View source for Starwars Arcade Cabinet - History

[[Category:Video Games]]

Well, it was the summer of 1995. A friend of mine owned a store Called The ''7th Dimention'' (previously called ''The Dark Side'') which sold [http://www.wizards.com/ Magic: The Gathering] cards (during their heyday), Star Wars toys, and strangely, there was a vinyl record store in the back which catered to local DJ's (electronic). I helped open the store, and worked there on and off for several years.

The name changed from ''The Dark Side'' because, well, people misunderstood it. Often there were people coming in which frequented the liquor store next door who saw the word "magic" on the front window, and assumed that we were some type of occult shop. On several occasions, what I beleive to be drunks would come in yelling at us because we sell "magic" to kids. Too bad i didn't have a video camera back then.

Anyhow, we got off track a bit. On boring days at the store, you'd often find yourself either playing some old golf game on the PC, or browsing the internet. I happened to be looking at a local newsgroup (uwisc.forsale) here in [http://visitmadison.com/ Madison, WI] and [http://groups.google.com/group/uwisc.forsale/browse_frm/thread/3a9b8641c5a63522/30d2639330a0eb56 came across this]: 
<pre>
	From: hagemann@persoft.com (John P. Hagemann)
	Subject: FS: Star Wars Stand-Up Arcade Game
	Date: 1995/08/15
	Message-ID: &lt;40qk3r$b7g_001@news.alpha.net&gt;#1/1
	organization: Persoft, Inc.
	newsgroups: uwisc.forsale


	I've got a fully-working Star Wars arcade game for sale.  If you remember
	the game (circa 1983) it's one of the best XY vector games Atari ever came
	out with.  The cabinet is in very good condition, only a few scratches and
	nicks.  I recently replaced the high-voltage and deflection boards.  It
	takes quarters (the token converter has been removed).  I have all the
	manuals and schematics.  I would prefer to sell it in the Madison area
	because they are impossible to ship. I'll even help you move it.  Because
	of it's good condition, I'm asking $450.00, but I'll accept reasonable
	offers. Please direct responses to:

	hagemann@persoft.com   or
	hagemann@earth.execpc.com

	Thanks in advance for any replies.
	John P. Hagemann
</pre>


&lt;Gasp&gt; Are you kidding? Only $450 for a working Star Wars arcade machine? I didn't know much about arcade games at the time (and still don't, really), but since we sold Star Wars stuff, it certainly had value from that aspect. The Star Wars collectors guide at the time had an upright game listed for ~$2000. I immediately called the owner of the store and told him about it, he agreed that it would be a nice fit in the shop, and that he would purchase it. I emailed the seller, and though "Aweseome! Now I can play Star Wars daily at work!" Or not.. 

..It was already sold, damnit! Anyhow, after a few weeks, it had almost faded from memory, when I received an email from the seller saying that the original purchaser has fallen through, and we could have it! This time it wouldnt get away from us, so in a matter of days we met him at his house to pick it up. It was in his basement. He implied that his wife wouldn't let him have it around anymore! Bummer- more on this later, though. 

He fired up the machine- it took a few minutes for the monitor to brighten, but it certainly became playable! We played a game, wrote the check, and proceeded to haul the beast upstairs. I don't remember this being immensly difficult, as we had three people to do the job. 

It was immediately brought back to the store, plugged in, and played hard for about a month! That's when the monitor started to fade away, slowly, slowly. Eventually it would not display any picture. We called the two local amusement dealers- one wouldnt touch anything from an individual ([http://www.bullseyegames.com/ Bullseye Games]), but the other (Quarter Time Distributors) would. Unfortunately I have no recollection of what was wrong at the time, and what they did to fix it. But fix it they did. 

It worked nicely for at least another year, likely being played 5 days per week. I'd left the store somewhere in this time, and lost track of the games condition. 

I was still friends with the owner, however. (Did I mention his name is Greg?). Years pass.. 

Myself and another fellow rented a 3 bedroom house, with a large somewhat finished basement. Greg at the time was looking for a place to live (he had a large german shepard at the time) and we obliged. And guess what, the Star Wars game came with! 

