My personal Bartop Arcade with Trackball using RetroPie on a Raspberry Pi3

Just a quick video of my personal Bartop arcade

[@d8ndawg]

Eldon, your videos and your willingness to answer question have been the most helpful thing in my new project. I have no questions for you. I just want to thank you for all of your efforts and your willingness to share.... and your patience in answering the same questions over and over. You are a good dude. Keep up the good work!

[@eldon226]

d8ndawg Thanks, you're welcome

[@hellbillyaustin6883]

Very nice work, very tidy and well finished cab. All the best matey.

[@heykool69]

Thanks for descriptions of the optional buttons you'd use. Very helpful for noobs to decide what they need.

[@franciscopereira8636]

Wow!!! Really nice build ! I have only saw this video now...but I have been building Bartop’s since 6 months now and it’s amazing to see that we have almost the same builds and most incredible the same techniques... was a newbie but now I’m just starting to mastering 😁. Anyway the trackball feature is amazing...think that I will take ...

[@heykool69]

I had built bartops before, but never had the button configurations like yours. I'm liking it.

[@eldon226]

Chris Doe Thank you

[@willriggs3409]

Very excellent work, my bud!

[@Y2BuToNz]

Very clean, looks fantastic. Nice job :)

[@eldon226]

BuToNz Thank you

[@furballbear]

This looks perfect for playing classic fighting games. I want one!

[@eldon226]

furballbear Thank you, I'm currently maxed out working a few so I won't be able to accept anymore request for awhile.

[@itsthatguy7115]

I like the track ball in the center. Nice unit.

[@maxlacugnato442]

very clean and nice work. very professional and that is awesome to me

[@eldon226]

Max Lacugnato Thank you

[@roodriiigooo]

Whoaaah! Amazing!!

[@michaelvang6220]

Dude you have the best tutorial for building these man. Thanks

[@eldon226]

Michael Vang thank you too

[@michaelvang6220]

eldon226 hey jw? Is 42inches too big of a screen for arcade?

[@eldon226]

Michael Vang it all depends what your like. That would definitely be too big for a Bartop though

[@MiguelRodriguez-nt5eq]

Love this video nice machine..

[@D2Kprime]

Very nice. Well designed.

[@eldon226]

D2K Prime thank you

[@guyfedou20]

wow your pronunciaton is very good the automatic youtube's subtitles work with your voice, its magic XDDD

[@csufjeff]

Very nice eldon...Cheers Jeff

[@me_grimm]

So nice of you that you take the time to answer everyone's questions here. Nice vids btw.

[@eldon226]

Ferdie Millan I like helping other when I'm able, thank you 😁

[@me_grimm]

Im in interested in building a bartop and have been browsing through youtube. Your 27 inch kit is one i really like since i have a 27 inch monitor to spare.

[@eldon226]

Ferdie Millan well the kits that I use to do does not fit all 27 inch monitors. If the bezel on your monitor is too thick it won't fit. The widest your monitor can be when measured horizontally from the left most edge to right most edge including the bezel is 24.5 inches.

[@me_grimm]

eldon226 oh ok. I have a benq rl2755. Still cant buy your kits anyways have to look elsewhere or just custom make one myself. Your vids inspired me man just a bit intimidated with the control wiring and stuff haha.

[@eldon226]

Ferdie Millan just focus on the wood work, the wiring is the easy part, it just look intimidating because it's a lot of wires, but if you think about it each button only has 2 wires, so you'll just be connecting two wires at a time for each button/switch. If you get stuck just hit me up.

[@corycastelan3060]

cool video and dope set up man

[@eldon226]

Cory Castelan Thank you

[@RetroMasters1977]

you done a very good job bro

[@Luistx22]

Nicest Bar top I've seen - good work - I hope mine turns out ok - waiting on parts to come in :)

[@eldon226]

Luigi Gonzalez Thank you

[@Luistx22]

eldon226 may you please share with me plans as well if you don't mind?

[@fennec7906]

Curious, does the screen stretching not bother you? Don't notice a difference?

[@Tom-vt5bf]

I have seen a lot of bartop arcades but none with a track ball or turbo buttons. That was really smart to use the track ball for duck hunt and missile command. First time I have seen that done.

[@eldon226]

Tom S I now have light guns connected to it too. So I now have a wider range of games that are playable on it. Thank you

[@eConicFilms]

I would like to know how playable Tron is on these bar top machines. Track ball work well for that?

[@eldon226]

iDo Weddings / Black T Productions the trackball works very well but i haven't played tron, I also don't currently have the cabinet readily available to play.

[@nicotinedeals]

sweet one!

