Donkey Kong Restoration

[ted429]

Hello All,

I am new to the forum and I am currently working on a DK restoration. It has all the original hardware (monitor/Power supply) and I think I am going to swap out the monitor and power supply just because of the 19" CRTs are disappearing. I am looking at getting a Kortek for arcadeshop.com and I think I will get the rest of my supplies (CPO/artwork/marquee) from there as well. I am just looking for some tips or suggestions that could save me money or time. Also my DK was missing the blackout trim around the monitor and does anyone have the dimensions for that?

Thanks!

[kampcool]

  Does the monitor have incredible burn in, or something?  Can we see a picture of it?  Wouldnt you like to keep it in the machine if it works with minimal cost to refresh?  19 in crts are still available easily enough, from a number of places online, from what I have been seeing.  http://www.arcadeshop.com/pics/19-horz-mount.jpg
at http://www.arcadeshop.com/parts.htm#Monitors
  As far as the the blackout trim, there are several DK owners here that should be able to help you out.
Good luck on your DK, please post some pix...

[ted429]

No that monitor is in ok condition. I am going to keep the original monitor and power supply. I just want a rock solid machine that won't let me down three months from now and I have to put more money in it. I figured if I go this way I have a back up plan on the shelf. I will post some pics soon.

[kampcool]

I am a new guy to the monitor restoration/capkit process, and I have had some sucess, its actually kind of fun and VERY cheap compared to buying a new monitor.   capkits are like 15 bucks, so I think its a great call keeping the monitor, and P/S, if they work already.   Very interested on what your DK looks like, Im currently looking for one that needs a restoration, for our collection.    Will be watching for progress on this one. 

[ted429]

Yea I am converting a DK jr to a Donkey Kong because I was never a fan of Jr. I will got some pics up soon.

[Spyridon]

The Kortek monitor will not work as a direct replacement.  The monitors used in Nintendo games have the sound amp on the monitor.  They also use an inverted color architecture.  You can use the new monitor, but you will need an amp and inverter such as this one.



If you have minimal burn in on your current monitor, my opinion, is that you would be better off replacing some parts (caps, etc) on the existing monitor.  It has lasted 30 years and with minimal cost will last another 30.

[ted429]

I planned on converting the whole machine to JAMMA and from what I understand that will convert the video and also has a sound amp. I am planning on buying the side art from arcade shop. How is the quality of their sideart/CPO/marquee?

[ted429]

Plus I have read more than one post that 19" are disappearing and I can't think of a LCD in my DK. Just wouldn't be right.

[opt2not]

I planned on converting the whole machine to JAMMA and from what I understand that will convert the video and also has a sound amp. I am planning on buying the side art from arcade shop. How is the quality of their sideart/CPO/marquee?

You could get this, which has a built-in video color inverter and sound amplifier, then just wire the cabinet up to Jamma standard.
Otherwise, you'd need to wire a separate inverter as well as a speaker amp between the DK board and the Jamma Harness.

I'm assuming the reason you want to Jamma it is because you want to be able to swap boards out?
'cause it seems like a lot of hassle just to get a monitor connected...

[ted429]

Opt, that's what I panned on using. It coverts the video and takes car of the sound. I just have this funny feeling if that someday down the road one of the original pieces will fail me and then I will be stuck putting a LCD in the cab and so I thought to get a new monitor and wire it JAMMA at the same time.

[Spyridon]

I'm not sure I understand why you are going to rewire as Jamma?  That should have nothing to do with the longevity of the monitor and will just add to the cost.  As opt2not mentioned, if you go Jamma, you will also need a jamma converter for your DK board.  The converter will run you $45 plus the cost of your jamma harness (not to mention the time to swap everything).  You'll also need to spend some time figuring out how to connect the existing Nintendo power supply up to the jamma harness. Seems like the $25 adapter to go with the new monitor is the way to go. 

(better yet -  keep the existing monitor and cap it - if the burn is not bad)

[kampcool]

What he said.......       
You can do it, its easy peasy.

[ted429]

Well. Got my DK board today and wired it up out of the cab and it was working fine for about 5 mins and then it seems the power supply burnt up. I checked the output and it seems to be putting out 100 AC still but no DC voltage out to the board. How do I keep the Sanyo that needs 100AC but get a working power supply? Ugh.