I am a newb when it comes to raspberry pi, and I need help. Here's what im looking for:
I already have a fully working arcade machine with a led screen. I would like to install a raspberry pi in it to save space in my game room. I like arcade games and nintendo games mostly, but the more games the merrier. I need something that can play a lot of games, works with my led screen, and can hopefully use my current joystick and buttons.
What do i need to buy, and where can I get it?
I'm using a Raspberry Pi 3B+ in my bartop arcade.
You can download emulators/roms for free.
Buy a big enough micro sd, at least 32gb class 10.
Check these sites:
https://www.sossolutions.nl/raspberry-pi-3b-plus-starterkit?gclid=CjwKCAjwzPXlBRAjEiwAj_XTEVR5kAk812CH-MtiqaM70WovUEovyiRCs8ogVzEqOyY7RHyIJ7_clhoCPqcQAvD_BwEb(it's Dutch)
I run Retropie with an RGB monitor. I play console games, not arcade games. But MAME is available for arcade games. You would need some kind of compatible HID USB controller for your joystick and buttons.
Quoted from Crash:I run Retropie with an RGB monitor. I play console games, not arcade games. But MAME is available for arcade games. You would need some kind of compatible HID USB controller for your joystick and buttons.
Any idea of what i would need or where i could get it?
I built a barcade with a pi and it's been working well. It took a little finagling to get working right, but now that I got it, it's working great.
I used the "zero delay" USB board to go between my joystick/buttons and the pi's USB port. I actually use two of them, one for player #1, one for player #2. It was easier than the other, dual player, adapter board that I can't recall the name of at the moment.
Here's an example:
ebay.com link: Zero Delay Arcade USB Encoder PC to Joystick for Mame Fight Stick Controls
Get the one that has the right size connectors on the wires for your button connection tabs. I think there's two different kinds out there.
Keep in mind that more games is not necessarily better. I've got so many games, it's like going to a restaurant with a huge menu, you can't decide what to play. Don't over do it.
Looks like the pi 3B+ is the latest and greatest. I run retropie, and it's fine for me.
Quoted from Daditude:Any idea of what i would need or where i could get it?
I got a Raspberry Pi 3b+ with a Canakit from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/CanaKit-Raspberry-Premium-Clear-Supply/dp/B07BC7BMHY/ref=mp_s_a_1_4
I then installed Retropie and bought a custom harness for use with a modified TV using RGB SCART at 240p resolution.
I already have the complete cabinet, led screen, and accessories, so I got some hardware.
-Raspberry pi 3b+
-Class 10 64gb sandisk micro sd card
-Arcade Joystick and button kit for Raspberry pi 3
I have heard that arcade punks and retro pie are the way to go. Any suggestions?
Quoted from Daditude:I already have the complete cabinet, led screen, and accessories, so I got some hardware.
-Raspberry pi 3b+
-Class 10 64gb sandisk micro sd card
-Arcade Joystick and button kit for Raspberry pi 3
I have heard that arcade punks and retro pie are the way to go. Any suggestions?
I did a conversion last week with an arcade1up SF2 cab. Used the the ETA Prime instructions. Thought the most nerve wracking part would be drilling holes in the control panel, but just understanding the setup properly and finding ROMs and putting them where they should be to get it to work. Also had the wrong amp but found an RCA to 1.5mm jack converter in my 25 year old drawer of "possibly useful extra cables" so it all worked out.
Still can't get MAME to work, though. You'll no doubt watch 8 other vids because you'll encounter problems. Finding the right vids is tricky.
Quoted from Guinnesstime:I did a conversion last week with an arcade1up SF2 cab. Used the the ETA Prime instructions. Thought the most nerve wracking part would be drilling holes in the control panel, but just understanding the setup properly and finding ROMs and putting them where they should be to get it to work. Also had the wrong amp but found an RCA to 1.5mm jack converter in my 25 year old drawer of "possibly useful extra cables" so it all worked out.
Still can't get MAME to work, though. You'll no doubt watch 8 other vids because you'll encounter problems. Finding the right vids is tricky.
Did you use retro pie?
I received my ras pi 3b+, class 10 64gb micro sd card, and 2 sets of joysticks with buttons and connections.
I downloaded playable roms from arcadepunks.com
Along with a fully working cab and monitor, I am hoping I can just plug and play.
I will keep it updated.
I already have an arcade in which I am putting the ras pi in. My hope is to plug n play the ras pi with the joysticks and buttons I ordered, and use the current speaker system (which is very nice). I will also put on side art, a marquee, and a bezel.
I have cleaned the arcade inside and out and installed the buttons.
