Just getting started - testing Control Panel layouts

[mlalena]

Started with the cardboard box to get the joystick/button layout.
Then moved to a sheet of MDF to try out different 4 player layouts.

U360s for P1&2. Happ Competition for P3&4.
P3-P1 & P2-P4 sticks are at 45 degree angles and 10" apart for dual 8-way games.
This put P4 closer to the edge than I wanted.
The monitor will be an old 27" TV 1 foot away from the end of the control panel, so I hope it works out with P3&4

[severdhed]

dual 8 way games will be tough if the player 3 and 4 sticks are at an angle

[mlalena]

I've been waiting over 2 months for my Mini-PAC to show up, so I can't even use the panel. I'm just trying to make progress without being able to test.

For the $8 for the cost of the wood, I figured I'd experiment with the layout, play with the router and figure out some of the wiring - I actually have the Mini-PAC harness.

One of my concerns is that my friends take big swings on Golden Tee, so I wanted nothing behind or in front of the track ball in a 90 degree arc. This meant the spinner is next to the track ball and now everything gets wider.

Once I get the Mini-PAC try this out and it doesn't work I will try a smaller angle. I think there is room for the yellow controls, but maybe not for the green controls. I may need to move some other things around.

[mayhem]

Bring the 1 and 2 player down further and center the track ball more.

This gives more leigh way for you problems.

[severdhed]

that's a good idea...the center of my trackball hole, and joystick holes are only 6 inches back from the front edge...this gives you plenty of space to rest your hands, and would open up more area for teh other 2 players.  also would increase the distance between your trackball and your monitor