Shooter 3D Printed Control Panel
For an authentic arcade experience, you can build an optional, full-sized Space Invaders control panel, complete with reproduction control panel overlay (CPO). This will work well for Lunar Rescue and Galaga as well.
The control panel is a bit too large for many 3D printers so it was designed in sections that dovetail together.
3MF files for 3D printing are oriented and ready to print on FDM machines using PLA filament. Original design source files may be downloaded using the links below.
If you'd like to slice and dice the files for yourself, or if you've got a big enough printer to handle it in one go, here's the unchopped version:
Slice with settings for PLA material
The parts were sliced using BambuStudio using the slicer 0.28mm Extra Draft settings.
- PLA filament 220c extruder
- 0.28 layer height
- 15% grid infill
- 200mm/s print speed
- Support type normal(auto) with 40º threshold angle
Mount Fruit Jam
Ah scenic Mt. Fruit Jam, one of the the natural beauties of Adafruit Island! Oh, wait, no that's not what that means at all. Oh! Time to mount the Fruit Jam, that's it.
Grab the Fruit Jam and the following fasteners:
- 4 ea. M3 x 6mm screws
- 4 ea. M3 x 6mm F-F hex standoffs
- 3 ea. M3 x 10mm screws
- 1 ea. M3 x 4mm screw
- 1 ea. M3 hex nut
Topside Screws
Press the four M3 x 6mm screws into the countersunk holes in the top panel middle section.
Then, flip the part over and screw the four M3 x 6mm F-F hex standoffs onto the protruding screws.
Fruit Jam Screws
Thread the three M3 x 10mm screws into the Fruit Jam's standoffs from the top side as shown.
For the open mounting hole, thread the hex nut onto the M3 x 4mm screw just to shorten it a bit (or use a 2mm screw if you have one).
Then, mount the Fruit Jam inside the case with the microSD card / USB C / HDMI edge facing out of the access hole as shown.
Screw down all four screws.
Connect Case Sections
Arrange the case sections as shown here, then slide the dovetails together. They should be just snug enough to hold it pretty well in place but not so snug that you need to force things and risk breakage. If the connections seem too tight you can trim away tiny amounts of plastic until it works.
Prep your overlay by cutting out the button holes, then align it with the case, remove the protective backing, and adhere it to the case.
You may also find pre-cut ones, including some printed on metal such as this new old stock control panel overlay I found on eBay.
Button Switches
If you're using buttons with integrated switches, skip this step.
If you're buttons have separate micro switches or lever switches, add them now.
I went with a mix of microswitches for the COIN, P1, and P2 buttons and lever switches (which cost more but are more responsive and silent) for LEFT, RIGHT, and SHOOT.
Plug In the Harness
Plug the wiring harness into the Fruit Jam header as shown.
This is also a great time to turn the Fruit Jam power switch to the ON position -- a USB C power cable will be used to turn the game on and off, just like pulling the plug on a real arcade machine!
Plug in the Buttons
Plug the ground and labeled control wires into their relative switch's terminals.
Audio Out
You can plug in a stereo 3.5mm audio cable directly into the Fruit Jam's headphone out jack, to run to your powered speakers, or use the panel-mount extension and the optional 3D printed washer.
Set the base onto the case and screw it in place at a good pace.
You can use 12 ea. M2.5 x 8mm screws such as the low profile "laptop" screws shown here.
Page last edited September 07, 2026
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