This Instructable is for the Skittlespider A.T.S (All Together System) also known as "The Contraption"
This project turned out to be harder than I expected. In a few ways it was easier too, so I can't say it was an overall hard or easy project. The difficulty varies between the steps. I thought it was a lot of fun. I've still got some finishing touches to do, but I think this is good for now.
Basically I took an old broken computer monitor and cleaned out everything. I kept the empty shell and put an LCD TV in the front. Behind that is a Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, Gamecube, Playstation, and an Xbox. All cleverly disguised as a standard CRT monitor. (Unless you see it from the sides, or get in close)
This All-in-one system takes up much less space and surprises the heck out of people when they figure out what it is!
Here are the supplies that I used to make this:
-Old Monitor
-Nintendo Entertainment System
-Super Nintendo
-Nintendo 64
-Gamecube
-Playstation
-Xbox
-LCD TV
-Video Switcher
-A wide assortment of screwdrivers
(standard flat-head and Phillips, a precision set, a TORX star screwdriver, a tri-wing screwdriver for those Nintendo screws, and a set of Nintendo bolt screwdrivers)
-A dremel with cutting bits and plenty of cutting wheels
(They get stuck in the plastic and break often, because the plastic melts as you cut.)
-A jigsaw
-Plenty of hot glue and epoxy
-lots of screws and standoffs
(I used some meant for computers, so all the screws are the same type and size)
-A little bit of Energon and a lot of luck
(Sorry, but I was watching a lot of Transformers while making this)
These instructions are not exactly in the order that I made this. I did this project sporatically and when I had time, so I did different steps all at once. In order to make this more coherent, I simplified the steps to make it easier to follow. (Feel free to improvise and expand upon my methods) Also some of the pictures for each step are of the finished setup, because I didn't take enough pictures while making this. So if you see things suddenly plugged in, that is why.
Also, just to warn you, most of these steps contain similar information, because I did pretty much the same thing every step. Many times the beginning and end of a step are almost exactly the same. However I put the information there just in case some people skip steps. This way they are still getting the information.
One of my biggest inspirations for this is the infamous Yoshi Boxx from the old Tech Tv. After seeing that I knew I wanted to try something similar someday. Many thanks to Ben-Heck who was also an inspiration to me to try something like this. Looking through his site gave me a lot of ideas. Even though everyone is making systems portable these days, I thought I would go the other direction. Also thanks to Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft for supplying the hardware that made this possible.
Also, for those interested in making one of these, here is a cost estimate for the project:
Total cost - $400-450
(If you had to buy everything. If I had just made this with my existing systems, it would have been about $300. Or the cost of the TV and the building supplies. If you don't have the tools used, they will need to be factored in too.)
Parts:
Monitor - Free (You could probably call some local companies and see if they have any broken/unwanted monitors.)
LCD TV - $200-250
NES - $21
SNES - $26
N64 - $25
PS1 - $25
Gamecube - $26
Xbox - I used my own, but probably about the same as the other consoles.
Video switch - $5
Epoxy - about $10
Hot glue - about $5
Latches - $12
Extension cord - $10-15
I actually owned a copy of each system I used in this project, but I bought one of each (Except the Xbox) on Ebay to use. That way I didn't destroy the systems that I knew and loved. Also most were owned by my family and not just me. Just remember, the key to Ebay shopping is patience. You set a goal for what you are willing to pay and wait for an auction that meets that goal.
**Update 9/25/09**
Thank you very much Instructables! I finally have myself a featured tutorial. Hopefully it will not be my last, because I've got a few things planned for the near future (if I can find the time).
This project turned out to be harder than I expected. In a few ways it was easier too, so I can't say it was an overall hard or easy project. The difficulty varies between the steps. I thought it was a lot of fun. I've still got some finishing touches to do, but I think this is good for now.
Basically I took an old broken computer monitor and cleaned out everything. I kept the empty shell and put an LCD TV in the front. Behind that is a Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, Gamecube, Playstation, and an Xbox. All cleverly disguised as a standard CRT monitor. (Unless you see it from the sides, or get in close)
This All-in-one system takes up much less space and surprises the heck out of people when they figure out what it is!
