Advice needed for a newbie RE: Galaga cocktail [Archive]

Cornelius

05-07-2008, 03:36 PM

I'm going to own a cocktail arcade someday. I hadn't necessarily planned on that day being soon, but I'm keeping my eyes open. Ideally I'd find a Galaga or Ms. Pac-Man, but I'm generally not a very picky person. I have zero experience with arcade maintenance or repair, but I'm reasonably handy and can learn. Okay, so the stage is set...

Today I see an ad for a Popeye cocktail (http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/tag/671629642.html) on my local CL. No picture on the monitor, though, but $100 seems almost too good to pass up. But then, I don't know pricing at all, it just seems that way to me. What would I be getting myself into? Are there known problems with this or similar setups? This is 50 miles away, so the cost to my door is probably more like 140 if I have to use the neighbor's pickup (108 if it'll fit in my Prius ;)). Do the legs come off these so they aren't as tall?

Honestly, if I were to find a good game in working condition I wouldn't mind spending 3-400 bucks. Is that realistic (if I'm patient, but not necessarily lucky)?

blissfulnoise

05-07-2008, 04:19 PM

Galaga or Ms Pac-Man for $400? Not likely.

Popeye for $400, definately.

Just keep checking Craigslist, you'll find one you'll like for a good price in good condition. I've become pretty handy with arcades after owning many for a few years but its way easier to buy working than otherwise unless you're super motivated to spend lots of time (and potentially lots of money) on getting the machine up and going again.

And you're not fitting a cocktail into your Prius (I own one too) legs or otherwise. And remember, those things are pretty damn heavy.

Cornelius

05-07-2008, 06:52 PM

Thanks for the advice. I think you are right, at least to start with I'd be better with something that works, then if I have to repair it later on the motivation would come more readily.

Is there a price guide somewhere for this stuff? Even a very general one? I am just not exposed to these enough to develop any sort of sense for it. What about centipede for 300 (not a cocktail, so I'm unlikely to go for it, but just curious)?

Cornelius

03-06-2009, 02:59 PM

carlcarlson

03-06-2009, 06:12 PM

InsaneDavid

03-06-2009, 06:19 PM

I don't know squat about arcades so I can't help you, but I do know that InsaneDavid grabbed a Galaga cocktail not too long ago. I'm guessing he could probably tell you as much as anyone on here about that particular machine.

It was Galaxian (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=119894). :)

I paid $500 for mine, down from $600. I know Galaxian cocktails are less desirable than Galaga for most to own and for that reason usually carry a lower price. Personally I don't understand this as I find Galaxian a much more challenging game and the cocktail version has unique control panels / ship movement method (left / right knobs instead of a stick or buttons). Galaga was always more popular which is why it carries a higher value. Don't get me wrong, Galaga is still a superb game.

As for the repro stuff, you'll usually know right away when looking at the machine if it's an original or not. The power thing could be a number of things - bad switch, power supply going out, loose connection - it's part of owning arcade cabinets.

For that price though, if you can get a look at it and it seems to operate and sound good, in nice condition, $600 would be a fair price to me.

Arcade Antics

03-06-2009, 07:22 PM

I'm bumping my old thread because I've come across just about my ideal arcade... a cocktail Galaga. I haven't seen it in person yet, but it looks to be in good shape, and has a new (not salvaged) monitor. Listed at $650 and I think I might be able to get it for $600. Good price?
It's all relative, depends on how many pop up in your neck of the woods, how much you want one, whether or not you plan on buying more, etc. It's not an unreasonable asking price. Still, I'm not a big enough fan of the game that I'd pay $600 for a cocktail Galaga.

I spoke to the seller and he said that a couple times when he has plugged it in and turned it on it didn't come up until he turned it off and back on. Is this something that could be fatal? or no way to know?
No way to know for sure without checking it out. Might be as simple as a short in the power cord, might not.

One more question since I'm kind of paranoid and don't know much about arcades. Do I need to worry about a reproduction or anything along those lines? Most of that sort of thing that I've seen are obvious multicade things, but I don't want to end up with something cheap that is going to crap out and not be worth repairing.
"Arcade games," not "arcades." An arcade is a place that has arcade games in it. ;)

Another poster referenced InsaneDavid's Galaxian table. Look through his pics before you go so you have a reference point for what the machine looks like. If it doesn't look like that one (for the most part, there are some subtle differences) it's not an original. If it does, it could still be a new repro cab but you'll probably be able to tell. If you have any questions, ask the seller.

carlcarlson

03-07-2009, 10:03 AM

It was Galaxian (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=119894). :)

Doh!

When I was writing my post something in the back of my head was saying "Are you sure that's right? Should you double-check?" Nahhhhh.

