Dragon's Lair Fans - Arcade Lifestyle
General Chat => Arcade Lifestyle => Topic started by: Superully on April 24, 2011, 08:57:00 PM
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with the thread title being loosely based on julius caesar's famous phrase "veni, vidi, vici", it was me who came, who saw and who conquered! :spaceace:
what did i conquer? a dedicated atari vindicators arcade cabinet! well, in fact the battle wasn't too hard to win, because i got this game for free and as we all know: nothing beats free!!!
now on to the bad part: the cabinet is missing a lot of parts (monitor, pcb, power supply, speakers, etc.) and while its body is still in solid shape, it is going to need a lot of TLC (tender, love & care) to bring it back to life and make it playable again!
let's have a look at the cabinet first - full frontal view :arrow:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5301/5649680005_e21d9a9bb4_b_d.jpg)
the left side
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5142/5650246188_10115e7b0e_b_d.jpg)
as you can see, not much left of the artwork
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5149/5650245718_f060ea0e17_b_d.jpg)
tank chains look dirty, but are almost intact
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5307/5650246644_2c8970667a_b_d.jpg)
the right side
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5062/5650242840_5db255ebf8_b_d.jpg)
fortunately, the sideart here is still there and in nice condition, which means i've got a new job for the vector king ;D
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5103/5649678869_37ba4f3e54_b_d.jpg)
tank chains are looking better here as well
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5064/5649679405_83ceafa809_b_d.jpg)
the back side
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5026/5650238516_198632f644_b_d.jpg)
as you can see, someone obviously tried to "break into the game" and smashed the wood and the grill :'(
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5030/5649674777_789c20839f_b_d.jpg)
i guess i need some repro alu stickers for this one, too!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5101/5649675489_438faf48db_b_d.jpg)
the fan guard is missing as well (more signs of a forced entry) and there are some heavy damages to the cabinet
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5221/5649673467_df4b498fb9_b_d.jpg)
at the front, the light fixture is present, but the entire marquee assembly (metal frame, glass, vindicators attraction decal translite) is missing ...
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/5650244818_1a28dd174a_b_d.jpg)
... and so are the speakers! >:(
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5063/5650245198_4dbaef93e1_b_d.jpg)
the good news is that the front decal is there ...
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5109/5649682683_4e9a48a68c_b_d.jpg)
... and its condition ain't too bad :-*
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5066/5649683125_3f17b0e108_b_d.jpg)
i guess it would have been close to impossible to repro the decal with all those shiny glossy colors - lucky me :)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5183/5650236636_ecc449de65_b_d.jpg)
on to the control panel where you can see the rust eating away the metal! :twisted:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5301/5649676795_51ed5a209c_b_d.jpg)
the two tank controllers
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5183/5650241742_a82c681a8b_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5307/5649677885_c62fe870ae_b_d.jpg)
the german instruction decal seems to be in great shape - at least something ;)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5228/5649676185_c7c843a747_b_d.jpg)
a look inside the cabinet reveals an empty pcb slot and no power supply at all with the wiring harness being cut! :'(
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5305/5650237324_429e79c8c7_b_d.jpg)
the lower coin door has been opened and the coin bucket has been stolen, but the upper coin door (which hides the coin mechs, the coin counters and the audio pcb) is still locked - but not for much longer!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5301/5650587956_34f8ec8898_b_d.jpg)
lock successfully "picked" 8)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5029/5650592488_56ae900c7a_b_d.jpg)
open sesame: coin mechs are intact!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5307/5650024495_b3fdfee0a1_b_d.jpg)
a first peek inside reveals the audio pcb and the coin counters - everything seems to be present!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5107/5650591852_893e0da2fa_b_d.jpg)
not too many games on the counters - i wonder when this game was played for the last time ... ???
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5184/5650593386_e1a87f41ba_b_d.jpg)
up to now i haven't removed the control panel because it is being held in place by six of these strange screws
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5222/5650590390_22be96603f_b_d.jpg)
i've been into this hobby for some time now and i don't know how many times i had reached the point where i thought "now you have all the tools you need to restore games!". well, i guess i was wrong again and after a trip to a nearby hope depot a new set of tools has been added to my collection :P
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5263/5650592952_d470e1d4ee_b_d.jpg)
all it needs is the right bit and the screws come off easily
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5223/5650587310_9be50d4e2a_b_d.jpg)
top down view of the audio pcb - pure nastiness! :shock: :shock: :shock:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5145/5650025547_89cac0553f_b_d.jpg)
pure nastiness in detail - i wonder what happened to that pcb!!!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5028/5650026823_a62d4d7307_b_d.jpg)
ok, i guess that's enough for you to swallow! as you've just seen, a looot of work to be done and you guy must be wondering "why is superully even taking on this endeavour?".
well, let me tell you this: i have a masterplan!!! :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
to be continued ...
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Very nice Ully !
she is in good hands with you !
I was starting to get bored, and have nothing else to do, so that sideart vectorjob comes exactly in time... ;)
Somehow i sensed around februari, that your marquee also is missing, and your lucky that i was bored in that time too.. ;D
It looks like i need to return to this and continue this too:
(http://www.opdenkelder.com/pics/vindicator.jpg)
ps ..
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5221/5649673467_df4b498fb9_b_d.jpg)
Straight closup shot / scan and measurements please.. ;)
about the alu repro's, no problem, and i think there are more you need right ?
Just place your order my friend, and ill take care of the rest 8)
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she is in good hands with you !
i don't know what's up with you dutch guys calling arcade games a SHE - this game definitely is NOT FEMALE! :P
Somehow i sensed around februari, that your marquee also is missing, and your lucky that i was bored in that time too.. ;D
It looks like i need to return to this and continue this too:
good thinking, but you don't have to because - as i've said - i have a masterplan which is already in full motion. stay tuned and watch this space!!!
ps ..
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5221/5649673467_df4b498fb9_b_d.jpg)
Straight closup shot / scan and measurements please.. ;)
not sure whether i'm going to replace this or not, but it can't hurt to have it readily available, so i'll get you a scan of this along with the measures!
about the alu repro's, no problem, and i think there are more you need right ?
absolutely!
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ok, i guess that's enough for you to swallow! as you've just seen, a looot of work to be done and you guy must be wondering "why is superully even taking on this endeavour?".
well, let me tell you this: i have a masterplan!!! :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
to be continued ...
Could this be Ully's first "mame-out" ? :oops:
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Could this be Ully's first "mame-out" ? :oops:
would a mame-out include you NOT vectoring the marquee?
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no thats true..
well then maybe you found a NOS Marquee ?
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well then maybe you found a NOS Marquee ?
guess you'll have to wait and see ;D
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the restoration begins ...
as always, i'm starting with the leg levelers, because missing / broken levelers are often the root of all evil :evil:. the original levelers are a little bit rusted, but still good enough to use!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5266/5653176826_d2bf6afb37_b_d.jpg)
after a night in the anti-rust bath and some polishing, they are ready to go back onto the game. note: i've added two additional levelers (not pictured) because the cabinet is so heavy and bulky!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5182/5652608765_7bd8924332_b_d.jpg)
now on to the damages to the cabinet - remember that the rear grill has been smashed :arrow:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5030/5649674777_789c20839f_b_d.jpg)
removing the grill reveals the full scale of the destruction
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5142/5652606475_f1d0d6458c_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5190/5652606299_5d7f13a9da_b_d.jpg)
viewed from the inside
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5270/5652605725_90a2c97f66_b_d.jpg)
in order to repair the crack, i have to remove the splintered wood
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/5652606115_1053ee0989_b_d.jpg)
looking better already
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5141/5652607035_25c6ed8343_b_d.jpg)
some glue first ...
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5270/5653175078_a976bbf6f3_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5225/5652606717_3cb2f98679_b_d.jpg)
... and then a lot of bondo!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5265/5652609237_e29a4720d4_b_d.jpg)
after multiple layers of wood filler (and some serious sanding) ...
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5270/5653175352_e0fe337d82_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5027/5653175578_a92c2c57eb_b_d.jpg)
... the cab is ready to be repainted!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5022/5652608263_5de3d805aa_b_d.jpg)
the results: from the inside :arrow:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5065/5653175758_caf01a8cc3_b_d.jpg)
from the outside :arrow:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5105/5653176280_cf3dec59d1_b_d.jpg)
:spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
to be continued ...
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Those cracks are no challenge for you Ully , we saw worse conditions that you have fixed :-*
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Where do you find the energy to start such crazy deep restorations projects?
I'm simply amazed, these resto threads are always a great read, maybe you should think of a paper version of your "Ully's magic tricks and tips to successfull arcade restos".
About the secret plan: Just a guess but we all know somebody from this forum who found a gauntlet converted to vindicators in a certain abandoned warehouse a long time ago, could this be a part of your solution?
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Where do you find the energy to start such crazy deep restorations projects?
I'm simply amazed, these resto threads are always a great, maybe you should think of a paper version of your "Ully's magic tricks and tips to successfull arcade restos".
thx a lot, chris, the energy comes from the fact that i enjoy solving difficult tasks / puzzles (e.g. armchair treasure hunts like "sur la trace de la chouette d'or" are another hobby of mine) and finding / creating solutions - isn't that part of the fun of this hobby. i only wish i were as creative when it comes to electronic stuff ... :-[
About the secret plan: Just a guess but we all know somebody from this forum who found a gauntlet converted to vindicators in a certain abandoned warehouse a long time ago, could this be a part of your solution?
nice guess, but wrong :P! the vindicators-converted gauntlet has found a new home in denmark as far as i know!
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There was a Vindicators on marktplaats about a year or two ago. Went to have a look and compared to this it was in minty condition.
Wasn't free, but it would have been a lot cheaper to buy that one then restoring this.....
..but.....I give huge credits and :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: for Ully to saving this. I think even I would have written this one off....
Go Ully ! :)
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Wasn't free, but it would have been a lot cheaper to buy that one then restoring this.....
and that's where my masterplan is coming into play ... 8)
[i'm off to grab some food now and hang out in the sun afterwards]
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I'll bring back the sandwiches, you keep working on this resto ;)
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Yeah, my Vindicators found a nice loving home at Denmark. ;D
This will be a big challenge Ully, but I guess it will look awesome, like all your cabs. ;D
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...... i only wish i were as creative when it comes to electronic stuff ... :-[
Don't worry, thats what we are here for at DLF..
you cannot know everything,
I mean i get electronics a bit more than you, but your woodworkingskills amaze me every time !
so bottomline is , everybody has got theyre specialty
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Ully i'll follow this thread with great interest, as the xybot cab is almost the same
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Can´t wait to see this one finished! :spaceace: :spaceace:
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the restoration continues ...
just some cleaning for now, but isn't that what a cab makes shine? 8)
started with the (german) instruction decal which looked like this before :arrow:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5228/5649676185_c7c843a747_b_d.jpg)
and after some scrubbing
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5264/5655085654_699b9827eb_b_d.jpg)
it cleaned up perfectly - absolutely flawless!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5026/5655087616_17090eeb49_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5028/5655088114_2ff0555a3c_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5655095948_d1bb0faaac_b_d.jpg)
up next: the chain decals
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5654524455_5bab75bb34_b_d.jpg)
looks like someone tossed paint over them
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5185/5654528107_666565c52e_b_d.jpg)
but nothing can withstand my cleaning powers
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5190/5654530115_8ed93e07de_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5025/5655102122_ae1dab3901_b_d.jpg)
most of the fabulous results were achieved by use of cheap korean magic sponges - they hold up like sh**, but do their job!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5265/5655098930_fcbe63dcef_b_d.jpg)
to be continued ...
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Yes, I've been "eating some" today as well.... :D
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ok guys, i think it's time to reveal ...
