ColecoVision Arcade Machine Project, Part I

ColecoVision kiosk circa 1982

I chose to attempt to undertake this project in part because of Todd Holcomb's “Ultimate ColecoVision Flashback Upgrade” modification, which uses the case of the CV Flashback but replaces the guts with a Raspberry Pi and an Ultimate PC Interface (by Hafner Enterprises), and runs Oscar Toledo's CoolCV Emulator with EmulationStation front end under RetroPie. The details of that project can be found in this thread.

I had wanted to get into the nitty gritty of a custom arcade machine project for a little while, but was indecisive as to what I wanted to end up with. Being a ColecoVision fan first and foremost, I ultimately had to go with something that incorporated my favourite catalogue of games. Mr. Holcomb's CV Flashback mod provided the final touch of inspiration that was needed to transform this mid-life crisis dream into a real action plan, and perfect for someone like myself with some electronics knowledge, but a limited amount of arcade machine experience.

This type of project is likely not for everyone. Purists may question why on earth anyone would want to put a tiny amount of 21^st century electronics into a mammoth 100 pound, '80's style arcade cabinet when you can just install it all into a nice light CV Flashback case and enjoy the same games with a cozy couch and a 60-inch LED TV. Well... 1) I want a cool arcade machine for the man cave, 2) I would love to play my ColecoVision games on that arcade machine, 3) the project is within my range of abilities with a few new challenges thrown in for good measure, 4) I haven't seen anything like this in my travels, and 5) it will be a lot of fun to build.

Just to be clear - as cool as it is, I am not looking to replicate the beautiful vintage ColecoVision kiosk pictured above.  Below is a summary of what I want to end up with, taking into consideration that this project is at ground zero, and I may still be experiencing some delusion as to what is or is not possible.  I want:

1. One mammoth '80's style arcade cabinet, with ColecoVision marquee and side panel artwork
2. Arcade quality controls
3. To be able to play any and all available ColecoVision ROM images, accessible by menu
4. Support for all ColecoVision controllers including the driving module
5. The option for 1 or 2 players
6. To be able to easily upgrade the software and easily add or remove games
7. The ability to save scores - that would be amazing but I may be getting carried away...

To clarify point number 4 - I want all of the controllers to be integrated into the control panel and to be available simultaneously.  Somehow I will need room for joysticks and buttons for 2 players, two 12-button keypads, a trackball... and a steering wheel. Did someone mention something about delusion?

Also consider that I want to use as many ready-made products as available to piece it together, shy of stripping out actual ColecoVision hardware and just mounting it into a different box. I want to have fun, but there is no need to reinvent the wheel.

Emulation

Ah... but the controller dilemma can wait for another day. My first priority is to sort out the emulation. It just seems logical to want to use a Raspberry Pi after seeing one in action (remotely) on a CV Flashback via a beautiful menu interface and the slick CoolCV Emulator, for which Oscar Toledo designed for the Raspberry Pi, among other things. What could be easier than using a Pi? It has everything that's required, so I'm ordering a Pi 2 (Model B) through Amazon. This unit runs at 900MHz (so no need for overclocking), has 1GB of RAM, 4 USB ports, wired Ethernet, Micro SD slot, and the best part – crisp clear HDMI output which includes both video and audio.

To make things even more mindbogglingly simple, Mr. Holcomb, the gentleman I mentioned earlier, was kind enough to offer me a copy of all the necessary files he uses for the CV Flashback mod – all I have to do is send him a Micro SD card. So that is what I will be doing... as soon as I receive my precious Raspberry Pi kit in the mail.

Cabinet Ideas

First thoughts on the cabinet design are that it should be a classic style, black, straight lines but with a few subtle sexy curves, like the ColecoVision console. A starting point comes from the DIY web site, Koenig's. They offer diagrams for a couple of classic cabinet types that are free for private use, one of which I will base my design on. They can be found here.

The cabinet design will obviously need modifications if I am able to incorporate every idea, however, the final cabinet design will be not be tackled in detail until the 4^th stage of the project.

Project Stages

Right now, the project's major stages are:

1. Design of the electronics & parts sourcing
2. Controller interface
3. Raspberry Pi setup & testing
4. Cabinet design & construction
5. Installation

Stage 1 will commence shortly.  Any and all suggestions are welcome...

Shiny & New In '82

ColecoVision ad from a 1985 Sears catalog

I don't have a photo of myself on Christmas Day 1982, but it's probably because I wasn't still long enough for one to be taken. I was 13 years old when I received my first video game console, and it was the "Arcade Quality Video Game System", the ColecoVision.  And it was love at first sight.

I had never seen anything like it before - to my eyes, it was perfect.  It had sleek symmetrical lines, it was jet black with cool brushed silver labels, and it used game cartridges that were visually pleasing on the outside as well as on the screen.  It was shiny and new, and it was mine.

It fit perfectly on a shelf under my 13" TV set and it made my room look sophisticated and technologically impressive.  It was the gift that kept on giving - at least for a couple of years - as I saved my money it would be a thrill to bike over to the Consumers Distributing store near my home to buy another game.  It may sound lame now, but it was exhilarating to take that tiny little pencil and fill out that request form and wait at the counter for someone to appear with the object of my desires. I collected a new game whenever I had the funds, and built up a modest stockpile of maybe 7 or 8 cartridges.  I was so excited when I bought Turbo that with the help of my father I built a rough wooden stand for the wheel and foot pedal so I could sit on my bed and play that game like I was really driving.  I wasn't really aware of any other toys - I loved my ColecoVision.

Unfortunately when life pushes you into new directions, you change.  By 1985 I had forgotten about my favourite toy.  I don't even remember what happened to it, but it was likely sold at a garage sale.

Fast forward thirty years. Thanks to a teenage son, some fond memories and the ability we have now to find just about anything we're looking for via the internet, I find myself going through a second childhood.  In May of 2014 I started buying back my old treasury of ColecoVision hardware and games, and now I have many times more than I ever had as a 13 year old.  I found that the desire is still there for my favourite toy and it's as strong as ever, I just got a little distracted.

Of course I look at it a bit differently now.  It's cheaply made and the controllers are terrible.  Most of the games are dated. The thing is, I couldn't care less.  I still think it's the coolest game system ever made.  Nothing is ever going to match it because in 1982 it was shiny and new, and it was mine.  My son doesn't understand my attachment to this cheap hunk of plastic - he probably won't get it for another thirty years.

- J.S.