Famicom World

Misc. => Other Gaming => Topic started by: nintendodork on June 01, 2009, 07:16:46 pm

Title: Arcade Machines
Post by: nintendodork on June 01, 2009, 07:16:46 pm
Ok, I'm really not sure what to do here...I'm trying to make a choice on what I should buy...I have two choices

A loose Nintendo Block Kuzushi console for $130 coming from Japan

or

An "ok" condition Donkey Kong arcade cabinet for $200.  Works great, has a few scratches on the sides, and the front glass (not the monitor, the glass that doesn't let you touch the monitor) is missing.  The coin-op is taken out because the original owner lost the key, so it's on free-play.

What do you think?
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: nurd on June 01, 2009, 07:23:52 pm
Arcade cabinet all the way.
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: nintendodork on June 01, 2009, 07:25:15 pm
I am sort of leaning towards the cabinet, since it's a fraction of what they go for on the internet, and since this one is local, I may just get that....

But I've also wanted a pre-Famicom console for a long time...
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: nurd on June 01, 2009, 07:26:03 pm
The cabinet will be more fun and you can play with multiple people, because everybody likes arcadess.
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: nintendodork on June 01, 2009, 07:30:25 pm
True, my friends would probably like Donkey Kong more, since they know what it is, and probably wouldn't pay that much attention to a Breakout clone (to them)...

I've been looking for a DK Pulse Line for awhile, and I can't believe it's easier to get this. :o
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: JC on June 01, 2009, 07:33:16 pm
Arcade. It's a boy's daydream...someday I'll get one.
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: ericj on June 01, 2009, 07:38:15 pm
Arcade all the way. There's a Chinese grocery in Portland that has a MK cabinet in the back of the store that I've had my eye on for awhile. Maybe someday.
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: nintendodork on June 01, 2009, 07:41:55 pm
I'll need to go there tomorrow and check it in more detail.  It wasn't on when I was there today, but I've seen it play the demo before...but I don't remember if the sound works.  I hope it does.  The controls are fantastic, I can't believe how springy the buttons are.  When I first looked at it, I thought the joystick was gonna be crap, but it wasn't.  That's about the only thing (and a couple of games) that aren't absolute crap in there ;)
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: 133MHz on June 01, 2009, 07:53:42 pm
Arcade Machine!
I've fulfilled my dream of owning one and it's as awesome as it can be. Restore it and it'll make a great conversation piece, and it also will provide tons of fun for your family and friends.

While the Nintendo Block seems great, you'll be struggling to get it to work on your modern US TV set and it'll probably end up on a shelf for display. OTOH your arcade machine will be the center of attention ;).
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: FamicomFreak on June 01, 2009, 08:03:08 pm
ARCADE YOU DORK HOW CAN YOU QUESTION THAT??? Haven't you learned anything I taught you? wekekekkekeke
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: nintendodork on June 01, 2009, 08:24:56 pm
Alright, I'll get the cabinet.  It's one thing for it to be local, but it's pretty cool he's selling it that cheap.  That place is closing down, so I guess if I even think about it, I better get it.  They have to be out of there by the 13th of this month.  They're having a 25% off sale, but the original price of the cabinet was $500, but he said he'd sell it for $200 :P
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: Mindfreak on June 01, 2009, 08:57:04 pm
Good choice, dork!

Cabinet all the way!!
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: nurd on June 01, 2009, 08:58:12 pm
What other Cabinet games were there, if any?
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: FamicomFreak on June 01, 2009, 09:02:56 pm
That's an interesting question. If there is  TMNT arcade cabinet I'll prostitute myself for it!!
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: nintendodork on June 01, 2009, 09:08:11 pm
None, sadly.  This is the only cabinet I've ever seen there, because smart people know not to sell their stuff to the pawn shop, since he only pays a fractions of the price for it.  This is one of the two cabinets I've ever seen for sale anywhere in the surrounding area...that game store I went to in Omaha had one.  A restored Ms. Pac-Man machine.  It was $700 though.  It looked brand spanking new, but I'd rather have Donkey Kong over Ms. Pac-Man any day.
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: nurd on June 01, 2009, 09:11:13 pm
I want a Q*Bert machine.

