PI NOT INCLUDEDBecause the Raspberry Pi keeps getting updat-ed, Pimoroni doesn’t in-clude one in the kit. You can grab a barebones Pi for $65, but a $125 kit w il l in c l u d e a n H D M I c a -ble, power adapter and a n S D c a r d p r e l o a d e d with a program that m a ke s i t e a s y t o in s t a l l Raspbian. raspberryp-ishop.com.au
HOW TO BUILD ITIf an 8-inch display sounds too titchy for you, there is a cut down version of the Picade which packs everything into the bottom section with the controls. Simply plug into power and a n H D M I p o r t o n a T V o r P C di s p l a y, a n d y o u’l l b e up a n d r e t r o g a m in g in n o t im e. I t c o s t $ 2 1 5. w w w. p im o r o n i. c o mPICADE CABINETCost:
$290 for kit,1.
We found it easier to configure the Raspberry Pi BEFORE we started building. Install a Linux distribution like Raspbian, then install RetroPie. (The Pi plugs in to a normal keyboard and mouse and any HDMI monitor.)
2.Insert the line “hdmi_force_hotplug=1” into /boot/config.txt to ensure the Pi will be able to use the Picade’s display.
3.Construct the cabinet using the pre-cut MDF panels and bolts (tip: the bolt heads face outwards). Take extra care with the rear door which has tricky hinges.
4.Press the buttons into the controller board until they click, and mount the joystick with the included bolts. Mountthe speakers to the sides of the cabinet.
5.Wire the controls to the Picade board using the wiring diagram at learn.pimoroni.com (everything is colour-coded and the Picade board has little symbols to help you out.) Don’t forget the speakers!6.
Mount the display using the included bracket and secure it into the cabinet.
7.Attach the Raspberry Pi to the pre-drilled mounting holes inside the cabinet and plug everything in. The display needs to be plugged in to power as well as HDMI. The Picade board only needs USB.
8.Power everything up! If you’ve configured the Pi correctly, an interface called EmulationStation should appear. You can load game “roms” via USB and configure them using the joystick and buttons. However, attaching a small keyboard to one of the spare USB ports on the Pi will make the process much easier.
9.From here it will take a LOT of tinkering and configuration adjustments to get every retro game running smoothly, but of course that’s half the fun!