[@spragzpc1]

Love it

[@ozzie.l.6035]

very nice bro..i like the trackball for the missil command n also for the centipide n millipide games

[@eldon226]

Ozzie Lopez thank you 😁

[@ozzie.l.6035]

eldon226 y w bro..cheers!!!

[@JacobBe5]

Very nice!

[@eldon226]

JacobBe5 thank you

[@rolingstoneful]

Great build

[@eldon226]

blacklabel thank you

[@Waltnice23]

Amazing

[@daniloconcetta]

27". Great!

[@paulpolizzi3421]

awesome!!!! i want one

[@NettiGaming]

Nice video

[@moharak]

This is really beautiful. Without the trackball you can't get the full retro arcade experience so good job fitting one in. Also, for me it is a complete non-starter if I can't play Robotron so the two sticks are also key. Do you have any links to any other pictures/info? I am curious what type of controller you used? If I ever did again I was considering using a JPAC and a Jamma harness and splicing right of of that to all my micro-switches. Again nice job!

[@eldon226]

moharak I used two DragonRise usb encoders with HAPP buttons and joysticks. The other main thing I did after this video was add two light guns. Videos are on my channel, thank you 😁

[@rwprime1]

Really nice. I'd have to have a headphone jack though. Also, be aware that back in the day, we used rheostat controllers for games like Arkanoid. I'm right handed, so I would CW / CCW with the right hand and with my left, I'd use my thumb and opposing fingers to pinch the knob and the raised base so I could stop on a dime. It was the only way to be any good at Arkanoid back then. I loved that game too. Arkanoid DOH I think. I had a Vic 20, Atari 800, Amiga 2000. I think I even had Arkanoid on early PCs. Atari sold those controllers for like eight or nine bux.

[@eldon226]

rwprime1 thanks, you're correct with the controller for Arkanoid, we call them spinners now. Some of my other builds so have the headphone option. They definitely had more game systems than I did.

[@JasonGlisson]

Excellent! You mentioned exactly what I have been looking for. What function does the coin button serve on console games. Select. That's great to know! I want to use a 25 cent button there, but wasn't sure what it would be used for outside of MAME games.

[@eldon226]

Jason Glisson You're correct, it serves as the SELECT button for console games.

[@nova396]

So should I use mame 2010 or the same mame you used for the light guns? Not very versed in all this yet, so do you have the trackball setup the same procedure as the light gun, just a different mame version? A little confused from the other video...

[@joelchristensen1026]

Hi Eldon, nice work! I had a question on the 27" bartop build. If the monitor is over 17" in height, and the overall cabinet height is 20 7/8, the monitor seems like it would not fit? Maybe I'm missing something? Any guidance is appreciated! Great videos btw!

[@simplebourbondrinker]

Wow, Love the arcade. Thank you for showing. I was wondering what joystick and buttons did you get and where can i buy them? How were you able to use the turbo, clear, mode for both players? Thank you in advance

[@eldon226]

FREDERICK DELA Fuente These are the encoders I used Look at this on eBay www.ebay.com/itm/251531960798 These are the buttons I used Look at this on eBay www.ebay.com/itm/221185574277 I only have turbo and clear set up for player one. I have the mode (covert to analog) setup for both players, which I did with a relay, it can be done way easier though. The encoders have inputs for you to do all that, you just need to connect buttons to them.

[@webtron44]

this is awesome. How did you set up the turbo feature? also was your track ball USB? great job

[@eldon226]

Eric Webster thanks, the turbo is a feature of my USB encoder. Yes, the trackball has a ps2 connection so I had to get a ps2 to usb adapter for it to work with the pi.

[@eConicFilms]

This is so nice. Do you have a build list and/or a build video for this one with the trackball?

[@eldon226]

iDo Weddings / Black T Productions no, sorry. Just the monitor and trackball I used. The monitor is a Asus vn279q, and a link for a similar trackball is below. rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F111692042052

[@mekanikal2094]

Awesome cabinet man. I am going to build one myself but haven't found any plans for a 27 inch. Could you please send me plans that you used? A parts list or any other info would be so appreciated. Great work man!

[@eldon226]

Dimensions: Side panels - 20 7/8 (hight) by 18 inches (depth)(3/4 MDF) Control panel (main) - 24. 5 by 7 3/8 inches (1/2" MDF) Control panel (bottom) - 24. 5 by 3 inches ( 1/2" MDF) Top panel - 24. 5 by 6 inches (1/2" MDF) Speaker panel - 24. 5 by 6 inches (1/2" MDF) Monitor mount panel - 24. 5 by 4 3/4inches (1/2" MDF) Bottom panel - 24. 5 by 14 1/4 inches (1/2" MDF) Back panel - 24. 5 by 17 3/8 inches (1/4 MDF) Link to side template www.dropbox.com/s/dciffadi7xps24n/UPDATED%20ARCADE%20SIDE%20PANEL.jpg?dl=0

[@markmeli1960]

Well done buddy. I'm just a little surprised that your running Emulationstation instead of Attract Mode considering all the work you put into the cabinet.

