RPi powered emulator in a car

[X4n4tos]

Hello everyone! My friend told me about Raspberry Pi and the concept was really interesting in regards to something I'm trying to do. I have done some research but haven't quite found the exact thing I'm trying to do. So hopefully you guys can confirm/deny the accuracy of my research and point me in the right direction.

The Goal:
Put a Nintendo 64 in my 1996 Acura Integra

How I plan to do it...
Rather than buy an N64 (our old family one is stored away in perfect condition) my friend suggested I use Raspberry Pi to host an N64 emulator which could then be relayed to the screen.

From what I've read I could get a Rasberry Pi model B (money isn't particularly an issue on this project) and a touchscreen (i think a 7'' model would do the job) and run all of that to my old head unit which would simply be a slave to make sure the sound transmits through the vehicle. The RPi unit could be neatly concealed within the dashboard somewhere and I could slide my smaller, aftermarket head unit back further into the hole without it's mounting bracket and run an auxiliary cord from the RPi unit to the old head unit to make sure I get my sound. The 7'' screen should fit nicely in the hole I create by removing the radio and the pocket underneath.

The only thing that worries me is functionality with software. I'm not a coder, nor am I particularly good with programming. I have friends that are that would be willing to help but I want to make sure there is software to support my project.

I would need: An operating system that can function as a media player (for regular audio media while driving and stuff) AND run an N64 Emulator. I would also need a way to plug controllers into the RPi system to make it playable. And I'd like to use original N64 controllers because I don't really trust anything aftermarket.

Is this doable? Is it a pipedream? Would I be better off buying an N64 and touch screen radio with the right imputs?

Thanks in advance guys.

[Navyscourge]

You probably need to look at RetroPi and Kodi (search on the internet) as they are emulator and media player operating systems. You can also search for how to connect controllers, as that is quite common. Things similar to what you describe has been done by many; you are probably talking more about setting up your Pi rather than coding (although you might need a bit). The important bit is to take it step by step, getting one bit working before trying the next.

I did not quite understand what you plan to do with your car. I would be wary about modifying it in ways that are going to give you problems with legal regulations (i.e. the MOT in the UK)

[BMS Doug]

I did not quite understand what you plan to do with your car. I would be wary about modifying it in ways that are going to give you problems with legal regulations (i.e. the MOT in the UK)

He should be OK with that, he wants to slide his radio further back into the dashboard (pushing it inwards so that it is concealed within its own mounting point) and mount the Pi and display in front where the radio used to sit.

I would suggest a Pi2, why not get the best version available for this project?


Suggested project Path:

• Get a Pi2 and three 8GB microSD cards.
• Get Pi2 working with Raspbian on TV at home (SD card 1).
• play with emulators until you find one a N64 emulator you like (SD cards 2 & 3).
• figure out how to add N64 controllers.
• Play with Music players until you find one you like (bonus points if it runs within the N64 emulator) (SD card 3).
• get a small screen that will fit into the car, get it working with raspbian (SD card1).
• Get the screen working with emulator and music player (SD card 2).
• Check that analog audio works with screen and emulator.
• move stereo to make space.
• install Pi and screen.
• troubleshoot.
• Cry.
• Ask for help.
• get it all working and celebrate.