sleftwich
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Posts posted by sleftwich
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I'm down for one of these.
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1
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Current status (18-Mar-2018):
Pre-order stage. Reply to post with quantity you're seriously interested in buying. Pre-order stage open at least until production run has started.
Current pre-order count: 105.
Engineering and prototype fee has been paid. Reviewing supplier drawings before prototype run is started.
Initial Post (10-Feb-2018):
As many of you are aware, the Microvision by Milton Bradley is notorious for something people have called "screen rot", where the LCD screen becomes dark and unusable. Unfortunately, this effect is all too common. A fix for these would hopefully bring back to life these interesting and (I think) fun handheld systems.
It took a few months or so, but I was finally able to get a couple of quotes for replacement LCD screens for the Microvision (unfortunately, minimum order quantities for small LCDs are typically in the thousands). These are intended to be drop-in replacements for existing screens. These would also include the reflecting and polarizing layers, but would not include the rubber "Zebra" connectors that connect the LCD screen to the board (will need to be re-used).
Here are the steps in the project:
1. Find out if enough people want these (starts now!)
2. Order prototypes (6 week delay; I pay for that up-front to supplier)
3. Order production run (6 week delay; payment required up-front to supplier)
3. Payment for units (to me)
4. Ship units to you
Yes, there are two #3s listed above. The order of these two will depend on how much money I have on hand at the moment. I'm not a big fan of receiving payment prior to items being ready to ship (because life and shit happens, and I don't really want to have your money if I'm not able to ship these out for any reason). If needed at the time, maybe a down-payment or voluntary early payment system could be used. That's all well ahead of us, though... the first step is finding out who all wants one or more of these, so let's concentrate on that...
There's a number of costs related to this project. Some are known, such as engineering cost and production cost, and some are unknown, such as customs and duty, and shipping parts to me. Therefore, I've come up with some maximum prices in US dollars (shipping not included):
- Quantity 1: $22.00 maximum
- Quantity 2+: $20.50 each, maximum
- Quantity 4+: $19.00 each, maximum
- Quantity 8+: $17.50 each, maximum
I want to stress that the goal of this initial offering is not to make money, but to get this project going. As an estimate, if about 70 are pre-ordered, which is about the lowest I can go, I'll need to put a fair bit of my own money into the project (but will hopefully be able to sell the extras on an ongoing basis later on, maybe for $25 each, and eventually break even). If about 130 are pre-ordered, that is the break-even point for the prices listed above. If more than about 130 are pre-ordered, then the price will go down accordingly. If I recall correctly from my spreadsheet, if 170 are pre-ordered, your price goes down by about $5 for each unit (at least the lower quantity orders - the higher quantity orders might go down a bit less). The main reason for this is the fixed engineering cost, which would get spread out thinner over a higher quantity of units. If the quantities reach high enough (like 130+), I'll keep you updated with the current maximum price. At some point this pre-order stage will end... I will give at least 2 weeks advance notice for that (open ended for now, until the numbers go up).
I should mention that once you've bought and received your replacement screens, they're yours to do whatever you want with them... resell them at any price you see fit, put them in systems and sell those at any price you see fit, keep them on your shelf to look at, etc.
So, the first step is to find out if enough people want these. If you do want one or more of these, please reply to this thread with the quantity you're seriously interested in purchasing. That's the simplest for me to keep track of. There may be reasons you don't want to publish the quantity you want - in that case, send me a PM. Either way, I'll post the total number requested here in this thread, to keep everyone updated. Also, reply ideally, or send a PM, if you have any questions.
Finally, thanks for everyone who pre-orders. I want this to happen as I have about 10 Microvisions, including only about 1 that works well. As incentive, the plan is that the pre-order price will be the lowest price to get these. Also, any help in spreading the word is appreciated (feel free to post with links, if applicable).
Links:
1. Shorter version of initial post at DigitPress: https://forum.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?175968-Microvision-replacement-screen-project-pre-order-amp-purchase-here
2. Much shorter version of initial post at CGCC: http://cgcc.ca/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=31048
FAQ:
1.
Current status (18-Mar-2018):
Pre-order stage. Reply to post with quantity you're seriously interested in buying. Pre-order stage open at least until production run has started.
Current pre-order count: 105.
Engineering and prototype fee has been paid. Reviewing supplier drawings before prototype run is started.
Initial Post (10-Feb-2018):
As many of you are aware, the Microvision by Milton Bradley is notorious for something people have called "screen rot", where the LCD screen becomes dark and unusable. Unfortunately, this effect is all too common. A fix for these would hopefully bring back to life these interesting and (I think) fun handheld systems.
It took a few months or so, but I was finally able to get a couple of quotes for replacement LCD screens for the Microvision (unfortunately, minimum order quantities for small LCDs are typically in the thousands). These are intended to be drop-in replacements for existing screens. These would also include the reflecting and polarizing layers, but would not include the rubber "Zebra" connectors that connect the LCD screen to the board (will need to be re-used).
