Author Topic: Need help with a Galaxian/Galaga Cabinet restore! (Read 41881 times)

Cobolisdead · « **Reply #120 on:** September 10, 2014, 09:44:01 am »

Hmmn, that is a good idea! I will try that tonight and see what I can see.

Cobolisdead · « **Reply #121 on:** September 10, 2014, 02:29:28 pm »

So here is the converter that I bought:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/231329127578?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

It looks like it requires a 5v power, which is what I am assuming that the red/black cable pair is for.

I found a construction of the control panel overlay as an AI file, so I might be able to get one locally printed, instead of paying $45 shipped for one. Man, have I ever been kicking myself for letting that complete control panel slip away on eBay for $35!

MK3FAN · « **Reply #122 on:** September 10, 2014, 03:12:57 pm »

Yup. Just run the red wire to the power supply's +5V and the black wire to the ground.

Cobolisdead · « **Reply #123 on:** September 10, 2014, 04:40:46 pm »

Well, local place wants $44 to print it, so I guess Game On Graphics will probably be my best bet for a new overlay. I am going to check tonight and see if the original is still there though.

Cobolisdead · « **Reply #124 on:** September 10, 2014, 09:09:59 pm »

Well, I was able to confirm that there is no Galaxian Overlay underneath the Galaga one.

I guess I will just have to bite the bullet and order one now.

Cobolisdead · « **Reply #125 on:** September 11, 2014, 09:02:31 am »

So as afar as monitors go, I have a few options. I did find that I still have my old (circa 2000) 18" 4:3 CRT monitor, but how I am going to mount that 18" beast in there, I couldn't tell you. I have two spare LCDs as well, a 17" 16:9 LCD and a 19" 4:3 LCD. I have been told that the CRT would probably look the best in there, but I might just end up throwing the 19" LCD in there, as pretty much has the same dimensions as the original monitor and it will be a lot easier to mount. That being said, this weekend I will try and see which monitor works better with the game and converter board, and make a decision based on that. Any input on which monitor I use?

Malenko · « **Reply #126 on:** September 11, 2014, 09:28:01 am »

if you use the LCD, get a scan line generator from craftymech. If you do go LCD, then it makes even less sense that you went the authentic route with the PCB. A 60 in 1 has a Dsub15 (aka "VGA") connector and outputs VGA resolutions.

Cobolisdead · « **Reply #127 on:** September 11, 2014, 10:03:14 am »

Yeah, I know, I was really hoping that I could repair the monitor.

I much rather keep the original monitor, but it seems that the Flyback on the original monitor is going out as it is making that high pitch sound indicating that it's failing. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find any replacement parts for it. All I can find is a cap kit for the 35 year old monitor. Also, the burn in is really bad once you get past the bezels, so it might just be time to replace it. I am hoping that the 18" CRT monitor just blows me away this weekend, and I can just use that.

One thing that I have learned from this, 60 in 1 will be my friend for the next build.

Malenko · « **Reply #128 on:** September 11, 2014, 10:16:19 am »

email Buffet thearcadebuffett@gmail.com

He does great work, and he may have the parts if you prefer to tackle it yourself.

Cobolisdead · « **Reply #129 on:** September 11, 2014, 11:05:43 am »

I have sent him/her an email about it!

Cobolisdead · « **Reply #130 on:** September 11, 2014, 06:47:37 pm »

Here is a couple pics of the original monitor's burn in:

Cobolisdead · « **Reply #131 on:** September 13, 2014, 07:59:59 pm »

Well, it seems that my converter got held up after leaving San Fransisco early yesterday morning, and won't be here until Monday at the earliest.

I am kind of miffed aobut that, as I really wanted to get this hooked up and tested today, and now I don't know when I will be able to do it.

Cobolisdead · « **Reply #132 on:** September 16, 2014, 08:45:52 am »

So, I have got the part in, but last night was a gigantic thunderstorm and I had a migraine, so nothing got done on it. Maybe tonight I can get started and see how this looks on my three Monitors!

Oh, and I got a response back from Buffet! Apparently the monitor isn't worth salvaging and I need to get a replacement one. Also, he agrees with you guys on using a CRT over an LCD.

Malenko · « **Reply #133 on:** September 16, 2014, 08:51:21 am »

you could also try a universal chassis if you think the tube is still good.

Cobolisdead · « **Reply #134 on:** September 16, 2014, 09:04:25 am »

Well, he says that the tube is different from other more "normal" tubes for monitors. Also, the tube has some serious burn in.

I am wondering how nice it will look on my old 18" CRT monitor.

