Arcade Build for MindsGoneAwal

[kwdelre]

Okay, in this thread I will do my best to explain how to make your own arcade machine by the request of a fellow reefer. What you end up with is an Arcade/Jukebox machine. I currently have 6,000 + of the classic arcade games, 1,000 SNES games, 800 NES games, a couple hundred N64 games, and thousands of MP3's for the Jukebox. Here is an explantion and a few "build" pictures of two different arcade cabinets.


YOU NEED TO READ EVERYTHING, DONT JUST LOOK AT THE PICS!!

[Boozeman]

sounds cool...looking foward to this 'build'

[kwdelre]

Material list may not be everything.

-two sheets of 3/4 inch MDF
-table saw (most preferably)
-jig saw
-1 3/4" deck or dry wall screws
-a drill
-a PREMIUM latex paint
-computer and monitor
-arcade control panel from FRYs
-speakers
-various hinges
-router

Figure out how deep you would like the arcade to be from front to back and rip two pieces on the table saw.

Trace out the side design you would like (see pics) and cut using a jig saw. I cut away from the lines and then came back with a straight edge and a straight bit router to give it a perfect line.

For the second/identical side, trace the first one you cut out and then cut about a 1/4 outside the lines and then place the original one on top and use a tracing router bit to make it exactly the same.



Here is the "profile" I choose for my first one.





Here is the "profile" for the second one. Pretty much the same.

[kwdelre]

Next there are four interior "shelves" is you may that give support. Refer to the pic below. All of these will be the exact same width. The first one (top) is flush with the top of your side panels. The second one about 8-9 inches below is houses the speakers. The third one will be the support for the monitor. Note: this one must be angled to give the arcade the correct "feel" and the forth and last shelf is about 3/4" from the very bottom of the cabinet. PREDRILL all screws holes. Trust me on this







In this pic you can see that I also screwed in pieces for the top front and the speaker outlet. You will do something similar for the space just below the monitor.






I drilled out some holes in a circular pattern to give it an old fashion vibe.

[Mindsgoneawol]

table saw.. check!!
router (maybe i can borrow my uncles.. )
jig saw .. check!!!
extra computers (pick one i have 8 lol..) check!!!!
drill (have cordless. can't find my corded though.. lol..) check!!!

question.. FRY's.. thats an electonic store right? will have to search the web for the controller.. i think this is it xgaming.com/two-player.shtml ..hmmm.


looks like a trip to HD this weekend to price wood and materials.. lol..

thanks for the info..

[kwdelre]

I will explain everything else and put the rest of the pics at the bottom, since that's all of the build pics I have.

I used magnets to hold the front face plate on that covers the edges of the monitor. I think I used a 17 or 20 inch monitor, but you can build it to house any size really.

For the back bottom part. Permanently secure a piece of MDF there. and for the back top part (where it begins the angle) use some hinges on the very top so you can lift it up and get to the speakers.

The front bottom section is set on hinges to get to the computer. You can get the control panel from FRYS or order it online for more money. It cost 100 dollars at FRYS

Don't forget to install some kind of keyboard slide as well to hold your keyboard, mouse and controller. The handheld controller in the pic was bought a walmart for 20 bucks and controls the nintendo games.

All i can say about the shelf for the controller is get creative. Its not that hard.

In my pics I used a lap top because thats what I had laying around.


Total cost of the build if you already have spare computer parts is under 300 including the 100 dollars control unit. I'm sure I missed a lot of details so just ask. I did this kind of quick.

As far as the software goes, you will have to do a search for it. Look for MAME software to run and organize the games. Its pretty neat. and the games you have to find seperately. Do some searching and you will find them. Look for a 15 gig file and it will have all of the arcade ones and nintendo ones are seperate.

