Dragon's Lair Fans - Arcade Lifestyle
General Chat => Arcade Lifestyle => Topic started by: DarthNuno on December 20, 2011, 02:59:13 PM
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(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/news/wacko.jpg)
Saturday 17th of December 2011, 5h28am.
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_1.jpg)
Usual stuff for my seventeenth UK Roadtrip :P Yes, only three to go before the 20th UK special anniversary ;D
But wait... no Dr Pepper this time? Arghh!
Hum, I know today is not a good day for a long trip, the weather forecast is not good : snow :-\ But everything was organized for today, so no choice!
As expected this morning :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_2.jpg)
...mhhh, finally it looks not too bad... only frost on the windows.
Ok, for my usual statistics :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_3.jpg)
The clock is not correct... it's really 5:44am
This gonna be a looong road trip, so let's prepare some good music CDs...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_4.jpg)
OK, for the first stage, let's aim the ChrisChris house :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_5.jpg)
Hell yeah! I won't be alone on this trip! I'm really happy to share this story with ChrisChris... and by the way, my wife is really happy too, she don't like to see me driving so far all alone :P
Let's go... so far so good...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_6.jpg)
Snow :-X Ok, it's not too bad ...melting snow so far!
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_7.jpg)
Almost arrived at the ChrisChris house ... but this time... snow :-\ I really hate driving on snow :evil:
Fortunately, I drive with snow tires 8) (It is mandatory since 2011 in Luxembourg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_8.jpg)
Fortunately, these stones are not frozen :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_9.jpg)
...few meters from the ChrisChris's house...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_10.jpg)
OK, ChrisChris is on my side now! He's a part of this Bulk Buy deal. Serious things can start... let's set the hyperspace data to a very special location in UK 8) :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_11.jpg)
...just at the exit of the Chris town...nice view... full of lights ... I think it's a factory? :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_12.jpg)
On the way to the Eurotunnel ... weather's getting better...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_13.jpg)
...and better :) :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_14.jpg)
Arriving at the EuroTunnel on schedule, but for some reason, we are stuck now :ghost:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_15.jpg)
It is the first time I'm stuck *before* the check in!
Breakfast for Chris :)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_16.jpg)
OK, finally I can check in ... of course, we have now a slight delay :-\ :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_17.jpg)
Men! Why so many people here & now? Come on dudes, we are on road trip... priority access please! :o
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_18.jpg)
After more delay... we are almost in ...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_19.jpg)
The Sun shines... even inside 'Le Shuttle' :lol: :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_20.jpg)
Welcome to UK ... it's 12:44am - 1 hour because my car clock is not correctly set - 1 hour (UK time), so it's 10:44am 8)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_21.jpg)
The most famous motorway for us, European roadtrippers' ... the M20 ! :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_22.jpg)
Arriving at the Dartford Crossing (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dartford_Crossing)...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_23.jpg)
Awesome super structure, I am impressed every time I see it. We will drive on it on the way back...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_24.jpg)
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And it's time for eat... but hey... it's a UK road trip, isn't it? So no other choice than...THIS :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_25.jpg)
Yes, we are happy : We have chosen to stop here by chance (there was no BK sign, just 'services'), and this is exactly the place I was looking for : a food court :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_31.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_32.jpg)
Here we are ;D :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_26.jpg)
It's up to Chris to order... not easy to pickup the right one, huh? ;D :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_27.jpg)
OK Chris, I know you're hungry but ...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_28.jpg)
...before you start to eat, let me explain you the story of the Whopper... All started in 1953, at Jacksonville where...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_29.jpg)
...too late! :roll: :D
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_30.jpg)
OK no more blabla! Let's eat ;D
Before leaving the place, I suggest Chris to pick up the last RetroGamer issue ;) :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_33.jpg)
Right, back on the road, with at least one picture that prove where are in UK and driving on the left ;D :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_34.jpg)
According my Nav car system, we are on location... Damn! THREE trucks here? Yes we are on location ;D
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_35.jpg)
I'm here for this ... WACKO :-*
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_36.jpg)
Wacko is a 1983 arcade game by Bally Midway. It debuted during the "Golden Age of Arcade Games". It featured a unique angled, or "sloped" cabinet design and a combination of trackball and joystick controls.
