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Control Panel Layout Critique - 2 Player with Dual Spinners

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Turnarcades:
I agree, the way I tried to describe them in my PM was similar to what you have there, but with the spinners moved inwards towards the centre a bit. You will only use one hand to drive the mini-wheels anyway and the angle/height of your control panel surface will determine if your arm will foul on the joysticks, so mount as necessary based on that thesis, If you want a little more height clearance, the 7" wheels are good but will still not clear joysticks.

cmoses:
I am hoping to begin work on my control panel this week and have been doing a lot of reading and research.  I have updated my control panel layout to reflect the curved button layout that I am going with.  I also realized that I needed to move the trackball up some to allow room for the control panel hinge. 

The big thing I have done is decide to put the spinners on the outsides.  Player 1 (left side) was already there, but I originally had the Player 2 (right side) spinner next to the track ball.  I decided to move it to the outside.  I think this makes it look a little cleaner and more uniform.  The spinners/mini wheels are represented in the picture by the button with the big blue circle around it.  This is the 5" mini wheel that I want to use.  I think there is plenty of clearance now on both sides.  I even have a little more room to move them out further if I need to for clearance.

This layout gives lots of options as far as number of games that I can play.  The normal games with 1 or 2 players with up to 7 buttons each.  Trackball games, spinner games, racing games with the mini wheels and buttons.  I also can play single player 2 joystick games.  As well as some specialty configurations by using a combination of Player 1 and Player 2 joystick and buttons for games like Defender, Stargate, Asteroids, etc.    

Please let me know what you think and if you have any thoughts or suggestions.

P.S. the joysticks show as 8 way, but I will be using U360's for maximum options (2 way, 4 way, 8 way, diagonal, analog, etc.)

Turnarcades:
Good thinking and well planned out. Unfortunately that layout wouldn't really work for my 4-player panel but having the spinners at the sides of the two players is a nice idea as while playing stick games the unobtrusive spinner top will not be in the way. The only thing I can think of that could be an issue is the 'opposite hand' steering for each player. Inevitably there will be some people who prefer to hold the wheel in their left or right hand and you can't both have the same.

cmoses:
Turncades,

Yes, having the steering wheel be left handed for Player 1 and right handed for Player 2 was the only issue that I came up with for the new design.  I guess I will always have to volunteer to play the side that the other player doesn't want.  I don't think its a major issue though as I feel like I could drive with either hand, but not sure everyone feels that way.

The big advantage is that you can play spinner games with your right or left hand, just stand on the appropriate side. 

Turnarcades:

--- Quote ---The big advantage is that you can play spinner games with your right or left hand, just stand on the appropriate side.
--- End quote ---

Guess I'd be happy playing against a Yank then as we drive on the opposite side in the UK! Player 2's control would probably be best for me with the steering in the right hand and the gearing etc. on my left.

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