... THE MASTERPLAN!!!
for that, i have to elaborate a little bit! when i had the chance to get the cabinet back in december, i knew about the condition it was in (missing parts etc.). in order to make a restoration even possible, i had to make sure i would be able to aquire all the parts needed to bring the cabinet back to life. for that, i asked around on the klov forum and as luck would have it, i found a guy named pat who was just about to dump a badly water-damaged vindicators cabinet. i asked him for pics and my wish was his command :P
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5150/5669861737_2c029030a3_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5024/5669862749_6ccafae11b_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5305/5670431776_b256eb9bcd_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5070/5670432114_6e0ea36ed3_b_d.jpg)
it seemed as if everything i needed was there, so i asked pat if he could strip the cabinet for me before taking it to the dumpster. he kindly agreed and took everything out, but this left us with an even bigger problem: how to get all the stuff over to germany without me paying a fortune on shipping costs. once again i got lucky, because not only was pat kind enough to salvage the parts for me, he also happens to be an airline pilot! and we all know what airline pilots do: they fly to other countries ... ;D
back in the winter months, pat was scheduled to fly to spain and to england, therefore we thought about him bringing the stuff over to wherever he was travelling and shipping it from some european country over to my place in germany. that sounded like a good plan, because shipping costs would be minimized a lot by doing so. we checked back and forth for the cheapest options (england or spain? which postal service to use?), but were not totally happy with the solution, so i asked pat if he would be flying into germany anytime soon. and guess what, at the end of january pat told me there might be a chance he would be flying to frankfort at the end of april (which is only 1 hour 15 minutes away from my place). with that promising outlook, we decided to put everything on hold and get in touch again in april to see whether it was going to work out.
jump to the beginning of april: i was contacted my pat confirming that he would indeed be coming over and that he could bring the stuff with him :-*. the date he mentioned was april 19 which seemed like a perfect date first, but then i realized that i had a parent-teacher meeting in the late afternoon exactly on that date which was impossible to postpone. "what the f***", i thought, "this is a chance i have to take no matter what!". pat gave me the address of the hotel he and his crew were staying (located in mainz which is pretty close to frankfort), we made an appointment for that day and all i could do now was hope and pray everything was going to work out as planned ...
jump to april 19: i rushed home from school and threw my stuff on the floor :arrow:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5261/5669863919_a0c0f5fe29_b_d.jpg)
i even took the time for the usual statistic pictures
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5303/5670435226_095bdfebb6_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5267/5669864263_83612b87c4_b_d.jpg)
leaving lauda on a beautiful spring afternoon
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5184/5669863351_3b323f9e67_b_d.jpg)
some serious building going on here
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5026/5670435558_b99b08fce2_b_d.jpg)
planes are coming in - i must be approaching frankfort airport
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5144/5670437158_e17da86c24_b_d.jpg)
that's what i call a futuristic hotel
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5107/5669865053_c17fb22b9c_b_d.jpg)
mainz is an extremely green city ...
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5148/5670434648_5ce279c0f2_b_d.jpg)
... with some nice old buildings
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5302/5669867315_ac63d9d45c_b_d.jpg)
i was delayed by 15 minutes because the autobahn exit i was supposed to take was closed because of road constructions - who would have guessed. i had to take a detour of roughly 5 kilometers through the city center, but managed to reach the hotel eventually
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5226/5670436570_2a75b93260_b_d.jpg)
at the front desk, i called pat on the phone and he asked me to come up to his room - let's take the elevator!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5068/5669866539_d6eb6c0291_b_d.jpg)
fourth floor - where are you pat?
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5104/5669866243_b0458af1a7_b_d.jpg)
because he knew I was on an extremely tight schedule, pat was already on his way with a huge heavy box in his hands
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5270/5669865973_ce0b354f6b_b_d.jpg)
the arcade stuff loaded into my car: a big mystery box and a smaller one with the pcbs inside :)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/5669868487_f6d1a64eb0_b_d.jpg)
the street lights are still out - i might make it in time for my school stuff
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5065/5670437350_ffb622091d_b_d.jpg)
one last tunnel before hitting home turf
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5062/5669868753_6afcba3ab1_b_d.jpg)
341 kilometers travelled, ...
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5225/5670439482_3e6361fdf9_b_d.jpg)
... 17 minutes ahead of schedule - i made it!!! :spaceace:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5669868225_2749522948_b_d.jpg)
the next day, i dragged the heavy box up into my apartment - ready to be inspected and approved by my cats!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5106/5669869489_78cf61c35c_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5144/5669868993_d9a9268e02_b_d.jpg)
pat told me that he had wrapped the box in gift wrap paper because he wanted it to feel like a birthday present for me - and because of that, let's tear it open! :twisted:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5109/5669869185_bee070e49f_b_d.jpg)
looking very american underneath :)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5107/5669871011_5115646c08_b_d.jpg)
let's check out a few items that were inside, for example the entire marquee assembly
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5028/5670439970_6707819c88_b_d.jpg)
looks like someone bought this at an auction
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5102/5670440890_00632cabda_b_d.jpg)
also inside, the two speakers
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5267/5669870767_66c6d1df2b_b_d.jpg)
finally, not one, but two fully populated control panels. while the sticks are rusted as well (but no problem, powdercoating will do the trick), the panel itself and the overlays are in much better shape than the one i already have - totally usable!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5026/5670439746_a9f8a4f2e2_b_d.jpg)
there was more inside of the box like a complete wiring assembly and the power supply, the only things i'm missing now are the lower fan guard (pat told me the one on his machine was damaged beyond usability) and of course the monitor!
it was a combination of sheer luck and some careful planning which has brought me to this point and which is now going to allow me to bring this game back to life. i would not have been able to do this without the help of pat and i will be forever grateful for his patience and dedication - once again this proved how great this hobby and the community are! thx so much, pat, you rock!!! :-*
:spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
what do you think of my masterplan? 8)
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Like Hanibal from the A-Team used to say;
"I love it when a plan comes together" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqZVRoIoMfQ) !
Thats community !
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Hey hey, gotta think about Ully, he probably can't see that youtube video because of copyright reasons, so here's one I'm sure he IS allowed to see:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0PmpA-JYFY&feature=related
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Nice story by the way !
P.S. My son envies Pat, he wants to become an Airline pilot too ! :P
(I only skimmed the pictures first, and thought: how in heaven's name could he bring that on board without paying extra for over-luggage..... :))
As we say in Holland Ully, you've got a golden .... !
P.S. 2, I'm pretty sure the reception of that Hotel would have kept that package for your pick up some time.... but I know how it works.....;) Also cool to meet Pat, however short the moment :)
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Fantastic story :D !
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Does he fly passengers or freight ? maybe next time he can fly in some cabs ;) ;) ;)
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Does he fly passengers or freight ? maybe next time he can fly in some cabs ;) ;) ;)
unfortunately only passengers :P
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Hey hey, gotta think about Ully, he probably can't see that youtube video because of copyright reasons, so here's one I'm sure he IS allowed to see:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0PmpA-JYFY&feature=related
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
No offence Ully but that sounds so wrong :) :)
Its like when you see Clint eastwood translated in German; "Grüß Gott cowboy" ;D
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with a nice fan guard found by andré (https://www.dragonslairfans.com/smfor/index.php?topic=2585.0) (thx man :-*), all i need is a fitting monitor for that cab. originally, the monitor was still inside the cab when i picked it up, but it looked like this :arrow: :'(
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5067/5671242969_08b6a84b9f_b_d.jpg)
nevertheless, i decided to remove the monitor and take it back home with me, because parts of the chassis might be usable later on AND it can't hurt to have a monitor frame like that. since the neck had been destroyed, there was no more vacuum inside the tube making it totally useless!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5304/5671815212_10b1250bc7_b_d.jpg)
the broken neck :evil:! unfortunately, someone also grabbed one or two parts from the chassis and cut some wires, but i'm going to keep it anyway. the tube however needs to go!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5307/5671247553_6d9e7be2ff_b_d.jpg)
ok, what's next, you might be wondering - here's the answer :arrow:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5189/5671815370_011d2eee4c_b_d.jpg)
what? another roadtrip? where to - here's the answer :arrow:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/5671243255_91e28b372b_b_d.jpg)
why? just the other day i got another email from pat. he had checked with customs and got the clearance to bring in another much needed item ;D. so here i am again - back in mainz!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5061/5671243699_486175619e_b_d.jpg)
unfortunately, i wasn't able to meet pat this time, because i was busy doing something else (;)), but he dropped the box off at the front desk and arranged with the reception to keep it there for one day. although it's big and bulky, they kindly agreed to do so :-*
here's the mystery box and my car in front of the hotel - again (starting to feel like a second home 8))
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5025/5671243433_3ddf6e07e5_b_d.jpg)
warning label on the box
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5024/5671810826_390cf908d6_b_d.jpg)
on my way back i made a short detour because i had a basket full of metal parts on board as well
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5309/5671244609_108a042b48_b_d.jpg)
where do they all come from? well, this is what one vindicators controller looks like ...
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5145/5671270723_f528822cd4_b_d.jpg)
... and here's what one disassembled vindicators controller looks :shock:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5181/5671837894_ee4158faaa_b_d.jpg)
i had disassembled all six controllers (from three control panels) and had sorted out parts (because some metal parts were either broken or worn out). my idea is to have four fully functional restored controllers - two for the game and two as spares. throw in some coin door parts, marquee retainers and grills and what you get is this :arrow:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5263/5671811256_c49472dd75_b_d.jpg)
what to do with those? off to my favorite powdercoater of course!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5306/5671244407_c01bf59528_b_d.jpg)
because of the wonderful weather, i decided to try another route home this time when i spotted something unfamiliar on the horizon
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5029/5671246387_7e3edc33e3_b_d.jpg)
an old jewish cemetery!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5069/5671244191_cde85b2c92_b_d.jpg)
sorry for going off-topic here, but i simply love places like that - there's something magical about them!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5108/5671244915_e949c59d1d_b_d.jpg)
if you're bored by stuff like that, simply skip the following pictures :P
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5671813406_f179ca3a85_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5070/5671245713_dbda49e2c1_b_d.jpg)
a bird's nest on one of the gravestones
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5070/5671245247_986250083f_b_d.jpg)
and if you're bored by statistics, skip those pictures as well
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5187/5671246215_ef67baa671_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5268/5671813902_7e0995580e_b_d.jpg)
half past twelve - the cats are already very hungry upon my return home. perhaps i brought some special cat food with me in that box ...
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5225/5671297189_3b3673e532_b_d.jpg)
... or they are as anxious to find out what's inside of that mystery box as i am!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5270/5671297361_00beca59d0_b_d.jpg)
so let's open it up - no too difficult to guess what's inside of it, right? :D
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5108/5671246759_d9341a8666_b_d.jpg)
who would have guessed - a monitor! :)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5066/5671247395_477024da64_b_d.jpg)
neck is intact!!!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5184/5671246899_4070c2328a_b_d.jpg)
identical model to the one that was inside of my cab
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5671247287_f1ebd9bddd_b_d.jpg)
pat had told me that the screen had some serious screen burn, but that it won't be (or only hardly will be) visible during gameplay (same as on my gauntlet)!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5101/5671814440_5b4799f136_b_d.jpg)
and finally: the two monitors in comparison!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5067/5671247675_e154cfb777_b_d.jpg)
once again, i can't thank pat enough for dragging this thing over to germany and for helping me complete my missing parts list - let the game(s) begin!!! :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
-
Some pictures are great :-* I'm in love with that one :P :arrow:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5069/5671244191_cde85b2c92_b_d.jpg)
Can I use it for my Ghosts'n'Golbins topic :P ;D
-
now that i've got all the parts together, i can also concentrate on the technical side of things (not just the resto stuff). for that, i'm starting with the power supply which was also in one of pat's boxes!
we can call that dirty, can't we?
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/5672128972_2c1e33146e_b_d.jpg)
took it apart and cleaned it up a little bit - much better now :-*
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5141/5671562931_20b6199d06_b_d.jpg)
i even found a nice fuse block cover in a box with spare parts
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5021/5672129288_704998cb7a_b_d.jpg)
speaking of fuses, you might have realized that after the cleaning job one of the fuses is missing (f1 250v 3a slow-blow). why? because when i wanted to test the power supply, it blew immediately. but not only that, it also "destroyed" the light bulb in the room i was working in and cut the entire electricity for the room. :o
something's indeed wrong here, right?
so i started from the front by replacing the blown fuse, disconnecting everything and simply measuring the voltages at the end of the power cord (not that there is a short inside there somewhere), but everything was fine. up next i connected the filter to the power cord and measured at the blue and brown wire coming out of it - still fine! i then removed the black and white wires which go into the huge transformer - voltages were still fine. however, when i reconnected the huge transformer to the rest of the unit, the fuse blew again ...
so i guess it's safe to say that the transformer is causing the problem. don't know if it is set for 120v (probably), there are some wires there which are connected, perhaps some re-wiring has to be done first. heres a picture of the secondary side of the transformer (do you call it like that?), on the other side and black and white wires go into the transformer.
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5029/5671563099_e870d27041_b_d.jpg)
because those wires didn't clean up nicely, let me give you the colors from left to right:
red, white/red, violet, blue/white, yellow/white, brown/white
now have a look at the schematics
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5107/5672130004_08a0b057c4_b_d.jpg)
is there anything i have to change? note that the switching power supply is not connected yet, but i guess this doesn't make a difference for now, does it? once again, f1 is blowing, the fuse right behind the filter!
any help / input is appreciated! :-*
-
Looks to me that you got a major short in the transformer :-[
secondary is not connected to anything , and is also not shorted right ?
EDIT:
looking at the schematics, i notice that the transformer likes 115V AC...
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5107/5672130004_08a0b057c4_b_d.jpg)
does the fuse also blow when you feed it 110V ?
if yes, then your transformer is defenetly busted.