This is the craziest shape ever done for an arcade cabinet. Impossible to miss it in a row of games. Except once in USA (In Houston), I've never seen it elsewhere. Impossible not having it for my kind of 'arcade-museum-concept' to come 8)
In addition, the condition of that cabinet is very good.
Too add more value to this game, the current owner of this baby is ... the famous British video game programmer Archer MacLean (Dropzone, International Karate, Jimmy White's Whirlwind Snooker... see his biography on wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archer_MacLean)). See ;) :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_37.jpg)
Of course, I got with me a copy of International Karate to sign 8) :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_38.jpg)
Now my biggest fear of the day... will this oversize cabinet will enter my car? :roll: Pictures don't show the thing, but I can tell you it's a real monster!
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_40.jpg)
Ok Chris, let's try to load it?
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_39.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_41.jpg)
Here's the "cross story" with CKONG & GYRUSS... see their report right here (https://www.dragonslairfans.com/smfor/index.php?topic=3214.0). :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_42.jpg)
So, will it fit?
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_43.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_44.jpg)
HELL YEAH! I love this car :-*
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_46.jpg)
Yes, it fits, but let's hope Chris will have enough space here ::) :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_45.jpg)
And here's the famous JUNO FIRST :-* :-* :-*
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_48.jpg)
...unfortunately not for me, but for ChrisChris. At least that one won't be to far from my place... in the case of.... ::) :P
That one will be loaded in the Ckong/Gyruss truck.
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_47.jpg)
Before leaving the place... The 'improbable' group picture :-* :arrow:
(http://www.ukvac.com/forum/uploads/3/archerfest.JPG)
Rav', DathNuno, AtariMania ,Hi, Alpha1,Archer, Ckong, Gyruss & ChrisChris.
Wow... what a community! :)
Damn! It's late... and we are very far from home... time to quit. Ckong & Gyruss are faster than us ...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_49.jpg)
I quickly have to refuel...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_50.jpg)
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Oh no! Traffic jam :-[
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_51.jpg)
It must be serious... 7 or 8 firetrucks...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_54.jpg)
Engine stop... we are both tired...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_52.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_53.jpg)
Almost one hour later, the road is clear... Damw! :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_55.jpg)
Back on the Dartford crossing...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_56.jpg)
...but this time, on the bridge. Nice view :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_57.jpg)
Finally arriving at the Eurotunnel at 21:00 uk time, later than expected :oops:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_58.jpg)
Fortunately, no waiting time, no custom control... perfect... almost in...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_59.jpg)
Nothing can stop us to bring back that Wacko 'out of UK' now ;D :
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_60.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_61.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_62.jpg)
Bye bye UK, welcome France...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_63.jpg)
...and welcome snow :evil: :evil: :evil: :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_64.jpg)
I drop ChrisChris at his house. He will have to wait the coming of Gyruss & Ckong (see the road trip (https://www.dragonslairfans.com/smfor/index.php?topic=3214.0) for this side story) ;)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_65.jpg)
But before leaving me, he brings me a bag? Full of...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_66.jpg)
Dr Pepper ZERO :-* :-* :-* Thanks mate :-*
Too bad, I had to refuse him a last coffee... but I really have to back home... and the road can be long because of this snow :evil: :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_67.jpg)
It's 2:26am ... snow!
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_68.jpg)
It's 3:04am ... more snow!
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_69.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_70.jpg)
Jesus Christ! I'm really tired now... fortunately, I'm almost at home...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_71.jpg)
...and this is IT! Home sweet home :P :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_roadtrip_72.jpg)
Trip : Belgium > France > UK > France > Belgium
Total length : 22h01min - 1348 km on the road, 100km under water (EuroTunnel)
Thanks to Oliver for the organization of the day, and Archer for the welcome in his house.
ChrisChris, you are a great road trip 'companion' and I really hope to do it again with you. Once again, many thanks for your gifts ;) ...and take care of this Juno First ;)
It was really cool to see Ckong & Gyruss, Rav, but also Atarimania and Hi (we are now waiting for your report) :) Too bad we missed some UK collectors, came early before us.
