Cocktail cab monitor

[seibu]

Hi, I'm new  

I'm looking to buy a brand new 15.1Khz arcade monitor to mount in a cocktail cab I'm building. I've looked at the Vision Pro and Wells Gardner monitors Happ are selling, but both 19" models specify horizontal / shelf mount only.

The Wells Gardner site sells a 19" Universal mount monitor - which I guess (?) is more what I'm after, but since I'm in the UK i'd rather find a UK supplier than have to ship something from Illinois.

So, can anybody recommend a specific 19" monitor for use in a cocktail? What do you chaps who own cocktails use? If anyone knows a good UK arcade monitor supplier, so much the better!

Also, on a side note, does anyone know what I'm going to need to power it in the UK? A stepdown transformer? Any special cables? Am I right in thinking a brand new monitor will NOT need an isolating transformer?

Sorry to be so newbie-ish, but I've not had much luck in finding definite answers to these questions, and I don't have any cash to waste! Any help will be greatly appreciated!

[Ken Layton]

Happ Controls already has a branch office in the UK:

Happ Controls Europe Ltd.
Unit 7, Hornet Close
Pyson Industrial Estate
Broadstairs, Kent CT10 2YD

+44 1843 871 100
europe@happcontrols.com


If you are building a new cabinet then a "Universal mount" frame would be the best mounting choice. Check the specs of the monitors you are looking at to see if they need an isolation transformer or not. Ones that say "Free Voltage" or switching power supply do not need an isolation transformer.

[rchadd]

Hi - i am relatively new here too and based in the UK.

I've just got myself a 19" arcade monitor on ebay for

[packatrix]

Howdo,

Another new user, also looking at the best solution (cost/performance) for an American style cocktail cabinet project.

Be interested to hear any info regarding your experiences with the Arcade monitor... I've almost convinced myself to go downteh ArcadeVGA card, Scart and a Scart TV.. but am concerned about mounting a TV screen without a monitor frame into the cab.

I'll continue to go through this board looking for answers.. but any info ou have up front, would certainly be appreciated.

Packatrix

[Tilzs]

I mounted mine like this



The frame sits on top of 1x1" in each of the corners that are also used as part of the framing for the cab. All weight is pressed downward rather than hung and supported by screws.

[Paladin]

Very nice solution!  One question though.. how much of a pain is it to lift out?  It seems like one slip and you could bump it against the cab as your lifting.

[rchadd]

yes i was also thinking about something like this.

to protect the monitor and allow it to safely removed for transportation -  i was thinking about boxing in the monitors frame using some 4mm plywood. i am paranoid about the high voltages in back of it. not sure how hot it would get. I would put in some ventilation holes or even fit a small fan to the box.

[Tilzs]

Well i put those ropes on there to hang on to when you lift it out. Really not that hard to lift out, but you wouldn't want to do it often. It's nice however to have a 2nd person help you so you can deal with the cords if there are any hanging down. The power/video cords are the biggest problem if you are doing it by yourself.

[seibu]

Wow, thanks for the suggestions everybody. I'm just about ready to start building now - I would have been lost without this forum.

One question, Tilzs. How big is that monitor? It looks like a very neat and tidy, compact cab - exactly the kind of thing I'm aiming for!

[Tilzs]

It's a 19" pc monitor.

[Paladin]

Interesting note here.  I recently bought a Happ Controls Vision Pro II monitor for my original Midway cocktail, and it is too wide to fit in the cab.  I emailed Happ's and received a reply that the company that made the Vision Pro monitor went out of business, and that is why the new monitors have a different mounting style.  They forgot to update the mounting description image on the website.

Anyone planning to make a cocktail should definately check the overall width of the monitor they plan to fit in there before buying!  My cabinet has 19 and 1/2 inches of inside width, and the monitor is 20 and 1/2 inches wide.

I am now looking for a used frame, or I may just hack off the mounting tabs and attach aluminum angle iron.  This is pretty important for anyone planning to make a cocktail from Kyle's plans.

I did email arcadedepot and ask what size their cabinets are, and if they thought about making a mounting frame for sale.  I know mantisamusements has one, but $65 seems a little steep for me.