Author Topic: Price-check on a never opened Robotron cabaret (in the box) (Read 13913 times)

Chuckolicious · « **on:** May 07, 2009, 09:28:25 am »

Hello everyone, new guy here.

I just got a hold of a never opened Robotron cabaret. Literally like it was in a time capsule, Williams box is even in great condition. I won't say what I paid because I want to get some feedback on what you all think its worth. After I get some, I'll post what I paid, even if I got rooked.

Cakemeister · « **Reply #1 on:** May 07, 2009, 09:33:21 am »

IIRC there was a NIB Robotron on Ebay not too long ago. I can't remember how much it went for. Maybe 2 or 3k?

Jack Burton · « **Reply #2 on:** May 07, 2009, 10:50:24 am »

What do new in box arcade machines look like? Do they just come in a crate?

Chuckolicious · « **Reply #3 on:** May 07, 2009, 11:33:29 am »

Here are pics of the box and the front of the machine with the lovely manual and key envelopes:

Franco B · « **Reply #4 on:** May 07, 2009, 11:38:20 am »

Mmmm, minty fresh!!

You lucky, lucky thing!

Hoopz · « **Reply #5 on:** May 07, 2009, 11:47:23 am »

I'd Mame it.

Jack Burton · « **Reply #6 on:** May 07, 2009, 12:47:33 pm »

Wow.

The idea of playing a brand new classic arcade game is inconceivable to me. All my arcade memories are of old broken down cabs and conversions.

I don't think you can really even put a value on new in box cabs. I would bet money that Robotron is a one of a kind.

Or are their places that still sell new old games?

Kevin Mullins · « **Reply #7 on:** May 07, 2009, 01:01:56 pm »

Has it been turned on yet ?

Seems most "new in box" machines need fixed.
(dried caps, oxidization on components, etc)

Blanka · « **Reply #8 on:** May 07, 2009, 01:30:18 pm »

And be careful that the tape did not GROW into the paint (when you remove) it

DrumAnBass · « **Reply #9 on:** May 07, 2009, 01:32:30 pm »

Wow... Amazing find...!

Chuckolicious · « **Reply #10 on:** May 07, 2009, 01:49:02 pm »

The place I got it from did have to open the box (carefully as per my instructions) and run it for a few days. It needed a 4116 RAM IC replaced. It also had a few cosmetic blemishes on the cabinet which was apparently par for the course in those days. The place I got it from professionally made them disappear, really seamless work. $2500 with shipping and all, so I think I did ok.

Before:

After:

A couple more spots like that.

Now, for the kicker, they have 5 left. I'm thinking of trying to broker a group buy, with my reward being the 6th one they have left at a severely discounted price. I just assume have two of these things if I can finagle it. One of my friends kind of has dibbs on one already.

So anybody interested?

TOK · « **Reply #11 on:** May 07, 2009, 04:28:12 pm »

Are these the ones originally from Johns Jukes (think that was the name) in Canada? If so, they've been all over the place!

Very nice.

CheffoJeffo · « **Reply #12 on:** May 07, 2009, 04:35:40 pm »

Part of me thinks that I have heard part of this story before ... I want to say from GRM, but I don't have my issues handy to check.

In any event, there will be folks would say that you overpaid, but I've never known John to rip anybody off and can think of a few folks off-hand who would have paid what you did for what you received.

Oh, and I am envious.

mrclean · « **Reply #13 on:** May 07, 2009, 04:38:35 pm »

i think the website http://www.flippers.com/vid4sale.html had them they were 1500-1700 if i remember correctly from somewhere ??

WareWolF · « **Reply #14 on:** May 07, 2009, 05:16:12 pm »

Nice, but I'd rather spend the $2250 I have left over on more games, my $250 beater robotron plays just as well...

Chuckolicious · « **Reply #15 on:** May 07, 2009, 06:26:59 pm »

Yea, they're coming from the Great White North. Man, he's a class act. He just sent me pics of the unit being loaded on the truck, totally cocooned.

