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Author Topic: Need advice with first cocktail tables  (Read 2231 times)

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whoshere

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Need advice with first cocktail tables
« on: April 12, 2011, 12:16:52 pm »
New to the forum. Hi everyone!

I just purchased two cocktail tables. They're original 1980/1981 pacman and galaga cocktails. The pacman cabinet powers up and you can hear gameplay, but nothing appears on the screen. Basically, blind play. The galaga cabinet seems to power up and you can hear the speaker pop momentarily, but no audio is heard and the monitor is seen flickering with the "game over" screen. Both cabinets were in a single home for many years and haven't been turned on in about 8 years. The original owner says they were working the last time they were powered on but they've been sitting there untouched. What would you recommend on repairs and whatnot? Or where would be a good place to start? Any information would be appreciated!


whoshere

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Re: Need advice with first cocktail tables
« Reply #1 on: April 12, 2011, 12:32:32 pm »
Also, I forgot to mention that we still need to drill the locks out since they didn't have the keys.

kevin2me

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Re: Need advice with first cocktail tables
« Reply #2 on: April 12, 2011, 01:01:12 pm »
Hey,

I got one not used in 20 years and it worked but glass top in bits,
barely working, could make out game on screen.

Rebuilt it:
Sand blasted legs, lots rust,
repainted metal parts,
Redone a Control panel, basic but chrome LEDs.

But PC and 14 inch monitor inside, running Mame.
But is PC 14 inch monitors fitted in fine for me. Could use existing brackets.

Piece de resistance, mirror glass Table Top.
When machine is off, cannot see screen,
power it on and screens light aloud pass thru mirrored top and like hidden screen.

Makes it old and modern in one go :)

Small video here:


Hope this helps
Kev
 

CheffoJeffo

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Re: Need advice with first cocktail tables
« Reply #3 on: April 12, 2011, 07:04:52 pm »
If you have monitor woes, they are easily repaired. Check Monitor/Video forum for details.

Would be the wrong move to just MAME them as kevin2me suggests (since they are complete cabs) without first trying to restore.

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matsadona

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Re: Need advice with first cocktail tables
« Reply #4 on: April 13, 2011, 04:52:01 am »
I totally agree that the priority should always be on restoration (and preservation) of original cabinets. They will never be built again and every MAMEutation will lead to less number of originals.
Please do what ever you can to get them working again. There are plenty of people here that will help you.
Building, collecting and playing arcade machines :)

abispac

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Re: Need advice with first cocktail tables
« Reply #5 on: April 14, 2011, 01:12:08 am »
Hey,

I got one not used in 20 years and it worked but glass top in bits,
barely working, could make out game on screen.

Rebuilt it:
Sand blasted legs, lots rust,
repainted metal parts,
Redone a Control panel, basic but chrome LEDs.

But PC and 14 inch monitor inside, running Mame.
But is PC 14 inch monitors fitted in fine for me. Could use existing brackets.

Piece de resistance, mirror glass Table Top.
When machine is off, cannot see screen,
power it on and screens light aloud pass thru mirrored top and like hidden screen.

Makes it old and modern in one go :)

Small video here:


Hope this helps
Kev
 
no ofense but this looks ugly, huge cocktail cab with such a tiny monitor.....
And as far as coverting 2 original cocktails like pacman and galaga, ill say keep them original....just clean everything and make sure all conections are in place, they should be fine...

whoshere

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Re: Need advice with first cocktail tables
« Reply #6 on: April 14, 2011, 02:09:17 pm »
Hey guys,

Thanks so much for your input. I'm going to have to take them to someone local (So-cal) to take a look at them. He did offer to MAME them, too. I just want them working as intended. He also offered to swap out the monitor for me? Is it better to just swap out or to try and get the original working?

RayB

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Re: Need advice with first cocktail tables
« Reply #7 on: April 15, 2011, 01:34:25 pm »
Have you ever done any wiring / electronics soldering? It could be an easy fix.
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whoshere

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Re: Need advice with first cocktail tables
« Reply #8 on: April 15, 2011, 11:43:38 pm »
Unfortunately, no. I've been researching online and it does seem like it could be a simple fix. But, I'm a complete noob when it comes to anything electrical. That's when my "girlyness" comes through.