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Looks to me that you got a major short in the transformer :-[
secondary is not connected to anything , and is also not shorted right ?
with shorted you mean that for example two wire ends are touching, right? i'll have to check that again - not that i made a rookie mistake!
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Looks to me that you got a major short in the transformer :-[
secondary is not connected to anything , and is also not shorted right ?
with shorted you mean that for example two wire ends are touching, right? i'll have to check that again - not that i made a rookie mistake!
Yes, thats what i mean, that could happen in a testing enviroment..
i have it too sometimes, i simply forget am too lazy to isolate the wires ;D
ps edited my earlier post ;)
-
does the fuse also blow when you feed it 110V ?
if yes, then your transformer is defenetly busted.
how can i feed it with 110v? stepdown transformer should do the trick ...
is it possible that i damaged the transformer because i used the wrong voltages? or are the fuses protecting the transformer from something like that happening? i sure hope so ...
all i thought about was changing the setting on the switching power supply, i never thought of the transformer!
-
i guess i got lucky with this one, because i hooked the power supply up to a stepdown converter, the fuse did not blow, i got a nice humming sound from the transformer and the AC voltages are were they are supposed to be - around 110 volts :).
i'll report back with another wiring question soon - need to upload some photos first! stay tuned ...
-
back with another wiring question:
now i need to hook up the switching power supply - let me show you which connections we have here :arrow:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5301/5672249431_6e7391f1cf_b_d.jpg)
the first two wires are the black & white AC wires, they go on the switcher's two different AC connectors - no problem here!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5108/5672808718_1127c605c5_b_d.jpg)
but then i have four more terminals. two of them (red wires) are labeled 5V, so both of them have to be connected to the one +5V12A connector of the switcher. the other two (brown) wires are not labeled, the schematics list them as +5 RTN (RTN = return?).
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5023/5672240765_4174290df0_b_d.jpg)
my questions:
- where do i have to connect those two brown terminals to?
- what does +5 RTN mean / do? what is its function (i want to understand what's going on here, not just connect stuff at your command)
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That's a great story, seems like nothing is impossible for a crazy Arcade Collector. ;D
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Super, a stepdown converter does do that trick, i mean there is nothing in the schematics like a selector
I think you are thinking in the correct direction regarding the wires Ully,
I mean it does make sence "RTN" - Return (i have never seen that term, just "+5v ground" )
And another clue is that the brown are tied together with the red ones, and that brown is in combi with red is a negative color.
I would expect red and black for + and - but maybe they do brown to indicate that its ground for a positive 5v line and use black for negaitive 5v lines
and i think they use the term RTN because if they call it -5v, you could be confused because there is also a "real" -5v line on the switcher.
but i hope somebody else can confirm my theory, because i "THINK" you are in the good direction.. not 100% and i dont want you to blow stuff because i was "thinking it was correct" ..
EDIT:
thinking about it, i guess the wires are going to the edge connector from the board, so check there and see where it connects to the board, if it is connected to ground on the PCB, then you can assume that the brouwn wire is the ground on the switcher ;)
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thx etienne! i'll check tomorrow where those wires connect to and take a picture of the connections, but i'm pretty sure we're right! perhaps someone else wants to chime in on this ...?
-
i dont expect any updates today from dutch members, they are all celebrating queensday here :D
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Yup, I already posted WAY to much for a Queensday.
Leve de Koningin ! ;D
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thx etienne! i'll check tomorrow where those wires connect to and take a picture of the connections, but i'm pretty sure we're right! perhaps someone else wants to chime in on this ...?
+5V Ret(urn) is GND !
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the restoration continues ...
i want this restoration to come together nicely, which means that i don't want to have to wait for one final part of the puzzle forever (which is always the case :P). for that reason, i've decided to scan the sideart early on to give the vector king enough time to work his magic! :-*
last weekend, i pulled out an old a3 scanner i still had in storage
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5186/5676453706_b5e3be5b74_b_d.jpg)
i installed a wooden bar (padded underneath so that the artwork doesn't get damaged) as a guide for an accurate straight scan of the side
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5308/5675892919_9fd7eda674_b_d.jpg)
let the scanning begin ...
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5021/5676453294_6a5765c4fb_b_d.jpg)
the results are coming in!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5141/5676454670_6c8c83fc85_b_d.jpg)
with the help of panorama studio, i stitched the individual pieces together and while the resulting file looks nice at first glance, ...
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5070/5675889379_f879aaa9bc_b_d.jpg)
... zooming in reveals a very blurry picture :(. the reason for that is simple: the construction of the a3 scanner doesn't allow it to lie entirely flat on the surface, there is always a little space between the object and the scanner glass which results in what you see here :arrow:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5261/5676452282_94ff0b622a_b_d.jpg)
i forwarded the file to etienne to have a closer look and while he told me he could work with it partially, we would never get the desired accurate results - the scanner is simply too old (i couldn't even get it working under windows 7). for that reason, he adviced me to get a new scanner and as far as i know, there's only one logical solution :). a couple of days later, a box was dropped off at my doorstep!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5306/5676455670_81688691a5_b_d.jpg)
inside, an hp scanjet 4670 - the scanner we've all come to love :-*
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5301/5676456406_27b057d0bc_b_d.jpg)
same setup - only one week later
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5068/5675895805_1c3c85ac83_b_d.jpg)
i simply l-o-v-e that see-through feature of the scanner
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5065/5675895011_201683ed22_b_d.jpg)
and it works under windows 7 8)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5676458966_a4ac5be380_b_d.jpg)
the colors of the scan are much more vibrant
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5022/5675889757_7e89f5dcb7_b_d.jpg)
but what about the details?
for comparison, let me first show you the a3 scan again (done with the old mustek scanner) :arrow:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5261/5676452282_94ff0b622a_b_d.jpg)
and here are the results (of the german jury) with the newly-aquired hewlett-packard scanner :arrow:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5182/5675890803_ac1bbf973b_b_d.jpg)
like day and night! is that good enough to work with, mr vector king? ;)
to be continued ...
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hehe, i told you, that see trough is a top scanner in my book
and its touching directly the surface, so no plastics around that create spaces between the scanner and surface
another big + is that its native supported by Windows 7, so no trouble with drivers etc etc etc.
I think the result is looking good, much more sharp than the old scan you did
whats the setup you use ? 300 Dpi, 600 Dpi ? Tiff, JPG, BMP ?
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This is to cool!!! must give a lot of credit to "our" vector king Etienne!!!! you rock! :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
Also like you said (Etienne & Ully) so cool that you can look trough the scanner and actually see the thing that is supposed to be scanned!!!
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whats the setup you use ? 300 Dpi, 600 Dpi ? Tiff, JPG, BMP ?
i tried 300dpi first, but when i did the "pilot" it just looked a little bit flat, so i went with 600dpi and all the details were there! and since TIFF is lossless, that's what i used.
btw etienne, did you get my pm regarding your ftp? i can't upload the files :'(
-
time to put this to a test! first order of business: hooking up the switching power supply (red to +5V, brown to 5V RTN)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5267/5675582473_1829539f1c_b_d.jpg)
game pcb and audio pcb connected to the power supply
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5148/5675591031_bbe160ae26_b_d.jpg)
speakers and monitor added
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5066/5675589577_9af88065bd_b_d.jpg)
ok, i think i've hooked up everything there is to hook up (without the controls, because they are at the powercoater), let's flick the power switch and see what happens ... :ghost:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5229/5676583954_30302ec558_t_d.jpg) click on the following picture to see the original video i shot when the game was turned on for the first time :arrow:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5305/5676033711_d80a563710_z_d.jpg) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBIgkmUEKZ0)
:spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: am i hearing a "YES BABY"? :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
that's awesome! and to be honest, i wouldn't have expected it to work on the first try. however - as you can see - the monitor is totally out of focus. easy fix: turn the focus pot on the monitor ;) and (http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5229/5676583954_30302ec558_t_d.jpg) click on the picture to see the results!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/5676596618_5e2c87ae94_z_d.jpg) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmD4o6kMQCM)
so far, so good, but what about the sounds? the only sound you hear is immediately after powering up the game. when i turn the sound potentiometer, i can hear some crackle, so the speakers are definitely working. as i've said before, no controls are attached, so i can't simply start a game. however, i've read somewhere that after roughly ten minutes of cycling through the various attact mode pages, the game plays some attract mode music, so all i can do is sit and wait (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W434iQM7Lzw) ... ;)
waiting ...
zzzzzzzzzz
... more waiting ...
zzzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZ
time goes by so slowly (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xpva_uOeEZ8)
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
suddenly - without really expecting it - i'm almost blown of the couch! (http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5229/5676583954_30302ec558_t_d.jpg) click on the picture to hear the results! ;D
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5267/5676596808_f3eb8b3d0c_z_d.jpg) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nz9KrzTq4fM)
i'm so excited, i need to show you some "screen captures" from the game
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5221/5675584651_264b964cde_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5268/5676156082_32f8cd2975_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5101/5676149906_640f821a25_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5067/5676154070_f687098b14_b_d.jpg)
i'm afraid it's a little bit too late to enter the t-shirt giveaway contest :P
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5109/5675581563_dd7f1c1718_b_d.jpg)
let's test the game with the nasty audio pcb that was still inside of my cabinet
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5182/5675585833_5c55b54510_b_d.jpg)
working flawlessly as well (who would have guessed?)! now all i need to do is clean that b**** (and the other audio pcb as well)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5675588723_dc6148f324_b_d.jpg)
i have to say i'm totally thrilled that this is working on the first try - all the efforts we've gone through have not been for nothing! thx again, pat!!! : :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
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I know completely how you feel, when things finally working!!!!!!
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!! congratulations!!!!!!!!!! - i know what you can bring to EUROCADE!!!! :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
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whats the setup you use ? 300 Dpi, 600 Dpi ? Tiff, JPG, BMP ?
i tried 300dpi first, but when i did the "pilot" it just looked a little bit flat, so i went with 600dpi and all the details were there! and since TIFF is lossless, that's what i used.
btw etienne, did you get my pm regarding your ftp? i can't upload the files :'(
yeah, after reading the topic again and this time with wearing glasses, i see it ;D
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5676458966_a4ac5be380_b_d.jpg)
yes, i saw you mail, and replied it.. ;)
EDIT:
I see you now uploading in the FTP, so i guess my solution / tip worked ;)
EDIT AGAIN:
Totally awsome that it works!
I like how that piece of... is dancing in the speaker by the way ;D
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No offense, but when I saw Mustek, I thought the colors were going to be waaayyyy off right away :P
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Well done Ully, it was also a great surprise for me, when I turned on mine (from the abandoned warehouse) and it worked without any repair after so many years. ;)Seems like these pcbs are very reliable.
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Congrats Ully, you bring this cab really back to life!!! :shock: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
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to restoration continues ...
... with the front - where the vinyl is really worn with paint speckles and one deep scratch >:(
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5027/5683988667_caf762ddec_b_d.jpg)
here's a (blurry) picture of the worst part
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5103/5684557614_5413369577_b_d.jpg)
before going the new-vinyl-route, i want to try out something new and for that i need a special kind of wood filler
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5684557324_416b9c7cb6_b_d.jpg)
i'm using it to fill the hole, ...
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5024/5684557772_db89223ee8_b_d.jpg)
... but before it dries completey i'm evening it out with thinner-soaked cotton buds
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5023/5684558002_866281e976_b_d.jpg)
after waiting a couple of minutes when the filler is still slightly tacky, i'm using a spare vinyl sample, ...
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5185/5683990603_914afec711_b_d.jpg)
... put it on top and "roll the structure" onto the the filler (hope you get what i'm trying to show you)!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5070/5684559346_c30625cc52_b_d.jpg)
after that, i'm shooting it with a layer of black. the result looks much better in "real life" than on the following picture, but somehow i'm not convinced yet. unfortunately, the surface is not 100% even and the entire thing doesn't blend in as nicely as i had hoped it would. however, i need to remember that for future operations and i would use it in a heartbeat on the sides where the spot is not as blatantly visible. but for now, i call this a failed experiment! :-[ but how could i have known without trying?
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5029/5683991051_e41a6ec8fd_b_d.jpg)
anyway, new-vinyl-route it is - off with the old stuff! :twisted:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5026/5683991737_c1a7ceb0b0_b_d.jpg)
masking off the frontart to shoot the cabinet with a base layer of black (in case i can't make the vinyl fit 100%) - i've chosen the newspapers for out british friends here ;D
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5189/5683992269_25cd5a4685_b_d.jpg)
new vinyl in place
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5145/5683992755_4cc8b11e22_b_d.jpg)
on it goes
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5068/5683992947_05106c3ef8_b_d.jpg)
sometimes cats make resto work a little bit more complicated ;)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5028/5684561190_b02e5c3fff_b_d.jpg)
what can i say?
