Storing an arcade machine

Bartholamue

I just had a question. If I store an arcade machine in my friend's garage, and is not heated, would it be fine for awhile? I've never really had to do this, but where it is right now, I can't keep it there.

MushroomStick

I've had 4 arcade cabinets in the garage here for a few years now, so as long as the garage doesn't flood or something, it should be fine. If you bring it inside at some point, don't give it power until its had time to get up to room temperature and any/all condensation has evaporated. If you plug it in cold, you'll probably hear a pop, then see some smoke, and that it'd be it for that game (watched a friend power up a bass amp head cold and have this happen - I assume we can infer a similar result for most electronics).

Bartholamue

I'll take your word for it, though Edmonton winters aren't the most forgiving.

MushroomStick

I assure you that Chicago winters can be less than fun. As long as the garage keeps out the rain and snow and you don't try to run the game, it'll be fine. Unless you bought the cabinet brand new (and maybe even if you did), its probably seen at least a little cold storage at some point.

taliosfalcon

Edmonton makes the worst chicago winter feel like a warm sunny day that being said Mushrooms advice is still spot on unless it's a newer machine with an LCD screen, those can get ruined when it dips below -30 for extended periods

Bartholamue

Nah, I bought it used, and I'm pretty sure it's just a PC with hard drive and a CRT monitor.

Thanks for the advice guys. This helped me out.