I'm ready for a new story like this ;)
OK, next step... unloading the cab 8)
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WOW a WACKO?!?! That's the coolest Cab I know of! Love it, since I saw it the first time! Thanks for sharing this great story. That must have been a long and exhausting trip, but the Wacko is well worth it! :D
The picture on the navigator says, you are located next to the Luxembourg border? I see Merzig there.. I'm located at Saarbruecken! That's really close. Nice :D
However: great report! Many thanks for that.
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wow, totally cool report, bruno! my favourite are those burger eating pictures at burger
crap eh king! congratulations on that wacko, definitely an eye catcher. never played the game though, i don't even have an idea what the game is about ... :P
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Wacko on Youtube...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_OHSQaeVgQ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_OHSQaeVgQ)
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Wacko OMG :o :o beautiful and also (I think) rare cab here in Europe
Impossible to guess .... ??? :P Hey Chrischris we expect some beautiful pics of Juno First :-* :-*
Congrats Bruno and Chris ... awesome catch!!!
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Haha, amazing as usual! :)
Great pics, great story, great find(s). But man, you must have been exhausted to the point of no return. And as if it wasn't enough, lots of snow too. :spaceace:
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Wacko OMG :o :o beautiful and also (I think) rare cab here in Europe
You bet !
How about a repro, now there's a challenge with all those WACKO sizes, slopes and crazy angles ! ;)
@Bruno: Amazing roadtrip and great pics as always !!!!
Do I see a LL PCB in Chris's hand there ?
I badly need to see a pic of that beauty !!!
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Almost 24 hours on the road without sleeping and to top it all in snow, OMG! :o
Great report, nice to see the roadtrip from your point of view. :D
That Wacko looks super cool, I never played it, but I hope I will have the chance soon. ;)
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Another monstertrip !
Cool cab bruno ! its a real rare cabinet here in europe, i only saw it on pictures, and also dont know the gameplay..
Congrats guys ! :spaceace: :spaceace:
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WOW a WACKO?!?! That's the coolest Cab I know of! Love it, since I saw it the first time! Thanks for sharing this great story. That must have been a long and exhausting trip, but the Wacko is well worth it! :D
The picture on the navigator says, you are located next to the Luxembourg border? I see Merzig there.. I'm located at Saarbruecken! That's really close. Nice :D
However: great report! Many thanks for that.
I must admit I'm really happy with that one. It wasn't on my top priority list, but I felt I could not miss maybe that unique opportunity to have one.
It's not a mainstream game at all, but that cabinet is so important in the arcade history.
Saarbruecken? Yes, not very far from my place ;)
wow, totally cool report, bruno! my favourite are those burger eating pictures at burger crap eh king! congratulations on that wacko, definitely an eye catcher. never played the game though, i don't even have an idea what the game is about ... :P
I've never played that game before too. I only saw it in my arcade books, and once in this arcade in Houston with Barry : JOYSTIX (https://www.dragonslairfans.com/smfor/index.php?topic=920.0). Game play looks like Robotron, but less frenetic :P
Wacko OMG :o :o beautiful and also (I think) rare cab here in Europe
Impossible to guess .... ??? :P Hey Chrischris we expect some beautiful pics of Juno First :-* :-*
I don't know any collector in Europe having one. Maybe someone know someone who has one?
That one would be a nice challenge to reproduce :D
Yes, I'm in love with Juno First too :-*
Do I see a LL PCB in Chris's hand there ?
I badly need to see a pic of that beauty !!!
Well spotted! Dawn the LL over there was absolutely brand new... amazing!
Almost 24 hours on the road without sleeping and to top it all in snow, OMG! :o
You're right... I was totally HS until today! Like having the jet lag... :oops: Dawn! I'm too old for that now... fortunately It's holiday time for me ;D
Thanks to all for your nice word :)
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Great report Bruno, it's nice to see your side of the story also. The snow was terrible indeed, but we all survived.
I'm glad that I saw the Wacko in real and I hope to play it one day.
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Great report bruno!!! That is a cool cab!!!
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[...] Impossible not having it for my kind of 'arcade-museum-concept' to come [...]
This phrase can not go unnoticed ;D
Tell us more ...
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[...] Impossible not having it for my kind of 'arcade-museum-concept' to come [...]
This phrase can not go unnoticed ;D
Tell us more ...