Or that Super Mario Bros one they have at Pizza Plus...
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: FamicomFreak on June 01, 2009, 09:12:10 pm
Hmm that reminds me I saw a Super Mario Bros VS machine on craiglist not too long ago. The guy wanted 2k for it though.
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: manuel on June 02, 2009, 12:51:19 am
Make sure to post pics of the cabinet.
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: son_ov_hades on June 02, 2009, 08:20:12 am
Cabinet sounds awesome, I've always wanted a TMNT 4 player cab.
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: UglyJoe on June 02, 2009, 08:48:14 am
Quote from: nurd on June 01, 2009, 09:11:13 pm
I want a Q*Bert machine.


Q*Bert cabinets are awesome.  They have a solenoid in them that makes a loud "thunk" when you fall off the pyramid.
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: 133MHz on June 02, 2009, 10:54:49 am
and a diagonal joystick!
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: LocalToast on June 02, 2009, 10:27:03 pm
I'm sure your average human being would appreciate an arcade cabinet over an early Nintendo home entertainment device. :P

I'm keeping my eyes peeled for a Vs. Dualsystem...
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: TanookiSuitSam on June 03, 2009, 01:23:34 am
While we're on the subject of arcade cabinets. Some guy was selling a Playchoice 10 in my local craigslist. I believe it was the one with Mike Tyson's punch out in it. He wanted 600 for it, I believe. It sucks because I really needed a car so I got a car instead (and more important anyway, but damn).

Oh well, when the opportunity presents itself again, I know what im doing~
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: nintendodork on June 03, 2009, 10:03:25 am
Ok, so it really comes down to this; my parents aren't sure about me buying it because the cabinet is missing the front pane/glass/window/whatever.  Are these hard to replace?  Is it dangerous not to have one?
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: TanookiSuitSam on June 03, 2009, 12:12:22 pm
It's not dangerous to NOT have a glass over it, but it's still a good idea to because if something does happen to it, you wont get shocked. The monitors, if touched, have been known to kill people if not properly discharged. It's always a good idea to

As for replacing the glass, it shouldnt be all that hard. any monitor glass from any nintendo cabinet will do. But I still suggest getting a donkey kong monitor glass considering you want it to at least look nice.
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: ericj on June 03, 2009, 12:34:06 pm
Quote from: TanookiSuitSam on June 03, 2009, 12:12:22 pm
The monitors, if touched, have been known to kill people if not properly discharged. It's always a good idea to


This is only true if you touch the CRT anode, FBT wire, or maybe a hv cap, which is on the back of the monitor and on the PS board .  You won't shock yourself if there is a missing cover from the front of the unit.  ;)

Odds are that it won't kill you, but 20-60K volts can cause some harm and maybe throw you across the room. If you discharge the CRT and caps properly and use good safety measures (wear shoes, don't touch with both hands to avoid voltage going throuh your heart, ground the anode to avoid it recharging itself, and have another person around in case you screw up), you'll be fine.
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: 133MHz on June 03, 2009, 12:38:52 pm
Your local glazier can sell you a piece of glass cut to perfect size to replace the broken bezel in the meantime. You can even print out the artwork and stick it to the back of the glass to replace it in case you can't find/afford the original bezel.

While Sam's comments about monitors are true, arcade monitors are internally connected to an isolation transformer to precisely avoid electrifying the cabinet's metal parts. A bare, line-connected monitor is dangerous, but when an isolation transformer is used, touching the metal frame of the monitor or any of the cabinet's metal parts is completely safe (this doesn't mean you can go around touching every wire in sight!).

If you open up the cabinet you'll see that the monitor is connected to a special plug coming out from the huge-ass transformer of the power supply. This is the isolation transformer, and this keeps the monitor and cabinet safe. DO NOT PLUG THE MONITOR ANYWHERE ELSE!. Keep the monitor plugged into that socket, otherwise a dangerous condition will result.

