Rotary Encoder Mount for MAME Control Panel

Originally posted on the Build Your Own Arcade Controls (BYOAC) forums.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,165028.msg1740098.html#msg1740098

Here are two parametric rotary encoder mounts designed for use on a 3/4" (or thinner) control panel.

• One has a chamfered edge.
• One has a roundover edge.

The .STL files have been reoriented so they are ready-to-print.

• You'll need to print the desired mount and nut.

The OpenSCAD files generate both a mount and a nut.

• Flip the mount face down before printing it.
• Separate the .STL into two separate objects so they can sit flat on the print surface.

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Tools:

• 2" or 50mm hole saw
• Screwdriver

Hardware:

• M3-0.5 x 8mm screws (3 ea.)

OpenSCAD Software: (optional)
http://www.openscad.org/

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Printing instructions:
Print the mount face down. No supports needed.

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Installation instructions:
Install the mount and nut, then the encoder and screws, then the knob.

1. Drill a 2"/50mm hole in your 3/4" thick (or less) control panel.

2. Fasten the mount to the panel using the nut.

• Keep in mind that it is very easy to cross-thread.
• Use the "turn the nut backward until you hear a click then turn it forward" trick to avoid cross-threading.

1. After that, insert the encoder into the mount, align with the correct (outermost) set of screw holes, and fasten the encoder to the mount using M3-0.5 x 8mm screws.

2. install the knob.

3. Play some Tempest or Arkanoid . . . just to be sure everything is working OK. :)

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Customizing the mount in OpenSCAD:

1. Open the .scad file in OpenSCAD.

2. Make any desired changes to the variable values on lines 52-67.

• If the threaded part is too tall and hits the cable, adjust "ThreadedRodHeight".
• If you want countersunk screw holes, change "ScrewHoleTop".
• There must be a ";" after the variable.
  -- Think of it like the game "Simon Says". No ";" = not saying "Simon says" = don't do it.
• "//" indicates a comment or disabled code.

1. Preview
   (toolbar icon or F5)

• If there is a syntax error like a missing ";", preview will crash and flag the next line of code

1. Render
   (toolbar icon or F6)

• Prepares the object for export.

1. Export as STL
   (toolbar icon or File -- Export -- Export as STL . . .)