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If you have a Robotron Cocktail why not register it on the Robotron Cocktail Owners List
My Robotron cocktail has had a hard life, below is as much of it's history as I know (or am likely to find out):
It must have spent a considerable amount of time as a Robotron due to the level of burn-in on the monitors tube. Ten or more years ago it was converted to R-type and stayed in this state for a number of years judging by the R-type burn-in (on top of the Robotron burn-in). Then the R-type PCB failed and it was removed for repair. However, whoever was repairing the PCB bought it from the games owner so at this point the game ended up
residing in a warehouse in Alberta, Canada.
So the JAMMA'ed Roby cocktail was put in a dark corner all unloved and abandoned, left to collect dust and pidgeon droppings for a few years. Then it was discovered by a good friend of Archer Maclean's on a warehouse raid last year ....
Since Archer was on the hunt for a Roby cocktail at the time he came across stories of my Roby cocktail in the same week as he finally found the one that he owns. After quite a few hour long calls to Canada Archer persuaded the owner to sell the Roby cocktail. In order for the game to be shipped to the UK it had to be loaded into a container located in Chicago, USA just a few days after the sale .... and the game was in Alberta, Canada. Another friend of Archers drove, get this, 23 hrs, to collect the game, and 23 hrs all the way back. But hey - USA petrol is cheap (well, compared to ours in the UK!) It was then delivered to Archer's good friend John in Chicago where the container was waiting to leave within 24 hrs, so it was a tight trip to say the least. The container then was hauled to New York and loaded onto a ship bound for Rotterdam and Britain and sure enough, 4 weeks later, loads of VAT and import Taxes and dock rent, and juggernaut charges for delivery and so on and on, it turned up here in the UK!
Now on the same day Archer bought my Roby Cocktail, the other one he bought was also paid for because Archer had given the guy a commitment sometime earlier. So Archer ended up with two Roby cocktails! He had grand hopes of restoring my one, but I will be eternally in his debt as he did a most unselfish thing and sold me it for a very reasonable price. :o)
Thanks to Archer, and all those who played a part in the games journey to it's new home!
 This is it ... my very own Robotron Cocktail! |
During conversion to R-type the original boards were removed and the wiring was altered to allow JAMMA operation. Fortunately the wires were all cut off at the connectors so during restoration I was able to restore the entire wiring harness merely by fitting new Molex connectors.
The worst damage done to the game was caused when an extra hole was drilled in each control panel to allow a second fire button to be fitted (the first went in the hole left when the fire joysticks were removed). :o(
The following was done as part of the restoration:
- Everything was cleaned to perfectionist standards.
- The wiring loom was removed and re-terminated with new Molex connectors.
- The control panels were repaired a new joysticks were fitted.
- New reproduction Control Panel Overlays were fitted.
- Game PCBs and mounting plates were fitted.
- The existing monitor was refurbished with a cap kit and the tube was also replaced with a burn in free one.
- The original PSU was re-furbished with all caps and semiconductors being replaced.
- Various other misc repairs were carried out.
- Replace the coin mechanism with a UK 10p one.
- Fit new under-glass instruction cards.
Still on the 'to do' list:
- Touch up the exterior paintwork.
- Replace the T-molding.
If you have any Robotron Cocktail parts for sale please Emailme.
I am currently looking for the following:
- T-molding to fit the game (this table uses odd sizes!).
Photographs of the game before restoration:
 The mess inside the game that greeted me once the monitor was removed! |
 A close up of the mess ... |
 Another close up of the mess ... |
Click on any image to enlarge!
 The mounting plate,PCB's and wiring has all been removed :o( |
 The two control panels with a joystick missing and an extra hole :o( |
 This monitor does work but it has heavy Robotron and R-type burn-in |
Fitting the Reproduction Control Panel Overlays:
I thought that I'd a do a little section showing the before and after pictures of the Reproduction Control Panel Overlays. These overlays are perfect reproductions and were produced by Darin Jacobs and are fabulous!
 The area of the control panels with the (filled) hole |
 The Control Panel ready for the new CPO  Even the control panel illumination works! |
Click on any image to enlarge!
 The repro control panels! No more ugly holes! |
 The new CPO fitted to the game! |
Photographs of the game during/after restoration:
 The front of the game... |
 The back of the game... |
Click on any image to enlarge!
 No more mess! |
 The inside of the game fully restored |
Click on any image to enlarge!
 The mounting plate,PCB's and wiring as they should be :o) |
 The restored sound board wiring |
Special thanks go out to the following individuals for their part in this games restoration:
- Archer Maclean - For importing the game AND selling me it.
- Darin Jacobs - For reproducing the CPO's
- Adam Pletcher - For the volume pot
- ... and of course everyone on UKVAC, RGVAC and WilliamsVids who offered me advice.