The Bigger Bartop Arcade Build by WE BUILD STUFF
We have rebuilt him. Bigger, faster, stronger.
Well mostly! The main guts of the build remain the same: A screen, buttons and joysticks, some speakers, and a micro computer to run everything! This build is using a Raspberry Pi 3 as the "brains of the operation" but I'm starting to lean towards the Odroid Xu-4.
This build used better components and electrical that I did not use in the previous builds. I have switched to using USB encoders instead of the GPIO headers since there is more compatibility with operating systems that already have the drivers built it. Recalbox and most versions of Retropie will support many of the popular USB encoders. I usually just use the encoder that comes with the kits I buy on eBay.
I've been very excited to build a larger version of the original bartops I have been building. Adding some space between player 1 and 2 and sticking an even larger screen a foot in front of your face sounds like a good time!
Well mostly! The main guts of the build remain the same: A screen, buttons and joysticks, some speakers, and a micro computer to run everything! This build is using a Raspberry Pi 3 as the "brains of the operation" but I'm starting to lean towards the Odroid Xu-4.
This build used better components and electrical that I did not use in the previous builds. I have switched to using USB encoders instead of the GPIO headers since there is more compatibility with operating systems that already have the drivers built it. Recalbox and most versions of Retropie will support many of the popular USB encoders. I usually just use the encoder that comes with the kits I buy on eBay.
I've been very excited to build a larger version of the original bartops I have been building. Adding some space between player 1 and 2 and sticking an even larger screen a foot in front of your face sounds like a good time!
Shopping List:
Raspberry Pi 3
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01CCF6V3A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
MDF sheets (or buy plywood)
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/metrie-mdf-premium-1-2-x-49-x-97/1000167402
2x4 to make blocking and some other parts
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/-2-inch-x-4-inch-x-8-ft-spf-dimensional-lumber/1000112108
Memory Card
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B073JYC4XM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Coolings Fans
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00JLV4BWC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Speaker Wire
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B006LW0WDQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
IEC320 C14 Power Socket
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00ME5YAPK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
LED strip lighting
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07B657Z39/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
HDMI cable
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B014I8SIJY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
28" TV (buy whatever is cheap around you)
https://www.amazon.ca/Samsung-UN28H4000-28-Inch-720p-60Hz/dp/B00I7JZNIU
Raspberry Pi 3
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01CCF6V3A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
MDF sheets (or buy plywood)
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/metrie-mdf-premium-1-2-x-49-x-97/1000167402
2x4 to make blocking and some other parts
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/-2-inch-x-4-inch-x-8-ft-spf-dimensional-lumber/1000112108
Memory Card
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B073JYC4XM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Coolings Fans
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00JLV4BWC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Speaker Wire
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B006LW0WDQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
IEC320 C14 Power Socket
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00ME5YAPK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
LED strip lighting
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07B657Z39/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
HDMI cable
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B014I8SIJY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
28" TV (buy whatever is cheap around you)
https://www.amazon.ca/Samsung-UN28H4000-28-Inch-720p-60Hz/dp/B00I7JZNIU
YouTube playlist:
Part 1: https://youtu.be/Hy2UR9_O9cE
Part 2: https://youtu.be/FVsVNCsaiYA
Part 3: https://youtu.be/lfZGLW7OJFs
Part 4: https://youtu.be/RPWTEPfrQKE
Part 5: https://youtu.be/G7dGsbYfTpk
Part 6: https://youtu.be/HcV0JzXyg_M
Part 1: https://youtu.be/Hy2UR9_O9cE
Part 2: https://youtu.be/FVsVNCsaiYA
Part 3: https://youtu.be/lfZGLW7OJFs
Part 4: https://youtu.be/RPWTEPfrQKE
Part 5: https://youtu.be/G7dGsbYfTpk
Part 6: https://youtu.be/HcV0JzXyg_M
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Part 1:
-Plans and Design -Stock layout -Cutting out pieces with variety of tools -Router for T-molding |
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Part 2:
-Block Pieces -Cabinet Glue-up Upper marquee cuts -Using T-Nuts to hold panels -Rear Door and hinges -Screen Marquee and Layout |
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Part 3:
Routing for the screen -Attaching screen to arcade -Magnets for the back door -Wood filler! -Drilling Button and Joystick Holes |
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Part 4:
-Painting the Cabinet -Pulling apart the TV (if needed) -Wiring the speakers -Adding T-molding |
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Part 5:
-Installing and wiring stuff -Securely mounting the Raspberry Pi -Setting up the buttons and Joysticks -Testing some gameplay |
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Part 6:
-Adding cooling fans -How to wire an IEC power switch -Wiring LED strip lighting -Adding a switch for lighting -Cable management -Screen protection -Marquee artwork -Final touches and overview for this project |
Free Bigger Bartop Arcade Plans:
Download a free DWG viewer here
https://www.autodesk.com/products/dwg
The PDF version of the plans are in metric (centimetres)! The last two pages include a template for arcade buttons and joystick. Print those at 100% on 8.5x11" letter paper and use them to trace onto your control panel as shown in the video. Having trouble reading the numbers? ZOOM IN!!!
Download a free DWG viewer here
https://www.autodesk.com/products/dwg
The PDF version of the plans are in metric (centimetres)! The last two pages include a template for arcade buttons and joystick. Print those at 100% on 8.5x11" letter paper and use them to trace onto your control panel as shown in the video. Having trouble reading the numbers? ZOOM IN!!!
| bigger_bartop_arcade_plans_-_we_build_stuff.pdf |
| bigger_bartop_arcade_plans_-_we_build_stuff_-_28_inch_screen.dwg |
