Newbie looking to buy Mortal Kombat 1

[subedriver]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Jack Burton]

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]

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]

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

[Malenko]

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

MKII > MK1
 

[HaRuMaN]

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

MKII > MK1
 

And $600 >> $150

 

[subedriver]

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]

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

Here's the link again.

[Malenko]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[subedriver]

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

[ctozzi]

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]

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]

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]

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

I would just wait for one closer to home.

[subedriver]

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]

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

[ctozzi]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[subedriver]

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]

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

[ctozzi]

post a few pictures.

[subedriver]

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/