Come on people, grab one! I need a second one I can keep unopened, MIB, like a Star Trek figurine or something!

councilface · « **Reply #16 on:** May 08, 2009, 10:28:31 am »

There was a mint boxed Robo cocktail going on UK Ebay for 1k sterling (About 1500 US). I believe that was also Canadian. It was opened for testing and ran fine apparently. Dunno who acquired it though.

RandyT · « **Reply #17 on:** May 08, 2009, 10:37:00 am »

That mini-Robotron looks fantastic!

But I'd be a little shy to play the mini version for fear of knocking it over. I rattle the hell out my full-size cab when playing it. Apparently I get too involved in the game

RandyT

RayB · « **Reply #18 on:** May 08, 2009, 11:21:43 am »

NICE! So it really is SILVER paint!

Yeah, Flippers.com has had so many great NIB machines. Sometimes they sell for bargain prices when its a game no one has heard of. For example they had a NIB black n white racing game from the 70's. It sold for something like $200.

Turnarcades · « **Reply #19 on:** May 08, 2009, 12:11:33 pm »

It's almost like your first pic could have been taken 30 years ago...

Level42 · « **Reply #20 on:** May 10, 2009, 05:04:12 am »

Great ! I'd like to see a picture of it running. Really wonder about the caps in the monitor. The story is that stored (never used) caps dry out even sooner than when they are in use.

I think it's a pretty fair price.

Chuckolicious · « **Reply #21 on:** May 10, 2009, 08:42:22 am »

Will do. I'll probably make a little video of opening it up and turning it on. John did run it for a few days and all was well. But if a cap kit ends up being necessary, no biggie.

Ummon · « **Reply #22 on:** May 10, 2009, 03:20:57 pm »

Quote from: RandyT on May 08, 2009, 10:37:00 am

That mini-Robotron looks fantastic!

But I'd be a little shy to play the mini version for fear of knocking it over. I rattle the hell out my full-size cab when playing it. Apparently I get too involved in the game

RandyT

Yeah, I find myself doing that sometimes, too. I find I don't play as well when that happens. It's, like, kung fu you know. Must be relaxed.

Level42 · « **Reply #23 on:** May 10, 2009, 04:28:44 pm »

It's a bit like operating the small digging machine I had rented when we worked on the Gameroom in my yard. First you are careful and trying (and failing) the controls, but as you do it more and more, you stop to think "this is up, this is left" etc. but just move. You don't actually know what you're doing anymore, you're just in "the flow"

It's then when you start to become brutal on the controls

RayB · « **Reply #24 on:** May 11, 2009, 06:12:20 pm »

Quote from: pinballjim on May 11, 2009, 05:10:02 pm

Anyway, my problem is this story came out a few years ago that all these games were stolen 25+ years ago from a warehouse in Canada, disappeared for a long time, and then re-emerged when the heat was off. I was never particularly satisfied with the explanation for the origin of dozens of NIB games from 77-82, either. I have no idea if it's true but it never sat right with me. $:-\$

Do you have any links to this story? It's the first time I've heard of it. (Assuming you're not confusing them with the theft that happened around 2000 that was talked about on RGVAC?? I think it was TNT Todd's or other known name that was robbed and some of his his machines popped up on Ebay)

TOK · « **Reply #25 on:** May 11, 2009, 08:18:20 pm »

When TNT was ripped off, I think it was an employee that got busted. That wasn't that long ago either.

Chuckolicious · « **Reply #26 on:** May 12, 2009, 03:38:21 pm »

That's a weird thread. Dies in 2004? I can only assume that if he were selling stolen property, something would have come of it. But these Robotrons, as far as I was able to tell, came from an operation here in the states that went bankrupt a couple years ago. I was searching for a Robotron, came across their old site, and they had a pointer which said John's had purchased the remaining units.