Quote from: ericj on June 03, 2009, 12:34:06 pm
This is only true if you touch the CRT anode, FBT wire, or maybe a hv cap, which is on the back of the monitor and on the PS board .  You won't shock yourself if there is a missing cover from the front of the unit.  ;)


Also kinda true, but arcade monitors and old TV sets aren't isolated from the mains line (therefore they have a live or hot chassis) and that WILL shock you if you come in contact with ANY of its metal parts, even ground! That's the reason for having isolation transformers inside arcade cabinets. Without it, touching the joysticks or the coin door would zap you!

So in conclusion (for dork's parents): The cabinet is safe without its glass bezel (though not very aesthetically presentable, and the monitor risks getting dust & scratches over it) and getting a standard piece of glass to replace it should be cheap & easy.
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: L___E___T on June 03, 2009, 12:59:41 pm
arcade cab, for sure.

I picked up a new and unused block kozushi for $110,   they go cheap if you find the right people to buy from.  Course, the cab will always be a burden cos they take up so much room.
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: nintendodork on June 03, 2009, 01:32:23 pm
Alright.  Well, the Block Kazushi auction ended....

And the guy at the pawn shop screwed me over.  I went there today, and he said he wanted $300 and wouldn't go any lower, and then he told my grandma to get out of the store, and then he said he wanted $450 for it, then shortly after, he said he wasn't selling it and that he was gonna put it on eBay.  So today's "fuck you" award goes to the douchebag at the pawn shop in Shenandoah, Iowa.  I've only dealt with him a few times (The shop has different employees), and the other one is really nice.  Too bad she wasn't there today.  To top it all off, the shop is going to close for good sometime this month, so I have no chance of the other employee coming there, since she tends to only fill in for the douchebag.  He didn't put it on eBay as far as I know, because I just searched different terms such as "Donkey Kong", "arcade", etc. on eBay within 50 miles of me, and nothing. 
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: L___E___T on June 03, 2009, 04:37:05 pm
stay away from pawn shops, they're like an urban petri dish for breeding scum.  Hate the places.
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: Paul-FC on June 03, 2009, 05:12:35 pm
Quote from: nintendodork on June 03, 2009, 01:32:23 pm
and then he told my grandma to get out of the store. 

why did he do that?
was it because you were asking him to go lower?
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: ericj on June 03, 2009, 05:14:38 pm
You should post their phone number here so everyone on the site can call and tell him what a prick move that was.   :D
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: nintendodork on June 03, 2009, 05:22:01 pm
Hehe, the phone number is right on their door.

Quote from: popibros1 on June 03, 2009, 05:12:35 pm
Quote from: nintendodork on June 03, 2009, 01:32:23 pm
and then he told my grandma to get out of the store. 

why did he do that?
was it because you were asking him to go lower?
Yeah, he told both of us to get out, but I was shocked he told my grandma that.  She tried to reason with him, but she didn't yell at him! >:(

I have high hopes of another place, though.  I found one in much better condition, it's been modified a little bit to play DK, DK Jr, and DK 3, so there is an extra button.  It's double what the one in the pawn shop was going for, but it's in great condition.  I'll edit this post later with pics.

EDIT*
(http://i5.ebayimg.com/03/i/000/d5/f2/d9b6_12.JPG)
(http://i15.ebayimg.com/08/i/000/d5/f2/db2b_12.JPG)
(http://i21.ebayimg.com/07/i/000/fb/13/9831_12.JPG)
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: L___E___T on June 03, 2009, 05:37:23 pm
If you have the cash I think it makes much more sense.  OR, you could build your own as a project if you're handy with woodwork?!

I keep meaning to make a street fighter arcade cab but it's money, money, money and like I said they're not exacttly portable.  Space in London is sparse!

Also, what kind of a douche speaks like that to an elder.  Like I said, petri dish mate.
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: nintendodork on June 03, 2009, 05:39:59 pm
Yeah, it smells like mold in there..and I'm not good with woodworking projects :P  I have the cash, this is what I'm gonna spend my birthday money and money I've been saving on.  Does Donkey Kong 3 use two buttons?  As far as I know, DK and DK Jr only use the joystick and the jump button.  I'm not sure why that green button is there.
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: ericj on June 03, 2009, 05:41:53 pm
That's probably one of the reasons he's going out of business. I'd go with the other one anyway.