Here are the supplies that I used to make this:
-Old Monitor
-Nintendo Entertainment System
-Super Nintendo
-Nintendo 64
-Gamecube
-Playstation
-Xbox
-LCD TV
-Video Switcher
-A wide assortment of screwdrivers
(standard flat-head and Phillips, a precision set, a TORX star screwdriver, a tri-wing screwdriver for those Nintendo screws, and a set of Nintendo bolt screwdrivers)
-A dremel with cutting bits and plenty of cutting wheels
(They get stuck in the plastic and break often, because the plastic melts as you cut.)
-A jigsaw
-Plenty of hot glue and epoxy
-lots of screws and standoffs
(I used some meant for computers, so all the screws are the same type and size)
-A little bit of Energon and a lot of luck
(Sorry, but I was watching a lot of Transformers while making this)
These instructions are not exactly in the order that I made this. I did this project sporatically and when I had time, so I did different steps all at once. In order to make this more coherent, I simplified the steps to make it easier to follow. (Feel free to improvise and expand upon my methods) Also some of the pictures for each step are of the finished setup, because I didn't take enough pictures while making this. So if you see things suddenly plugged in, that is why.
Also, just to warn you, most of these steps contain similar information, because I did pretty much the same thing every step. Many times the beginning and end of a step are almost exactly the same. However I put the information there just in case some people skip steps. This way they are still getting the information.
One of my biggest inspirations for this is the infamous Yoshi Boxx from the old Tech Tv. After seeing that I knew I wanted to try something similar someday. Many thanks to Ben-Heck who was also an inspiration to me to try something like this. Looking through his site gave me a lot of ideas. Even though everyone is making systems portable these days, I thought I would go the other direction. Also thanks to Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft for supplying the hardware that made this possible.
Also, for those interested in making one of these, here is a cost estimate for the project:
Total cost - $400-450
(If you had to buy everything. If I had just made this with my existing systems, it would have been about $300. Or the cost of the TV and the building supplies. If you don't have the tools used, they will need to be factored in too.)
Parts:
Monitor - Free (You could probably call some local companies and see if they have any broken/unwanted monitors.)
LCD TV - $200-250
NES - $21
SNES - $26
N64 - $25
PS1 - $25
Gamecube - $26
Xbox - I used my own, but probably about the same as the other consoles.
Video switch - $5
Epoxy - about $10
Hot glue - about $5
Latches - $12
Extension cord - $10-15
I actually owned a copy of each system I used in this project, but I bought one of each (Except the Xbox) on Ebay to use. That way I didn't destroy the systems that I knew and loved. Also most were owned by my family and not just me. Just remember, the key to Ebay shopping is patience. You set a goal for what you are willing to pay and wait for an auction that meets that goal.
**Update 9/25/09**
Thank you very much Instructables! I finally have myself a featured tutorial. Hopefully it will not be my last, because I've got a few things planned for the near future (if I can find the time).
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Signing UpStep 1: Empty the monitor
We had an old broken monitor at work, so I took it home and took it apart. I tried to recycle the inside parts of that monitor, but I could not find a local recycling center that took mixed material objects. (The inside parts are metal, plastic, circuit boards, and glass) Since nobody wanted it, I had to take it to a landfill. (By the way, you really should be careful taking apart a monitor. There can be some very high voltages stored in them, so be careful.)
After taking it all apart, I took the front of the frame and cut a lot of it out with my dremel. This was to allow enough space to put the LCD TV inside of the monitor. I was not confident enough to take apart the TV, so I cut out large notches to put the TV in. I also allowed enough space to have access to the video input panel and the button panel.
After I had made the cuts for the TV, I took apart the consoles that I would be placing inside. I set up a sample layout using the main parts of the systems and temporarily holding them in place with duct tape. Be careful not to put the tape in a way that gets any important parts sticky. (Game slot, controller port, etc.)