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5221/5683993887_6881265f68_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5141/5683994409_cbc1b834b9_b_d.jpg)
the money shot :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5187/5683988107_5077dd9c48_b_d.jpg)
to be continued ...
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Yup, wise decision !
Gotta hand it to Ully, he knows symbolism:
First the wedding pictures, then the rings....deep ! ;D ;D ;D
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5145/5683992755_4cc8b11e22_b_d.jpg)
The cat seems to say: Hey dude, time to feed ! ;D
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Gotta hand it to Ully, he knows symbolism:
First the wedding pictures, then the rings....deep ! ;D ;D ;D
wow :o! someone actually got this - i wanted to stick to the theme ;). well spotted, my dutch friend, you've won the newspapers i used to cover the cab ... and a free round on the cab!
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Can hardly wait ;)
I've actually played the Vindicators that was for sale in Holland some time ago. Fun game !
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the restoration continues ...
... with the tracks - removal and cleaning time!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5244/5687237887_e895fcd86d_b_d.jpg)
as you can see, they are dirty, crackled and being held in place by rusty staples / nails
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5289/5687802764_d14a3b9fe0_b_d.jpg)
removal is easy, ...
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5223/5687803290_328b72117c_b_d.jpg)
... but leaves a lot of nasty residue behind!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5263/5687804854_4ba10efd8d_b_d.jpg)
of course, my work is being watched! 8)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5287/5687236043_9cab5bc80e_b_d.jpg)
the sticker residue can either be picked off by hand ...
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5108/5687238131_5691902369_b_d.jpg)
... or be scraped off!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5687242161_2aa0693aeb_b_d.jpg)
finally, i'm using thinner to remove the last pieces of residue - here's a comparison shot between cleaned and uncleaned! which one is which? :D
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5222/5687803686_a327d558cf_b_d.jpg)
looking so much better now!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5148/5687237479_06788b0592_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5263/5687237141_ee70f507fb_b_d.jpg)
one part of the track is bothering me in particular because a lot of rusty staples and nails seems to hold the vinyl barely in place on top of crumbled wood :shock:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5142/5687807746_ca10751ba1_b_d.jpg)
i'm carefully lifting up the vinyl to inspect "what lies beneath"
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5225/5687239057_38c8af643b_b_d.jpg)
uh, doesn't look too good! this part of the cabinet must have been hit extremely hard in the past, the wood literally crumbles aways! :'(
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5247/5687809230_95de3a274f_b_d.jpg)
impossible to leave it like that, so i pull the vinyl back as far as necessary and remove everything even slightly splintered - which turns into a pretty large area eventually!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5185/5687240341_a05c8522d8_b_d.jpg)
out comes the wood filler (as always the same ratio 2:1)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5027/5687806504_7a6c36b4d8_b_d.jpg)
on it goes!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5064/5687239837_d87d6c55b7_b_d.jpg)
after sanding, this is something i can work with! :-*
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5109/5687241295_c52e12c085_b_d.jpg)
finally, i'm removing the tiny particle chips still stuck to the vinyl (partially done on the following picture). i'm not sure yet what to do with the vinyl damage - only time will tell :P
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5282/5687810016_5990864ec4_b_d.jpg)
to be continued ...
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Amazing story! so interesting to follow! i really admire your craftsmanship and patience!!
:spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
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Amazing story! so interesting to follow! i really admire your craftsmanship and patience!!
:spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
+ :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: !!!
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Very impressive! I'm a bit jealous at your determination when it comes to restorations.
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No wonder you don't find the time to FINALLY send back my PCBs :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil:
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Amazing story! so interesting to follow! i really admire your craftsmanship and patience!!
thx a lot, michael! to be honest, i sometimes admine my craftsmanship and patience as well ;) why, you might ask? well, let me go a little bit off topic here and give you guys some background information!
about 6 years ago, i didn't even have my own screwdriver, let alone a drill or a router. one day charlotte came up to me and told me that she'd like to have a hamster for her birthday. since we both are animal lovers, it was a no brainer and so we got her one, a lady we called DIVA (because of her behaviour)!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5301/5689620083_5e72df3188_b_d.jpg)
it was a lot of fun getting to know her, her habits and hamster life in general, but two or three weeks after we had taken her into our home (and into our hearts :-*) we realized a change in her behaviour. at first we thought something horrible was wrong with her, when in fact she was totally fine - or should i say: THEY were totally fine ...
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5064/5689620817_7b25521301_b_d.jpg)
without us fully realizing it, she had given birth to eight baby hamsters and from that day on we had a new television channel: hamster tv!!! we spent countless hours in front of the cage watching those tiny animals grow up and explore the world around them!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5302/5689621079_c8d44e8c20_b_d.jpg)
but soon we realized that a single cage is simply to small for an army of nine
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5104/5690193994_083a32bea0_b_d.jpg)
we joined hamster forums, read about proper cage sizes and how to build them yourselves - it was obvious that we had to do something. we were able to give most of the hamsters away into caring hands of people from the forums, but we decided to keep two of them to ourselves: diva and one of the white hamsters who we realized was something special: a teddy bear hamster. charlotte named him ully, not because of his long hair (which i don't have), but of the way he acted. she said hamster ully reminded her of me ... :P
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5225/5690232606_7db1c08f8e_b_d.jpg)
diva was allowed to stay in her original cage, but for ully we decided to build a palace! for that, i had to buy a lot of tools and learn how to use them, but the results were beyond our expectations: it really was a palace!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5144/5689620405_505d6887d4_b_d.jpg)
ully even got his own maze 8)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5067/5690194228_1cb0d10dd5_b_d.jpg)
our hamster days (and unfortunately our hamsters as well) are long gone (and so is ully's palace), but we often look back at that time of our lives and how it changed us in so many beautiful ways. believe me, being new to the hamster world and suddenly having to take care of not one but nine of those animals is not easy, but it's something we embraced and will always cherished.
one thing that came out of this is my dedication to build / repair stuff. when people ask me how / why i started with the arcade hobby i always tell them it wasn't me, it was the hamsters - and that is not a lie! :)
hope you don't mind me going off topic, but somehow i wanted to share this with you!
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Phew, glad you didn't have them around anymore when I were over at your place because if there's one animal that I am MUCH more allergic for than cats it's hamsters !!!!
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Phew, glad you didn't have them around anymore when I were over at your place because if there's one animal that I am MUCH more allergic for than cats it's hamsters !!!!
;D in fact, my workroom is now the place where all the hamsters used to reside - glad i have so much space here!
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Hi Ully - Womble from Oz here, love the photos of your vinyl application - can I ask how you trimmed the edges so neatly? Also am waiting with baited breath for the photos of all the metal work when it comes back from the powder coaters.
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Hi Ully - Womble from Oz here
hi womble, nice to see that you've found the way from your restoration thread (http://retrocomputermuseum.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=3211.msg38797) over here - WELCOME!!!
love the photos of your vinyl application - can I ask how you trimmed the edges so neatly?
a friend of mine is a doctor and she provides me with scalpels - those things are extremely sharp and work way better for me than an exacto knife. unfortunately, she's at home from work right now after giving birth to her third child and i'm down to my last (used) scalpel ... :'(
Also am waiting with baited breath for the photos of all the metal work when it comes back from the powder coaters.
i'm waiting anxiously myself, but to be honest i'm a little bit afraid of putting those controllers back together again - this is not going to be fun! plus i'm still missing replacement screws for the handles, those guys from modelfixings.co.uk aresimply ignoring my emails ... >:(
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guys, i need your help! i'd like to replace the rusted screws which hold the plastic handle grips together and andré has mentioned a uk-based shop: modelfixings (http://www.modelfixings.co.uk). however, i have no idea which screws to get because i don't know how to measure a screw and what all those different terms mean (more an that later). but let me show you the screw i'm talking about first in pictures :arrow:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5069/5693364893_29f8af3700_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5263/5693365715_20393425a3_b_d.jpg)
here's the problem: the site lists tons of different cap screws (http://www.modelfixings.co.uk/cap_screws.htm), but i don't know what HT, BA, UNC or UNF means, the thread data (http://www.modelfixings.co.uk/thread_data.htm) doesn't help me either, it confuses me even more!
extremely confusing are all those different terms! let's say i click on stainless steel capscrews (http://www.modelfixings.co.uk/stainless_steel_caps.htm) i'm once again given tons of options: what is meant by thread, overall shank length, thread length and socket size (probably the size of the "scsrewdriver" you plug into the screws socket, right?)?
the site says "you can send us your screw samples and we tell you which screws to get", but i've sent them two emails over the course of the last two weeks, none of which was answered! :(
could someone help me out here: what are those different screw types, what do the individual terms mean and what do i have to measure how to find the correct screw? would be cool if i could get some input ...
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btw, the manual lists those screws as M4 x 18mm socket head cap screws, but i have no idea how to find those measures on the screws! ???
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Are they REALLY M4 ?
Well then it's easy !
If there's any size with M before it it means Metric !
M4 f.i. means that the diameter of the screw is 4 mm.
Now you, mr. teacher, may guess what the 18mm, part means ;)
By the way, not answering PM's/E-mails happens to more people.......... ::) ::)
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And my guess is that Modelfixings might be on holidays, as the UK had a number of days off the last weeks....but usually he does mention that on his site...
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but i don't know what HT, BA, UNC or UNF means, the thread data doesn't help me either, it confuses me even more!
HT= High Tensile steel. This means the steel can withstand more mechanical force. Not needed for our cabs BUT they look black and often we want black screws/bolts....
BA, forget it. Some ancient British standard you won't find in cabs.....
UNC = this is what you will find most often in (US) cabs, or also Irish Atari cabs. This is the "standard" imperial sized system of screws and bolts. The system drives any normal CRAZY. The system works with a number which determines the "size" of the screw. Then there is the indication of the length of the screw.
UNF = the US (imperial) FINE alternative, this is only used in special applications, you won't find them in any cabs AFAIK.
Then there is the standard Metric system (M....) as discussed before, and there is also a "fine" alternative, but also I've never seen those...
So, basically what you will be looking for in our hobby is UNC or Metric.
The tables list following:
Thread= the DIAMETER of the screw. So in our CLEAR and SIMPLE metric system, M4= 4 mm. M8= 8 mm. etc. (Hard to believe you never heard about this, have you never bought any screws before ??)
Overall (Shank) Length (mm)= the length of the screw, I think including the top....not to sure about this one, ignore it...
Thread Length = this is what you're looking for. Thread Length and M size are usually the only two things you need to know...
Socket size = the size of the hex tool you need to use for it. You cannot "select" this, this is just a help to find the right tool...
Pack Qty = nr. per pack
MF Ref = The code that Modelfixings uses to identify all parts. Give that code and they know what you want (handy for repeat orders f.i.)
Price = the amount of money you will have to pay for the indicated quantity............. ;D ;D ;D
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Now, in your case, I wouldn't go with stainless steel because it looks "blank metal" and you want them to look black right ?
So, you now DO select HT steel: [HT Steel Capscrews M3 - M8]
Then, you sroll down to M4 ......thread length 18.......oops, no 18. There's 16 and 20. You'll have to take a look at your application to see which one to choose (if 16 is long enough, take that, if there's plenty of room for a longer screw, you can also get the 20. It's only 2mm longer.
I've got one particular screw that's a tiny bit longer in my SW yoke, but since there's "empty space" at the end of the screw, it doesn't matter at all.
If it REALLY MUST be 18mm. ask if Modelfixings can add it to their program. They did with one particular size that I needed for the SW yoke.
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Are they REALLY M4 ?
If there's any size with M before it it means Metric !
M4 f.i. means that the diameter of the screw is 4 mm.
Now you, mr. teacher, may guess what the 18mm, part means ;)
diameter where? the head? and as i've said: i can't find those 18 mm anywhere on the screw, the entire screw is longer and the screw without the head is shorter. plus this measure is coming from the manual and i'm pretty sure this was made in the usa - strange though that it says mm!
By the way, not answering PM's/E-mails happens to more people.......... ::) ::)
really? i've had the same thing ... ;)
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Sometimes I think I'm getting old, but I remembered seeing this page a long time ago, but I couldn't find it anymore.....until now.
Here it is:
http://www.boltdepot.com/fastener-information/
Read, read read my friend. Printable Fasterer tools also available !!! Woo-hoo !
Learn, feel, breath....mmmmmm, no - no clear your mind, there is no why, just you, the force, and the screws....
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Are they REALLY M4 ?
If there's any size with M before it it means Metric !
M4 f.i. means that the diameter of the screw is 4 mm.
Now you, mr. teacher, may guess what the 18mm, part means ;)
diameter where? the head? and as i've said: i can't find those 18 mm anywhere on the screw, the entire screw is longer and the screw without the head is shorter. plus this measure is coming from the manual and i'm pretty sure this was made in the usa - strange though that it says mm!
