NEW Switching Power Supplies

VertexGuy

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There are so many machines out there just waiting to be restored , Many in need of a new power supply or rebuild.
Now even though you can rebuild the original, or maybe the original still works.
You would wanna have the option to use a more reliable newer tech power source.
Or maybe one to assist the original.
Almost all of my classics still have the stock PSU boards , but i kinda gave it some
thought mainly because id like to run my machines more often .
Ive lost one machine to a fire so far due to a failed power supply and transformer.
Only left the house for 4 mins and thats all it took.
I know arcadeshop and a few other places offer adaptors and such but ive seen people
just splice them in with regular crimp connectors.
I search youtube and google for any archives or how to's on how
to splice in a modern switcher to replace or assist oldschool power supply units
and i can find any sites or vids.
The one machine i wouldnt mind doing first would be space invaders but im sure
other machines can benifit from it just the same.
If anybody knows of a walkthrough site with different machines getting heart transplants
with modern switchers or can add a guide to the restoration section that would be very helpful . Again some machines found in the wild are already missing AR boards or power supply transformers.
 
I get where you are coming from- I really do, but the focus of this site is on "preservation" and IMHO hacking in switchers, even if well done, is a bad idea.

Not to mention, most switchers are noisy, cheaply built crap compared to the original linear supplies (there are some exceptions).

A properly rebuilt linear supply is the better choice. Period.

As far as documentation, a simple scan of the schematics is usually all that is needed and that is probably why there is not really any tutorials.
 
Depends on the game.

Williams could use a switcher once a ram swap is done.

It would run waaay cooler too.

If its burned dead.. Switcher

Repairable? Fix it.
 
Another thing to think about, and I am sure there must be others that feel the same way, but when I go to look at a game, or check out pictures of one for sale here and someone has replaced the original with a switcher- the game is worth less in my book and I automatically look to see just how bad it was done and how much work it will be for me to restore it back to original.

Again, I am sure some people feel the opposite, but just something to consider as I put it in the same boat as a LCD screen "upgrade", LOL.:eek:
 
There are so many machines out there just waiting to be restored , Many in need of a new power supply or rebuild.
Now even though you can rebuild the original, or maybe the original still works.
You would wanna have the option to use a more reliable newer tech power source.
Or maybe one to assist the original.
Almost all of my classics still have the stock PSU boards , but i kinda gave it some
thought mainly because id like to run my machines more often .
Ive lost one machine to a fire so far due to a failed power supply and transformer.
Only left the house for 4 mins and thats all it took.
I know arcadeshop and a few other places offer adaptors and such but ive seen people
just splice them in with regular crimp connectors.
I search youtube and google for any archives or how to's on how
to splice in a modern switcher to replace or assist oldschool power supply units
and i can find any sites or vids.
The one machine i wouldnt mind doing first would be space invaders but im sure
other machines can benifit from it just the same.
If anybody knows of a walkthrough site with different machines getting heart transplants
with modern switchers or can add a guide to the restoration section that would be very helpful . Again some machines found in the wild are already missing AR boards or power supply transformers.

They make me nervous just because of how hot they get. I get restoration and do restores and keep my supplies working BUT I'd never leave machines on and don't feel bad using switchers in there with original supply. I feel safer for my games and house. My Tron has a working supply but I use a switcher in it.
 
Another thing to think about, and I am sure there must be others that feel the same way, but when I go to look at a game, or check out pictures of one for sale here and someone has replaced the original with a switcher- the game is worth less in my book and I automatically look to see just how bad it was done and how much work it will be for me to restore it back to original.

Again, I am sure some people feel the opposite, but just something to consider as I put it in the same boat as a LCD screen "upgrade", LOL.:eek:

i completely agree.

i have many games on location running 16+ hours a day 7 days a week and when your talking older games that have linear power supplies i would never use a switcher because switchers are junk and don't last when used like that. linear power supplies are not cheap to rebuild but if done completely and correctly they will last another 20-40 years like they did in the first place running constantly. upgrading some components and adding heatsinks to BR like williams and others will solve most all problems. this pertains to most linear power supplies (NOT ALL OF THEM).

