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Author Topic: Williams Defender Cocktail Restoration Project!  (Read 21712 times)

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zzaz3

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Williams Defender Cocktail Restoration Project!
« on: May 03, 2010, 04:57:11 pm »
Hey everybody,

I just got 2 Williams cocktail cabinets yesterday and have decided that I'm going to restore at least one of them.  I have most of the tools and parts I need for this project, but I haven't decided yet which game I should restore.  I already have 2 Make Trax control panel overlays, so that would make things a little easyer.  But I'd also love to have a Robotron or Defender cab! (Although that might be a little more work).

So, before I make a decision, does anybody have any advise on what game I should make?


Also, I'll try and upload some pictures of what I'm working with later tonight.

UPDATE:

Alright, here's what I have to work with:

The first cabinet.


The inside is pretty clean.


The second cabinet.


This one could use some cleaning.


Part of the power supply.  Not sure if it works.


I just got this power supply working a few hours ago.  :afro:


One of the control panel overlays.


I think this is a 13' monitor.  I'm not sure how I'm going to mount it in if I choose to do Make Trax.


Another monitor.  It might be 19', but it looks bigger than that.


One of the joysticks.  Not sure what type.  The guy I bought it from said it was the best of the best.



I have some other parts that aren't pictured.  I might upload them if I need help or if anyone wants to see them.


« Last Edit: August 12, 2010, 12:00:29 pm by zzaz3 »

RayB

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Re: Williams Cocktail Restoration Project
« Reply #1 on: May 04, 2010, 02:37:28 am »
I would say to sell your Make Trax parts and make it one of the good games. Robotron, Defender, Joust...  or a Multi-Williams.

Make Trax is one of those games nobody likes, wants, or will ever pay fair value for. You have been warned!
NO MORE!!

saleem

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Re: Williams Cocktail Restoration Project
« Reply #2 on: May 04, 2010, 08:24:22 am »
what kinda games are you into??

i mean if your into shooty type games then put a shooty type game in there.if you want a descision,i would say robotron.
:)

zzaz3

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Re: Williams Cocktail Restoration Project
« Reply #3 on: May 04, 2010, 06:40:09 pm »
Yeah, its a tough decision.  I'd prefer Robotron over any other, but it seems like that would be more expensive and time consuming.  It would be kinda cool to turn one into a defender cabinet because it was originally a defender.  And Make Trax..  Well it would be easyer and cheaper.. but it's not the best game out there.

I'm probably going to make a Robotron.  I'll update this once I research the cost and make a decision.

opt2not

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Re: Williams Cocktail Restoration Project
« Reply #4 on: May 04, 2010, 06:53:20 pm »
I'm probably going to make a Robotron.  I'll update this once I research the cost and make a decision.
:applaud:

You have chosen...wisely.

zzaz3

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Re: Williams Cocktail Restoration Project
« Reply #5 on: May 04, 2010, 09:06:43 pm »
Ok, apparently Defender parts are hard to find, so it's between Make Trax and Robotron.  I'm gonna make a list of all the pros and cons and the cost.

Make Trax:
  • Only needs a Make Trax board which is around $50. And a harness witch is $30. (Unless you guys can help me build my own)
  • I've already worked with Make Trax machines, so I know more about them.
  • This would almost be the easiest way to go, but the monitor I have mounts in Horizontally.  So I might have to rebuild the casing to mount vertically.
  • Would have a bad resale value.

Robotron:
  • Would cost closer to $100 for a board and I can't find a harness for it.
  • Needs another pair of Joysticks for $15 each
  • I'd need to buy the control panel overlay, which is $75
  • Not sure if power supply will work with this.  And I don't know much about the sound board and ect..
  • The monitor and bezel I have would be perfect for Robotron!
  • I like Robotron a little bit better.
  • Robotron would have a pretty good resale value.


I honestly just hate losing money.  And I have a feeling I might loose money (or eventually break even) on the make trax.  That is, if I ever decide to sell it.  I don't have much money at the moment, so the Make Trax looks nice to me, so this is really tough.  I think I might do the Robotron cabinet 1st and later do the Make Trax or vise versa.

Feedback would be great!   :applaud:


UPDATE:

Also, does anybody know where/if I could find a replacement to the black sticky material attached to the bezel?
« Last Edit: May 04, 2010, 09:29:10 pm by zzaz3 »

opt2not

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Re: Williams Cocktail Restoration Project
« Reply #6 on: May 04, 2010, 09:28:56 pm »
Sell your Make Trax (or other arcade) parts you have to subsidize the cost of Robotron.
Either that sell your body :D

zzaz3

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Re: Williams Cocktail Restoration Project
« Reply #7 on: May 04, 2010, 09:30:18 pm »
I thought of that, but idk how soon I'd been about to sell the parts.  There's not a large market for these things.

RayB

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Re: Williams Cocktail Restoration Project
« Reply #8 on: May 05, 2010, 12:03:45 am »
If you cheap out and go for Make Trax, you will have a cocktail that you won't play, no one else will play and you won't be able to sell. Have you played that game??
NO MORE!!

SirPeale

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Re: Williams Cocktail Restoration Project
« Reply #9 on: May 05, 2010, 09:53:41 am »
I actually LIKE Make Trax.  It's pretty challenging.

That said...I'd never MAKE one. 

Why not turn that into a Multi-Williams using a JROK board? Then it'll play five different Williams games.

zzaz3

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Re: Williams Cocktail Restoration Project
« Reply #10 on: May 05, 2010, 11:12:03 am »
If you cheap out and go for Make Trax, you will have a cocktail that you won't play, no one else will play and you won't be able to sell. Have you played that game??

I used to own a Make Trax upright.  It's not my favorite game, but I still like it.

I actually LIKE Make Trax.  It's pretty challenging.

