27" Arcade Monitor/ PC monitor

[VMJ Team]

OK, I'm starting another Ultimate Arcade III cabinet.  This time the buyer wants a monitor instead of the television.  I have no experience with arcade monitors.

First,
Is there anything I need to know about arcade monitors (mounting, hookup, etc...)

Second,
What is a good/cheap monitor and where to get it?

Thanx
-CyberPunk (Scott)
www.mameroom.com

[nipsmg]

I'm not positive about hookup, but I can speak to price.

If you are trying to keep the cost to a REASONABLE level, you will probably need to go with an Eygo 27".  however, if you've read the postings here at all, you'd know that people have had varying success with these monitors.

Do a search on google for closeoutsusa   That's where the seller on e-bay was getting them from.. I believe it's $175 for a "tested/working" monitor, but they sell them "as-is".. i.e. once it leaves the place, if it gets damaged, you're pretty much screwed.

Besides that, you've got few options.. Everyone recommends the Wells Gardner U3100 (I believe) which is 27", but costs in the ballpark of $500.  This is supposed to be a superior monitor, and supports up to 800x600, whereas the Eygo only supports up to 640x480.

The Wells Gardner and Eygos hook directly into your computer's VGA port.  

You can also go with a PURE arcade monitor for cheaper (call your local distributors), but it'll take a LOT of configuration to get it working correctly, and the fool you sell it to will *PROBABLY* end up damaging it trying to run windows on it or something. But you can find invaluable help on getting something like that up and running right here in the forums.

Hope some of that helped.

--NipsMG

[Vesper]

I just finished my cabinet and I used a Wells Gardner D9200 27" VGA monitor.  It's expensive ($480), but it sure is nice having a VGA monitor that'll do 800x600.  It's got a very nice "arcade monitor" look to it, too.  It works great.

One problem I had:  The first one I got was damaged in shipping.  It looked like the aperature grill got knocked loose because all of the colors were screwed up.  WG did an exchange for me, but I had to pay return shipping ($40).  

[Tommy Boy]

I just finished my cabinet and I used a Wells Gardner D9200 27" VGA monitor.  It's expensive ($480), but it sure is nice having a VGA monitor that'll do 800x600.  It's got a very nice "arcade monitor" look to it, too.  It works great.

I'm thinnking of putting a WG U3100 or D9200 in my cab.  I've noticed that most people seem to like the WG monitors.  One question though -- OK, two questions:

1) I want to use MAME32 for my cab.  I think I've read on this board that the WG's don't always get along with Windows MAME video modes and, therefore, one has to do a bit of playing around to get it to work for all games.  Have you experienced any problems with this?

2) How does the D9200 look with vector games?

[SNAAAKE]

It works perfect with anything.You can use mame 32 and have no problem ever.I saw a monitor on ebay recently.
Starting bid is $200 so might wanna give it a try.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=718088842
NOT my auction.I would bid but i have bigger plan.I am getting 34" svga arcade monitor for $430 shiped..SHHH...can't tell anyone until the monitor is here.I will post on where to get AFTER the monitor gets here in one piece.

[Lilwolf]

Note about EYGO monitors.

1) almost eveyrone I know that got one had problems with shipping or the end quality.  I know some who received 3 monitors before any worked.

2) They don't fit in most cabinets without removing the metal frame its in.

3) It doesn't look like an arcade monitor or TV, but a VGA monitor that has scanlines built in... look at this to know what I'm talking about

http://www.xiaou2.homestead.com/turbo.html

4) It was worth every cent in my mind.  It was 1/2 as much as any other option, it's HUGE and it is great with PC games, PC 3d emulators, Windows games, Dos Emulators... basically works with everything.

If I could do it again, I would go 27" SVid TV for better output and be able to handle consoles in my cabinet automatically... and TV and ... well... lots of reasons.  But I would spend a LOT more for it..

Arcade monitors in my mind are the best quality... but the worst for options.  Your basically removing windows and most frontends.  Your also not able to use many 3d emulators (Zinc rules) and other software thats fun (GoldenTee, Black&White, Karate Bakini Babes)

[rampy]

Snaaaake ... are you getting something from http://www.sharpimage.net/   (just a hunch)


lilwolf did you actually order karate bikini babes?

I love zinc as well...  (we have a tekken 2 break at work each afternoon (on a real machine) ... so I can practice at home...  but couldn't you play zinc set to a low resolution on an arcade monitor and have it "work"?

rampy

[SNAAAKE]

Snaaaake ... are you getting something from http://www.sharpimage.net/   (just a hunch)

Yes sir,
brand new in box(same monitor).Some guy I know selling em.I will post as soon as i get my 34".The guy is probley not being honest here because he claims he only got 1 monitor left.Now I have a feeling that he has lot more then just 1.

Anyhow.....

As for the ultimate cabinet builder,AVOID THE BROKEN MONITORs FROM BABYLON NY.Its not worth the hassle unless you can go and pick it up.

Test first then take.I received 2 monitors and both arrived broken.Jimrainbow(the seller) would actually send you the broken monitors and he would claim that they were working when they left his place.

I just hate that ba$tard .He won't reply your emails/not pick up phone and stuff.

You cabs look very cool by the way.I love the design.If I ever go back and try to make another cab then I will follow your ultimate cab 2 plan.

Good luck builiding 3rd one.

[Frostillicus]

I just finished a cab, as well, and I used a WG D9200.  It's amazing - it shipped fine for me, plugs right into VGA out on computer, and I can run windows xp perfectly.  Great color - vector games look bright and shiny on it.  No vector game will look GREAT on a regular monitor, BTW.  But they look as good as the other options (TV, computer monitor, etc).

[Tommy Boy]

I just finished a cab, as well, and I used a WG D9200.  It's amazing - it shipped fine for me, plugs right into VGA out on computer, and I can run windows xp perfectly.  Great color - vector games look bright and shiny on it.  No vector game will look GREAT on a regular monitor, BTW.  But they look as good as the other options (TV, computer monitor, etc).

Are you running with Mame32?  Did you encounter any problems with out-of-range video modes, etc.?  How about flicker?  I think the D9200 refreshes at about 52-56 Hz at 800x600 -- how does that look?

One last question:  Did you consider the 19" U3100?  Apart from the obvious size difference, the specs look about the same...