DIY Light Gun GX Distribution Box
Description
# A simple box for all your GX lightgun needs ### Using a set of GX16 enabled lightguns? Want a clean setup? Can't be arsed to make your own square with holes? You want it? It's yours my friend! As long as you have enough connectors. This is designed for the *super special awesome* [OpenFIRE lightgun system](https://github.com/TeamOpenFIRE/OpenFIRE-Firmware), hence the top panel logo--but nothing's stopping anyone from using this with other DIY systems. ###### Disclaimer: I'm the lead maintainer of the OpenFIRE system, I just wanted something clean for my reference setup. Compatible with most printers, requires no special setup or supports, just slice and print as displayed. Player sides are conveniently engraved on both the front and back panels. Both halves are friction fit, but screws help secure it. This setup is made with GX16 connectors in mind - you could use either six or eight pins, just so long as it's consistent with the connectors used on your guns. **Make sure the wiring is the same across all connectors and guns!** You really don't want to know what 24V to ground is like... For 8-pin connectors, this is the layout I recommend for the most featureful setup:  ## Bill Of Materials: - [GX16 Connectors (Male)](https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802728106713.html): At least 2pcs, + any guns you're retrofitting GX16 into. - [USB C Breakout Boards](https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805591067657.html): 2pcs (Can also be found on Adafruit) - [3.5mm Audio Panel Mount Connectors](https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805970459353.html): At least 2pcs, + any pedals you're retrofitting audio jack outputs into. 3pins are the most you'll need. - [DC Barrel Plug Panel Mount Connectors](https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255800369396931.html): 2pcs, **make sure the size matches your power supply!** 5.5x2.1mm is the standard. **Keep in mind that with these connectors specifically, *Center* is the shortest lead, and *Shielding* is the longest lead.** - [Adjustable DC Power Supply](https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805451783517.html): 1pcs for most home solenoids with a [DC power splitter](https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832698650016.html), might want 2pcs (1 per side) for heavier duty arcade solenoids. **This supply is 5.5x2.5mm/2.1mm, make sure your panel mounts match!** - [GX16 Prewired Connectors (Female-to-Female)](https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804809707789.html): At least 2pcs, can't hurt to have more on hand just in case. - [3.5mm TRS Aux Cables](https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255800469733484.html): At least 2pcs, though in all likelihood you probably already have some of these. I recommend at least 2m length cables for adequate spacing for your pedals. - M3x12 screws: 2pcs, technically optional but keeps both halves secured. - M3x6 screws: 4pcs, for securing USB breakout boards to the base. - 28AWG Wire: For all your USB/pedal wiring **except for solenoid.** - 22AWG Wire: For your solenoid/DC VCC & GND wiring. ### Quick Assembly Instructions: Print both halves. Attach audio and power panel mounts and tighten nuts until they're snug - consider using hot glue to secure them and prevent the mounts from rotating in place. Attach USB breakouts to mounts in the back side with M3x6 screws. Do **not** mount the GX connectors yet; instead, start tinning and soldering your wires of a decent length to the pins on the back side of the GX modules according to the desired pin layout. Remember that 22AWG wire is required for solenoid connectors to avoid EMI disconnects, and 28AWG for USB 5V/GND - you can use any smaller gauge wire for the rest. Wind the GX nuts in so the wires slip through, then fit the connectors through the holes (they are notched so they only go upright or upside-down). Now, tighten the nuts to secure the GX connectors, with pins prewired. Now you can connect the wires to their respective pins. - For the DC connectors linked, remember that **Center is the shortest lead,** so (assuming your PSU is Center Positive) make sure that your Solenoid VCC wire connects to the short power lead, and Solenoid GND connects to the long lead. - For the Audio connectors linked, connect to *either* Pin 1 or 2 (the two shortest leads on either 3pin or 4pin models); one goes to the Pedal line on the GX connector, the other can share GND with the USB breakout. If you're ~~a psycho~~ using a two-switch pedal, the longest Pin can go to Pedal 2 on the GX connector. - For USB, connect the wires as you prefer, making sure the polarities match in your gun. GND can safely be shared with the Audio (Pedal) connector. Once your wiring is done, make sure to plug in the USB and connect your GX wired gun. If that doesn't work, make sure your data lines match with the wiring in the gun's connections, and that D-/D+ wires are of roughly equal length. Once the gun's microcontroller is communicating fine with the PC, then test your pedal. Finally, verify your power connections, then power on the PSU and connect its plug to (either of) the power connectors, and test your solenoid. If everything works, congratulations, your distro box is complete! ###### If not, um, I hope you didn't short 24V to ground on a Pico... Now just attach the top panel to the base, ensuring the legs aren't snagging on any cables, and secure it with M3x12 screws.
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