That said...I'd never MAKE one. 

Why not turn that into a Multi-Williams using a JROK board? Then it'll play five different Williams games.

Dont worry!  There's no way I'm going to MAME one of these cabs.  Apparently Williams didn't make too many cocktail cabs.

That's another way I've been thinking about.  Do you know where I could get control panel overlays for it?

SirPeale

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Re: Williams Cocktail Restoration Project
« Reply #11 on: May 05, 2010, 01:51:22 pm »
No no...not Mame...MAKE.  :)

Hmmmmm...a cocktail overlay...good question!

zzaz3

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Re: Williams Cocktail Restoration Project
« Reply #12 on: May 05, 2010, 01:57:38 pm »
Oh.  I guess there's not too many Make Trax fans out there.

I actually found a Stargate overlay for sale.  It's the last one left.  I've never played Stargate before, you that would be good?

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Re: Williams Cocktail Restoration Project
« Reply #13 on: May 05, 2010, 02:53:10 pm »
Robotron reproduction cocktail control panel:
http://www.quarterarcade.com/Game.aspx/6782
NO MORE!!

zzaz3

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Re: Williams Cocktail Restoration Project
« Reply #14 on: May 05, 2010, 03:27:11 pm »
Robotron reproduction cocktail control panel:
http://www.quarterarcade.com/Game.aspx/6782


Thank you so much!  I've been looking for this everywhere!  

$100 each!  Yikes!  Guess I better start selling some stuff!


I've been looking for a Robotron harness too.  Do you think I can use a Make Trax harness instead?
« Last Edit: May 05, 2010, 03:31:15 pm by zzaz3 »

opt2not

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Re: Williams Cocktail Restoration Project
« Reply #15 on: May 05, 2010, 03:32:03 pm »
Looks to me you're set on making a Make Trax huh?
http://forums.arcade-museum.com/showthread.php?t=132815&page=2

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Re: Williams Cocktail Restoration Project
« Reply #16 on: May 05, 2010, 03:57:09 pm »
No, I like Make Trax, but not enough to make one.  I'm happy playing it in Mame.

The JROK board is JAMMA.

zzaz3

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Re: Williams Cocktail Restoration Project
« Reply #17 on: May 05, 2010, 04:01:39 pm »
Looks to me you're set on making a Make Trax huh?
http://forums.arcade-museum.com/showthread.php?t=132815&page=2

lol, your following both post, eh?  I just gotta make a Make Trax.  I don't want the parts to go to waist.  Plus Make Trax isn't that bad.

But don't worry.  I'm going to make another cab too.  Probably a Robotron.  I just haven't decided which to do first.  

Right now I have no money at all.  I buy and sell ipod/iphone and other stuff to make money and I guess I just bought too many at once.  Once I sell the ones I have now, I should get around $350.  I just don't know if thats enough for the Robotron just yet.  I'm actually starting to think I need a new monitor. (either that or a new bezel)  There's open space to where you can see in the cab on the one I chose to use.  I'm thinking that it used to be a moon patrol cab and used a 19' monitor, but idk.  I'll post a picture later.

Once I get some money I'll let you guys know which one I'm doing first.  Right now, I need to study for finals.  So, if anybody knows where to find parts and the prices for these projects it would be much appreciated if you could post them for me  :afro:

No, I like Make Trax, but not enough to make one.  I'm happy playing it in Mame.

The JROK board is JAMMA.

Hmm.. Jamma would make things a lot easier.  I think I might look into that some more..

UPDATE:

Ok, real quick, here's some pictures of what I've done and the problem with the monitor.

See the gap?






So far all I've done is move the power supply into the cabinet, along with the other part of the power supply. (Which actually might work)  Next I'm going to switch the coinmechs.  (The one on there is missing a coin flap and the button sticks.)  I would of taken a picture of the monitor lit up, but it makes a really high pitched hum when it's on. (gives me a headache)  Any ideas how to get rid of it?



UPDATE:

Nevermind. Turns out I need a black bezel for the monitor.  The only problem is that it needs to be 13'.  Anyone know where to find one?

Also.  Does ANYBODY have any idea where I can get a Robotron board set from?!?

UPDATE:

I've been working a little on the other power supply I have and I could use some help.  I found some vague diagrams on the internet, but since this is dealing with the power supply I don't want to take any chances.  I basically can't tell what wire go strait to the monitor and what ones go to the power supply box. 

I'll upload a picture tomorrow so you know what I'm talking about.  Until then, I just have one question.  Is the earth ground really necessary?  I feel like everything should run fine without it.  I guess I just want to know what exactly it does before I take the time to do it.
« Last Edit: May 06, 2010, 01:07:52 am by zzaz3 »

opt2not

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Re: Williams Cocktail Restoration Project
« Reply #18 on: May 06, 2010, 01:49:35 am »
lol, your following both post, eh?  I just gotta make a Make Trax.  I don't want the parts to go to waist.  Plus Make Trax isn't that bad.
Yeah, i frequent both restoration forums to get my psyched up for my Robotron cabaret.
Saw your post and figured I'd see what you wrote there.

zzaz3

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #19 on: May 06, 2010, 07:00:43 pm »
lol, your following both post, eh?  I just gotta make a Make Trax.  I don't want the parts to go to waist.  Plus Make Trax isn't that bad.
Yeah, i frequent both restoration forums to get my psyched up for my Robotron cabaret.
Saw your post and figured I'd see what you wrote there.


Yeah, the thread over there seems to be moving a bit slower.  Plus most people there want to see me do a Make Trax.  I've decided just to do both.  I'm going to devote this thread solely to Robotron and the other to Make Trax. 



