My pedestal build

[mercury187]

I just had my 30th bday over the weekend and I had wanted to build a pedestal for at least a year or two, I don't need a full cabinet or have the room for it. I got advice from an online friend on pcb's and sticks and buttons and another friend helped me with the wood. I was hoping to get help from a different friend but things fell through, luckily another friend was able to help but I was forced to complete everything in under 7 days and have it fully working at the end.

Here are the parts I used:
1/2" MDF (my home depot did not carry 5/8"), 1 large sheet @ $30 some dollars, 1 smaller sheet @ ~$13
1/8" lexan cut to exact size @ $55
2x MC Cthulhus pcb @ $69.99
2x Sanwa JLFTP8YT joysticks @ $47.50
2x battops @ $11.00
20x Sanwa OSBF30 buttons @ $55.00
2x Novagem CDR coin drop buttons @ $17.99
2x USB to 5v barrel $9.00
p1/p2 buttons @ $2.80
Ultimarc Utrak trackball with USB @ $93.00
10 port powered USB hub @ $25.00
2x 16' 16 ga wire @ $15 (used up almost all of it)
50x quick connectors @ $10
Wood glue @ $4
Wood filler @ $3
Small can of semi gloss black paint with primer mixed in @ $14
16x small screws, 8x nylon washers, ~ $5

Grand total: $450 plus probably another $25 at least in shipping brings this to almost $500.00



Here is the mock up I made of how I thought of this pedestal:


I wanted the top to separate from the base for easier storage and also the ability to just place it on the coffee table and play there if just playing by myself.



This meant everything will need to be contained in the top and also require the top to easily attach and separate from the base



The mock up looked good and functioned well, it was time to get wood



Luckily my friend's dad has a wood shop and he happened to be house sitting for the weekend, this allowed us access to various tools/saws/air tools



We used wood glue and then a nail gun with small finish nails to attach it all together



We also build a shelf near the bottom as a brace and for convenience to put stuff there



Starting to take shape!!



Here we had made progress on the top and were cutting some 2x4 to make the center piece that would hold it sturdily enough to the base if anyone rests on the top



Drilling a big hole for the trackball



Because I didnt have much experience working with thick wood, I was a bit surprised how long it took to drill holes through 1/2" wood. Also, using a 14v drill I could only get about 4 holes on a fully charged battery, not sure if that is normal or just worn out batteries that were loaned to me



Really starting to come along now



I used an exacto type knife with the long pointed blade to cut the button holes out of the artwork. I made the artwork using photoshop and then double/triple checking all my measurements of where the holes edges are to make sure everything lined up. I taped the lexan down on top of the print and then just careful cut the circles.



Finally on the night before my party I could start the wiring



And finally here she is, finished and in my living room



Closer shot of the top



I'm using Hyperspin as the front end and then Mame and RetroArch for emulators. Its currently connected to my Zotac HTPC so it struggles with some games but most everything I want play runs fine. Everything worked right away also, no wiring faults or anything.

It was a big hit at the party so I may plan to make 2 more mini pedestals for players 3 and 4 with just 4 buttons and a joystick this winter. Thanks for viewing!

[severdhed]

Looks good.  It seems to me that with the depth of that panel that there is plenty of room to add player 3 and 4 controls pretty easily. I just started a similar project over the weekend, but didn't get as much done..I may have to steal the idea if mounting everything in the control panel box so I could take it off the pedestal and use it other places.

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[mercury187]

Thanks! I agree, there is a lot of room, I could go that direction as well. I haven't used it off the base yet but it seems like it would sit up high enough to do couch gaming off the coffee table.

[JDFan]

Looks good but now the tv really needs a wall mount !

[Caparo8bit]

everything looks good im just not a fan of square ends ( back/top pedestals)

[DeLuSioNal29]

I think the coin buttons mounted vertically look kind of awkward.  I have mine mounted horizontally, but that requires you to put a new insert in the button (which I created in Photoshop if you ever needed it).  Edit:  You can grab it here:  Horizontal Coin door Pushbutton template



Nice work though.

DeLuSioNaL29

[Caparo8bit]

I think the coin buttons mounted vertically look kind of awkward.  I have mine mounted horizontally, but that requires you to put a new insert in the button (which I created in Photoshop if you ever needed it).  Edit:  You can grab it here:  Horizontal Coin door Pushbutton template



Nice work though.

DeLuSioNaL29

and chage screws holding plexi for black/flat head IMO

[ark_ader]

Firstly I would find a proper home for the pedestal.   If I knew it was going to be there for a year or so, I would move to phase 2.  Otherwise I would put wheels on it, so when to tip the pedestal it would sit on the wheels.

Phase two would incorporate all your consoles, namely decasing the xbox 360 and ps3, and add a bunch of fans.  You could go one better and put a door on the base, but if you decide to move it...

The play field  I would add a display.  15" for game info, etc.  I hate being too close to player 2, which I applaud your choice to make the play area so large.

One last thing.  Sandles and power tools are not a sensible idea.  Proper attire will save you from injury.