Unfortunately, it was back to the 'no video' problem. Greg swore that he was going to get this fixed by the time we have a party at our house. Two or Three parties later, he finally called Quarter Time again, but they no longer work on machines for the likes of us. However, they did have one employee who does repairs in his spare time. 

I wasn't around when the repair guy (Mark) came, but apparently he did some troubleshooting, and took the HV and the deflector boards. Greg (and myself) had wanted this baby ready for the next party we had, which was only a few weeks away. Unfortunately the repairs were not ready in time, and when Mark did call with the repairs ready, Greg was tight on cash. 

Fast forward to about '''TWO YEARS''' later. The machine was still missing the HV board and deflector board! I'd been out of the house for a year, Greg was just about to move to Milwaukee when he called me to let me know that if I can come pick the machine up, It's all mine. Excellent! 

Their lease expired on Sunday, June 30, 2002. On Saturday, June 29th myself and a friend ([http://red-cat.org] Jeremy], who recently purchased a mini van) went to pick it up. Of course, it was in the basement. This time it was anything but fun getting it upstairs. After thinking about it for awhile, and trying a few different methods, we decided to lay it on its back on the stairs, and simply push it up. I pushed, he pulled. What seems like 15 minutes later, it was finally upstairs. The hard part was done- we loaded it in the van, brought it to my house, which is where it currently resides. 

Now, to get it working. I tracked down Mark, who originally took the boards, and he still had them! On Thursday, July 11, 2002 he arrived to install them. The replaced some caps on the HV board, and didn't do anything to the deflector board. Unfortunately, it's a no go still. Same issue, no video. 

Mark beleives it to be the flyback transformer, as do I. It's the original red one, which apparently shouldn't have lasted as long as it had anyhow. Currently Mark is checking with his contacts for a new flyback transformer or possibly the entire HV board (good luck, eh?). I told him about the wintron flybacks, and he seemed to think the price is obscene. I'm okay with it however- it is the only option out there, and since I've paid $0 for this machine, it'd be well worth it. 

[http://falz.net/starwars/status A full journal of its status is right here].

Thanks to the USENET gods (''currently [http://www.google.com/ Google]''), I was able to track down many discussions regarding this very machine. Here they are, sorted by date: 

==The game ALMOST gets gutted==
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.games.video.arcade.collecting/browse_frm/thread/0439f6491da1b0a0/22b08eb3f568a2f4

<pre>
	Newsgroups: rec.games.video.arcade.collecting
	From: hagemann@pervax.persoft.com (John P. Hagemann)
	Subject: Re: Star Wars Motherboard Wanted
	Message-ID: &lt;1994Aug8.182910.9155@newsserver.rrzn.uni-hannover.de&gt;
	Sender: news@newsserver.rrzn.uni-hannover.de (News Service)
	Organization: Persoft, Inc.
	X-Newsreader: WinVN 0.91.6
	References: <tjt-280794143341@tjt.craycos.com />
	Date: Mon, 8 Aug 1994 18:29:10 GMT
	Lines: 36


	In article <tjt-280794143341@tjt.craycos.com />, tjt@craycos.com (Tim
	Tewalt) says:
	&gt;
	&gt;I have a couple of Star Wars upright cabinets in poor
	&gt;condition.  Neither have motherboards and I bought them
	&gt;for parts only.
	&gt;
	&gt;After learning about the Star Wars to Hydra conversions,
	&gt;it seems a shame to junk these two hulks.  Maybe I could
	&gt;make one decent cabinet out of what I've got.
	&gt;
	&gt;So, I guess I'm looking for a motherboard, eh?  If
	&gt;anybody is willing to part with one, please let me
	&gt;know.  I will not take offense to _any_ asking price
	&gt;even if it's a hundred jillion dollars.  8^)  (Sorry,
	&gt;couldn't resist)
	&gt;
	&gt;Tim
	&gt;
	&gt;--
	&gt;Tim Tewalt
	&gt;Cray Computer Corporation
	&gt;Colorado Springs, CO
	&gt;
	&gt;&quot;I know a little about electricity, eh?&quot; - Doug McKenzie

	I have a Star Wars machine with a bad power supply.  I'd be interested in
	parting with the motherboard for about $450.  I've had many offers for
	the entire machine, but no one in my area and sending an entire machine
	doesn't do much for me.  In another article, you requested the control
	panel and yoke, that also is for sale for $150.  Anything else is for
	sale if you need it.  Make an offer.

