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Feedback on my Franken-panel?
Fat_Trucker:
If you change the button config for P1 and P2 to 4 over 4 instead of 3 over 5 and then keeping the outer Joysticks (P1-1 and P2-2) where they are, rotate both sets of controls down slightly, (so the 2 sets of controls form a 'V') you should create enough extra space to use it comfortably for 2 player smash TV.
mark shaker:
My $0.02:
Just use 6 buttons each for players 1 & 2 in the classic 2 X 3 layout.
You may be able to make it a little less deep: Make sure that there is just enough room in front of the buttons to wrest your palm.
- Mark
wrench:
Everyone will have their own opinions and taste on the size and layouts of panels but one thing you might want to consider in my opinion is the trackball position.How far from the screen (monitor) is that going to be when the panel is installed? Mine is about 11 inches from the screen and aligned with a spinner thats 3 inches from the screen.Every once in while on a bowling or golf game a good spin on the trackball will result in hitting the spinner or screen with your hand,Just something to think about.
arzoo:
--- Quote from: Fat_Trucker on February 04, 2006, 07:59:55 pm ---If you change the button config for P1 and P2 to 4 over 4 instead of 3 over 5 and then keeping the outer Joysticks (P1-1 and P2-2) where they are, rotate both sets of controls down slightly, (so the 2 sets of controls form a 'V') you should create enough extra space to use it comfortably for 2 player smash TV.
--- End quote ---
I've considered changing the button layout or going with 7 buttons instead of 8 to reduce the required space (width). But I like what I have because it works well with the older games like Asteroids. Or I should say, I think it works well, because I've yet to try it out.
arzoo:
--- Quote from: Bones on February 04, 2006, 07:31:44 pm ---Firstly, congrats on your design. It is obviously well researched and thought out.
Initially I went down the design path of the dual level CP based on the Supercade design. In my opinion it is one of the most tasteful around....
But you know, I just couldn't make it work even with a similar design as yours. There always seemed to be a compromise between player comfort and that dreaded trackball position. Finally I gave up and just enlarged my control panel.
I am sure you have heard it over & over, but it really is worth the investment in time to mock-up your entire design for testing.
I am interested if you can make it work and wish you good luck, but there does seem to be a lot of controls in a limited amount of space.
Cheers dude,
Bones
--- End quote ---
The dreaded trackball, that really sums it up! I've tried the ball on the bottom deck, on the top deck, in the center, to the side. If I nix the two deck design and bring the ball to the front and center (between the joysticks) then there's more throw room, but the width will have to increase. How wide is too wide? I also found that when I put the ball in the center (like Supercade), the player 1 controls pushed farther too the side, putting the player more off-center for most single player games. One thing I could do is increase the depth of the top deck making the entire panel cantilevered farther from the main cabinet. This will give me more room behind the trackball.
I think you're right, an entire mock-up is what I need to do. Thanks for your feedback!
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