Cobolisdead · « **Reply #135 on:** September 17, 2014, 09:19:55 am »

Well, I have the night off so I should get to work on this! I am going to try to get the controls all wired correctly, and wire the convertor into it. Then I will disconnect the original monitor from the board as well as from power, and try out the three monitors I have and see how they work.

Cobolisdead · « **Reply #136 on:** September 17, 2014, 11:05:52 pm »

So I have the converter installed, and the left stick working! Here we are with the 19" 4:3 LCD in it. It looks amazing!

Occasionally, I got this Green line through the monitor, but I think that is more to do with the monitor than the connections or converter.

The pics don't do this justice!

The colors are right, its just the camera isn't that great. lol.

I had some fun playing it, and tomorrow night, I will test out the other monitors and see how they look on it!

Cobolisdead · « **Reply #137 on:** September 18, 2014, 08:42:34 am »

So here is a question, the joystick tends to stick and doesn't really want to center itself. Any suggestions on what I can do to fix that? Its the old fashioned leaf style joystick if that helps any.

Malenko · « **Reply #138 on:** September 18, 2014, 10:14:47 am »

first off, get a miniSLG from craftymech it'll add crt style scan lines to the LCD, makes a world of difference.

For the stick, try the dishwasher, remove the leafs first though.

PL1 · « **Reply #139 on:** September 18, 2014, 11:34:37 am »

Quote from: Malenko on September 18, 2014, 10:14:47 am

For the stick, try the dishwasher, remove the leafs first though.

Don't forget to properly lube the pivot and spring afterward.

Scott

Cobolisdead · « **Reply #140 on:** September 19, 2014, 08:11:58 am »

Well, the Fiancee ended up getting the night off last night, so I spent the night with her instead of getting to work on the cabinet. Tonight I should be able to get some work done on it though!

I did get to show it off to her though, and she thought it was pretty neat once I got her to play it. She did mention the stick not centering though, so I guess that is going to be an issue I need to resolve.

Cobolisdead · « **Reply #141 on:** September 19, 2014, 10:41:47 pm »

Well, I compared the LCDs and I like the 19" one better. Then I tried mu CRT. I really couldn't tell that much difference.

Sure the CRT looked a little better, but every time I tried to turn it, the color would fade out on it.

After I tested those out, I decided to remove the original monitor and mount:

i plan on removing the mount from the monitor so I can reuse it for the LCD.

Cobolisdead · « **Reply #142 on:** September 22, 2014, 08:14:58 am »

So, instead of taking the monitor off of the mount and trying to use that, I just mounted three pieces of leftover black shelving into the original holes where the mount was, and it seems to be working just fine. It isn't perfect, but it looks pretty good with the bezel and glass in it.

Here is a shot to see the front:

A long way from where I started with this:

I have test the coin door mechanics, and they are working quite well. I still have more to do on it:

New artwork all the way across
Maybe find a new CRT monitor for it
Replace the T-Molding
fix the control panel connector(This is why left doesn't work sometimes)
Get the high score save kit and install it

but in the meantime, I am going to enjoy playing it, and maybe I can get good enough to get to level 3! lol.

Cobolisdead · « **Reply #143 on:** September 29, 2014, 12:21:02 pm »

I have a question about T-molding. I got a replacement run for this unit when I bought he power supply kit, and I was wondering if I should wait to put it on after I eventually replace the side art or whether I can go ahead and replace the original t-molding and not have to do it again when I eventually get the new artwork?

Paladin · « **Reply #144 on:** September 30, 2014, 10:53:22 am »

Side art, then T molding.
Replacement side art is usually larger than the cabinet. You center it, apply it and the either fold the excess over the edges or trim it flush. Then you install the T molding.

Example from one of my Tempest restores:

Watch The videos from Rich at 'This Old Game' for a full art install. He makes it look easy to do by yourself but I need a helper when I do it. He folds the art over the edges, but I just trim it flush with the sides.

Cobolisdead · « **Reply #145 on:** October 24, 2014, 11:02:32 pm »

No new side art yet, but I am working on it!

I have it moved into position! I like it there and I plan on putting my next cabinet right next to it! I played some more today and managed to finally get to level 4!

That is my high score so far. Not too bad I must say! I am sure that there are a lot of people out that that can do better though.

Cobolisdead · « **Reply #146 on:** December 04, 2014, 01:50:22 pm »

Just won this!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-Bally-Midway-Galaxian-or-Pac-Man-Arcade-Video-Game-Control-Panel-/231404198439?_trkparms=gh1g%3DI231404198439.N19.S2.M-1006.R2.TR5&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=41rPPVewug4rdpSHzbjL5Fk3HFo%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

I decided to get that for now, and set it up to look vintage and worn for a while until I get a chance to do a full restore on the cabinet with new artwork. Not thrilled that it doesn't have the joystick, but the price is good and I can swap my components over to this control panel.

