Getting Started with Your DIY Cabinet

Your Ourcade DIY cabinet arrives assembled, so extensive woodworking tools are not required for the cabinet structure.

Recommended Basic Tools

• Phillips screwdriver.
• Power drill or electric screwdriver.
• Appropriate drill bits.
• Utility knife with a sharp blade.
• Measuring tape or ruler.
• Pencil or suitable marking tool.

Customer-Supplied Hardware and Equipment

Depending on your configuration, you may also need:

• Monitor and compatible VESA screws.
• Gaming system.
• Arcade buttons and joysticks.
• Control encoders and wiring.
• Speakers and audio equipment.
• Marquee lighting.
• Internal surge protector or power strip.
• Video and power cables.
• Mounting screws and cable management accessories.
• Ventilation equipment.

Additional tools may be required for optional hardware, ventilation cutouts, or specialized controls.

Check the contents of your order before beginning installation.

Your Ourcade DIY arcade cabinet is shipped fully assembled, secured to a pallet, and protected inside a wooden shipping crate.

Delivery is provided through curbside freight service with liftgate assistance.

Unpacking Instructions

• Inspect the outside of the shipping crate for visible damage before unpacking.
• Document any shipping damage and follow the Ourcade shipping and delivery policy for reporting it.
• Carefully remove the protective wooden crate and packaging.
• Avoid cutting into the cabinet, artwork, or finishing materials when removing packaging.
• Locate any separately supplied components, plexiglass, ABS materials, and mounting hardware.
• Inspect the cabinet for visible damage.
• With appropriate assistance and moving equipment, position the cabinet in its intended location.

Important: Freight delivery does not include carrying the cabinet indoors, moving it upstairs, unpacking, or installing electronics.

We recommend having at least two people available to receive and move your cabinet.

Your Ourcade DIY cabinet features a fully assembled cabinet structure with a black melamine interior.

Cabinet Features

• Solid bottom panel for customer-installed electronics.
• Removable control panel top.
• Removable control panel box.
• Factory-prepared rear power switch opening.
• Model-specific cabinet access panels.
• Preinstalled VESA monitor mounting system on applicable models.
• Screen ABS and clear plexiglass on applicable models.
• Marquee compartment and speaker openings on bartop and upright models.

The cabinet does not include an additional interior shelf.

There are no factory-cut ventilation openings.

Model Differences

Bartop and upright cabinets feature removable rear access panels secured with screws.

Pedestal cabinets feature a hinged lower front access panel.

Pedestal cabinets do not have integrated monitors, marquees, or built-in audio systems.

Always follow the instructions applicable to your specific cabinet model.

You will need access to the cabinet interior during installation.

Bartop and Upright Cabinets

• Locate the rear access panel.
• Remove the screws securing the panel.
• Carefully remove the panel.
• Set the panel and screws aside in a safe location.
• Use the opening to access the monitor mount, electronics area, and internal wiring.

After installation, reinstall the panel using its original screws.

Pedestal Cabinets

Pedestal cabinets use a hinged lower front access panel.

Gently swing the panel open to access the interior.

The panel is free-floating and does not have a latch, magnet, or retaining screws holding it closed.

Control Panel Access

The control panel top can also be removed to access the control panel box and installed controls.

Keep all removed hardware organized for reassembly.

Your DIY cabinet includes 1/16-inch textured ABS material for creating a finished surround around your monitor.

The ABS is supplied uncut for the display opening because monitor dimensions vary.

ABS Orientation

• Textured side: Faces outward toward the customer.
• Smooth side: Faces inward toward the monitor and is used for marking.

Installation Instructions

1. Complete your monitor installation and position the monitor correctly.
2. Measure the monitor’s visible display and surrounding bezel.
3. Determine the opening required in the ABS.
4. Place the ABS on a protected, stable cutting surface with the smooth side facing up.
5. Carefully mark the intended opening on the smooth side.
6. Using a sharp utility knife and a straightedge, repeatedly score along the marked lines.
7. Carefully remove the center cutout.
8. Test-fit the ABS in front of the monitor.
9. Make small adjustments if necessary.

Correct Fit

The ABS should slightly overlap the monitor bezel without covering any portion of the visible display.

There is no universal overlap measurement because monitor sizes and bezel designs vary.

Smoothing the ABS cut edges is generally unnecessary.

Important: Double-check all measurements before cutting. Remove only the material necessary to create the proper screen opening.

Your DIY cabinet’s screen plexiglass is made from 1/8-inch clear material and arrives factory-cut with predrilled mounting holes.

Protective paper is applied to both sides.

Four mounting screws are included.

Installation Instructions

1. Confirm that the monitor is correctly positioned.
2. Place the cut ABS screen surround in position.
3. Inspect the plexiglass edges. Minor smoothing may be needed.
4. Carefully remove the protective paper from both sides of the plexiglass.
5. Position the clear plexiglass over the ABS.
6. Align the plexiglass mounting holes with the factory-prepared cabinet holes.
7. Install the four included mounting screws, two on each side.
8. Tighten the screws carefully and evenly.

