Mini Arcade Build - Radio and other controls

Here is a side shot of the arcade with the radio and other controls. Unit also came with a remote control which comes in very handy.

Nothing left to do on the cabinet now except install the artwork I'm having printed.

Kick plate, marquee, and side art.

Mini Arcade Build - First Game

Eventually got everything together and as luck would have it the thing actually worked.

Games are quite fun and I like that I can use the arcade machine not just for playing the 12 games that came with the controller, but also as a radio, iPod player, and even a regular TV.

Back of the cabinet has a coaxial input, and also a composite one so very flexible with the input options. Imitation coin slot lights up which is also a nice touch.

Mini Arcade Project - Electronics

Installing the electronics after dismantling the TV and controller was easily the most difficult and time consuming part of the process. The TVs I had purchased although great because they included a radio, and so many other features, did turn out to have a lot of wiring and circuit boards that needed to be located somewhere inside the cabinet.

Turned out to have just enough room when all was said and done, and was able to neatly route the wires and solder everything back together.

Mini Arcade Build - Finishing

After assembly the cabinets were filled with wood filler and then spray painted. Went with Krylon spray paint from Canadian tire. Each cabinet took an entire can of spray paint to complete.

They turned out quite shiny, almost plastic looking, which was the look I was going for.

Here is the first painted cabinet.

Mini Arcade Project - Build

Cutting the cabinets out was pretty quick using the table router and band saw. Having a jig really allowed me to save time and ensure that each cabinet was exactly the same. Will also come in handy if I ever want to build more machines.

Here is how they look assembled.

Mini Arcade Build Projet - Inception

Came across a great idea to make a mini arcade on the web last week. Good opportunity to use power tools and modify electronics, what could be better?

Started with a rough design and the parts I planned to use.

TV comes with a radio, and a couple of composite inputs. Game controller comes with 12 games and plugs into any TV.

Based on this design a jig was made and the cabinet pieces were rough cut with a band saw. Finished cuts were made with a table router, which was also used to bevel the sides. Everything fit quite well and I had enough MDF board to make about 4 cabinets so cut the rest out.