In the mean time, I'm broke.  So once I get the other power supply working I'll have nothing left to do until I get more money.  I'm hoping to make around $300 by the end of next week, but idk if anyone will want to buy anything from me.  So, just in case anybody wants to contribute to my arcade fun:

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=LU3CNNWFJX4C4

I don't care if you just give me $0.50.  That could add up and get me a bezel.  I'm just that broke/desperate.

Also, I'm free tonight.  So I'll be working on the other power supply and might need some help.  If anybody has any tips that would be great!  :applaud:



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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #20 on: May 06, 2010, 07:20:11 pm »
Both? THat's interesting! One side Robotron and the other side Make Trax?
NO MORE!!

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #21 on: May 06, 2010, 08:17:48 pm »
Both? THat's interesting! One side Robotron and the other side Make Trax?


Woahh!!  No, no!!  While that does sound like a challenge, I'm going to be doing them separately.

I probably forgot to clarify in my original post.  :blah:   I have TWO different Williams cocktail cabs.  So I can restore both of them.  (In different cabinets.)

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #22 on: May 07, 2010, 02:59:10 pm »
I didn't realize that. In that case, yeah, make a Make Trax and a Robotron.
NO MORE!!

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #23 on: May 07, 2010, 08:37:51 pm »
Very cool; I have a Willams cocktail myself that has been waiting patiently in my garage for almost 2 years for me to restore it... See: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=82750.msg863712#msg863712

Thankfully mine came with a monitor bezel; there is a 13" sega bezel on ebay right now. I bet that Happ still has 13" bezels...?

"Some drink from the fountain of knowledge; I only gargle."

zzaz3

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #24 on: May 07, 2010, 09:08:29 pm »
Very cool; I have a Willams cocktail myself that has been waiting patiently in my garage for almost 2 years for me to restore it... See: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=82750.msg863712#msg863712

Thankfully mine came with a monitor bezel; there is a 13" sega bezel on ebay right now. I bet that Happ still has 13" bezels...?



Wow, glad I'm not the only one trying to restore a Williams cocktail.  Yours looks a lot better than mine does!  Does it power up? 

Also, are you planing on re-doing the laminate on the side of the cab?  Because I'm not sure how to go about doing that and I'm a little scared to try it.


I couldn't find any on Happ, but maybe I just didn't look hard enough.  In the mean time I'm going to be watching that bezel on eBay.  I might be able to make it work with my cab.  Then again, I just realized that Robotron uses a 19' monitor.  So I might have to re-think the bezel.

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #25 on: May 07, 2010, 09:19:23 pm »
Mine used to be a Defender; someone converted it to Moon Patrol at some time. It's doesn't power up; someone did a poor job at wiring up a switching power supply to it at one time and it has some issues...

I bought some cabinet corner protectors that I was thinking of putting on the lower corners to avoid having to re-laminate it, but I might change my mind and go all the way with new laminate.

With the Wico joystick you bought; I would be careful - on mine it doesn't seem like there is enough room for a normal Wico leaf stick in the control panel compartment. I bought a couple of Wico leafs myself thinking I might install a multi-board in it, but at least in mine, I don't think they'll fit because of the height required (even if I route the wood).
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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #26 on: May 07, 2010, 09:33:43 pm »
Mine used to be a Defender; someone converted it to Moon Patrol at some time. It's doesn't power up; someone did a poor job at wiring up a switching power supply to it at one time and it has some issues...

I bought some cabinet corner protectors that I was thinking of putting on the lower corners to avoid having to re-laminate it, but I might change my mind and go all the way with new laminate.

With the Wico joystick you bought; I would be careful - on mine it doesn't seem like there is enough room for a normal Wico leaf stick in the control panel compartment. I bought a couple of Wico leafs myself thinking I might install a multi-board in it, but at least in mine, I don't think they'll fit because of the height required (even if I route the wood).

Yeah, I'm not entirely sure about how to install the joysticks.  The guy that sold it do me said that he used them in his Robotron restoration and they fit just fine.  I can't quite tell how the control panels are suppose to be held in place.  I've seen different cabinets do different things online.  There's not too many good pictures.

Oh well, the guy said I could call him if I needed any help.  I guess I'll ask him about it when I start working on the control panel.

Do you have the dimensions on your monitor?  Or at least the square where the monitor is suppose to go?  It looks similar to mine.

Also, what are you planning on restoring your cabinet to?

UPDATE:

Alright, I just ordered a Multi-Williams board from Jrok.  Can't wait for it to come!  ;D
« Last Edit: May 08, 2010, 06:55:23 pm by zzaz3 »

zzaz3

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #27 on: May 09, 2010, 11:30:55 pm »
Ok, so since I can't do any wiring until the board gets here, I decided to work on the cabinet itself. 

So today, I sanded and painted it.



I probably should of spend more time sanding... :/




Oh, and after I painted I realized that the pieces from the working coin mech wouldn't fit in the cab I just painted..  I guess I'll have to paint that too.



And last, I bought a piece of plexiglass and painted it.  It actually turned out better than I thought it would.  I'm still not sure if I'm going to re-do the laminate on the side.  I feel like I'm gonna have to re-sand and paint it.  I don't like how it looks. :/


Anyways, maybe after I buy another can of paint I'll do the same for the other cabinet.  (and hopefully I'll do a better job.)

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #28 on: May 10, 2010, 08:56:24 am »
It actually looks like you didn't use enough paint.  Let me guess: rattle cans?  What kind, semi-gloss?  Gloss?  The wood will absorb a lot, so for wood I like to use the highest gloss I can, it'll go matte anyway, unless you prime.

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #29 on: May 10, 2010, 11:21:05 am »
That's probably it!  I ran out of paint around my 4th coat.  Guess I'll just have to buy some more.  Thanks for the tip.

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #30 on: May 10, 2010, 08:20:14 pm »
Looks like you are off to a great start!

