Birdie King Conversion

[XyloSesame]

Wow, it's been a while since I've visited these parts... I've recently acquired a gutted Birdie King 2 cabinet and am looking for advice and, maybe, a few new tricks for this old dog to learn. My end goal is a workable 2 player cabinet with a fixed 20" LCD monitor that is as versatile as possible.

The cabinet has a 23 3/4" ID; I'd rather not cut into the original cab if I can avoid it, for no real reason other than preservation. I've got a closet full of buttons and geegaws that were planned for a 28" - 32" cabinet than never materialized, and I've roughed out a two person 7 button layout with dedicated 4-way, an old GGG spinner/wheel, and a trackball. When standing at the cab with 2 players faking it, it seems to feel comfortable, but I was wondering if anyone had recommendations or suggestions before I started a CP draft in wood...

[thatpurplestuff]

That trackball looks almost unusable with that spinner and joystick positioned so close to it.  I would seriously reconsider trying to fit all of that in such a small space.

[pbj]

*slowly backs away*

[XyloSesame]

That trackball looks almost unusable with that spinner and joystick positioned so close to it.  I would seriously reconsider trying to fit all of that in such a small space.

Fitting all of that stuff in is my concern as well; I'm starting with the kitchen sink with the understanding that I will likely need to make sacrifices with this specific cabinet. I'm not new to this game; hit me with your worst, I can take it.

The trackball-to-joystick, while close, seems playable. However, the spinner (with wheel removed) would most likely have a tendency to catch a right-hander's thumb. Moving it to the left would possibly allow for better clearance, but would probably negate using the wheel for drivers.

[Le Chuck]

I'd simplify.  What do you like best?  Fighters (since you have seven buttons I'm assuming so) then drop the other malarky and make a fight cab. 

Want to play classics?  Mount that four way, about two buttons, and a trackball.  Or a spinner.  Not both. 

Those are suggestions.  If you're happy playing then rock and roll man, but I wouldn't be happy with that setup. 

[SMEAR_FLA]

On a panel that size, I would strongly consider ditching the trackball and the spinner/wheel. Than consider centering the 4 way stick slightly higher than the player 1 and player 2 sticks and buttons.

But like others have already said, I would figure out what kind of games you play the most and go from there. 

[XyloSesame]

I definitely agree with simplification. While I enjoy a number of trackball-based titles, I imagine this will be the first component to go. I've already got everything categorized and favorited from previous builds and am pouring through those lists and personal preferences as well.

[a1pharm]

Move the spinner to the 4 way spot and lose the wheel.

Ditch the dedicated 4 way, and instead, use a switchable stick or a U360.

Keep the trackball.

You can have almost everything.  It won't be pretty, but if your goal is maximum options, this would be my vote.

If you're going for form over function, lose the 4 way, the spinner, and the trackball.

[XyloSesame]

Ditch the dedicated 4 way, and instead, use a switchable stick or a U360.

Primarily I was messing about with parts on hand. My initial thought was to lose the 4-way altogether and just suffer those titles with the 8-way sticks, but a switchable was in the back of my mind.

Keep the trackball.

History shows me playing titles like Marble Madness, Crystal Castles, Centi/Milli, Missile Command, and the occasional golf game, but it seems like the spinner games like drivers, Arkanoid, Cameltry, and 720 have gotten more play (with the exception of Marble Madness). Out of curiosity, why would you opt for keeping the trackball?

[a1pharm]

Ditch the dedicated 4 way, and instead, use a switchable stick or a U360.

Out of curiosity, why would you opt for keeping the trackball?

It sits in the center of the panel, which is (out of necessity for a 2p cab) dead space.  There is literally nothing else you could put there (that wouldn't "get in the way") that would make good design sense.

Moving the spinner to the upper right section allows for normal right-handed operation of the spinner.  If you are a lefty spinner user... 

[XyloSesame]

It sits in the center of the panel, which is (out of necessity for a 2p cab) dead space.  There is literally nothing else you could put there (that wouldn't "get in the way") that would make good design sense.

I know, realistically, there's no way to fit everything in to such a small panel and have it functional (or even aesthetically pleasing). Taking playability over versatility, I'm not sure there would be enough space to accommodate a trackball anyway. A standard fighter layout is about 8" in width, and P1 needs to be inset 3"-4" to allow for an adult to comfortably operate a joystick against the leftmost side of the cab. This would only leave roughly 4" of space between P1 and P2, barely enough room for even a small trackball.