Computer Space- how much is it worth?

lukeearle

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There is a Computer Space arcade machine on eBay for $3000. The only issue is that it doesn't have a monitor. How much is a Computer Space machine complete? What is this one really worth?
Thanks

Luke Earle
 
If the game is like alot of really early BW stuff, it probably uses a simple BW TV set in there. Should be a simple, cheap fix...but harder and harder to track these days.

I would think it would be a value of $3000.
 
Yea, they had a black and white tv sitting on a shelf in there! Since it's such a collectible machine, you'd probably really need to find the exact right model just for collectors sake.

Personally, I think it'll sell for 3 grand, even broke.
 
it uses a zenith tv set thats been modified.. Id does not use a monitor. Good luck finding one.. I picked up one at a fleamarket like 15 years ago.(The tube and pcb are broken in my CS).

From what I rememeber it looks a little like this:

admiralinstantplayportableblack&whitetelevisionsetmodelunknown_2.jpg
 
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it uses a zenith tv set thats been modified..

Not Zenith. GE.

It's your basic series string tube type set. They disconnected the video and audio circuits from the tuner/IF strip and wired baseband video into the grid of the video amplifier tube. The audio circuit was similarly modified. From the back, it looks like the signals go into the antenna terminals, but they simply rewired and repurposed the screw terminals for the antenna. The set is hot chassis, so it's powered by an isolation transformer. An unmodified set won't work.

You could, of course, just use a black and white security monitor, or a modern TV set - the signals are pretty much composite video and line level audio. IIRC the video signal has some kind of DC bias though - you might need a blocking cap. It's been a while since I looked at the schematics.

-Ian
 
Well, that is a yellow computer space of which there are only about 10 known to exist, so his asking price even without the TV is probably fair. I wouldn't pony up the money but if you want the game...

Google the TV or go to the computer space page for all the info you could ever want to know. They can be found with some effort.
 
10 grand. Well, one did at least.

Retrohacker, would you mind looking into that cap? I tried hooking mine to composite in on a tv set and could never get a picture.

I had my GE TV working enough for someone to debug the game boards, and then the flyback started shooting out lightning. I would like to continue the work while trying to track down a flyback for this thing.

Thanks! You have actually explained the TV input more thoroughly than any thing else I have read.
 

That is the same Computer Space in both of those auctions. It was sold for $1700 then shipped to Texas where this guy listed it for $10,000 then $7000 and now $3000. The value is what it sold for the first time IMO(Under $2000).

It is also my opinion from experience in this hobby that allot more than 10 yellow computer spaces exist. If only 10 exist then I have seen almost every single one in person(which I find hard to believe).
 
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I see, so in its current state its only worth about $1700 might make the guy an offer but it all depends if he post to the UK. I just want to own a piece of Arcade history.

I have been offered a blue one for $2995 but its not working (seller says he hasn't plug it in). I will ask him if he could test it cause I don't want to work to much on one as I don't have that much time. :)
 
I'm actually very happy these sell for so damn much...

Otherwise, I'd be tempted to pick one up. :D
 
I have a green 2 player version but there is only the shell and control panel. Is it even possible or worthwhile to track down all the missing parts? Or should I do a 19" monitor + 60-1 card maybe?

81481983.jpg
 
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