My son and I decided to update the Cigar Box Controller using some boxes from harbor freight.
![](https://es.pratt.edu/Commons/Images/arcade%20boxes/IMG_1316.jpg)
First thing was the artwork. Not my job… Probably why it came out so nice…
![](https://es.pratt.edu/Commons/Images/arcade%20boxes/IMG_1192.jpg)
Starting with a 1/8 drill bit then moving on to forstner bits.
![](https://es.pratt.edu/Commons/Images/arcade%20boxes/IMG_1183.jpg)
![](https://es.pratt.edu/Commons/Images/arcade%20boxes/IMG_1184.jpg)
![](https://es.pratt.edu/Commons/Images/arcade%20boxes/IMG_1185.jpg)
![](https://es.pratt.edu/Commons/Images/arcade%20boxes/IMG_1186.jpg)
![](https://es.pratt.edu/Commons/Images/arcade%20boxes/IMG_1187.jpg)
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.
![](https://es.pratt.edu/Commons/Images/arcade%20boxes/IMG_1188.jpg)
the boost converter got a little 3D printed sled to protect the wiring side.
![](https://es.pratt.edu/Commons/Images/arcade%20boxes/IMG_1209.jpg)
I temporarily removed the mounting plate to use as a drilling template.
![](https://es.pratt.edu/Commons/Images/arcade%20boxes/IMG_1189.jpg)
Not too bad looking.
![](https://es.pratt.edu/Commons/Images/arcade%20boxes/IMG_1194.jpg)
![](https://es.pratt.edu/Commons/Images/arcade%20boxes/IMG_1193.jpg)
Now for the guts.
![](https://es.pratt.edu/Commons/Images/arcade%20boxes/IMG_1196.jpg)
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.
![](https://es.pratt.edu/Commons/Images/arcade%20boxes/IMG_1248.jpg)
![](https://es.pratt.edu/Commons/Images/arcade%20boxes/IMG_1249.jpg)
![](https://es.pratt.edu/Commons/Images/arcade%20boxes/IMG_1250.jpg)
![](https://es.pratt.edu/Commons/Images/arcade%20boxes/IMG_1251.jpg)
![](https://es.pratt.edu/Commons/Images/arcade%20boxes/IMG_1252.jpg)
Now for the RetroPi
I printed up a bunch of mounting hardware and bezels.
![](https://es.pratt.edu/Commons/Images/arcade%20boxes/IMG_1206.jpg)
I re did the bezel with a collar to hide the edge of the cut. I hade the cuts by hand with a dremel.
![](https://es.pratt.edu/Commons/Images/arcade%20boxes/IMG_1279.jpg)
![](https://es.pratt.edu/Commons/Images/arcade%20boxes/IMG_1280.jpg)
![](https://es.pratt.edu/Commons/Images/arcade%20boxes/IMG_1281.jpg)
Now to extend the HDMI and power…
![](https://es.pratt.edu/Commons/Images/arcade%20boxes/IMG_1199.jpg)
![](https://es.pratt.edu/Commons/Images/arcade%20boxes/IMG_1200.jpg)
![](https://es.pratt.edu/Commons/Images/arcade%20boxes/IMG_1201.jpg)
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….
![](https://es.pratt.edu/Commons/Images/arcade%20boxes/IMG_1208.jpg)
The washer is just visible here. Its cone shaped to get it through the felt easily.
![](https://es.pratt.edu/Commons/Images/arcade%20boxes/IMG_1288.jpg)
![](https://es.pratt.edu/Commons/Images/arcade%20boxes/IMG_1289.jpg)
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.
![](https://es.pratt.edu/Commons/Images/arcade%20boxes/IMG_1291.jpg)
I added a fuse and 6.8V Zener to protect the Pi in case someone plugs in a laptop power brick by mistake…
![](https://es.pratt.edu/Commons/Images/arcade%20boxes/IMG_1292.jpg)
I also added a WiFi / Bluetooth hat and some silica gel packets…..
![](https://es.pratt.edu/Commons/Images/arcade%20boxes/IMG_1317.jpg)
Everything on the back sits well below the hinges and feet so you can still stand them up on their edge without crushing anything.
![](https://es.pratt.edu/Commons/Images/arcade%20boxes/IMG_1283.jpg)
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…