[@eldon226]

Mark Melignano I have a SD with attract mode setup on it but I rather the simpler clean look of emulation station.

[@libbyclare20]

Eldon, this is really cool. I have questions about the volume buttons for the amp. What type do they need to be? Also is the mode switch button to convert to "analog" a momentary button like the turbo and cancel buttons?

[@eldon226]

Steve Turella thank you, I used momentary normally open buttons for everything.

[@libbyclare20]

Thanks for the speedy reply. This is the coolest Bartop I have seen. Thanks again.

[@taurus533]

Hello Eldon, looks amazing. Couple of questions. How did you set up volume control with buttons? How and what do you use for turbo buttons and connections? How and what do you use to switch joystick over to analog stick? Would you know how to add audio jack to use headphones instead of speakers? Thanks l, looks amazing and I'm trying to build one myself

[@eldon226]

For the volume control I used a amplifier that has digital controls. You can also accomplish this using the RetroPie software if your amplifier does not support. The usb encoder I used have those features built in, I just connected buttons to activate those options. To use headphones instead of speakers just plug your headphones into the raspberry pi, or use a AUX extension.

[@giuseking]

Mother of god!! It´s perfect!!

[@eldon226]

TheOldschoolEmulator thank you, I have light guns attached to it now also.

[@MrBosch82]

@@eldon226 How easy are those to set up? I am thinking of getting these. You mention some games need analog input instead of d-pad? Do you have an example of games that need this? What kind of bat top joysticks and controller are you using?

[@eldon226]

@@MrBosch82 setup is easy, mostly just plug n play. I'm using happ buttons with zero delay usb encoders. Nothing special about the bat top. These are individual preferences too, so get what you like or think you'll like.

[@eldon226]

@@MrBosch82 as far as the analog games, mostly with PSP and N64, some game need it to use additional game options. I no longer have those games, just games that does not need any input from an analog stick.

[@jtom87]

First off, GREAT build! It looks so clean! I was wondering if you could teach me how to program a single button to be the “exit game” button. I don’t want to push start and select at the same time to exit games. Do you have any advice?

[@eldon226]

Justin Thomas thank you, that can be done two different ways. You can do it through hardware or software. Both options are fairly easy, to go the hardware route you'll need a DPDT button switch (is basically 2 buttons in one) . You'll connect it in parallel with your start and select button. The option is through software, you'll need to modify your controller configuration file for the retroarch emulators. For mame its more straightforward, you'll set the exit button in the same menu you use to set the other buttons.

[@jonathangrant6138]

This is AMAZING!!! My dream is to have one of these!!!! Can a beginner like me make one? How difficult is this to configure?

[@eldon226]

Jonathan Grant Thank you, I'd say you definitely need some experience first. I've built a few before this one and definitely got better with each. You can build one for sure though, it may might not be perfect.

[@H22aPrelude510]

i purchased your old build but damn man this ones so much nicer how much is this kit? and do you happen to have vinyl graphic templates?

[@eldon226]

Long Tran I only have a template for the side, which can be edited using photoshop or gimp. I'm not big into the graphics so I haven't even looked into doing any for the rest of the cabinet. I was selling duplicates of this for 150, and 140 without the trackball hole. The dowels and shipping is already included. I won't be able to cut anymore till about June though.

[@comedix]

What kind of trackball do you use? USB connector?

[@MrMackvensive]

Nice, I purchased 2 of the other builds from you. Now you're teasing me with the 27" monitor. Lol...

[@eldon226]

Lawrence Harris lol, I understand how you feel. Have you built those two already?

[@MrMackvensive]

eldon226 No I haven't had the time yet, hopefully after the New Year. But, your videos are very helpful.

[@eldon226]

Lawrence Harris OK, well fell free to hit me up if you need any help along the way. Have a happy new year.

[@MrMackvensive]

eldon226 OK thanks, have a Happy New Years...

[@MrMackvensive]

Hey Eldon226, I'm thinking about going 27", can I use the sides to your kit and just adjust the width.. Or is it a total different setup...

[@tong7145]

Do you build the bar tops for personal use only or can you build them for customers?

[@cleavon1234]

Very nice build indeed. I especially like the turbo option. Newbie here with a question for you. Can you explain how exactly did u setup the trackball to be recognized by the raspberry pi. I built a cabinet awhile back and wanted to upgrade. I'm using a pi 3 and I bought a usb trackball from xarcade to install. I'm looking for a guide as to how to connect the trackball and have it used for games like centipide etc. I plugged it into the pi via usb but no response. Any help being guides, links or pointing to the right direction will be greatly appreciated on this.

