Hi all!
(Backstory: A few months ago I decided to finally try and get an arcade machine (a dream since childhood). As I started scouring local ads, I learned about MAME cabinets. This was a perfect fit for me, unfortunately, the few cabinets I found were cobbled together out of undersized LCD monitors, underpowered PC's, poor wood craft. They looked horrible, and were an arm and a leg. I knew I could do better for less. Fortunately, I found a cabinet restorer who was, not only a nice guy, but had an old Golden Tee with an untested Wells Gardner 25 in. monitor in the cab. He sold it at a very reasonable price, and I dove into MAME.
I'm not totally inexperienced, having built my own computer, done woodworking, and rewired USB controllers into fight sticks. I got the cab refurbished, JAMMA harness pulled, marquee up with lighting, sound system up and running, and have all of my control panel equipment ready to roll. I'm good with everything except the monitor... which is where my problem begins....)
So, I have a Wells Gardner 25K7191 that came with the cab I bought (my first MAME project). I finally hooked it up to 120v today, using the isolation transformer, but no video input. Other than a slight orange glow at the neck of the tube, there was absolutely no indication of life. The monitor itself showed no sign of lighting up. (I did feel static off the screen at startup.)
I have checked the main fuse, and it appears intact, but I was told at purchase that the monitor may need a cap kit. I've also learned that I may or may not need a video amplifier along with the ArcadeVGA card for this monitor. I would like to stick with this monitor, but I don't want to go down an expensive and time consuming "rabbit hole" only to find that it's DOA, or there's massive screen burn. That leads me to option #2...
Today at my local thrift store, I ran across a Sharp TV model #27c530, circa 2003. This is a 27" curved CRT alternative that with component inputs, would fit my cab with some minor alterations.
So, here's my questions:
* Do you think I should stick with the WG 25" and try to get it working?
* If so, what in addition to an ArcadeVGA would I need to connect it to a PC (if I manage to get it going)?
* If not, what is the difference in picture quality between TV and Arcade monitor if I use the Component (not composite inputs)?
* Could I just use a VGA cable to component cable for the TV, or would you suggest something else?
* Would you still suggest the ArcadeVGA with the Sharp, or something else?
Please give me any feedback you have. I'm still learning with this, but I don't run across CRT TV's that fit my cab (w/ component inputs) everyday. Still, I don't want to sink another 25$ into the learning process. Thanks for your time, and any help you can offer.
Bec