Once I got started, I had to alter this layout a bit to allow for easy access and cords. If you compare the two, you can see that many things changed in the final layout.
After taking it all apart, I took the front of the frame and cut a lot of it out with my dremel. This was to allow enough space to put the LCD TV inside of the monitor. I was not confident enough to take apart the TV, so I cut out large notches to put the TV in. I also allowed enough space to have access to the video input panel and the button panel.
After I had made the cuts for the TV, I took apart the consoles that I would be placing inside. I set up a sample layout using the main parts of the systems and temporarily holding them in place with duct tape. Be careful not to put the tape in a way that gets any important parts sticky. (Game slot, controller port, etc.)
Once I got started, I had to alter this layout a bit to allow for easy access and cords. If you compare the two, you can see that many things changed in the final layout.
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Who knows, maybe someone could get something like that to work. That would be awesome and save a lot of space for combination systems like this one.
If anyone else has some ideas/comments, please shout out!
if u do can you tell me how to make one that just holds a playstation one, a playstation 2 and an xbox 360
i would reeeeaally appreciate it if you could tell or show me that
Follow these basic step and you should be able to do anything you want:
1. Carefully take apart the console.
2. Make sure to keep all the important parts.
3. Plug everything in and make sure it works without the case.
4. Put it into the new case.
You will need the following tools:
- An assortment of screwdrivers
- A dremel or other high speed cutter
Fitting them all into the new case requires finesse and patience, but is not too difficult. You can view the steps of this instructable for references.
(Note: I haven't ever taken apart a 360, but I imagine it is not too difficult.)
Sorry, I actually don't know a lot about electronics. I just have a knack for tinkering.
I thought you meant ohms or some other term like that.
The most common PS1 backup playing method I've heard of was to put it in the drive, run it, then swap it with a backup before the BIOS screen goes away...
It's a hit-and-miss thing, though... And my directions are extremely vague, so you'll have to look it up for yourself...
And yes, it is a hit-and-miss thing. There were times when I got so tired of trying that once the game was working, I no longer wanted to play it. Later on I figured out how to do the disc-swap a little bit easier. I bet I have forgotten the timing now...
Here is the layout:
NES - Top Left
SNES - Top Middle
N64 - Right Side
PS1 - Right Side
Gamecube - Right Side
Xbox - Left Side
The right side seems a little crowded, but the Xbox components take up a lot of room on the inside of the left side.
Thank you for your concern though.
Dude shouldve used a arcrillic pc case...
and tooken the time to make the drives fit in a atx case
and soldered on custom cartridge headers so you could mount them with a ribbon cable and have them come out front of the case
No that I know the "make it look like a monitor" thing doesn't work as well as I had hoped, the second version is planned to be inside a computer case.
:P
There is a Playstation in there though. See step 5.
And i download all the time games for it
Now for any future multi-system projects, I plan to put at least a fan inside, because I plan to use a smaller case the next time. Might look into water cooling too, thanks for the idea.
but good job :D
Just so you know though, this project requires no soldering. I've actually just recently learned how to solder. (Kind of funny, because I've been playing around with electronics for years)
Thanks for the mad scientist comment, I like that.
I just recently started learning how to solder, so I may try something like that later. But it sounds like more work than is needed to me. I think the "take it apart and put the stuff in there" method works the best for me. (That is a great way to describe it, thanks)
As for the PS1 laser, if playing video games makes me go blind, then so be it!
I kept all the parts from the systems I took apart, but they take up so much room in my closet. I know the Gamecube won't free up much space, but every little bit helps.
I have been thinking about putting a pc in the old Xbox case. So I'll hang on to that one, but you can have the rest if you want them.
I still love my ps3 though.
The exceptions are the Xbox (which is my only one), and the SNES (because I shorted out the first one).
I'm glad that my concept was understood though. For my second multi console project, I'll be including a computer with emulators AND some actual systems. That way, we both win!
Too bad I couldn't fit the PS2, but I did fit quite a bit in there
http://www.popsci.com/diy/article/2009-09/star-wars-gaming-rig
this guy is just way too awesome