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Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: gojetsgo on January 10, 2016, 08:45:31 am

Title: Kid-sized NES themed cab, Raspberry Pi powered
Post by: gojetsgo on January 10, 2016, 08:45:31 am
I'm a newbie here, but have read this forum for years seeing all the amazing projects that have been posted. I've done a couple of projects before this one, but never a build from scratch. 

I decided I wanted to start with a kids sized arcade, since I have a two year old boy, and I want to give him an appreciation for the classics as he grows up.  Also, a kids sized arcade is lower on the difficult scale, which is perfect for my first build.  I have no woodworking experience, so try not to critique my cab too harshly! ;D

I also wanted to repurpose some old mdf that I had laying around that was originally a cheap wardrobe that fell apart.  An old 13" crt tv was rescued from a curb for this project too.

For the brains, I chose a raspberry pi (model 1B) that I had laying around.  For a theme, I chose Super Mario Brothers, with a retro NES feel. 

This project is 90% done.  More posts to come...
Title: Re: Kid-sized NES themed cab, Raspberry Pi powered
Post by: reptileink on January 11, 2016, 02:21:39 pm
Looking great so far! Nothing I can really critique on as it all seems to be coming together beautifully! I'm a sucker for Nintendo, so I will look forward to seeing this done.
Title: Re: Kid-sized NES themed cab, Raspberry Pi powered
Post by: yotsuya on January 11, 2016, 05:37:25 pm
If the cab is meant for a kid,  you might want to find a way to round off some of those edges. I like the control panel idea.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Kid-sized NES themed cab, Raspberry Pi powered
Post by: Slippyblade on January 11, 2016, 05:39:55 pm
... you might want to find a way to round off some of those edges...
(http://starecat.com/content/wp-content/uploads/sword-christmas-gift-that-will-be-an-important-lesson.jpg)
Title: Re: Kid-sized NES themed cab, Raspberry Pi powered
Post by: vwalbridge on January 11, 2016, 05:44:01 pm
+1 on using a CRT


I might have put it at more of an angle to cut down the depth of the cab but I could see that makes it more tricky to mount.
Title: Re: Kid-sized NES themed cab, Raspberry Pi powered
Post by: vwalbridge on January 11, 2016, 05:45:52 pm
Oh and +1 for building it in the bathroom.
Title: Re: Kid-sized NES themed cab, Raspberry Pi powered
Post by: gojetsgo on January 11, 2016, 09:43:17 pm
Yotsuya - Yes, I might round off the edge of the control panel just a bit - good idea appeals to the nervous jewish dad in me (just a couple notches less nervous than a jewish mom).
vwalbridge - Yes, CRT all the way.  So many advantages! #1 authentic look, #2 easily interface with the Pi using composite (unlike VGA monitors), #3 built in speakers #4 they always seem to be FREE at the side of the road! I have a few more freebies in my basement for future projects...

Yes, building in the bathroom... and the hallway...and kitchen..  I don't have a proper workshop, but have a very understanding wife!
Title: Re: Kid-sized NES themed cab, Raspberry Pi powered
Post by: gojetsgo on January 11, 2016, 10:10:09 pm
More progress!

Side art printed and cut out.  Inspired by the NES black box/sprite art from the original game.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/bromine81/IMG_0325.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bromine81/media/IMG_0325.jpg.html)

I'm not a fan of the marquee from the SMB vs arcade cabs, so I made a custom one that is simpler and stands out more, IMO.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/bromine81/IMG_0323.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bromine81/media/IMG_0323.jpg.html)

Better view of the closer to finished control panel hand painted.  Screen shows RetroPie boot up animation.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/bromine81/IMG_0320.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bromine81/media/IMG_0320.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Kid-sized NES themed cab, Raspberry Pi powered
Post by: yotsuya on January 11, 2016, 11:44:53 pm
That side art is so simple and so beautiful, I could weep tears of joy. Great job.
Title: Re: Kid-sized NES themed cab, Raspberry Pi powered
Post by: matsadona on January 13, 2016, 07:11:07 am
Normally I'm not a fan of console themed arcade cabinet, however I'm not consistent since I have Final Fantasy characters (Yuna) on my MAME cabinet sideart  ::)
The Nintendo characters are cross plattform and this build pulls it off anyway.

What could be a really cool idea is to extend the concept and do the design based on the Nintendo M82 display cabinet. I.e  having a button chosing from some pre-selected games.

(http://www.nesworld.com/hardware/m82-2.jpg)
Title: Re: Kid-sized NES themed cab, Raspberry Pi powered
Post by: Xerobull on January 13, 2016, 09:23:30 am
Ah, this build is superb and evokes strong nostalgia for the good ol' NES days. The tube TV really makes it.
Title: Re: Kid-sized NES themed cab, Raspberry Pi powered
Post by: Phreakwars on January 13, 2016, 09:43:19 am
Love the build, I guess the only issue I have, (opinions will always vary), is using a Rasberry Pi in it. Don't get me wrong, a Pi will work just fine. But I always feel a Pi is made more for compact projects with space constraints. Seems you'd get more performance and options out of it by using a PC inside instead. Myself personally, I'd use a low watt microATX/ITX AMD AM1 board or something. Maybe even an ITX intel.