New User looking for guidance

[jtoney]

I have been given an original Galaga cabinet that is in pretty good working order.  The exception is that the monitor just went out and I'm not sure if I need to replace it or try a repair.  The machine has been off for weeks now.  I know the CRT needs to be discharged but I'm not sure how to do this safely.  If the monitor isn't repairable, I want to replace with a LCD. Thanks in advance.

[P.H.U.]

Go to Youtube and look up John's Arcade.  He has videos that show you how to discharge the monitor. Also, he has videos that show you how to repair the monitor if it is not completely dead. You might be able to save the monitor and that is your most desirable option. Avoid LCD as much as possible. Also, check this and understand how arcade power works in case it is a power issue:

http://www.therealbobroberts.net/acwiring.html

[jtoney]

The discharge too is available commercially and I'd like to find out where to get one.  Any ideas?

[vwalbridge]

You don't really need to buy a discharge tool. You can make one yourself with a big screwdriver, alegator clip and some electrical tape. Here is the one I made to discharge mine:



And a google image search shows that lots of people make their own.

[harveybirdman]

Does the monitor make any noises?  Does the neck glow?


Count me among the people who say fix it, LCD sucks especially for original hardware.

[yotsuya]

You don't really need to buy a discharge tool. You can make one yourself with a big screwdriver, alegator clip and some electrical tape. Here is the one I made to discharge mine:



And a google image search shows that lots of people make their own.

Pfft. I use only the authentic Bob Roberts Discharge Tool. BR or GTFO. 


That's actually decent for being so janky. I've never so much as heard a pop from any of the monitors I've ever discharged.

[vwalbridge]

Pfft. I use only the authentic Bob Roberts Discharge Tool. BR or GTFO. 

I was actually going to provide the link to Bob's discharge tool but couldn't find it.

That's actually decent for being so janky. I've never so much as heard a pop from any of the monitors I've ever discharged.

+1  The crt makes a very weak and innocent "pop" when you do it. It was actually very anti-climactic when I did my first one.

I think everyone has this image in their head when they do their first one though:

[yotsuya]

Pfft. I use only the authentic Bob Roberts Discharge Tool. BR or GTFO. 

I was actually going to provide the link to Bob's discharge tool but couldn't find it.

That's actually decent for being so janky. I've never so much as heard a pop from any of the monitors I've ever discharged.

+1  The crt makes a very weak and innocent "pop" when you do it. It was actually very anticlimactic when I did my first one.

I think everyone has this image in their head when they do their first one though:

Yep, the first time I ever did one, I had my daughter on standby ready to get somebody in case I electrocuted myself.

[harveybirdman]

I wore rubber gloves lol!

[vwalbridge]

I wore rubber gloves lol!

[jennifer]

       A faulty tube can hold more charge than a little "pop" Not trying to be all scary but it hurts, Hurts a  lot, The gloves wont help much, (don't know what B/Roberts has to say about it) But be aware of where your standing, wear face protection, and use a larger gauge wire than shown attached to that screwdriver (IMO)...But normally it is just a small pop like everyone says, let sit and do it again as to make sure you don't get any residual charge, If the neck glows under power, Most likely your problem is the chassis, The flyback in my experience is a common culprit and in some cases you can actually see it shorting out in a dark room. Or at least see the carbon traces under inspection....Lcd would be a disappointing downgrade to that machine, but realistically the only viable replacement solution nowadays...If you go that route, Send Jennifer a P/M please, I may be interested in that tube.

[jtoney]

From what I was told the former owner was playing it and the monitor picture just went out.  I'll go look at it shortly and see if I see a glow.

[jtoney]

So I turned on the cabinet and got the wonderful Galaga sounds with the exception of a nice picture.  The tube has no power, I don't see anything glowing inside the cabinet.  The monitor is a Wells-Gardner 19k4906. 

[P.H.U.]

You'll need a multimeter from here. Harbor Freight has a deal where if you buy $5 worth of stuff, you get a multimeter free. Message me if you need the code and there is a Harbor Freight in your area. You'll need to find out where the power is being feed to your monitor. Hopefully, it is off a power distribution block. If you're lucky, it is a loose wire or a blown fuse. Check Bob's guide to see where the power is coming in from, then being routed to your monitor. Then use the multimeter to see where the power is going. If there is no power going to your monitor, that is the best case scenario. You just have figure out how to get the power to the monitor. If there is power going to the monitor, well then you have some work on your hands.

Good lucky buddy. That cab you have is a true classic, worthy of your efforts.

[Electronic Federation]

you need to get this monitor repaired. send it in. its totally worth fixing and putting an LCD into a Galaga is not only a shameful sin, it will look like CRAP.

Mostl ikley the caps are completely shot on the thing, there will be lots of reflowing needed, cleaning, and inspection. Your looking at 150-200 to get it serviced fully and completley where it will work for years and look great.

I service arcade monitors in canada, but there are lots of guys in the USA who are very good and can fix this for you no problem.

good luck.