I grew up in the 80s, probably the glory days of arcade gaming, so I have always wished I had an arcade machine of my own with real arcade joystick and buttons.
Fairly recently, I built a 3D printer from kit, so I thought I should put it to good use and make myself a desktop arcade machine.
Over a few weeks, I ordered all the electronic parts I needed, like the controller, LCD display, Raspberry Pi 3, etc. I then did all the 3D modelling and spent over 100 hours printing the parts. Also, I wanted my arcade machine to have a lot of detail, so I also created things like a faux coin slot, etc. To give it the professional finish, I also designed the artwork which I sent to a commercial printer to have it printed on vinyl sticker.
Do take a look at the video and photos below to see how much effort I put into making a small dream of mine come true!
More info: hackaday.io
The completed arcade machine. There’s even backlight for the marquee on top!
It started with 3D modelling. I had to break it down to smaller parts so that it can be printed on my 3D printer
Over 100 hours were spent 3D printing all the parts
Test assembly to make sure the parts fit
Almost done printing
Primed and sanded to give it a smooth finish
Then I painted it matte black and waited a few days for the paint to cure
The back panel with ventilation holes. This was added later because I realised I forgot to put in any vents
The 8″ IPS LCD and driver board used for this project
The display installed
Controller installed
The speakers and LEDs behind the marquee
Final assembly
The insides of the machine
Created the artwork and had it professionally printed on vinyl sticker
The result!
The joystick + buttons were based on actual arcade layout with just a minor change, and I ensured there was sufficient room to rest my palm
The whole journey from start till finish
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If I had a 3D printer, I would print a 3D printer. Random thought of the day =D
i miss mitch hedberg. he would have liked this post.
I had never heard of him, thanks for mentioning him! Love that kind of humour.
nicely done...but if I may it would have been far easier (and with less plastic) to use wood and laser cutter ;)
Indeed, that would have been easier =) ... and I actually considered that option first, but unfortunately, I don't have access to a laser cutter. Also, doing it with 3D printing does have certain advantages in terms of how some of the parts are designed. Ideally, I would have the main parts done in wood and the detailings 3D printed ;)
Yup, I actually did a lot of research on the arcade machines others have done before I chose to take this path =)
yep, totally what I would have thought. Already exists in fact :p https://www.google.fr/search?q=laser+cut+arcade+cabinet&safe=off&client=firefox-b&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwioyKmF5efSAhWEWhQKHfyJC5EQ_AUICCgB&biw=1680&bih=952
What technology can do.
If I had a 3D printer, I would print a 3D printer. Random thought of the day =D
i miss mitch hedberg. he would have liked this post.
I had never heard of him, thanks for mentioning him! Love that kind of humour.
nicely done...but if I may it would have been far easier (and with less plastic) to use wood and laser cutter ;)
Indeed, that would have been easier =) ... and I actually considered that option first, but unfortunately, I don't have access to a laser cutter. Also, doing it with 3D printing does have certain advantages in terms of how some of the parts are designed. Ideally, I would have the main parts done in wood and the detailings 3D printed ;)
Yup, I actually did a lot of research on the arcade machines others have done before I chose to take this path =)
yep, totally what I would have thought. Already exists in fact :p https://www.google.fr/search?q=laser+cut+arcade+cabinet&safe=off&client=firefox-b&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwioyKmF5efSAhWEWhQKHfyJC5EQ_AUICCgB&biw=1680&bih=952
What technology can do.