Author Topic: Newbie looking to buy Mortal Kombat 1 (Read 4799 times)

subedriver · « **on:** October 01, 2008, 12:27:48 pm »

Ok so I'm brand new to the arcade thing, wanted one forever and found a Mortal Kombat 1 thats for sale about 180 miles from me. Would like to get some of you experts to weigh in on this and tell me if you think it's a good deal. I'll be getting for 200 bucks maybe a little less if I can get the guy to move a little more on it. I've posted the link to the photobucket album of pics of it. Do you think this is in an original cabinet? It has a 19" monitor, I wish it had a 25" and thats the only thing really making my question it. I will be transporting this in the back of a truck, is laying it down ok or should I leave it standing up. I will be straping it down either way and will be checking to make sure everything is secure before and after I move it. Would to in the future add other pcbs to it possibly Killer Instinct/Street Fighter/MK 2.
http://s126.photobucket.com/albums/p115/jonelmore/mortal%20kombat/

HaRuMaN · « **Reply #1 on:** October 01, 2008, 12:42:35 pm »

No, not an original.

However, is it still worth buying a working cabinet for $200 or less? In my opinion, yes.

Lay it down in your truck (make sure all internal / external parts are secure, first) on a heavy blanket / other padding and strap it down and it should be fine.

subedriver · « **Reply #2 on:** October 01, 2008, 12:45:24 pm »

Are all the originals 25" monitors with the full side artwork? Would it be possible for me to put a larger monitor/tv in it?

Malenko · « **Reply #3 on:** October 01, 2008, 01:45:08 pm »

Quote from: subedriver on October 01, 2008, 12:45:24 pm

Are all the originals 25" monitors with the full side artwork? Would it be possible for me to put a larger monitor/tv in it?

the full side art and shape are what make them dedicated cabinets. if a monitor blows and an op puts a 19" monitor in the dedicated cabinet, its still a dedicated cabinet.

this is what a dedicated MK1 looks like:

from MK3Fan's restoration
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=85022.0

ctozzi · « **Reply #4 on:** October 01, 2008, 02:08:59 pm »

There are 3 dedicated MK1's on ebay right now maybe spend a bit more to get what you really want. I did and I feel as though the MK1 dedicated cabinets are the nicest ever made. but to answer your question an MK2 is better suited to play other games as it has different wiring harnesses to adapt better. BTW both MK1and MK2 have 25" monitors. MK1 is limited in that aspect

subedriver · « **Reply #5 on:** October 01, 2008, 02:24:40 pm »

I'd love to have an original cabinet with the sideart and 25" monitor however funds are limiting me right now. This will be my first one and I figure it's okay for that. I just didn't know if 200 bucks was a fair price for it. The thing limiting me from getting one on ebay is the shipping cost. I can't spend 700 bucks right now on one.

subedriver · « **Reply #6 on:** October 01, 2008, 02:29:17 pm »

Called the guy on this one http://kansascity.craigslist.org/ele/859270183.html just not sure about the lines in the screen thing. He says there are vertical lines in the backgrounds sometimes. He's had it for few years I believe and he says it has always done it. Also notice the missing button but thats no big deal. He wants more than the other guy does which I wouldn't mind paying a little more to have it, just don't want to bring it home and have to spend money on it right away to get it working properly. I understand they need some work from time to time but for my first one would like it working 100% since I don't know how to fix them yet.

Gatsu · « **Reply #7 on:** October 01, 2008, 03:24:48 pm »

I'm actually searching for one as well. I've got the plans to build one, but its hard to find a 25" tube television in stores anymore. They are all going full HD.

HaRuMaN · « **Reply #8 on:** October 01, 2008, 03:34:47 pm »

Quote from: Gatsu on October 01, 2008, 03:24:48 pm

I'm actually searching for one as well. I've got the plans to build one, but its hard to find a 25" tube television in stores anymore. They are all going full HD.