By the way, not answering PM's/E-mails happens to more people.......... ::) ::)
really? i've had the same thing ... ;)
:)
The diameter is ALWAYS measured on the thread ! Since the heads of screws vary so much, there's no sense in measuring that !
The LENGTH is usually the length of the thread, so from the bottom to the underside of the head....
Here's a better answer:
Diameter:
http://www.boltdepot.com/fastener-information/Measuring/Measure-Diameter.aspx
Length:
http://www.boltdepot.com/fastener-information/Measuring/Measure-Length.aspx
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Thread= the DIAMETER of the screw. So in our CLEAR and SIMPLE metric system, M4= 4 mm. M8= 8 mm. etc. (Hard to believe you never heard about this, have you never bought any screws before ??)
thx for your lengthy and useful explanations, andré - there's a lot of useful information about the different screw types here! of course i have bought tons of screws before, the problem is that this screw is listed as M4 and as i've said i can't find 4mm anywhere on it, that's why i asked where i am supposed ot measure this. i think i'll just order 16 and 20 millimeters, they don't cost an incredible amount of money, so i could as well order a couple more to try them out. and YES, black it is, the stainless steel was just an example! thx again, i'll have to sleep over it and get my order together tomorrow. let's see how fast the delivery is, the parts from the powdercoater should be back next week ...
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Print this and compare your screw....http://www.boltdepot.com/fastener-information/Printable-Tools/Metric-Hex-Bolt-Sizes.pdf
Also look at the number of windings of the thread. UNC is different in windings than metric. It's something you will see once you have some experience with them...
The ultimate test would be to go to a hardware or DIY store and ask for an M4 nut and then try to turn the nut onto the screw.
If it works, it's metric. If you cannot get it to fit, it's Imperial sized (Also called UNS, or ANSI).
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The ultimate test would be to go to a hardware or DIY store and ask for an M4 nut and then try to turn the nut onto the screw.
If it works, it's metric. If you cannot get it to fit, it's Imperial sized (Also called UNS, or ANSI).
i should have one around here somewhere ...
EDIT: just checked, M4 screws on nicely! :)
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Here it is:
http://www.boltdepot.com/fastener-information/
Read, read read my friend. Printable Fasterer tools also available !!! Woo-hoo !
that's a great page with nice printable stuff! i should put that on my wall somewhere - might help stop asking stupid questions! 8)
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Do you have a clip of that manual that shows the screw and part nr...
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Here it is:
http://www.boltdepot.com/fastener-information/
Read, read read my friend. Printable Fasterer tools also available !!! Woo-hoo !
that's a great page with nice printable stuff! i should put that on my wall somewhere - might help stop asking stupid questions! 8)
More here !
http://www.boltdepot.com/fastener-information/Printable-Tools/Default.aspx
What a brilliant site it is !!!! Everyone should bookmark it !
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Do you have a clip of that manual that shows the screw and part nr...
here you go, i've copied the description underneath the picture. note that it doesn't say 18 mm here, this is only listed in the assembly instructions later on!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3020/5694503316_7b26156cb8_b_d.jpg)
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Ah, yeah that must be metric for sure....pretty weird (just checked the manual) as about all other fasteners are imperial....
The length could be pretty critical in this application.
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The length could be pretty critical in this application.
definitely longer than 16 and shorter than 20, but it ain't 18 either (at least according to my measures). as i've said, i'll have a look at those plastic halves tomorrow and see which one might work! thx for your help andré, you've cleared things up for me big time. :-*
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Ully, I recommend you to check all the 8 trigger switches before you put that controller together, they are the weak points of these machines, there was 4 from 8 broken or malfunctioned on mine.
They used Omron B3G-S switches for the controller, you can check them here in Bruno's Starblade topic:
https://www.dragonslairfans.com/smfor/index.php?topic=28.0
If you need some replacements, you can find them here, but they are very expensive
http://videogameparts.com/product.sc?productId=11&categoryId=18
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Hi - yes those Omrom switches are dreadful, they were cheap and nasty from day 1 too, they are also not fixable as the actual switch component is encased in plastic, even tho the main body is easily separated. I have tracked down switches that look almost the same, fit perfectly but are buckling spring switches, much higher quality. On my cabinet only 3 of the original switches worked and they are rather intermittant.
One other point - it looks like you are missing the O rings that go in the controllers (mine had crumbled mostly to dust), they stop the handles from rattling on the metal stems. Thankfully they are a standard size so very easy to replace.
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Ully, I recommend you to check all the 8 trigger switches before you put that controller together, they are the weak points of these machines, there was 4 from 8 broken or malfunctioned on mine.
thx bela, how can i test those switches before installing them? it that a "physical" test or an electronic one?
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One other point - it looks like you are missing the O rings that go in the controllers (mine had crumbled mostly to dust), they stop the handles from rattling on the metal stems. Thankfully they are a standard size so very easy to replace.
thx for reminding me, but i took a picture of one of those rings (with my finger pointing towards it) when i disassembled the controller so that i won't forget replacing them. as far as i know, i can get those rings in any home depot!
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2781/5695035529_3f765bfdda_b_d.jpg)
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Ully, I recommend you to check all the 8 trigger switches before you put that controller together, they are the weak points of these machines, there was 4 from 8 broken or malfunctioned on mine.
thx bela, how can i test those switches before installing them? it that a "physical" test or an electronic one?
I made a physical test, but please note, that the upper switches are for the gun rotation and in the first level you can't rotate them.You have to pass level 1 somehow, collect as many stars as you can and buy the gun rotation upgrade.If I remember right, you can also buy this upgrade for more credits. ;)
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Yes, you have to buy the upgrade in the game to enable turret rotation, but test mode will let you test the all. Or just hook them up to a multimetermif they are not wired.
Those O rings should be easy to get, the controllers are very rattley without them.
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i need some resto input for the tank tracks. here's how they looked originally :arrow:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2198/5698779856_612cf0f518_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2576/5698207999_5b8c24d91a_b_d.jpg)
as you can see, they used some kind of dark grey / black rubber mat, probably the same used on star wars and stuff (impossible to tell what color it was back then)!
i have two replacement options: either classic black ...
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3214/5696426409_e214c994f2_d.jpg)
... or light grey
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2107/5696426285_470cf37c3f_d.jpg)
compared with the color of the track sideart, the light grey would fit nicely, but when viewed from the front, i'd say the black fits in better with the black front of the cab. what do you think? black or grey?
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I think black would make a nice contrast with the wheel sideart.
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yes black, and i think it was made in black in the same color as the (black) vinyl
(http://img2.uplood.fr/free/w1z6_11020501.jpg)
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Fred (Arcadefever) has one 8) :arrow:
(http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/2984/kif2241zh6.jpg)
Few pictures from him here (http://www.gamoover.net/Forums/index.php?topic=10535.0) that may help you in a general way ;)
Fred, if you read me here... you miss to me :? Please give a sign :-\
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black would fit nice iyam ;)
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one more in the black team here.
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thx guys, looks like it is a unanimous vote for black - guess i'll have to go with grey then ;)
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dont know you got this, but that could take care of your bolt problem..
20 mm. + (http://webshop.cjays.nl/images/categories/tafelslijpmachine%20gsm%20200.jpg) = every size under 20 mm. ;D
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dont know you got this, but that could take care of your bolt problem..
bolt problem?
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yes, you say that the store does not carry +-18 mm that you need, only 16 or 20mm
https://www.dragonslairfans.com/smfor/index.php?topic=2583.msg33446#msg33446 (https://www.dragonslairfans.com/smfor/index.php?topic=2583.msg33446#msg33446)
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I was thinking, these kind of screws should be available in any well sorted hardware store because they're metric...
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yes, you say that the store does not carry +-18 mm that you need, only 16 or 20mm
ah, i see. well, i took a space m4 screw i had which is much longer than 20 millimeters and it screwed in nicely, so 20mm will work out fine!
I was thinking, these kind of screws should be available in any well sorted hardware store because they're metric...
not at the hardware stores i have around here! anyway, in the meantime i've ordered at modelfixings and since i needed some other stuff as well and shipping is cheap it was a no-brainer. let's see how fast (or slow) delivery is ...
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Just a little word to congratulate superully for this very well detailed WIP report.
I missed the orginal "day one" post and read it yesterday in a one shot.
A real delight to read and follow, especially the unbelivable airport delivery. :-*
Keep it up.
Pierre.
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A real delight to read and follow, especially the unbelivable airport delivery. :-*
thx for the kind words, pierre! the airport delivery was indeed unbelievable and to be honest, i've had many many doubts in my mind whether this is really going to work out - especially with the monitor. but pat came through and proved to be one hell of a guy!!! :-*
the vindicators restoration is up to now one of the most interesting, exciting and rewarding restorations i have done so far - can't wait to put everything back together again (except for the controllers which already give me the creeps)!
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For what it's worth: The Vindicators that was for sale a couple of years ago over here in Holland. I took the pics with my phone so lousy quality.
Just for what it's worth:
(http://gallery.me.com/andre.huijts/100937/Afb028/web.jpg?ver=13051406240001)
(http://gallery.me.com/andre.huijts/100937/Afb029/web.jpg?ver=13051406280001)
It played fine, quire enjoyed the gameplay. I was looking at it for someone else who was interested though...
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thx andré, that looked as if it had been in nice shape. do you remember how much the seller was asking?
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Not much, not much at all....I would have given it for it....if I had the space....
I think maybe 200 or so, not 100% sure...
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For what it's worth: The Vindicators that was for sale a couple of years ago over here in Holland. I took the pics with my phone so lousy quality.
Just for what it's worth:
(http://gallery.me.com/andre.huijts/100937/Afb028/web.jpg?ver=13051406240001)
thats worth alot to me, because it showes how the sideart needs to look on the side i need to reproduce.
It looks like i need to vector the pics that Ully provided, and then i have the other side in vectors.
after that is finished i need to copy everything and "mirror" it, since its flipped compared to the source i have here..
so it is very valueable!
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Fred (Arcadefever) has one 8) :arrow:
(http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/2984/kif2241zh6.jpg)
Looks like fred can use some sideart as well ;)
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got a call from the powdercoater today: "your videogame parts are ready for pickup!" :)
so after a short roadtrip here's what i came back with :arrow:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2220/5713590140_254f8b6084_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2456/5713590776_962202806d_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/5713028715_52be924692_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2203/5713591342_f81be8c829_b_d.jpg)
AWESOME!!! :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
the next thing to do is check those Omron B3G-S switches :arrow:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3323/5713029323_27ec8e15e5_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2445/5713590372_3acdd1db3a_b_d.jpg)
can those switches be checked out of circuit with a multimeter? if so, how? would be cool if i could get some input here! thx guys :-*
btw, i've ordered the screws from modelfixings in the meantime, but haven't heard zip yet. are those guys always so uncommunicative? they haven't answered a single one of my emails to them so far ...
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i guess you need to put the meter in diode mode (beep) and put each terminal on a soldered pin and then push the button
if everything is correct you should hear a beep ::)
By the way, that powdercoating stuff looks super !
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i guess you need to put the meter in diode mode (beep) and put each terminal on a soldered pin and then push the button
if everything is correct you should hear a beep ::)
thx etienne, i'll try that tomorrow, too late now to dig the stuff out. looking forward to the weekend, some nice things are going to happen ... 8)
By the way, that powdercoating stuff looks super !
i'm always thrilled how great that stuff looks when it returns from the powdercoater (and how nice the prices are). the people there are so friendly, this time i got the pieces in a box labeled "videogame parts" :D
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the restoration continues ...
let me start this section of my resto thread with a picture of the beat-up backdoor grill that was on the cab and the freshly powdercoated grill i got from pat - lovely, isn't it? :-*
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3164/5730275059_a2dfc1efa0_b_d.jpg)
moving on to the board on which the light fixture is attached - slightly crooked!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5202/5730820152_4da21d7895_b_d.jpg)
the whole board needs some fixing, so i'm removing it from the cab
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5164/5730819680_cd0eb5b452_b_d.jpg)
in detail
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3381/5730269579_dcdea54872_b_d.jpg)
too many holes in there and the part where the ballast was attached seems to be burned
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3533/5730821700_d04549e638_b_d.jpg)
clear burn marks after removal of the vinyl
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2798/5730822318_627837002b_b_d.jpg)
the entire stripped board with the unnecessary holes already filled and the important holes marked
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3322/5730824770_fb2449d30a_b_d.jpg)
fresh vinyl applied, holes punched
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5084/5730273679_2063c84b8f_b_d.jpg)
as for the fixture itself: it wasn't working and neither the replacement of the starter nor the tube changed that, so i had to place an order ... ;)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2062/5730271337_8c64a24902_b_d.jpg)
inside, three brand-new ballasts (it can't hurt to have spares, can it?)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5181/5730271801_ab01fe872f_b_d.jpg)
old vs new
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5069/5730823722_2a2b52d460_b_d.jpg)
and a first test outside the cab :)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3588/5730824116_fbb4f489ed_b_d.jpg)
on to those flawed omron switches
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5265/5730273971_915168d563_b_d.jpg)
function test with the multimeter set on continuity
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2388/5730275523_ff3f23981c_b_d.jpg)
to beep or not to beep - that is the question ;D
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/5730827630_fb9f1456b0_b_d.jpg)
after testing 24 switches :arrow:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2240/5730274435_6d279d5094_b_d.jpg)
labelled and packed for later use
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2031/5730827300_fbf8bc997f_b_d.jpg)
to be continued ...
