Bubble Bobble themed Bartop Arcade Build

caver01

@andershp How do you like that controller? I picked up two via Massdrop some months back but I haven't set them up yet. I plan to do another build project, this time as a set-top box using these controllers. I have read mixed reviews.

spruce_m00se

@andershp I have a ds4 controller on my arcade machiene, and when I want to do comfy gaming I run a 10m HDMI out of it onto the main tv instead of the one in the cabinet, it works a treat!

AndersHP

@caver01 Sounds like a cool idea, been tinkering with that thought myself.

I quite like the controller actually. Setup was easy (followed this guide), and I think the responsiveness of the controller is good.

Finished the last 2 levels in Kirbys Adventure and started on Chrono Trigger yesterday and these console games just play good from the couch. Haven't charged the controller yet (but then again, gaming time has only been like 3-4 hours or so).

I haven't really tested the analog Sticks, they configure fine in ES, but maybe the few PSX games I tested didn't support them (Destruction Derby, Alundra). Otherwise I may have to edit my retroarch.cfg files ...?

Overall I think the controller is nice. The glowing light and the NES look is cool, and I like the buttons and sticks. Also the size is fine, I think.

If I should put my finger on something, I'd like it to weigh a little bit more, and the tactile feel to the buttons on the up- and downside (bluetooth, power and shoulder buttons) are a bit too easily pressed.

Please, do share your thoughts of it when you set it up.

AndersHP

@spruce_m00se Yeah I can see this would work also.

Newellj79

@andershp What size monitor did you use? Your build is awesome!

AndersHP

@newellj79 Thanks man! It's a 19" Dell 5:4 monitor.

Newellj79

@andershp
Thank you sir. I am starting my build this weekend and will be using alot of your pictures for reference.

AndersHP

@newellj79 I'm humbled!
I like that many games run fullscreen on a 4:3 or 5:4 monitor, but I must admit that the many cool overlays available on this site has made me think that a 16:9 monitor could have been cool also.

Just something to consider!

Majin Wamu

Aww, your Bartop is so cute! I love Bubble Bobble! The insides is a lot neater than mine! That's for sure. I thought about someday making a Bartop, but I want the correct tools first. Makes for a more accurate cut.

AndersHP

@majin-wamu Thanks for the kind words! I'm usually a bit messy, so I forced myself to tidy things up as much as possible :-) makes it even more enjoyable.

Yeah you definitely need some good tools, I always wanted a table saw but ended up loaning a guided plunge saw instead. Takes a bit more time to get everyting even (enough) but still gets the job done.

Majin Wamu

@andershp A table saw would be super handy and would make working with wood a whole world easier. Sadly I didn't use one, even though I had several friends after I finished the project tell me that they would had let me use theirs. So I was reduced to a hand saw and a jigsaw. It was tough.

Newellj79

My bartop, which has is HIGHLY influenced by yours is coming along nicely. If I ever finish it and post pictures I will certainly link to yours as I used it for reference. We're you ever able to find a nice bubble bobble video splash screen?

AndersHP

@newellj79 Makes me very happy! Please let me know if you need some specific photos of something. And yes, do share your build, always fun to see these for inspiration.

No, actually, my software doesn't really match the build. Please let me know if you find something. There's a Puzzle Bobble splashscreen here though. I'm running a lot of these at random, since I find them quite funny.

Jhnywalter

that is one cool design - nicely done! do you think it would be possible to share the graphic files?

one thing i would have made differently though is the transit between the front art, the control panel and the bezel. why didn't design it "in one flow"?

AndersHP

@jhnywalter Thanks for the kind words! I will see if I can make the artwork available.
I'm not sure about the other comment, do you mean that the sides are offset around 10 mm all the way around the arcade?

I did for several reasons; First, I wanted the corners rounded, so that I didn't have joints in the T-molding. This makes the arcade kind of seamless. Secondly, I have a subwoofer port on the bottom (you can see part of it in the bottom of the photo with the controlpanel wiring), so I wanted to raise the arcade slightly to make sure the sound wouldn't get muffled. Lastly, I think the black/white contrasty look of the black inner sides look really cool :)

trippy86

@AndersHP hi,I love this bartop one of my earliest memories playing this on an amiga as a kid brings back fond memories

I would love to make one if these, I'm in the uk so any good suppliers you know or recommendations for the build would be amazing

I've already started looking around for a bartop kit so any help would be so helpful

Again amazing job

Trippy

AndersHP

@trippy86
Thanks for the kind words!
I built the bartop myself and if you're a little handy with tools this can definitely be done!

However, I was in your position, and found a lot of good looking kits ready for assembly and T-molding at amazon back then. Also check out ArcadeworldUK - they have all the bits and pieces (joysticks, buttons, t-molding) you need.

I got the prints done at RockstarPrint although the process was a bit back & forth because it involved a bit of photoshopping and that wasn't easy to describe pr. mail :)

trippy86

@AndersHP thanks for the reply and the info

Yes I am an engineer and have done many projects but this would be my first involving wood related, but I seen lots of flat pack kits that require assembly and decorating etc. Just need to find one that's for a larger screen (hoping 20" and up) and some wiring diagrams

Anything else you think that would be helpful would be much appreciated

Thanks again

AndersHP

@trippy86
I'm an engineer too :) I couldn't resist the urge to build it myself, but of course it helps if you're familiar with woordworks.

If I should have changed one thing, I would have routed out some of the wood from the inside of the boards, e.g. in hexagon shapes to save weight but still keep some stiffness - this arcade weighs quite a bit :)

Wiring is not that complex with a RPi, mostly consisting of signal wires and ground wires from the iPac to the buttons. The illuminated ones need a few more but that's it. Keeping wires tidy helps the overview, but there's countless videos on YouTube - check them out.

My screen size is a 16" 5:4 and I think it's a pretty good size, and since many games run 4:3 there's only black borders in vertical arcade games. Just look at getting one that's as fast as possible (less input lag/response time), maybe a modern one with a gaming mode.