Cornelius

03-07-2009, 01:10 PM

It was Galaxian (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=119894). :)

Don't worry, I remembered yours is Galaxian. I am reminded every time you post a picture in the finds thread, since that is your backdrop! I'm going to steal that idea, btw.

"Arcade games," not "arcades." An arcade is a place that has arcade games in it. ;)

Duly noted, and much chagrined!

I guess I have that and much more to learn now that I'm an arcade game owner! Picked it up this morning.

I'm letting it warm up in the house even though it isn't really that cold outside (~27F), just being cautious. It isn't in perfect shape by any means, but the monitor does indeed look brand new whether looking at the picture or the back end (no dust at all). Coin mechs work as do all the controls. It fits perfectly in the spot I had planned for it, better than I expected since the dimensions I'd looked up online were for a different cabinet, and this one is a bit smaller. I think I must have gotten dimensions for a reproduction or something originally.

Also, the seller works on and sells slot machines and had taken this in on a trade (along with a cocktail Ms. Pac), but he took a look inside after we talked yesterday and saw that a wire was loose. It goes to a ground so he put it back in place and said it hasn't had the startup issue since. The wire in question is white or blue (there were two where he pointed) and right out on the end of one of the boards, so pretty easy to see how it could get pulled loose.

Pics will be up in a bit.

Cornelius

03-07-2009, 01:28 PM

and here's some pics:

http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww75/evanwink42/Galaga2.jpg

http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww75/evanwink42/Galaga1.jpg

http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww75/evanwink42/Galaga3.jpg

Damn, I'm just thrilled. For some reason this game, and particularly the cocktail has always resonated with me. I'm not overly good at Galaga, and never spent much time in arcades (too expensive/mom wouldn't let me in the places), but still I just love it!

edit: I meant to add that since my bday is coming up, my wife was easier to sway and this is officially the 3rd best birthday present I've ever gotten. Number two being my car, which was actually supposed to be bday, xmas, anniv., etc in perpetuity, but what can I say, she spoils me.

Arcade Antics

03-07-2009, 02:03 PM

I'm letting it warm up in the house even though it isn't really that cold outside (~27F), just being cautious.
Always a very good idea to let it get to room temp before powerup. :)

It isn't in perfect shape by any means...
??? It looks excellent in the pics! NICE score, and congrats!

Cornelius

03-07-2009, 03:29 PM

??? It looks excellent in the pics! NICE score, and congrats!
Yeah, you can't see in the pics, but the paint on the glass underside is crackly in a few places. Not too bad, obviously, but it does affect the back logo some.

Been playing a bit. Man, I actually kinda suck. Still, I think this may be the first time I've actually gotten to enter my initials on a real arcade game.

Now I just need to find the volume adjust, since it is a little loud for the house/dining room.

InsaneDavid

03-07-2009, 04:01 PM

Don't worry, I remembered yours is Galaxian. I am reminded every time you post a picture in the finds thread, since that is your backdrop! I'm going to steal that idea, btw.

LOL That's usually only because my girlfriend is using the dining room table when I'm taking pictures. I had to leave my massive (and I'll be honest, abused from years of hard use) workstation behind when I moved last year. All my pictures before then were usually on it, the grey background. Taking pictures atop a cocktail has one big problem - glare from the glass.

That's a beautiful looking cocktail! To me it's still this economy, people are willing to let great condition arcade cabinets go for very reasonable prices. Really is a buyer's market since you really can find a lot of desirable cabs in good shape, at a good price, and then still get an even better deal on top of that.

The glass on your machine is actually in really nice shape for being a silkscreened original. If it bugs you a ton you can replace it with a printed underlay, but you toss out some authenticity. But at least you're not like us Galaxian owners that can't even order a reproduction underlay that is the proper color (mine included).

Now I just need to find the volume adjust, since it is a little loud for the house/dining room.

According to the manual (http://pdf.textfiles.com/manuals/ARCADE/), it is a small pot on the PCB. It seems that for the cocktail model you will have to open the machine to adjust it but I'd see if you can get your hand safely over there since I'd guess you could. By the way, that site is a great resource for PDF arcade manuals. If you're like me however, you'll end up buying a paper manual off eBay for reference.

Cornelius

03-07-2009, 06:52 PM

According to the manual (http://pdf.textfiles.com/manuals/ARCADE/), it is a small pot on the PCB. It seems that for the cocktail model you will have to open the machine to adjust it but I'd see if you can get your hand safely over there since I'd guess you could. By the way, that site is a great resource for PDF arcade manuals. If you're like me however, you'll end up buying a paper manual off eBay for reference.

Thanks for that link! Exactly what I needed.

Unfortunately I'm already having a problem. I do think it will be worked out satisfactorily with the seller. I'll update with the story/details once it is sorted. In short, the power supply connector(?) is bad, and has some scorching. Honestly I don't think the seller knew and/or it just happened, and he's paying for the first 100 of any needed work.

