How To Build A Bartop Arcade Machine With A Raspberry Pi

In this video I build a bartop arcade machine from a half sheet of MDF using a raspberry pi. This video is sponsored by JLCPCB. Get professional printed circuit boards for as low as $2 by visiting jlcpcb.com.
I have wanted to build an arcade machine for a long time. I’ve watched several makers in our community build their own, including Bob Clagget from I like to make stuff. With this inspiration I have decided to finally make this project a reality.
See the full build article on the byte sized website:
www.bytesizedengineering.com/...
Plans to build your own: www.bytesizedengineering.com/...
If you're a maker and want to learn how to use Fusion 360 I would highly recommend checking out this online course made by Bob Clagett and the I Like To Make Stuff team.
(affiliate link) iliketomakestuff.podia.com/fu...
Here are affiliate links to some of the parts I used:
IEC connector rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53...
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
20 ft arcade blue t-molding rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53...
www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=... t-molding&index=aps&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=xm2&linkId=6608cf57014b7eb0e837f6b193f9e7a2
arcade push buttons rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53...
www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=... push buttons&index=aps&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=xm2&linkId=6109ce444bfbe382fe536bc1478ad4c2
arcade joystick rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53...
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
coin acceptor
www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=... acceptor&index=aps&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=xm2&linkId=cc960fea80ffec4abdcf4a76949fffb3
raspberry pi www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=... pi&index=aps&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=ur2&linkId=73601fcdbe8acb5d6427268aeae4530b
Sonoff WiFi smart switch www.itead.cc/sonoff-wifi-wire...
Speakers www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
I don't like asking people for money, but if you feel like you want to support byte sized, here are several ways you may do so:
Patreon:
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Byte sized merchandise:
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Amazon affiliate link:
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Thanks for watching this video. I started byte sized to share the cool projects that I'm working on and to inspire people like you to make something that you're passionate about. If that's something you're in to, be sure to subscribe and KZbin will start recommending more videos like this one.
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[@bytesizedengineering]

Huge thanks to my *channel members* who make these videos possible. If you want to support what I do and get access to free project files, an awesome discord community, and much more, head over to *www.patreon.com/bytesizedengineering* or click the *join* button here on KZbin.

[@dafrog491]

step 1 HAVE YOUR OWN FACTORY AT HOME.. ;)

[@bytesizedengineering]

Actually step one is having motivation, excitement, and determination. The rest can happen if you have those things! The reality is that I could have built most of this with the cheap hand tools I started out with. I built many things over the years with only a couple of tools. I never let the fact that I don't have all the tools stop me from making something I'm excited about.

[@dafrog491]

@@bytesizedengineering impressive

[@gergelysinko5093]

I built my second one in a small room with minimal access to tools, from scrap material. Actually every step in this video I did differently. But the end result doesn't look that different.

[@BillAnt]

Yep, just about everyone has a circular saw table in their garage, and most importantly one with a coin slot. xD

[@sablesanctum]

Minimal resources can spawn creativity.

[@hosamorfali3444]

This is one of the most satisfying videos I've ever seen in my life, good job sir, you are a genius

[@DerekDavis213]

The pacing, film angles, and narration are all excellent. Great video!

[@roganrodriguez1813]

This is a super dope project! I've started looking into raspberry pi's for the first time and I'm really excited to see what else can be done with them! Thanks for inspiration! (:

[@EternalSaber]

I've really come to enjoy all the arcade build videos all over youtube. If I had the materials, making a bar top that converts to a full size free stand cabinet would be cool.

[@jublywubly]

Awesome! Thanks for making this video. I really like the barcade size. They're big enough to play on while being small enough to be portable.

[@jacobkeller29]

Dude, your doing all of the projects I want to do. Love fusion 360.

[@bytesizedengineering]

Do you have any projects you have shared anywhere?

[@chrismooney71]

Excellent work! The arcade cabinet looks fantastic. I'm jealous 😉 You certainly know your stuff, well done and keep up the good work.

[@bytesizedengineering]

Thank you Chris! I really appreciate your kind words and feedback!

[@modembuddy4010]

Impressive! The attention to detail with the marquee really makes it stand out.

[@MrDegsy69]

Moden Buddy it certainly shouts out with that 3D printed effect. I personally would just design something in photoshop and print it out to duratran to be backlit with a trans illuminated diffusion sheet. At least swapping it out is a snap if you get sick of the look.

[@mikesinclair66]

Love how you gave an in-depth tutorial on the physical construction of the exterior!

[@TheKurtsPlaceChannel]

What a masterpiece and a beautiful build too. Thanks for posting this as well. Have a nice day.

