/ArcaPie

Arcadebox with RetroPie

Creative Commons Zero v1.0 UniversalCC0-1.0

ArcaPie

A black box used for retrogaming purposes

Table of contents

* Getting Started

Prerequisites

* Hardware
* Cables
* Software
* Most used tools
* Safety
* Other

The Box

* Create the box
* Decoration

Getting Started

The 80's kid in me wanted a portable arcade unit, so I decided to make one.

I have the privilege to have access to a woodworking space, providing all the tools and materials needed. Basic knowledge of woodworking/some linux based OS/computers/electronics might come handy. If you don't have above, find your resources: Friends, fam, local Hackerspace etc.

Prerequisites

Hardware:
  • Raspberry Pi 4
  • 32GB MicroSD card
  • 10,5 inch monitor with HDMI/VGA ports (Electronics shop in my hometown)
  • Bluetooth Joypad (Ebay) and later an USB NES controller which I still need to test
  • Bluetooth Keyboard (Old hardware stash I found at home)
Cables:
  • usbc --> HDMI
  • Power cable for your monitor
  • <TODO: insert cables>
Software:
Most used tools:
  • Hammer
  • Table saw
  • Screwdrivers
  • Sandpaper
  • Scissors
  • Drill
  • Handsaw
Safety:
  • Goggles
  • Gloves
  • Noise cancelling earmuffs
Other:
  • (Ply)wood
  • Wood glue
  • Black paint
  • Paintbrush
  • Stickers (for decoration)
  • Screws, whatever you can find

I used the following documentation to install RetroPie: RetroPie First Installation

The box

My idea of an arcade box was simple: A square or rectangle shaped box with a cut out window for a small monitor.

Cutout for monitor

Cut out six rectangles to create the box:
  • Using a table saw,I cut out 2 rectangles with the following dimensions: 23.5cm x 35.3cm, 2 rectangles with dimensions 10cm x 35.3cm and another two with dimensions 10cm x 23cm
  • Smoothen them with sandpaper
  • Take one of the plywood with dimensions 23.5cm x 36.3cm
  • Draw the outline of the monitor on the piece of plywood
  • Cut out the outline to create a placeholder for the monitor
Decoration:
  • I used black paint for the plywood. Also cut an outline for the monitor; As you can see in the picture I also cut out an outline and painted it silver. I used stickers for decoration

License

This project is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License