[@eldon226]

Cleavon Thomas mine is plug and play via USB. It's plug and play for mame 2003, for advance mame you'll need to do a little more work. I've never used the X arcade so I'm not familiar with its connections and features.

[@clickhea]

great build! what speakers are those? iam looking for small speakers to add to my bartop

[@eldon226]

johnny D thank you, these are similar to the ones I used Look at this on eBay www.ebay.com/itm/202011628793

[@stephenmau8441]

Nice job on the bartop. Can you tell me if all the games are in the correct aspect ratio? Any stretching?

[@eldon226]

Stephen Mau They are not in the original aspect ratio, I adjusted them to maximize the viewing area of my monitor.

[@dudesinstereo]

eldon226 Great Video ! Like it a lot Thanks !!!! I have an arcade cocktail-table and I am also looking for this Turbo toggle funktion. Can you please tell me what retroarch settings I'll have to make in order to get this ON and OFF Turbo-toggle function ?

[@eldon226]

dudesinstereo I have my turbo feature working through my usb encoder. I do remember seeing an option to enable it with hot keys but haven't tried it. I can look Adu it next week when I get home and let you know.

[@rbdworks4342]

What trackball did you use? Nice build. I'm in the process of building my cabinet now. And how did you get the "turbo" button? Thanks

[@eldon226]

This is the trackball I used rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F111692042052 The turbo is a feature of the usb encoder I used. I just added the buttons to activate and deactivate it.

[@bobbyddybbob]

do you have a build list and diy plans for the cabinet build? I love that you used a bigger screen.

[@les4146]

i'm interested too.

[@Yoursoul101]

Nope, he's trying to sell this instead.

[@onemorenone]

Got any plans available? Really like how the screen fits exactly in this cabinet.

[@eldon226]

onemorenone just the measurements which are posted few comments ago.

[@bobbyddybbob]

I commented on your other build demonstration video. You replied that you could share the measurements and template I would be love to get that info but for the machine in this video if possible?

[@mrkrabs622]

Looks great bro! Question: how do you shut down the Pi? Can you do it from a single switch, or do you have to do it from the menu?

[@eldon226]

Mr Krabs This one has to be shutdown from the menu. My smaller controller style kit can be shutdown from a single button push.

[@mrkrabs622]

eldon226 Could you link me to it?I've built a cocktail and full sized cab, now I'd like to build a bartop or mini cocktail.

[@eldon226]

Mr Krabs I don't have a video of the version available, just pictures. I just sold the last one I had about one hour ago. You can see pictures and details about it here www.ebay.com/itm/292033947151

[@mikevigliotti6738]

Nicest bar too I have seen. Sorry to hear you are no longer providing kits. Anyway you can provide the plans for the kit?

[@eldon226]

Mike Vigliotti it'll be easier if you message me your email and I'll send the side template and measurements I used to make this.

[@dionnemaragh-green5639]

Nice

[@eldon226]

Dionne Maragh-Green thank you

[@gavinharris491]

Awesome Bartop! Nice work! A few questions as I'm thinking of making something similar. Is a monitor preferred over a TV? What minimum screen size would you say fits nicely for 2 player controls with a trackball? Also, to change the joysticks to analogue, do you need to use a specific joystick? Which joysticks did you use for this?

[@eldon226]

Gavin Harris I've never thought to use a tv, I assume the quality will be about the same on either. For two players, the smallest monitor I would use is 22 inches, this 27 feels perfect to me. Nothing is special about the joystick that I used, the usb encoder just tells that computer that you're using a analog stick. It still works exactly like the joystick, the switches are either open or closed, true analog sticks detect how far the stick is being pushed.

[@gavinharris491]

Ah, OK thanks. I think I'll go with a monitor, I'm just worried about how it affects the size of the control panel, I don't want the controls squashed together to make room for the trackball. So the button combination for digital to analogue that you use in the video is set within Retropie somewhere?

[@eldon226]

Gavin Harris use a 24 inch monitor or bigger then, you won't need to adjust any button spacing to fit a trackball (assuming each player have 6 game buttons). The analog mode is strictly a feature of the usb encoder, it has nothing to do with anything else. The usb encoder have additional feature that not all usb encoders will have.

[@gavinharris491]

Hey, regarding the trackball.....Do you have a link to the one you used? What size is it, and are the left and right click buttons wired into the joystick USB encoder or do they have a separate USB encoder?

