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Looking for Input on Control Panel Layout

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lilshawn:

--- Quote from: RandyT on May 25, 2011, 11:09:45 pm ---
Wrong direction :)  Try bringing the TB forward (toward you) and the other controls with it.  Take advantage of the geometry of the panel.  You'll also want to give yourself a place to rest your hand when using the spinner and 4-way.

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agreed, you have the real estate, use it. just make sure you don't go down too far... you still need room to  mount it.

moving the trackball down will give you more room for follow through when you hit the ball, instead of smashing your hand into the monitor. it will also put some space between the P2 stick and the track ball... you wont find yourself catching your hand on the P2 joystick when you play a game like marble madness. :angry:

have you considered putting the spinner in the middle above the trackball? having it on the right is nice but the middle makes it nice to use your left and your right can operate a button on the P2 side for firing etc. i dunno, operating a fire button with  my left hand seems unnatural. and standing off to the side to play with my left is a little odd  :dunno

emb:
I must first state that I really like how many different mock ups you are doing. It really helps you explore your cp design.

Take it from personal experience, bashing your fingers into a joystick or monitor hurts really bad when playing bowling or golden tee. If you feel if trackball is far enough, go for it. Just be careful when you need to make some insane slices in golden tee or are trying to pick up a 7-10 split.

What are the current dimensions of your cardboard control panel templates? How wide is your cabinet?

  Also, is this a cabinet that only right handed people use? If that spinner is too far to the right then it may be difficult to use if one of your buddies is a lefty. Now if your left handed buddies don't play the cab (or many games with a spinner) much then I wouldn't worry about it.

I like to rest the side palm of my hand on the control panel when I play. It would bother me if my hands were resting on buttons.

It also might be a good idea to hone in on the games you plan on playing the most (unless you already have). This may help determine where you can make sacrifices if needed in terms of placement. If your track ball is of the highest priority, then sacrifice a little on the placement of your 4 way and dial...maybe you will have to accept the fact that your hands will be on the buttons using a 4 way.


It is definitely a challenge to get a trackball, dial, 4 way, 2 8 ways on a control panel. I give you props for trying such a difficult task. It is all about weighing sacrifices based on what is the most important to you.


Sorry if I am regurgitating anything anyone stated in any previous post; I'm typing this on my phone.

Xiaou2:
I dont mind if you dont go with the design I put up... but I do have to ask why would you reverse it?    By doing so, your arms are going to sit uncomfortably on top of the rows of buttons when trying to use something like the spinner... AND, because its so close the the joystick.. you will need to use the right hand..   and then what buttons will you be able to press?!

 Also, in the last example, your right stick is so close to the Trackball that a good spin will nearly break your wrist when you smash into it.

 I think its far better to have a slight offset, and keep the sticks far outside of the balls range.  Probably a 1ft diameter circle minimum.  Try rolling the ball on your lap as fast as you can make it move several times in a row... and note the space it takes to do so.

 Once you have gained an idea, then make a temporary cardboard panel, or better yet, something like Foam board.  Far better to test feel with real mounting.  Ive found out the hard way... that what seems good on paper and mockups... dont always work 100% as planned 'physically'.  (curved button layout seemed to feel ok on flat paper mockup.. but was unplayable on a real wood panel, which ended up getting scrapped as a result)

Indyplumber:

--- Quote from: Xiaou2 on May 26, 2011, 04:09:27 am ---I dont mind if you dont go with the design I put up... but I do have to ask why would you reverse it?   
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LoL.  Don't feel bad!  I haven't gone with any design yet.  This is becoming the most frustrating and confusing part of the project so far.
AND it's the most critical.  I'm still working on it and I'm spending tonight reviewing hundreds of control panel pics and layouts.

Thank you to ALL of you for the tips and advice.  In the event that I do the panel and decide it's
uncomfortable or not playable, then I will redesign it!  I bought extra wood just for the control panel just in case!   ;D

I wonder how these panels have worked out with the 4-way and spinner up to the top of the panel?


--- Quote from: cadis12 on July 06, 2007, 03:54:02 pm ---My stab at a control panel:





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--- Quote from: robC on March 12, 2008, 08:13:49 am ---My cab is complete, and here is the CP. Nothing original, just cloning what works!





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--- Quote from: stoli on November 01, 2006, 10:08:12 am ---

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Xiaou2:

--- Quote ---I wonder how these panels have worked out with the 4-way and spinner up to the top of the panel?
--- End quote ---

 Easy enough to email them and ask, and hope they are not so prideful as to be dishonest.

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