Malenko · « **Reply #147 on:** December 04, 2014, 02:09:46 pm »

you center your LCD screen yet? pick up a craftymech SLG yet?

Cobolisdead · « **Reply #148 on:** December 04, 2014, 02:38:23 pm »

The screen is centered, but I haven't picked up a Scan Line Generator yet. It is on my to-do list though!

SlammedNiss · « **Reply #149 on:** December 04, 2014, 11:39:02 pm »

It's so sad what somebody will do to a cabinet. Glad to see you taking the time and effort returning it to it's original glory.

Malenko · « **Reply #150 on:** December 05, 2014, 08:39:34 am »

Quote from: Cobolisdead on December 04, 2014, 02:38:23 pm

The screen is centered

just doesnt look like it is in your hi score pic. Post more pix

Scrape any more black of the sides? if you just chip away at it, you'd be surprised how much you can clean off in a month.

Deadpool · « **Reply #151 on:** December 10, 2014, 02:20:40 pm »

Quote from: Cobolisdead on July 13, 2014, 05:59:10 pm

Well, the thing is, it seems to be missing a lot of components. Any idea on where I can acquire them?

A good place to start with parts could be Bespoke Arcades I have found them to have all the parts you may need to get started!

opt2not · « **Reply #152 on:** December 10, 2014, 03:51:12 pm »

Quote from: Deadpool on December 10, 2014, 02:20:40 pm

Quote from: Cobolisdead on July 13, 2014, 05:59:10 pm
Well, the thing is, it seems to be missing a lot of components. Any idea on where I can acquire them?

A good place to start with parts could be Bespoke Arcades I have found them to have all the parts you may need to get started!

Errrr, I don't think he wants to ship parts from the UK to Alabama USA, especially since there are many State-side options.

Arcade Shop should have a lot of what you're looking for, and they're in Georgia.
Mike's Arcade is another good source for parts, out of Utah.

My (and many other's) number 1 source for original/NOS parts is The Real Bob Roberts. He's been around since the dawn of time, and is always a great resource for information. He's old school, and doesn't deal with modern forms of payment transactions like paypal or credit cards, check or money orders only....but his stock is massive, and his service is excellent.
Don't let the budget website fool you either, there is many gems of information there for restoration/repair/conversion projects.

Cobolisdead · « **Reply #153 on:** December 10, 2014, 05:00:38 pm »

Deadpool:

I think that I am good on parts for the moment.

opt2not:

I ordered the kit and t-molding from Arcade shop. They are pretty great people! I need to get a Bob Roberts order in too. There are some things that he has that I need.

Cobolisdead · « **Reply #154 on:** December 10, 2014, 10:04:23 pm »

It took me a while to get the joystick loose, as it had a lot of rust built up on it. Once it came loose and I was able to get the fire button off of the new Control Panel, everything swapped over nicely! The new panel had some black paint over it, but it cleaned up rather well with some liftoff.

Malenko · « **Reply #155 on:** December 11, 2014, 09:52:43 am »

I'd remove the buttons and stick, tape off the CPO, and give the CP a nice coat of paint. Then do the same for the coin door. tape off the mechs, 25c, and plungers then give it the once over with paint.

If you give me the measurements of the front panel, I can make you the art to get printed.

Cobolisdead · « **Reply #156 on:** February 14, 2015, 02:42:56 pm »

Quote from: Malenko on December 04, 2014, 02:09:46 pm

you center your LCD screen yet? pick up a craftymech SLG yet?

I ordered a scan line generator and it should be here this week. I can't wait to see what that looks like on the Galaxian!

Cobolisdead · « **Reply #157 on:** February 20, 2015, 08:30:38 pm »

So, I installed the line generator, but it doesn't look like it is working. I wonder if the resolution is too high. Is there a setting on the signal converter to set the resolution?

Cobolisdead · « **Reply #158 on:** September 29, 2016, 09:30:35 am »

So I fired this up last night to play a few games, as I haven't played it in a couple weeks, but nothing is happening. The only thing that is getting power is the LCD monitor, so I am guessing that I need to get some new fuses. I didn't have time last night to work on it, but I was hoping to show it off this weekend at a party. Oh well.

Malenko · « **Reply #159 on:** September 29, 2016, 09:40:56 am »

test with a multimeter.


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