# Computer Space Mini Arcade
## Overview
https://youtu.be/xnBaKcANrvE
_ **Computer Space** _ was the first very arcade game, designed in 1971 by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney as Syzygey Engineering (before they changed the company name to "Atari"). It's based on PDP-1 Spacewar! and is a clear precursor to Asteroids, but the thing I find most distinctive about it is that incredible, sexy, swoopy cabinet design!
Only 1,500 or so units were made, so my chances of owning (or having space for) a full cabinet are fairly low, but a little desktop Computer Space is the next best thing!
This project comes together with a 3D printed case and bezel, OLED display, and Feather M4 running Arduino code as a demo/attract loop.
Learn more history here at [Computer Space Fan](https://www.computerspacefan.com/Historyp1.htm) and here at the [Dot Eaters](https://thedoteaters.com/?bitstory=bitstory-article-1/computer-space). This project was inspired by the [full-sized 3D printed cabinet build here](https://shop.heber.co.uk/blog/computer-space-replica-3d-printed-full-size-arcade-cabinet/).
Game code was partially derived from this [PDP-1 port](https://www.masswerk.at/rc2016/10/12.html) (which you can [play in-browser](https://www.masswerk.at/icss/)) -- the original game used no code, just TTL logic, so direct "emulation" isn't possible, with the exception of [FPGA simulation of the entire Computer Space brain box](https://forums.arcade-museum.com/threads/computer-space-fpga-release-1-0.364662/).
Warning: Note: this is not a playable game but rather a demo attract loop suitable for admiring on your desk or bookshelf.
## Parts
Featured
### Monochrome 2.42" 128x64 OLED Graphic Display Module Kit
[Monochrome 2.42" 128x64 OLED Graphic Display Module Kit](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2719)
If you've been diggin' our [monochrome OLEDs](https://www.adafruit.com/categories/98) but need something bigger, this display will delight you! These displays are **2.42" diagonal** , and very readable due to the high contrast of an OLED display. This...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2719)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2719/guides)
Featured
### Adafruit Feather M4 Express - Featuring ATSAMD51
[Adafruit Feather M4 Express - Featuring ATSAMD51](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3857)
It's what you've been waiting for, the Feather M4 Express featuring ATSAMD51. This Feather is fast like a swift, smart like an owl, strong like a ox-bird (it's half ox, half bird, OK?) This feather is powered by our new favorite chip, the **ATSAMD51J19** - with...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3857)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3857/guides)
Featured
### FeatherWing Doubler - Prototyping Add-on For All Feather Boards
[FeatherWing Doubler - Prototyping Add-on For All Feather Boards](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2890)
This is the **FeatherWing Doubler** - a prototyping add-on and more for all Feather boards. This is similar to our [FeatherWing Proto](https://www.adafruit.com/products/2884) except there are two! The magic of the Doubler comes when stacking a Feather and another...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2890)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2890/guides)
### Fully Reversible Pink/Purple USB A to micro B Cable - 1m long
[Fully Reversible Pink/Purple USB A to micro B Cable - 1m long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4111)
This cable is not only super-fashionable, with a woven pink and purple Blinka-like pattern, it's also fully reversible! That's right, you will save _seconds_ a day by not having to flip the cable around.
First let's talk about the cover and over-molding. We got these...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4111)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4111/guides)
### Premium Female/Female Jumper Wires - 20 x 6" (150mm)
[Premium Female/Female Jumper Wires - 20 x 6" (150mm)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1950)
These female-female jumper wires are handy for making wire harnesses or jumpering between headers on PCB's. These premium jumper wires are 6" (150mm) long and come in a 'strip' of 20 (2 pieces of each of ten rainbow colors). They have 0.1" female header contacts...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1950)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1950/guides)
### Break-away 0.1" 36-pin strip male header - Black - 10 pack
[Break-away 0.1" 36-pin strip male header - Black - 10 pack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/392)
Breakaway header is like the duct tape of electronics. It's great for connecting things together, soldering to perf-boards, fits into any breakout or breadboard, etc. We go through these guys real fast, and thought that given how handy they are, we'd offer them in a pack of ten!
