Spy Hunter monitor upgrade to LCD

[Hutt]

I want to upgrade my Spy Hunter to an LCD.
I've swapped the 2 video chips that I got from arcadeshop.com
I installed a 19" Vision Pro monitor

Having a couple issues... I can't seem to get this bright enough no matter what I do with the settings.
There is an auto adjust on the controls and if I hit that it actually brightens up the picture and looks great but then immediately goes back to where it was.

However, even if I get that to stay this is apparently a TN type montior where angles come into play... so in that seated position it doesn't look the greatest at all angles... especially if you move to the side any.

Is there an IPS LCD that I can get for this project?

I've restored the cabinet and the machine looks great but I have to get this monitor issue resolved.

[Mike A]

You are going to get the same reaction here that you did at KLOV.

Don't wreck a classic game. Get the CRT fixed.

I've restored the cabinet and the machine looks great but I have to get this monitor issue resolved.

You are not restoring the machine if you cram a ---smurfy--- LCD in there.

[Hutt]

You are going to get the same reaction here that you did at KLOV.

Don't wreck a classic game. Get the CRT fixed.

I've restored the cabinet and the machine looks great but I have to get this monitor issue resolved.

You are not restoring the machine if you cram a ---smurfy--- LCD in there.

Why do you care so much what I do with my own machine? More people are probably installing LCDs these days than fixing CRTs...
Honestly right now I just have way to many other projects going on... I just want the game to run for right now.
Perhaps down the line I may have more time to mess with it... but for now I don't...

[Hutt]

And I'm not 'wrecking' anything... I took a beat to ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- cabinet and a busted steering column and made it look better than new.
Only change will be the monitor.

[Mike A]

If you did all of that work, why not fix the monitor too?
Or you could get a replacement CRT.
Tubes can be swapped. People fix these things all of the time.
These games mean something to some people.
You don't take history and "upgrade" it.
An LCD has a ---smurfy--- picture for classic games on top of everything else.

[Hutt]

I don't know what you want me to say to you, Dude. The game means a lot to me as well... or I wouldn't have restored it.
I've had machines for over 20 years and was one of the first people building and selling control panels online for MAME in the 90's.

We have a different opinion on the importance of keeping the original monitor...
It's not like a gutted a rare cab and put a stupid multicade board in it.

If I upgrade my machine to an LCD (and yes it's an upgrade... that is why they don't make tubes anymore) it can be made original at any time by reverting to a CRT. It can simply be undone at any time with harm to the original game.

[Mike A]

Ask anyone who knows anything about 80's arcade games at all if an LCD is an upgrade in an original machine.

They will all tell you no.

What was the reaction over at KLOV when you asked about the LCD?

You have owned machines for 20 years. You should know why the CRT is better.

There are people who can fix that CRT.

You can buy a replacement CRT.

Both solutions are better than that ---smurfy--- LCD.

[Hutt]

Ask anyone who knows anything about 80's arcade games at all if an LCD is an upgrade in an original machine.

They will all tell you no.

What was the reaction over at KLOV when you asked about the LCD?

You have owned machines for 20 years. You should know why the CRT is better.

There are people who can fix that CRT.

You can buy a replacement CRT.

Both solutions are better than that ---smurfy--- LCD.

Let me ask you this... If my LCD had scan lines and the screen looked exactly like a CRT would you still have the same argument?
Because I can't see any other reason for it... I say upgrade in the sense of reliability in that I will never have to worry about or work on it again.

Listen... I'm not saying I totally disagree with you... down the line I may go back to CRT... I still have the monitor. I'm not trashing it. Right now I have a plethora of projects that are taking priority over my SH machine. So for now I just want the quick and simple solution to get it running for people to enjoy the fastest and easiest way possible. Then at the end of the year when things get caught up maybe I can take the time and repair/reinstall the CRT.

You asked about the reaction at KLOV?... That's the problem... I wasn't asking for opinions about scanline/originality preference... I already know how a lot of people feel about that... but I can assure there are many that don't care either way as well.
So if you want to offer any help on choosing an appropriate monitor with no viewing angle restrictions that would be great... and greatly appreciated.
I've already swapped out the video chips on the board set. But the monitor I currently have isn't the best LCD for the job.

[Mike A]

CRTs display true black. The colors are more vivid. Especially on the older games.

CRTs have no viewing angle problems.

The games were designed for CRTs.

Buy a CRT instead of another LCD panel. It will be easier to install.

[Hutt]

That's why I was looking for an IPS monitor. Zero angle issues ... Every PC monitor I've had for at least 15 years has been this... But finding one for an arcade machine is a different story.

But the question I asked you was if they looked the same would you care. Is this about originality or your picture preference?
That's my point there ... And many people don't care either way.

Right now you're on a website whose original purpose was for people making custom control panels to use with an emulator... Which practically everyone is going to have an LCD screen in.

Bottom line is I don't want to work on this right now... Hence just going to LCD...

Obviously they are not in production.... So do you have a source for a 100% functional CRT that I can simply drop right into my Spy Hunter?

[Mike A]

But the question I asked you was if they looked the same would you care.

I told you. It is both.

They cannot look the same. And even if they could it still would not be right.

Which practically everyone is going to have an LCD screen in.

Have you poked around this site at all? That statement is not true.

Even if it was true we are discussing an original classic arcade cabinet.

Why don't you just waltz into an art museum and "improve" all of the paintings?

The Venus de Milo could use a set of arms.

You are messing with history. Stop it.

I am clearly not going to change your mind.

I already said more than I was planning on saying.

Maybe someone else will want to try to help you with the LCD.

