Posted by saint on September 08, 1999 at 22:13:05:
In Reply to: Anybody know about laser disk arcade machines?? posted by Jon Wright on September 07, 1999 at 19:41:11:
I know someone who collects laser cabinets, and I
passed this on to him. Here's his answers for you.
If there's any of you lot who knows about laser disk machines and could
answer these questions, I'd be greatful:
1. I've got the oppertunity to buy a "Mad Dog 2" (light gun game)laser
disk machine 100% working. The guy's also gonna chuck in the Mad Dog 1
and Crime Patrol disks (also light gun games). He's asking £275, is that
a good price?
ANSWER
I am not sure exactly what that translates to in American funds, but I'd
expect to pay around $400.00 to $750.00 depending on it's condition.
Also the guy is throwing in some nice freebies as well like disks! these are
#1 rare and #2 useful to play other games in that cabinet.
2. To play the other 2 games on this machine is it as easy as just ejecting
the Mad Dog 2 disk and inserting another? Or do you need extra boards etc?
ANSWER
This one's a tuffy! You will of course need to switch the disks to play
the other games. But it is a little more complex than that. Usually you have
to change all the dipswitch settings (controls the games options).
Dipswitches are usually located on the games pcb (main logic board) which is the
main computer board that runs the whole show! You will probably need some
modifications( such as rom chip changes) to the boardset. then you
change the dipswitch settings for each new game. I have never worked on a Mad
Dog laserdisk machine,but I do have experience on this type of game.
3. Would it be possible for me to make my own control board to use with
other laser disk games that use a joystick such a Dragons Lair 1/2?
ANSWER
No, you cannot manufacture a control panel and expect to play Dragon's
Lair :-) ! Dragon's Lair is made by Magicom/Cinematronics. The games uses the
following dedicated (specially created for this game) parts. An LDV1000
laserplayer, main logic/pcb (w/ DL romchips), power supply, wiring
harness, electronic score display, and a WG monitor with ntsc interface. It's
it's own machine entirely, theres no way to play it in a Mad Dog. However,
you can play Space Ace simply by changing the laserdisk and five romchips!
Takes about 10 minutes! Dragon's Lair II from the first machine. You'll
basically need the whole new machine or an entire DL II kit.
4. Am I living in a fantasy world??????
ANSWER
Well, you tell me? It is very possible for you to play all of the laser
games. However, you will have to put some time and money into it. Coinop
collecting is a serious hobby. For me it's about taking an old relic
game and bringing it back to it's former glory! If you put in the time it
can be very rewarding hobby! Good luck to you!