Jamma connector and compatibility

[Sarver Systems]

Are all Jamma boards and connectors wired the same?

I'd like to build a test rig to test multiple jamma boards, and having a dedicated control panel w/monitor would be ideal.

[Nephasth]

Basically yes. But there are a few exceptions when dealing with the controls of some games like spinner games. See the Troubleshooter in my signature. And be sure to check out yotsuya's Troubleshooter II.

[paigeoliver]

Yes and no.

Neo Geo games aren't proper jamma. Even the ones that are still have a 4th button which jamma doesn't technically allow.
Most of the newer Jamma multiboards aren't real jamma either. The latest crop puts a 6th input button on a line that is normally a ground.

However with that said. My test setup only runs the wiring for power, video and the grounds near the power inputs (not the ones further down the line that some multiboards use as something other than ground). I don't normally need to play a game to verify that it works. If I really need to access the service mode on the bench I will just navigate it by tapping a ground wire on the appropriate spots on the edge connector.

I have my test setup wired for both Jamma and Pole Position and I have a rather wicked looking tangle of video wiring to deal with all the different common monitor signal, sync and power connections.

Most of the time though I am only putting a different board on the bench so that I can adjust a monitor using the same PCB as the cabinet it is going into is going to run.

[yotsuya]

JAMMA Test Rigs are cool.