I have had good luck with the smooth foam rollers on other projects so that is what I plan to use to repaint the black on mine.

I don't have a monitor yet; holding off on that until I get it painted & the glass replaced.

I plan on keeping mine a Moon Patrol, as it was one of my favorite games as a kid (longest play time per quarter invested!)

Cool on the Multi Williams board! Will be a great machine when you are done!

EDIT: Sorry just realized that you posted the Defender parts post on the main forum. I have a few additional links that could help you out:

Some pricey Defender joystick shafts:
http://www.videogameparts.com/category.sc?categoryId=83

Robotron Cocktail restoration:
http://www.arcade.chezsuys.com/RoboCocktail.html
« Last Edit: May 10, 2010, 08:38:15 pm by DrumAnBass »
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zzaz3

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #31 on: May 11, 2010, 06:05:34 pm »
Looks like you are off to a great start!

I have had good luck with the smooth foam rollers on other projects so that is what I plan to use to repaint the black on mine.

I don't have a monitor yet; holding off on that until I get it painted & the glass replaced.

I plan on keeping mine a Moon Patrol, as it was one of my favorite games as a kid (longest play time per quarter invested!)

Cool on the Multi Williams board! Will be a great machine when you are done!

EDIT: Sorry just realized that you posted the Defender parts post on the main forum. I have a few additional links that could help you out:

Some pricey Defender joystick shafts:
http://www.videogameparts.com/category.sc?categoryId=83

Robotron Cocktail restoration:
http://www.arcade.chezsuys.com/RoboCocktail.html

Oh cool.  I can't wait to see you restore your moon patrol.  When you do let me know, because I have a bunch of links with information on these cabinets.  Plus, I'll probably have some parts leftover in case you might need some. 

Thanks for the links, the Robotron one will be great for reference.  But right now I'm trying to convince a local to sell me his defender control panels, so hopefully I wont have to buy anything from that site.  Those shafts are out of my budget. 


Also, in case nobody has noticed, I've decided to make a Defender cabinet and a Robotron cabinet.  Unfortunately I can't build a Make Trax without a 13' vertical monitor mount.  But Defender is a great game!  It's just a little tougher to build, a little tougher to play, and a lot more expensive. 

Oh, and I have some good news.  I just found out that one of my cabinet's has a larger control panel.  So I'll be able to fit the original joysticks in for Robotron.  ;D

In the mean time I've got to finish painted both cabs, clean the metal on both cabs, paint another glass panel for the Robotron cab, wait for parts to be delivered and search for parts on the web.

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #32 on: May 12, 2010, 05:34:03 pm »
Alright, Today I took the cabinet out side and painted it again.  It looks great!   ;D 

I also got a bezel in the mail too.  It's starting to look nice.

The Bezel:


Fresh coat of paint!  ;D  I also cleaned some of the paint that was already on the metal base with some acetone.  But it seems like theres something else there, maybe rust?  I'm not sure how to get it off.


It's a pretty nice improvement, don't ya think?

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #33 on: May 12, 2010, 05:57:19 pm »
Lookin' gooood!
"Some drink from the fountain of knowledge; I only gargle."

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Re: Williams Cocktail Restoration Project
« Reply #34 on: May 14, 2010, 01:49:03 pm »

Thank you so much!  I've been looking for this everywhere!  

$100 each!  Yikes!  Guess I better start selling some stuff!


I've been looking for a Robotron harness too.  Do you think I can use a Make Trax harness instead?

That is $100 for both, not for a single.

As for a harness, you can PM Dokert on klov forums (http://forums.arcade-museum.com/member.php?u=34681, he might make you one.  He makes Williams upright harnesses.

Also, I have a Robotron cocktail.  Let me know if you have any questions.

Good luck with the restoration!  It is a great game.  I love the cocktail even though it is probably a bit more challenging to play than the upright.
Sinistar, 25" Smash TV, Major Havoc 720, Star Wars cockpit w/ESB kit, Robotron cocktail, Warlords cocktail, Back to the Future pinball

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #35 on: May 14, 2010, 02:55:06 pm »

Thank you so much!  I've been looking for this everywhere! 

$100 each!  Yikes!  Guess I better start selling some stuff!


I've been looking for a Robotron harness too.  Do you think I can use a Make Trax harness instead?

That is $100 for both, not for a single.

As for a harness, you can PM Dokert on klov forums (http://forums.arcade-museum.com/member.php?u=34681, he might make you one.  He makes Williams upright harnesses.

Also, I have a Robotron cocktail.  Let me know if you have any questions.

Good luck with the restoration!  It is a great game.  I love the cocktail even though it is probably a bit more challenging to play than the upright.

Wow, I wish I knew that sooner.  I did the defender project first because I thought it was cheaper.  That makes a big difference now. 

Oh well, thanks for letting me know.  If it weren't for you, I would of ended up waisting an extra $100 on parts I didn't need. 

Also, thanks for the link!  I'll be sure to asked him about a harness, if I ever find a Robotron board. Darn things are so hard to find!  :banghead:

You'll probably be hearing from me a lot when I get started on the Robotron.  I'm gonna have a lot of work to do...

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #36 on: May 16, 2010, 12:43:41 pm »
Alright, so I don't have much of an update but..

I was lucky enough to find a guy online who would sell me his Defender Control Panels.  They cost me $173 shipped.  Idk if that was a good deal or not, but it'll sure save me some time.  They're both in great condition, the only bad thing is one of them is missing a joystick.  But thanks to Paladin that wont be a problem!  ;D  I'll post pictures of it when i arrives. 

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #37 on: May 16, 2010, 01:58:16 pm »
Ah, the world of restoration. If you dig enough, you'll find plenty of people able to help. The only down side is cost.

