how to keep them alive longest: power up w/switch or plug?

[vintagegamer]

In order to be proactive on making my Ms Pac Man last as long as possible, I was wondering if it mattered whether or not I powered it up using the switch on top, or simply by plugging and/or unplugging the unit?  I'm just trying to lessen the troubleshooting list in the event of a problem.

Thanks!

VINTAGEGAMER

[Joystick Jerk]

Generally it shouldn't matter. Either method works the same way; interupting the flow of electricity. One method is simpling pulling the plug from the wall, the other is breaking the circuit through a small switch housing.

Saying that, I'd say turn it on and off with the switch. That way the power is turned off the same way everytime. Pulling the plug from the wall should be fine, but there's always that one a million chance you pull it weird and the cable shorts or one of the pins breaks off in the socket or something.

[Kaytrim]

Pulling the cord out of the wall can also lead to a failure in that cord.  Use the switch they are designed to be used repetitiously.

TTFN
Kaytrim

[vintagegamer]

I figured that using the switch was better for the game, however I'm pretty sure the switch is original from 1982, and didn't want to have it break and then not know if that was the prob or something else.

I'm assuming repops are available of the power switches, just in case?

VINTAGEGAMER

[ChadTower]

There is nothing unusual about that switch, there are a billion variants, it's just a single switch.  You could replace it with almost anything in about 5 seconds.

[SirPeale]

The Galaxian cab I started with had a bad switch (same cab as a Pac-Man).  I eventually fixed it (mild corrosion) but for time/energy/effort I replaced it with a SPST flick switch.  I had to enlarge the hole in the mounting plate a wee bit so it would fit, but it's 100%.

http://pstwo.ps3news.com/switch.gif

Not the one I used, but I wanted the visual.