Question: Star Wars Monitor Swap

dbpbandit

New member
Joined
Apr 21, 2003
Messages
331
Reaction score
2
Location
Oregon
My Star Wars has the original Amplifone monitor in it but it's missing the neck board and HV unit. Instead of trying to replace these individual parts I thought I'd use a spare K6100 from an old Tempest game. I've been doing some web browsing and I'm somewhat confused on the compatibility here. I have read that the K6100 is a direct replacement for the Amplifone but would I be replacing the entire monitor (chassis AND tube) or just replacing the chassis and use the existing Amplifone tube? Also, there is mention of an aftermarket correction kit? Any help or links to web sites with a tutorial would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

-Dave
 
I don't know what you are referring to with the correction kit but you will be swapping the entire monitor (chassis, tube, frame). The amplifone and WG use different tubes.
 
OK, thanks... So how would I connect the 6100 to the existing wiring for the game?

-Dave
 
300 bucks?? Dang... Another reason I'd like to replace it with my K6100. So you say it will just plug in? I'll have to look more closely at it because I don't see where it would. Also, I need to figure out how to mount it in there, doesn't look like it will match up with the frame.

-Dave
 
You have to modify the cabinet a bit to fit a wg 6100 into the star wars cabinet. You should also run a short extension between the original monitor hook up and the cable it connects to. The connection is a 15 pin connector going from your pcb up to the monitors deflection board.
 
Last edited:
I made my extension with xy connectors from Bob Roberts
 

Attachments

  • DSCN4260.jpg
    DSCN4260.jpg
    91.1 KB · Views: 30
  • DSCN4261.jpg
    DSCN4261.jpg
    82.6 KB · Views: 28
  • DSCN4263.jpg
    DSCN4263.jpg
    91.9 KB · Views: 26
  • DSCN4264.jpg
    DSCN4264.jpg
    83.5 KB · Views: 22
  • DSCN4267.jpg
    DSCN4267.jpg
    93.1 KB · Views: 22
Please do not trash your tube or the deflection board. One of these days you may decide to change it back to original. Plus it may make your star wars easier to sell, because you still have most of the original Amplifone. (btw) there is no neckboard on an Amplifone monitor just a neck connector.
 
The Amplifone has a MUCH better picture and I would try to get it working again the difference is definitely worth it ! Ask around there are people who have HV boards around that they might sell....

The Amplifone is also much more reliable than the WG once reconditioned.

Indeed, no neckboard on the Amplifone.
 
The correction kit I think he's referring to is the pin cushion correction. Since the 6100 will have pincushion problems with star wars.

There is also no real need to use an extension cable, or at least there wasn't in my case. Just unscrew a tie or two that's holding it in place and it should just plug into the 6100.

I would also try to find a used 19" frame to house the AMP crt to protect it for storage. You never know when you will find the parts you need, and if you neck the tube :( that would be bad.
 
So what modifications did you have to make to the cab? Does it need a bigger opening or a different bracket? Also, does Bob sell those extension cables already made up? Thanks for the help.

-Dave
 
The reason for an xy plug extension is so you can use the original chassis hookup on the frame of the wg k6100. By doing this you will prevent solder cracks on your deflection board caused by a lack of support to your connector.
Regarding the k6100 and looks of the game while playing.
The game looks better with an Amplifone monitor. It has a better refresh rate. And the game was designed with that monitor in mind when it was built.
The WG k6100 is also a good monitor. The obvious difference is the refresh rate. Also when in test mode you will notice the pin cushion effect, because the monitor is a 90* monitor instead of the 100* monitor.
When in game play mode the effect is not very noticeable and (imho) does not take away from game play.
 
So what modifications did you have to make to the cab? Does it need a bigger opening or a different bracket? Also, does Bob sell those extension cables already made up? Thanks for the help.

-Dave

You need to do a slight modification of the mounting hole to allow the frame of the k6100 to fit into the opening. You will still use the 4 bolts that held in the amplifone tube. I posted pictures of my star wars to show you. I believe you need to put two notches in the wood at the bottom to allow the steel frame to slide in properly.
The extension harness, you would need to make yourself.
 
Cool, thanks again for the help, I appreciate it. Now maybe some day soon I can use the force again....

-Dave
 
Forgot to reply to this one earlier. Don't worry, I will NOT throw out that tube and or the parts that I do have. In the future I'd love to have the original amp tube in the game. I'll protect that tube and hold on to it in hopes that I'll eventually come across the parts I need to get it back in there. First things firs, got to get my kids through college first and since I already have the 6100 this is a more cost effective way for me to get the game working again.

-Dave
 
Back
Top Bottom