Just wanted to say thanks for this excellent project. The instructions are quite hilarious and clear. Much like Jim Wood mentioned, I will be adding Pi to my build, making it into a true Bamboo Retro Arcade.
Nice! With some skills perhaps the top of the buttons and the joystick ball could be made out of bamboo too. That would be serious bamboo! A Pi with definitly add value to the arcade stick. Good luck!
Ah, I have added a picture of the inside to the download section.
The solution with the blocks was a use-what’s-left of the material and not the best solution. Perhaps you can use an angle iron (don’t know if that is the exact word).
If you have access to a router you could rout out a ditch for the “frame” to go down in (and glue it).
Did you manage to build a hitbox from the template? I tried building a template using the provided .ai files and a manually scaled PSD layer of the hitbox layout from https://support.focusattack.com/hc/en-us/articles/207447753-Control-Panel-Templates (so that the 24 mm buttons from the layer overlay as accurately as possible with the .ai file’s 24mm buttons, and basically just copy and pasted the 24mm objects from the ai. file on top of the hitbox layer using it as a guide for button alignment, and used the .ai file that has the 30 mm button to overlay on top of the up key. The most concerning thing is the space between the buttons, which with the 24 mm buttons is considerably smaller than the space between any of the templates – which makes you wonder if the wood is strong enough to handle drilling/use in those small spaces.
I have built two from the templates without problem but as you write, the wood drilling is a concern and you will have to be carefull when drilling. I think I included a spacing of 6 mm between all the buttons on all the templates.
Try drilling on some scrap material first. Good luck.
Nice! I really love all Adafruit products. Have not seen that one so thanks! Nice to see the price of it too. That is a must for future projects and wireless controllers!
Thank you so much for this! I’ve just finished my Bamboo Arcade Pi (3), as the name mentioned it’s got a Pi 3 inside of it, I also added a Led-strip and some spacers to the design to add something unique to the system. It’s got 3d printed parts but are not required to add the Pi to the mix, just ensure you guys put some spacers between the pi and the board since some parts need to breathe (wifi chip) and the SD-card is easier to reach 😀
Here are some shots of mine: https://goo.gl/photos/h3ch5bqUJn7LR3db9
besides some tinkering it took around 5 hours to build in total, just need to add some colour to it by varnhish it a bit darker to make the buttons pop out a bit more 😀
Wow! That’s one really great looking controller! I like that you used the 3D printer to attach the board with the frame and lights and a Pi really does it!! NICE JOB!!!
I’ve done a new iteration with a Pi 3 in it which makes me really happy! Will upload pics soon, wouldn’t it be cool to have a gallery here with others that made it? I mean that will be your hall of fame for your babies!
Thanks for the inspiration and excellent instructions! I built my Bamboo Arcade using SUZOHAPP parts since they are my favorite. I had to increase the dimensions of the box to accommodate the joystick and long buttons, but I love how it turned out.
First off thanks for this build it definitely gives me some confidence now to put one of these together. It’s beautiful and looks great without and blends in pretty nicely in the home.
I had a question for Daniel. Would you be able to link me to the buttons and arcade parts you’ve purchased for this set? I have been looking for a good set of concave buttons and yours looks to fit the bill. I’d like to use the same ones if you feel they’ve stood up well.
The only issue I had was the thickness of the wood. Tried to do screw-ins with the 24 mm Semitsu(Same as sanwa) buttons. But their length was too short to actually work. had to do some drilling to get it to stay put
When I was starting to think about building somethink like a chopping board was one of my ideas. But I did not find any good box to use as bottom. So I became very happy when I found this instructions.
I went of a built in raspberry pi. Since I grown up with a Commodore 64 I went for a button layout more like a traditional computer joystick where it is possible to use joystick with both left and right hand.
Just wondering, in your instructions it says you used 8x28mm buttons and 2x24mm buttons just wondering if the board size will accomodate 8x30mm buttons & 2x24mm buttons?
It should work if you use the layout for 8×30 & 2×24 on http://bambooarcade.com/downloads/
I have not tested the layout myself and it really depends on how much space the button use up, hole is 30mm but the nut has one size and the top of the button is wider.
Best would be if you can try the layout on a piece of cardboard, plywood or similar before drilling the cutting board.
Hi,
I after recently seeing your design on Pinterest, it inspired me to build my own.
So after much procrastination, I downloaded the plans you had (love the Ikea look) and bit the bullet and jumped right in.
Ordered myself a Button & Joystick set from arcadeworlduk.com at a very reasonable price, and got the top and box from my local(ish) Ikea.
Now, I have a bit of time off work between Christmas & New year, so set work.
The instructions are quite comprehensive, i if you’ve ever done Ikea, you understand them fully, including going back a few steps (coz you think you know where it’s going) 🙁
Anyway I decided that I wanted an stand alone arcade machine, rather than using my pc/laptop connected to my TV so I added a Raspberry Pi running RetroPie 4.3. and added some colour to the unit.
