Removing Arcade Monitors: A Step-By-Step Guide

Removing an arcade monitor can be a dangerous task due to the high voltage inside. It is important to take precautions such as unplugging the arcade game and discharging the tube before beginning any work. One way to discharge the tube is to ground one end of a wire and the other end to a screwdriver, then work the screwdriver under the suction cup until there is an electrical discharge. It is also recommended to wear safety gloves and stay away from the back of the tube and the chassis. Additionally, it is important to keep track of the cables going from the chassis to the cabinet or game board and disconnect them before removing the tube.

Unplug the arcade game

Unplugging your arcade game is an important step in maintaining the longevity of your machine and ensuring your safety. Arcade games are commercial electronic equipment, and while they may have been designed to be left on, it is important to consider the potential risks of power surges and electrical storms. Unplugging your arcade game can help to mitigate these risks and protect your machine.

Before you begin any repairs or maintenance on your arcade monitor, it is crucial to unplug the arcade game from its power source. Arcade monitors hold extremely high voltages, which can be dangerous if you come into contact with them during repairs. Always make sure the power is off before proceeding with any work on your arcade machine. This simple step can help ensure your safety and allow you to work on your arcade game without worry.

Additionally, unplugging your arcade game when it is not in use can help prevent screen burn-in and reduce heat stress on the electronic components. Heat is a common enemy of electronics, and over time, the build-up of heat inside the game cabinet can cause stress and damage to the internal electronics. By unplugging your arcade game when not in use, you can help prevent heat-related issues and extend the lifespan of your machine.

It is worth noting that simply turning off your arcade game may not be sufficient. Even when switched off, your machine can still be vulnerable to power surges and electrical issues. For added peace of mind, consider unplugging the power cord completely. This is especially relevant if you live in an area prone to thunderstorms or power fluctuations. Taking these extra precautions can help protect your investment and ensure the longevity of your arcade game.

In summary, unplugging your arcade game is a simple yet important step in maintaining and caring for your machine. By unplugging, you can reduce the risk of electrical damage, protect yourself during repairs, and extend the lifespan of your arcade game. Remember to always put safety first and disconnect the power source before performing any maintenance or repairs on your arcade monitor.

Disconnect the power wires

Disconnecting the power wires from an arcade monitor is a crucial step in ensuring your safety and enabling you to work on the monitor chassis. Arcade monitors carry an extremely high voltage, which can be extremely dangerous if you come into contact with it. Therefore, always ensure that the power to your arcade game is turned off or unplugged before proceeding.

The first step in disconnecting the power wires is to locate the power source. Most arcade games use a Molex connector between the power supply and the monitor chassis, allowing for a clean and easy disconnection. If your arcade monitor has this Molex connector, simply disconnect the power supply from the monitor chassis. However, if your monitor chassis does not have a Molex connector, you may need to cut the wires in order to remove the chassis. Cutting the wires should be a last resort, as it can be unsafe and may damage the wires. If you do cut the wires, consider installing a Molex connector to make future disconnections easier.

Once the power wires are disconnected, you can proceed to remove the anode cup from the tube. This step is similar to discharging the monitor, but instead of waiting for a pop, use a screwdriver to push the prongs of the anode cup together and then remove it from the tube. Be sure to refer to a guide on safely discharging an arcade monitor before proceeding with this step.

With the anode cup removed, you can now focus on unplugging the neck board. The neck board is typically located at the very back end of the tube and is usually a square circuit board with wires connected to the main chassis. It may also have a ground wire attached, which should be cut or unplugged before attempting to remove the neck board. The neck board should come off with just a light amount of force. If you encounter any resistance, check for any adhesives that may be holding it in place and remove them before proceeding.

In summary, disconnecting the power wires from an arcade monitor is a crucial safety step that must be performed before any maintenance or repairs. Always ensure the power is off or unplugged, locate the power source, and use a Molex connector if available for a safe and easy disconnection. If not, you may need to cut the wires, but always prioritise safety and refer to expert guides when working with arcade monitors.

Remove the anode cup

Removing the anode cup from an arcade monitor can be a dangerous task due to the high voltage involved, so it is important to take safety precautions. Before beginning, ensure that the power to the arcade game is turned off or unplugged.

The first step is to disconnect the power wires going to the monitor chassis. Most games use a Molex connector, which allows for a clean and easy disconnect. If your monitor chassis does not have this connector, you may need to cut the wires.

Once the power is disconnected, you can begin removing the anode cup. This process is similar to discharging the monitor. Instead of sticking a screwdriver up underneath the anode cup and waiting for a pop, use the screwdriver to push the prongs of the anode cup together so that you can remove it from the tube. Be sure to wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, when performing this task.

Some people also recommend discharging the tube with an HV probe or a screwdriver before attempting to remove the anode cup. This helps to ensure that any residual charge is released, reducing the risk of electric shock. It is also recommended to ground the blade of the screwdriver to prevent electricity from travelling up the handle and shocking you.

After removing the anode cup, you can move on to unplugging the neck board and other components, such as the degaussing coil and yoke wires. Be sure to keep track of which wires go where, as there may be multiple connectors.

Unplug the neck board

Unplugging the neck board is a delicate process, but it is a necessary step when removing or repairing an arcade monitor. The neck board is usually found at the very back end of the tube and is typically a square circuit board with wires connected to the main chassis.

Before attempting to unplug the neck board, it is crucial to ensure that your arcade game is unplugged and the power is turned off. Arcade monitors hold extremely high voltages, which can be dangerous if you come into contact with them. Always put safety first.

Now, let's focus on the neck board itself. It might have a ground wire attached to it from the monitor tube. If this is the case, be sure to cut or unplug this wire before proceeding. Additionally, some neck boards may be secured with silicone or another adhesive. It is best to carefully remove this adhesive before attempting to detach the neck board. Take a razor blade or X-acto knife and carefully cut through the silicone glue around the socket.

With the adhesive removed and the wires disconnected, you can now gently pull the neck board off the tube. It should come off with just a light amount of force. Be careful not to tilt the neck board during this process, as it is made of glass and can be fragile.

Once the neck board is unplugged, you can move on to the next steps in removing or repairing your arcade monitor. Remember to always exercise caution when working with electrical equipment, and if you're ever unsure, it's best to consult a professional.

Detach the video wires

To detach the video wires from an arcade monitor, you will first need to unplug or turn off the power to your arcade game. Arcade monitors hold a high amount of voltage, which can be extremely dangerous if you come into contact with it. Therefore, always ensure your arcade game is unplugged when working with the monitor.

Once the power is off, you can begin to detach the video wires. These wires are responsible for transmitting the image from the board or PCB to the monitor. First, locate the connector where these wires are plugged into the chassis. Before attempting to remove them, take note of how the connectors are plugged in. They may be split into multiple connectors.

Now, carefully unplug the connectors from the chassis. This will detach the video wires from the arcade monitor. Ensure that you handle the wires gently to avoid any damage.

After detaching the video wires, proceed with caution and ensure that all wires are properly managed and secured. It is important to keep the work area organised and safe.

If you need to reinstall the arcade monitor, simply follow the above steps in reverse. Ensure that you align the connectors correctly during the reinstallation process.

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