The 720 degrees of Major Havoc

[m_mcgovern]

Well, I am very happy to say that the space formally occupied by my Star Wars Upright now belongs to this unique (and historic/first-ever?) vector machine - a Major Havoc built into a 720 cabinet to create 25" of pure vector goodness. For a picture of what went into building this machine, take a look at this link:

http://www.ionpool.net/arcade/720_MH/720_mh.html

It consists of a Major Havoc pcb + 25" medium resolution CRT from 720 + Wells Gardner 6100 chasis/yoke + custom metal control panel with the basementarcade reproduction whirlygig controller.

I plan to complete the conversion that Jon started nearly a decade ago in Feb 2000! My plans include the following finishing touches:

1) install Amplifone deflection + high voltage pcb in place of the Wells Gardner (will this correct the pincusion problem or did the Amp 19" yoke do that?)
2) touch up the paint and apply custom artwork to the sides and control panel
3) build a custom marquee that is a better match for Major Havoc as opposed to the 720 "boombox" style

I also have a surprise or two planned as well...

I want to thank Jon for holding this special machine while the biggest December Snowstorm in the Philadelphia area came and went as well as throwing in a few extra goodies. It was quite a beast to move, but I was able to get it into my garage so the conversion can finally be finished in 2010!

 

[TheSilby]

I remember seeing this discussed on RGVAC back in the day when Jon started the project. I look forward to finally seeing this completed.

 

[m_mcgovern]

I remember seeing this discussed on RGVAC back in the day when Jon started the project. I look forward to finally seeing this completed.

Yeah, when I saw it come up for sale (locally!), I tried to jump on it quickly. Then, I started looking at its history...pretty neat. I'm glad to be the caretaker for this special machine. He did a nice job on the conversion. I'm looking forward to adding the finishing touches and move this into the arcade

 

[Hyde]

That's actually pretty cool! Major Havoc on a 25 inch monitor? Nice. Keep us updated with your progress on finishing up this machine.

 

[Deadly]

1) install Amplifone deflection + high voltage pcb in place of the Wells Gardner (will this correct the pincusion problem or did the Amp 19" yoke do that?)

The pin cushion issue is caused by using a 100 degree tube instead of a 90 degree. And I would imagine if you tried using an Amplifone yoke you would have a bitch of time trying to converge it or to get it even relatively close. The WG yoke is what you want to use anyway

 

[JeffC]

Next I'm going to buy a dedicated Major Havoc, gut it, and convert it to 720.

Just to restore the balance.

Seriously though...very nice job. I've had that machine in the 720 Hellcade for a while, but it really is great conversion.

 

[m_mcgovern]

Next I'm going to buy a dedicated Major Havoc, gut it, and convert it to 720.

Just to restore the balance.

Seriously though...very nice job. I've had that machine in the 720 Hellcade for a while, but it really is great conversion.

That's funny. You should do it and then we can get a picture of the two of them next to each other.

I'll provide an updated picture for your 720 Hellcade when I am finished.

 

[MikeyDee]

Wow, I checked that project out years ago. I assumed it was finished. Looking forward the final results.

 

[OregonPacman]

That's pretty amazing. I once had a Major Havoc converted Space Duel that I have kicked myself many many times for selling. The cabinet was real minty too. Not sure if I can imagine playing that game on a 25" monitor, though.