Mounting a CRT / TV

[UFO]

Hi All,

Long time since I've been here - nice to see everyone still busy with projects etc.

I am planning a new cab build, but this time wanted to use a CRT / TV for the build instead of a TFT / LCD.

I have spent the morning searching around the forums, but I wondered if anyone could point me in the direction of a build, or instructions on the best way to mount a CRT in a self build. It's easy enough mounting a LCD, but as I say, I want to go for maximum authenticity this time and avoid the pain of replicating CRT on an LDC (which is in my current build).

Thanks for your help guys and gals.
Simon

[paigeoliver]

Basically it goes on a shelf or sits in an angled box.

[haynor666]

Technically not too hard when You are planning put CRT in fixed position. Problems rise when You are planning rotate CRT :/

[UFO]

Thanks guys.

@paigeoliver Not planning to put it on a shelf, I want a more permanent solution as I will be decasing the monitor.

@haynor666 won't be rotating, will be in a fixed position.

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[behrmr]

Build a plywood frame out of 3/4" plwood.  You can then mount the plywood frame in your cabinet with screws or bolts so that the whole thing can be removed.  Basically just like a lot of original arcade games where the frame of the monitor mounted to the plywood.  Only you are just combining the two.   I've done this on a couple of multi games and it works fine.  Since you are custom making the new frame out of wood it also gives you some freedom and control over the angle of the mount.  I was able to mount a 15" CRT VGA monitor this way and put into a midway cabaret cabinet without needed the "bubble" on the back door. 

Make an "L" shaped plywood frame.  Create a cutout for the tube but leave enough material so you can drill holes to mate up with the mounting tabs on the tube.  I saw someone here on BYOC used some metal brackets for this. On the short leg of the "L" you can mount the PCB.  See if the picture attached makes sense.  You can use PCB mounting feet or nylon standoffs to mount the monitor chassis to the plywood. 

Interestingly enough, my dedicated Galaxian is an early model and was built with a K4500 mounted in exactly this fashion from the factory.

I've also seen games where the tube was mounted in this way and the monitor chassis was a separate mount, which is a PITA to maintain. 

[UFO]

Build a plywood frame out of 3/4" plwood.  You can then mount the plywood frame in your cabinet with screws or bolts so that the whole thing can be removed.  Basically just like a lot of original arcade games where the frame of the monitor mounted to the plywood.  Only you are just combining the two.   I've done this on a couple of multi games and it works fine.  Since you are custom making the new frame out of wood it also gives you some freedom and control over the angle of the mount.  I was able to mount a 15" CRT VGA monitor this way and put into a midway cabaret cabinet without needed the "bubble" on the back door. 

Make an "L" shaped plywood frame.  Create a cutout for the tube but leave enough material so you can drill holes to mate up with the mounting tabs on the tube.  I saw someone here on BYOC used some metal brackets for this. On the short leg of the "L" you can mount the PCB.  See if the picture attached makes sense.  You can use PCB mounting feet or nylon standoffs to mount the monitor chassis to the plywood. 

Interestingly enough, my dedicated Galaxian is an early model and was built with a K4500 mounted in exactly this fashion from the factory.

I've also seen games where the tube was mounted in this way and the monitor chassis was a separate mount, which is a PITA to maintain.

Fantastic. This is exactly what I needed. Thank you my friend, some valuable information here and great you've included a couple of images too.

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[paigeoliver]

There is no need to decase unless it is required for clearance reasons. I used to decase them and it was more trouble than it was worth (and almost impossible with some models). Just spray paint the front of the case black and toss a piece of tinted plexi over it.

Thanks guys.

@paigeoliver Not planning to put it on a shelf, I want a more permanent solution as I will be decasing the monitor.

@haynor666 won't be rotating, will be in a fixed position.

Sent from my HTC One M9 using Tapatalk

[cj138]

I agree with paigeoliver. It is more of a pain than it is worth.

[UFO]

Thanks for that paigeoliver, and I absolutely understand where you're coming from.

I plan to firmly have the monitor (crt) permanently in portrait mode, so not sure it will work well on a shelf.

I've thought long and hard about whether I want the hassle of a CRT, and I know decasing will increase the headache factor, but I really don't see any way round it. I'm all for the easy life, but I kind of look at this as a challenge, so not too worried.

If anyone has some more pics, it'd be much appreciated.

Thanks again chaps...

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[paigeoliver]

Having not done it yourself yet you are thinking about it from the wrong angles. Decasing is anywhere from moderate to nightmare in difficulty, depending on the monitor. However building a box to slide the monitor into that keeps it pointed the way you want it is very simple.

[matsadona]

Mounting the CRT is basically just cutting a big hole for the tube and four smaller ones for a bolt at each corner
The problem with de-casing a standard TV is that the cables are really short, so the chassis board usually has to be mounted at the exact same angle and position as it was in the TV. That can be a real pain in the ass sometimes, but still I have persisted doing like this for several builds.

Now when I plan to put a VGA monitor in my Star Wars cabinet I do consider keeping it as-is and just put it on a shelf, because this one is even worse than any standard TV's I have seen (when it comes to optimized cable lengths, shields etc)...

[UFO]

Hey matsadona,

Thanks for that - very useful information. 

I am talking myself out of trying it, but I figure that I can pick-up an old CRT for next to nothing at the second-hand shops here in the UK. If I lose the CRT because it doesn't work out, then I haven't lost a lot and off to the recycling yard it goes. It might also be a headache, but my first project ran into several tricky issues along the way and turned out ok, so I just see it as another learning curve. I learnt a hell of a lot on that project so most of the hurdles in my next one have already been ironed out.

I don't really know if I will be back here in weeks to come with a post title "DONT DO IT! DONT DE-CASE A CRT!" or "How to fix a CRT in a box / shelf without decasing", but I'd at least like to give it a try.

I understand the dangers of poking my fingers in where they shouldn't be, so plan to be extra careful, and also understand that it isn't simply going to be a case of undoing a few screws at the back then magically fitting it seamlessly into my cab.

So, thanks again buddy - I might be back with more questions!

[DeLuSioNal29]

All of these are great solutions for both arcade monitors and decased TVs.  However, if you are using a computer CRT (easier in my opinion).  I suggest to simply decase it and mount it using the four bolts.  When you decase computer CRTs they usually have a protective shield around them and the chassis is contained underneath.  Simply leave it as is after removing the outer plastic.

Here's what I did with mine.
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,147025.msg1549692.html#msg1549692

DeL

[UFO]

All of these are great solutions for both arcade monitors and decased TVs.  However, if you are using a computer CRT (easier in my opinion).  I suggest to simply decase it and mount it using the four bolts.  When you decase computer CRTs they usually have a protective shield around them and the chassis is contained underneath.  Simply leave it as is after removing the outer plastic.

Here's what I did with mine.
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,147025.msg1549692.html#msg1549692

DeL

Again, thanks for that information DeL - I am going to go ahead with decasing a CRT, and ideally, I'd like it to be a computer CRT so I'll keep my eye out for one.

Thanks again buddy!