best gameplan to resurrect my Tempest?

vintagegamer

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Some questions as I plan the best, realistic, cost-efficient way to resurrect my Tempest.

1. I have not yet researched, but wondered if a switcher is available for this game? Just to have in there until I can eventually get all OEM parts (and to those who have already offered some to me I have not forgotten you :D ). I am considering this for now since I have 2 switching supplies in boxes at my house, and if I could get the adapter/wiring/etc it's worth considering.

2. the monitor will be the biggest hit obviously- is it possible to do a jamma adapter (or whatever if I'm using the wrong term) and computer monitor in this game until I can find the real deal? I've never done a vid conversion like this before.

I can't stress enough that I'm not in a position at the moment to buy all of the Tempest parts should they magically appear out of nowhere here (wish I was). I appreciate the offers that all have made to me so far to help in selling parts to me, but I just don't have the cash right now to do a huge buy. I'm just trying to plan the best way to bring her back to life and have her in a playable state (if poss) until all original equipment can be purchased one day (even if it takes years). I hate seeing a great classic game not being used because it's missing one component someplace, which is why I'm asking for alternatives for now.

Thanks!
 
the vector VGA board is one alternative to a 6100.

opinions may vary but they do work well.

I helped install one in a space duel with a flat screen lcd and it looked good.

however; it is around 200 dollars.

you must use the atari power supply.
 
The power supplies are usually strong on these. If they don't build, a A/R rebuild kit is cheap and will make it strong again for years.

Do you know what doesn't work? Is the monitor not working, or not present at all?

People try to get as much as possible when selling a working monitor- usually $250-$350.

You can find working boardsets for $100 sometimes. $150 should fetch you one almost always.

You can always work on the cosmetics and such until you can find or take the bite for those two major components.

In my opinion, MAME running vector games on a regular CRT looks pretty damned good. Put your nose up close to a 6100 and it's not as pretty as a monochrome vector monitor.
 
The power supplies are usually strong on these. If they don't build, a A/R rebuild kit is cheap and will make it strong again for years.

Do you know what doesn't work? Is the monitor not working, or not present at all?

People try to get as much as possible when selling a working monitor- usually $250-$350.

It's basically just the Tempest cab. It was gutted and fitted with a Shinobi conversion package. Horrible way to die. I have since acquired an original Tempest harness and am planning next steps. Sounds like either the main PCB or PS board and brick are next.
 
You'd be better off finding another, non-working, but complete Tempest than to build it piece by piece.
 
When I got my empty Tempest cab last year, the overwhelming advice was to wait to find a complete one. I am glad I did. I ended up finding one on ebay for less than I would have spent on the monitor. Tempest is one of those games that definitely seems to be worth less than the sum of its parts.

The monitors usually seem to for $300+, even with a lot of screen burn, so if you find one cheaper, you should grab it quick. Even the wiring harnesses cost a lot of money. I didn't want to listen to the advice to buy a complete one, but I am really glad that I did.
 
well, my suggestions would be this. get an ar2 board, pcb, and power brick. those shouldn't be big issues, i'd expect, although i have no idea what working tempest boards look.

the vector vga is an alternative, but i think a 6100 looks way better. that being said, we all know 6100's are pretty pricey too. i'd say look around for a space duel. that seems to be (at least around here) the least expensive atari vector with a 6100, and if you could find a working one you could part out the rest to recoup some expenses.
 
When I got my empty Tempest cab last year, the overwhelming advice was to wait to find a complete one. I am glad I did. I ended up finding one on ebay for less than I would have spent on the monitor. Tempest is one of those games that definitely seems to be worth less than the sum of its parts.

The monitors usually seem to for $300+, even with a lot of screen burn, so if you find one cheaper, you should grab it quick. Even the wiring harnesses cost a lot of money. I didn't want to listen to the advice to buy a complete one, but I am really glad that I did.

Glad you found one finally- they don't seem to pop up much here though. And it's OK, it's a grail of mine so I won't be getting rid of it anytime soon.
 
Working Tempests can still pull in 550 to 700 depending on condition. So to say its worth less whole... i am not so sure about that. As for parting out a Space Duel, why go that route, kind of defeats the purpose. Go for the easier cheap parts to find first and have some patience when it comes to the monitor and boardset. Something will come along. You will feel better if you take your time and get the right parts as they become available. If you come across a non-working 6100 and need help with it, send it on over. I would be more than happy to help you get that Tempest put back together and working again.
 
If you are relatively patient, you can slowly piece it together and not spend a ton of money. Yes, it won't be easy and the cab your starting with needs a lot of work. The artwork is all reproduced for it so that is a bonus. I have gotten most the parts for my gutted cab in the last 2 months and have not spent a ton.
 
Im in the same situation..

Bought a nice cab

Has a Tube and frame no chassis, wiring, complete CP, marquee, most of the coin door.. no bezel, PS, boards, bezel or glass..

My first thoughts were to MAME it.. but I just cant bring myself to do it (planned just to run misfit Mame and Clays multi rom w/mouse hack and a nice open frame 19" VGA monitor)

Getting the 6100 working and finding boards and PS would cost as much as buying a working game..

Would be nice to find a water damaged cab and go that route..

Yes, Tempest is a grail for me too!
 
Im in the same situation..

Bought a nice cab

Has a Tube and frame no chassis, wiring, complete CP, marquee, most of the coin door.. no bezel, PS, boards, bezel or glass..

My first thoughts were to MAME it.. but I just cant bring myself to do it (planned just to run misfit Mame and Clays multi rom w/mouse hack and a nice open frame 19" VGA monitor)

Getting the 6100 working and finding boards and PS would cost as much as buying a working game..

Would be nice to find a water damaged cab and go that route..

Yes, Tempest is a grail for me too!
I would say you are pretty far along and could probably get it up and running for less then $250. That is not a MAME candidate in my opinion, especially if it is a grail for you.
 
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