Now that the Dremel work is done, I've been able to retool the workstation and begin work on the software side of the project. I hate to have to resort to RetroPie as the OS for this project, but it really does handle everything I need and it is the most versatile build in terms of being able to customize the interface.
I've grabbed the RetroPie image from their website and flashed it to my SD card with Etcher as it's the best option for MacOS. (Yes, I use a Mac as my primary machine. It still has an Escape key, natively interprets Bash, and runs Final Cut Pro. I also dual/triple boot with Windows or Ubuntu if I need to.) First boot for RetroPie brings up the controller configuration which I breeze through assigning only the necessary keys: up, down, left, right, B, A, Select, and Start. Under the configuration menu, I quickly set up WiFi and activate the SSH server before shutting down the Pi and dismantling the monitor/keyboard setup. At least now I can perform the rest of the setup via SSH and clear a little precious real estate on my table.
I'm using the 2.2" PiTFT screen from Adafruit as the larger screen from the BOM will not fit into my case (I'll have to save it for another project....), so I need to grab a few scripts from their Github library and install those. I'll put more details in the video once its finished.
Before going any further, I need to install the GPIO header on the Pi so that I can at least breadboard the controller (and attach the screen later). One soldering timelapse later, and I'm ready to start breadboarding! I'll pick up assembly tomorrow.
Meanwhile, I've filled my cameras' memory cards, so I need to dump them. Once everything is copied over, I'll shuttle through the footage and make sure everything looks okay before moving on. Once there's solder on the pads, I don't really want to get out the wick!
As Robert Frost said, I've got "miles to go before I sleep" and my interview time is tomorrow. Pass me another cuppa!