Check out your local thrift store, like Goodwill. I went to one about a week ago, and there were probably 10 or more color tube televisions in the 25" or larger range. Also check the local Craigslist.

subedriver · « **Reply #9 on:** October 01, 2008, 03:37:45 pm »

I mentioned the vertical lines in the one that I linked to, what could possibly be wrong with it? I've heard about the chips needing to be reset or does the monitor just need to be recaped?

grbgemen · « **Reply #10 on:** October 01, 2008, 03:42:13 pm »

there was a dedicated MKII listed on the omaha craigslist a little while back. guy was asking $350 for it.

Jack Burton · « **Reply #11 on:** October 01, 2008, 03:46:19 pm »

The vertical lines in the background are caused by the PCB. If something was wrong with the monitor it would be visible all the time.

$750 sounds a little steep to me.

I guess the question you need to ask yourself is how much do you love MK? Cause for that price I would expect that machine to be in very good, almost new condition. Something that a diehard MK fan would want. Otherwise, I think you should look for a better deal. The cab you posted in your first post is in just as good of shape and is less than 1/3 the price. It will play all the same games.

If you are really just looking for the MK cab design, keep in mind that several other games games used the exact same or almost the same cabinet design;

MK2
MK3
MK4
Killer Instinct
Killer Instinct 2
NBA Jam
Blitz

and others

I have seen everyone of those games go for far less than $750 in good condition.

Malenko · « **Reply #12 on:** October 01, 2008, 03:49:02 pm »

Quote from: Jack Burton on October 01, 2008, 03:46:19 pm

I have seen everyone of those games go for far less than $750 in good condition.

that depends on where you live.
I got my MKII in very good condition for 600 delivered from Baltimore
I spent 650 on my VERY good condition KI2 delivered from near Baltimore. I'd fixed them both up alot and wouldnt sell either for less then 800, prolly more for the KI2

Back to OP:
the extra cheddar for a dedicated cab is only worth it if youre a collector or REALLY want a dedicated machine. Functionally speaking, they do the exact same thing if it was my first cab, I'd spend less on the non dedicated

HaRuMaN · « **Reply #13 on:** October 01, 2008, 03:49:47 pm »

I bought my very good condition MK1 for $150, minus a monitor chassis.

Malenko · « **Reply #14 on:** October 01, 2008, 03:51:09 pm »

Quote from: HarumaN on October 01, 2008, 03:49:47 pm

I bought my very good condition MK1 for $150, minus a monitor chassis.

MKII > MK1

HaRuMaN · « **Reply #15 on:** October 01, 2008, 03:55:01 pm »

Quote from: Malenko on October 01, 2008, 03:51:09 pm

Quote from: HarumaN on October 01, 2008, 03:49:47 pm
I bought my very good condition MK1 for $150, minus a monitor chassis.
MKII > MK1

And $600 >> $150

subedriver · « **Reply #16 on:** October 01, 2008, 04:55:11 pm »

The second one I posted the guy is asking 400. The 750 you mention is for both the Mortal Kombat and the Ninga Gaiden game together. I talked to him a couple of days ago and he went down to 350 right away. So it's 350 for the dedicated cab. What can I do with the pcb to fix the lines? If the chips need to be reset I could call the local arcade repair shop and ask what they would charge. So since it's 350 with lines in screen versus 200 for perfectly working just not dedicated.

subedriver · « **Reply #17 on:** October 01, 2008, 04:57:43 pm »

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/ele/859270183.html

Here's the link again.