If anyone builds one of their own you better post pics of it!! HAHA

[kwdelre]

Originally Posted by Mindsgoneawol

table saw.. check!!
router (maybe i can borrow my uncles.. )
jig saw .. check!!!
extra computers (pick one i have 8 lol..) check!!!!
drill (have cordless. can't find my corded though.. lol..) check!!!

question.. FRY's.. thats an electonic store right? will have to search the web for the controller.. i think this is it xgaming.com/two-player.shtml ..hmmm.


looks like a trip to HD this weekend to price wood and materials.. lol..

thanks for the info..

Yeah maybe FRYS is just in Texas.... you can order it here http://www.x-arcade.com/ or do a search on nextag for a cheaper price.

[Wiskey]

Very cool! Sweet setup

Whiskey

[Mindsgoneawol]

more excuses for tool.. now i really am going put that other computer back to a more useful state.. lol.. (have and only pc i just use as a server and a linux box (to check out different distros.. )

and to think i have all those roms and emulaters floating around on a disk some place.. hmmmm

thanx again... this is really neat. i think here in a few weeks i may try and build one. doesn't look like its outta me league.. haha..

thanx again..

[kwdelre]

Originally Posted by Mindsgoneawol

more excuses for tool.. now i really am going put that other computer back to a more useful state.. lol.. (have and only pc i just use as a server and a linux box (to check out different distros.. )

and to think i have all those roms and emulaters floating around on a disk some place.. hmmmm

thanx again... this is really neat. i think here in a few weeks i may try and build one. doesn't look like its outta me league.. haha..

thanx again..

Honestly it is pretty easy.

[Mindsgoneawol]

i'm already drawing out my stand up. lol.. also thinking about layout etc. also thinking about a cocktail table one. found several site with the pieces so i could actually make a table. (just one for ms.pac.. lol..) just thinking about this sparks ideas. (wonder if i could make a sit down box with the everything to make a spy hunter box.. lol.) haha.. look at me dream. the wife would be kool with it.

thank you for posting all this info. i'm going back to google (ing) parts and such for a cocktail table.

now i just need a house of my own so i can set up a shop (and fish room) for all my projects i want to do. sucks living in an apartment.. maybe one day i will find a real job so i can afford to do more.. lol..

[Doug1]

Originally Posted by kwdelre

Yeah maybe FRYS is just in Texas.... you can order it here http://www.x-arcade.com/ or do a search on nextag for a cheaper price.

I know we have Frys here on the Left Coast as well

Thats a really kewl project

[Mindsgoneawol]

i think it is a left coast business. i know there is / was one in AZ. my father and brother love (d) that place. i been to 2 in AZ . one big. one small. both almost right next to each other.. don't know if it was in Tempe or da big city.. lol..(phoenix that is )

i have to leave for work now. done some reading. looks like i will be on the look out for some parts and such. i have 2 projects that really need to be done and this is another i can do at the same time being i can do it piece by piece. only need i think 2 parts. (besides wood and such) ..

looks like i need to make out my list. will give me something to do at break at work. which i better shut up and get going before i am late.

again.. thank you for the tut.. i may pm or post a question or 2 if (and when i get started and stuck.. lol.. )

have fun

[kwdelre]

Originally Posted by Doug1

I know we have Frys here on the Left Coast as well

Thats a really kewl project

Thanks Doug.....I just wish I used it more

[kwdelre]

Originally Posted by Mindsgoneawol

i'm already drawing out my stand up. lol.. also thinking about layout etc. also thinking about a cocktail table one. found several site with the pieces so i could actually make a table. (just one for ms.pac.. lol..) just thinking about this sparks ideas. (wonder if i could make a sit down box with the everything to make a spy hunter box.. lol.) haha.. look at me dream. the wife would be kool with it.

thank you for posting all this info. i'm going back to google (ing) parts and such for a cocktail table.

now i just need a house of my own so i can set up a shop (and fish room) for all my projects i want to do. sucks living in an apartment.. maybe one day i will find a real job so i can afford to do more.. lol..

i think my next project is going to be a double cocktail arcade bar area to go next to my pool table. Theres a big empty space there now cause I sold the couch that was there. This may happen pretty soon since im done with my tank build.