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #38 on: May 17, 2010, 03:07:19 pm »
Ok, I got jrok's multi-williams board in the mail today along with the original defender harness I ordered.  It's not quite what I expected.  The harness doesn't match anything in my cab.  Idk what it's suppose to go to.  Do I need some other kind of wire or something?  I know for a fact none of the plugs coming from the JAMMA harness will fit anywhere in my cab.

Anybody know what I need to do?!?

The harness:





The parts it's suppose to connect to:




The board:

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #39 on: May 17, 2010, 03:39:01 pm »
You don't have an original harness there, you have a JAMMA to Williams wiring adapter, specific to The JROK board.  Since you're wiring from scratch, you should have just bought a standard JAMMA harness and wired from that.  Unless you have a Williams harness, what you've got is...well, a bunch of wire.  Sorry man.

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #40 on: May 17, 2010, 03:55:40 pm »
 :banghead:

Man, I thought buying an already wired harness would be easier.  Oh well, I guess I better look for an original defender harness.

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #41 on: May 17, 2010, 04:08:12 pm »
Christ...dude, no.  Stop throwing money at this when you're not sure what you're doing.  A Williams harness is going to set you back quite a bit, $65 from Dokert @ KLOV for a brand new one.

Get a standard JAMMA harness from JAMMABoards.com.  They're inexpensive, and should work well for your needs.  Follow the JAMMA specs for power and video:

http://www.pealefamily.net/tech/jamma.html

That'll get you something on screen.  Oh yeah...you've got one of the linear power supplies.  You can sell it and get a standard Peter Chou power supply.

IIRC the JROK board comes with an instruction booklet which details which JAMMA pin are for what controls.  Use it to wire up your control panels, coin door wiring, test buttons, etc.  It is a JAMMA board but it does not adhere to the JAMMA spec due to how the Williams boards work.

Any other questions, ask them here FIRST before you got throwing your money away.

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #42 on: May 17, 2010, 04:23:04 pm »
I have no idea how to wire the JAMMA harness.  Don't I need the white 'plugs' that my cabinet uses?

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #43 on: May 17, 2010, 04:28:17 pm »
You're starting pretty much from scratch.  The buttons and joysticks are soldered on, the power supply uses "U" connectors, and the video should already have a connector.

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #44 on: May 17, 2010, 09:09:54 pm »
how can I solder directly to the joysticks?!  The control panel will be screwed in.  Do I have to have a new power supply for this?

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #45 on: May 18, 2010, 07:34:06 am »
You solder to the tabs on the switches.

You can use that power supply, but it'll be a lot easier if you get a replacement Peter Chou style power supply with the screw lugs.

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #46 on: May 18, 2010, 10:04:59 pm »
You solder to the tabs on the switches.

You can use that power supply, but it'll be a lot easier if you get a replacement Peter Chou style power supply with the screw lugs.

Alright, well I'm also making a Robotron cab, so maybe it'll be easier/cheaper if I wired the JAMMA harness through that one instead. 

I actually have a power supply, but I'm not sure what kind or how to wire it. 

I know that the two wires I have hooked up to the power supply are suppose to go to the monitor (and apparently it doesn't matter which one goes where as long as they both go to the monitor.)  I think that the two wires coming out of the transformer (is that right?  The ones by the green pencil) should go to the AC on the power supply, but idk if it makes a difference of which one goes to which.   I'd assume it doesn't because both the labels are 'AC'.



Oh, and apparently wire 'splicing' is frowned upon here.  Does anybody know any way I can get this working without 'splicing'?

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #47 on: May 19, 2010, 03:41:43 pm »
Proper way is to use those screw-on plastic things. I don't know the proper terminology. Masking tape on 120v AC is a fire risk.
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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #48 on: May 19, 2010, 05:12:49 pm »
Depends on how you're splicing it. 

For smaller stranded wires, the BEST way is to strip 1" from one, and 1/2" from the other.  Place a piece of shrink wrap on one of them, and wrap the 1" length around the 1/2".  Then solder the connection, and use the shrink wrap to shield it from touching things it shouldn't.

For larger stranded and solid wires, bare 1/2"-ish, place them SIDE BY SIDE (don't twist them together) and use a "wire nut" to join them.

At a bare minimum electrical tape should be used - and only temporarily until a permanent solution can be provided.  NEVER use any other type of tape - especially masking tape!

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #49 on: May 19, 2010, 06:27:52 pm »
Proper way is to use those screw-on plastic things. I don't know the proper terminology. Masking tape on 120v AC is a fire risk.


screw on plastic things,do you mean terminal strip?
  :)

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #50 on: May 19, 2010, 06:46:24 pm »
Proper way is to use those screw-on plastic things. I don't know the proper terminology. Masking tape on 120v AC is a fire risk.


screw on plastic things,do you mean terminal strip?
  :)

I think  he means wire nuts:


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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #51 on: May 19, 2010, 07:58:00 pm »
Well, I'm using colored electrical tape for now.  I found some of those wire cap things you guys were talking about, but I already soldered the wires together.  I'll see if I can make them fit though.

Here's what I have now.  Idk if it's right or not.


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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #52 on: May 19, 2010, 08:20:53 pm »
How's this?


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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #53 on: May 20, 2010, 01:51:57 pm »
I suppose that will do, if it's tight and won't come look. I notice now you have more than 2 wires going in. Didnt notice before. In that case, I'd recommend a distribution block:



Also, looks like you need a fuse along your hot AC line.
NO MORE!!

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #54 on: June 03, 2010, 06:13:40 pm »
Alright, thanks.  I'll have to see if I have one of those laying around here somewhere.


Anyways, I haven't had any updates in a while now.  I've mainly been looking for parts and trying to earn some extra money to finish these projects.

