I'm doing a little job searching and found a listing for an arcade technician in the local paper. Does anyone know if standard pc building and troubleshooting skills will translate fully into arcade game repair?

I know how to use a multimeter, but I've never actually dove into an Arcade cabinet. I can build and troubleshoot PC hardware with my eyes shut though.


Am I qualified for this job?

the specific term they used in the job listing is "low level component troubleshooting" or some shit.


Also, what's the salary range for a job like this? shit?

8/5/2009 6:22:41 PM

from what i've seen the homemade arcade machine are simply pcs running mame, commercial units on the other hand seem to be a good bit more electronically and mechanically complex.

i'd can't see them paying more than about $14/hr but arcades are disappearing so it's a niche market and pay could be redonkulous.

i say fuck it, apply anyway.

8/5/2009 8:40:01 PM

8/5/2009 9:00:53 PM

apply, the worse that can happen is you get turned down

8/5/2009 10:58:26 PM

Depends on the place, but arcade repair can also mean a lot more than just troubleshooting on old circuit boards. Game setups are so much more complicated now, and the actual "computer" components are not as likely to need repair as other components. It probably means doing things like repairing the electrical contacts on a stomped-on DDR pad, searching for proprietary-ass parts to replace a screw that's come loose on a car seat for a racing game and fucked up the seat adjustment sliders, and other things like that. Most likely just as much mechanic as computer technician. Ask what types of games and cabinets they have.

8/6/2009 3:13:51 AM

So I'm basically smoking crack if i go in there and ask for $19-20 /hr


it's a national chain restaurant that's based around arcade games. It's similar to a dave and buster's.

8/6/2009 9:44:37 AM

19 dollars an hour seems reasonable for cleaning vomit out of arcade cabinets.

8/6/2009 10:35:48 AM

8/6/2009 10:54:52 AM