Important: Do not overtighten the screws, as excessive pressure may damage the plexiglass.

The plexiglass holds the ABS in place. No separate ABS fasteners or adhesive are required.

The finished arrangement, from front to back, is:

Clear Plexiglass → Textured ABS → Monitor

If you selected control panel artwork when ordering, the artwork arrives already applied to the panel.

You will need to carefully open the artwork over the factory-prepared control holes before installing buttons and joysticks.

Instructions

1. Remove the control panel top.
2. Locate the button, joystick, and optional specialty control openings.
3. Using a sharp utility knife, carefully cut the artwork along the inside edge of each existing opening.
4. Remove the excess artwork covering the holes.
5. Check that the openings are clear.
6. Repeat for all required control openings.

Take your time to avoid damaging the surrounding artwork.

If you did not select control panel artwork, this step is unnecessary.

If you selected the optional control panel plexiglass upgrade, the plexiglass arrives already installed on the control panel.

The plexiglass is 1/8-inch clear material, factory-cut to match your selected control layout.

Protective paper is applied to the top surface only.

Instructions

1. Remove the control panel mounting screws.
2. Carefully lift off the control panel plexiglass.
3. Remove the protective paper from the top surface.
4. Align the plexiglass with the control panel openings.
5. Reposition the plexiglass.
6. Reinstall the control panel mounting screws as appropriate for your installation sequence.

The installed buttons and joysticks also help secure the plexiglass.

No additional dedicated plexiglass mounting screws are required.

If you did not select this upgrade, skip this section.

Ourcade DIY control panels use standard 30 mm button openings unless a different size was requested when ordering.

Arcade buttons, switches, encoders, and wiring are customer-supplied.

Button Installation Instructions

1. Remove the control panel top to access its underside.
2. Prepare any selected control panel artwork and optional plexiglass.
3. Confirm that the button openings are clear.
4. Insert a compatible arcade button through its opening from the top.
5. From underneath the panel, thread the retaining nut onto the button.
6. Tighten the retaining nut until the button is secure.
7. Repeat for all remaining buttons.
8. Install the required switches and wiring according to your selected button and encoder manufacturers’ instructions.

Do not overtighten the retaining nuts.

Ensure each button operates freely after installation.

The number and arrangement of buttons depend on your selected control panel configuration.

Joystick shaft openings are factory-cut according to your selected control panel layout.

Joystick mounting screw holes are not predrilled.

Joysticks mount from underneath the control panel.

Installation Instructions

1. Remove the control panel top.
2. Position the joystick beneath its prepared shaft opening.
3. Center the joystick shaft in the opening.
4. Align the joystick mounting plate.
5. Mark the mounting screw locations.
6. Carefully drill appropriately sized pilot holes using a depth stop.
7. Secure the joystick mounting plate with suitable customer-supplied wood screws.
8. Check joystick movement in all directions.
9. Repeat for additional joysticks.

Important: Do not drill or drive mounting screws through the top surface of the control panel.

The screws must be short enough to securely mount the joystick without penetrating the panel.

Joystick models and mounting hardware vary. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your selected joystick.

If you ordered your cabinet with a trackball opening, the standard configuration is prepared for the Ultimarc U-Trak 3-inch trackball.

The trackball opening and mounting holes are factory-prepared.

General Installation Instructions

1. Remove the control panel top.

2. Locate the factory-prepared trackball opening.

3. Position the compatible U-Trak trackball assembly according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

4. Align the trackball with the prepared mounting holes.

5. Secure the assembly using the appropriate customer-supplied mounting hardware.

6. Install the required interface electronics and wiring.

7. Connect the trackball to your gaming system.

8. Test trackball movement before reassembling the control panel.

If optional control panel plexiglass was selected, its opening is prepared to match the trackball configuration.

Trackball hardware, interfaces, and wiring are not included with the standard DIY cabinet.

If you ordered a spinner opening, the standard configuration is prepared for the Ultimarc SpinTrak spinner.

The spinner shaft opening is factory-cut.

Additional mounting holes, if required, must be prepared by the customer.

General Installation Instructions

1. Remove the control panel top.

2. Locate the spinner opening.

3. Check the fit of your spinner assembly.

4. Prepare any additional mounting holes required by the spinner manufacturer.

5. Install the spinner assembly.

6. Attach the customer-supplied spinner knob.

7. Connect the required USB interface and wiring.

8. Connect the spinner to your gaming system.

9. Test the spinner before reassembling the control panel.

Use the spinner manufacturer’s instructions for hardware-specific installation requirements.

Spinner assemblies, knobs, USB interfaces, wiring, and mounting hardware are customer-supplied.

Your DIY control panel box features a solid bottom that can be used for mounting control encoders.