Malenko · « **Reply #18 on:** October 01, 2008, 05:26:01 pm »

Quote from: HarumaN on October 01, 2008, 03:55:01 pm

And $600 >> $150

well duh, if I coulda got that MK1 before you I would have. but if I had to pick any MK dedicated machine, 2 is the one I'd pick. I never get tired of seeing Raiden, infact, I need to move my machines around so KI2 is to the right and MKII is to the left, so Im not hiding him behind Orchid

Turnarcades · « **Reply #19 on:** October 01, 2008, 09:40:04 pm »

The shape is fairly easy to replicate. If you want a more versatile machine with just MK looks, build one from scratch and MAME it, or get a similar-shaped cabin worse condition and put on a fresh panel and artwork.

subedriver · « **Reply #20 on:** October 01, 2008, 10:09:18 pm »

would the pcb be just shot if its putting lines in the picture, or is that something that could be fixed? If so who would you all recommend to fix such a thing?

HaRuMaN · « **Reply #21 on:** October 02, 2008, 07:19:28 am »

Quote from: subedriver on October 01, 2008, 10:09:18 pm

would the pcb be just shot if its putting lines in the picture, or is that something that could be fixed? If so who would you all recommend to fix such a thing?

It may be as simple a fix as removing the socketed chips, lightly brushing their legs, and reseating them back in the board. Hard to say.

ctozzi · « **Reply #22 on:** October 02, 2008, 08:54:20 am »

new eprom chips are very cheap and www.hobbyroms.com will sell you preprogrammed one's

subedriver · « **Reply #23 on:** October 02, 2008, 12:38:43 pm »

Can you point me in a direction to find out how to remove the socketed chips and replace them?

ctozzi · « **Reply #24 on:** October 02, 2008, 12:59:46 pm »

it's simple just pull out the chip and replace with new, but 1st you need to find out which if any are bad. the boot up screen when you turn on the machine will show which if any are bad by showing red color not green.

subedriver · « **Reply #25 on:** October 02, 2008, 01:37:02 pm »

I've been searching for this but, is there a special tool i need to pull them out or can i use a pick set or something similiar. Would I be able to press on the chip and see if that takes care of the problem? Possibly loose? This guy has had this thing for a few years and I really doubt he's ever pulled the board and cleaned it in anyway.

subedriver · « **Reply #26 on:** October 02, 2008, 01:50:03 pm »

Ok talked to him again, he says one of the chips does show up red. He's gonna let me know which one when he gets off work at about 5:30. He says he'll go to $325 on it, would really like to get him down to $300. Got any suggestions on usefull arguments to get him lower? lol

Ginsu Victim · « **Reply #27 on:** October 02, 2008, 01:59:25 pm »

You would drive 180 miles for a game that isn't very rare?

I would just wait for one closer to home.

subedriver · « **Reply #28 on:** October 02, 2008, 02:31:16 pm »

I know it's not rare, bout around Wichita they are, any of them. There are no arcades left here and the few places that run routes either don't have them because of their age or they want a fortune for them. One shop here had a UMK3 and wanted 700 for it, and the cabinet wasn't original and wasn't that nice at all. Trust me I'd rather not drive to get one, they just don't come up for sale here and ebay isn't a very good option because the shipping costs are so high.

Ginsu Victim · « **Reply #29 on:** October 02, 2008, 03:00:54 pm »

I'm in Oklahoma, so I understand the drought of arcade cabinets. I only had to drive about an hour for mine, though.

ctozzi · « **Reply #30 on:** October 02, 2008, 03:12:19 pm »

to remove the chip a small screwdriver protected with something plastic just pops it rt out. A new chip ranges from $ 5-$ 30, but i know MK1 chips are $ 5.00. So make believe the chip is gonna cost ya $ 25.00 so now your at your $ 300.00 goal. In actuality the chip will cost $ 10.00 to your door.

subedriver · « **Reply #31 on:** October 02, 2008, 03:31:05 pm »

I was hoping it was that easy and didn't require a special tool. I'll post what chip is bad after he tells me tonight. If it's gonna be a $20 dollar fix I'll probably get the dedicated cabinet. Just like the way Raiden looks on the side of it.

