Mame Light gun set up, a few questions

[Lecithin]

The first would be what is the best gun/set up for a Mame cab w/tinted glass. I've heard a lot about the ACT guns but seem to get mixed reviews and the AIM-Trak from ultimarc seems a viable option. Which of these two is best, also, is there other options I don't know about? I know this has been discussed before but everything I see seems to conflict so I'm wondering if someone with experience with the actual products could chime in and help sway me either way.

I will be using a TV as a monitor. Also, I'm hoping to interface w/out S-video but I read the graphics card I have on the computer will work fine... (if that weighs in the decision for a gun at all)

Also, I noticed a lot of light gun games are set up w/vertical monitors. That is the monitors are not inclined at all, is this because of how the light guns interact with the tv/monitor or does it not matter?

[Ragtag83]

If you have minimal soldering skills, get the AimTrak. It's cheaper (though added materials are needed and will up the cost), works better, usb interface (no video interface needed), you can tilt your monitor as you please, no drivers are technically needed (though upgrading the firmware would be a good idea), and it's quite fun building your own gun (now that my brother's guns are done, I am slowly building spiffy ones for myself). The camera on the gun reads infrared leds that you place above your monitor. I did find that there can be some issues with upgrading the firmware. It could be more user friendly but it's really not that difficult if you do happen to run into some issues. I have researched about every option for a gun system under $50 and the AimTrak is by far the best.  Though that is just my opinion, it has taken me a lot of reading through this forum and many others to come up with that conclusion.

[Lecithin]

Just the type of reply I was hoping for. I needed someone to push me over the edge Thank you for taking the time!

I guess I'll start looking for a Sega gun or something that I can use for this.

[kjbalto]

I don't have experience with any of the other guns. I was researching the Top Gun II's and I was told by many people that they work well but you have to stand far away from the screen.  I didn't want that.  I ended up going with the Aimtrak. I bought two guns for $30 on ebay and installed the aimtrak without a problem.  I had no soldering experience and it was my first time doing it. Watched a quick soldering video on youtube and I soldered my aimtrak in 10 minutes later.  I love it and highly recommend it.  But again, I haven't tried other guns, so I can't compare them.

[nickynooch]

I love my actlabs guns. I didn't want a border around my screen so actlabs seemed the best choice for me. The gun look legit and work pretty good. Of course compatability depends on the game, but I am happy. 

I have read about issues with smoked glass though.