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javeryh's Woodgrain Cabaret Copy
javeryh:
--- Quote from: Zebidee on January 31, 2021, 11:05:47 pm ---
--- Quote from: javeryh on January 31, 2021, 01:20:21 pm ---Honestly, there is a 75% chance I am going to replace the monitor with a LCD if I can find a 4:3 the right size. This CRT was not worth the trouble
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Can you find a standard component-input TV locally?
Your core2duo E8500 + cheap low-profile ATI/AMD video card + CRT_emulator driver + GreenAntz RGB/VGA to component transcoder = authentic 15khz CRT monitor for your cab
It would be easy to mount in your cab (easier than your current monitor was anyway). Your CPU would handle the games better, you could use Groovymame if you want to (you want!) in real arcade modes and match refresh rates with no (or almost no) CPU performance hit, no more need for fake scanlines, artifacts, blurring, etc.
On the other hand, you might be able to fix the settings board on your VGA monitor, maybe is just a loose connection or something simple like that?
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I could probably find a TV. Not sure about the size though - 17" wasn't too popular. 13", 19" and 20" were common. 13" would be too small and 19" would be too big. Can't hurt to look though. How would I turn it on? Most TVs don't automatically wake like a monitor when it senses the signal.
I tried fixing the connection the last time I had the monitor out of the cab but couldn't actually figure out what was going on. It is connected via 4 pins on the CRT's PCB and the connection seemed secure but it's obviously not getting any power. There was no break in the wires anywhere that I could see on either end.
:dunno
Zebidee:
--- Quote from: javeryh on February 01, 2021, 09:11:53 am ---I could probably find a TV. Not sure about the size though - 17" wasn't too popular. 13", 19" and 20" were common. 13" would be too small and 19" would be too big. Can't hurt to look though. How would I turn it on? Most TVs don't automatically wake like a monitor when it senses the signal.
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Forgot yours was as small as 17" - less common size for TVs. But yeah if you can find it.
I'm using 20-21" cheap Chinese CRT TVs and component-modding them for cabs. There are smaller versions like 17" around here. A 17" might not have external component inputs, but often the jungle chip will have pins/inputs anyway. If so, probably all you need a a few capacitors and resistors and you're good to go.
I know a couple of tricks for getting TVs to come on once power is applied. Usually there are service menu options if you have an original remote and dig around, and the trick is googling out how to enter the hidden "service menu". Another trick is to simulate a button-press on power-up with a capacitor (for TVs that demand a power-button press to start). A similar trick can even be used to simulate a remote power button, but you might need a schematic or datasheet for that.
--- Quote ---I tried fixing the connection the last time I had the monitor out of the cab but couldn't actually figure out what was going on. It is connected via 4 pins on the CRT's PCB and the connection seemed secure but it's obviously not getting any power. There was no break in the wires anywhere that I could see on either end.
:dunno
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Diagnosing stuff like this will be easier with a multimeter. With that you can check for connectivity and voltages to narrow down the issue. Having said that, it often comes down to some simple oversight, so visually check and check again cables (in right way around?) and connectivity and if anything looks wrong.
Jimbo:
How about a 13" or 14" arcade monitor? That size was common in the cabaret cabinets. I have an asteroids with that size in, and a robotron mini. You think it'll be too small, but personally I think it looks great. Will be much easier to find a monitor of that size than a 17" too. And like said before, waaay easier to mount!
javeryh:
Glass arrived yesterday and I finally got around to installing it. I had to cut a bezel out of black matte board to go around the monitor, which was a pain to get just right. Came out pretty nice though. You really only see/notice the lit part of the screen - the surrounding area is pretty dark.
Only thing left to do is fix the right speaker (I ordered a $10 amp instead of trying to fix the pcb I mangled) and figure out how to catch coins on the inside but it is otherwise finished.
I guess I’m also going to tweak the game list eventually. It’s been up and running for a few weeks and I’ve been playing it but there are some games that I doubt I’ll ever really play and I won’t miss them if they aren’t there. I’m sure I’m also missing a bunch that I don’t know about or just overlooked. I need to start looking at “hidden gem” lists and stuff like that...
bperkins01:
Very nice looking machine - well executed :applaud: