Who here's actually replaced a monitor?

Spike Spiegel

Spike Spiegel

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Okay, I've decided to replace my monitor in one of my machines with the same exact monitor before I change another with a high res one. Figured I'd get some practice in on an exact match first, right?

Anyhow, how hard/easy is it? I know I have to discharge the monitor a few times. How are they held in? Is it a two man job? How do I remove the monitor? What's plugged in? I'm going to drive to Happ and pick up a WG 7400 monitor that matches mine exactly... so do I just remove some bolts, and unplug it, then go reverse for installing the new one? Take it out the front? Take it out the back? Can anyone help me out that's done it before? I would love some assistance, if possible. Thank you!
 
NEgO MANIAC

NEgO MANIAC

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I don't know about the high res monitors, but I've change quite a few of regular ones. It is one of the easiest things to do. Simply disconnect the power, video and ground wires and then remove from arcade frame. Do the reverse to install. It shouldn't take no more than 10 minutes to complete. I don't even bother to discharge the monitor. That's purely your choice. Just be aware you place your hands. Super easy job. Think safety!
 
Spike Spiegel

Spike Spiegel

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NEgO MANIAC said:
I don't know about the high res monitors, but I've change quite a few of regular ones. It is one of the easiest things to do. Simply disconnect the power, video and ground wires and then remove from arcade frame. Do the reverse to install. It shouldn't take no more than 10 minutes to complete. I don't even bother to discharge the monitor. That's purely your choice. Just be aware you place your hands. Super easy job. Think safety!
Click to expand...

THAT, my friend, is where I need help. Discharging the monitor is that part that's covered by the suction cup on the back, am I correct? Why don't you discharge it? Sounds like you're begging to get shocked. Are you saying I can touch the whole back without getting hurt? I'll discharge it anyhow (many times, I'm anal) because I do plan on storing this for use later, if need be. It will be a standard low res monitor, just like the one I have, but... well, not 10 years old. ;)

Any more info you can give would be great. Comes out the back? Would I need someone to help? Where do I hold it... I hear the neck (whatever that is) breaks easily? Thanks for the info!
 
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Reznor007

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Most arcade monitors have a metal frame that comes out with the entire thing. That is what you will carry it by. Just moving/replacing an arcade monitor is fine to do without discharging it. Just don't touch the big red wire/cap or the yoke(the metal coils around the neck).

The neck does break pretty easily, so do not put any pressure on it. If it cracks you will hear a hissing noise for a few seconds as the vacuume is released. If that happens the tube is dead, but the other parts can be saved for backup.

How to remove a monitor all depends on your cabinet design. Some life right out the back nice and easy. Some go through the front, some are hung almost upside down(MS Pacman and older style mainly). Some are extremely easy to work with, others are a pain in the ass.

One thing to watch out for is the way your current monitor is mounted in the cab. The new monitor may or may not have the exact same frame, so it may not match up perfectly. If that happens you might have to swap the frames of the 2 monitors, which is annoying.

Having a second person around to assist is very handy, but isn't required.
 
Spike Spiegel

Spike Spiegel

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What IS that suction cup thing on the back? Does that need to be removed to get it out, or is that part of the whole monitor?
 
gamejunkie

gamejunkie

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The suction cup thing is the anode end of the cathode ray tube. Electrons flow from the anode to the cathode which are then propelled at the screen to create light and the image.

If you do a google for arcade monitor discharge you should find a site that has instructions for discharging a monitor with a screwdriver. I would be scared as fuck to do this. They make mention of a special discharging machine/tool that will do it all without you having to risk your life. If you can afford it I would try to track one of those down. If you plan on doing this a lot the cost may be justified (if it's within reason). I'm not really sure what these things are called, I just know they exist.
 
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voodoodoctorx

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i just discharged a monitor for the first time several months ago. after searching around for info for a bit and asking opinions i was a little nervous. however dispite what you read its no big deal at all. you just ground a flat head screw driver to the earth rail around the monitor and slip it under the suction cup. it pops and thats it youre done. i touched with the screw driver a few more times to be sure but thats really all there is to it.

i should note i did wear a high voltage glove which was 4 bucks at home depot. after all the warnings you hear about i didnt want to take any chances.
 
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NEgO MANIAC

NEgO MANIAC

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Reznor007 said:
Most arcade monitors have a metal frame that comes out with the entire thing. That is what you will carry it by. Just moving/replacing an arcade monitor is fine to do without discharging it. Just don't touch the big red wire/cap or the yoke(the metal coils around the neck).

The neck does break pretty easily, so do not put any pressure on it. If it cracks you will hear a hissing noise for a few seconds as the vacuume is released. If that happens the tube is dead, but the other parts can be saved for backup.

How to remove a monitor all depends on your cabinet design. Some life right out the back nice and easy. Some go through the front, some are hung almost upside down(MS Pacman and older style mainly). Some are extremely easy to work with, others are a pain in the ass.

One thing to watch out for is the way your current monitor is mounted in the cab. The new monitor may or may not have the exact same frame, so it may not match up perfectly. If that happens you might have to swap the frames of the 2 monitors, which is annoying.

Having a second person around to assist is very handy, but isn't required.
Click to expand...

He is right, grab the whole monitor by the metal frame, not the actual tube. Trust me, I have no intention of being shocked. A complete discharge really only needs to be done when a CAP kit is installed. Websites like Therealbobroberts.com gives instructions on how to discharge the monitor prior to a CAP kit. Your just doing a monitor swap. As mentioned in my first post, watch were you put your hands. Red suction cup thingy...bad!
 
NEgO MANIAC

NEgO MANIAC

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Oh yeah, I forgot to mention. The video input wire that plugs in to the chassis from the cabinet harness sometimes has a different style/length end plug depending on monitor manufacturer. I've had to splice my harness with the new monitor's plug before. Not a big deal since you can simply match up the colors. Most new monitors have a plug on them with the intention of you splicing it in. If yours doesn't and your current one doesn't fit, I'm sure someone here has one for you.
 
ttooddddyy

ttooddddyy

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In this part of the world I have never seen an arcade monitor that comes attached to the CRT with a metal bracket or chassis.
.
Ive owned about 15 cabs over the years and none had a monitor set up like this, all had Kortek monitors whose pcb screws to the side or bottom of the cab like a game board set.

So I have either replaced the CRT if its low emmission or short/leaky or repair or replaced the monitor pcb, the monitor being a single component (tube and board together) seems strange to me.

CRT + monitor pcb = complete monitor.

If theres a problem with the tube why replace the pcb as well ?
Maybe its to make it easier/safer for those not experienced in handling crts.
 
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CheapNeoGeo

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Changing out a monitor is easy so you have not real worries. Just be careful and take the advice of others on how to handel the monitor and what to touch and not to touch. I would recomend having a buddy there to help. It would make things easier.
 
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