Game Box Coin Controller

This project is an arcade box controller like you would see in an old arcade but with a twist. Those machines typically require the user to enter coins or tokens in order to be able to play the game. With this project you still need coins but the coins are used as the controller instead of simply activating the game.

The first step for this project is to get some wood, Make sure to pay attention to the dimensions as you need the cover to be able to stay on top of the box you make.

Next is to take your pieces of wood and make them into a box, form them into a rectangle and place them onto a base all using a glue of your choice. I chose gorilla glue but take in mind gorilla glue takes a while to fully bond.

Next is the optional step to spray paint the box. Wait till the glue is dry and then carefully spray paint your box in whatever color(s) you choose. I chose red and black since those are the colors of my favorite street fighter character, Akuma. Remember to be in a well ventilated environment, preferably outside, to paint your box.

Next is to attach your CPX and the copper tape to your board, you want to go ahead and plug in the USB cord in the CPX before you place it in the box. You can keep the CPX attached to the bottom of the box using tape but the copper tape will keep it in place as well.

Next is to put the top on the box and run the tape onto the top of the box running to your quarters which will be on top of the tape. This way whenever you touch the quarters the signal will be received by the CPX. You can force the quarters to stay using glue.

And now you are done and your controller will work. Now if you want you can decorate your box even further. I chose to add pixel art from old games onto the sides and front of my box to make it look nicer.

Here is a video demonstration of the controller working for a custom Mega-man game that me and a couple of people put together for a school project. The character is based on the UCF mascot.