I hit a couple of snags, however. I need a specific light for behind the marquee. I also need a dvi adapter because the monitor has a 15 pin...so i need to adapt it for hdmi.
I have joysticks that dont line up with current screws, so i need to adapt that as well.
I will keep this thread up as a tutorial.
Of course, if anyone has advice, please chime in.
Quoted from Daditude:I already have an arcade in which I am putting the ras pi in. My hope is to plug n play the ras pi with the joysticks and buttons I ordered, and use the current speaker system (which is very nice). I will also put on side art, a marquee, and a bezel.
I have cleaned the arcade inside and out and installed the buttons.
I hit a couple of snags, however. I need a specific light for behind the marquee. I also need a dvi adapter because the monitor has a 15 pin...so i need to adapt it for hdmi.
I have joysticks that dont line up with current screws, so i need to adapt that as well.
I will keep this thread up as a tutorial.
Of course, if anyone has advice, please chime in.
Make sure you install joysticks in the same direction.
Quoted from Guinnesstime:Make sure you install joysticks in the same direction.
Do you know how to set it up to accept 2 joysticks, or does it already do that?
I have recal box
Quoted from Daditude:Do you know how to set it up to accept 2 joysticks, or does it already do that?
I have recal box
Not sure what recal box means? But mine detected 2 inputs (via USB) which you then configure.
I imagine this can be different depending on the kit, but I installed one stick "reversed." I put it in with the connector at the top of one, and the bottom of another. The Pi needed them facing the same direction.
No instructions w/my Pi kit.
Quoted from Daditude:I hit a couple of snags, however. I need a specific light for behind the marquee.
I used this light from Walmart to put in my Q*Bert cab. I think it's perfect.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hyper-Tough-18-Inch-LED-Slim-Under-Cabinet-Light/270897336
-Mike
Screenshot_2019-05-01-19-17-56 (resized).pngQuoted from Daditude:I tried to run everything, but my monitor says there is no signal.
My monitor and ras pi are getting power, and my connections are good.
Did I download the software incorrectly??
Anyone?
It seems from what i read that maybe it isnt detecting the hdmi input and i need to force it to use the hdmi. Any info is appreciated.
Quoted from Daditude:Anyone?
It seems from what i read that maybe it isnt detecting the hdmi input and i need to force it to use the hdmi. Any info is appreciated.
Do you have it hooked up to a TV?
That’s what I use as my monitor first to get the Pi set up and enable WIFI. Helps because there’s a keyboard.
Try a different amicable, or reverse the ends. Some cables are direction specific.
Added over 5 years ago:I just realized "amicable" was a spell check went wrong post.
It was supposed to read "hdmi cable".
Quoted from RonSS:Try a different amicable, or reverse the ends. Some cables are direction specific.
It is a vga to hdmi connection.
Update:
I broke down and bought a preloaded card...which is still not working. My next step is to buy a 2.5 amp plug in. I am awaiting one in the mail. Hopefully that solves my issue. I have read that a lot of plug-ins dont have enough amperage.
In the meantime, I still need to finish getting the joysticks installed. I will also doublecheck the measurements for the marquee, bezel, and side art (all of which i have chosen the design, but i just need the correct size for ordering all at the same time)
I have measured the marquee, bezel, and side cab for art. I ordered through a custom designer on ebay (since there are tons of possible sizes, I feel it is best to have them made custom to order)
We are Mario fans, so I got matching mario multicade arcade art (pic below)
Screenshot_2019-05-19-11-43-39 (resized).pngQuoted from roffels:Honestly this is where I'd start troubleshooting first. Try hooking your set-up to a different display via HDMI only and troubleshoot from there.
I got the higher amp plug in and tried it...no go. It is time to try another monitor apparently.
Update:
I am getting close. I plugged it all in to a tv via hdmi cord. Boom! It started configuring!
Since I basically got everything else new, it is obvious the monitor/connection is the problem.
I am looking for a monitor on ebay/craiglist...but I may just get a new one and save myself the trouble.
This creates a new problem for me, however. My current monitor (the one that doesn't work with the ras pi) has 4 screw holes in the back that allow it to easily be mounted. It appears that some monitors have these and some don't. Im not sure if that is to attach a base or if it is for attaching it to the wall.
How do i know which ones have the screw holes? I don't see that info on boxes or listings i have seen.
On the bright side, my custom side art, marquee, and bezel should all be here in the next day or two.
I believe that is called a "vesa" mount. I'll have to check, but basically, yes, that is so you can mount to the wall.