Also, he's been so totally stand-up: fixing the little blemishes with expert workmanship, testing the unit, replacing the IC, communication, multiple pics from every step of the way, not really the behavior of a scam artist.

The machine arrived at the airport today, so I'm off to get it this evening. Pics and maybe video soon to follow.

Ummon · « **Reply #27 on:** May 12, 2009, 03:43:18 pm »

Quote from: Level42 on May 10, 2009, 04:28:44 pm

It's a bit like operating the small digging machine I had rented when we worked on the Gameroom in my yard. First you are careful and trying (and failing) the controls, but as you do it more and more, you stop to think "this is up, this is left" etc. but just move. You don't actually know what you're doing anymore, you're just in "the flow" It's then when you start to become brutal on the controls

The reverse is what I'm saying. Or, rather, much like anything I think it's when the body part(s) used get over-stimulated/over-used and get tired and then tense up. An extreme case is like when you're at your desk all day using your mouse, and your hand or even entire arm is ---fouled up beyond all recognition--- over.

RayB · « **Reply #28 on:** May 12, 2009, 09:22:27 pm »

Quote from: pinballjim on May 12, 2009, 01:59:18 pm

http://groups.google.com/group/rec.games.pinball/browse_thread/thread/6f86a37f94d158fd/354e843a85b3b2ff?lnk=gst&q=Stolen+Black+Knight#354e843a85b3b2ff

Jim, you're something else.

Kevin Mullins · « **Reply #29 on:** May 12, 2009, 09:24:38 pm »

Quote from: Chuckolicious on May 12, 2009, 03:38:21 pm

But these Robotrons, as far as I was able to tell, came from an operation here in the states that went bankrupt a couple years ago.

Weren't a lot of these NIB machines John got from some warehouse in Washington or something ?
Maybe I'm getting some of the "NIB" stories mixed up.

EDIT: I think it was a Vancouver location.

Kevin Mullins · « **Reply #30 on:** May 12, 2009, 10:36:24 pm »

Quote from: pinballjim on May 12, 2009, 10:17:42 pm

Quote from: Kevin Mullins on May 12, 2009, 09:24:38 pm
EDIT: I think it was a Vancouver location.

Someone's either got me on ignore or is ignoring links.

What ??

Neither..... I just hate reading through some of those dribble bashing threads.
And what little I did read didn't equate to what I was thinking of.

I was thinking of the Time Travel Warehouse stuff that John got through Dale Distributing in Vancouver or something to that effect. (don't know the specifics, nor do I care)

Quote from: pinballjim on May 12, 2009, 10:17:42 pm

TNT Amusements deserved whatever screw job they got. Shame they caught the perps.

Something about Todd I just don't like.......and have never dealt with him.

Chuckolicious · « **Reply #31 on:** May 13, 2009, 09:27:35 pm »

The frakking box was empty except for two cinder blocks!!!!

Just kidding.

It was everything I thought it would be. The smell, it was awesome.

Only annoying thing is the packing style tape that Williams used to tape the key envelopes to the front of the machine dried up. The glue is now mostly solidified onto the cabinet. I'm going to have to figure out how to remove it without messing up the black paint.

The box was designed such that it could be opened without actually damaging the box and then collapses flat. I will seal it up in thick plastic and keep it stored. Also, being the nerd that I am, I'm going to burn a DVD with all the emails with John, save of his web site, all the pics he sent me, and all the pics and video I just took now. I'll mount it inside the cabinet. Maybe in 50 years someone will get the machine and find the disc.

Chuckolicious · « **Reply #32 on:** May 13, 2009, 09:29:31 pm »

More pics

Chuckolicious · « **Reply #33 on:** May 13, 2009, 09:31:40 pm »

and more

Kevin Mullins · « **Reply #34 on:** May 13, 2009, 09:39:57 pm »

Very cool..... I don't know what I like more, the machine or all the original stuff that comes with it.

