Restoring vintage electronics is a difficult hobby to tackle. Even the most practical builds often have to use some form of modern technology to work properly, or many different versions of the machine need to be disassembled to get a single working version. Either way, in the end someone will be deeply hurt by the destruction of anything antique, except perhaps with [Marco]’s recent tiny arcade with a unique CRT display.
The CRT is a now-obsolete technology, but Arcade and MAME purists often seek them out because of the rounded screen and vintage feel these devices have when compared to modern LCD or LED displays. For a build this small, though, [Marco] couldn’t just use parts from an old TV set as there wouldn’t be clearance in the back of the cabinet. An outdated video conferencing system turned out to have just the part he needed, though. It has a CRT mounted perpendicularly to a curved screen in order to reduce the depth needed dramatically.
The final build uses a tiny Namco system meant to plug into the RCA jack on a standard TV, but put in a custom case that makes it look like an antique video game cabinet. It’s an interesting build that doesn’t destroy any valuable antique electronics, while still maintaining a classic arcade feel. If you’re building a larger arcade cabinet which will still satisfy the purists out there, make sure you’re using a CRT with the right kind of control system.
Thanks to [ZioTibia81] for the tip!
*perpendicularly
lol.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb_PyKuI7II
Thanks for sharing this. Never knew I needed this in my life.
I wish I had known of this when I worked for HGST!
This is the coolest use I’ve seen for those old side-projecting watchman CRTs! Always warms my heart when somebody builds something like this with an actual tube in it.
I have one of those in the junk pile, should do something with it someday
I’ve seen those CRT on Aliexpress, it was likely originally used for doorbell system with audio and video system.
Yes, it’s definitely from a video doorbell. I had the exact same one.
E mi raccomando, restate sani!
E rizzati! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLFCikQKCgA
Tubeway days now seem so unreal we are glass
Nice! It would be even nicer to see such CRT used as a XY display!
CRT fan here! The main reasons we like CRT’s is because of the look, but also because of the low latency and the accurate way these displays show movement.
Also, the designers designed the games with CRT(pros and cons) in mind.
Maybe a more “gameboy” like form factor?
Comme ça: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HFtbbJBkGQ
Fromidable, Merci Beaucoup.
Hi, just a thought but have an old GM driver module here.