Jakobud · « **Reply #32 on:** October 02, 2008, 03:46:49 pm »

LuSid's Arcade cabinet is loosely based off of MK1 shape/size/dimensions and has been one of the most popular arcade cabinets that people on BYOAC seem to mimic when designing theirs over the years. Wouldn't be difficult to build your own.

subedriver · « **Reply #33 on:** October 02, 2008, 04:00:22 pm »

I've thought about it, got a friend that build anything out of wood, just by the time I buy the material and spend the time putting it together I could have prolly bought one. I'm still keeping this idea in mind, but will prolly just buy one.

Malenko · « **Reply #34 on:** October 02, 2008, 07:05:51 pm »

Quote from: subedriver on October 02, 2008, 03:31:05 pm

I was hoping it was that easy and didn't require a special tool. I'll post what chip is bad after he tells me tonight. If it's gonna be a $20 dollar fix I'll probably get the dedicated cabinet. Just like the way Raiden looks on the side of it.

Johnny Cage is on the side of MK1, Raiden is on the side of MKII, and Shao Kahn and Sindel are on the side of (U)MK3

if youre getting an MK1 and expecting Raiden.......

subedriver · « **Reply #35 on:** October 02, 2008, 09:06:21 pm »

I know whats on the side of all of them, thanks

subedriver · « **Reply #36 on:** October 03, 2008, 03:40:06 pm »

Looking like I'm getting the MK 1. The guy with the MK 2 isn't returning phone calls or texts. I don't think he wants to move on his price so I don't think he wants to deal with me lol. So $200 for a working cabinet is an ok buy? Sucks I have to drive 160 miles each way to get it but oh well. Thanks for all the input guys, really appreciate it. Will be asking for more help and ideas when I redo the control panel on it.

subedriver · « **Reply #37 on:** October 05, 2008, 02:16:27 am »

Ok got the MK1 cab this sat. Will start a new thread on some questions I have, but overall happy with the purchase!

ctozzi · « **Reply #38 on:** October 05, 2008, 09:43:58 am »

post a few pictures.

subedriver · « **Reply #39 on:** October 05, 2008, 12:22:40 pm »

Will post pics shortly. Need to access the menu so I can change to free play and what not but I don't know how to? There is no switch to flip to access it, at least I can't find it. I'll take pics of the wiring and tell me what you think. Also a couple of the buttons are sticking, is there anything I can do to make them work again or should I just buy new buttons?

Here are the pics I just took
http://s126.photobucket.com/albums/p115/jonelmore/mk%20pics/

ctozzi · « **Reply #40 on:** October 05, 2008, 12:53:22 pm »

on the pcb there are 2 red boxes that allow youchange the DIP switch settings in the menu. Each box represents the ones on the screen and each white toggle switch on the pcb represents each dip swith. Mess around with them, try to get the screen to read CMOS.

subedriver · « **Reply #41 on:** October 05, 2008, 03:40:55 pm »

Changed the dips so that it's now set to free play, but can't get the on screen menu to pop up. I don't think I have the switch needed to get to it? I would like to be able to adjust difficulty and can you adjust whether or not cpu does fatals? I know you can change it on mk2. Think I'm gonna try to strip off the old laminate and just replace it.

ctozzi · « **Reply #42 on:** October 05, 2008, 05:32:51 pm »

on screen menu ? you have to access that through the switch that is on top of the coin box. Since yours id a bit different you probably cannot switch it. But it might be there . It's a metal plate with a black switch and a button. The switch slides from side to side allowing you to goto the menu or play, and the button acts as a credits button.

subedriver · « **Reply #43 on:** October 05, 2008, 06:15:08 pm »

ya don't think mine has that. i'll look it over again though. any suggestions on fixing buttons that stick?

ctozzi · « **Reply #44 on:** October 05, 2008, 09:58:14 pm »

take them apart they are a very easy fix, or order new one's they are cheap

subedriver · « **Reply #45 on:** October 05, 2008, 11:04:10 pm »

