks AWESOME! 2-way, 4-way, 8-way, diagonal, AND 49-way!!  WOW! 
and it's customizabale!

I think I decided on my Joysticks and the Spinner now.
Any trackball recommendations?  I was leaning towards the Electric ICE-T™ Deluxe RGB Arcade Trackball, but need to do further research.

Thanks again guys! Designing is almost as much fun as building, but nothing beats PLAYING!
I also need to decide on a decoder, more research, but I am locating some great reviews.