Questions on a scratch-built Pac-Man

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.video.arcade.collecting (More info?)

Hello -

I am about to receive a Pac-Man pcb to build a scratch-built cocktail.
I have a couple of questions involving certain items to be used in the
build. Please bear with me.

Monitor:
Is there any particular monitor I should consider for this project? It
has to be 19". The pcb is a Midway original. Perhaps something to do
with resolution?

Power supply:
I have recently stumbled on posts regarding "power switchers". Would I
need a transformer if I use a power switcher? Also, is there a
complete "plug-and-play" kit? Perhaps more importantly, is it any
better than the two transformer setup as per the Pac-Man diagrams?

Finally, any websites you know of dealing with scratch-built projects I
may reference?

Thanks!

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.video.arcade.collecting (More info?)

Any CGA (standard res) monitor will work. Nothing special to Pac-Man.
Electrohome G07 or Wells-Gardner K4600's were standard but 95% of all arcade
monitors will work.

You can either run a linear AC power supply into the board like the
original, or you can use a switcher supply, but then you have to bypass the
AC->DC converter circuit that is already on the original Pac-Man board.
This will likely supply a cleaner/more reliable power, but Pac-Mans are
running strong on their original AC transformers with on-board DC converter.

You will still *always* need to use the separate AC isolation transformer to
power any monitor that requires isolation (all old, and many new monitors
still require isolation).

For diagrams, search for Kyle Lyndstrom's Pac-man cocktail plans. I think he
has ones for Ms.Pac as well as Pac (Pac is slightly different cabinet,
different control panels).

<mhedges@prw.net> wrote in message
news:1123866216.859427.97160@o13g2000cwo.googlegroups.com...
> Hello -
>
> I am about to receive a Pac-Man pcb to build a scratch-built cocktail.
> I have a couple of questions involving certain items to be used in the
> build. Please bear with me.
>
> Monitor:
> Is there any particular monitor I should consider for this project? It
> has to be 19". The pcb is a Midway original. Perhaps something to do
> with resolution?
>
> Power supply:
> I have recently stumbled on posts regarding "power switchers". Would I
> need a transformer if I use a power switcher? Also, is there a
> complete "plug-and-play" kit? Perhaps more importantly, is it any
> better than the two transformer setup as per the Pac-Man diagrams?
>
> Finally, any websites you know of dealing with scratch-built projects I
> may reference?
>
> Thanks!
>

 

[Tom]

Archived from groups: rec.games.video.arcade.collecting (More info?)

mhedges@prw.net wrote in news:1123866216.859427.97160
@o13g2000cwo.googlegroups.com:

> Hello -
>
> I am about to receive a Pac-Man pcb to build a scratch-built cocktail.
> I have a couple of questions involving certain items to be used in the
> build. Please bear with me.
>
> Monitor:
> Is there any particular monitor I should consider for this project? It
> has to be 19". The pcb is a Midway original. Perhaps something to do
> with resolution?
>
> Power supply:
> I have recently stumbled on posts regarding "power switchers". Would I
> need a transformer if I use a power switcher? Also, is there a
> complete "plug-and-play" kit? Perhaps more importantly, is it any
> better than the two transformer setup as per the Pac-Man diagrams?
>
> Finally, any websites you know of dealing with scratch-built projects I
> may reference?
>
> Thanks!
>

I built mine with a switching PS. I picked up a new Pac harness from Bob
Roberts and wired it accordingly. (I used Kyle's plans as well)
http://www.myuselessprojects.com/cocktail/index.html

You can wire the +5v directly to the Pac board. What its doing is feeding
DC (+5V) into BOTH the 7V AC pins (effectively bypassing the bridge
rectifier). Now there is also another AC voltage (for sound) that is fed
+12V (same concept).

You will need an ISO transformer for the monitor as well. I didn't get
around to installing lights behind the control panels before I sold it. I
would recommend LEDs. Less voltage/heat/etc...

Regards,
tom