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Dr. Mame - Portable Control Panel
NoOne=NBA=:
I think you should take a second look at the playability of the rotary sticks.
You are going to be stuck using buttons that are over half way across the CP, and having to use them with your left hand.
Also, you don't have any gas and nitro buttons easily available for the 4 steering wheels.
And lastly, you might want to consider pinball buttons on one end, if you're into pinball games.
Xiaou2:
Hi NoOne,
Im still deciding about the 4way + Rotary + Trigger-stick placements.
I believe the distance to the center of the panel is 9" which isnt that much of
a stretch... so shouldnt be a problem. I will have to test panel it to make sure tho.
Most Monster panels do not flip around so that you can have access to the other side.. so
many of them have you reaching 3/4th the control panel - which is just way too far
for comfort. (Also having too many controllers in the pathway of where your arms
should rest)
I still might add a few buttons on the other side tho. Hmm, maybe side mounted pinball
buttons will be enough to solve that too. Might have to also make a middle indent for the
right flipper button - cause the CP seems too long to have each flipper on opposite sides.
thanks for the ideas and comments :)
DaveMMR:
--- Quote from: Xiaou2 on December 27, 2007, 10:48:01 pm ---Its not 'that' big... And the comment about Van Halen is ludicrous. The
Amp/Speakers that such musicians carry around much heavier and bulkier.
--- End quote ---
It was a sarcastic exaggeration. Yes, we know the typical equipment required for a rock concert is no comparison to a 35 X 19 control panel. No need to point it out. ;)
And sorry, looks are a bit important - or should I say "aesthetics". You're going to bring this to a friend's house and you think they're going to know what to do with anything in that jungle of joystick options? I see joysticks on top of joysticks on top of hideaway trackballs. I know you want to make zero concessions when playing your games, but now you're "enjoying" your game with a million things in your way.
I'm not down on trying to be down on authenticity, but I think you'd be better off either (a) a self contained rotating unit or (b) some sort of modular set-up when you can swap out parts as you need them and you're not digging through trigger sticks to get to your spinner. Actually, option (b) is much more portable as you can make some sort of carrying or storage case for the spare parts.
Havok:
When you go this route for authentic controls, you always lose out with usability. I would go with DaveMMR's suggestion - some kind of modular design that allows for a cleaner panel, depending on the game played, and more fun experience for you and the uninitiated...
On a side note - I have dubbed this the "penis panel" - looks like you have 4 limp ones going on there...
;D
Turnarcades:
In my opinion, I think this is way too complex as a 'temporary project'.
I build arcade machines as a profession, and can seriously say that the majority of the cost is in the control panel. Couple this with the amount of fine work required for a good finish and the sheer mountain of wiring, and it can also be the part that takes the most time.
If you already hve all the parts you need, you're better off building a full-size panel that you can incorporate into a cabinet when room becomes available. This kind of 'compacting project' is more suited to later projects for people who have built one and want a fresh challenge. It would be interesting to see from a regular builder, but I think the time you put into it would have you wishing you just threw in a few more chips and done it on your big machine.
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