I bought a defender board set for only $40 shipped.  And it just arrived today.  I don't really know what to look for on this thing.  I've noticed that the battery holder is missing and one little metal part has come loose.  (I'm not sure what it is, but if I can find out then I can buy a new one and it'll be an easy fix).

I really wish I could test this board, but I still need to find a cocktail harness for this thing.  I've also been wondering if this board will even support cocktail mode.. Guess I better cross my fingers.

So, I'm one step closer to finishing the defender.  Now I just need the control panels (which I'm trying to buy now, but the selling is a little slow to respond) and a harness.  Then maybe a few small things like battery holder, edge protector, and ect..

After that I guess I'll have to get to work on the Robotron, which actually seems like it's going to be a much easier project after doing this one.


Anyways, heres some pictures of the board set I got:





I was a little bit worried when I saw it was missing #5.  Turns out none of them have it.  Anyone know why?


Prongs are a bit bent here.


See the little metal piece?  It's loose and doesn't seem fixable.  Anyone know where I can get a new one?

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #55 on: June 03, 2010, 06:19:17 pm »
Alright, I just washed the little metal piece in some acetone and vinegar and it reads:

12.0000
SRMP-1
M-TRON

I searched around and I'm not sure what exactly to get.  You think I'll have to order it online or is this something I can just pick up from radio shack?

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #56 on: June 03, 2010, 06:26:25 pm »
I bought a defender board set for only $40 shipped.  And it just arrived today.  I don't really know what to look for on this thing.  I've noticed that the battery holder is missing and one little metal part has come loose.  (I'm not sure what it is, but if I can find out then I can buy a new one and it'll be an easy fix).

Nice, half the work is done for you to upgrade it to a lithium battery.
I bought my battery upgrade kit from Bob Roberts:
http://arcadecontrols.com/BBBB/wmsbatt.html

Really simple installation.

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #57 on: June 03, 2010, 08:32:14 pm »
Alright, I just washed the little metal piece in some acetone and vinegar and it reads:

12.0000
SRMP-1
M-TRON

I searched around and I'm not sure what exactly to get.  You think I'll have to order it online or is this something I can just pick up from radio shack?

heres a link to the pdf schems for that board,its pdf format your interested in page 6&7.what you do is find out the part location,i am sure its CR1,then look on the list of parts and it will tell you what it is,i can see its part CR1 but,the pic is split right where the part is.if you look at the part list it says a crystal,i think 12mhz? (or something) its a shame cos you might think it says R1 but,thats a resistor on page 6 on the top left.dosnt help being split on 2 pages.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=V5U6NNMQ

you can always try reconnecting it,just try some solder,if not try some wire and solder.i dont know what others will say.but,either way you will have to dig out your soldering iron to remove the old component.i would say that replacing is best.you can always take the cpomponent with you to the place you try to buy it?
 :)
« Last Edit: June 03, 2010, 08:44:56 pm by saleem »

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #58 on: June 05, 2010, 01:27:48 pm »
I bought a defender board set for only $40 shipped.  And it just arrived today.  I don't really know what to look for on this thing.  I've noticed that the battery holder is missing and one little metal part has come loose.  (I'm not sure what it is, but if I can find out then I can buy a new one and it'll be an easy fix).

Nice, half the work is done for you to upgrade it to a lithium battery.
I bought my battery upgrade kit from Bob Roberts:
http://arcadecontrols.com/BBBB/wmsbatt.html

Really simple installation.


Oh wow, cool!  I guess that missed the battery holder wasn't such a bad thing.  I already have the stuff to make it laying around here too.  ;D



heres a link to the pdf schems for that board,its pdf format your interested in page 6&7.what you do is find out the part location,i am sure its CR1,then look on the list of parts and it will tell you what it is,i can see its part CR1 but,the pic is split right where the part is.if you look at the part list it says a crystal,i think 12mhz? (or something) its a shame cos you might think it says R1 but,thats a resistor on page 6 on the top left.dosnt help being split on 2 pages.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=V5U6NNMQ

you can always try reconnecting it,just try some solder,if not try some wire and solder.i dont know what others will say.but,either way you will have to dig out your soldering iron to remove the old component.i would say that replacing is best.you can always take the cpomponent with you to the place you try to buy it?
 :)


Yeah, I tried to solder wires back on it and then put it back in place, but the wires just wouldn't hold.  I guess I'll have to search around for a place where I can buy this from.

And thanks for letting me know that it's a diode.  It would of taken me forever to figure that out myself.

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #59 on: June 05, 2010, 01:28:06 pm »
In the meantime, I just ordered the control panels yesterday.  And now I'm just looking for a harness and trying to figure out how to make one.  If anyone knows where I can find one, that would help me out a lot.

Also, for a little update on Robotron, I'm going to be using the jrok board with the second cocktail (the Robotron), at least until I find a real Robotron board set down the road. (those things are impossible to find.) I've also decided to use a newer power supply in that one too. (like I mentioned above)  And I can't figure out how I'm going to fit a monitor in there.  I guess I'll go in more detail once the defender is done. So close..

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #60 on: June 05, 2010, 01:38:57 pm »
i think its actualy a crystal,someone who knows more will tell you for sure,i am sure based on the schems its a 12mhz crystal.
:)

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #61 on: June 05, 2010, 02:30:07 pm »
In the meantime, I just ordered the control panels yesterday.  And now I'm just looking for a harness and trying to figure out how to make one.  If anyone knows where I can find one, that would help me out a lot.
Dokert over at KLOV can probably help you out. He does a lot of Williams board support, and can probably supply what you need. Here's the list of things he can sell you:
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll282/dokert/TheListMarch2010.jpg

Quote
Also, for a little update on Robotron, I'm going to be using the jrok board with the second cocktail (the Robotron), at least until I find a real Robotron board set down the road. (those things are impossible to find.)
So I take it you'll be adding buttons to the Control Panel then? For games like Joust and Sinistar? Or are you just going to have the board in there for the dual stick games?

