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Need tips on 25" arcade monitor, new/used/convert 25" TV?
fixumdude:
I have an old pit fighter cab that was converted to a Marvel Super Heroes at some point and was totally empty when I got it. I have a 21" PC monitor in the cab now, but as many of you know, it just doesn't fill the space.
Most brand new 25" televisions I've looked at are just a hair too wide to fit in the cab with the case on and I'd hate to tear apart a brand new $150-$200 TV. I recently received a decent used 25" television, but it only has a coaxial (cable) input on the back (which you also know is horrible for a PC picture).
I've seen the 8-liners web site about turning a 25" TV into an arcade monitor for around $100...are these any good or would most of you recommend getting a new or good used arcade monitor? I've found a few threads about them here, but none of the reports seem to be "glowing".
Also, if I go the arcade monitor route, is the Arcade VGA the only way to to hook up an arcade monitor to a PC? I've tried several searches, but haven't come up with anything except the AVGA. (some of you seem to be search wizards so any tips on how to get exactly what you are looking for would help too).
Sorry this is so long, and thanks in advance for any advice you may have,
Mike
MonitorGuru:
Search this forum for tons of info.
8liners chassis:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,5448.0.html(8liners chassis/TV tube to arcade monitor(Previously: Whooooo mama!) <--- *THE* FAQ for 8liners installation !!)
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,19429.0.html (8Liners 25" Chassis.. My thoughts. )
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,12010.0.html(8liners chassis write-up on RGVAC )
Plus another 75+ threads in this fourm alone mentioning 8liners.
An alternative to 8liners chassis which are built buy Jenn-Shinn, is an ebay seller by the name of "Video1963" who sells basically similar replacement chassis made by Weiya, however his REQUIRE an isolation transformer where the Jenn-Shinn ususally don't. Reports are the Video1963 chassis are better. I am about to try one of theirs but they havn't put them up in the last few days so I could order. Threads discussing his Weiya chassis include the 8liners big thread above, plus:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,32944.0.html(What size replacement chassis for 23" tube? (20" or 25")? (Ken???) )
You don't need ArcadeVGA to drive an arcade monitor... You can use *almost* any VGA card plus AdvanceMame running in DOS or Linux. If you need to run windows, then you probably need an ArcadeVGA unless you can configure powerstrip type utilities to enable the 15KHz modes.
Read the threads above..especially the long 8liners FAQ (Whoo Mama) and then stop back with questions....
PS: In that long thread, there is a link to OscarControl's site where there is a review of a 5 tube swap-a-thon into the 8liners chassis complete with 4 pictures of each tube for comparisons. Link: http://www.oscarcontrols.com/chassis
AceTKK:
I'm in the same position myself, except I have a 27" tube. One additional thing to consider if you go with the 8-liner chassis is how you're going to mount the new monitor. Once de-cased, your tube will have 4 mounting "ears" but no metal frame to support the tube or chassis. I've been unsuccessful in sourcing one of these frames, but maybe somebody can offer a lead. Most ppl have mounted the tube to a wooden support but I'm not entirely sure this will be secure enough for my 27" tube. Short of having a frame custom-built I'm not sure what I'm going to do.
-Ace-
MonitorGuru:
Consider this: All TV tubes, up to 36", are mounted via those 4 dog ears into a cheap plastic frame that transfers the weight to the base... also plastic.
Honestly, if you use steel braces in the corners and attach them into the plywood/mdf/particle board, that will aid greatly in the support.
For anything larger than 20", i'd recommend 2, 1/2" pieces of wood glued together or 2, 3/4" pieces and sufficient edge holding.
Alternatively, if you don't have much trim around the tube, just use some hardwood (oak, maple) and cut them at 45 degree angles and screw them into the sides of the cabinet/shelf, then screw the tabs into that. Then just make a decorative black frame around it out of a thin piece of wood or cardboard. The hardwood will hold well... they use them to brace the 4 corners of a cheap dining chair that can hold 250# easily.
Yeah, I'd recommend putting it in something stronger myself, but if you consider how TV's are made, there really isn't much holding. An alternative is to go to the home improvement store and buy some angle iron or square pipes and use those as cross braces to hold it. If you have access to a welder you can make a complete frame really easily/cheaply.
wakerlet:
I also just ordered a wei-ya chassis (for a 19" monitor though).