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Here are instructions on how to build an upright arcade cabinet. I have built a couple of arcade cabinets and have enjoyed learning how to build them and customize them.
a preview video can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-3FZYUdghI
I wrote these instructions to assist those who are not yet comfortable in taking on a project like this singlehandedly. I tried to make it as inexpensive as I could, while making it easy to design and construct one with the minimum required skills. I will not be talking about programming or where to download videogame files from, but I’ll offer references to sites that will.
I believe this is a great first project to pick up because not only do you get something awesome at the end but you get to learn about: electronics, soldering, construction, and designing. Once these skills are picked up, they can be applied to other projects.
I used a jigsaw, router, and drill to build this cabinet so the tool requirement is not out of reach for a beginner.
Before starting this project please read though the whole instructions, because there are many different things that can be done.
a preview video can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-3FZYUdghI
I wrote these instructions to assist those who are not yet comfortable in taking on a project like this singlehandedly. I tried to make it as inexpensive as I could, while making it easy to design and construct one with the minimum required skills. I will not be talking about programming or where to download videogame files from, but I’ll offer references to sites that will.
I believe this is a great first project to pick up because not only do you get something awesome at the end but you get to learn about: electronics, soldering, construction, and designing. Once these skills are picked up, they can be applied to other projects.
I used a jigsaw, router, and drill to build this cabinet so the tool requirement is not out of reach for a beginner.
Before starting this project please read though the whole instructions, because there are many different things that can be done.
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Signing UpStep 1Tools:
Tools:
Here is a full list of tools that are needed to construct this arcade. If you don’t know what these are you can go to your local building supply store and ask because they will know.
You will need:
ý Drill
ý Drill bits
o 1 1/8th spade bit – I got mine from Wal-Mart in a set for $10 (it needs to be this size for the buttons)
o A drill bit set for various holes – again Wal-Mart for about $14
o A Philips screw bit – usually comes with the drill
o A countersink bit- (used to make the screws flush with the wood)
ý Router
ý Router bit – I bought it for around $17 (it’s a slot cutting bit and ill post a picture , I used a 1/16 th inch)
ý Knife – (to cut the t-molding)
ý Soldering iron
ý Hot glue gun
ý Wire cutters
ý Hammer
ý Jigsaw- I bought mine for $20 at Wal-Mart (make sure you can cut angles, meaning the faceplate can bend at least 45* degrees)
ý Jigsaw blades- cheap like $3 for a couple (buy fine saw tooth or smooth wood)
Here are a couple of pictures that go along with the tools:
Here is a full list of tools that are needed to construct this arcade. If you don’t know what these are you can go to your local building supply store and ask because they will know.
You will need:
ý Drill
ý Drill bits
o 1 1/8th spade bit – I got mine from Wal-Mart in a set for $10 (it needs to be this size for the buttons)
o A drill bit set for various holes – again Wal-Mart for about $14
o A Philips screw bit – usually comes with the drill
o A countersink bit- (used to make the screws flush with the wood)
ý Router
ý Router bit – I bought it for around $17 (it’s a slot cutting bit and ill post a picture , I used a 1/16 th inch)
ý Knife – (to cut the t-molding)
ý Soldering iron
ý Hot glue gun
ý Wire cutters
ý Hammer
ý Jigsaw- I bought mine for $20 at Wal-Mart (make sure you can cut angles, meaning the faceplate can bend at least 45* degrees)
ý Jigsaw blades- cheap like $3 for a couple (buy fine saw tooth or smooth wood)
Here are a couple of pictures that go along with the tools:
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as for the trimming. i think i am going to get the flat LED strips of light. i found a bunch for pretty cheap from china on ebay.. i uploaded a pic with the others from google image search.. something like that, i think it would look cool.
cheers! thanks again uitechclub. will update ya soon.
-josh and marc
out of curiosity what is the table size of your cnc machine. i was also wondering how well the 3/4 th inch melamine works. i live on a third floor and didn't want to pick up such a heavy cabinet, but I bet it is more sturdy using the 3/4th. the speaker holes look amazing I wish I did the same thing.
it look amazing i hope it brings you lots of enjoyment if you have any questions feel free to ask! :)
Also, try using Bootskin to change the Windows XP boot screen to something more arcade-like (or make it not even show up at all, although I don't recommend it).
(This may be just a coincidence, but it seems the design is based on the Centipede arcade cabinet...?)
After I built my first arcade machine, I built a bigger, better MAME machine based on the exact specs of the Mrs. Pac Man/ Galaga machine. It plays everything... Except the exact Mrs. Pacman/ Galaga game it was based on. Oh, the irony...
bootskin ill have to give that a try. i am in the process of reorganizing my Whole arcade programing wise. the front end i am using is called Hyperspin and it is the best front end i have experience by far. i will do a instructables on it if there is enough request for it but the site itself does a great job of making it user friendly.
i just now took a look at the Centipede arcade cabinet, and it does have similar angles. i designed mine to fit on two sheets of MDF and have enough stock left over to make it 2' ft wide. After a couple trials this is my refined design.
i made this instructables to give people confidence to build and design there own. i hope they use this as more of a guide then a step by step. I am excited to answer anyones questions :)
to be honest the nes games are easy to find, and run great on the emulator, and you could use any old laptop or computer to run the games because Nes is really old and doesn't require fast or high end hardware.
If you really wanted the arcade feel in a limited space, I suppose you could make one only a few inches deep and secure it directly to the wall!
i have used http://groovygamegear.com ipac controller called (called KeyWiz) and found the support and product to be great while being cost effective. if you dont mind soldering, use the eco KeyWiz it is $25
If I may so bold as to suggest some parts sources, You can buy buttons and joysticks and almost any arcade part (including coin doors) directly from Suzo Happ and Hagstrom makes a pretty great button to USB interface. If you want a coin door, I suggest finding someone who repairs arcade machines in your city and talk to them. I got a coin door for my machine for $25 with working coin mechanisms and switches. Nothing like having to plug the machine to play.
here is the web site; http://www.hyperspin-fe.com/
and here is the help page: http://www.hyperspin-fe.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48&Itemid=55