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Sjeez, those switches do have a high faillure rate ! , 1 out of 4 is broken ! :o
perhaps carefully opening one of the broken ones is an option ?
Or are they hermeticly sealed / glued ?
maybe there is a option of repairing the mechanism inside since they are expensive as i have heard..
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perhaps carefully opening one of the broken ones is an option ?
Or are they hermeticly sealed / glued ?
maybe there is a option of repairing the mechanism inside since they are expensive as i have heard..
you can open them and try to repair them, but for now i only need sixteen - and those i have. i'll keep the others as spare parts for a potential later repair.
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Ah, i thought you needed all of them, my bad..
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you can open them and try to repair them, but for now i only need sixteen - and those i have. i'll keep the others as spare parts for a potential later repair.
Yes and no, you can open the switch body easily enough, but the actual switch contact is enclosed inside one of the parts inside, you cant get to the bit where metal touches metal at all.
I would also bet that once you have your controllers built you will find some of those buttons just stop working, then when you get them back out they pass the beep test, only to last 15 minutes back in the controller. Am ditching all of mine as they are dreadful dreadful switches, I have some clicky switches of the same design to use thankfully.
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I have some clicky switches of the same design to use thankfully.
where did you get those from? are they of the same size and do they fit into the controllers?
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Squirt some switch cleaner in them. Works wonders that stuff!
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Mmm, normally not a big fan of that stuff, but in this case it can't hurt to try.
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Me neither a big fan, but in case you do, i have good experience with Kontakt Chemie "Kontakt 60"
(http://www.funk-shop.de/70_kontaktchemie/70_k60_k61_kwlbig.jpg) (http://de.rs-online.com/web/search/searchBrowseAction.html?method=getProduct&R=4587006)
Clickpic --> RS Online ;)
german explanation:..
1) Kontakt 60
Oxidlösendes Kontaktreinigungsöl, entfernt störende Korrosionsschichten und Schmutz von Kontaktmaterialien und beseitigt dadurch Übergangswiderstände und Spannungsverluste bei Steckern, Schaltern, Tunern usw.
2) Kontakt 60 plus
Oxidlösendes Kontaktreinigungsöl, das reinigt, schmiert und schützt. Ideal für Stecker, Schalter, Regler usw. insbesondere unter Witterungseinfluss.
NSF K2-registriert für den Einsatz in der Lebensmittelindustrie.
3) Kontakt 61
Korrosionsschutz- und Schmieröl für elektrische Kontakte. Das Kontaktöl schützt und schmiert Gleit- und Steckkontakte. Es beugt störenden Fremdschichten vor und vermindert den Abrieb des Kontaktmaterials beim Stecken. Dadurch verlängert es die Funktionsfähigkeit neuer und gebrauchter Kontakte.
4) Kontakt WL
Universelle Sprühwäsche für die gesamte Elektronik. Der schnellwirksame Reiniger löst ölige, fettige oder klebrige Verunreinigungen ohne Rückstände zu hinterlassen. Er ist mit den gängigen Materialien in der Elektronik gut verträglich.
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thx etienne, i already have this one at home, i guess it's almost the same :arrow:
(http://www.soundexposure.com/store/SUPER10_A500.jpg) (http://www.rocketradio.co.uk/servisol-super-10-electronic-switch-cleaner-200ml-can-1167-p.asp)
(click on the picture for additional information)
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the restoration continues ... with some cosmetic stuff
as you might remember, i have not one, but three controls panels, but their condition differs a lot. one of them is unusable, because there's already a lot of rust underneath the overlay, the others have some dings and cracks, but apart from that and a lot of dirt they should be ok once cleaned up. i haven't been able to find a NOS replacement overlay and there are no reproductions available, so i guess i'll have to work with those!
here's what i started with :arrow:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2253/5755474436_aa3e3d5a0e_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2631/5755473486_0ca61af502_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2161/5754930127_0a027accec_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5226/5754926839_498b178e94_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5067/5755471496_2e8af24c55_b_d.jpg)
some rounds of magic china eraser later ...
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2414/5754929061_1a93854226_b_d.jpg)
... the results are in :arrow:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5065/5754928337_cd5de4a33c_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3569/5754925135_63fc19f5b3_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5145/5755472526_d63e156a3d_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2275/5755473132_8daf182003_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3549/5754926247_58a150649f_b_d.jpg)
except for the cracks ...
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2527/5755471026_800ff8d9d1_b_d.jpg)
... i'd say it turned out extremely nice and is defintely usable! :)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5064/5755469630_42826342ca_b_d.jpg)
up next: one of the sidepanels (the right one)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5182/5754921961_b8970f3c07_b_d.jpg)
as you can see, it has some scratches on the art
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2108/5754919535_d369d93205_b_d.jpg)
out come the famous sharpie pens
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3256/5755463516_877ca0b3f5_b_d.jpg)
and done! :) (note that the flash highlighs the freshly-painted colors - in reality the result is close to perfect)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5149/5755463310_43c5cda653_b_d.jpg)
but that was just the beginning (the tip of the iceberg), much more troublesome is the damage to the right :shock: :'(
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5181/5754920053_741257c10d_b_d.jpg)
what to do about that? first step: removal of the grey vinyl
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2272/5755465628_b3c8dd4ef1_b_d.jpg)
second step: cutting the damaged art into better shape
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3101/5755465414_a23529f645_b_d.jpg)
third step: copy the shape onto sandwich paper to create a template
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5187/5754921067_2e56a6cd2a_b_d.jpg)
fourth step: cut out the template
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2564/5755463944_b53ed2bf30_b_d.jpg)
fifth step: copy the template onto some self-adhesive vinyl (and cut it out)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5142/5755464454_e1c8b12605_b_d.jpg)
sixth step: check for fit and apply the vinyl
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2499/5754920791_5cab3709ab_b_d.jpg)
seventh step: perform some sharpie color tests
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3530/5754924031_2130ab3994_b_d.jpg)
eight step: paint the white vinyl
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5266/5755467224_a113eb8b14_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2494/5754922979_a74a9c5a0e_b_d.jpg)
ninth step: fill the damages to the wood with bondo
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5062/5754922273_4b65d5a380_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3164/5754922751_30696ea830_b_d.jpg)
tenth step: sand the bondo to shape
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3477/5754924397_fd33c7de87_b_d.jpg)
final step: apply new grey replacement vinyl
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/5755467650_6d97579131_b_d.jpg)
the money shot
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3004/5754924875_856701381f_b_d.jpg)
note that once again the flash highlights the sharpie colors, it looks even better "live". i couldn't be happier with the results! :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
to be continued ...
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It's a real pleasure to learn in Ully's restoration school. ;D
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I admire your patience every time Ully ! ;)
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the restoration continues ...
when i "found" the cabinet, the entire marquee assembly had literally been ripped out - leaving behind damages like this :arrow:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2728/5759034463_e181548f98_b_d.jpg)
fixed - now all it needs is some fresh grey vinyl (doesn't necessarily be a color-match, because it's going to be covered by the marquee retainer anyway)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3565/5759577228_69ffc6c639_b_d.jpg)
on to something different: upon closer inspectation of the upper cabinet part, it became obvious that something was wrong with its assembly - have a look :arrow:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3498/5759575242_d67345b669_b_d.jpg)
the upper sideart panel doesn't sit flat with the sides, but is shifted roughly 1 centimeter on each side
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5225/5759032727_6aef027cfa_b_d.jpg)
let's have a look underneath the roof - the rear piece of wood which positions the upper sideart panel is sitting tightly against the backpanel, ...
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2244/5759036105_eb0cd15e16_b_d.jpg)
... but the one in the middle is already shifted for a couple of millimeters!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5310/5759035011_077cd633d0_b_d.jpg)
so either this was a construction error or the cabinet received some heavy beating over the course of the years in operation! no matter what, this needs to be corrected and in order to do so, i'm removing the pieces of wood which are responsible for the position of the upper sideart panels.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2109/5759579562_012f439c13_b_d.jpg)
gonna need some fresh vinyl here
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5310/5759578748_32286d0b16_b_d.jpg)
looking good on the inside now
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2160/5759033597_876138ee39_b_d.jpg)
can you spot the fresh vinyl underneath where the wood had been re-positioned?
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5268/5759033123_733c76a13c_b_d.jpg)
but the important question is: how does it look from the outside? here's the answer :arrow:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3605/5759032923_5b0c417063_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5101/5759575040_642aac678d_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5023/5759575646_95ca8d581c_b_d.jpg)
just perfect!!! :spaceace:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5223/5759576478_9b89777f7f_b_d.jpg)
some minor stuff like the keyring!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5061/5759580642_514b212be1_b_d.jpg)
while i'm working "around the coin door", why not try out those coin insert labels (https://www.dragonslairfans.com/smfor/index.php?topic=2468.0) that our vector king etienne has been creating over the last few weeks? i printed them on glossy photo paper to match the thickness and the material of the original inserts!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3381/5759580314_1016e86bf4_b_d.jpg)
time to put the puzzle together
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2572/5759036757_7617b6a175_b_d.jpg)
how cool is that? :) :-*
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2660/5759580112_b06d73c06f_b_d.jpg)
to be continued ...
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Those Coin inserts are Supercool ! :spaceace: ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
now seriously,
That is again Super-Ully treatment what we see here in that marquee "problem"
Looking great Ully ! :spaceace: :spaceace:
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Heh, not a bad idea those Chinese sponge-bobs. ;)
Note to myself: Buy a set of Sharpie's while in the US....!!!!
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the restoration continues ... with the badly damaged track
when we left this, i had just repaired the damages to the wood ...
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5099/5793793005_acf4719706_b_d.jpg)
... but nothing had been done to the vinyl sideart
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5294/5794351552_79295fc7ab_b_d.jpg)
first order of business: remove the damaged parts of the sideart
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2500/5793796871_fd95e8c26f_b_d.jpg)
to be able to continue, i needed to find grey vinyl to go underneath the sideart, so i placed an order with 3M for some vinyl samples (which arrived a couple of days later)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5318/5794378988_436b75cb64_b_d.jpg)
unfortunately, it turned out that the grey samples i had ordered were no match :(
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2051/5794352216_aaf264873b_b_d.jpg)
as you can see, the original vinyl has some kind of golden shimmer to it, so i went through the 3M catalogue again and placed a second order. a few days later, four more vinyl samples arrived and those looked much better: PA-185 is not a perfect match, but close and good enough to be used! :)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5084/5793794627_030fb3bac7_b_d.jpg)
3M vinyl applied
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5299/5793796483_c46947c70a_b_d.jpg)
track sideart glued back on
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5158/5794354182_0bf300da37_b_d.jpg)
to cover the missing track piece ...
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2308/5793795645_6ab44f57cc_b_d.jpg)
... i'm cutting some black vinyl to shape
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5119/5793797205_034cf417ab_b_d.jpg)
fits in nicely
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2531/5794355578_f7d8e0939b_b_d.jpg)
after cleaning the art with magic eraser and painting the smaller holes with sharpie pens, here are the results (with the sharpie pens once again being highlighted by the camera's flash - in reality in looks almost perfect) :arrow:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5022/5793795333_bd3231c19d_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5794356144_3d564941eb_b_d.jpg)
time for the money shot: the track has gone from this ...
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5019/5794350700_2026e8b8ed_b_d.jpg)
.. to that! i'm giving myself a :spaceace: for this fix! ;)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5093/5794353084_47cffa3944_b_d.jpg)
to be continued ...
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A real masterpice, as we expected. ;D
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:o :o
Super-resto !!! :spaceace: :spaceace: :-* :-*
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Damn, you can come over for a weekend to do some of this stuff right here man, than I'll come over another weekend again to fix more machines electronically...
Brilliant work !
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Super Elektro Ully did it again :!: :!: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
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Really nice ! :spaceace:
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Really great. Lots of efforts, worth the results : well done !
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That is superb! I will eventually need to re-vinyl the monitor shroud, or paint it. Did you prep the wood before you stuck the vinyl on, am concerned it would stay stuck for a year or two then start to peel off again.
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the restoration continues ... with the backdoor
like so many other parts, the upper backdoor (the one behind the monitor) was missing when i got the cab, so i decided to make one myself. this one needed a lot of trial and error, but eventually i managed to make it fit perfectly!