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/392)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/392/guides)
### Lithium Ion Battery - 3.7V 2000mAh
[Lithium Ion Battery - 3.7V 2000mAh](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2011)
Lithium-ion polymer (also known as 'lipo' or 'lipoly') batteries are thin, light, and powerful. The output ranges from 4.2V when completely charged to 3.7V. This battery has a capacity of 2000mAh. If you need a larger (or smaller!) battery,
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2011)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2011/guides)
### Black Nylon Machine Screw and Stand-off Set – M2.5 Thread
[Black Nylon Machine Screw and Stand-off Set – M2.5 Thread](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3299)
Totaling 380 pieces, this **M2.5 Screw Set** is a must-have for your workstation. You'll have enough screws, nuts, and hex standoffs to fuel your maker tendencies for days on end! M2.5 size screws fit almost all of the Adafruit breakout/dev board mounting holes...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3299)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3299/guides)
### Part: Brass Heat-Set Inserts
quantity: 2
M2.5 x 0.45mm
[Brass Heat-Set Inserts](https://www.mcmaster.com/94180A323/)
### Large Dual Row Wire Housing Pack for DIY Jumper Cables
[Large Dual Row Wire Housing Pack for DIY Jumper Cables](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3144)
Are you frustrated by the lack of customization options for your jumper wires? Look no further!
Compatible with both male and female wires, these fully customizable wire housings bring DIY to a new level, giving you near limitless options when using jumper wires in your...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3144)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3144/guides)
### Little Rubber Bumper Feet - Pack of 4
[Little Rubber Bumper Feet - Pack of 4](https://www.adafruit.com/product/550)
Keep your electronics from going barefoot, give them little rubber feet! These small sticky bumpers are our favorite accessory for any electronic kit or device. They are sticky, but not impossible to remove. They're small enough to fit onto any board, and have just enough height to give...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/550)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/550/guides)
# Computer Space Mini Arcade
## Code the Computer Space Demo
## Easy Code Upload
You can get the code onto your Feather M4 Express as easy as drag-and-drop! Simply plug in the Feather to your computer with a known good USB data cable (not power only!) and then double-click the reset button.
The board will show up on your computer as a USB drive named **FEATHERBOOT**. Download the **COMPUTER\_SPACE****.UF2 ** file linked below and then drag it onto the ** FEATHERBOOT** drive.
The board will automatically reset and run the code.
[COMPUTER_SPACE.UF2](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/531/original/COMPUTER_SPACE.UF2?1745953812)
### Source Code Hacking
If you want to dig in deeper, you can download the source code [here](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/main/Computer_Space/Computer_Space.ino). This will require some knowledge of the Arduino IDE and how to upload code to your board, so check out [this page](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-feather-m4-express-atsamd51/setup) for more info.
https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/main/Computer_Space/Computer_Space.ino
# Computer Space Mini Arcade
## 3D Print the Cabinet
## Parts List
Print the cabinet and bezel oriented as shown here.
Note, I modeled the cabinet from scratch in Rhino using sub-division surfaces and exported it as NURBS patches after additional boolean operation to accommodate screw holes and base. I used the excellent [Multisystem scan mesh](https://www.printables.com/model/873690-computer-space-replica-arcade-full-size-cabinet) as references.
To stay true to the original cabinet, yellow, sparkley red, or blue PLA works great! Here are a couple of good choices:
- [PLA Sparkle Classic Gold](https://us.store.bambulab.com/products/pla-sparkle?id=42259081789576)
- [PLA Sparkle Crimson Red](https://us.store.bambulab.com/products/pla-sparkle?id=41002885382280)
For the bezel, a matte black PLA works well.
