i meant by dumbasses, like me.
i can read and understand diagrams and pcb gadgetry, but if there's any magic going on in those square insects and round firecrackers, ...i'm out.

also, a library sticky would be great.
electronics, yes, but also good collector's/evaluation books.
heck, maybe even the Hardy Boys: Trouble at the Arcade!  or not.

excellent.  thank you all.
i did save the list of 7400 logic chips, but i noticed my eyes crossed pretty quick when i'd actually look at it's contents.
i ordered the book about beginner's electronics, and i look forward to getting into a new field of study.
thanks for the little soldering comic, too.

hey, is tracing an unknown problem on a pcb done all the time?
seems like i'd stare at it for about 6 hours, then guess wrong.
perhaps more will become clear after some reading.

kevin

well, i won't be repairing any boards, unless there's a picture tutorial.
mostly i need to understand the function of all components, so i can diagnose and replace.
REMOVE & REPLACE and spit n polish will be my methods.

as far as electronics theory, i get it, but i lack the attention span to finish tracing a circuit and remembering why i started tracing it.
  seriously. 

i think i'll start with several i've seen on amazon.  they'll at least get me familiar with terms and brand nuances.
aside from that, i really need to just peel into some cabinets.

electronics make my brain melt.
i'm a mechanic, contractor, and even a house electrician, but the magic in computers escapes me.
i have friends & family that know it well, but i can't afford them, and wouldn't want to be a burden.

i'm ramping up for being an arcade collector, but i really need reference books to bring me up to speed.

i've started a wish list on amazon, but any insight would help.

thanks, fellow geeks,
kevin

firstly, i'm an electronics idiot. 
some other questions will be posted in the newbie forum, but this pertains to owning a VS.

i'm eyeing a POPEYE right now, but i'm under the impression you can rotate games in & out.
so, this is only possible after a VS UNISYSTEM CONVERSION?

this particular cabinet has not had it done, so what am i in for?
PLEASE SPEAK SLOWLY AND LIST SPECIFICS!!
if parts aren't fairly easy to come by, just tell me to forget it and wait for a RED TENT or converted upright.
i'm just excited to finally get started in the hobby.

[i plan to have about 15-20 dedicated arcades, a few pins, and a huge rat-hole of extra parts]
[current machines:  ENDURO RACER, ...and that's it.]