OP the 90400 power supply for the midway space invaders is one of the easiest to rebuild and with some upgrades will outlast the next half a dozen switchers you will have to put in there.
 
i don't really have a lot of free time so when one linear power supply craps out, i buy a replacement switcher w/ adapter.

never cut any wires and leave the old ps in there if i ever sell the game and someone want to make it stock.

it always the question: what is your time worth to you :p
 
i don't really have a lot of free time so when one linear power supply craps out, i buy a replacement switcher w/ adapter.

never cut any wires and leave the old ps in there if i ever sell the game and someone want to make it stock.

it always the question: what is your time worth to you :p

I agree with this answer. :) (But all of my cabs came stock with switchers, so I don't really have a bone in this dog fight.)
 
I get the preservation thing, but don't feel it should be applied so strictly.

Look at cars - you can get a restored to 100% original 57 Chevy, or you can get one that looks great, and has been upgraded with disc brakes, fuel injection, power steering, and air conditioning. Which would you really rather drive on a regular basis? In the car world, unless it is some super rare car, safety and handling upgrades ADD value to a classic because it makes it more enjoyable to own.

Any mod that A) increases reliability and B) is reversible is okay in my book.
 
I get where you are coming from- I really do, but the focus of this site is on "preservation" and IMHO hacking in switchers, even if well done, is a bad idea.

Not to mention, most switchers are noisy, cheaply built crap compared to the original linear supplies (there are some exceptions).

A properly rebuilt linear supply is the better choice. Period.

As far as documentation, a simple scan of the schematics is usually all that is needed and that is probably why there is not really any tutorials.

Oh, ive repaired my power supplies and they are still in the cab,, they work.
they are preserved.. I even have spare harnesses. BUT
Id rather have switchers in some of them though.
 
Another thing to think about, and I am sure there must be others that feel the same way, but when I go to look at a game, or check out pictures of one for sale here and someone has replaced the original with a switcher- the game is worth less in my book and I automatically look to see just how bad it was done and how much work it will be for me to restore it back to original.

Again, I am sure some people feel the opposite, but just something to consider as I put it in the same boat as a LCD screen "upgrade", LOL.:eek:

Ok so what you are sayin is , your not following what i am talking about.

Im sayin what machines could use the assist of a switcher to make them run more reliable
for daily use.

would adding a switcher help the 12v feed to a space invaders?
or to the 5v of a pole position?
Does such a guide exist ?
Other than watching todd tuckey inplant them into machines at his shop but not show how he did it . I cant seem to find any info on this.
 
Another thing to think about, and I am sure there must be others that feel the same way, but when I go to look at a game, or check out pictures of one for sale here and someone has replaced the original with a switcher- the game is worth less in my book and I automatically look to see just how bad it was done and how much work it will be for me to restore it back to original.

"Again, I am sure some people feel the opposite, but just something to consider as I put it in the same boat as a LCD screen "upgrade", LOL.:eek:
"

says the man who modified most of his boardsets with HSS Kits and upgrades.
 
Look at cars - you can get a restored to 100% original 57 Chevy, or you can get one that looks great, and has been upgraded with disc brakes, fuel injection, power steering, and air conditioning. Which would you really rather drive on a regular basis? In the car world, unless it is some super rare car, safety and handling upgrades ADD value to a classic because it makes it more enjoyable to own.

Bad example. If you want creature comforts, a classic car isn't for you.

Do you also put LCDs in your classic cabs? Because that is along the lines of what you are doing in your analogy.
 
I've done both.

I have a switcher in my Galaga cocktail table. Still kept the liner PS. The kit that arcade shop sells is easy plug and play.

Also run a switcher in my Ms Pac cab. The OG PS was not up to task with the jamma switcher hardware.

My DK and other games all run the original PS.....I see no reason to replace unless there is a reason.
 
Some people just can't fix things and see new shiny parts the only solution. I feel like I am in the hobby to repair and fix things. These classic machines are part of our history here in the good old USA built when things were made to last. Most of these games were only intended to work till the next craze came out and here we are 35 years later and some games are still working without any modifications. How many people here would gut a Wurlitzer and make it play CD's or something. Take an antique and put a bunch of new parts in the thing because they don't know how to repair the old parts. I just don't understand this method.