Here are the steps in the project:
1. Find out if enough people want these (starts now!)
2. Order prototypes (6 week delay; I pay for that up-front to supplier)
3. Order production run (6 week delay; payment required up-front to supplier)
3. Payment for units (to me)
4. Ship units to you
Yes, there are two #3s listed above. The order of these two will depend on how much money I have on hand at the moment. I'm not a big fan of receiving payment prior to items being ready to ship (because life and shit happens, and I don't really want to have your money if I'm not able to ship these out for any reason). If needed at the time, maybe a down-payment or voluntary early payment system could be used. That's all well ahead of us, though... the first step is finding out who all wants one or more of these, so let's concentrate on that...
There's a number of costs related to this project. Some are known, such as engineering cost and production cost, and some are unknown, such as customs and duty, and shipping parts to me. Therefore, I've come up with some maximum prices in US dollars (shipping not included):
- Quantity 1: $22.00 maximum
- Quantity 2+: $20.50 each, maximum
- Quantity 4+: $19.00 each, maximum
- Quantity 8+: $17.50 each, maximum
I want to stress that the goal of this initial offering is not to make money, but to get this project going. As an estimate, if about 70 are pre-ordered, which is about the lowest I can go, I'll need to put a fair bit of my own money into the project (but will hopefully be able to sell the extras on an ongoing basis later on, maybe for $25 each, and eventually break even). If about 130 are pre-ordered, that is the break-even point for the prices listed above. If more than about 130 are pre-ordered, then the price will go down accordingly. If I recall correctly from my spreadsheet, if 170 are pre-ordered, your price goes down by about $5 for each unit (at least the lower quantity orders - the higher quantity orders might go down a bit less). The main reason for this is the fixed engineering cost, which would get spread out thinner over a higher quantity of units. If the quantities reach high enough (like 130+), I'll keep you updated with the current maximum price. At some point this pre-order stage will end... I will give at least 2 weeks advance notice for that (open ended for now, until the numbers go up).
I should mention that once you've bought and received your replacement screens, they're yours to do whatever you want with them... resell them at any price you see fit, put them in systems and sell those at any price you see fit, keep them on your shelf to look at, etc.
So, the first step is to find out if enough people want these. If you do want one or more of these, please reply to this thread with the quantity you're seriously interested in purchasing. That's the simplest for me to keep track of. There may be reasons you don't want to publish the quantity you want - in that case, send me a PM. Either way, I'll post the total number requested here in this thread, to keep everyone updated. Also, reply ideally, or send a PM, if you have any questions.
Finally, thanks for everyone who pre-orders. I want this to happen as I have about 10 Microvisions, including only about 1 that works well. As incentive, the plan is that the pre-order price will be the lowest price to get these. Also, any help in spreading the word is appreciated (feel free to post with links, if applicable).
Links:
1. Shorter version of initial post at DigitPress: https://forum.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?175968-Microvision-replacement-screen-project-pre-order-amp-purchase-here
2. Much shorter version of initial post at CGCC: http://cgcc.ca/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=31048
FAQ:
1. Will the new screens be susceptible to screen rot? They shouldn't be. These will be brand new displays, built to high standards. We're used to the Microvision display being very poor, but most or nearly all other small LCD displays work well for many, many years.
2. What is the operating and storage temperature of the display. Operating Range: 0C to +50C. Storage Range: -10C to +60C.
To-Do List:
1. Take pictures of installation method
2. Test Zebra connectors
I'm down for one of these.
Will the new screens be susceptible to screen rot? They shouldn't be. These will be brand new displays, built to high standards. We're used to the Microvision display being very poor, but most or nearly all other small LCD displays work well for many, many years.
2. What is the operating and storage temperature of the display. Operating Range: 0C to +50C. Storage Range: -10C to +60C.
To-Do List:
1. Take pictures of installation method
2. Test Zebra connectors
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Does anyone here service Commodore 64 disk drives? I picked one up this weekend along with many games/disks at an estate sale. The Commodore works great but not sure about the disk drive. It responds but doesn't seem to read the disks.
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Anyone have a working one reasonably priced?
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I noticed the Atari Age store was out of these. Anyone have a few for sale?
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Thanks!
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Does anyone know if their is someone out there who repairs classic consoles? In specific, Bally Astrocade.
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Does anyone know of someone who repairs classic consoles?...In specific, I have a Bally Astrocade that has issues.
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I'm actually in Winston-Salem, NC.
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I have the following for sale...
Atari 800 boxed
Atari 800 loose
Atari 600 boxed
Atari dot matrix printer boxed
...I have not looked at the boxed items...I did test the loose Atari 800 and it works all the way...I need to downsize...$40 + shipping for all...message me if interested.
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my coleco adapter crapped out...someone have a working spare?
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where are you located?
Hello all -I noticed a blurb on one of your forums and wondered if anyone could help me. I have a TANK II Arcade game which I would like to sell. Model No. SA033-001. Is there a market for it? Any idea as to how much it is worth or I should ask for it? I also have many other Atari items such as the Atari Model No. CX-2600 and eons of game cartridges, a Play Station, the original Pong, etc. I am not sure what venue I should go with to sell them. I would appreciate any advice you can give me. I am loving reading your forums, but boy you guys are way ahead of me!
AtarigirlII
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can you supply contact info?
