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phrenzy

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Hello everyone,

Just thought I'd introduce myself since I'm new here. I didn't see a forum or thread for introductions so I figured I put it here in the General forum. Please feel free to move if there's a more appropriate spot.

So... where to start... Well, I'm Steve. I'm a Software Engineer living in the suburbs of Dayton, Ohio.

About a month ago I went to a charity wine tasting and silent auction event that was held at a local... ehem... "banquet facility" called the Taj Ma Garaj. It isn't so much a banquet facility as a very quirky Porsche museum housing an extensive, personal collection of Porsches from the 60's through current models. A guy with way too much money bought this huge warehouse / industrial complex and has turned it into his personal garage and 'play center.'

Here's the website if you'd like to see this place: http://www.tajmagaraj.com/

So you might be asking yourself "What does this have to do with arcade games?" Well, on the upper floor of this facility is a room called "The Taj Lounge" which houses several fully restored, free play arcade and pinball machines. I managed to wander up there during the wine tasting, located Centipede and played for about two hours. A flood of my childhood memories came rushing back. Suddenly I realized... "Hey, I could have MY OWN game room!"

I fear this may be a long, expensive and time-consuming couple of decades. lol

Anyway, pleased to make your acquaintance!
 
My current dilemma is that I own/live in a 2nd story condo with no elevator. How does one lift a 450+ Lbs cabinet up a flight of stairs?

I suppose an alternative is to rent a small space somewhere. lol
 
Just so you understand going in: arcade game collecting & restoring is more addicting than crack.

Now that you know, welcome! :D
 
As long as the games aren't huge you can do it. I used to live in a two story condo and kept my games on the second floor. I even moved them up there by myself. Lay them on their back on the steps and slide them up one step at a time. If you are truly addicted you will find a way.
 
This used to be my guest bedroom:

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The wife is very pleased.
 
Just start with one game at first. :)

In about a year or so you'll have 30+. :rolleyes:

Wow, truer words were never spoken! .. Started in September, am at 17 games with 2 on the way and a jukebox project. I would have been on track for the 30 games, but about 2 months ago I decided my arcade space needed an overhaul, so I remodeled and expanded into two rooms. So just a heads up, it's not only the games that cost money ;)

Now you simply need to learn how to "KLOV low-ball" and you're transition to the dark side will be complete!
 
That looks about the size of my second bedroom. I'm single and therefore, do not have any regulatory force in my life to keep me from going overboard. Scary.
 
Welcome!

Yes, as the gentleman have said, this is a very addicting hobby. If you have space and money, it can be very dangerous. Though, if you're like me with limited space and budget, you can learn self-control. :)

You'll also find yourself saying/thinking things like:

- "Only one more and I'm done" or "This is the last one" in response to your wife/significant other/conscience
- "If only I was closer" in response to FS listings
- "BITD" (back in the day), "NOS" (new old/original stock), "IMHO" (in my honest opinion - there are a lot of opinions here), etc.

I'm still sort of a newbie since I've only been around for about a year and half, but my advice would be to have a sense of humor, post in the correct forums and use the search function before asking questions.

Lastly, Phetishboy doesn't like smilies though they seem to have tripled in occurrences since he shared his feelings on the matter. :D
 
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Here's my trajectory, maybe it's typical.

1. realize you can own your own arcade game
2. buy one for way too much money
3. realize you can buy fixer-uppers for $50-175
4. buy a Spy Hunter with a giant dick scrawled on the side (ok, maybe that's not so typical)
5. buy way too many fixer-uppers
6. realize your $100 fixer-uppers really end up costing $400-500 in parts/labor and numerous hours of research and labor if you want them really nice
7. buy nice working games for $300-600, bring them home and immediately play them while drinking beer, then get laid rather than stumbling into bed at 1am wondering why the f@#$ing fuse keeps blowing/monitor won't sync/side art is crooked
8. buy a pin
9. try at all costs to avoid steps 3-6, substitute pins for vids and a shitty playfield for a giant Spy Hunter dick (this is where I am now)
 
There have not been too many new collectors here recently.

This is a good time to get into the hobby. There are a lot of inexpensive machines, a lot of resources here for help, and a lot of used and reproduction parts available.

Right off the bat, I'd make a list of games that I'd want in my arcade and focus on those. A lot of people just starting out buy any game that comes along at first. I think that's the biggest mistake people make when they get into this hobby and you can be quickly overwhelmed.
 
Thanks for the welcome, folks!

There have not been too many new collectors here recently.

This is a good time to get into the hobby. There are a lot of inexpensive machines, a lot of resources here for help, and a lot of used and reproduction parts available.

Right off the bat, I'd make a list of games that I'd want in my arcade and focus on those. A lot of people just starting out buy any game that comes along at first. I think that's the biggest mistake people make when they get into this hobby and you can be quickly overwhelmed.

Odd. Usually I come into something at the most expensive/worst possible time. I already have a list of games in my head.... primarily the one's I used to pump $10 rolls of quarters into: Tempest, Centipede, Ms. Pac-Man.

Now is when you say I picked the most sought-after, most expensive to repair, and most rare/collectible games and balance is restored to the universe. :D
 
Tempest, Centipede, Ms. Pac-Man.

Certainly those are some of the same ones non-collectors and average Joe's are going after also. However, they are not out of reach.

Centipede - Cheapest to pick up, cheapest to repair (G07 monitor, ARII power supply, plentiful mainboards)
Ms. Pac-Man - Mid price range in average condition. Extremely plentiful in cabinets and parts, lots of documentation on board repair.
Tempest - High price range in any condition. Vector monitors are pricier, hard to find working boards at a reasonable price.

Good luck. Start with a Centipede, it will give you good basic knowledge and/or repair skills with these games.
 
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