Mod of the Month - June 2009

Project: Troy's Arcade

by ARTbyTROY
Worklog: Here

Arcade style mods have always been popular on bit-tech - you guys just can't seem to get enough of them! With mayhem's C-Macc’s 2 – The Revenge going down a storm in the project log forum, we're fairly certain this new design entitled Project: Troy's Arcade by long time bit-tech member ARTbyTROY is going to rack up a few views too.

Having wanted to build a MAME (multiple arcade machine emulator) system for a while, ARTbyTROY has finally got round it after years of visiting the arcades. However, he's limited himself to a tight budget and a small system so it should be interesting to see what he can come up with - after all, scrounging is what we modders do best!


The project was off to a flying start with the purchase of two joysticks and a load of buttons which ARTbyTROY picked up for a wallet-friendly $42USD. Another bargain-tastic deal he came across was for an iGoLogic mini-ITX motherboard with integrated CPU and aload of other bits for just $99. With a majority of the hardware sourced, he proceeded with the case design.



After a little while playing with Google Sketchup, ARTbyTROY came up with a design that would be small enough for his needs but also big enough to house the system and provide a large gaming surface for the controls. We can also see how the screen will be integrated into the design too. It's looking good so far!


ARTbyTROY quickly started constructing the various sections of the case which came together rapidly as we can see above with the screen in position. On the right we can also see the control surface which has been cut to make room for the various buttons and joysticks. We can see just how compact it is too.


The case is now really coming along and the large control surface is filled with some exciting gadgets that probably have most of you reaching for your wallet to grab some change for a quick game! Finally the acrylic vinyl has been coloured black which has transformed it in to a neat, slick control surface. iMac owners eat your hearts out!

Make sure you head over to ARTbyTROY's project log to see how the project is going and if you'd like to vote for Project: Troy's Arcade then head over to our forums.