Why not just build a shiny new cabinet and put a bunch of shiny new parts in the thing and sell the old classic box to somebody who appreciates an antique and will do the maintenance. This is just my opinion.

If its missing parts then some solutions are unavoidable but these things were engineered and built by smart people.
 
Bad example. If you want creature comforts, a classic car isn't for you.

Do you also put LCDs in your classic cabs? Because that is along the lines of what you are doing in your analogy.

You guys make me laugh lol.. Look at the picture of my car.. I was outside yesterday in the snow drifting it and doing donuts in the snow.
all four brakes are still stock drum, matching motor and trans still in car.
no rear defroster lol.. Cars are cars to me.

Im talking about making my machines more reliable to leave on all day so people can play them and i dont worry as much as them failing on me.
 

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Some people just can't fix things and see new shiny parts the only solution. I feel like I am in the hobby to repair and fix things. These classic machines are part of our history here in the good old USA built when things were made to last. Most of these games were only intended to work till the next craze came out and here we are 35 years later and some games are still working without any modifications. How many people here would gut a Wurlitzer and make it play CD's or something. Take an antique and put a bunch of new parts in the thing because they don't know how to repair the old parts. I just don't understand this method.

Why not just build a shiny new cabinet and put a bunch of shiny new parts in the thing and sell the old classic box to somebody who appreciates an antique and will do the maintenance. This is just my opinion.

If its missing parts then some solutions are unavoidable but these things were engineered and built by smart people.

Because if you do your homework, most people here DO restore older machines with older parts and or have spare power supplies in storage at thier shops (like i do)
.. Im just saying does anybody have a guide to add alittle insurance to running an older game all day without the risk of a fire or board damage.
If you wanna run your original power supply thats fine.. but anybody on this side of the line
who still wonder about switchers helping older machines that can contribute info on how it helped and how they did it feel free to chime in.
 
I've done both.

I have a switcher in my Galaga cocktail table. Still kept the liner PS. The kit that arcade shop sells is easy plug and play.

Also run a switcher in my Ms Pac cab. The OG PS was not up to task with the jamma switcher hardware.

My DK and other games all run the original PS.....I see no reason to replace unless there is a reason.

Got rid of those pesky humbars in the ms pac didnt it?

Donkey kong.. yeah i wouldnt put a switcher in.. i agree with you there.
ive seen them hacked in and the machine still ran crappy.
 
"

says the man who modified most of his boardsets with HSS Kits and upgrades.

Umm... what are you talking about/referring to? I am pretty sure we haven't met and I can't think of any way you would be familiar with my collection or restoration repair practices. I do own a few HSS kits that I have installed on some boards- non intrusive and easily reversed. Confusing me with someone else maybe?

BTW, for all those "temporarily" installing switchers alongside working power supplies- I am SURE none of you have screwed into the sides of the cabinet to do so right? Let's see some pictures of those custom fabricated brackets using only existing screw holes to hang the switchers.:rolleyes:

Edit: Oh and another BTW- I have seen the recent pictures paradise arcade posted to do just that and it seems pretty non-intrusive. So it is encouraging that if you REALLY want to run a switcher, not messing too much with the original cabinet is important to some (just please include the original linear in a zip lock bag at bottom of cabinet, LOL)
 
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BTW, for all those "temporarily" installing switchers alongside working power supplies- I am SURE none of you have screwed into the sides of the cabinet to do so right? Let's see some pictures of those custom fabricated brackets using only existing screw holes to hang the switchers.:rolleyes:

Wow, now we are concerned with 2 screw holes in a cab? Sheesh!

These classic machines are part of our history here in the good old USA built when things were made to last. Most of these games were only intended to work till the next craze came out and here we are 35 years later and some games are still working without any modifications.

Really? That made me laugh out loud.

These cabs were made as cheap as possible with as inexpensive parts as could be found. Shoved out the door and into the Arcade without any thought or care for how long they would last.

They lasted 30+ years because most were used a lot for a year or two and then thrown in storage.
 
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