My son and I decided to update the Cigar Box Game Controller we made last year using some boxes from harbor freight.
First thing was the artwork. Not my job… Probably why it came out so nice…
Starting with a 1/8 drill bit then moving on to forstner bits.
The trick with the plexi is to use the 1/8 hole to center the big bit and only drill halfway through.
Then flip it over and complete the hole. That way you don’t chip the plexi when you break through.
I had these lighted joysticks lying around. only problem is they need 12V power. I will just add a small boost converter to keep it USB powered.
the boost converter got a little 3D printed sled to protect the wiring side.
I temporarily removed the mounting plate to use as a drilling template.
Not too bad looking.
Now for the guts.
In the cigar box controller I used an AtMega8 but this time I’m using PIC 18F2550 Microchip.
I used a usb feedthrough so I can use them as standard USB controllers with other consoles if I want.
Now for the RetroPi
I printed up a bunch of mounting hardware and bezels.
I re did the bezel with a collar to hide the edge of the cut. I made the cuts by hand with a Dremel.
Now to extend the HDMI and power…
turns out the threads on the power plug were long enough to make it through the box and felt padding so I didn’t use the square plate I made.
I did print a nice washer for the inside instead….
The washer is just visible here. Its cone shaped to get it through the felt easily.
I still might add a headphone jack on the right side. At the retro gamer nights we sometimes use a guitar amp…..
I did add a separator to make a compartment to carry all the cables. I might make a lid for that when I get a chance.
I added a fuse and 6.8V Zener to protect the Pi in case someone plugs in a laptop power brick by mistake…
I also added a WiFi / Bluetooth hat and some silica gel packets…..
Everything on the back sits well below the hinges and feet so you can still stand them up on their edge without crushing anything.
Best part is you can connect both controllers to one Pi and play 2 player games…
Add some Xbox or PS2 controllers for even more players…
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