Solder the QT Py Headers

Solder the male header pins on to the QT Py RP2040 as shown here.

You can optionally use short headers for a slightly lower profile, but the default pins included with the QT Py work just fine.

See the guide How To Solder Headers for how-to and tips.

Mount the Terminal Block BFF to the Case

Mount the Terminal Block BFF with the larger battery JST connector facing up as shown. Screw the M2.5 x 10mm screws in from the top into standoffs or nuts on the inside of the case.

Use a small slotted screwdriver to open all of the terminal positions by unscrewing them counter clockwise in prep for wiring later.

Add QT Py

Press the QT Py into the terminal block BFF with the USB port facing up as shown.

Arcade Buttons

Insert an arcade button into to the case from the top and then screw on the retaining nut.

Repeat this for the remaining buttons.

Cable Prep

Prepare the cables by first cutting off the white plastic JST connectors (be sure to keep the terminal connector ends intact), thereby separating each pair into two individual cables.

Then, strip about 4mm of insulation from the bare end of each cable.

Twist the wire strands so they don't fray and potentially short against neighboring pins when inserted into the terminal block later.

Repeat these steps for all remaining wires for a total of 22 (that's two wires per button).

Connect Button GPIO

Following the diagram carefully, wire one terminal of each button to it's associated pin on the QT Py via the Terminal Block BFF.

First, press the cable's crimp connector onto one of the button's two switch terminals (these are the two at the top of the switch, not the one's at the bottom with the arrows and +/- signs, those are for the LEDs, which we won't be using).

Then, run that wire through the case and to the terminal block pin for that button. Screw the terminal screw down tight.

Repeat for remaining 10 buttons.

Ground Run

Cut a 20cm length of 22AWG stranded wire (this spool set is handy to have around), then strip about 4mm of insulation from each end.

Feed this wire through the case and into the GND position on the QT Py/BFF. Screw it in place.

Then, inside the case, connect the other end of this wire to any position on the 3-wire block connector.

Chain together all of the block connectors using 6cm lengths of stranded wire with 4mm of insulation stripped from each end.

Cover Lots of Ground Fast

Now you can press the remaining 11 crimp connector cables onto the second switch position of each arcade button (again, avoiding the lower two LED legs).

For each button's ground wire, connect the free end to any open position on a block connector.

Case Closed

Press fit the bottom onto the case as shown.