[@eldon226]

Gavin Harris the link below is one similar to the one I used. It's basically a mouse, so it has the left, right, and center buttons built-in, no need for it to connect to your encoder. You'll also need a ps2 to usb adapter for this to work with the raspberry pi. Get the y type p2s to usb adapter the single green or purple ones usually give issues. rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F111692042052

[@menacegtr]

Great looking arcade. Can i ask you one question, i know nothing of raspberry pi, i have always used just mame on my pc. If i was to load mame onto a pi would i still be able to use the config menu as i do with mame to get into the dip switches and alter game difficulty in so on, and also is it possible to put the cheat dat file from mame into the pi to unlock cheats

[@eldon226]

menacegtr yes, I'm sure you'll be able to go in the configuration menu and change game difficulty, dip switches, controls, etc. I know I've also seen options to turn on and off cheats, however I've never personally mess with the cheats option. I have used just about all the other options though.

[@menacegtr]

Ok my friend, thanks for the info, will get around to that at some point

[@sweendog73]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing. Do you build and sell these to customers? If so, would love to connect and discuss a build for me.

[@eldon226]

sweendog73 thank you, I no longer sell them though, sorry.

[@gamedude6322]

Can you do a video on showing how to cut the back of the control panel for the trackball?

[@Cheeseoverdose]

What size screen is this? Trying to work out what size I should get

[@DigitalCircus777]

You mentioned a button that switches between Joystick and Analog controls. Can you demo this feature in another video or have a link where this is referenced? Haven't noticed any games that require specifically analog controls and maybe Mame emulators just allows using Joystick to play most everything. Would live to see a comparison...using both or trying both on the same game. Thanks and nice builds...great inspiration!

[@eldon226]

Brian Sorli I don't have a video that shows that feature, it's definitely not needed for mame. Also most emulators will allow you to modify your controller inputs. I used mine for playing Mario kart 64, but even that can be modified to use the D pad. You wouldn't notice any difference between playing with it as a D pad vs analog mode because the mechanism is still for a D pad which just open and close a circuit, it's not like a analog stick which has resistance type switches.

[@HEMIJJ]

Very Nice. Can you tell me how you did the turbo button feature? I'd love to add that to my own build.

[@eldon226]

HEMIJJ this one was done using the USB encoder, it has a input for turbo which only needs a momentary switch /button to activate it. The encoder I used is zero delay usb encoder, the raspberry pi will see it as DragonRise. Depending what emulator you're using this can also be done in the configuration menu.

[@eugene3373]

Eldon, very much enjoyed your video. Fantastic job. It is perfect design of all bartop arcades and I would really like to have my own. Could I please please purchase this 27' bartop with track ball plan from you Eldon? I would really appreciated. please let me know.

[@eldon226]

Side panels - 20 7/8 (hight) by 18 inches (depth)(3/4 MDF) Control panel (main) - 24. 5 by 7 3/8 inches (1/2" MDF) Control panel (bottom) - 24. 5 by 3 inches ( 1/2" MDF) Top panel - 24. 5 by 6 inches (1/2" MDF) Speaker panel - 24. 5 by 6 inches (1/2" MDF) Monitor mount panel - 24. 5 by 4 3/4inches (1/2" MDF) Bottom panel - 24. 5 by 14 1/4 inches (1/2" MDF) Back panel - 24. 5 by 17 3/8 inches (1/4 MDF) Side panel image (print to scale) www.dropbox.com/s/dciffadi7xps24n/UPDATED%20ARCADE%20SIDE%20PANEL.jpg?dl=0

[@beronk6672]

Love this bartop i am trying to make one i am studing many bartop but this is the best i have seen is there any sketch from it?

[@eldon226]

Benjamim Carneiro no sketches, sorry, just in the info posted in other comments below.

[@vltek]

Super long shot, but any chance you could post a part list?

[@twenger26]

Great Bartop arcade, best ive seen yet. Are you selling these anymore? Otherwise if you have any plans I would love to build this myself with the same dimensions. Great job!

[@eldon226]

Tyson Wenger thank you. I still sell them, it sounds like you have the tools to do it yourself though. I have a template I can email you for the side, or maybe just upload it to Dropbox. The other pieces are all straight cuts so I could just tell you the dimensions I used for those.

[@twenger26]

That would be awesome if you wouldn't mind sending plans. I may come back later and ask to buy anyways, my free time is a bit limited. Not sure how to send my email to you privately though

[@eldon226]

Tyson Wenger you can use KZbin message

[@imtats]

I might buy one on EBay 🤔

[@nova396]

Yan Tee They aren't cheap!

