Even if It's Free, Don't Do It.

Summary

In this video, the creator shares their experience acquiring and restoring a rare 1993 Namco arcade game, Lucky and Wild, a unique driving-and-shooting game. They explore the challenges of owning large arcade machines, including space constraints, maintenance, and historical quirks, such as broken coin mechanisms and unexpected rodent or chicken damage. The video details the process of inspecting, cleaning, and replacing a faulty power supply, while also navigating the game's mechanics for testing. With humor and nostalgia, the creator highlights both the technical and playful aspects of reviving a classic arcade cabinet, ultimately bringing the game back to life for modern enjoyment.

Takeaways

• 🎮 Arcade machines are large, complex, and require careful planning before purchase, including space considerations and access for repairs.
• 💰 Buying an arcade machine 'cheap' is rarely simple; restoration often involves unexpected costs and extensive troubleshooting.
• 🛠️ Knowledge of electronics and maintenance is crucial, as arcade machines may have multiple hidden issues beyond the obvious problem.
• 🏠 Proper indoor storage is essential to prevent damage from weather, humidity, or pests, which can ruin a machine beyond repair.
• 🕹️ The Lucky and Wild arcade game is unique, allowing one player to drive while another shoots, making it memorable from classic arcade experiences.
• 🧹 Restoring an old machine involves detailed inspection, cleaning, and sometimes removal of unexpected debris or hazards like broken eggs or rodent droppings.
• 🔌 Replacing a power supply requires careful voltage adjustments and testing to avoid damaging the game board.
• 🖥️ The internal components, including CPUs, audio chips, and EPROMs, are delicate and need careful handling during restoration.
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• 🎯 Testing each component individually, such as guns, pedals, and screens, ensures the machine functions correctly before full gameplay.
• 😂 Restoring and playing classic arcade games can be both challenging and entertaining, offering a nostalgic and hands-on gaming experience.
• 📜 Historical context, like machine origin, previous ownership, and modifications, adds value and insight into restoration projects.

Q & A

Why did the narrator want to buy an arcade machine?

The narrator had a personal connection to the game 'Lucky and Wild' by Namco, which they used to play during lock-ins at an arcade. The unique gameplay of driving and shooting simultaneously stuck with them, so when they saw the machine for sale, they decided to purchase it.

What is the biggest challenge when it comes to owning and fixing arcade machines?

The biggest challenge is finding the space to store and fix the machine. Arcade machines are often too large to fit in regular rooms or doorways, and they can deteriorate quickly if exposed to outdoor conditions or stored improperly.

What unusual discovery did the narrator find inside the machine?

Inside the arcade machine, the narrator found eggs and remnants of rotten eggs, which had likely been laid by chickens. The discovery was surprising and unpleasant, highlighting the dangers of leaving arcade machines outside.

What was wrong with the machine when the narrator first received it?

The machine's power supply was dead, and the narrator had to replace it. However, they knew that simply replacing the power supply wouldn't be enough to get the machine fully functional; there would likely be other issues given its age and lack of maintenance.

What precautions should people take when acquiring an arcade machine to restore it?

Before acquiring an arcade machine, it's crucial to have space for both storing and repairing it. The machine should also fit through doorways. Additionally, it's important to ensure you can properly repair it, as the process can be more complicated than it initially seems.

What was the condition of the arcade machine's components upon inspection?

Upon inspection, the arcade machine's components, such as the guns, trigger, and wiring, were in poor condition. The guns' triggers felt weak, and the machine had been modified with bolts that weren't part of the original design.

What role does the 'Li Power Reset' box serve in the arcade machine?

The 'Li Power Reset' box is a relic designed to prevent users from exploiting the machine using an oven lighter to put in credits by generating a spike. The box would detect the spike and reset the machine, preventing unauthorized credit additions.

What was the narrator's solution to replacing the power supply?

The narrator replaced the old power supply with an industrial Meanwell RT85A power supply, which had the necessary voltages for the arcade machine. They also made adjustments to ensure the 5V output was set correctly to avoid damaging the game board.

Why is it important to adjust the power supply before connecting it to the game board?

It's important to adjust the power supply before connecting it to the game board because improper voltage can damage the game board or even cause it to fail. The narrator carefully checked the output to ensure it was within the proper range.

What was the outcome of the first test after powering on the machine?

After powering on the machine, the narrator saw that the marquee light worked, and the game began to show options on the screen. They proceeded to test the gameplay, confirming that the guns and other components were functioning, although the game had some minor issues such as the seat height not being ideal for comfortable play.