Well, it's just something I have in my head. I'll wait to have the game room v3 completed first, and then I'll start to figure out what I'll do to 'share' the ALS experience ;)
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Unloading the 'beast'... but not more space inside 'any' Lair, so that one will join my living room, yes... once more :P
I'll have to unload that monster alone. No problem, as usual here's my Sith technique to do it. I drive back until the entrance on the kitchen...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_unload_1.jpg)
...which is almost on the same level than the car...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_unload_2.jpg)
...and I have to do now is pushing it...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_unload_3.jpg)
...it's in. Hopefully my wife is not here atm. No more roam in the kitchen ;D :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_unload_4.jpg)
...and voilà, on 'location' 8) :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_unload_5.jpg)
Thanks again to ChrisChris to provide me my dose of Dr Pepper ZERO! :-*
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_unload_6.jpg)
My 'collector' version of International Karate :P :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_unload_7.jpg)
I told you that Wacko is an 'oversized' cabinet... see the difference with that Burger Time for example :shock: :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_unload_8.jpg)
This is it... ready for the WIP...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_unload_9.jpg)
Next step, plug the game and see what's wrong... Stay Tuned :P
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Nice cab, don't put your glass of beer on the control panel tho. ;D
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it looks even more wacky standing next to a 'normal' cab!
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;D
Let's check that beast a little bit closer...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_wip_1.jpg)
A special view for Etienne ;) :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_wip_2.jpg)
The serial number is engraved into the wood : 377 I wonder how many Wacko were built? :
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_wip_3.jpg)
The SN is also written here and there on the cabinet. Damn... the shape of this cabinet was also a problem for the coins?! ;D :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_wip_4.jpg)
Serial also written here :
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_wip_5.jpg)
Usual switch settings sheet :
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_wip_6.jpg)
Overall view from the backdoor :
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_wip_7.jpg)
Found that inside... to keep of course. :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_wip_14.jpg)
The components...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_wip_8.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_wip_9.jpg)
Hey? What's inside that plastic back on the back door? :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_wip_10.jpg)
It's for ordering the dedicated WACKO manual operator...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_wip_11.jpg)
...not included.
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_wip_12.jpg)
Which is correct. The manual included here ...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_wip_13.jpg)
...is a generic one. It includes schematics for Wacko but no mention to the settings/game play specific to Wacko.
OK, next step plug the game and see what's wrong...
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A special view for Etienne ;) :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_wip_2.jpg)
hehehe cool ! ;D
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An other interesting fact about Wacko (thanks Oliver ;)) : the main personage's named Kapt. Krooz'r and he's also the main character in the game Kozmik Krooz'r
Kozmik Krooz'r may have actually been co-released with Wacko, so Wacko might not actually be a true prequel. Here's the cabinet :arrow:
(http://www.arcade-museum.com/images/131/1316715075.jpg)
Kozmik Krooz'r is housed in a huge purple cabinet with artwork of Kapt. Krooz'r in his flying saucer on both sides. There is also artwork of Kapt. Krooz'r flying in his spaceship and/or zapping enemies on the marquee, the bezel, and the front of the control panel. The monitor is mounted so that it is slightly tilted away from the player, to give some perspective of depth. A yellow plastic spaceship -- the mothership that Kapt. Krooz'r must enter during the game -- constantly spins around. A red LED on the mothership illuminates when it sends out the tractor beam onto the screen. The mothership also has a sticker that says "5000 bonus points" on it.
The control panel is blue with a picure of Kapt. Kroozr near the middle on the top surface of the control panel. The controls are labeled in yellow and red and are "Aim" (the encoder wheel), "Shield" (pressing down the encoder wheel), "Zap" (the trigger on the joystick) and "Krooz" (moving the joystick). A blacklight illuminates the control panel so it appears to glow fluorescent blue, fluorescent red, and fluorescent yellow. A starfield is also illuminated by a blacklight and reflected in front of the monitor onto a transparent mirror. (klov info (http://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=8354))
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Yup, I played Kroozer this summer at Funspot! Cool game and artwork!
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Bruno,
If the pcb has issues, Guddler on UKVAC can fix MCR pcbs!
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C'mon Bruno, turn the cab on!
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OK, OK... let's plug the lady 8) As expected :-\ :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_plug_1.jpg)
Graphics garbag on boot!
