Build Details
I have been wanting to build an arcade for some time, but couldn’t find the energy/time to get to it. So when I saw a “broken” cocktail arcade for sale just down the street for $100, I grabbed it. It was in pretty bad shape: it didn’t turn on, the cabinet was a mess, the door didn’t latch, and sticky old beer was imbedded in every nook.
After some fiddling, I was able to get it operating again and the kids enjoyed some original Pac Man (puck man, really). However, I wanted more games and a cleaner cabinet. Time to tear it apart.
I decided to go with a raspberry pi running Retropie to play games on. However, converting an HDMI signal to CRT proved to be more difficult than I expected. There are pcb’s you can buy to do this function but I ultimately decided to just use a computer monitor and remove the CRT (saved for a later project with a cap rebuild kit as well).
While the thing was completely gutted, it was time for a deep clean and re-paint.
The controller setup used to be two single joysticks on the opposite ends of the table. My goal was to move a full 2 player setup to the front of the table. To do this, I had to fill the old controller holes and create a new plate.
After the controllers were relocated, a new screen was mounted and the raspberry pi was configured, it was time for first power on. A small amp and speakers were also added at this time for the full experience.
The new T-molding was cut to length and I had to rout a new slot (centered vs the original offset). I also put some vintage style game posters on the sides. The kids, familiar with Mario, Star Wars, and Pacman loved the classic posters.