[@ajstrande]

Great cab!. How do you convert to analog stick? What is done to achieve this

[@eldon226]

ajstrande The USB encoder has a input that allows me to do it. It a zero delay usb encoder ( DragonRise) it's the pins labeled MODE

[@calypsoshoard9132]

do you have bezeled plexi-glass to cover the monitor? I dont see a logo...it looks neatly concealed.

[@eldon226]

Calypso’s Hoard I painted the edges of the plexiglass about 1/2 on each side.

[@calypsoshoard9132]

geeze! PLEASE build these again! it is so clean...so good looking as far as design, button placement & your detail for things like the bezel painting!! I'd maybe ask for graphic art or LED marquee etc...but FREAKING awesome build out!

[@jny78]

Hey eldon, does my track ball need to be the same maker as my encoder? Or can it be used in unison with stick?

[@eldon226]

jny78 The trackball is just a mouse, it does, brand doing matter much, just get a USB trackball or a ps2 trackball with a ps2 to usb adapter.

[@DaRixta_76]

Great video, I have the same trackball and never once thought trying to use it for gun/shooting games! Could you elaborate on the analog joystick switch button? What joysticks are you using?

[@eldon226]

Rick Stemmler They are just normal arcade joysticks with micro switches. There are a few psp bands that needs to be played with a analog stick like angry birds to name one. But I only use mine for n64 to play Mario kart. If I don't convert the joystick to analog mode the in mario kart I won't be able to turn left or right. It's all done through my USB encoder which has a input specifically for that.

[@DaRixta_76]

Thanks for the info. Would you mind sharing how you mounted the trackball without having fasteners penetrating the control panel?

[@eldon226]

Rick Stemmler I routed about 1/2 inch wider than the trackball housing (about 1/4 on each side) and filled the gap with epoxy. It's very sturdy.

[@DaRixta_76]

Thanks again, I was thinking about doing something similar but didn't know how well it would hold. What kind of epoxy did you use?

[@eldon226]

Rick Stemmler Loctite self mixing instant mix 1 minute epoxy (2500 psi)

[@fredgeitner713]

You do nice work. I am currently working on one of my own. Id like to get a trackball and maybe a spinner without cluttering up my panel too much. I think you mentioned your panel is 24.5 wide. Mine is 21 5/8. Kind of makes me wish i made mine a little wider.

[@eldon226]

Fred Geitner It can still be done with the width that you have though. I did one for someone awhile ago that was 20-1/8 wide. everything will be close.

[@fredgeitner713]

eldon226 Thanks for the reply. There is a 2 inch trackball available from Holland Computers which looks like it would be ideal for a tight squeeze into a control panel. I might give it a shot.

[@eldon226]

Fred Geitner Ok, this is the one I had to use for the more narrow control panel. www.hollandcomputers.com/store/pc/Track-Ball-2-inch-Arcade-Game-Trackball-for-PC-or-MAC-USB-and-PS2-Connectors-p10641.htm

[@fredgeitner713]

eldon226 Yes, thats the one. So you have experience with this trackball. If you dont mind me asking, how does it perform in games? Did you like it? How is the quality of it compared to others?

[@eldon226]

Fred Geitner I didn't use to go play any games, I only cut the wood kit for the person and made sure that specific trackball would fit. The quality did however felt good to me when just rotating the ball around.

[@bluecaka69]

What amp are you using that enables push button volume??? I am building a cabinet but can only find dial volume

[@eldon226]

Cory Peterson This is the one I used Look at this on eBay www.ebay.com/itm/252396278713

[@pmyrie]

Hi Great build, what make of monitor is that?. I am building one like yours.

[@eldon226]

Peter Myrie Thank you, the monitor is ASUS VN279Q

[@dyspare15]

Hey Eldon, how did you program your retropie yo use the trackball? Do you have a video showing us how to do the setup? Thank you, I appreciate your vids and help.

[@eldon226]

Dyspare no programing is necessary, just plug it to one of the usb ports and use mame 2003.

[@lego40404]

That's awesome Eldon, I grew up in the 80's playing all these games in pizza shops and arcades. Can you tell model or a link to that trackball or similar? A couple of us engineers here at work are building these systems so our kids(us) can enjoy the past

[@eldon226]

lego4040 thank you, below is a link to the trackball I used. The price is higher now, I assume because demand is high. I got mine for 25 but now it's listed for 50. Look at this on eBay www.ebay.com/itm/111692042052

[@lego40404]

Thanks for the link, What is the difference between this and Happ? Is it that this is just a plug and play and no programming needed. What I was going to build was a gaming control board separate fro the Raspberry and then just plug in the control as you would when you want to play a game. I just built the newer Pie 3, have the joystick and buttons/board,etc ready to build.