Well, let's to the basic controls : all the fuses are OK, check all the cables, boot with/without the test mode switch selected, hard reset switch pressed ... still the same graphic garbages on screen.
Mhhh, so the next step will be to control all the tension/voltage. The generic manual ?for some reason? doesn't include the schematic for the common 'power supply' 125V board.
Anyway, I know I have one or two of these somewhere in my attic.... probably not working but it worths a try...
Ok, got one, not exactly the same reference, but the components look similar. So I quickly put it in 'parallel' mode ;) :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_plug_2.jpg)
Holy shit! :o :P :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_plug_3.jpg)
The game boot... after few seconds, it resets, and then it boots again... but interval between the reset and the boot seems to grow...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_plug_4.jpg)
...and it gives me enough time to play it ;D
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_plug_5.jpg)
Ok, now let's compare the two boards.
On the left, the original one named A082-90412-D000, on the right the one used for my test here, named A082-90412-C000
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_plug_6.jpg)
What would be the difference between these two 'revisions' ?
I suspect the original one not to work because of acid damages, see :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_plug_7.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_plug_8.jpg)
Now, the funny thing... see the board I've used for this test :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_plug_9.jpg)
What it the purpose of that missing component (present on the original one) ? It's funny because the game is 'almost' working without that one?
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Looks like a battery pack, maybe for bookkeeping ?
edit
it is a battery pack,
maybe this link helps :
http://users.rcn.com/jenison/mars/trouble/part/powersupply/MCR/
on that site also says that bob roberts sells repair kits
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Bruno,
You could re-cap and put new transistors in the Wacko power supply board. Or you could keep it there for originality but not use it. And instead bypass it with this kit.
http://www.arcadeshop.com/mcr/mcr.htm
The kit is VERY VERY GOOD. It puts a new switcher into the game and gives much better reliability.
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Yes of course that's the battery ! Desolder it AS SOON AS POSSIBLE to prevent further acid damage !!
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Looks like a battery pack, maybe for bookkeeping ?
edit
it is a battery pack,
maybe this link helps :
http://users.rcn.com/jenison/mars/trouble/part/powersupply/MCR/
on that site also says that bob roberts sells repair kits
Thanks for the link. Yeps, it's the battery :
BATTERY SUPPLY: This supply is used to provide current to a "Bookkeeping"
RAM on the logic PCB when the line power fails or is turned off. Normally,
with the line power "ON", 15 VDC is supplied via the 0.22 microHenry
inductor; the 82 ohm voltage dropping resistor, and a blocking diode. The
voltage is regulated with a diode going to +5VDC. The Nickel-Cadmium
rechargeable battery is charged via the 270 ohm charge current limiting
resistor. When the line power is "OFF", the "Bookkeeping" RAM is supplied
with a "stand-by" voltage of 3.6VDC to a 4.2VDC for a duration of at least 30
days.
I can skip that part for now.
OK, following that schematic :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/power.jpg)
I can check the voltage. 8)
- between A and B, I should have 5V... and I have between 6,00 and 6,12V. The VR102 pot has not effect :-\
- between A and C, I should have 12V... and I had 11,40V... Fortunately the VR101 pot help me to reach the 12V (but it's on its maximum! Yeah that board deserves a capkit...)
Let's plug the game ... same problem... it reboots several times... and then ... I can credit it ... but reboot, reboot, reboot ... and then ... everything switched off!!! (monitor, marquee lamp, game... everything!). It must be a fuse!? Let's check them... no problem on that level! So let's go one step forward : my 220V to 110V step down converter?
Damn! No more 110V :-\ Well I presume 100W is not enough for that game... (I used that same converter for playing my US Popeye for example) ... Do these old Midway games are so greedy?! Obviously yes! :-\
So who is the real guilty for the reboot problem : the power supply board (6V instead 5V?) and/or the stepdown converter?
Bruno,
You could re-cap and put new transistors in the Wacko power supply board. Or you could keep it there for originality but not use it. And instead bypass it with this kit.
http://www.arcadeshop.com/mcr/mcr.htm
The kit is VERY VERY GOOD. It puts a new switcher into the game and gives much better reliability.
Yeps Oliver, I guess I'll go that way... how to order to www.arcadeshop.com? only by phone or mail? It doesn't look secure at first sight?...