Quote
I've also decided to use a newer power supply in that one too. (like I mentioned above)  And I can't figure out how I'm going to fit a monitor in there.  I guess I'll go in more detail once the defender is done. So close..
Are you going to get a switcher?
If you're going to get a new PS, perhaps this might be a good option?  It comes with the Ram upgrade (info here) as well...if you were planning on upgrading the RAM anyways, this might be a good deal for you.

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #62 on: June 05, 2010, 04:45:25 pm »
You're in the similar boat as I was. I bought all the boards, including a Defender that I figured I can adapt to run Robotron, read a LOT of tech info here:  http://www.robotron-2084.co.uk/   (so many board revisions and variations to keep track of!)

...then figured just get a JROK board.
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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #63 on: June 05, 2010, 06:16:47 pm »
i think its actualy a crystal,someone who knows more will tell you for sure,i am sure based on the schems its a 12mhz crystal.
:)

Oh wow!  That's exactly what it is!  Thank you so much.  I found websites that actually have it!


Dokert over at KLOV can probably help you out. He does a lot of Williams board support, and can probably supply what you need. Here's the list of things he can sell you:
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll282/dokert/TheListMarch2010.jpg


Yeah, that's the only lead I could find.  I sent him a message and he said that he might be able to help me, but he's not sure since it's a cocktail harness.  Right now he's too busy to take orders though, he said that he was getting ready for something and that he would get back to me in a few weeks.  Fingers crossed..


So I take it you'll be adding buttons to the Control Panel then? For games like Joust and Sinistar? Or are you just going to have the board in there for the dual stick games?


I'm just going to change the settings to boot strait into Robotron.  I might change it up every now and then if I'm in the mood for bubbles or something, but I really only want it to run Robotron.  I feel like it would look a little crowded/tacky if I ran more than one games.  Even though I love all the games it comes with..

Are you going to get a switcher?
If you're going to get a new PS, perhaps this might be a good option?  It comes with the Ram upgrade (info here) as well...if you were planning on upgrading the RAM anyways, this might be a good deal for you.

I don't even know what a switcher is.  I know close to nothing about these power supplies.  I just know that I'm going to need one.  I'm not even sure how the Power Supply you sent me the link to would work or how it would wire up.  RAM upgrade?  Are you talking about the Defender board or about the Robotron Board that I might end up with down the road?

You're in the similar boat as I was. I bought all the boards, including a Defender that I figured I can adapt to run Robotron, read a LOT of tech info here:  http://www.robotron-2084.co.uk/   (so many board revisions and variations to keep track of!)

...then figured just get a JROK board.


Yep, JROK board seems to be the simplest route.  Thanks for the link.  The board identification section really helped out a lot.  Now I know that my Defender board will support Cocktail mode!  :cheers:

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #64 on: June 05, 2010, 09:00:15 pm »
I don't even know what a switcher is.  I know close to nothing about these power supplies.  I just know that I'm going to need one.  I'm not even sure how the Power Supply you sent me the link to would work or how it would wire up. 
A switcher, or switching power supply is what some people are using to replace the older linear power supplies that were originally installed in their cabinets. From my understanding, the "switching" part comes from the unit's ability to switch to a selected voltage. I've never used a switcher before in the few arcade machines I've worked on, I've always kept with the linear.
So I don't really know which is better, but I hear that a rebuilt linear power supply would outlast a switching one.  I'm not an authority on that, so don't quote me on it ;)

Thoroughly check out that site RayB and I linked. There's a lot of awesome information on williams games that'll better your understanding on their parts. I would also advise to take a good look at the game manuals, and parts list file (hosted on that site as well)..lots of additional information is in there. The parts list would help you get familiar with the components as well.
Quote
RAM upgrade?  Are you talking about the Defender board or about the Robotron Board that I might end up with down the road?
On the CPU boards, not the ROM boards.

"This hack allows us to used UN-modified 4164 RAM in place of the 4116 RAM, without modifying the board, harness or RAM. The advantages are, 4164 RAM is plentiful, we no longer use +12 reg and -5 from the PS, eliminating those points of failure, and the RAM runs allot cooler, leading me to believe we may be easing up on the +5 requirements."

From what I've read, the stock 4116's tend to fail a lot, and from what I hear are harder to acquire replacements these days. Perhaps you might consider this upgrade later on, it's really a long term investment that will save you from having to worry about pesky ROM failures in the future.

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #65 on: June 06, 2010, 12:20:58 am »
Alright, I just washed the little metal piece in some acetone and vinegar and it reads:

12.0000
SRMP-1
M-TRON

I searched around and I'm not sure what exactly to get.  You think I'll have to order it online or is this something I can just pick up from radio shack?

Its just a generic 12.0 Mhz crystal.

should be fairly easy to locate this,  Radio shack may have it, if you have one that still sells components.
otherwise try:

http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=CTX058-ND

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #66 on: June 09, 2010, 07:30:39 pm »
I don't even know what a switcher is.  I know close to nothing about these power supplies.  I just know that I'm going to need one.  I'm not even sure how the Power Supply you sent me the link to would work or how it would wire up. 
A switcher, or switching power supply is what some people are using to replace the older linear power supplies that were originally installed in their cabinets. From my understanding, the "switching" part comes from the unit's ability to switch to a selected voltage. I've never used a switcher before in the few arcade machines I've worked on, I've always kept with the linear.
So I don't really know which is better, but I hear that a rebuilt linear power supply would outlast a switching one.  I'm not an authority on that, so don't quote me on it ;)

Thoroughly check out that site RayB and I linked. There's a lot of awesome information on williams games that'll better your understanding on their parts. I would also advise to take a good look at the game manuals, and parts list file (hosted on that site as well)..lots of additional information is in there. The parts list would help you get familiar with the components as well.
Quote
RAM upgrade?  Are you talking about the Defender board or about the Robotron Board that I might end up with down the road?
On the CPU boards, not the ROM boards.

