The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls

Main => Raspberry Pi & Dev Board => Topic started by: BadMouth on November 23, 2016, 03:03:14 pm

Title: Pi Noob Questions for a mini Pi Zero build
Post by: BadMouth on November 23, 2016, 03:03:14 pm

I have one of these which I have played all of two minutes before deciding that the included games aren't worth playing for more than two minutes:
(http://target.scene7.com/is/image/Target/51163400?wid=450&hei=450&fmt=pjpeg)

Despite already having piles of unfinished projects, I'm kicking around the idea of getting some real classics on it.

From a little bit of research, here is the direction I'm thinking of going:

Pi Zero - as long as early 80's classics are playable, I'll be happy with it.
I don't think a full size Pi will fit.

320x240 Screen with A/V input - From what I read this still utilizes the GPU whereas one driven by the pins on the zero would not, and would require software installation.  Is RGB an option?  I have a spare mini slg scanline generator kicking around (would require higher resolution)  Not sure which size screen will fit yet.
Kind of deciding whether I want to take on the project or not at this juncture.

Minimus AVR programmed using KADE software - I assume this is easier than using pins on the Pi Zero?  The controls on the mini arcade are already on their own PCB, so it should just be a matter of wiring it to the AVR.  I already have a couple of these in a parts drawer.

The little arcade machine currently takes 3 AAA batteries which will give me 4.5v.
Is this enough, or does it need to be taken up to 5-6v?

I have no experience with Linux or pi.  I'm counting on just downloading a card image and having things be fairly plug and play.
Any advice appreciated.

Title: Re: Pi Noob Questions for a mini Pi Zero build
Post by: BadMouth on November 23, 2016, 04:41:02 pm

Ordered a Pi Zero and this voltage converter/charging circuit from adafruit: [url]https://www.adafruit.com/products/2465]https://www.adafruit.com/products/2465] [url]https://www.adafruit.com/products/2465 (http://[url=https://www.adafruit.com/products/2465)[/url]

With that, I should be able to set the pi up and see if it will work the way I want it to before spending money on a screen.
(maybe the one already in the little machine can work.....)

I'll start a build thread when I take the case apart.

EDIT:  It seems audio might turn out to be the biggest PITA...  :-\

Title: Re: Pi Noob Questions for a mini Pi Zero build
Post by: moonlight23 on February 21, 2017, 10:12:35 pm

;)

Start
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=je7JT03GTzA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=je7JT03GTzA)             

3 Completed ;)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bekhMmc6iUU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bekhMmc6iUU)