The rear of the control panel box is open to the main cabinet interior, allowing control wiring to pass through.

General Installation Instructions

1. Select a control encoder compatible with your gaming system and arcade controls.

2. Choose a secure mounting location inside the control panel box.

3. Mount the encoder using suitable customer-supplied hardware.

4. Connect the arcade buttons and joysticks according to the encoder manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Organize the wiring to avoid interfering with moving joystick components.

6. Route the encoder connection through the open rear of the control panel box.

7. Connect the encoder to the gaming system.

8. Test all controls before completing reassembly.

Different encoders have different wiring arrangements.

Always follow the instructions provided with your selected encoder.

The DIY cabinet does not include an encoder or control wiring unless specifically identified in your order.

Bartop and upright DIY arcade cabinets feature two factory-cut 4-inch speaker openings beneath the marquee.

The speaker openings are positioned on the left and right sides and face downward.

General Installation Instructions

1. Access the speaker mounting area.

2. Select compatible speakers for the prepared openings.

3. Position each speaker at its opening.

4. Secure the speakers using appropriate customer-supplied mounting hardware.

5. Install speaker grilles if desired.

6. Connect the speakers to your amplifier or compatible audio equipment.

7. Connect the audio system to your gaming hardware.

8. Test the speakers before closing the cabinet.

Customers supply the speakers, grilles, amplifier, wiring, and mounting hardware.

Pedestal cabinets do not include integrated speaker openings or an audio system.

Follow the instructions supplied with your selected audio equipment.

Ourcade DIY bartop and upright cabinets include universal lighting mounting brackets inside the marquee compartment.

Marquee lighting and electrical components are not included.

General Installation Instructions

1. Remove the marquee plexiglass and retaining strips if installed.

2. Locate the preinstalled lighting mounting brackets.

3. Select a compatible customer-supplied lighting fixture.

4. Mount the fixture securely according to its manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Route the lighting cables into the main cabinet interior through the open marquee compartment.

6. Connect the lighting using the manufacturer’s approved power method.

7. Test the lighting.

8. Reinstall the marquee plexiglass and retaining strips.

Customers supply all lighting fixtures, power supplies, and wiring.

Ensure the selected lighting system is compatible with the available mounting space and power requirements.

Pedestal cabinets do not have a marquee lighting compartment.

We recommend using a properly rated, customer-supplied internal surge protector or power strip for compatible gaming electronics.

The recommended mounting location is an interior side wall.

General Mounting Instructions

1. Select a suitable power strip with manufacturer-approved mounting holes.

2. Choose an accessible location on the cabinet’s interior side wall.

3. Verify that the mounting location will not interfere with installed electronics or cables.

4. Keep the power strip disconnected from the electrical supply.

5. Secure the power strip using appropriate customer-supplied screws and its manufacturer-approved mounting method.

6. Connect compatible equipment according to the power strip manufacturer’s instructions.

Do not modify, cut, or splice the power strip’s original power cord.

Do not exceed the power strip’s electrical rating.

Keep electrical connections accessible and clear of moving components or sharp edges.

Proper cable organization helps create a clean installation and prevents interference with installed components.

Your DIY cabinet provides open internal pathways between the control panel box and main cabinet interior.

The marquee compartment also opens into the main cabinet interior on applicable models.

Recommended Cable Routing

1. Identify the required connections between your controls, monitor, gaming system, audio equipment, and power components.

2. Route cables through the available open interior pathways.

3. Leave enough slack to avoid pulling on connectors.

4. Keep wiring clear of joystick mechanisms and moving components.

5. Avoid pinching wires between removable cabinet parts.

6. Keep cables away from sharp edges and heat-producing components.

7. Secure loose wiring using customer-supplied cable ties or clips.

8. Confirm that all access panels can be reinstalled without trapping cables.

The cabinet does not include cable management accessories.

There are no dedicated factory cable-routing holes beyond the prepared power switch opening. Use the existing open cabinet pathways where applicable.

Adequate ventilation is recommended for all enclosed gaming systems, including Raspberry Pi and gaming PC installations.

Ourcade DIY cabinets do not include factory-cut ventilation openings or preinstalled cooling fans.

Customers are responsible for selecting and installing their preferred ventilation components.

Ventilation Planning

1. Review the cooling requirements of your gaming hardware.

2. Identify suitable intake and exhaust locations based on your cabinet and electronics.

3. Check that the proposed openings will not interfere with structural components or installed hardware.

4. Prepare any necessary ventilation openings using appropriate tools.

5. Install your selected fans and vents according to their manufacturers’ instructions.

6. Connect the fans using a compatible customer-selected power method.

7. Verify that airflow is unobstructed before operating the system.

Optional Dust Filters

Dust filters are entirely optional and may be installed at the customer’s discretion.

Fan size, placement, power method, and ventilation configuration depend on your specific electronics.

No universal fan model or ventilation layout is required.