[Computer Space STLs](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/537/original/Computer_Space_stls.zip?1745971941)
[Computer Space STEP files](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/538/original/Computer_Space_step.zip?1745971966)
## Settings & Support
- 0.2mm Standard layer height
- 15% Grid infill
- Tree (auto) support on build plate only
# Computer Space Mini Arcade
## Assemble the Mini Arcade
- **OLED Pin #1** to **Feather GND**** **
- **OLED Pin #2** to **Feather**** 3.3V**
- **OLED Pin #4** to **Feather**** D6**
- **OLED Pin #7** to **Feather**** SCK**
- **OLED Pin #8** to **Feather**** MOSI**
- **OLED Pin #15** to **Feather**** D5**
- **OLED Pin #16** to **Feather**** D9**
## Screen Prep
Solder the header pins to the screen as shown here. We'll use a removable cable connector to wire the screen to the Feather Doubler board.
## Feather Doubler Prep
Solder socket headers for the Feather M4 on one section of the Doubler and upward mounted pin headers on the other -- these are where we'll plug in the wiring for the display.
## Feather Prep
Solder pin headers under the Feather.
## Wiring
Following the diagram at the top of the page, wire the display to the Feather Doubler as shown here.
Optionally, use a [2x20 wire housing](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3144) as shown here to neaten up the display connection. This makes it simpler to disconnect and reconnect the display.
## Bezel & Screen Installation
Use your soldering iron at a low heat setting to install the heat-set inserts in the cabinet.
Place the bezel and screen inside the cabinet as shown and screw in the M2.5x10mm screws.
## Control Panel
You can print a replica of the control panel on adhesive vinyl decal paper to add to those perfect little details.
[Computer Space control decal](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/579/original/computer-space-control2.pdf?1746045195)
## Feather Mount
Screw four sets of M2.5 x 8mm hex standoffs to the Feather Doubler as shown using four M2.5 x 4mm screws.
Place the doubler inside the cabinet as shown and fasten from underneath with four M2.5 x 6mm screws.
Add four adhesive bumper feet.
## Display Cable
Plug in the display cable.
## Optional Battery & Switch
If you plan to run on USB wall power, this is unnecessary, but if you want the option of portability to show it off when on the go, you can plug a LiPoly battery into the Feather and add a small SPST slide switch wired to Feather En(able) and GND, as shown in the Fritzing diagram.
https://youtu.be/xnBaKcANrvE
## Guide Products
### Monochrome 2.42" 128x64 OLED Graphic Display Module Kit
[Monochrome 2.42" 128x64 OLED Graphic Display Module Kit](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2719)
If you've been diggin' our [monochrome OLEDs](https://www.adafruit.com/categories/98) but need something bigger, this display will delight you! These displays are **2.42" diagonal** , and very readable due to the high contrast of an OLED display. This...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2719)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2719/guides)
### Adafruit Feather M4 Express - Featuring ATSAMD51
[Adafruit Feather M4 Express - Featuring ATSAMD51](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3857)
It's what you've been waiting for, the Feather M4 Express featuring ATSAMD51. This Feather is fast like a swift, smart like an owl, strong like a ox-bird (it's half ox, half bird, OK?) This feather is powered by our new favorite chip, the **ATSAMD51J19** - with...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3857)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3857/guides)
### FeatherWing Doubler - Prototyping Add-on For All Feather Boards
[FeatherWing Doubler - Prototyping Add-on For All Feather Boards](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2890)
This is the **FeatherWing Doubler** - a prototyping add-on and more for all Feather boards. This is similar to our [FeatherWing Proto](https://www.adafruit.com/products/2884) except there are two! The magic of the Doubler comes when stacking a Feather and another...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2890)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2890/guides)
### Fully Reversible Pink/Purple USB A to micro B Cable - 1m long
[Fully Reversible Pink/Purple USB A to micro B Cable - 1m long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4111)
This cable is not only super-fashionable, with a woven pink and purple Blinka-like pattern, it's also fully reversible! That's right, you will save _seconds_ a day by not having to flip the cable around.