	John P. Hagemann
	Persoft, Inc.
	Madison, WI
</pre>

==The repair quest begings==
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.games.video.arcade.collecting/browse_frm/thread/be94319ef11f8a80/c69dd53cfeeb6e86

<pre>	From: damien413@aol.com (Damien413)
	Newsgroups: rec.games.video.arcade.collecting
	Subject: Wanted: Deflection Board and Flyback Transformer for Star Wars
	Date: 29 Aug 1994 19:28:01 -0400
	Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364)
	Lines: 9
	Sender: news@search01.news.aol.com
	Message-ID: &lt;33tqu1$s79@search01.news.aol.com&gt;
	NNTP-Posting-Host: search01.news.aol.com


	I've got a Star Wars standup that's not working and I'd like to buy a
	deflection board and a flyback transformer.  If anyone's got one, please
	send me mail at
	hagemann@pervax.persoft.com

	Give me an idea of what you'd like for them.  I'm also looking for the
	docs for this machine.
</pre>

==Searching for gold==
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.games.video.arcade.collecting/browse_frm/thread/a1d738253746b520/3de880c739ee3202

<pre>	Newsgroups: rec.games.video.arcade.collecting
	From: hagemann@pervax.persoft.com (John P. Hagemann)
	Subject: Star Wars (Ampliphone) Boards Needed
	Message-ID: &lt;1994Oct3.150347.16124@newsserver.rrzn.uni-hannover.de&gt;
	Sender: news@newsserver.rrzn.uni-hannover.de (News Service)
	Organization: Persoft, Inc.
	X-Newsreader: WinVN 0.92.5
	Date: Mon, 3 Oct 1994 15:03:47 GMT
	Lines: 11


	I have a Star Wars upright that has a monitor problems.  It is an
	Ampliphone monitor (not Wells-Gardner).  I don't know much about these
	things, but I've been told that my problem is either a bad HV board or
	the flyback transformer.  So I'm looking for these things (I'd like both
	if possible).  If anyone has such a thing they'd like to sell, please
	write me at:

	hagemann@pervax.persoft.com

	Thanks,
	John P. Hagemann
</pre>

==It had a Wells Gardner in it for a moment==
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.games.video.arcade.collecting/browse_frm/thread/bb254c2582593b8b/32e7382ab6b01e9f

<pre>	From: hagemann@persoft.com (John P. Hagemann)
	Subject: HELP! Wells-Gardner Repair Needed
	Date: 1995/05/24
	Message-ID: &lt;3pv9ah$veg_002@cis.nctu.edu.tw&gt;#1/1
	organization: Persoft, Inc.
	newsgroups: rec.games.video.arcade.collecting


	I've got a Star Wars standup in great condition.  The only problem is
	(and you may have seen my previous posts on this) the video system is
	hosed.  Tim Tewalt (a great guy, haven't heard from him in a while) sent
	me a Wells-Gardner retrofit to fix my screwy Amplifone setup.  I can't
	fix it myself-I just don't have the expertise.  What I'm looking for is
	someone I can send the whole video subsystem to for repair.  I'm more
	than willing to pay for shipping, repair time, and parts.  This is an
	urgent plea to anyone who knows how to fix Atari vector games...This
	poor thing has been dead for far too long (over 5 years).  Any responses
	would be greatly appreciated.

	John P. Hagemann   hagemann@persoft.com
	Persoft, Inc.exi
</pre>

==Control Troubles==
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.games.video.arcade.collecting/browse_frm/thread/137e21a78c62e89d/0e65bf049de1ca2e

<pre>	From: hagemann@earth.execpc.com (John P. Hagemann)
	Subject: Star Wars Control Panel Wiring
	Date: 1995/07/22
	Message-ID: &lt;3urjtf$bu8@homer.alpha.net&gt;#1/1
	organization: Alpha.net -- Milwaukee, WI
	newsgroups: rec.games.video.arcade.collecting


