DIY Raspberry Pi Retro Arcade Machine: Open Source Tutorial

Reported by Machine Heart

Editors: Danjiang, Demon King

When it comes to electronic devices that are a “sure investment”, the Raspberry Pi definitely ranks high. It goes without saying that using Raspberry Pi to build license plate recognition systems and train game AI are “common operations”; now it can even be used to create a Boston Dynamics robot dog. Recently, someone made a 1:1 replica of an arcade machine using the Raspberry Pi!

About eight or nine months ago, Max Fischer, a data scientist from Combient Mix, started a project to build a full-size arcade machine from scratch, with the Raspberry Pi as its core computing device.

Yesterday, Max documented the entire process of creating the arcade machine and published it on GitHub.

Project address: https://github.com/maxvfischer/DIY-arcade

This project provides a detailed introduction to all the steps involved in building a full-size arcade machine, including pre-designed CAD files (available for free download), methods for assembling the machine body, and the Raspberry Pi setup for running arcade programs.

Each step of the tutorial includes specific photos for reference; of course, in addition to the Raspberry Pi, you will need a well-equipped workshop.

The project includes two main parts: building the arcade machine body and setting up and connecting the internal electronic components.

Building the Body

Download CAD Files

This is the author’s first time using CAD software, and he has made all the original files available for download.

Download link: https://github.com/maxvfischer/DIY-arcade/tree/master/cad_files

Part Cutting

To create perfectly matching arcade buttons, joysticks, screens, power buttons, and speakers, both the “button panel” and the “screen panel” were cut using CNC cutting. This is much more expensive than manual cutting, but it provides a better polishing effect. The side panels were also made using CNC cutting, as they needed to have two sets of exactly the same round holes cut through.

It is important to perform CNC cutting of the CAD files at a 1:1 scale.

The remaining parts can be cut manually; the author used a table saw to cut the MDF boards into smaller pieces and then used a table saw to cut them into the final required wooden pieces.

The only part that requires more effort is the hatch panel. First, draw the outline of the hatch on the panel, then use a circular saw to cut out the actual hatch. A handheld jigsaw was used at the corners because it is easier to control while cutting.

Drawing Part Outlines

To ensure that the assembled body remains symmetrical, it is crucial to accurately position all the parts during installation. The easiest way to do this is to draw outlines on each panel. This may take some time, but it is important.

Start Assembly

Next, all panels need to be assembled together. Here, woodworking joining pieces were used to strengthen the fastening; the screen panel is the only place that does not use woodworking joining pieces because it may be replaced at any time. Before gluing, the panels should be assembled together first to ensure that the positions are accurate.

After adjustments, glue should be applied quickly. After gluing, use a nail gun to reinforce the structure.

Complete the Screen Panel

First, use two thin wooden strips as fixed supports:

To achieve a smooth appearance, a handheld milling machine was used to create a groove here.

Additionally, holes need to be drilled in the wooden board based on the positions of the screen buttons to achieve the click function.

Painting and Finishing

Before painting, use an electric sander to treat the surface of the machine body. Painting can be somewhat challenging and may require a professional to operate. The author chose black for the machine body color and white for the inside of the light box for better reflection.

For design considerations, the author also printed many stickers for the machine body:

Button Explanation:

At this point, the body part is complete, and the next step is to install the electronic components.

Installing Electronic Components

Connecting Power

Pass the circular plastic cable loop through the hole at the bottom of the back panel to connect the power supply.

Installing the Screen

Use electroplated strapping to secure the screen:

Light Box

To maintain a consistent design aesthetic, the author reused some graphic components from the side panels:

Print a large sticker and hollow out the “ARCADE MACHINE” on the sticker to allow light to pass through. Later, the sticker will be attached to the frosted glass.

The light source uses LED tubes, which can be connected to the power strip at the bottom of the machine. Use double-sided tape to attach the LED tubes to the back panel.

To prevent light from leaking from the glass, Max cut some long foam strips and used double-sided tape to attach them behind the corners of the glass.

Use double-sided tape to secure the glass in place and attach the sticker on top:

Installing Arcade Buttons and Joysticks

Max purchased two sets of arcade buttons and joysticks in advance, which are easy to use and do not require any circuit board knowledge. Therefore, the installation of the arcade buttons is very simple. Each button and joystick is installed onto its own circuit board, and then the USB cable and circuit board are connected to the computer.

To ensure that the joystick is centered in the hole, Max used wide double-sided tape to place the joystick into the button panel.

Configuring RetroPie on Raspberry Pi

RetroPie can turn the Raspberry Pi into a retro gaming machine; it is an open-source project that is continuously updated. You can find installation guides on the official website: https://retropie.org.uk/docs/First-Installation/.

Configuring Arcade Buttons and Joysticks

The USB cable from the arcade button circuit board connects to the Raspberry Pi. Turn on the Raspberry Pi and RetroPie, and the welcome screen will appear, allowing you to configure the controller.

Power Button

To facilitate turning the arcade machine on and off, the author added a hole on the screen panel to install the power button.

Solder two wires to the power button; these two wires connect to the GPIO pins 5 and 6 of the Raspberry Pi. Shortening GPIO pins 5 and 6 will activate the Raspberry Pi from a paused state.

Then add a small script to be executed when the Raspberry Pi starts. This script listens for another shortening of GPIO pins 5 and 6, triggering a safe shutdown of the Raspberry Pi.

The process of adding the shutdown script will not be elaborated here; please refer to the GitHub project for details.

Currently, the power button can only turn off the Raspberry Pi. Max stated that he plans to install a relay controlled by the Raspberry Pi later to switch other electronic components (such as the screen, light box, etc.).

Speakers

Each speaker is soldered with two wires. Place the speaker into the CNC drilled hole and connect it to the screen panel. All wires connect to the amplifier. Then connect the amplifier to the Raspberry Pi using a 3.5mm AUX stereo audio cable.

Improving Wiring Structure

To keep the internal wiring structure of the machine clear, Max used double-sided tape to attach wire organizers.

Arcade Machine Completed

Thus, the process of building an arcade machine using the Raspberry Pi is complete.

Who wouldn’t want to own such an arcade machine?

Currently, this “self-built” arcade machine can run many retro games. The author also plans to upgrade the Raspberry Pi 3 to Raspberry Pi 4, so that it can run more classic Nintendo 64 and PS1 games!

Reference link:https://www.reddit.com/r/raspberry_pi/comments/inpll7/i_built_a_fullsize_arcade_machine_running_on_a/

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