First let's talk about the cover and over-molding. We got these...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4111)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4111/guides)
### Premium Female/Female Jumper Wires - 20 x 6" (150mm)
[Premium Female/Female Jumper Wires - 20 x 6" (150mm)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1950)
These female-female jumper wires are handy for making wire harnesses or jumpering between headers on PCB's. These premium jumper wires are 6" (150mm) long and come in a 'strip' of 20 (2 pieces of each of ten rainbow colors). They have 0.1" female header contacts...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1950)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1950/guides)
### Break-away 0.1" 36-pin strip male header - Black - 10 pack
[Break-away 0.1" 36-pin strip male header - Black - 10 pack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/392)
Breakaway header is like the duct tape of electronics. It's great for connecting things together, soldering to perf-boards, fits into any breakout or breadboard, etc. We go through these guys real fast, and thought that given how handy they are, we'd offer them in a pack of ten!
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/392)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/392/guides)
### Lithium Ion Battery - 3.7V 2000mAh
[Lithium Ion Battery - 3.7V 2000mAh](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2011)
Lithium-ion polymer (also known as 'lipo' or 'lipoly') batteries are thin, light, and powerful. The output ranges from 4.2V when completely charged to 3.7V. This battery has a capacity of 2000mAh. If you need a larger (or smaller!) battery,
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2011)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2011/guides)
### Black Nylon Machine Screw and Stand-off Set – M2.5 Thread
[Black Nylon Machine Screw and Stand-off Set – M2.5 Thread](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3299)
Totaling 380 pieces, this **M2.5 Screw Set** is a must-have for your workstation. You'll have enough screws, nuts, and hex standoffs to fuel your maker tendencies for days on end! M2.5 size screws fit almost all of the Adafruit breakout/dev board mounting holes...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3299)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3299/guides)
## Related Guides
- [Adafruit Feather M4 Express](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-feather-m4-express-atsamd51.md)
- [CircuitPython Day 2020 Countdown Clock](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-day-2020-countdown-clock.md)
- [Desk Calculator with CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/desk-calculator-with-circuitpython.md)
- [Wireless ESP32-S2 Touch Screen Controller for Pure Data](https://learn.adafruit.com/wireless-esp32-s2-controller-for-pure-data.md)
- [BLE Volume Knob with CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/bluetooth-le-hid-volume-knob-with-circuitpython.md)
- [PyPortal Calculator using the Displayio UI Elements](https://learn.adafruit.com/pyportal-calculator-using-the-displayio-ui-elements.md)
- [diy lofi hip hop raspberry pi radio](https://learn.adafruit.com/lofi-hip-hop-raspberry-pi-radio-braincraft.md)
- [RGB LED Matrix Cube with 25,000 LEDs](https://learn.adafruit.com/rgb-led-matrix-cube-for-pi.md)
- [LED Reactive Light-Up Hockey Puck in MakeCode](https://learn.adafruit.com/led-hockey-puck.md)
- [Light-Up Reactive Ukulele](https://learn.adafruit.com/light-up-reactive-ukulele.md)
- [DIY Robotic Sky Tracking Astrophotography Mount with CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/diy-robotic-sky-tracking-astrophotography-mount.md)
- [Nunchuck Controlled Laser Cat Toy](https://learn.adafruit.com/nunchuck-controlled-laser-cat-toy.md)
- [MakeCode Arcade with SAMD51 M4](https://learn.adafruit.com/makecode-arcade-with-samd51-m4.md)
- [Pip-Boy 2040 Wrist-Mounted Prop](https://learn.adafruit.com/pip-boy-2040.md)
- [Adafruit 1.14" 240x135 Color TFT Breakout LCD Display](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-1-14-240x135-color-tft-breakout.md)
- [ItsyBitsy ESP32 wFL case](https://learn.adafruit.com/itsybitsy-esp32-wfl-case.md)