Someone on CL in Portland is selling a 1982 Donkey Kong Jr. and a 1983 Super Mario Bros. arcade game for $700 each, but didn't put any pics on the ad.
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: L___E___T on June 03, 2009, 05:43:17 pm
I like the original mario bros arcade, that rules.

Would it be better to hang on and go for a superplay cab?  I'm not sure what they go for but seems a good way to go..
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: nintendodork on June 03, 2009, 05:46:30 pm
I'd love to have a VS. Super Mario Bros arcade, but Donkey Kong/ DK Jr. are great, too.  I never really played DK3, though.

Annnnddd, he's going out of business because he's *trying* to move to a different location.  He's selling a bunch of stuff at his house too, he lives about 2 miles away from me.  We both live in the country.  His yard is a POS, and he's got random things in it that say "for sale".  I did manage to get a few good NES/Dreamcast/misc things a couple days ago, before all of this, so now, his store has nothing of my wants ;D  I'm gonna post pics in the finds later.

Also, LET, do you mean PlayChoice 10?  I've never heard of PowerPlay before...but, I've seen those on CL in Omaha, but they have crappy games on 'em.  There are like 2 there right now, one is $950, and one is $1,000 something.
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: ericj on June 03, 2009, 05:47:56 pm
Here's a DK Jr. conversion kit from CL, $150:

http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/clt/1198031403.html

(http://images.craigslist.org/3nb3m53paZZZZZZZZZ95vd494defbbfc21bab.jpg)
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: nintendodork on June 03, 2009, 05:50:51 pm
Heh, it'd be pretty cool to have sort of a mash-up thing going on, maybe take the screen of DK Jr, and put it on the DK cabinet..I don't know.  Just an idea :P   Like the cabinet on this page http://www.familyrecroom.com/donkey-kong-kong-jr-and-mario-brothers-upright-arcade-p-3054.html :o
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: TanookiSuitSam on June 03, 2009, 05:54:33 pm
DK 3 used two buttons for the bug spray and to jump, I believe.
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: 133MHz on June 03, 2009, 05:55:35 pm
If I remember correctly, you use Up to jump on DK3.
I think that the extra button is used to switch between games, but that's just my speculation.
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: nintendodork on June 03, 2009, 05:56:31 pm
Then it would make sense to make the spray button green :P  Cool!  Could be what 133MHz said, too...

We'll see, I guess :)
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: L___E___T on June 03, 2009, 06:04:59 pm
I did mean playchoice 10 yes :P  you must forgive me, it's past 2am and I'm still at work!

Still, do you really want a cabinet that bad?  You could get an awesome famicom box for that money!
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: Blue Protoman on June 03, 2009, 06:12:11 pm
Quote from: ericj on June 03, 2009, 05:14:38 pm
You should post their phone number here so everyone on the site can call and tell him what a prick move that was.   :D


Post their number on 4chan!
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: nintendodork on June 03, 2009, 06:20:43 pm
Quote from: L___E___T on June 03, 2009, 06:04:59 pm
You could get an awesome famicom box for that money!
I've wanted a cabinet for a long time, I just haven't brought it up, because I've never really had a chance to buy one until now.  A FamicomBox did pop into my head for awhile, but I thought I'd have much more fun with this, and my brother would, too, considering he was a kid when Donkey Kong was big.

EDIT*  Just watched some gameplay of DK3 on an original cabinet, and it only has the jump button, so the green button is to switch the games.
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: Rob64 on June 03, 2009, 08:04:52 pm
The Donkey Kong arcade looks sweet, excellent choice.
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: TanookiSuitSam on June 03, 2009, 09:37:03 pm
Quote from: Blue Protoman on June 03, 2009, 06:12:11 pm
Post their number on 4chan!