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2521/5808461635_09a009aff9_b_d.jpg)
drilling the hole for the lock
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5101/5808462299_9f6710834e_b_d.jpg)
spray painting it black
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5264/5809025544_ae662389c2_b_d.jpg)
the mandatory keyring
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2763/5808461331_29a2ea738f_b_d.jpg)
scratch-built backdoor :arrow: done!!! :)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5183/5808462995_728ccc7cb0_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3592/5809026296_a91bb73caa_b_d.jpg)
let's turn our attention to the bottom back of the cabinet - here's what i started with :arrow:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3033/5809030912_32cc810504_b_d.jpg)
in more detail
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3230/5808472571_16399409ec_b_d.jpg)
as you can see, the t-molding slots are also partially "destroyed" :'(
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2304/5809035864_7eb570e022_b_d.jpg)
fill it up, baby!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5156/5809035032_a70dbee4e6_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3107/5808473251_f56ef4565d_b_d.jpg)
after various sanding / filling sessions, here's where we stand :arrow:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2760/5808468241_9e071818a1_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5076/5809031706_20afa9129d_b_d.jpg)
looks like we're heading in the right direction :)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2151/5808468983_6cd20426bb_b_d.jpg)
marking the position of the fan guard for later installation
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3538/5809027572_8859325920_b_d.jpg)
wait a minute! fan guard? wasn't it missing? and weren't you looking for one? (https://www.dragonslairfans.com/smfor/index.php?topic=2585.0) yes, i was - and i bought the one recommended by andré (thx) because it seemed to fit the specifications i needed. order placed - order received 8)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3551/5808560611_951eb14d87_b_d.jpg)
i ordered two of these, because they were cheap and you never know ...
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2219/5808471667_8611911af4_b_d.jpg)
looks like this is a top-quality product - nothing beats "made in germany" :P
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3126/5809032290_cd9f703647_b_d.jpg)
let's inspect this thing
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5023/5809033322_cef75e1630_b_d.jpg)
for some strange reason, the fan guard has a somewhat brownish shimmer (which is highlighted by the flash again)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3370/5808470647_40080f7335_b_d.jpg)
this one isn't screwed in, you simply drill a hole and plug it in
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3423/5808471373_a6376ae9d7_b_d.jpg)
holes drilled, vinyl applied!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3361/5808466021_426c9244b9_b_d.jpg)
almost done (note that the t-molding slots have been re-cut)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2198/5809029770_2c0db48831_b_d.jpg)
the fan guard is looking completely brown on the following pictures, but believe me, in real life it's only a slightly brown shade (perhaps i'm going to spray paint it though ...)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3553/5809028138_264757e8fa_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3467/5808464219_ed15a2db96_b_d.jpg)
and done - this turned out extremely nice! :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2133/5809030324_cc9ab42831_b_d.jpg)
to be continued ...
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Glad I pointed you to those, looks very good, except for the brown look. Maybe they were made by Braun ? ;D ;D ;D
I'm sure it's the flash spoiling the fan...uh fun ...LOL :D
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I'm sure it's the flash spoiling the fan...uh fun ...LOL :D
90% is the flash, the missing 10% are really that brown shimmer i've been talking about. the problem could be getting the fan back out again because of those barbed hooks on the "legs". that's why i would have preferred a "screw in" version, but it was not available. nevertheless, it's still looking great in reality and it's only at the bottom back of the cab, but you guys know me ... ;)
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just spray the damn bastard ;D
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just spray the damn bastard ;D
I have a feeling it's already done..... ;D
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i know i would ::)
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the restoration continues ... with the tracks
this is what the old rubber mats looked like when i got the game: worn, broken and being held in place by rusty staples
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5266/5812111032_ef35dec256_b_d.jpg)
as you can see, those definitely had to be replaced!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5119/5811554781_c379e50b1b_b_d.jpg)
but replaced by what? after some digging on the internet, i found a promising source and ordered a sample
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2599/5811546451_32ecea6f64_b_d.jpg)
a side by side comparison: old vs new
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2426/5812112242_218f718151_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3650/5812112822_c48a6c6777_b_d.jpg)
as you can see it's an almost perfect match, the only difference is that the spacing between the individual ribs is just a tiny big smaller on the new rubber mat, but that's negligible!
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2023/5812113146_b05270d2ba_b_d.jpg)
so i placed my order (quite cheap by the way) :)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2173/5811546801_06424a26e9_b_d.jpg)
the seller also recommended me a special type of glue for those rubber mats - another order placed ;D
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3214/5812135052_8a417452b4_b_d.jpg)
here we go, i think i've got everything i need now
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5075/5812113400_1979c3f052_b_d.jpg)
let's roll out the rubber mat, ...
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2768/5812115174_532f48a234_b_d.jpg)
... mark the correct size ...
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3535/5812114426_4f3f4de666_b_d.jpg)
... and cut it to pieces!
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2498/5811549921_6a80191b94_b_d.jpg)
i'm starting at the bottom
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3550/5812116320_212fc8975e_b_d.jpg)
game on!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3484/5811551667_5ea4bb5693_b_d.jpg)
same job on the other side
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3275/5811550539_3afe9c172d_b_d.jpg)
now on to the upper part of the tracks - let's apply some more glue!
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2026/5812115922_265cef7675_b_d.jpg)
rolling on the rubber mat and applying pressure afterwards (looks somewhat like tetris, doesn't it)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2257/5812117354_37a305bf30_b_d.jpg)
last bend before the finish line
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5195/5812118060_c21a2e6702_b_d.jpg)
and finally: t-molding installation
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5068/5811554061_c06bf0a6cf_b_d.jpg)
a lot of patience and effort was necessary to achieve the following results :arrow:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2125/5811554363_1bc1740317_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2491/5811553749_c659ca9652_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3627/5811552941_383dc83230_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5106/5812116846_d793bb1779_b_d.jpg)
just perfect :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3351/5812113988_5dba3fa572_b_d.jpg)
to be continued ...
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GREAT !!!
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Looks sharp ! :spaceace:
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Impressive restoration as always Ully.
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Looks sharp ! :spaceace:
+1!
... (and this comment reminds me of a track (https://www.dragonslairfans.com/smfor/index.php?topic=2561.msg35203#msg35203) I would love to add to the jukecade)
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the restoration continues ...
i was not completely happy with the way the control panel came out, because there was still a lot of rust and blank spots on it. unfortunately, no repros are available for the overlay and i've never seen a NOS set of artwork come up for sale. so the only option i had here for now is touch up the spots as good as possible. in order to do so, i scraped off the rust to the best of my abilities!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5276/5863028196_5c8e61e1c6_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3007/5862478319_bf8685e365_b_d.jpg)
then i gave the control panel the maximum protection - wrap me up like a birthday present, baby! :P
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5118/5862477003_d1d2189852_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3287/5862476481_fbd4f5bcb4_b_d.jpg)
i carried it up into the attic where i've set up a "paint booth" (this place is like a sauna in summer, must be 60+ degrees celcius up there - i will bring a thermometer with me the next time). there, i hit it with some rounds with anti-rust primer first!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5063/5863025936_6360a05347_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2733/5862478745_44479f5a08_b_d.jpg)
paint dries quickly up there this time of the year, so i didn't waste a lot of time and followed the primer with some layers of black paint
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5319/5863027496_c655294d54_b_d.jpg)
of course, i seized the moment for something else which had been bothering me ... ;) ;D (who would have guessed?)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5064/5863027080_4e53216913_b_d.jpg)
after giving the paint enough time to dry (and the vapors to disappear), i started unwrapping the present :arrow:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2709/5863026810_669fb0eca4_b_d.jpg)
there was some minor bleeding around the edges ...
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5062/5862476089_cda02f184f_b_d.jpg)
... especially visible on the yellow section, but i managed to get everything off with some paint remover!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5079/5862476675_010d8c0e38_b_d.jpg)
and here it is: the finished product! it is still not perfect, because there are spots where the rust has eaten through the overlay, where the overlay has cracked up or where it is simply damaged, but all in all it is so much better than what i originally started with. i know that there is still some rust underneath the overlay, but i've done the best i can do and it is totally usable!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3181/5862476839_444196abed_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5301/5863027286_2e34d20901_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5862478103_d6d4327b44_b_d.jpg)
now i was almost ready to re-assemble the cabinet, but before that there was one last task i had promised to do for our australian vindicators friend womble who is currently restoring a vindicators himself (http://retrocomputermuseum.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=3211.msg38797) which is missing most of the art: scan the artwork on the front.
for that, i put the cabinet on its back one last time (hopefully) and set up my equipment
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5273/5862472093_b4876925a1_b_d.jpg)
scan in progress!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5079/5863022042_606a067c9b_b_d.jpg)
here's a "thumbnail" of the stitched file. it's not perfect, because the art has a reflective protective sheet on top of it and uses reflective silver colors, but it's better than nothing and definitely something to work with. whoever is interested in the "full file" (warning: it's huuuge), drop me a message and i'll send it over ...
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3223/5862471893_e51bfbc592_b_d.jpg)
once i was done with the scanning, i could finally throw the electronics back into the cab! here's how the "power wiring" looked BEFORE ...
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5077/5862474215_2479575fd7_b_d.jpg)
... and AFTER :)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5154/5863022430_dcb108587c_b_d.jpg)
dropped in the monitor
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2689/5862472531_26bb4a4fbb_b_d.jpg)
but then i realized something: since the cab is now running with the 110v power supply from the states and in order to make it work over here, i have to drop in that stepdown converter somewhere. the big question was: WHERE? as you can see above, the back is fully loaded, so i saw only one option (which would ask for some re-arranging): throw it in where the audio pcb rests. here's a picture of how the setup looked originally. as you can see, also no space for a bulky converter at the moment!
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2732/5863024098_99f482a7e3_b_d.jpg)
i thought about this long and hard, tried different setups, but there was only one solution which made sense, which would work and which would leave every single component fully accessible: i had to move the audio pcb itself! for that, i had to change the orientation of the piece of wood where the pcb slides into. careful, careful, i don't wont to destroy it!
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5191/5862473225_e59accb292_b_d.jpg)
and here it is after moving the audio pcb from a horizontal to a vertical setup. as you can see, the coin counters also had to be moved upwards!
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2732/5862473505_8e0065837d_b_d.jpg)
with that step finished, i could disassemble the stepdown converter (look at that mess in my study)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2778/5862474051_23f484631e_b_d.jpg)
i screwed the lower housing onto the wood from above ...
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5226/5862473893_dcd4484a9f_b_d.jpg)
... dropped in the electronics and fixed the upper housing with two long screws from below! that stepdown converter isn't going anywhere anymore! it fits in nicely, doesn't collide with the coin mechs ...
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3193/5862473663_280f940f29_b_d.jpg)
... and everything can still be reached easily through the coin door (volume control, test switch, ...)! i'm extremely happy with that solution :-*, but it cost me some hours of sleep!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3153/5862473007_593918ca47_b_d.jpg)
to be continued ...
-
that scan needs to be dropped on my ftp ofcourse ;)
i hope that the stepdown converter does not interference with the audio in this setup....
for the rest, good job Ully !
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i hope that the stepdown converter does not interference with the audio in this setup....
fortunately not at all! i checked it though before screwing in that b**** just to make sure it doesn't!
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...i checked it though before screwing in that b**** just to make sure it doesn't!
very smart, you impress me ;) (not meant in a bad way ofcourse!, i mean that the experience / learning is doing its job)
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OMG!!!!!!!
Was at the FTP, and saw the sizes of the files ully send...!!! 1.1GB!!!!
(http://secondthoughts.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/10/21/jawdrop.gif)
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that scan needs to be dropped on my ftp ofcourse ;)
yourwish is my command, the file is currently being uploaded to your ftp! ;D
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i saw it ;)
but the file ully upluaded is only 340 mb here..
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OMG!!!!!!!
Was at the FTP, and saw the sizes of the files ully send...!!! 1.1GB!!!!
(http://secondthoughts.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/10/21/jawdrop.gif)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjCRUvX2D0E
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the restoration continues ... with the marquee
the vindicator parts i got from the usa must have come from an auction ...