[@m3rdpwr]

Great work! My buddy bought an old empty arcade cabinet and refurbished it. He put a large monitor on the flat and two monitors on the back as well as a tilt sensors, vibrating motors, etc. He has a ton of pinball machines games installed that utilize all the features when they were built. It's pretty awesome.

[@bytesizedengineering]

That sounds awesome! There are certainly lots of modifications and additions I could do in the future. Thanks for giving me some more ideas!

[@m3rdpwr]

@@bytesizedengineering You have such a great channel. I can't wait to see how it evolves and future channels. Such a strong subscriber count too, for as many videos as you have.

[@pacowang283]

That is so awesome. Love your videos! Thanks

[@sirraymondluxuryyacht8131]

I like that you used the blue rubber trim....means you don't need to be an expert woodworker to have nice edges...also the 3D printer ARCADE sign is really nice

[@bob14072]

I love it! Very nice work!

[@roblapihuska9275]

leaving holes for the pellets in the marquee is brilliant! Well played!

[@alexxbaudwhyn7572]

I like the bartop form factor because of the reasons you mention, ie lower material cost, compact size for home use and movement. Another cool thing is you can always build, buy a rise base for it later to turn it into a cabaret, full size style

[@aryannagar7581]

Really awesome video, I really want to start an arcade game center and this might be helpful.

[@salwakhan9493]

love how detailed this was im definitely going to attempt with my only knowledge coming this video alone 😭😭😭

[@davidellismartin9619]

One of the best tutorials ever! Thanks!!

[@isteascope]

Excellent job. You have a lot of experience and skills in electronics and programming. I gonna take some of your ideas and I gonna apply in my work. I am working in a industrial plant. Thanks for sharing your work.

[@FollowTheLion01]

Cool project, and really affordable. Couple of minor criticisms. When soldering the wires to the lugs, you you pass the stripped wire through the hole, come back and wrap the end around the longer wire once. Then add solder. This gives you a tough connection. And there are really cheap connectors you can use for the GPIO header to avoid heating up your controller and to make it all pluggable. The extra time to do that would offset the time wasted on a difficult soldering job and the heat shrink you had to use, so not wasted effort.

[@admiralmoo5716]

That Marquee is a stroke of genius. Well done!

[@yose42]

nice work Zack! now I know what to do with my Pi forgotten in the locker

[@geraldford6409]

GReat job for a prosumer level build with access to such tools First time I've seen a small form factor coin slot for a DIY bartop. Cool

[@rocharox]

This is really well done. Thanks for uploading the video.

[@bytesizedengineering]

Thanks for watching! And thanks for the great feedback!

[@hayosmusic]

Multi skilled and multi talented. Well done! Very entertaining video.

[@imdarzolo7299]

Favourite build! Good job.

[@hotdogwater9897]

Fantastic content as always, Zach. Keep up the good work!

[@bytesizedengineering]

Thanks Cody! I appreciate the feedback.

[@MichoOussama]

Dude has all these crazy tools but can't find a pencil sharpener.

[@danielfonseca4283]

Making my first arcade build : ) this video was great

[@matt4193]

you are my favorite tech boomer

[@adamosadamou5966]

You have a great way of explaining things in a simple way. Cheers

[@xyzebruh1083]

I see your rolls of filament, you could also 3d print the brackets to build a MPCNC, the MPCNC could also help you with milling out future projects like this one. Cool video, I plan to make a few of these for my son

[@jimmydiresta]

Love the vid game accents !!

[@BillAnt]

The coin slot on the circular saw table just killed me. xD

[@jimmydiresta]

Wow well done

[@bytesizedengineering]

Thanks Jimmy! And thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@shaychromoy]

Omg ! A jimmy diresta comment! ❤️

[@bytesizedengineering]

@jimmydiresta I'm considering stenciling your band name, "The Bologna Burps" on the side. Thoughts?

[@apap7170]

Why 4 button instead of six?

[@jccnguyen]

The finished product is very polished, good work!

[@plankalkulcompiler9468]

Wow, that is an amazing build dude!

[@user-yv2cz8oj1k]

If by amazing you mean bodged hack.

[@Bringmejoycon]

Toyota flex:) mines blue. Thank you for sharing this, me and my son will be doing this also

[@zbow1974]

this is awesome, i am going to make 2 of these with 1 joystick and button set in each, put them together with a hinge on 1 side so it opens and closes to get access to the inside and make it a 2 player face to face system, glad we have hdmi splitters to mirror the screen from a single board, not going to use a pi in mine i am using the pandoras box 9 i think, since i have few laying around

[@MattGoodfellow]

Thanks for the video. Been torn about just cheating and converting a 1up cabinet or build a cabinet. Either way, this raspberry Pi emulation seems the way to go. Thanks again.

