My Very own Arcade Test Box

I have built a working JAMMA compatable self powered arcade game controller, also known as a test box by technicians in the realm of coin-op.

If you want to make your own, the basic parts for the test box are:
< Click on the name to see a picture of what the part looks like! >

1) JAMMA Cable (I'll try and get a better picture that this)
2) Micro Switches, Buttons and JoySticks
3) Power Switch
4) Switching Power Supply (1) (2)
5) Line Filter
6) Isolation Transformer
7) EGA Monitor (Most frequently used) (1) (2)
8) Speakers
9) and of course PCB's (The games themselves)

Where To Get Stuff In General

All those parts listed up there is all you need to start building your own Arcade System. There are ways to have your own arcade system in your home. You can goto auctions and get a good deal on cabinets or just go to your local convient store and ask them if they want to get rid of their game sitting in the corner of the room collecting dust. And if all else fails -- go in to an actual arcade room and ask if they can sell you one.

AUCTIONS are a great way to get some of the best deal you can get. You can check out the place to see what they have and what you can buy. Be sure to check out the cabinets before you buy.
I do know of some WAREHOUSES and OFFICES which do sell and trade in used games -- and these are the best places to find, buy, have some sort of guarantee, and options when purchasing a cabinet, PCB, or a whole arcade game.
I sometimes buy PCB's from the net by looking in NEWS GROUPS such as:

rec.games.video.arcade
rec.games.video.arcade.collecting
rec.games.video.classic
rec.games.video.marketplace
and rec.games.video.misc

Going to your convient store on the corner is another way of getting an arcade game for your self -- but this method is hardly the way to go if you want a particular game.

And, going to your local arcade room should be your last resort. The people running the place would rather take your quarters instead of giving you some tips or offers on selling a game machine. Arcade owners make more money by quarter pumpers and droppers than giving you the address of their distributer.

What to Do

If you feel the need to have a giant cabinet in your room then go buy one. If not, you can have a personal sized set up that can be put away under the bed.
Buying a cabinet isn't all that necessary, you can buy a used one, a new one, or drop some major coin and get a kick @$$ one.

Well, here are some schematics for you to look at. Just follow the picture carefully and you should be able to figure out how to make your own arcade system. But before you do -- read some of my posts and other people's posts in news groups that I have compiled:

Jamma Harness Schematic

The diagram above is the layout of the JAMMA harness. I have put together plugs for easy removal of connections. Some JAMMA harnesses will not have all lines being fed from the JAMMA end connector. That's OK - as you can see in the bottom of the diagram there are unused wires that are present. Some JAMMA harnesses will eliminate them for cost-effective manufacturing purposes.

Just put one and one together and you are on your way in completing your very own arcade system.

Follow on down to the next diagram for power connections.
Pay very close attention to this one!

Arcade Power Schematic

I will elaborate more on this later. < Sorry about that :) >
(Just look at the diagram closely and you should see what I want to say and know enough to finish your own arcade box!)

Other Sites that you might find interesting

Amusements International Magazine
Coin-Op Auction List
Jeffs Place - vgames <-- A lot if useful information here

Nick Shin - nshin@midwaygames.com

This page will be continued to be updated.
Last updated 6/1/96