likwidtek's Mortal Kombat Arcade Cabinet

[likwidtek]

So, I've been lurking your forums for a few weeks and I think I've decided to start a project.  What I'm looking to make/build/modify/restore is a Mortal Kombat 2 JAMMA cabinet that can easily (push button or slide switch) over to MK 1.  I think a second project will be an MK 3 and 4 jamma switch cab or a MAME cabinet.  Not sure on that part. 

This guy made a really sweet multi jamma MK box:  http://www.habosarcade.com/MortalKombatMulti%20JammaCab.htm
MK3FAN's MK mame box is friggin sweet too... http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=98891.msg1044758#msg1044758 Although I watched the videos but I dunno man... there's just something icky about it booting into windows and have it emulated. How does it play?  Is it identical?  Can you even tell?

Honestly I think I'd like to split this out into two projects. 1 dedicated JAMMA mk 2 machine at least. (having it multi jamma mk1 would be ideal and from what I read not too hard)..  I really really like the one that habo guy (See link above) did but I don't think I would slap all 4 in. I dunno how I feel about having the MK 3 and 4 control panel (basically the extra run button but also the kick harness) on the same machine. I think I'd just like to have a dedicated MK 1 & 2 machine. I don't really care about 3 and 4 but it would be cool. Turns out Jamma boards are pretty cheaper than I thought. I'm finding them for less than $100 on ebay.

Aside from that one maybe then a separate cabinet that I can throw MAME on and do either something like MK3FAN did or just a ton of games. The biggest reason is the control panel. For the mk1 and 2 machine I want a totally authentic control panel. The rest.. meh I don't care. I've also read that for newer games, MAME just doesn't cut it all the time. I'll keep reading.  Is that true?  For example in MK3FAN's video he said that you can't MAME MK4.

Either way, for my first MK2 cabinet I have some questions for some of you MK nuts on the board.

Are the original cabinets for MK1 and MK2 identical?  Monitors, controls and everything? 
Are there any tech spec differences between the monitors? 
What size should the monitors be?  I think I've read 26 inches.  Is that correct?
I like the side are and Marquee for MK2 most.  Is there a particular model of cabinet I should look for or avoid?  Any tips on buying cabinets?

I've been looking for where to start.  I saw a craigslist posting for an MK1 cabinet near my house fully working for only $300.  Turns out that mk1 cabinet only had a 19 inch monitor, was blue (converted from pac man or something) and in pretty rough shape.


So first thing's first. I'm looking for a good condition MK2 cabinet with a good monitor, with or without the PCB. I've been looking on craigslist and ebay but there's not a lot of options locally. 

Any tips on where to start?  What to look for if I'm leaning towards an MK2 cab to start?  Anyone near Phoenix, AZ have a good vendor or something they would like to sell?    Feel free to chime in on JAMMA vs MAME too.  I'm open to anything really.

[HaRuMaN]

Did you just post a want on craigslist?  I have a MK1, but I'm not selling.   

[likwidtek]

Did you just post a want on craigslist?  I have a MK1, but I'm not selling.   

LOL Yeah I did.

[HaRuMaN]

I believe the MK2 and MK1 cabinets are the same (with different artwork, obviously). 

I think mine has a 25" monitor?  I could be wrong...  Maybe it is 26".

[likwidtek]

Can I ask what you paid for yours?  What's are fair prices for MK1 and MK2? (assuming good condition etc).

[HaRuMaN]

Can I ask what you paid for yours?  What's are fair prices for MK1 and MK2? (assuming good condition etc).

I bought mine, without a monitor chassis, for $150 on eBay.

Replaced monitor chassis, (~$90 for chassis and iso transformer), and replaced speaker (~$10), and had a fully working game.  Granted, I think my cost is probably on the low end of the spectrum.

[Malenko]

the only difference between MK1 and MK2 cabs are that the area where the coin door is, is angled on MK1 and flat on MKII and MK3. Also the kick harnesses are different between the 2 boards. Youre on the wrong side of the country or I'd sell ya my MKII :p

[likwidtek]

the only difference between MK1 and MK2 cabs are that the area where the coin door is, is angled on MK1 and flat on MKII and MK3. Also the kick harnesses are different between the 2 boards. Youre on the wrong side of the country or I'd sell ya my MKII :p

What's an average price for a good condition mk2 cab?

Melenko, what's the size of the monitor in yours?  Any buying tips or anything that I should stay away from or inspect first?