[@forby_]

Very nice! Digging those swoops one the side panels 👍

[@bytesizedengineering]

Thanks 4B!

[@PuppetMasta03]

Great build. Time and patience.

[@cloane85]

Excellent video thank you for posting. With videos like this it makes it easy to DIY

[@bytesizedengineering]

Thank you Carson! I really appreciate your comment and feedback!

[@cloane85]

@@bytesizedengineering Absolutely. I know all the hard work that was put in, and it's deserved my subscription. Can't wait for more videos !

[@vettoc520]

Enjoyed the video. Great build.

[@estabandesousa9017]

Stellar job buddy. Big up!

[@demencia89]

Sick dude, thanks for sharing

[@vemundkremund3221]

Awesome work man!

[@bytesizedengineering]

Thanks!

[@samvandenberg6730]

hi! what a great video I am looking forward to making my own arcade machine soon, this really helps/inspires me. Thanks! :)

[@silent_majorityusaf8858]

Incredible. Well done brother

[@AlexisMainonis]

Great work, man. I really like your editing style

[@bytesizedengineering]

Thank you for the encouraging words!

[@paulgerrard6085]

One leasson i learnt after many many years of struggling with straight cuts....Buy decent tools! junk that Ryobi and get a dewalt or Makita and you will be amazed by the difference it makes ;) Build came out great none the less!

[@bytesizedengineering]

I have used all brands and in my experience having good sharp blades is really what matters. I don't think certain brands produce straighter cuts than others.

[@paulgerrard6085]

@@bytesizedengineering for jig saws the pully guide the blade runs though made a big difference on mine. plus the dewalt has a pressure sensitive trigger to adjust speed, big help for square cuts and control. For circular saws the metal base made a big difference in square cuts: Cheap saw it was thin metal which allowed the saw to tilt. Dewalt saw's base/shoe is about 1/4" thick. Cheap chop saw I have is very difficult to calibrate and dosent hold calibration.... I found you pay for what you get when it comes to tools, just wish id gone the quality route to begin with. Would of saved me years of frustration.

[@ConsultingjoeOnline]

Awesome Build! Bam, Subscribed!

[@ddbb6047]

Most impressive work.

[@bytesizedengineering]

Thanks! I appreciate your comment!

[@davidecosciani9232]

WOW! You are awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@McCucumber]

I have nostalgia for bartop arcade machines, played one at my dads 40th birthday in 1986, I have more nostalgia for tabletop arcade games. Used to go to our local Pizza Hut almost weekley and the highlight besides the pizza was playing on the table top arcade system they had. Fatal Fury 1, only 3 characters but great childhood memories. Back in those days our school would give the kids a free personal pan pizza for reading so many minutes. Me and my brother always read just to get the free pizza and a trip to Pizza Hut. The Pizza Hut we went to is still there, and basically the same on the inside, except no video games. The late 80s and early 90s were truly a magical time to grow up.

[@bytesizedengineering]

I totally remember getting a personal sized pizza from Pizza Hut for reading when I was a kid! Great memories.

[@MagicCityMayhem]

This is fantastic!

[@MichaelAlm]

This is great Zach!! I'll be watching this 10 more times while I build mine 🤣Thanks for all the info!

[@bytesizedengineering]

There are certainly easier ways to do it as well. Let me know if you get stuck and you want some help

[@DoctorCreme]

@@bytesizedengineering tancz

[@joshelguapo5563]

Yeah I'm totally doing this. Gonna try to make it full sized, but I do not know how to use CAD software, but I'm sure it's easy enough to learn with some tutorials

[@crsman15]

This video made me like and subscribe.. nice build 👍

[@waynewalterfisher]

Fantastic video! Definitely helpful

[@GeekGuyMJ]

Great Project! I’m getting ideas to make my own. I was thinking of using a black and blue color scheme so when I saw yours, I had to check it out. Great job!

[@GeekGuyMJ]

Liked and Subscribed :-)

[@bytesizedengineering]

Thanks, I want to see pictures when you finish!

[@teez386]

i’m not surprised people are still watching this more than a year on it’s so intriguing and entertaining to watch and a great project especially during this pandemic. sad MDF is so hard to get hold of tho

[@bytesizedengineering]

Thanks! This is still one of my favorite builds I've done. Stay safe and healthy!