(http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/166/whatdidyousaymotherfuck.png)
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: LocalToast on June 04, 2009, 09:52:12 pm
Wow, that sounds like just about the worst thing that could have happened (at the pawn shop). :o
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: nintendodork on June 15, 2009, 07:16:57 pm
Well, last night, my parents and I stayed in Omaha with my brother and his wife, since my dad had knee surgery this morning.  So, last night, we decided to go to "The Digz";  a bar and grill that has volleyball leagues, and sells arcade machines on the side (weird combination, I know).  They had a little over 30 machines for sale, and I played a little over 20 of them.  I made a video of it, and I'm trying to upload it to Youtube right now.  I bought two, but I'm not going to say which ones, yet, because we couldn't pick them up last night.  But we payed for 'em last night, and I'm so excited!  If any of you would like to try to guess, here's an indirect hint: Atilla the Hun
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: Rob64 on June 15, 2009, 07:29:38 pm
What arcade game has anything to do with Atilla the Hun?!
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: nintendodork on June 15, 2009, 07:31:43 pm
I said it was indirect :P  It doesn't have to do with Atillia himself, it has to do with two letters in his name.

BTW: If anyone wants to know, the guy at the pawn shop sold his DK machine for $375 on eBay, which was a ripoff for whoever ended up getting it. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160340022356&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:US:1123
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: Rob64 on June 15, 2009, 07:35:34 pm
could one of them be asteroids?
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: nintendodork on June 15, 2009, 07:39:46 pm
Here's the video, sorry for the quality.  I'm probably going to re-upload it when I have a better connection.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLb_fYweu28
It's not done processing, so give it a little bit.
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: Rob64 on June 15, 2009, 07:42:25 pm
This video is unavailable according to youtube...

whatever, off to beat Phoenix Wright 3 again.
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: nintendodork on June 15, 2009, 07:49:11 pm
Quote from: nintendodork on June 15, 2009, 07:39:46 pm
It's not done processing, so give it a little bit.
That's why.  It's fine now.
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: nintendodork on June 16, 2009, 10:35:47 pm
Had a question about arcade machine DIP switches.  If there's a machine that doesn't have a DIP switch setting for free play, would could I do so I wouldn't have to put in any coins?  Would there be any alternative to keeping the coin mech open and pressing the credit button?
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: 133MHz on June 16, 2009, 11:06:16 pm
You can wire a pushbutton switch in parallel to the coin signal contacts. Push the button, get a credit.
I did that to my cabinet because we quickly got tired of opening the coin door and flicking the coin switch.

EDIT: Added MSN drawing
(http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/1154/gj777ctmp.jpg)
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: TanookiSuitSam on June 17, 2009, 12:47:19 am
So I watched your video. Can't believe you found a playchoice 10 while there! Wish I could have been there :(
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: manuel on June 17, 2009, 02:06:48 am
Wow, so you're 14 and have 2 arcade machines?
:o

When I was 14 I was glad to get a SNES.  :-[
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: turbo D on June 17, 2009, 04:24:26 am
I would like to guess that you bought... le Double Dragon and le PlayChoice 10!!! hahaha. I own an altered beast arcade cabinet. It's a sega-16 board, pretty much the same as that golden axe that was featured in your video. It has freeplay available in the dip setting, so if you bought Golden Axe, you are good to go with freeplay.
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: manuel on June 17, 2009, 05:32:02 am
Today I went to a big store that sells used stuff and they had tons of those gambling machines, but no arcade machines unfortunately. I wonder where I could find those in Japan.  :-\
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: nintendodork on June 17, 2009, 06:18:29 am
2009 has been a good year for me, I got a Famicom, a Disk System, and two arcades 8) What's next? :D
Quote from: TanookiSuitSam on June 17, 2009, 12:47:19 am
So I watched your video. Can't believe you found a Playchoice 10 while there! Wish I could have been there :(
Lots of people thought that PC10 was cool, and it was nice to see one IRL.  It was in great condition, and (hint) I probably would have bought it if it wasn't for the bottom screen being so dark.  That frightened me, as it could've been a simple turn of a switch to get it back to normal, or it could be the monitor itself.

EDIT*
I also just saw the post above me, and I thought it was a weird combination...a bar..that has volleyball leagues...that sells arcade machines.
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: manuel on June 17, 2009, 06:56:48 am
If you go on like that you'll need a bigger house.  :D
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: nintendodork on June 17, 2009, 08:24:54 am
Heh, I had to rearrange almost my entire room to get these to fit.  Luckily, I didn't want a whole lot of what was in there, I had just never gotten rid of it.
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: nurd on June 17, 2009, 10:21:34 am
We have a puck bowling machine and a pinball machine.

