Once upon a time, arcade slot machines were extremely popular. Today they are almost completely superseded by home computer games. But among the representatives of the older generation there are amateurs who build exact copies of machines at home.
Instructions
Step 1
It is not at all necessary to recreate the appearance of a particular arcade machine. Take a close look at the photos of such devices on the network - you may want to copy one design element from one of them, another from the other, and so on. Based on the data obtained, draw up a sketch of the machine body manually or using a graphic editor (preferably three-dimensional, for example, Blender, if you know how to use it). Be sure to add all the dimensions you need to this sketch.
Step 2
If you do not like doing carpentry work, use an old vertical cabinet as a base for the cabinet. It should have the shape of a square at the base with a side from half a meter to a meter. In it, cut a hole for the monitor, attach the shelf for the joystick to the front of the door. A very extravagant home arcade machine can be assembled in an old refrigerator if desired.
Step 3
Before building a hull from scratch, draw up drawings of its individual components based on a sketch of the entire hull. They are made of fiberboard with a thickness of about 15 millimeters. For assembly, use screws and a screwdriver. Be sure to make the case openable (fix the door on the piano hinges), otherwise it will be inconvenient to assemble the machine in it.
Step 4
Be sure to use a tube monitor, its optimal diagonal is 17 inches. With an LCD monitor, the machine will look too modern. Better yet, use a portable tube TV, including black and white. To work with the TV, you will have to use a video card with a composite output. Take care to cool the monitor or TV, but do not use fans for this - it will quickly become clogged with dust. Secure the display device well, whatever it is. In no case do not install it vertically, as is sometimes done in the manufacture of such machines - it is not designed for this. Cover the monitor opening with a piece of glass for plausibility.
Step 5
Make a computer with the following configuration for the machine: Pentium II with 32 MB of RAM and FreeDOS operating system. Install a Sinclair ZX Spectrum computer emulator on it. It should definitely work in full screen mode.
Step 6
Use a solid construction contact or reed joystick. Fasten it firmly to or under a shelf. Connect reed switches or contact pairs in parallel to the corresponding keys on the keyboard. Please note that different ZX Spectrum games are controlled by different keys. It is very convenient to bring out all the contacts that go from the board built into the keyboard to its matrix, for quick rewiring of the joystick. You can even pre-assemble adapters to quickly change its configuration.
Step 7
Do not forget about the vending machine's external design. Paint it the desired color, add stickers similar to those on the factory-made machines. Install a fake coin acceptor, illuminated banners.
Step 8
If the body of the machine is made of flammable material, always keep a carbon dioxide or dry powder extinguisher near it (but not inside it).