	I'm looking for help with my Star Wars standup machine.  Anyone who might
	have schematics for the control panel wiring might be able to help.When
	I disassembling the machine last time, I dropped the control panel and
	the wires pulled out of the harness.  There are 4 sets of harnesses, each
	with 3 wires each (Red, White, and Black). These four harnesses plug
	into a main wiring harness that looks like this:


	                        x x x +
	                        + o x x
	                        x o x +

	+ = round hole with connection
	X = D shaped hole with connection
	o = round hole with no connection

	I've got the four individual harnesses labeled by their purpose (up/down,
	right/left, left trigger/button, right trigger/button).  Do you have a
	schematic that shows what wires go in what holes in the main harness?  Also,
	I noticed that there are 12 wires total, but only 10 holes with connections.
	There is also a green wire (a ground?) that occupies one of the connecters
	in the main harness.  That wire is still connected to the harness, so I
	know where it belongs.  There are 3 wires left over, where do they go?
	Any help will be greatly appreciated.

	John P. Hagemann   hagemann@persoft.com
	Persoft, Inc.
</pre>

==It's alive!==
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.games.video.arcade.collecting/browse_frm/thread/f112a6c0a0a3a8c8/8e61d62667da2fa3

<pre>	From: hagemann@persoft.com (John P. Hagemann)
	Subject: Star Wars Lives!!!
	Date: 1995/08/03
	Message-ID: &lt;3vr74g$me_002@cis.nctu.edu.tw&gt;#1/1
	organization: Persoft, Inc.
	newsgroups: rec.games.video.arcade.collecting


	After a delay of 5 (count 'em...5) years, I've finally gotten Star Wars
	working.  I could not have done it without the selfless assistance of
	Tim Tewalt who has gone through hell and highwater to help me.  A special
	thanks to him.  Also, thanks to anyone who replied to my pleas for help
	over the last few months.  It's been a long time since I've seen those
	glorious XY graphics, but it was worth the wait!

	John P. Hagemann   hagemann@persoft.com
	Persoft, Inc.
</pre>

==Amazingly, only TWELVE days later:==
http://groups.google.com/group/uwisc.forsale/browse_frm/thread/3a9b8641c5a63522/30d2639330a0eb56

<pre>	From: hagemann@persoft.com (John P. Hagemann)
	Subject: FS: Star Wars Stand-Up Arcade Game
	Date: 1995/08/15
	Message-ID: &lt;40qk3r$b7g_001@news.alpha.net&gt;#1/1
	organization: Persoft, Inc.
	newsgroups: uwisc.forsale


	I've got a fully-working Star Wars arcade game for sale.  If you remember
	the game (circa 1983) it's one of the best XY vector games Atari ever came
	out with.  The cabinet is in very good condition, only a few scratches and
	nicks.  I recently replaced the high-voltage and deflection boards.  It
	takes quarters (the token converter has been removed).  I have all the
	manuals and schematics.  I would prefer to sell it in the Madison area
	because they are impossible to ship. I'll even help you move it.  Because
	of it's good condition, I'm asking $450.00, but I'll accept reasonable
	offers. Please direct responses to:

	hagemann@persoft.com   or
	hagemann@earth.execpc.com

	Thanks in advance for any replies.
	John P. Hagemann
</pre>

==Suspicious flyback?==
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.games.video.arcade.collecting/browse_frm/thread/96230e4b71d79178/588a52cbb3ef7a0e

<pre>	From: tewalt@mtnrun (Tim Tewalt)
	Subject: Star Wars Flyback Transformer Update
	Date: 1995/09/05
	Message-ID: &lt;42i5j5$d7e@nntpd2.cxo.dec.com&gt;#1/1
	organization: Digital Equipment Corporation
	reply-to: tewalt@peaks.enet.dec.com
	newsgroups: rec.games.video.arcade.collecting


	(Sorry to post this, but my mailer is fussy today and I don't think this
	went out to all those intended - Tim)

	Hi guys... bad news.  Bottom line is, $150 each when ordering a total of 25
	flybacks.

	As Gregg Woodcock pointed out, Penn Trans of Wingate PA, is no longer in
	business...  Hell, there's no such thing as Wingate, PA, either for that
	matter.