So my efforts are here, I hope you like, and I am looking to build another one soon, so I can hook up a multiplayer system to the RPi.
All of the buttons used are 28mm, I tried to go for snes colour scheme buttons, but couldn’t get the correct combination in the button styles I was looking for.
I’m happy with the finish, and the lacquer really gives it a retro feel, i’m going to add a usb flush mount, to attach a keyboard and extra stick, if needed 🙂
I think it should work, but I have not tested it myself (with the 30mm buttons). Best is to try on some scrap wood or cardboard before you drill the bamboo material.
I finally got round to finishing mine off.. firstly thanks Fredrik for this step by step build procedure which inspired me to do my first ever arcade stick…
I pretty much followed it faithfully, and furnished it using a zippy joystick, and a zero delay encoder PCB.
I made a bit of a hash sawing up the box for the main body so I ended up using some wood filler to tidy it up and then painted it.
See the pics in the link detailing the process, hope you like it…
This is brilliant thank you. I might try this and build a Retropie inside it.
Good job, thanks for sharing.
Best regards
Jim
Thank you! Yes, adding a RetroPie completes it!
Just wanted to say thanks for this excellent project. The instructions are quite hilarious and clear. Much like Jim Wood mentioned, I will be adding Pi to my build, making it into a true Bamboo Retro Arcade.
Cheers,
Dario
Nice! With some skills perhaps the top of the buttons and the joystick ball could be made out of bamboo too. That would be serious bamboo! A Pi with definitly add value to the arcade stick. Good luck!
If possible can I get a picture of the inside? Hard to visualize from the pdf.
Would like to be able to make a hitbox with this (emailed you about it) but main concern is the wooden blocks.
Ah, I have added a picture of the inside to the download section.
The solution with the blocks was a use-what’s-left of the material and not the best solution. Perhaps you can use an angle iron (don’t know if that is the exact word).
If you have access to a router you could rout out a ditch for the “frame” to go down in (and glue it).
Did you manage to build a hitbox from the template? I tried building a template using the provided .ai files and a manually scaled PSD layer of the hitbox layout from https://support.focusattack.com/hc/en-us/articles/207447753-Control-Panel-Templates (so that the 24 mm buttons from the layer overlay as accurately as possible with the .ai file’s 24mm buttons, and basically just copy and pasted the 24mm objects from the ai. file on top of the hitbox layer using it as a guide for button alignment, and used the .ai file that has the 30 mm button to overlay on top of the up key. The most concerning thing is the space between the buttons, which with the 24 mm buttons is considerably smaller than the space between any of the templates – which makes you wonder if the wood is strong enough to handle drilling/use in those small spaces.
I have built two from the templates without problem but as you write, the wood drilling is a concern and you will have to be carefull when drilling. I think I included a spacing of 6 mm between all the buttons on all the templates.
Try drilling on some scrap material first. Good luck.
I was just browsing Adafruit and came across this little beauty. https://www.adafruit.com/products/1535
Bluetooth Bamboo arcade stick here I come!!!!
Nice! I really love all Adafruit products. Have not seen that one so thanks! Nice to see the price of it too. That is a must for future projects and wireless controllers!
Don’t you need a “coin” button as well to not need a keyboard in the setup?
If required, just assign one of the buttons, or a combination of them to act as the coin/credit button.
Thank you so much for this! I’ve just finished my Bamboo Arcade Pi (3), as the name mentioned it’s got a Pi 3 inside of it, I also added a Led-strip and some spacers to the design to add something unique to the system. It’s got 3d printed parts but are not required to add the Pi to the mix, just ensure you guys put some spacers between the pi and the board since some parts need to breathe (wifi chip) and the SD-card is easier to reach 😀
Here are some shots of mine: https://goo.gl/photos/h3ch5bqUJn7LR3db9
besides some tinkering it took around 5 hours to build in total, just need to add some colour to it by varnhish it a bit darker to make the buttons pop out a bit more 😀
Wow! That’s one really great looking controller! I like that you used the 3D printer to attach the board with the frame and lights and a Pi really does it!! NICE JOB!!!
I’ve done a new iteration with a Pi 3 in it which makes me really happy! Will upload pics soon, wouldn’t it be cool to have a gallery here with others that made it? I mean that will be your hall of fame for your babies!
Yes, that is a great idea! I will create a “makes” section as soon as possible! It’s very fun to see what addons others do.
Thanks for the inspiration and excellent instructions! I built my Bamboo Arcade using SUZOHAPP parts since they are my favorite. I had to increase the dimensions of the box to accommodate the joystick and long buttons, but I love how it turned out.
Here are a couple of pics of my build: https://goo.gl/photos/S2bgh4JgxwcTC7Sp8
Nice work! I build a cabinet years ago with HAPP buttons and I also like them a lot. Your setup looks excellent! Have a great 2017 and game on!
