Posted by ChrisW on 26, 2000 at 8:41 PM:
In Reply to: Please help: First time building a joystick posted by purbeast on 26, 2000 at 3:21 AM:
Hey Purbeast,
Best thing you can do IMO is to grab a cardboard box and cut a piece to the dimensions you THINK you want (recommend doing one sized at around 15" x 10" for starters), then place the stick and buttons where you think they will be comfortable.
Don't necessarily put 2 rows of 3 buttons in a straight line (ie grid pattern) unless YOU think it will be comfortable. Why make it look good if it feels crap to use!!??
Next step is to do an actual cutout of the cardboard and fit the stick and buttons to it, and test for spacing and feel - it's really the best way to fly!!
If it doesn't work out, all you've wasted is time (which is being well spent!!) and a 2 cent piece of cardboard.... Then start again
Once you have that sorted you can worry about the angle of the panel, which will probably be around 5 to 10 degrees - again, go on feel, as the angle will depend on WHERE the controller will be placed when you are using it.
Good luck!