"This hack allows us to used UN-modified 4164 RAM in place of the 4116 RAM, without modifying the board, harness or RAM. The advantages are, 4164 RAM is plentiful, we no longer use +12 reg and -5 from the PS, eliminating those points of failure, and the RAM runs allot cooler, leading me to believe we may be easing up on the +5 requirements."

From what I've read, the stock 4116's tend to fail a lot, and from what I hear are harder to acquire replacements these days. Perhaps you might consider this upgrade later on, it's really a long term investment that will save you from having to worry about pesky ROM failures in the future.

Yeah, I will probably wait until the power supply and CPU board I have now go out.  I usually try to be as cheap as possible and not spend any money unless I absolutely have to.  Although I do have a feeling that the CPU I have now might not work, so I'm going to start reading up on this stuff anyways, just in case.

Its just a generic 12.0 Mhz crystal.

should be fairly easy to locate this,  Radio shack may have it, if you have one that still sells components.
otherwise try:

http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=CTX058-ND

Thanks a bunch!  I'm never any good at finding small parts like that.  I'll have to go by radio shack sometime this week and see if they have it.  If not I guess I'll just order it from digikey and maybe some other parts.  I wouldn't want to waist all my money to ship just that.

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #67 on: June 09, 2010, 07:32:54 pm »
Oh yeah,  and my control panels came in the mail today.  I tried cleaning them up a bit (didn't do much) and right now I'm mounting a joystick in one of the control panels that was missing one.  I'll upload pictures when I'm done.

Now if I could find a harness then this project would be as good as done!

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #68 on: June 10, 2010, 02:10:36 pm »
Alright, sorry it took me so long, but here's some pictures:










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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #69 on: June 10, 2010, 02:47:22 pm »
do they have tmolding on these cocktails.
 :)

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #70 on: June 10, 2010, 07:22:57 pm »
Schweeeet!! Looks great!

And no; surprisingly there is no t-molding on the Williams cocktails, just edges painted black.
"Some drink from the fountain of knowledge; I only gargle."

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #71 on: June 10, 2010, 09:52:11 pm »
Actually, some Edges on my cabinet had a cheap iron-on kind of protector. I'm not sure if its t-moding or not.  I also don't know if it was initally on all the edges and someone painted over the others. I found a site that sells the 8 feet of the iron on edge protecters that I'm going to use. I'll post the link when I get to my computer.

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #72 on: June 13, 2010, 11:43:11 pm »
"Some drink from the fountain of knowledge; I only gargle."

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #73 on: June 27, 2010, 03:40:05 pm »
Alright, I haven't updated this in a while because there's not really been any progress, but I just want you guys to know that I haven't given up or anything.

I'm still looking for a cocktail harness and I might need one of those metal board mounts too.  Also, I need to put on edge protectors and I still need to go to radio shack and get that one part for the board.  If I can manage to do all that it 'should' be done.

In the meantime, the other cabinet I have that I've been wanting to put Robotron is built for a 13" monitor.  It's not a defender cabinet though, because the control panel has more room.  I can't tell what it originally was, but I still want a Robotron.  Anyone know how I can or if I should fix this cabinet to hold a 19" monitor?


That's all I have.  If anybody knows where I can get the parts I need or has any information on building a harness (I just don't know where to get those white plugs or what kind of wire to get) it would really help me out.  Thanks.  :cheers:

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #74 on: July 28, 2010, 05:01:43 pm »
Hey,

So it's been a while since I've done anything to the machine.  I just need a harness.  I thought about making one, but I really don't think I'd be able to do it.  So right now I'm just waiting...

In the mean time, I think I should get to work on the Robotron cabinet.  I really need some help with that.  The cabinet I have is for 13" monitors, how can I get a 19" or 21" monitor to fit in it for Robotron?  After I figure that out and the power supply.  Everything else 'should' go by pretty quick.

Thanks.

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #75 on: August 07, 2010, 03:14:26 pm »
To have a 19" monitor fit you would have to move the monitor support boards further apart. Plus you would have to get a new monitor bezel and clean the black paint off the inside of the glass. It would probably be a lot easier just to stick to a 13". I looked at moving up to a 19" with my Moon Patrol and decided to keep it original with a 13".

The wiring harness is just wires with connectors; shouldn't be a huge deal to modify a cheap JAMMA harness. Interestingly enough - my cocktail started off life as a Defender. If you want photos of what my wiring looks like, let me know.
"Some drink from the fountain of knowledge; I only gargle."

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Re: Robotron Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #76 on: August 11, 2010, 06:28:26 pm »
I thought Moon Patrol originally has a 19" monitor?  I haven't even seen a defender cocktail harness after all this searching, I'd love a picture!

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Re: Williams Defender Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #77 on: August 12, 2010, 09:00:17 pm »
Well my cab started out life as a Defender, sometime before I got it, it was converted. I believe the original cocktail Moon Patrols were 13" as well.  It has an original Williams Defender tag on the wiring harness.
"Some drink from the fountain of knowledge; I only gargle."

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Re: Williams Defender Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #78 on: August 15, 2010, 12:01:31 pm »
 :applaud: :applaud: :applaud: :applaud:

zzaz3

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Re: Williams Defender Cocktail Restoration Project!
« Reply #79 on: August 16, 2010, 08:18:04 am »
Well my cab started out life as a Defender, sometime before I got it, it was converted. I believe the original cocktail Moon Patrols were 13" as well.  It has an original Williams Defender tag on the wiring harness.

I would defiantly love to see a picture of that!