Americanizing the universal replacement chassis for monitors

[Ken Layton]

Many of these universal replacement chassis for monitors like the Wei-ya, Jen Shinn, Rodotron, etc. all come with the wrong connectors for the American market. This makes plug n play installation difficult or confusing for people. The video/sync connector supplied is a phony 5 pin one that's similar to the one used on the Atari "Disco" monitor. Most cabinets here and monitor testers don't use that style of connector. It needs to be unsoldered and replaced with the Molex KK .156" one like Electrohome and Wells-Gardner uses.

These universal replacement chassis also come with a two wire power cord and standard wall plug on the end. Even though many of these chassis require an isolation transformer, many people mistakely plug them straight into a wall outlet and immediately damage their newly-purchased chassis. That's why it's important to chop the power cord off at about two feet long and install the common Molex power connector Wells-Gardner uses.

Here are the Mouser Electronics part numbers and quantities to convert one chassis to American connectors:

1 # 538-26-60-4060 Vertical friction KK .156" male header, 6 pins, (65 cents each) This is the video/sync connector commonly found on Wells-Gardner, Electrohome, and Kortek/Imperial monitors.

1 # 538-19-09-2029 Connector housing, 2 pin, .093", (43 cents each) This is the power connector commonly found on Electrohome and Wells-Gardner monitors.

2 # 538-02-09-2103 Male crimp pins, .093",  for above connector (13 cents each).

Note: drop the "538" prefix for the actual Molex part numbers. Bob Roberts usually stocks Molex connectors, pins, and crimp tools.

[DillonFoulds]

...
2 # 538-02-09-2103 Male crimp pins, .093",  for above connector 913 cents each).
...

Wouldn't it be easier to say $9.13 each?

I think the actual price is about 10 cents each.

[Ken Layton]

The circled connector is the video/sync connector to replace (not my picture, I borrowed to illustrate my point). Notice that there are two other sets of holes for mounting two different video/sync connectors.

Mouser # 538-26-60-4060 is what to use to replace it with.

[Ken Layton]

MCM Electronics is now carrying the two pin Molex power connectors used on arcade monitors.

# 28-9465 (Molex # 19-09-1029) 2 pin male housing. This is the cabinet side of the harness.

# 28-9470 (Molex # 19-09-2029) 2 pin female housing. This goes on the monitor power cord.

# 28-9405 (Molex # 02-09-2118) male pin, .093"  This goes on the monitor power cord.

# 28-9410 (Molex # 02-09-1119 female pin, .093"  This goes in the cabinet side of the harness.

[Ken Layton]

If the monitor chassis needs an isolation transformer then print this out on self-adheisive paper and either wrap it around the power cord or afix it to the monitor frame or both!

http://arcarc.xmission.com/PDF_Monitors/Isolation_Warning_Tag.pdf

[SavannahLion]

These universal replacement chassis also come with a two wire power cord and standard wall plug on the end. Even though many of these chassis require an isolation transformer, many people mistakely plug them straight into a wall outlet and immediately damage their newly-purchased chassis.

Is that because that type of plug isn't used outside of North America or is the cabinet design simply different?

[Ken Layton]

I think it's because the manufaturer thinks that's the power cord we use in our game cabinets.

[tokyopunchout]

Hey @KeyLayton - I've noticed you seem to know quite a lot about these EYEGO - Wei-ya monitor chassis & was wondering if you know of any source to purchase a new one - perhaps one even set up for plug n play into an American cab?

I looked the other day and couldn't come across any. The problem is I have a 25" that was re-yoked for one of these & instead of attempting to re-yolk back to Wells Gardner - I'd rather just give it what it's looking for.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Ken Layton]

The only sources were Alva Amusement, 8Liners (now known as genao.com), and Billabs.

http://alvaamusement.com/

http://www.genao.com/index.html

http://www.billabs.com/

Of course you could contact the Wei-ya/Huai factory and ask who distributes in the USA/Canada:

http://www.weiya.com.tw/

[tokyopunchout]

The only sources were Alva Amusement, 8Liners (now known as genao.com), and Billabs.

http://alvaamusement.com/

http://www.genao.com/index.html

http://www.billabs.com/

Of course you could contact the Wei-ya/Huai factory and ask who distributes in the USA/Canada:

http://www.weiya.com.tw/

You sir are a wealth of knowledge! Alva Amusement had some in stock still. Thanks bud!

[tokyopunchout]

Also they claim that they've already been converted for USA Power... but I have my doubts.

[lilshawn]

i think they meant by "converted for US power" was in the sense that it will operate at 110v. not be properly wired. most of these chassis are good from 90-260v anyways.

the 2 prong plug is pretty much dead these days. nearly everything is 3 prong. More from a safety standpoint than anything else. I don't know why chinese manufacturers continue to make things with 2 prong plugs....but likely because of the 0.3 cent difference between the cords.

[ed12]

nope
there traget market is 220v single polarity
ie 2 prong

ed