Oh, and I've already ordered a new stepdown converter... 200W this time :P
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Hey Bruno,
I usually Paypal when using ArcadeShop - just send them an email.
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6V is ABSOLUTELY KILLING for your TTL chips !!!!! Do not power it up anymore until fixed or you may burn parts on the PCB !!
However, how did you measure this, was the PCB connected or not ? If there is no "load" for the power supply it may well have a higher voltage when you measure it.
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Bruno,
I've purchased several times from Arcadeshop.com (Steven) without problems.
Contact him via email with your items order, wait a bit (1-3 days) for his reply ...
Steven will ask you shipping information and credit card data (I used a prepaid VISA card) - NO PAYPAL - asked but he doesn't accept this kind of payment :-[ :-\
Buy without hesitation (High-quality products!!!).
PS: Bruno don't forget to put in your order a new Gyruss CPO :wink: :spaceace:
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Yep I had to pay through CC as well....the trouble is mailing that info isn't the safest thing to do......so I split up the info over 3 mails.
Still not safe, but better than all info in 1 mail....
The other bad side of arcadeshop.com : They will ALWAYS declare full value, as they say because of insurance. SO be prepared to pay import duties....
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When I order from arcadeshop I just email the order then call them up and give my CC over the phone, they're fast and friendly.
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Great to see the Usual Suspects.....Archer, Rav and Oll in the Pics, Arch's new place looks awesome!!!
-Finny
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Another awesome road trip post! ;D Hey Level42, Funspot now has a Wacko too, right next to the Kozmik Kroozr. The Kozmik Kroozr was introduced during the tournament, the Wacko came on Labor Day weekend (first Monday in September here in the US).
On that power regulator board, I don't know if he deals with international orders, but Bob Roberts (therealbobroberts.net) has a rebuild kit for the MCR power regulator boards. I have a Gaplus (which isn't MCR) that also uses one of these, and even has the battery on it, even though it has no bookkeeping and all the settings are via dipswitches...I really should remove that battery ;) I need to get the rebuild kit too, as my 12V is messed up, only puts out 5V, so some games I hook up to it (using a JAMMA adapter) don't have sound.
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While I'm waiting to receive the 'Wacko Power Supply Conversion Kit Adapter' from arcadeshop, here's a presentation of the game from Electronic Fun mag ... from an august 83 point of view ;) :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/wacko_review.jpg)
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OK, got the stuff from Arcadeshop :
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_wip_15.jpg)
Wacko Power Supply Conversion Kit Adapter +Power supply :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_wip_16.jpg)
Let's wire all that stuff inside the beast, very easy job (thanks to that conversion kit adapter very well done) :
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_wip_17.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_wip_18.jpg)
HELL YEAH! :-* :-* :-* :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_wip_19.jpg)
No more reboot of the game... problem solved! 8)
I notice a slight deformation on the screen.
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_wip_20.jpg)
Oh, and yes ... screen burns ... but I can live with that for now, it gives 'history' to that cabinet and it doesn't affect anything during the party 8)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_wip_22.jpg)
Now let's play and discover that game :-*
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_wip_21.jpg)
Cool, the power conversion kit includes a new battery, the game keeps the scores (very low for now) :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_wip_24.jpg)
This is a really fun game to play! Not easy...but I'll practice it :)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_wip_23.jpg)
Ok, the next step will be to clean the trackball parts, because the moves of Kapt'n Krooz'r are not smooth and it's a little bit noisy :)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Wacko_wip_25.jpg)
Oh, I may put that *working* beauty in the Nuno's Lair these coming days (and bring back a non working cabinet into my workshop also called ...'living room') ;D
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great news, bruno! those AS power supply conversion kits are pure magic, they save you from a lot of trouble and are easy to handle. highly recommended!!!
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Does your neck hurt when you've finished playing? :)
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great news, bruno! those AS power supply conversion kits are pure magic, they save you from a lot of trouble and are easy to handle. highly recommended!!!
Unless you want to keep your cabs as original as possible of course. But I agree it's a quick fix to get a game up and running.
Better fix that conversion kit somewhere tidy Bruno, if you let it dangle like that it may short to something and blow up stuff....
