B.L.A.S.T. - Button Logic & Arcade Simulation Terminal

A comprehensive open-source arcade controller platform featuring customizable button mapping, LED control, and a modern configuration tool.

Overview

B.L.A.S.T. is a complete arcade controller solution designed for retro gaming and arcade simulation enthusiasts. It combines a RP2040/RP2350-based firmware with an intuitive companion application to deliver a fully programmable arcade input device with per-button LED control.

Key Features

Hardware

• RP2040/RP2350 Microcontroller - Powerful ARM-based processor for responsive input handling
• Customizable Button Mapping - Up to 12+ configurable buttons with flexible key remapping
• RGB LED Support - Per-button LED control with multiple lighting modes:
  • Off, On (static), Breathing, Blinking
  • Individual brightness control for each channel
• MCP23X17 I/O Expander - Extended GPIO for button input and LED output
• OLED Display - Real-time profile and status display (128x64)
• USB & Wireless Support - HID-compliant keyboard interface

Software

• Configuration Tool - Cross-platform Rust GUI application for easy setup
• Profile Management - Save and load multiple button configurations
• Real-time Serial Communication - Instant updates between device and computer
• Themeable UI - Light/Dark/System theme support

Project Structure

blast/
├── firmware/          # Arduino/C++ firmware for RP2040/RP2350
│   ├── firmware.ino   # Main firmware entry point
│   ├── menu.cpp       # OLED display and menu system
│   ├── debounce_mcp.cpp # Button debouncing logic
│   ├── storage.cpp    # Profile storage management
│   └── serializer.cpp # Serial communication protocol
│
├── app/               # Rust configuration tool
│   ├── src/
│   │   ├── main.rs    # Application entry point
│   │   ├── ui.rs      # egui-based user interface
│   │   ├── protocol.rs # Serial protocol implementation
│   │   └── types.rs   # Data structures
│   └── Cargo.toml
│
├── pcb/               # KiCAD PCB designs
│   └── blast/         # Main board schematic and layout
│
└── CHANGELOG.md       # Release notes and version history

Getting Started

Firmware Development

Requirements:

• Arduino IDE or PlatformIO
• RP2040 Arduino core or equivalent
• Libraries: Adafruit MCP23017, Adafruit SSD1306, HID Keyboard

Building:

1. Open firmware/firmware.ino in Arduino IDE
2. Select RP2040/RP2350 board from Tools menu
3. Compile and upload to device

Configuration Tool

Requirements:

• Rust 1.70+
• Cargo

Building & Running:

cd app
cargo run --release

This launches the B.L.A.S.T. Configuration Tool GUI for managing profiles and button mappings.

Hardware Components

• Main MCU: Raspberry Pi Pico (RP2040) or RP2350
• I/O Expansion: MCP23017 16-bit I/O expander
• Display: 128x64 OLED display (SSD1306)
• Interface: USB HID keyboard emulation
• LED Driver: TLC PWM drivers for LED control

Serial Protocol

Communication between firmware and configuration tool uses a custom protocol over serial (115200 baud). The protocol supports:

• Button mapping configuration
• Profile save/load operations
• LED mode and brightness control
• Status and diagnostic information

See app/src/protocol.rs for detailed protocol specification.

Configuration & Profiles

Button Mapping

Each button can be mapped to a keyboard key or arcade function. Profiles allow saving multiple configurations for different games.

Development

This project follows the GitFlow branching model. See GITFLOW.md for detailed contribution guidelines.

Changelog

For version history and release notes, see CHANGELOG.md.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Please follow the development workflow outlined in GITFLOW.md.

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Enjoy building and customizing your arcade controller! Insert coin to continue... 🎮