Connectors and Parts of Arcade Equipment
Many home arcade machines feature a standardized connector or interface that allows players to swap out different games. They may also have a coin mech for accepting payment or cash.
A coin mechanism accepts coins or bills and validates them. It can also include a coin hopper to store the tokens or change.
Control panel
The control panel is one of the most important parts of an arcade video game machine or multicade. It can make or break the overall look of the machine and is often the focus of a restoration project. The panel is usually made of metal, plastic or wood and can be customized with a variety of features. It can also be equipped with a trackball and/or a joystick.
The most common control panel layout is 1 joystick/6 buttons per player, although there are a few different ways to configure the buttons. Generally, arcade purists prefer to build their own control panels, which allows for more customization. This can include everything from color to button positioning to the type of games that will be played.
For the ultimate in customization, an arcade controller can be fitted with a keyboard encoder that interfaces the buttons to a computer. These boards can prevent “ghosting” – the problem that occurs when one key presses pinball machine hides or takes over another. They are available online from various sources.
Other options for customizing a control panel include adding art overlays. These can be as simple as text on the panel or as complex as full artwork, depending on the level of skill. Some people also add utility buttons to their control panel. These buttons can be used for various purposes, such as the “1-up” or “select” buttons.
Monitor
A monitor is the screen on which a video game displays. Depending on the game, it can be horizontal or vertical. A vertical monitor is used for games that require a vertical format, such as Galaga. Some people are purists and insist on using a vintage box monitor, but you can also use a modern LCD or LED monitor for your arcade cabinet. Just be sure to choose a monitor that supports the type of video input and power connectors used by your arcade system board.
A modern monitor may have HDMI, USB, and S-video connections. Some of these newer cables are not compatible with older arcade systems, so you will need a converter to connect your monitor to an old-style video game system. An LCD or LED monitor can be a better choice because they are thinner and lighter than CRTs, making it easier to ship your multicade.
Most older monitors hook up to arcade systems like a TV, with separate red, green, and blue wires and one sync wire. They are not designed to be plugged directly into a household outlet, and doing so could cause damage to the circuit boards inside the cabinet. Some of the components inside an arcade cabinet, such as the power supply and the monitor, are exposed to hot, cramped conditions. These parts often wear out and need to be replaced over time. This process is called “recapping.”
Marquee
A marquee is a large tent used for events such as weddings or parties. They come in different styles and sizes and can be fitted with a variety of features to suit the event. They are also very versatile and can be erected in different locations. They can even be used as an add on to a building for extra space or as a side area.
A marquee is an outward projection of a movable news feed, inspired by the ticker tape that ran across Time Square in New York City. It was the first outward projection of a movable source of information and allowed people to quickly scan headlines without having to move their heads.
Historically, arcade games were mechanical and electro-mechanical, and operated by inserting coins to play. Today, arcade cabinets typically conform to the JAMMA wiring standard and contain an electronic circuit board that houses the game’s hardware. They are often backlit and feature a marquee above the monitor, which displays the game’s title.
Marquee is a term that refers to the name of an arcade machine, usually displayed above the monitor. It is a common term in English-speaking countries and is also commonly used in video games. It is derived from the French word marquee, meaning awning or canopy.
Cabinet and side panels
Cabinets are the housing within which an arcade game’s electronic hardware resides. They are usually designed to accept a 19″ or 25″ CRT monitor and have a marquee above the coin operated claw machine monitor that displays the game’s title. They can also have a power supply to provide DC power to the system boards and low voltage lighting for coin slots or lighted buttons.
Upright cabinets come in a variety of shapes, from the symmetric perpendicular boxes as seen on Star Trek to complicated asymmetric forms. They may be for one or two players. They are often lined up side-by-side, allowing players to compete against each other. These cabinets are known as “versus-style” cabinets.
Cocktail or table top cabinets are a bit smaller than upright cabinets, and allow players to sit down to play for longer periods of time. They can house games that use a steering wheel or throttle pedals, such as racing and driving games, or they can be used for shooter games that require the player to hold up a gun.
Many classic arcade cabinets have large appliques that are silkscreened or painted onto the sides of the cabinet. They usually depict a scene or character from the game itself. Many manufacturers produce replication artwork for popular classic games, which can be applied to the cabinet as a replacement for faded or damaged original side art.