Arcade operator cleaned up, this stuff is destined for a trash heap. some of it, I agree, others.. well, there's at least two ataris in here,Crystal Castles (converted) and a Escape From The Planet of Robot Monsters on its side (lower right corner)
Oh, and a pac man or two, 2 galagas and other varied games with failed CRTs.
Elizabethton TN Google Map
Basically their plan is to load all this and go to the landfill. They have no objections to folks loading up one and taking it home, just don't break the CRTs or pinball glass laying about.
It is raining on and off around here, so stop by if you can quickly!
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how much?
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Hello!...I'm looking to add to my small TI-99 collection and would be interested in the following which totals $25...
TI Program Recorder
Super Demon Attack
Lunar Lander
Tombstone City
A-maze-ing
Meteor Multipication
Munch Man
Minus Mission
Hunt The Wumpus
Facemaker
Chisholm Trail
Car Wars
The Attack
Adventure
...I'm in Virginia...let me know about what you're thinking on shipping...thanks!
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I'm interested in Final Approach and Tully Turtle...the only games for the 2600 I have that are a bit hard to find are...Beany Bopper, Mountain King, Solar Fox, Omega Racr, Encounter at L5, & Summer Games...if you're interested in something let me know and if not how much for those games?
Post Updated 5-18-08Sonic 3 for Genesis GONE (Warrioris)
Sears 4-switch and following games GONE (Jboy)
Tully Turtle-Colecovision
Final Approach-2600
Q*Bert-2600 Red Label
Championship Soccer-2600
Boxing-2600
Games on Hold for nathanallan
Donkey Kong Jr.
Venture
Gorf
Tutenkahm
Super Breakout
Q-Bert
Food Fight (7800 cart)
Dragonfire
Canyon Run (Canyon Bomber)
I have the following items for sale or trade. I would prefer to trade these items out if possible, but will also take cash/paypal. I am looking primarily for game carts for the 2600 (I have most of the commons), Sega Genesis and ColecoVison. I am also looking for a set of jitter free paddles for the 2600 and a driving wheel for the Colecovision. All games and systems have been cleaned and tested and are in great working order.
Systems1 Sega Genesis with 2 controllers
3 Atari 2600 4-switch systems (one vader, one sears and one regular)
1 Atari 2600 6-switch system (works great, but reset switch lever is broken off. still works, just cosmetic - can be fixed with new switch)
1 orginial Atari Pong game unit (reset switch is missing, but game works great)
Games
Check attached photos
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I'm interested in Stella @ 20...still have it?
Updated 05-10-2008, Thanks for looking.All items 99 CENTS plus shipping
Everything tested and working.
All originals, not copies.
PAYMENT:
Paypal or U.S. POSTAL Money Orders.
SHIPPING:
Quotes are for U.S./Domestic shipping.
All items shipped within 24 hours of payment received.
Items listed here will be shipped in a bubble envelope, unless they won't fit (Controllers, Dr MD.)
Please ask, if you would like your item(s) packed in a box.
International Shipping available, please ask.
Atari 2600: Suncom Joy Sensor
Works, but has cosmetic damage.
HOLDING
Atari 2600: Space Jockey
Cart only. Tested and working.
Clean contacts, and clean label.
Shipping $2.29
Playstation RFU Adaptor, Boxed
This is for the original model Playstation. Look at the connectors in the picture.
Cable is clean, not worn. Box is also clean, and not worn.
One owner, stored smoke-free.
Shipping $2.99
Intellivision Lives! (PC & MAC both on same disc.)
Spotless and scratchless.
Manual is mint.
Case has very light wear on the front.
One owner, stored smoke-free.
Shipping $2.29
Digital Innovations Dr MD (CD Resurfacer)
Bought new, used once.
Except for the box, this is complete and in Excellent condition.
Shipping $8.50 packed in a box.
The Unknown Joystick
Pay Shipping only for this Joystick. No 99 Cent charge.
Works on Atari 2600.
No idea who made this.
Works, but someone cut part of the base off, and it looks like a battery compartment inside.
Shipping $3.16 packed in a box. Free local Pickup available.
This Old Pinball "LOST IN THE 'ZONE" (VHS) by Shaggy and Norm
Think this was bought at CGE 2001, in Las Vegas.
Plays fine, and in good condition. B & W label.
Shipping $3.16
STELLA AT 20: Volume 2 (VHS)
Excellent Condition. Original tape.
Shipping $3.16
NES Game Genie Code Book.......SOLD and SHIPPED
Labyrinth CD........SOLD and SHIPPED
Atari Jaguar Controller Extension Cable..... SOLD and SHIPPED
PS2/Playstation 2: RC Revenge Pro......SOLD and SHIPPED
PSX/PSone/Playstation: Sheep Raider......SOLD and SHIPPED
DVD Movie: GAMEBOX 1.0.......SOLD and Shipped
Music: Pac-Man Fever CD.......SOLD and Shipped
Video Game Collector (Issues 5 & 6)......SOLD and SHIPPED
Thanks
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WTB: Bally Astrocade
in Bally Arcade/Astrocade
Posted
If you have one for sale, PM with price. Thanks.