InsaneDavid

03-07-2009, 07:17 PM

Videogamerdaryll

03-07-2009, 09:36 PM

AWESOME!!Congrats..

For Parts..Ms.Pac Man Galaga
http://www.pac-man.com/mspacman/
Where I get mine for my Ms Pac

Cornelius

03-07-2009, 11:45 PM

cool. I've got a nice list of links already! Looks like worst case is a new, modern power supply for $60. Plus figuring out how to put it in. But that's half the fun!

Cornelius

03-08-2009, 10:39 AM

Yeah, that's the other thing. Always keep in the back of your mind that these things will develop problems and break. Also that this large, expensive piece of furniture may become just that from time to time - a piece of furniture. However the more you learn and do, the more confident you become and the less of an issue it will be.

Heh, I was fully expecting the whole "it will break" thing, but not on the first day, particularly not on a cab I spent 600 bucks on. Still, I've sold enough stuff to know that shit happens; I'm just glad this guy is going to do right by me.

After looking at the board some more, it is pretty clear that some significant(?) work has been done on it. Some hot glue here and there, though it isn't messy, and comparing to a pic I found showing the volume control I can see that a component has been replaced with... something I guess is doing the job. Also, the two little ground wires I mentioned look like they are there because a chip is physically broken. That sounds impossible to me, but that's just what it looks like. I'm trying to look at it in a positive way: maybe the main likely issues have been fixed! Hope they did a good job. Plus the monitor is definitely new, so I'm not totally screwed.

Seems like if I get it on and leave it on it stays working fine, but when I turn it off and on is when the power supply connection tends to crap out and I have to re-seat it. I've had it on all afternoon/evening/night playing off and on without a hitch. Still going to take it in tomorrow, and hopefully a new connector/pins like they said on the phone will be a mostly permanent fix.

Amazing how much you can learn about what to look for so fast. Not that I know squat even now, but already I can definitely pick out things I would ask about and look for when buying that I had no clue about this morning. Funny thing is, I'm not sure there is another way to learn without personally knowing someone to walk you through it live.

p.s. I'm writing a lot of this so I can look back on it in a year or two, so pardon the 'stream-of-consciousness' style.

Videogamerdaryll

03-08-2009, 01:42 PM

I have to say: That machine fits"perfect" in your house..I must of came back to look at the pictures 20 times alread....,It fits so perfectly with the wood colors in your house,I love the chair,...It's awesome..I love the picture over it too it ROCKS!!

I really,really like your place...It's very Classy and the machine is like icing on the Cake..

.................................................. .........

.................................................. .................................................. .........
I'm so picky with my machine that I clean the glass daily/looking for fingerprints...I came across this baby blanket in my Sons stuff that fits the machines top perfectly..We do use the machine as my wifes end table at night so I keep it covered to avoid scratches.(the glass and cp are new)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v21/Chris1/MISC%20PICTURES%202/55eae037.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v21/Chris1/MISC%20PICTURES%202/989515c8.jpg

Cornelius

03-09-2009, 02:27 PM

Thanks so much for the compliments VGdaryll. The chair (and another like it) I bought at a thrift store years ago when I moved into my first apt. and needed a place to sit. The painting was done by my father-in-law who was/is an artist; he doesn't really paint much anymore, though.

I love the blanket you've got on yours. I'll probably have to do something similar, as I'm sure it will be impossible to keep stuff off of mine, too. Do you (or anyone) know if there is a way to buff tempered glass like this to take out some of the lightest scratches and minimize others? If not I'll probably just try some high quality auto polish, which should also make it easier to keep clean.

I'm pretty bummed/annoyed with the repair guy. I talked to him on Sat., and he said 'sure, bring it in tomorrow 10-2'. I figure he'll have someone look at it and probably get it back Wed. or Thur. I bring it in (borrowing neighbor's vehicle), and he says 'Charlie'll be in next weekend to go over it'. @$#%#! The thing mostly works and I just got it, so why couldn't you have told me to bring it in on Friday! On top of that, we happen to have my B-day party planned for next sat (the 14th), and it is going to be sort of video game themed with a Vectrex or two and a couple TVs set up with tons of gaming options. I had no clue I'd be getting the Galaga when the party was planned, but damn would it be sweet to have that sucker. I asked if he thinks it will be ready by Sat. afternoon and all I get is "probably". Ugh. I think I'll pick it up for Sat. even if they haven't gotten to it, just sucks having to haul the thing all over town, in a borrowed vehicle no less.

Videogamerdaryll

03-10-2009, 11:16 AM

When I got my machine the Glass was horribly scratched..Having the machine in a dark lit room it wasn't really noticeable but I knew it wasn't perfect and I was just hiding what will bug me time and time again..
.....Once sunlight hit the glass you could see the scratches.The glass had already been flipped over so the other side was just as bad...