Trackballs usually need new rollers and bearings to get them perfect after 25 years. I highly recommend Bob Robert's rollers and bearings. His rollers are stainless steel (others regular steel) and bearings are very well greased and broken in (don't remove the grease like some people think must be done ;) ;) ;))
Really cool cabinet and I've never played the game would love to have a go at it !
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great news, bruno! those AS power supply conversion kits are pure magic, they save you from a lot of trouble and are easy to handle. highly recommended!!!
Yes, these original power supply medium boards are the weak point of many games from that era. That conversion kit is great improvement for the reliability and security (new battery, less warm...) of the game.
Does your neck hurt when you've finished playing? :)
Nope, not my neck ;D ...but my 'index' finger, yes! :-\ Let me explain...
Yesterday I wanted to switch that working Wacko located in my workshop the living room against a non working cabinet located in my game room.
There are few stairs between the ground and the kitchen, which is my usual way to in/out cabinets.
In order to pass the stairs ('coz I'm alone for doing that now) no other solution than lay down the cabinet like this :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Midway_Wacko_1.jpg)
The next step now is to go outside and pull down the cabinet... I've done this dozens of time. But because I knew that cabinet is very heavy, I pulled very hard in order to move it on a long distance during one effort. Bad idea, I pulled too hard and because of the inertia, the cabinet moved too far... and my index finger got stuck between the cabinet and the wall...ouuuch! :ghost: :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Midway_Wacko_1bis.jpg)
Ouuccch!!! (Nuno's horror show...Caution!) :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Midway_Wacko_2.jpg)
First a part of skin was peeled off, but worse a huge pain came inside the finger :-X I have to stop for a while now :-X
20 minutes later, no more sensation in that finger...a part of if turns to blue color ... not good ... but so let's continue the job, without using that finger... The cabinet is inside the kitchen, I cannot let the cabinet like that... I have to move it before the return of my wife/daughter! it's gonna be rock and roll :oops:
I'm really stupid, if I was wearing my protective gloves... ok, it's a little bit late, but I swear I won't do this anymore without protection! :oops:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Midway_Wacko_3.jpg)
OK, the game is OUT of the house.
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Midway_Wacko_4.jpg)
The weather is not too bad for this winter season... Let's get that opportunity to take pictures of the Wacko 8) :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Midway_Wacko_5.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Midway_Wacko_6.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Midway_Wacko_7.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Midway_Wacko_8.jpg)
"How it's made?" or the secret of the Wacko 'shape' ;D :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Midway_Wacko_9.jpg)
Great condition as you can see...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Midway_Wacko_10.jpg)
Let's subtitle the next picture : 'PLAY ME!' 8) :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Midway_Wacko_11.jpg)
I'll switch the Wacko against the (fortunately for my index) empty Space Invaders :
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Midway_Wacko_12.jpg)
OK, but the location I plan to use for the Wacko requests an other cabinet move... let's pull out the MACH3, fortunately on FOUR wheels, so quite easy to move too ;)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Midway_Wacko_13.jpg)
At last... WACKO on location :-* :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Midway_Wacko_14.jpg)
...to continue...
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ouch, that finger looks ... eh ... hmmm ... damaged :shock:
i'm a fan of arcade game pictures "out in the open", that wacko really is in nice shape. hopefully i'll have the chance to try it one day myself ...
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Great pictures Bruno! that cab is so strange looking!!!! - and hope that finger heals soon!!! :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
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(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Midway_Wacko_4.jpg)
This is a great picture....at first glance it looks like a regular cab that is "sinking" in the ground...
Hurting fingers/hands/toes seems to be part of our hobby....
My fingernail has restored 100% from Eurocade, but my toe-nail is still not half-way yet !!! I heard it would take a year and I start to believe that it is true ! :)
Best luck with that, must hurt !!!
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First André's leg, then Bruno's hand, it is a very dangerous hobby. :D
Wacko looks great under the sunshine, I love it!