I just used a 32" tv for mine. Sounds as though if you are not going the "pro look" route, you could easily get away with a cheap tv. Opinions vary, or course.
Quoted from Daditude:Update:
I am getting close. I plugged it all in to a tv via hdmi cord. Boom! It started configuring!
Since I basically got everything else new, it is obvious the monitor/connection is the problem.
I am looking for a monitor on ebay/craiglist...but I may just get a new one and save myself the trouble.
This creates a new problem for me, however. My current monitor (the one that doesn't work with the ras pi) has 4 screw holes in the back that allow it to easily be mounted. It appears that some monitors have these and some don't. Im not sure if that is to attach a base or if it is for attaching it to the wall.
How do i know which ones have the screw holes? I don't see that info on boxes or listings i have seen.
On the bright side, my custom side art, marquee, and bezel should all be here in the next day or two.
The screw holes can be used for either a wall mount or a stand. It’s a standard agreed upon by the “Video electronics Standards Association”, and pretty much any mount you buy now will support those holes in one way or another. Didn’t always used to be like that - you had to pay more for VESA compatible stiff
Quoted from RonSS:I believe that is called a "vesa" mount. I'll have to check, but basically, yes, that is so you can mount to the wall.
I just used a 32" tv for mine. Sounds as though if you are not going the "pro look" route, you could easily get away with a cheap tv. Opinions vary, or course.
Quoted from Rdoyle1978:The screw holes can be used for either a wall mount or a stand. It’s a standard agreed upon by the “Video electronics Standards Association”, and pretty much any mount you buy now will support those holes in one way or another. Didn’t always used to be like that - you had to pay more for VESA compatible stiff
Y'all are awesome. I will check it out.
I already have the mounting (from the non-working monitor), so i now need to get a 19 inch monitor or tv with hdmi input that is VESA compatible.
I received the custom side art, marquee, and bezel. I have a TV that works now, but due to the cord attachment location...it has presented yet another issue: mounting the screen. I am in the middle of seeking out options.
If I were to re-do it, i would've started with the screen and gone from there. Unfortunately, I thought my original screen was good to go. It wasn't.
At any rate, I am getting closer.
If anyone has ideas on mounting the led tv inside the cabinet...please let me know.
Quoted from RonSS:Give us a few pics and/or a sketch of what you're working with.
I originally had the sheet metal piece, but the hdmi plug in and power plug in do not have holes to go through. I have steel cutting scissors, but the metal is too thick.
I also bought 2 of the vesa metal wall strips...but they aren't flat...so that presents a whole new problem.
20190605_124844 (resized).jpg20190605_124856 (resized).jpg20190605_124908 (resized).jpg20190605_124922 (resized).jpgIt seems that my current options are to either somehow buy a new tool and cut holes into the metal sheet or find a tool to cut or bend the metal bars to where they are flat.
Or...if anyone knows of a flat vesa attachment, that would work.
Quoted from RonSS:Could you use something like this?
I used that stuff to put a pull-down fireplace TV mount where it should not have been able to go. Works great and available at Lowes or HD. P.S. You may want to invest in a cobalt drill bit.
Quoted from RonSS:Could you use something like this?[quoted image]
That looks like what i need. Could you tell me the name of it or where to get it?
Go to Lowes/home depot type place. Check around the hardware/fasteners aisles, or ask an employee.
I agree with mcluvin, get a decent drill bit set, and a step as well. Looks like a cone sort of.
Quoted from RonSS:Could you use something like this?[quoted image]
Quoted from RonSS:Any luck?
These did not work. They require a specific size of hole, and those are too big.
Creating a wooden mount has been suggested, but i would prefer to try something metal first. I bought a couple of metal bracjets that are perfect, but they need sone metal trimmed off...which has been troublesome.
I have a flat metal piece that I pictured earlier in the thread which would work perfectly...but again, would need metal trimmed to fit the plug-ins.
I bought metal snips, but the metal is too thick, so i have been using bolt cutters (which are not nearly as precise).
I may just heat it with a soldering iron or a blowtorch and proceed to cut it from there.
Quoted from Daditude:These did not work. They require a specific size of hole, and those are too big.
Creating a wooden mount has been suggested, but i would prefer to try something metal first. I bought a couple of metal brackets that are perfect, but they need some metal trimmed off...which has been troublesome.
I have a flat metal piece that I pictured earlier in the thread which would work perfectly...but again, would need metal trimmed to fit the plug-ins.
I bought metal snips, but the metal is too thick, so i have been using bolt cutters (which are not nearly as precise).
I may just heat it with a soldering iron or a blowtorch and proceed to cut it from there.
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