I'll do some looking as to how to lubricate them or get them unstuck for now. new buttons and a new cp are in the future.

ctozzi · « **Reply #46 on:** October 05, 2008, 11:15:20 pm »

there is a full MK1 control panel on ebay, and the guy selling it is the best, his stuff is in A+ shape and helped me with all my problems.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Mortal-Kombat-Arcade-Machine-Control-Panel-Complete_W0QQitemZ130260531818QQihZ003QQcategoryZ13718QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

subedriver · « **Reply #47 on:** October 05, 2008, 11:44:35 pm »

That does look nice. I will be doing a six button setup on mine prolly like sf2 or killer instinct so I'd hate to ruin a good panel to do that. Another member on here posted pics of his revised mk cp in which he put the six button layout like I want to do. I'm going to pm him and see what he printed it on and if he can send me the file. Next thing I'll be in the market for will be a mk2, umk3 pcb and kick harness.

ctozzi · « **Reply #48 on:** October 06, 2008, 12:03:01 am »

that's mine I paid a small fortune to have that custom made into a MAME control panel.

subedriver · « **Reply #49 on:** October 06, 2008, 12:19:40 am »

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=80730.0

Halfway down on this thread there is a guy that has the overlay for the joystick and button area designed for six buttons that looks like the original. Thats what I'll try to do in the very near future. Depends on how soon I get a umk3 board though. Would like to have a mk2 board as well. Didn't care much for mk4, felt that the 3d stuff took away from what the game was.

ctozzi · « **Reply #50 on:** October 06, 2008, 12:27:48 am »

yeah that is cool, I have an extra UMK3 board, if you want it I'll sell it for $ 85 shipped.

subedriver · « **Reply #51 on:** October 08, 2008, 11:31:29 pm »

Well got it in primer tonight after striping the old vinyl off the sides. Should be getting a first coat of black paint tonight hopefully!
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p115/jonelmore/DSC00368.jpg
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p115/jonelmore/DSC00369.jpg
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p115/jonelmore/DSC00370.jpg

ctozzi · « **Reply #52 on:** October 09, 2008, 02:01:55 am »

looks good so far, keep the pictures coming. If ya need help let me know.

subedriver · « **Reply #53 on:** October 10, 2008, 11:34:30 pm »

started a new thread with some pics of it painted and with some questions on how i can improve it

evil homer · « **Reply #54 on:** October 17, 2008, 07:45:13 am »

Killer instict / Mortal Kombat machines are available in the UK at videotronics for £175

http://arcadegameuk.brinkster.net/

although it says Mortal Kombat theres only KI in photos
also theres Tekken 2, Soul - Edge machines for £150

i like the Tekken machines but they are far too big to get in my house

Malenko · « **Reply #55 on:** October 17, 2008, 09:14:05 am »

if you want the CMOS screen to pop up, I think its switch #8 in the second set if you have the manual, its "test dip switch" Im at work and dont have my manuals in front of me

subedriver · « **Reply #56 on:** October 18, 2008, 12:33:05 am »

Quote from: evil homer on October 17, 2008, 07:45:13 am

Killer instict / Mortal Kombat machines are available in the UK at videotronics for £175

http://arcadegameuk.brinkster.net/

although it says Mortal Kombat theres only KI in photos
also theres Tekken 2, Soul - Edge machines for £150

i like the Tekken machines but they are far too big to get in my house

I'm in the U.S. and have no idea what that would work out to in U.S. dollars but sounds like a good deal.

subedriver · « **Reply #57 on:** October 18, 2008, 12:39:57 am »

Quote from: Malenko on October 17, 2008, 09:14:05 am

if you want the CMOS screen to pop up, I think its switch #8 in the second set if you have the manual, its "test dip switch" Im at work and dont have my manuals in front of me

Thanks for this, it pulled it up. Was wanting to change the difficulty level.


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