	I called the Postmaster in Bellefonte, PA and found that Wingate was
	swallowed up by Bellefonte and more importantly, Penn Trans was bought
	out by Wintron Inc.

	The part number 926862802 from my flyback, matches the Wintron flyback part
	number, so I was pretty sure I had found the source.  They faxed me a quote
	a few days later with a price of $173.13 each on a quantity of ten and $149.83
	each on a quantity of twenty-five.  *NOT* the deal I was looking for.

	So anyway, I have decided not to pursue this any further.  If someone else
	would like to look into this, you'll find some pertinent information below.

	Thanks a lot for your interest, guys.  Sorry I wasn't able to come through.

	Tim


	Flyback Transformer for Amplihone XY monitor:
	Atari part number: A201005-01
	Type number: 926862802


	WinTron Inc.
	250 Runville Road
	Bellefonte, PA 16823
	Phone: (814) 355-1521
	FAX: (814) 355-1524


	People interested in replacement flyback:

	Tim Tewalt	tewalt@peaks.enet.dec.com
	Mike Mushovic	mushovic@babagi.enet.dec.com
	Tony Jones	tony@rtd.com
	Rich Gopstein	gopstein@helix.bms.com
	Doug Terrebone	dougt@netcom.com
	Al McCormick	dmccorm1@students.wisc.edu
	David Shoemaker	A-bds@microsoft.com
	Greg Kam	gkam@newbridge
	Tom Royar	troyar@wildfire.com
	Peter Taylor	ptaylor@nero.uvic.ca
	Gregg Woodcock	woodcock@bnr.ca
	David Holcomb	holcomb@cray-ymp.acm.stuorg.vt.edu
	<b>John Hagemann	hagemann@persoft.com</b>
	David Humphrey	dover@ll.mit.edu
	Ruben Parossian	malcor@ozemail.com.au
</pre>

==For sale, again:==
http://groups.google.com/group/uwisc.forsale/browse_frm/thread/87c6582377362e54/294fecbbcb50a935

<pre>	From: hagemann@persoft.com (John P. Hagemann)
	Subject: FS:  Atari Star Wars stand-up arcade game
	Date: 1995/09/13
	Message-ID: &lt;4371pn$ugk_001@news.alpha.net&gt;#1/1
	organization: Persoft, Inc.
	newsgroups: uwisc.forsale


	I've got an Atari Star Wars arcade game for sale in the Madison, WI area.
	It's the classic vector graphics game from the mid-1980s.  It's fully
	functional and in great shape.  I've got all the documentation and
	schematics as well.  I would prefer to sell it in the Madison area, but
	may be willing to move it if need be.  I'm looking to get $450.00 OBO
	for it.  If you're interested, contact me at:   hagemann@persoft.com

	Thanks in advance for any replies.

	John P. Hagemann   hagemann@persoft.com
	Persoft, Inc.
</pre>

==Lowered Price, five days later==
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.games.video.arcade.collecting/browse_frm/thread/88443e295d220752/d9347a75691a3039

<pre>	From: hagemann@persoft.com (John P. Hagemann)
	Subject: FS or Trade: Star Wars Upright
	Date: 1995/09/18
	Message-ID: &lt;43k7ua$vng_001@cis.nctu.edu.tw&gt;#1/1
	organization: Persoft, Inc.
	newsgroups: rec.games.video.arcade.collecting


	I've got a working (thanks to Tim Tewalt) Star Wars upright for sale in
	Madison, WI area. It's got the Amplifone monitor setup.  The flyback has
	NOT been replaced yet, but she still works.  The cabinet is in very good
	condition, with very few nicks or scratches.  Controller is in good shape.
	Some of the original tamperproof screws were stripped, so I retapped the
	holes and replaced the screws with non-tamperproof screws.  I don't want
	to ship this thing, so I'd prefer to sell it to someone in this area or
	to someone who's willing to come get it.  I love this machine, but it's
	time to move on to another one.  I'm looking to get $400 for it.  If you're
	interested, contact me at:  hagemann@persoft.com

	Thanks in advance for any replies.

	John P. Hagemann  hagemann@persoft.com
</pre>


I'm really not 100% sure as to which post I had originally responded, nor when the original buyer fell through. He must have rememberd the email address for us when last message was posted.