[@eldon226]

lego4040 I have never used it tried to use the HAPP version but I'd assume you'll need an adapter to convert it to usb for use on the raspberry pi. It's also assume that adapter will cost more than a ps2 to usb adapter. That's a good idea what you're building.

[@sukylee9158]

Hey Eldon. You have an awesome arcade cabinet. Can you please send me the plans and measurements for this cabinet please! Thank you!

[@eldon226]

Side panels - 20 7/8 (hight) by 18 inches (depth)(3/4 MDF) Control panel (main) - 24. 5 by 7 3/8 inches (1/2" MDF) Control panel (bottom) - 24. 5 by 3 inches ( 1/2" MDF) Top panel - 24. 5 by 6 inches (1/2" MDF) Speaker panel - 24. 5 by 6 inches (1/2" MDF) Monitor mount panel - 24. 5 by 4 3/4inches (1/2" MDF) Bottom panel - 24. 5 by 14 1/4 inches (1/2" MDF) Back panel - 24. 5 by 17 3/8 inches (1/4 MDF) Side panel image (print to scale) www.dropbox.com/s/dciffadi7xps24n/UPDATED%20ARCADE%20SIDE%20PANEL.jpg?dl=0

[@Rafman316]

I loved mine till my friend made one with a steering wheel now I just wish I’d put a steering wheel on mine oh well I might make another one some day

[@bman5612]

great vid. since your buttons are numbers im guessing youre using a xinmo encoder for the joysticks/buttons? also, how is your trackball connected? via usb into one of the pi usb ports? can you give the model of the trackball or link to purchase? thanks in advance

[@eldon226]

Bman Bman no, I tried that encoder about a year ago and didn't like it for use with RetroPie, it doesn't do well with two player games that weren't mame. I use a generic zero delay encoder, the raspberry pi sees it as DragonRise. Here is the trackball I use in the link below, it's connected with USB to the raspberry pi. Look at this on eBay www.ebay.com/itm/111692042052

[@bman5612]

eldon226 thanks sir. and thanks for your other vid on the IEC power adapter. i used it.

[@eldon226]

Bman Bman you're welcome

[@raymond4180]

Nice setup Eldon. I'm currently working on similar setup and had a question about the Turbo Activate/Clear buttons. You mentioned they had to be momentary. Do you have a link to the one you are using? thx

[@eldon226]

Raymond Zambrano These are the ones I used. Look at this on eBay www.ebay.com/itm/291347681335

[@raymond4180]

thanks for the help.

[@raymond4180]

Hi Eldon, first of all thx for all your help. I built my cabinet with the help of your video and I'm very happy with it. FYI. I decided to install LED buttons and I was able to use the same buttons for the Activate/Clear function without any issues.

[@eldon226]

Kings12 That's awesome, glad you got it all done now.

[@DJsMachineShed]

Awesome build. A few questions; what model trackball did you use and how did you mount it to the panel??

[@eldon226]

David Meech Look at this on eBay www.ebay.com/itm/111692042052 and I used glue to hold it, epoxy to be exact.

[@DJsMachineShed]

eldon226, how did you get it to sit flush on the control panel? did you router out the back of the panel where it mounts? If so, it looks like the panel would have to be awfully thin to make it sit flush.

[@eldon226]

David Meech Yes, I had to route out the area that the trackball sits. It was a little less than 1/4 thick but that whole thing is still very sturdy, you'd never notice.

[@DJsMachineShed]

eldon226, that's what I was thinking. Do you have any build plans for this design, or at least for the layout of the control panel? I seriously want to build a bartop arcade exactly like this one, it's frickin' sweet!

[@eldon226]

David Meech I don't have any plans for it, i manually measured and fit the parts with experience I had from building many other cabinets.

[@tman6457]

Can you do a video showing how you setup and configured the turbo buttons and trackball with retropie?

[@eldon226]

T Tharp I could, however, I won't be able to do it anytime soon because I don't have the parts available. Those two things are fairly easy to accomplish though. The trackball is a USB version and nothing needs to be done for it to work with RetroPie, just plug it in and use mame 2003 (Rom set .78) nothing else. For the turbo feature. That'll depend on the encoder your using, mine has a input specifically for that and it gets connected exactly like the game buttons do, just plug the button wires to the pins labeled turbo.

[@ccombs9411]

eldon, I have the same question about the turbo and clear buttons. Any way you could post i simple diagram on how it is wired between the two buttons and the encoder. I purchased the same one you indicate you are using. 2nd question for me is, are you using the same buttons for you volumn controls and could you post a simple wiring diagram for that as well. I just can't figure out how you would have mounted the amp board with those tiny buttons.. Any help you can give would be awesome

[@MrMackvensive]

did you install any joystick drivers for you're zero delay? or how did you set it up?

