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Control panel button Layout ?

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Terr1:
Hey

I'm trying to create a 2 player MAME prototype control panel, before I try to do the real deal. I want 6 buttons per player.

I have a 60 cm (23.622 inches) in length and 25 cm (9.84252 inches) in height MDF wood panel, so I guess that leaves 30cm (11.811 inches) per player.

I have been directed to this button layout page before:
http://www.slagcoin.com/joystick/layout.html

I really don't know which layout type I should go for, I was looking at something like this:
http://www.slagcoin.com/joystick/layout/sega2_m.png

But maybee a bit more spacing between the joystick and buttons will be nice?
http://www.slagcoin.com/joystick/layout/hybrid36_m.png

I want something that curves a bit, so it's more ergonomic to the human hand.

1. Do anyone have any tips regarding which layout to start with? Whats the most used standard layout?
2. When drilling the button holes, the best method is printing out the layout and mark the drilling points using a pencil through the paper?
3. When I found a layout, any tips on where to place the layout on the panel? Here I mean heightwise, if there is any standard, or should you just pick whatever height lets your hand rest on the panel?


The easiest is printing out a diagram and just make drill holes into the paper layout?

shponglefan:
Best thing to do is grab a piece of cardboard and do a layout that way first.  For spacing, just markup where your hands naturally rest gripping the joystick and buttons.

Regarding ergonomics, I've found only the first row of buttons needs to be slightly lower.  Rows two and three should be the same height.  Reason is that when your hand is resting on buttons, the fingers actually rest in a mostly straight line.  Usually the index finger is a little lowr, but the second and third finger end up being the same height.  Try it with a piece of paper.

As far as drilling, you have it right.  Just print out the layout, tape it in place, use something sharp to mark the centers of the buttons/joystick, then drill it out.

For height on the panel itself, I find leaving at least 4 inches of space from the lowest button to the bottom of the panel is adequate.

Louis Tully:
.

Terr1:
Thanks alot for your responses.. Means alot to find good forums where you don't get flamed for asking newbie questions.

I think I will go for the SEGA2 Layout, already have this on a cartboard layout, and I like it.

I will add about 4 inches, it seems like decent support.

Thanks again :)

paigeoliver:
I have the curved layout on my cabinet and really wish I could get the standard streetfighter layout without messing up a really expensive panel.

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