I had some relatives/friends come over and the first they noticed was the scratches in the Glass..That just killed it for me.

Talking it over with my dad we discussed possibly polishing the glass as he has equipment to do polishing...,,but it still may not come out right and is too much work...My glass was just too bad..
Pricing a cut piece of Glass at the local place ran around $40.00
That was my answer..But I also wanted a new CP overlay..
I got frustrated and just wound up buying a new glass and Cp overlay from..
http://www.pac-man.com/pacman/cocktail/out/ (mhtml:{38B82F2F-7B1A-4497-9765-8325D5A65E0C}mid://00000016/!x-usc:http://www.pac-man.com/pacman/cocktail/out/)
It came real fast and packed well..
I used the box to store the old stuff too..
It gave the machine New life..
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v21/Chris1/Misc%20Pictures/?action=view&current=e2b3b0f4.pbw (mhtml:{38B82F2F-7B1A-4497-9765-8325D5A65E0C}mid://00000016/!x-usc:http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v21/Chris1/Misc%20Pictures/?action=view&current=e2b3b0f4.pbw)

When I got my Pinball Machine,the first thing I did was get new Glass for it and it too gave it new life.

My first goal was to get the machine working right .The fuse blocks in these machines play a big role on problems..(99% of problems I had/if have are due to the fuse block.From everything to no picture and lights out.. http://www.twobits.com/Humbar/ (mhtml:{38B82F2F-7B1A-4497-9765-8325D5A65E0C}mid://00000016/!x-usc:http://www.twobits.com/Humbar/)

I still need to buy the
FAN - Cooling fan complete with wiring harness, screen, and mounting bracket
http://www.pac-man.com/galaga/cocktail/in/ (mhtml:{38B82F2F-7B1A-4497-9765-8325D5A65E0C}mid://00000016/!x-usc:http://www.pac-man.com/galaga/cocktail/in/)

Cornelius

03-10-2009, 05:04 PM

I may do replacement glass and graphics at some point, but this has the original screen-printed glass, and I like the idea of keeping it original if I can. Like you said, it probably isn't worth any sort of buffing if replacement glass will do the job.

Videogamerdaryll

03-10-2009, 05:41 PM

Ahh,I'm glad you mentioned>original screen-printed glass..

I actually didn't know the term until after I looked into changing the glass..

When I pulled off my old glass the overlay was stuck to it,and I mean stuck..
I thought it was screen-printed glass..but then it's actually an overlay..then finding all the sratches on that glass side it must be an overlay..I kinda got confusesd as the glass and old overlay look so close to the wear of the machine.. So well before I got my machine they must of changed my glass.
I would not mind finding an original screen-printed glass..If you can fix that glass/a place might buff it I'd go for it..

From what I know,my machine spent most it's life in a bar..(the Flea Market vendor bought out a closed Bars items..

Cornelius

03-15-2009, 10:01 PM

Just thought I'd write up the conclusion, if you will, of my purchase/repairs.

If I didn't mention it already, the problem it was having was that a couple times it just restarted itself. Then, after I opened it to adjust the volume and change a dipswitch setting, it wouldn't come on at all. This was all on the day I brought it home (03.07.09). So I called the seller and he had me check various connections, but that didn't get us anywhere. He talked to a friend and called back and told me to look for the power supply board and to reseat the connector on it. Sure enough, that connector had some scorch marks and when I reseated it, everything seemed to work fine. I guess he was pretty sure that was the issue after talking to his friend, because he was already prepared and said that the problem would likely get worse, so he'd cover the first $100 of repairs.

I took it in the next day, and when I called on Wed., it was ready! This despite him saying he didn't think it'd be done till the weekend. Anyway, I wasn't able to pick it up till Friday, and it was a hit at my party last night.

It has been working well, but two glitches have happened that I'm a little uneasy about. The first was that once when I turned it on, it came up partially upside down. The score and text, etc was all as if it was player 2's turn, and the ship was upside down on the player 1 side, shooting out of its back. Also, the bugs were flying backwards, though they were correct in formation. The other glitch was that it didn't run the attract last night, it just stayed on the high score screen.

Ed Oscuro

03-15-2009, 10:16 PM

Double-checked to make sure all your DIP switches are set the way they should be?

Also, random thought, but Retro Game Challenge's Cosmic Gate doesn't seem better than the original. Hooray for Galaga!

channelmaniac

03-15-2009, 11:35 PM

InsaneDavid

03-16-2009, 05:47 PM

Galaga is a finicky bitch. ;)

The best thing you can do for that game is to replace ALL of the ROM sockets and the 3 CPU sockets. They are notorious for causing problems.

They also have issues with tarnished legs on the custom chips.

That's what I was thinking, before that though you may want to simply make sure all the chips are seated tightly - a couple may have popped loose when moving it back in.