[@eldon226]

Lawrence Harris I did not have to install any additional drivers. I used button pins 1 through 6 then the start and select pins.

[@bbay1977]

I love the look of the cabinet. I hate it when I see cabinets that are so compact and looks like there is no elbow room for the players.

[@eldon226]

I understand, this one is wider than most bartop arcades though, I haven’t played with another player big enough for that to be an issue here. My next build will address that issue, it’ll be a two player bartop with the players facing each other and using two monitors instead of one.

[@bbay1977]

@@eldon226 This one looks wide enough for 2 players to play with enough room. The new one that you will be building will be a one of a kind. I have never seen anyone build that yet. Make sure you do plenty of video on the build. We will have to get this channel to blow up with that build. Something like that is different and should bring a lot of followers. Keep up the great work.

[@TheNinjabear89]

Is that a trackball that you've connected through the usb or have you connected it to the gpio pins? I'm about to build a retropie into a wii u gamepad but thought, "hey, why not add a trackball as a mouse, for all point-and-click-games in scummvm?!" though I dont have the slightest idea how I'll manage that. 😛

[@eldon226]

Johan Zakrisson it's connected to the raspberry pi usb port using a ps2 to usb adapter.

[@gamedude6322]

Thanks i already had mame2003 but i don't see the amplifier info. What size are the turbo buttons? And could you please show daphne running on this with Dragon's Lair in widescreen?

[@eldon226]

Ty Theep I don't have that game, I used 3/4 inch momentary push buttons, they can be any size you want, just need to be momentary.

[@pinkspider28]

i HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION ABOUT THE TRACKBALL IF IM USING IT HOW WOULD I USE THE BUTTONS THAT ARE CONNECTED TO PLAYER 1 AND PLAYER 2

[@eldon226]

pinkspider28 if your talking about the buttons on the trackball that are meant to be left mouse click, right mouse click, and center, then you can just connect you buttons directly to the pins for those buttons and then go into mame control setup like you would to config any control and set those buttons to do whatever you want. You're case being for player one and two. You really don't need to use the buttons from the trackball if you don't want to.

[@pinkspider28]

eldon226 awesome thanks for that. Sorry for the capitals lol

[@Doug.NZ-ES]

hi eldon, I built an arcade machine with the same trackball and Y type ps2 to usb adapter but Im having a headache because this trackball works intermittently, sometimes works really nice and then stops working, any suggestion? I entered the command prompt and retropie sometimes recognise the trackball and sometimes stops recognising it.

[@eldon226]

I'm not sure why that's happening but if I had to guess I'd say maybe you have a short.

[@Mr.Bob20]

do you have plans for your bartop? Very nice!!!

[@eldon226]

Bob Brown no, sorry. Just a template for the side that can be edited for side art.

[@eltrassel]

What monitor did you use? nice build.

[@eldon226]

eltrassel I used asus vn279q

[@eltrassel]

ok thx.

[@calypsoshoard9132]

What joysticks and buttons did you use? Are they those Sanwa?

[@eldon226]

Calypso’s Hoard all HAPP

[@calypsoshoard9132]

how did you get that game to stretch fullscreen? Dont most game want to letterbox on the 27" monitor?

[@eldon226]

Calypso’s Hoard aspect ratio can be changed in the settings for each emulator or game. Not all games will look good in full screen, and not all will be able to go in full screen.

[@terrymiller8597]

nice build! How about a spinner possibility?

[@eldon226]

Thank you, don't have the space but I thought about it.

[@wlbear2570]

Nice Eldon, I’ve built three bartops myself already. 17”two players, 12” one player and 10” vertical one player. I would like to know where to get the trackball from cause as you said many games are close to impossible to play with the stick. Thanks.

[@eldon226]

W BEA here is a link to one similar to the ones I used. rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F111692042052

[@wlbear2570]

eldon226 thanks for that my friend. I suppose I can use it with a ps2 to USB adapter. Anything else I have to do? Is it plug n play?

[@eldon226]

W BEA that's all, if you use mame 2003 is just plug n play. Get the ps2 to usb adapter that has the both the green and purple plug on the same adapter. And get a good quality one, not the 99 cent version.

[@topgun911]

I bought a Logitech usb portable track ball and it doesn't work,the buttons on the trackball work but trackball does not.do I need to install a track ball like yours? or any ideas on mine.and do you have to program something to accept the track ball or do you just plug in the usbthank you

[@eldon226]

topgun911 What emulator are you using? Mame advance is a good, which is what I'll recommend you use. I also have a light gun on my arcade now that it's not recognized by mame 2003 but works great with mame advance. If you have RetroPie 4.2 your should be able to just plug and play with mame advance too.