An arcade machine would be really neat.

Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: 133MHz on June 17, 2009, 11:37:22 am
Quote from: manuel on June 17, 2009, 05:32:02 am
no arcade machines unfortunately. I wonder where I could find those in Japan.  :-\


Lukemorse1 on Youtube owns like 5 arcade machines and he lives in Japan. 4 of them are Candy cabs, 6-slot Neo Geo systems and he got them for ridiculously cheap prices (like 50 bucks each). He gets them off auction sites as far as I remember.
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: nintendodork on June 17, 2009, 12:11:40 pm
Candy cabs are cool.  I figure I could fit 3 of them side by side in this big spot in my room.  But, even if they are super cheap, why would you want 4 MVS's?
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: Rogles on June 17, 2009, 12:44:04 pm
PARTAAAAAYS

He alludes to having friends over for gaming parties and stuff in some of his videos.
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: nintendodork on June 17, 2009, 12:46:12 pm
Oh, yeah.  But here's the real question..if he's got all of his MVS's in his room, where do his friends fit?
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: manuel on June 17, 2009, 09:47:31 pm
It probably helps to live in a big city, too. I guess he's in the Tokyo region.

For 50 bucks even I could afford those... but I doubt you can really get them for that cheap?
Even most home consoles cost more than that used.  :-\

Quote from: 133MHz on June 17, 2009, 11:37:22 am
Quote from: manuel on June 17, 2009, 05:32:02 am
no arcade machines unfortunately. I wonder where I could find those in Japan.  :-\


Lukemorse1 on Youtube owns like 5 arcade machines and he lives in Japan. 4 of them are Candy cabs, 6-slot Neo Geo systems and he got them for ridiculously cheap prices (like 50 bucks each). He gets them off auction sites as far as I remember.


Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: TanookiSuitSam on June 17, 2009, 09:58:12 pm
Quote from: manuel on June 17, 2009, 09:47:31 pm
It probably helps to live in a big city, too. I guess he's in the Tokyo region.

For 50 bucks even I could afford those... but I doubt you can really get them for that cheap?
Even most home consoles cost more than that used.  :-\



Well I know what a lot of people do is buy "broken" arcade systems for cheap then fix them up to look like new. Some build all new cabinets and stuff. It's all about your passion for the arcade gaming I guess.
Title: Re: Arcade Machines
Post by: nintendodork on June 18, 2009, 12:46:21 pm
Ok, guys...after A LOT of struggling, we managed to get the machines upstairs into my room.
(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp320/nintendodork1/botharcasdes.jpg)
I think it's a nice spot for them.  I took that above pic as soon as we got 'em where we wanted 'em.  So I've cleaned Asteroids a little, and I dusted Truxton.

(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp320/nintendodork1/asteroidscab.jpg)
(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp320/nintendodork1/truxtoncabinet.jpg)
(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp320/nintendodork1/truxtonmarquee.jpg)

Oh, and I forgot the best part, Asteroids is already set on Free Play and 4 ships, but as I said earlier, I had a problem with Truxton, since there was no free play...but, I asked the guy about what I could do.  And he told me the same thing 133MHz, told me, he showed me what to do, and gave me a little switch, since he had no buttons.  I wired it up, and now, I just flick a switch to get credits!  He also gave me new keys, and the Truxton manual!  A nice little bonus.

