beginner needing help converting Jamma to MAME.

[dfg]

im about to buy myself a sega megalo 410, and wanting to convert it into a mame cab. just need to know what parts id need to get me started with this project?
the cab is in 100% working order.
currently only have an I-PAC2, but im sure this would be not needed with this machine.  I believe i need a Jpac and arcadevga?

any info would be most appreciated 
thanks!

[CheffoJeffo]

First question (and I know you wanted an answer, not a question) is how is the Megalo wired ?

If JAMMA, then, yeah, I would would start with a JPac and ArcadeVGA.

[dfg]

First question (and I know you wanted an answer, not a question) is how is the Megalo wired ?

If JAMMA, then, yeah, I would would start with a JPac and ArcadeVGA.

Well from the seller has told me is that its a fully working JAMMA machine, without any Games inside it (pcb boards i believe?)
the machine should be coming in within a week or 2, so I could take picture if need necessary.
I shall order the jpac and arcadevga 3000 card.

1.From what I understand is that you simply connect the JAMMA harness into the jpac and then to the pc ? (any links to tutorial or guides to help me better understand would be great)

2.I know that the Jamma  only can support 1-2 player joysticks with 4 buttons each?    I would need the 2 extra buttons for both players 1-2 to be wired into the jpac correct?

3.Its says on installation guides that the JAMMA simply connects to the jpac, does this mean I simply leave every connection,power from the cabinet and just  connect the PC onto a 2nd power source? or do i have to do some alterations to connect the pc/cabinet power  into one power source?

Hopefully this isnt too difficult to understand, but i greatly appreciate your input
cheers

[Malenko]

if its JAMMA, you plug the JPAC into the jamma connector, then from the JPAC run the 2 wires to the PC (VGA and either USB or PS2)  You'll still need either an ArcadeVGA or Soft15 to feed the monitor the appropriate signal. The JPAC has screw terminals on it for the extra buttons for players 1 and 2, you just need to run wires to the microswitches.

[BobA]

Check which monitor you get.   The original could do 3 resolutions.  If that is the monitor the highest res can be supported without the aracdevga.  However the arcadevga will give you the authentic resolutions that can also be shown on your monitor.

[Turnarcades]

First question (and I know you wanted an answer, not a question) is how is the Megalo wired ?

If JAMMA, then, yeah, I would would start with a JPac and ArcadeVGA.

No way cheff, I fully expected a 'read the wiki' quote there!

[CheffoJeffo]

No way cheff, I fully expected a 'read the wiki' quote there!

I'm getting old ... nice to see you again sir!

[Turnarcades]

Been busy - we're expanding at the mo, bit like my waistline unfortunately!

[dfg]

if its JAMMA, you plug the JPAC into the jamma connector, then from the JPAC run the 2 wires to the PC (VGA and either USB or PS2)  You'll still need either an ArcadeVGA or Soft15 to feed the monitor the appropriate signal. The JPAC has screw terminals on it for the extra buttons for players 1 and 2, you just need to run wires to the microswitches.

Pretty straight forward i see.
how about the power source? is it combined? or just separate outages for the "cab" and "pc" ?

[dfg]

Check which monitor you get.   The original could do 3 resolutions.  If that is the monitor the highest res can be supported without the aracdevga.  However the arcadevga will give you the authentic resolutions that can also be shown on your monitor.

well this is the original cab. - Can take all pcb games for 15k/24k/31k use
so would this mean i can use my current 8500gt card? or id still need to purchase a ArcadeVGA 3000 ?

[BobA]

The monitor will use your current card at 31k.   You might want to try out soft15 to get lower res and play your games at their original settings.  Don't want to get into a discussion of what looks best as the argument for and against can go on forever.   It is your personal taste that will dictate how you want to view the games.

[dfg]

The monitor will use your current card at 31k.   You might want to try out soft15 to get lower res and play your games at their original settings.  Don't want to get into a discussion of what looks best as the argument for and against can go on forever.   It is your personal taste that will dictate how you want to view the games.

well look im not really too fussed if its not 100% exact arcade look but if the 8500gt, will run on this monitor using this soft15 program id be happy with that.  but if its really a big headache to get it working without the ArcadeVGA 3000 then im happy to invest in one of these.

[BobA]

At 31k it will work as soon as you plug it in without even the soft 15 program.   It is only required if you want to use the real arcade resolutions of your monitor.

[dfg]

At 31k it will work as soon as you plug it in without even the soft 15 program.   It is only required if you want to use the real arcade resolutions of your monitor.

ah k so it shuld run with that current card. how about the power situation? would i just connect the cab and pc separate (2 plugs) or combine them?

[BobA]

Usual easy solution is to use a smart power adapter.  PC is  plugged into the control plug and everything else turns on when the PC does.