Help converting two SF Rush cabinets to two linked Gamecubes

[Lukenatme]

The goal is to have two linked Gamecubes for two player, head-to-head racing on Mario Kart Double Dash.

Question 1: Is this possible?  SF Rush uses a medium resolution monitor while the Ultimarc adapters say they work with either low or vga resolution.

Question 2: Should I use the Ultimarc adapters or just scrap it all and go with 2 TV's, and use 2 Logitech racing wheels plugged into the Gamecube, leaving the cabinet's only purpose to be a shell?  

I have searched this site before for help with connecting a Dreamcast MGCD and an Xbox Timer board in other JAMMA cabinets.  I got the video to come up on the monitor, but never did get the control panel wiring to respond--probably wasn't grounded properly or something...regardless, I scrapped both projects after not being able to figure out what was done wrong, so my problem-solving skills aren't the greatest when it comes to cabinet conversions using game consoles.  However, that was for a fighting game that had kick harnesses--I think a driving game would be more straightforward.  I've browsed old threads where people made Xbox driving cabinets, but it seems like there's always some part of it that doesn't match up to what I'm trying to do.  SEGA cabinet wiring and parts are different from what is found in an Atari cabinet.  The Rush games have some weird force feedback boards and I'm not sure how that will play into this.

Are there any helpful Gamecube-specific links?  I didn't find much other than debates on what the system outputs for video.

I'm in the USA, so SCART talk is foreign to me...

[zaktallica]

Good luck..Im trying to the same with a final lap cabinet and 2 xbox cabinets..Mounting the wheels where they dont look like crap is the hardest part..I ended up just using to 19 inch crt tvs for my cab but still dont know what the hell to do with my wheels..

[Lukenatme]

Thanks that should  be enough to get started.

[helpmebuild]

I'm slowly working on a similar project with a SF Rush Alcatraz Edition and a 360. Personally I'm going with a new 22" LCD rather than adapters and the headache of a monitor. I have had some serious issues with monitors the last few years and I'd just as soon scrap it and use a new LCD.

In terms of resources for a Gamecube and this type of project you'll likely be alone on that front. I will say that for anyone doing this type of project, the wheel and controls always seem to be the biggest challenge. I am also in the process of trying to work out getting Logitech gear in my cab to not only function but look great, but it is very difficult to pull off based on my experience so far.

I'd say that just slowly picking your battles and tackling one thing at a time you'll end up being rather successful. I'd def avoid jumping in with both feet and getting your hands in everything at once, as that will cause you some frustration and differ progress on important things.

[Lukenatme]

Is a 22" LCD the best fit for a Rush cabinet?  Are you de-casing the LCD, or would the existing monitor bezel cover up the extremities?  Other than that, my biggest fear is making the wheel fit like it belongs there, nice & snug.

[helpmebuild]

Is a 22" LCD the best fit for a Rush cabinet?  Are you de-casing the LCD, or would the existing monitor bezel cover up the extremities?  Other than that, my biggest fear is making the wheel fit like it belongs there, nice & snug.

Well to fit an LCD horizontal (which is how I'd like to go) in this cab the ideal size is between 22 and 23" but it would be a little too tight with 23 so I'd rather not risk it and be a little on the safe side.

I suppose I could get away with a much bigger LCD if it were vertical but I don't know that it would be a good way to go for this kind of cab. Besides this, 22" is pretty large granted how close to the monitor you sit.

I will be de-casing the monitor and creating a custom bezel to cover off the monitor edges and the rest of the un-noticeables in the back of the cab. Honestly the monitor is the least of my worries right now, as it should be yours. Getting a wheel other than stock to look AND feel good is next to impossible. I have seen many attempts with very few decent results. I am just starting to work on this aspect of it now but need to take it so as I'm tight with time and money and it is very stressful to get done right.

[Generic Eric]

Good luck with this.  I have a dreamcast wheel in the basement waiting to be hooked up in a cabinet. 

Have you been to gamesx?  http://www.gamesx.com/wiki/doku.php?id=av:nintendomultiavHere is a pin out for the video connector.  Or how about benheck.com?  there is a lot of crazy console hacking there.

Which gamecube wheel are you using?