Things to do: Clean more, replace Asteroids' plexiglass, put side art (possibly a new marquee, too) on Truxton, play :P
Title: Re: Arcade Machines
Post by: namzep on June 18, 2009, 01:06:23 pm
Those cabs look to be in great shape.  I have three and only one of them is in what I'd call "display" condition.  The others need some serious (mostly cosmetic) work to look good.  One has absolutely no artwork (other than a centipede glass and generic control panel overlay).  I had to drag mine up two steps to get them in the house and that was a big enough pain.  I can't imagine going up a full flight of stairs.  Did you use a dolly or was it more lifting than anything?
Title: Re: Arcade Machines
Post by: nintendodork on June 18, 2009, 01:13:56 pm
Well, outside, we have 3 stairs up to our deck, so first we had to get it up that on a dolly, and then, it was kind of awkward for the stairs inside our house, as there's a landing that makes them turn 90 degrees for the next half of the stairs.  Anyway, once we got to the inside stairs, we took it off the dolly, tipped it on it's back, had one person pushing, and the other two (sort of) pulling.  Once we got to the landing, we stood it up, turned it, layed it back down, did the same thing again.  Once it was at the top, we pushed it back up, put it on the dolly, moved it to my room, opened it, installed the coin switch/got the power supply out, moved it in the corner, and voila. :P
Title: Re: Arcade Machines
Post by: namzep on June 18, 2009, 01:32:42 pm
One thing you need to do with that Truxton is either find an original bezel or find someone who has one that will scan it for you.  Even a Truxton II would work. 

edit: Guess I could show you what I've got:

(http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u202/namzep69/forums/th_new090606b.jpg) (http://s169.photobucket.com/albums/u202/namzep69/forums/?action=view&current=new090606b.jpg)
(http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u202/namzep69/forums/th_new090606a.jpg) (http://s169.photobucket.com/albums/u202/namzep69/forums/?action=view&current=new090606a.jpg)
(http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u202/namzep69/forums/th_new090530a.jpg) (http://s169.photobucket.com/albums/u202/namzep69/forums/?action=view&current=new090530a.jpg)
(http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u202/namzep69/forums/th_new090530b.jpg) (http://s169.photobucket.com/albums/u202/namzep69/forums/?action=view&current=new090530b.jpg)

The third cab's in transit and it a dynamo that has had Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter transplanted into it.
Title: Re: Arcade Machines
Post by: nintendodork on June 18, 2009, 01:36:40 pm
Yeah.  The guy who delivered it also collects/repairs arcade machines as a hobby, and he said that when he got it, it was a POS (the entire cabinet), so he had to replace the original with this generic bezel.  Of course, of all the generic ones out there, this one seems the most fitting.  I hope to get an original one someday, though.

Edit* Just saw your pics, those cabinets look nice!  I think they look better than mine.  Truxton has this one white spot on the side, but I figure I can just paint over it, and Asteroids has some wear down by the controls...it looks like people tried scratching/punching the area over the controls, but it's nothing big.  I have some nice, small projects to look forward too!  Also, where can one locate the DIP switches in an upright cabinet?  I wanna change a few things on Truxton.

Edit 2* Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCoj95w2SPc
Title: Re: Arcade Machines
Post by: namzep on June 18, 2009, 02:20:16 pm
You know, I've never really messed with the dip switches so I really have no idea.  Both of my cabs are going to be refinished.  The vertical monitor cab is becoming a Galaga (but using a 48-in-1 board) and the horizontal one is being converted to a Tetris.  Then, they'll look much nicer (maybe not factory fresh but darn close).
Title: Re: Arcade Machines
Post by: nintendodork on June 18, 2009, 02:40:04 pm
I just opened Asteroids, since the PCB is right on the door, and I found the DIP switches in that one.  The only thing I thought of changing was "Push Start" to "Startknoepfe drucken" :P  Anyway, I'm assuming the DIP switches in Truxton are also in the PCB, but I need a light to see exactly where.  Is it safe to use a flash light on the PCB?
Title: Re: Arcade Machines
Post by: turbo D on June 18, 2009, 03:01:25 pm
http://www.solvalou.com/subpage/arcade_dips/T/truxton
Title: Re: Arcade Machines
Post by: nintendodork on June 18, 2009, 03:04:43 pm
I've got Truxton's manual, so I know what they do, I just don't know where they are for sure in the actual machine, and I was wondering if it's safe to shine a flashlight into the machine.  I don't want to erase the EPROMS or anything.
Title: Re: Arcade Machines
Post by: Rogles on June 18, 2009, 03:15:37 pm
I think you'll be fine, as EPROMs use UV light... Unless you've got a blacklight flashlight or something. :P
Title: Re: Arcade Machines
Post by: turbo D on June 18, 2009, 03:21:09 pm
ya, the UV light used to erase eproms is blinding. You'll be fine with le flashlight. I was with my cab.
Title: Re: Arcade Machines
Post by: nintendodork on June 18, 2009, 08:28:30 pm
Thanks for reassuring me, guys.  The thing that pisses me off is that they're not doing what the book says they do...or at least I don't think so Tongue