[@leonardoromero8]

Really great video and excellent design.

[@carflipz1919]

That coin operated table saw joke had me in stitches

[@developabit9060]

Fantastic arcade build. Coin acceptor was a great touch.

[@bytesizedengineering]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@ApolloSevan]

I would love to see a video of your workshop and what you have found smart to keep in stock.

[@bytesizedengineering]

My lab and workshop is a total mess after this project. Once I get things cleaned up and organized again, I might do a shop tour video. It might be available on my patreon page first, not sure yet.

[@antoniodias2883]

Awesome video man! Thanks!

[@FishBeeProductions]

Very nice work sir!

[@svenp2263]

"keep in mind you should only use roms you actually own". Lol!

[@dimsoneill]

Riiiiiight.

[@selami32]

we all have tons of arcade machines in our backyards and we have harvested their roms

[@Synthematix]

You never actually own games anyway theyre always the property of the software houses.

[@cameronmcgehee]

@@Synthematix well, that is 100% true with "buy to subscribe" platforms like steam, but if you own a physical copy of a game, yes the company owns rights to the game contents and can sell them and stuff, but you own a copy of them.

[@AF.281OldChannel]

Barabbas but why?

[@LinkCherryTree]

@3:25 The wood starts cracking

[@bytesizedengineering]

Shh, don't tell anyone! Yeah, I was not too happy about that either. Good eye though!

[@therealmartinez5930]

lol the coin slot to turn on the saw good job with this!

[@shliggyb]

super inspiring...well done!

[@bytesizedengineering]

Thank you Spencer! That means a lot! I appreciate you watching this one!

[@DubblejayComics]

So awesome!

[@chasehammock]

really cool project GJ!

[@STR82DVD]

Nicely done lad.

[@dr.seltsam2092]

You are a Multitalented GUY! Nice work! Especially the crafting of the Wood

[@bytesizedengineering]

Thanks for the encouraging words!

[@kencress1267]

Well done

[@hosenzwen2258]

Your job is magnificence you are creative

[@bytesizedengineering]

Thanks

[@JohnMadeit]

Looks great.

[@daspen]

looks great, what are the shorter dimensions for the side panels? Also angle measurements? thx

[@TinyMaths]

That Pac man sound at the beginning broke my nostalgi-o-meter. I've seen your vid before, but it was great to watch again. I think a bartop is on my bucket list, but way off into the future though.

[@lovedecors]

Great video 👍

[@martinhodge394]

THANK YOU!

[@Najstefaniji]

superb !

[@ClbnaVGM]

In spite this is only 4 buttons layout, this is one the best videos I've seen on the subject. Thanks a lot !

[@bytesizedengineering]

As I said in the video, I only really play super old arcade games that don't require very many buttons. It's really pretty trivial to add more buttons if you want. I didn't want more buttons on mine

[@ClbnaVGM]

@@bytesizedengineering Does it reduce input lag using GPIO's instead of USB ports ?

[@realdanbyers]

That's pretty slick Sir

[@Bearcade]

Great build! I have a cabinet I built for light gun games. I want to learn how to use a router and add T molding.

[@earthvsmatt]

What is the drill bit you used to cut the buttons?

[@cedricbanks2149]

4:30 rubber mallet all the way thru no finger no. Great build man

[@LujanCelajes]

Your so good at making that!

[@danimations80]

Nice clear video Zach... thorough and helpful for anyone considering making their 1st arcade cabinet!

[@sundeshbalraj]

Great work Zac

[@bytesizedengineering]

Thanks Sundesh! I appreciate your feedback!

[@adrianharrison5208]

I have to try one of these when I get my workshop all setup again

[@AF.281OldChannel]

Nice work! Even tho it looks kinda big, and you added a coin slot? Now that’s interesting! Edit: I only watch this video cause it’s satisfying

[@bytesizedengineering]

Thanks for the encouraging words!

[@deadpool9422]

hello, where can I get the drawings of this arcade machine

[@Apple-vi6yx]

So good keep it up

[@fahimferdous5043]

That coin part! 😂😂😂

[@Kimchi_Studios]

Another quality tutorial. Will be coming back to this once I get back to America soon...Noone buys or has power tools in Asia since the majority live in apartments. Everything is tape. It's a builder's hell.

[@bytesizedengineering]

What part of Asia do you live in? South Korea? (Kimchi?)

[@Kimchi_Studios]

@@bytesizedengineering Yep! South Korea but headed back to US soon. 10 years was enough. LOL

[@bytesizedengineering]

@@Kimchi_Studios I lived in Japan for 2 years and really enjoyed my time there