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Thx guys :)
Yes, do not miss to take pictures of your cabinets when they are outside. Nothing can beat the natural lightning :-*
The strange thing about the 'finger' accident (opsss) : It happened yesterday in the afternoon ... and It didn't really hurt... until the night! I woke up several times due to 'kind of impulses' in the finger. And this morning, I could feel a strong pain as soon as I moved the finger :-\ So this morning, visit to the doctor, and then the hospital for an x-ray radio ... fortunately nothing broken! The pain should disappear all alone in a couple of days... (fingers crossed if I can use that expression in that case ::))
This is the second 'serious' accident I have related to that hobby. The first one while I was working on my Battlezone, I put back the back door... but I didn't put it well... and the back door falls like a guillotine ... on my big toe! Of course, I was working bare-foot! Horror pictures right here (https://www.dragonslairfans.com/smfor/index.php?topic=2911.msg38506#msg38506))...
Ok, enough blabla, here's other pictures of Wacko I took yesterday on location :
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Midway_Wacko_15.jpg)
Do you spot my International Karate signed by Archer on the panel?
That following picture remind me how high the Xevious is...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Midway_Wacko_16.jpg)
I should put an other game than GL on the right of the Wacko... not a good balance... especially regarding the marquees... but this disposition is temporary! Can't wait to arrange all that stuff for the V3 8)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Midway_Wacko_18.jpg)
Dark ambiance setting = ON :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Midway_Wacko_17.jpg)
A little bit more lightening...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Midway_Wacko_19.jpg)
What? You accuse me of hiding games in the dark? Ok, let's use the flash! :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Midway_Wacko_20.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/wacko/Midway_Wacko_21.jpg)
:spaceace:
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Bruno: it is in very nice original condition. I am glad you got it, went to a good home :spaceace:
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Here is a little article (found it on klov) about arcade games as an investment and it mentions Wacko:
#8 Wacko Arcade Game
This rare arcade video game is like pinball with a twist. It first debuted in arcades across the nation in 1983 and gave gamers a way to defeat unfriendly monsters. A track ball and joystick allowed teens to control Kapt'n Krooz'r and engage him in battle against mutants. Essential elements of this rare game include a well greased and responsive track ball, visible graphics, and functioning controls. If the cabinet is still adorned with the original art and paint, then you have found a true piece of video game history.
http://voices.yahoo.com/rare-arcade-video-games-wonderful-investment-5771462.html?cat=15
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Uhhhh weird littlr article.....look what he writes about DK in a red cab vs. Blue cab:
This rare arcade video game in red, not blue, is a highly coveted version of the 1980 Donkey Kong arcade game. It is a special edition in the Donkey Kong series and even includes an extra level that was not incorporated into the exterior blue-painted version.
Uuuuuuuhhhh, WTF ?? I guess he must have been playing one of those upgrade kits with the foundry level in it ?
Anyway it is total nonsense. I do agree that a red DK is much more desirable then the blue one though ;)
And then this:
The cocktail table version of Pac-Man is highly coveted because of the additional games that are stored within the electronic components. Some of the Pac-Man cocktail tables include as many as forty-seven additional games. The nineteen-inch screen and comfortable size made it a perfect addition to arcades, bars, and hotels across the nation.
Uhhhhhhh....he must have come across a 48in1-ed Pac cocktail......and a 19" in a Pac cocktail ?
Pretty Wacko !
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Uhhhh weird littlr article.....look what he writes about DK in a red cab vs. Blue cab:
This rare arcade video game in red, not blue, is a highly coveted version of the 1980 Donkey Kong arcade game. It is a special edition in the Donkey Kong series and even includes an extra level that was not incorporated into the exterior blue-painted version.
Uuuuuuuhhhh, WTF ?? I guess he must have been playing one of those upgrade kits with the foundry level in it ?
Anyway it is total nonsense. I do agree that a red DK is much more desirable then the blue one though ;)
And then this:
The cocktail table version of Pac-Man is highly coveted because of the additional games that are stored within the electronic components. Some of the Pac-Man cocktail tables include as many as forty-seven additional games. The nineteen-inch screen and comfortable size made it a perfect addition to arcades, bars, and hotels across the nation.
Uhhhhhhh....he must have come across a 48in1-ed Pac cocktail......and a 19" in a Pac cocktail ?
Pretty Wacko !
He he, i just love when you do that André!!!
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Hahaha, i knew you were going to react on this article! ;D ;D ;)
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Hey, I couldnt disappoint you guys right ? But uhmmm, lets not mess up this excellent Wacko thread too much ;););)