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Mame cabinet or leave it as is

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mikev43:


--- Quote from: Turnarcades on August 31, 2010, 10:41:10 pm ---All existing connections from the controls should already be wired into the JAMMA harness (2 joysticks with 3 buttons each plus 2 start buttons and a credit input), which then gets routed through the j-pac via the JAMMA edge connector the j-pac is plugged into. You then wire any extra buttons (up to 10 extra) to the spare terminals on the j-pac board. So in theory, you could have 2 players with 6 buttons each, 2 start buttons, credit switch from a button or coin door, and 4 admin buttons with the standard j-pac.  

Both joysticks, start buttons, buttons 1-3 for each player and the coin signal would all remain wired into the JAMMA loom, whilst buttons 4-6 for each player and your admin buttons would be wired straight into the j-pac. When plugged into your PC by USB, the software will then interpret all of these attached inputs as key presses in the MAME default mapping, or you can program your own using the Winipac utility.

--- End quote ---

Well it's only got 2 joysticks and 2 buttons each plus a 1 player and 2 player start button.. can I add more without using the the extra 10?? 

What are the clear advantages using the j-pac versus the i-pac?  If it's nothing more than using existing buttons/joystick wouldn't I be better off buying an i-pac?  I'm still debating if I'm going to use my crt or keep the current original monitor in there.. if I want windows to look nice I will probably need to use my monitor, yes?

DashRendar:

JPACs are easier to set up and can allow you to connect the PC's video to an arcade monitor without a special adapter.

IPACs are much more customizable.

My cab was a JAMMA cab, and while I could have used a JPAC, I'm glad I went with an IPAC.  I was able to configure the controls just the way I wanted them.

 :afro:

Turnarcades:


--- Quote ---Well it's only got 2 joysticks and 2 buttons each plus a 1 player and 2 player start button.. can I add more without using the the extra 10??
--- End quote ---

You couldn't wire analog controls to it, but then if you're going to Ultimarc anyway, both the U-trak and spinner from them can be had with a mini-encoder to connect straight to your PC by USB. So your cool as long as you have the ports available. If you want more joysticks and stuff you would need an additional encoder (i-pac).

DashRendar is correct in what he says (an i-pac/mini-pac has many more available connections), but remember if you plan to use the existing hardware in your cabinet (arcade monitor and speakers), only the J-Pac has connections to help simplify connecting/powering them. An I-Pac/mini-pac is only an encoder for controls, so you would likely need to do some hard-wiring and software trickery to successfully use the monitor with the PC. This could be tricky if you're a noob, and the result could damage your arcade monitor.

mikev43:


--- Quote from: DashRendar on September 01, 2010, 10:32:09 am ---JPACs are easier to set up and can allow you to connect the PC's video to an arcade monitor without a special adapter.

IPACs are much more customizable.

My cab was a JAMMA cab, and while I could have used a JPAC, I'm glad I went with an IPAC.  I was able to configure the controls just the way I wanted them.

 :afro:

--- End quote ---

ok what do you need extra if I was to get an i-pac instead of a j-pac?

DashRendar:

If you are running MAME and want to use the arcade monitor (recommended, as long as it's in good shape), you'll need either:

Soft15Khz (free app)
http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Custom_display_modes_%28Windows%29_-_Soft-15khz

or an ArcadeVGA video card (from Ultimarc)
http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/ArcadeVGA

You'll use a keyboard encoder, such as an IPAC2 or Keywiz (for 2 player) or IPAC4 (for 4 player).  There are some other options, such as value encoders like the IPAC VE, that might also work for you.
http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Keyboard_Encoders

Most people replace the arcade speakers with PC speakers, since it's usually easier.

Other than that, you just have whatever controls you wish to use.  Buttons, joysticks, spinners, trackballs, etc. 

Note that analog controls need a different type of encoder than a keyboard encoder.  Analog controls are usually trackballs and spinners.

Take a look at the BYOAC wiki for more information.
http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Main_Page

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