On that tape, I'd try something super mild like Windex and let it soak it in and just be very gentle. I tend to use my fingernail sometimes when I need to be that gentle. Tedious, but worth it.

RayB · « **Reply #35 on:** May 14, 2009, 01:10:13 pm »

Try Goo Gone first. It does not affect paint.

That machine is beautiful!!!

Chuckolicious · « **Reply #36 on:** May 14, 2009, 02:05:32 pm »

Here's a bizarre design flaw: the P1 and P2 blue buttons are back-lit, but I didn't realize until I opened the control panel. Two little bulbs are located just to the side of each button so as to clear the leaf switches, but the amount of light that actually travels out of the button is utterly unnoticable unless the room is totally dark. I WANT MY MONEY BACK!

HaRuMaN · « **Reply #37 on:** May 14, 2009, 02:09:24 pm »

Why are you unpacking that in a bathroom?

whammoed · « **Reply #38 on:** May 14, 2009, 03:35:10 pm »

Quote from: Chuckolicious on May 14, 2009, 02:05:32 pm

Here's a bizarre design flaw: the P1 and P2 blue buttons are back-lit, but I didn't realize until I opened the control panel. Two little bulbs are located just to the side of each button so as to clear the leaf switches, but the amount of light that actually travels out of the button is utterly unnoticable unless the room is totally dark. I WANT MY MONEY BACK!

Those dark blue buttons are indeed difficult to light. I have seen someone use 1watt LEDs with success. Of course then it's no longer stock. $:-\$

ChadTower · « **Reply #39 on:** May 14, 2009, 04:07:30 pm »

Quote from: HarumaN on May 14, 2009, 02:09:24 pm

Why are you unpacking that in a bathroom?

Because of the holy ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- factor! He's unpacking a NIB Robotron. The man might need the bathroom.

Level42 · « **Reply #40 on:** May 14, 2009, 06:04:04 pm »

---smurfing--- ---Cleveland steamer---. This is absolutely beautiful. I don't care what happened 25 years ago, in a way they did us all a big favor.

Unpacking that must have felt like ........well I guess you know what I mean.....the first time.....

Totally boring to have a cab like that. No CPO's to be replaced, no side-art to be hunted and installed, not even new T-molding

God I hate you

You're right about that poor backlighting of the buttons. If you pack everything back up nicely and ship to me I will install a much better lighting and send it right back to you....in about a year or two, three.....five........

Chuckolicious · « **Reply #41 on:** May 15, 2009, 08:49:50 am »

Its actually more of a mudroom/laundry room. Since it has an outside door and tile floor, it was easy to get the machine in there, unpack, then move within the house without damaging the wood floors or walls.

Yea, I thought of a lite augmentation for the buttons, but even the slightest variance from stock would set off my OCD.

So now the question is: where else are there NIB machines hiding in a warehouse?

Mauzy · « **Reply #42 on:** May 15, 2009, 10:04:26 am »

Quote from: Chuckolicious on May 15, 2009, 08:49:50 am

So now the question is: where else are there NIB machines hiding in a warehouse?

ChadTower · « **Reply #43 on:** May 15, 2009, 10:09:21 am »

If we knew of NIB machines hiding in a warehouse do you really think they'd still be there?

Level42 · « **Reply #44 on:** May 15, 2009, 10:57:50 am »

A bought a half warehouse full of games here in Europe, but I'm not telling anyone. Will start selling them in about 15 years when I retire

gprotein · « **Reply #45 on:** June 06, 2009, 05:31:15 am »

Very nice find.

ChadTower · « **Reply #46 on:** June 08, 2009, 09:26:15 am »

Quote from: Level42 on May 15, 2009, 10:57:50 am

A bought a half warehouse full of games here in Europe, but I'm not telling anyone. Will start selling them in about 15 years when I retire

Liar! If you had half a warehouse full of games you wouldn't be here! You'd be there playing them/working on them.


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