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5316/5863024220_3e3b3bef34_b_d.jpg)
... because the auction sticker is still on the marquee!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3282/5863024508_ef9ecefe7b_b_d.jpg)
one thing i really r.e.a.l.l.y R-E-A-L-L-Y hate are stickers which do what they are supposed to do: STICK!!! :P
this one is no different, so in order to get it off i'm soaking it in water
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5303/5862475323_41295c81f5_b_d.jpg)
after a warm soapy bath, i'm trying to pull the sticker off
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5862475015_990861485c_b_d.jpg)
see how great this worked? ;)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5067/5863024828_0e25f73a23_b_d.jpg)
time to step it up a notch: sticker remover - it worked like a charm!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/5863025436_71da160f86_b_d.jpg)
the attraction decal itself is a thin sheet of plastic which has been deformed by the heat emitted from the light fixture behind it
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5310/5863025100_bf7699c1e3_b_d.jpg)
there's not a lot i can do "to get it back in shape", but i'm trying to at least keep the condition of the attraction decal. in order to do so, i'm cutting a thin piece of plexi to stick behind the decal
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5077/5862474737_8f61c07195_b_d.jpg)
and here it is, the illuminated marquee!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3282/5865463537_480860f105_b_d.jpg)
on to the final act: re-assembly of the controllers! a task i've been postponing over and over again because it's not going to be easy and extremely time-consuming! but i will have to start eventually if i ever want to finish the game! so here we go ...
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3063/5865463701_9f5d700f37_b_d.jpg)
i took a maximum of pictures during disassembly to be able to get the controllers together again later. always with me: the laptop with the photos!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3155/5865465435_111766494a_b_d.jpg)
first step done: rubber bumpers installed
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5264/5866018350_a3e12d52aa_b_d.jpg)
let's continue with the handles and the grips :o
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3238/5865464439_bea66c38b3_b_d.jpg)
although i only need two complete controllers for the game, i've decided to rebuild four (out of six) to have them as spares or in case someone else needs them desperately (i will sell them for good money ;))
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5026/5866017856_ebfa15ebcb_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3274/5866017568_7e0ca65eee_b_d.jpg)
until now this was just a warm-up, because the difficult part is about to begin - or should i better say PARTS? :shock:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3259/5866019248_6f2100608a_b_d.jpg)
the most time-consuming (and annoying) part is cleaning all the parts first, especially when there's "nastiness" involved :ghost:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3036/5866021380_7451af9421_b_d.jpg)
i'm giving the metal parts a "thinner bath"
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5115/5866018714_319fa99a54_b_d.jpg)
make sure to do this job at an open window with a lot of fresh air and ventilation
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5074/5866018194_788bc26f57_b_d.jpg)
the inner upper part of the controller has gone from THIS ...
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5192/5866021582_8666588767_b_d.jpg)
to THAT! :-*
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2720/5866017350_c14bdc66e9_b_d.jpg)
the dirty buttons are allowed to take a nice cosy bath as well
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3132/5865465241_7a0b3ea32c_b_d.jpg)
button me up, baby 8)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5312/5866018540_a2ece1a968_b_d.jpg)
one thing that had been bugging me where those brittle o-rings
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6058/5865531835_c8cdf4b804_b_d.jpg)
fortunately, i was able to source a shop which carried a wide variety of them, so i ordered a nice selection just to make sure they would fit
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3160/5866020478_eb9f885b97_b_d.jpg)
here you can see the replacement rings in the upper row compared to one of the original rings below
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/5865466745_c4e3496db7_b_d.jpg)
i put in a thicker o-ring first, followed by a thin one on top of it
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5023/5865466117_4e0797b6c3_b_d.jpg)
a perfect fit!!!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3087/5865465997_f4bc19d8ac_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6043/5865466271_eaa825debd_b_d.jpg)
in order to get the wiring loom through the shaft, i'm using a thin metal wire as a guide to which i attach the loom
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3102/5865465813_8086f89548_b_d.jpg)
that way, you can pull the harness easily through the shaft!
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6008/5866017668_dc5aa6de4a_b_d.jpg)
switches soldered back on successfully
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3149/5865467623_746d2d25dd_b_d.jpg)
in order to close the controllers up, i needed replacement screws for the rusted original ones - and i found them at modelfixings! ding-dong, a package from england to germany has just arrived
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5107/5866021928_5388c4d854_b_d.jpg)
inside, a collection of various screws (also needed for other projects)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3197/5865468249_dc80d2838c_b_d.jpg)
mission accomplished: four vindicators controllers fully rebuilt and assembled!!! let me tell you this: it was not a walk in the park and it took me a couple of days to get the job done, but the results are totally worthwhile the efforts: movement of the handles is very smooth, they center right back and look phenomenal! :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2751/5866020836_b13da59036_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2786/5865467795_c574687e2e_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3110/5865466601_3171766f6d_b_d.jpg)
to be continued ... stay tuned for the money shots!!!
-
Looks like new, excellennt job. ;)
Let's see if those omron microswitches working.
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Let's see if those omron microswitches working.
stay tuned, news on that to follow shortly ... :-[
-
:shock: :shock: :spaceace: :spaceace: :-* :-* :shock: :shock:
Woooowwwwww !!!!!!!
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great Ully !
Let's see if those omron microswitches working.
stay tuned, news on that to follow shortly ... :-[
hmmm this smily does give me the impression that its not so good news that is comming up next.....
-
the restoration ends ... (at least for now)
this restoration is coming to a close! still need to wait for the vector king's sideart and alu sticker repros, but this is something which doesn't keep me from moving the cabinet into the gameroom. this restoration would not have been possible without the incredible help from my american airline friend who literally dragged two boxes with parts over to germany! thx so much, i owe you a couple of beers the next time you're coming over ...
thx a lot to all the other guys from this forum for all your nice comments and inputs - there have been times where i would have been stuck without your help! once again, this community has proven that it is the best one around. :-*
let's finish this - time for the money shots!!! :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
here's the game in its original condition right after i got it :arrow:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3216/5866194412_350a49cc21_b_d.jpg)
here's the game in its restored condition right after dragging it into the gameroom (man, that beast is heavy) :arrow:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5158/5865637613_3f44cca7d9_b_d.jpg)
original view from the right :arrow:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3159/5865639777_fc8214d9f7_b_d.jpg)
restored view from the right :arrow:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5062/5865637773_42f1eb713d_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5280/5865637963_9b4fd6af2e_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2705/5866192278_931bc86bae_b_d.jpg)
the control panel in its original condition - dirt and rust everywhere :arrow:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2767/5865640553_8c9db4a71e_b_d.jpg)
the control panel as it is now :arrow:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3134/5865637297_7e08ac554c_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6032/5865639151_022b25ed6d_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/5866193008_4692104e1e_b_d.jpg)
full frontal view before ...
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6039/5865640003_544737f6d1_b_d.jpg)
... and after!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3253/5866192864_b4cfd531e2_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3017/5866191528_15f1392956_b_d.jpg)
the tank tracks after years of doing battle :arrow:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5310/5865640173_09e438e16f_b_d.jpg)
having been serviced, they look slightly better 8)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3262/5866192474_4f4a3f9312_b_d.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/5865639361_e1c07e1145_b_d.jpg)
two final shots: one from below ...
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5223/5865639565_6ee5330d3d_b_d.jpg)
... and one from above!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3016/5866192654_240a87925b_b_d.jpg)
THIS RESTORATION IS OFFICIALLY DONE (for now)!!!
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Brilliant work !!!
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:spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
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First class restoration!!!!!
Great attention to detail... And a great game!!!!
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Fantastic restoration Ully :).
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Really awsome results ! :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
I love the comparison pics !
I'll need to see when i got time for the sideart.. its a bigone with lots of detail so you need to be patient for that one ;)
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Very good job :-*
Is the blue and red start button are the original color ?
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Is the blue and red start button are the original color ?
don't think so! mine came originally with black buttons, but putting in a red and a blue one seemed to be the logical choice for me!
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Very very nice! :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
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This is just... P_E_R_F_E_C_T ! :spaceace: :spaceace:
...and a really nice read too with so many details and "how to" explanations, many thanks for that!
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thx for the nice comments guys, there's just one thing that's driving me mad :arrow:
Let's see if those omron microswitches working.
i played ONEround of the game to see whether everything's working as planned - it was! turned the game off to clean up the room, turned it back on again, thumb switch button of the left controller is not working anymore >:( :evil:
F***!!!
those switches definitely need to be replaced! i don't want to have to open up the controller after every single game to replace / unsolder one of the omron switches (besides, i only have one working switch left). i need help / input from our australian vindicators restorer WOMBLE. you have offered to send me a batch of replacement switches, but it would also be good to know where to get them!
help!!! :) :-*
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Truely superb, you dont fancy popping round and helping me out with mine do you?
(http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e230/Womble76/Vindicators/DSC02158.jpg)
Re the switches - you have mail :)
You find them by tracking down an old 1980s PC clone keyboard that used the same, or similar switches. The original Omrons used in these cabs are dreadful switches, they look nice and chunky but the actual contact point is about 1mm squared and its encased in plastic so you cant physically clean it. The ones I have here are buckling spring switches, they look very similar and fit perfectly.
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Truely superb, you dont fancy popping round and helping me out with mine do you?
sure, just send me an airline ticket and i'll be there within a day! 8)
You find them by tracking down an old 1980s PC clone keyboard that used the same, or similar switches.
what is an 1980s PC clone keyboard? how do i know if those switches are in there? anything particular i need to look for?
those replacement switches you're going to send me will hopefully solve the problem, it's just that you come across old pc keyboards all the time on flee markets for cheap - couldn't hurt to get one with those switches! are they also called omron switches then?
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i think these are what to look for :
(http://www.robmaeder.com/wp-images/blog/oldkb.jpg)
or
(http://www.notesfromthebunker.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/ibm.jpg)
you will recognise them by the click that you hear/feel while typing.
i might even have one here ;)
(need to open it to see if its really switches inside though..)
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i might even have one here ;)
what are you, etienne? a used computer parts dealer? ;) name it, etienne's got it. you are the computer equivalent to what is oliver when it comes to cabs 8)
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When working with IT, you get a lot of opportunities to take home hardware of varying age and value.
I myself try to hold back, but sometimes things are just to useful to just throw out. I need more space though :)
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i might even have one here ;)
what are you, etienne? a used computer parts dealer? ;) name it, etienne's got it. you are the computer equivalent to what is oliver when it comes to cabs 8)
yes sir ;)
look what i stumbled upon just a second ago...
(http://www.opdenkelder.com/pics/kb1.jpg)
hmmm i cannot resist to open it up ::) ;D
(http://www.opdenkelder.com/pics/kb2.jpg)
Looks like switches to me.... :-*
and it also looks very "de-solderable" ::)
(http://www.opdenkelder.com/pics/kb3.jpg)
shall i put it in the trunk and on my shopping list for eurocade ? ;D
ps, this one is also super for a keyboard hack for you mame setup, just solder the wires to the contacts you need 8)
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Looks like switches to me.... :-*
and it also looks very "de-solderable" ::)
shall i put it in the trunk and on my shopping list for eurocade ? ;D
is there still space? :P
would be totally cool, so one more thing added to the list. eurocade is going to be one huge swap meet ...
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I dont want to derail your topic, so i wil take you guys here (https://www.dragonslairfans.com/smfor/index.php?topic=2817.0) ;)
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great etienne, simply great. i never received any switches from the australian guy and i fact have just written him an email right before reading your thread - what a coincidence! and what a great effort from your part. let's see if those switches are going to fit into the controllers ...
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the christmas holidays also give me time (and energy) to finish some dreaded jobs - one of them is replacing those bullsh** omron switches used on the controllers. remember: i was able to play ONE round of vindicators before the first button decided to say good-bye. :evil:
those switches are doomed to die eventually, but there are good reliable replacements out there, found in old computer keyboards. through an enormous effort, etienne managed to salvage a full bag of switches during his PROJECT KEYBOARD (https://www.dragonslairfans.com/smfor/index.php?topic=2817.0) and thankfully handed me a couple of those during eurocade. now, almost four months later, i decided it was finally time to give those switches a try! out comes the bag :arrow:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6588467817_3a0c38e28f_b_d.jpg)
let's compare those switches: original omron switch on the left, keyboard switch on the right
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6588468261_66ca4acd59_b_d.jpg)
not too many differences, this could actually work!
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6588465979_177dc24ba8_b_d.jpg)
however, when i try to insert them into the controller handles, i have to realize that they are too wide and so they won't slide in completely :(
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6588464753_d4067159d2_b_d.jpg)
no problem, brute force is always a solution :twisted:. out comes the rasp!
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6588465559_ec66d1ac32_b_d.jpg)
after making the switches thinner, they fit in nicely (forgot to take a picture, sorry). soldered the wires to the new switches and after more than two hours of screwing, filing and soldering all the buttons register nicely on the test screen! :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7010/6588466987_3e9c631f30_b_d.jpg)
thx again for your efforts, etienne, luckily it paid off! now the game can finally be played without the fear of those buttons failing ... :)
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Haha love that solution ! :spaceace: for Etienne !
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Glad i could help !
(and that it actually works ! :spaceace:)
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Epic restore it is really helpful to my restore, thanks
I need to either buy some restored controllers if anyone is selling?!
:wink:
or I need the O rings if anyone has a link
thanks again to Etienne for posting me some new switches
Also I can't find that black matting for the tracks - anyone have a link?!
thanks in advance