Build a platform & bar.
The single biggest upgrade for any hard pad — a sturdy handle bar for balance on fast charts — plus the full arcade-style platform route if you want a Pump It Up cabinet feel. Organized from Dave Eddy's DIY build.
If you only do one thing: build the bar. It bolts to a platform or stands on its own behind the pad, and it's what lets you push speed without eating it. It works for your Cobalt Flux as much as for a Pump It Up pad — the platform underneath is optional.
Two builds, do either
🏗️ The handle bar
Galvanized pipe + flanges + elbows. ~$60–90, an afternoon. Transfers straight to the Cobalt Flux. This is the high-value, low-effort win.
🪵 The platform
A wood frame + plywood top that recesses the pad(s) flush, chamfered like an arcade cab, with the bar mounted to it. The full Dave-Eddy build.
Pump It Up vs DDR — the layout
Pump It Up uses 5 panels (4 corners + center); DDR uses 4 (up/down/left/right). Your Cobalt Flux has all 9 panels and supports PIU's 5-panel mode with the right control box — so the same platform/bar fits either game.
The handle bar
A U-shaped bar from threaded galvanized pipe, mounted to the platform (or a base board) with floor flanges. Dave Eddy modeled his on the official Pump It Up Prime 2 cabinet.
One back bar = 2 floor flanges → 2 vertical pipes → 2 elbows → 1 horizontal crossbar. Flanges screw down to the platform/base; the pipe threads into the flanges and elbows — no welding. Dave's parts list buys enough for two bars (front & back) — 4 flanges + 4 elbows. A single sturdy back bar is plenty for most players.
Bar materials
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1-1/4″ galvanized pipe, 10′ length | 2 | Have the hardware store thread & cut to your dims (24″ was their min width). |
| Floor flanges (1-1/4″) | 2–4 | 2 per bar. Bolt to the platform/base. |
| 90° elbows (1-1/4″) | 2–4 | 2 per bar, form the U corners. |
| 2.5″ wood screws | ~16 | Secure flanges down hard — this takes your weight. |
The arcade platform
A simple wood frame with a plywood top that holds the pad(s) flush and recessed, chamfered at the corners like an arcade cab. Drop in a Cobalt Flux, or two Precision Omega 5x pads for true Pump It Up doubles.
Build the frame
2×4 front board + 2×12 rear board (72″), joined by ~5 cross 2×4s cut to 32″, spaced ~14″ apart. Pocket-hole screws.
Top it with plywood
1/2″ plywood (4′×8′ sheet) screwed down with 1-5/8″ screws; trim the excess to the frame.
Chamfer the corners
Cut the hard corners at 45° to match the arcade-pad look.
Recess & trim for the pad
Add 1×12 trim around the pad opening, glued (liquid nails) and tacked, so the pad sits snug and flush — no lifting, no foot-catch.
Sand & paint
Smooth every rough cut and seam, then finish-coat. Expect real sanding time.
Mount the bar & feet
Screw the bar's floor flanges to the platform with 2.5″ screws; add rubber feet underneath for anti-slip and floor protection.
Platform materials
| Item | Qty / size |
|---|---|
| 2×4 front board | 1 × 72″ |
| 2×12 rear board | 1 × 72″ |
| 2×4 cross supports | 5 × 32″ (~14″ apart) |
| 1/2″ plywood top | 1 × 4′×8′ sheet |
| 1×12 trim boards | as needed |
| Screws / nails / glue | 1-5/8″ screws, 2″ tacks, liquid nails |
| Rubber feet pads | set |
| Pads (PIU route) | 2 × Precision Omega 5x — or drop in the Cobalt Flux |
Software
The bar materials are on the Parts page. Start there, build the bar for your Cobalt Flux, and decide on the full platform later.