EDIT:  Anyone know a site that sells reproductions of sideart or takes custom requests?  Truxton isn't a very well known game, so I haven't had any luck on eBay or Google.
Title: Re: Arcade Machines
Post by: cosmic-ark on June 18, 2009, 09:47:25 pm
not sure if this will help its in australia but our dollar is only worth 60-70 us cents so it may be beneficial anway heres the link     http://www.highway.net.au/parts/headers/3088_1.html
Title: Re: Arcade Machines
Post by: nintendodork on June 18, 2009, 10:20:09 pm
Thanks for trying, but, this looks like a marquee...and an unoriginal one at that.  That's the only original thing about mine :D
Title: Re: Arcade Machines
Post by: nintendodork on June 21, 2009, 09:48:38 am
Does anyone have any experience or know how hard it is to swap PCBs in arcade machines?  I'd like to buy a few if it's not too tough.  Also, what are JAMMA harnesses used for?  The guy who delivered Truxton said it's on a JAMMA board, and I was wondering what's so special about the JAMMA harness..and what makes it different from regular (and Nintendo) PCBs.
Title: Re: Arcade Machines
Post by: 133MHz on June 21, 2009, 09:58:38 am
You can picture a JAMMA harness as a game cartridge connector. You can swap JAMMA games just like you can swap cartridges on consoles. Want to play another game? Unplug the original board and plug in another one. Easy!

(http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff43/sonnyburnet/29032009196.jpg)

You can also get adapters to convert non-JAMMA games (like Pac-Man and Nintendo PCBs) into JAMMA games.
Title: Re: My tough decision..
Post by: manuel on June 24, 2009, 04:30:34 am
Quote from: TanookiSuitSam on June 17, 2009, 09:58:12 pm
Quote from: manuel on June 17, 2009, 09:47:31 pm
It probably helps to live in a big city, too. I guess he's in the Tokyo region.

For 50 bucks even I could afford those... but I doubt you can really get them for that cheap?
Even most home consoles cost more than that used.  :-\



Well I know what a lot of people do is buy "broken" arcade systems for cheap then fix them up to look like new. Some build all new cabinets and stuff. It's all about your passion for the arcade gaming I guess.


That's the way for people with skills.
Non-enlightened people like me have to go the expensive route and buy working stuff.  :-[
Maybe I should get some books on electronics and do some study.
Title: Re: Arcade Machines
Post by: namzep on June 29, 2009, 05:49:20 pm
I think the best way to learn is to just jump in on arcade machines.  I didn't have any skill the first time I built a control panel and I was still able to make something that worked fine (not pretty to look at, though).  Arcade machines (aside from monitors and boards, which have tons of small parts to work on) are really not all that complicated.

edit: Guess I should show off my new machine:

(http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u202/namzep69/forums/th_new090628a.jpg) (http://s169.photobucket.com/albums/u202/namzep69/forums/?action=view&current=new090628a.jpg)
(http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u202/namzep69/forums/th_new090628b.jpg) (http://s169.photobucket.com/albums/u202/namzep69/forums/?action=view&current=new090628b.jpg)
Title: Re: Arcade Machines
Post by: manuel on June 29, 2009, 05:59:50 pm
Great looking machine, namzep.
Title: Re: Arcade Machines
Post by: Jollie on June 29, 2009, 09:18:06 pm
i always wanted to buy an old galaga machine. love that game. or a playchoice 10 machine.
weird thing is unbeknownst to me there is an arcade machine place literally 500 feet up the road from my house that i think i will check out this weekend.
Title: Re: Arcade Machines
Post by: namzep on July 11, 2009, 06:33:04 am
Should be adding a few more machines in the next week or so:

Astro Blaster cocktail
Pole Position