How to Build a Bartop Arcade

by djkurtz92 in Circuits > Electronics

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How to Build a Bartop Arcade

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Based on some inspiration from Instructables, and a love for vintage video games I decided to build my own bartop arcade. Some one built one on here that I borrowed some of the methods. I too don't like emulation. I like the originals. I could give Step by Step directions on how to build this but a picture says a thousand words, and I have a lot of pictures. This is what you'll need:

15" LCD TV/ Monitor
NES 
NES Gamegenie
NES MAX x 2
1 1/2 sheets of 5/8" MDF
a couple of 2x4's or 1x2's whichi ever you prefer
24" x 24" x 2 of 1/8" thick Lexan
12 suzo-happ arcade buttons
2 suzo-happ joysticks
6 momentary buttons of your choice
1 single pole single throw 2 position button of your choice
T-molding 20 ft
12" flourescent light
4" speakers from Autozone 
wire
wood glue
hardware

optional:
repro vinyl
decals

of course you will need some tools, I did everything with:

circular saw
drill 
router 
orbital sander
jigsaw
chopsaw

I'll gladly answer any questions, but the basic instruction is:
1. Build a box
2. Paint the box
3. Perform all electronic mods
4. Install electronics into box
5. Play your new Bartop Arcade

I hope you like it and please leave comments. I hope that this project inspires you like I have been inspired by the contributors of this site.