First off thanks for this build it definitely gives me some confidence now to put one of these together. It’s beautiful and looks great without and blends in pretty nicely in the home.
I had a question for Daniel. Would you be able to link me to the buttons and arcade parts you’ve purchased for this set? I have been looking for a good set of concave buttons and yours looks to fit the bill. I’d like to use the same ones if you feel they’ve stood up well.
I love this!
The only issue I had was the thickness of the wood. Tried to do screw-ins with the 24 mm Semitsu(Same as sanwa) buttons. But their length was too short to actually work. had to do some drilling to get it to stay put
Yes, the bamboo cutting board is a bit too thick, it is not ideal.
Great that you made it work!
Hello, I thought this was a great build but is it also compatible for the xbox one.
Don’t know really, but it looks like at least some versions of the Zero delay usb encoder works with Xbox360. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Zero-Delay-USB-Encoder-PC-Joystick-for-XBOX-360-Windows-DIY-Black-White-Kit-/142096947560
There should be other encoders that work for other Xbox versions.
Great thanks for the help!
When I was starting to think about building somethink like a chopping board was one of my ideas. But I did not find any good box to use as bottom. So I became very happy when I found this instructions.
I went of a built in raspberry pi. Since I grown up with a Commodore 64 I went for a button layout more like a traditional computer joystick where it is possible to use joystick with both left and right hand.
Here is some pictures of my construction.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/UkgBSKlYgjoeGgXS2
Snyggt! Smart med layouten! C64 var länge sen, där började jag med.
Just wondering, in your instructions it says you used 8x28mm buttons and 2x24mm buttons just wondering if the board size will accomodate 8x30mm buttons & 2x24mm buttons?
It should work if you use the layout for 8×30 & 2×24 on http://bambooarcade.com/downloads/
I have not tested the layout myself and it really depends on how much space the button use up, hole is 30mm but the nut has one size and the top of the button is wider.
Best would be if you can try the layout on a piece of cardboard, plywood or similar before drilling the cutting board.
Good luck!
Hi,
I after recently seeing your design on Pinterest, it inspired me to build my own.
So after much procrastination, I downloaded the plans you had (love the Ikea look) and bit the bullet and jumped right in.
Ordered myself a Button & Joystick set from arcadeworlduk.com at a very reasonable price, and got the top and box from my local(ish) Ikea.
Now, I have a bit of time off work between Christmas & New year, so set work.
The instructions are quite comprehensive, i if you’ve ever done Ikea, you understand them fully, including going back a few steps (coz you think you know where it’s going) 🙁
Anyway I decided that I wanted an stand alone arcade machine, rather than using my pc/laptop connected to my TV so I added a Raspberry Pi running RetroPie 4.3. and added some colour to the unit.
So my efforts are here, I hope you like, and I am looking to build another one soon, so I can hook up a multiplayer system to the RPi.
All of the buttons used are 28mm, I tried to go for snes colour scheme buttons, but couldn’t get the correct combination in the button styles I was looking for.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fucHPEd7knFmS2jA_XVZt7CvxazXzXst/view?usp=sharing
I’m happy with the finish, and the lacquer really gives it a retro feel, i’m going to add a usb flush mount, to attach a keyboard and extra stick, if needed 🙂
Full build pics here,
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1YAVEWdvZ1JnFLhufI22PmBLa0xKaYm7D?usp=sharing
I really like the stripes! That was a nice design. Lovely build! //Fredrik
The buttons that you have are good? I hesitate to take sanwa
I found buttons in 30mm you think it’s good?
https://www.smallcab.net/download/schema/schema-sanwa-OBSF-30.png
I like both sanwa and happ buttons. Perhaps prefer sanwa.
If i use the 30mm paper (your pdf) the size is good for the button ?
I think it should work, but I have not tested it myself (with the 30mm buttons). Best is to try on some scrap wood or cardboard before you drill the bamboo material.
Great idea your bambooarcade, well done !
At the local IKEA shop found a new Bread Bin: UPPSKATTNING.
It’s a great starting point as an enclosure for a DIY joystick, like yours.
More info on the 4-way joystick I made for Retropie:
https://retropie.org.uk/forum/topic/17594/4-way-diy-arcade-stick-ikea-mod
Hi Fredrik,
I finally got round to finishing mine off.. firstly thanks Fredrik for this step by step build procedure which inspired me to do my first ever arcade stick…
I pretty much followed it faithfully, and furnished it using a zippy joystick, and a zero delay encoder PCB.
I made a bit of a hash sawing up the box for the main body so I ended up using some wood filler to tidy it up and then painted it.
See the pics in the link detailing the process, hope you like it…
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/wog64sfg64beunu/AADr2MyRTYLmf3PtZIKvow3wa?dl=0
Thanks
Simon
Hi Simon!
Looks beautiful. I like that you painted the bottom blue, that matches the buttons!!
Thanks for sharing the pictures! //Fredrik