[Jimbo]

I'm not sure I'd agree with the term "upgrade".  The machine was made for a CRT.  Also, I believe CRTs were built to last a lot longer than LCDs.  To me, fitting an LCD in an original arcade machine will *always* be a downgrade.

Just ask around to get a working one.  Why the rush after all that work?

If you spent all that time restoring it, then put an LCD in it, to me that doesn't make sense.  You're skimping out at the last second to have a far inferior solution when you've already put a lot of effort in.  Why can't it wait until you find a monitor (which isn't that hard)?

[Hutt]

Have you poked around this site at all? That statement is not true.
Saint started this website for people building control panels for emulators.

Dude, I'm one of the oldest members here... Don't let my profile date fool you. This is not my original account.

I am clearly not going to change your mind.

Ummm... did you read the last sentence of my previous post?

[Hutt]

Just ask around to get a working one.  Why the rush after all that work?

If you spent all that time restoring it, then put an LCD in it, to me that doesn't make sense.  You're skimping out at the last second to have a far inferior solution when you've already put a lot of effort in.  Why can't it wait until you find a monitor (which isn't that hard)?

Because the room where it is going will be done in a few weeks. I need it moved from where it is and I'd like to have it running when its in there.

Like I asked Mike 2 posts ago... do you know where I can get a 100% working CRT that I can drop right in this thing.

Yes, I'm rushing the end of this project but that doesn't mean its the final result. Even if I find and LCD that works right it doesn't mean I wont go back to CRT later... I just thought it would be the quickest solution... even if only temporary.

[Mike A]

Like I asked Mike 2 posts ago... do you know where I can get a 100% working CRT that I can drop right in this thing.

If you really want help with that I can be dragged back in.

Where do you live? I can check Craigslist, KLOV, and Facebook. If you live near me I have more than a couple 19 inch CRTs.

[Jimbo]

Are you in the US?  I'm in the UK and have just managed to bag 5 burn-free working great condition arcade monitors.  I think it's harder in the UK as there are far less original machines over here.  Have you posted on here/klov etc asking?  That's probably your best bet - or look on craigslist/ebay etc.  I can't see it being harder than over here in the UK.

[Hutt]

I'm near Pittsburgh, fellows....

[Mike A]

This was after 5 seconds of looking. I am sure I can do better with more time.

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[Mike A]

Also check listings for video poker and other gambling machines. Sometimes they are really cheap.

[Hutt]

Thanks... I'm not home right now... But I'll look a little more after work. A lot easier on a computer...

[Mike A]

No worries.

I will see if I can dig up more options.

[Howard_Casto]

Honestly though 200 is a good price these days.  Jennifer probably has a million in a warehouse somewhere.  I bet she'd sell you one if nothing else. 

Gotta be honest man... I'm generally team lcd but restoring a spy hunter and then throwing a lcd in it is like running the ball 99.9 yards and then deciding to just drop it and go home.  I know you've been around forever and I'd still give you a hard time for that one.   

[yotsuya]

I think I read somewhere that the Midway MCR games have an sync issue with LCDs.


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[nitrogen_widget]

Even an rgb to svideo adaptor and a 20" fb market place tv would look better.

[Iconic Zombie]

[mention]Hutt [/mention] sorry you’re getting ripped on so much. I repair games in SLC, I’ve got some working 19” CRTs but I’ve never shipped one. Lmk if you want prices and pictures.


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[Mike A]

I think I read somewhere that the Midway MCR games have an sync issue with LCDs.




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That sounds familiar.

[Hutt]

I think I read somewhere that the Midway MCR games have an sync issue with LCDs.




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That sounds familiar.

Yeah, that is true... I had to replace a couple chips to handle this. The LCD works fine with the biggest issue being that it is not and IPS monitor so viewing angles are an issue.
I don't believe an IPS monitor designed specifically for an arcade machine exists... only chance would be stripping a PC monitor.

So as discussed yesterday I may just go back to trying to get my existing monitor working or looking for a replacement.
Got a little sidetracked on this today troubleshooting an Astro Blaster that I picked up this past weekend.

[Hutt]

Honestly though 200 is a good price these days.  Jennifer probably has a million in a warehouse somewhere.  I bet she'd sell you one if nothing else. 

Gotta be honest man... I'm generally team lcd but restoring a spy hunter and then throwing a lcd in it is like running the ball 99.9 yards and then deciding to just drop it and go home.  I know you've been around forever and I'd still give you a hard time for that one.   

Jennifer?

[PL1]

Honestly though 200 is a good price these days.  Jennifer probably has a million in a warehouse somewhere.  I bet she'd sell you one if nothing else. 

Gotta be honest man... I'm generally team lcd but restoring a spy hunter and then throwing a lcd in it is like running the ball 99.9 yards and then deciding to just drop it and go home.  I know you've been around forever and I'd still give you a hard time for that one.   

Jennifer?

She recently scored a huge haul of monitors (including some NIB ones) and parts.   

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,161783.msg1712678.html#msg1712678




Scott

[Hutt]

She recently scored a huge haul of monitors (including some NIB ones) and parts.   

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,161783.msg1712678.html#msg1712678



Scott

Wow...awesome. I've not been too active in the hobby for a while. Thanks for the heads up!

[Mike A]

This guy might be too far from you, but sometimes these guys travel and you can meet them somewhere.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/712704072917681

[Hutt]

This guy might be too far from you, but sometimes these guys travel and you can meet them somewhere.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/712704072917681

If anything arcade related that I want is ever for sale in Pennsylvania you could be 100% certain that it's always on the other side of the state 😕

I still may try to repair my existing one before I look for another one...