Decisions, decisions....

[Draco1962]

.. I can across this ad for an "Arcanow" arcade cab. Of course, we know this to really be Arkanoid (the original marquee lettering has a "D" with an open top so together with the "I" preceding it does kinda resemble a W. Anyhow, as you can see from the pics, it appears to be a Centipede conversion. There were not really any Arkanoid dedicated cabs as most utilized conversions of existing cabs.

The seller wants $300 for it. Likely, if it has an original or replaced CRT, it would be replaced with an LCD for compatibility with the other PC i have. Other than modifying the CP to accomodate my X-Arcade Tankstick, I would restore the marquee and bezel to original Centipede specs. I would likely keep the coin doors. I assume that I would likely have to get an add-on board to integrate it for use with the MAME PC.

So the question is, does anyone think it is worth looking into? What questions should I ask?

[Adultery]

Want my opinion? It works already, don't kill it.

Ask the dude if he knows where to get a carcass, hate to see a working cab get killed. If totally pay the $300 and keep it the way it is if I had the scratch.

/my 2c

[Tom Speirs]

Want my opinion? It works already, don't kill it.

Ask the dude if he knows where to get a carcass, hate to see a working cab get killed. If totally pay the $300 and keep it the way it is if I had the scratch.

/my 2c

The CP is already butchered so I see no harm. If its in perfect shape it would be worth converting back to a centipede.

However Draco, if you are looking for a cheap cab you'd be better getting a generic Jamma cab which should not cost any more. Although I know you have more dedicated cabs stateside. Since your in the FLA I expect Orlando or one of the beach resorts would be where to get one.

[Draco1962]

I had similar thoughts, however, for all intents and purposes it at least "almost killed" since it has an Arkanoid PCB and the original Centipede bezel, marquee, CP and PCB does not exist. Not sure what it would cost to replace these items. It is also possible that this is not an actual original Centipede cab. I guess I will have to research what to look for to determine if it is the "real deal" vs an afermarket duplicate.

[Draco1962]

The guy wasn't the most friendly so I ended the conversation before asking too many questions. Maybe he had a hard day, maybe there is more going on with this cab than I want to get into.

I checked for cabinet kits and most decent upright kits start around $500 and that isn't including t-molding, etc. So I am looking once again at Rec Room Masters at the Xtension Arcade Pedestal. It is $299 and would actually work out well for not only a MAME setup, but also would house my Original Xbox and 360 in the space below the keyboard. I am not too crazy about a solid black slab, so, if I go this route, may have some custom graphics made for the sides and the Tankstick once I decide on a theme for the setup. At least it is scalable and I can add to it gradually while still having it fully functional upon assembly.

[Tom Speirs]

Looked like it was only suitable for a vertical monitor too.

[Draco1962]

Would be a nice project had I the room for more than one setup and the money to make it a dedicated machine for the one game.

[tthurman]

You can keep an eye out for a cab down your way on ebay, I see them often times for good prices.

I found a Hydra machine about a two years ago that I really wanted for the yolk. The machine had been to hell-n-back, and had rust problems. The seller wasn't interested in discussing it, other than sure, I'll sell you the controller for the same price. I think these people many times just want them gone, and don't give a flip about you, or your questions.

That, or people selling old arcade cabs are just rude in general

I'm completely with you on that pedestal, if I looked at it once, I've stumbled across it a thousand times. I just can't get past the look, it just doesn't do it for me. Perhaps graphics would change that, but the monitor shelf, eh, I dunno. Everything else I've found is outrageously overpriced.

[rockyrocket]

Is building your own out of the picture?.

[Draco1962]

Is building your own out of the picture?.

Not at all, as matter of fact I started a project page here. I am still kind of storming there for ideas.