Chase H.Q to MAME Racing cabinet

[jurulz]

Hello guys!

I would like to convert an non working Chase H.Q Cabinet to Mame.

First question: Does the U-HID can be used to interface everything (original optical wheel, analog pedals , shifter, buttons and police lights (using MAME Hooker) )? Or i need something else?

Second question: I have some Momo Racing wheel and i'm thinking about replacing the original optical wheel with a momo without modifing the cabinet itself.

I read the beginner guide but it didn't answer my questions.

Thank you for your help!

[PL1]

Does the U-HID can be used to interface everything (original optical wheel, analog pedals , shifter, buttons and police lights (using MAME Hooker) )? Or i need something else?

Original optical wheel - Wire it like a standard quadrature optical circuit with 5v, ground, Data A and Data B.

Analog pedals - If your cab was modded with analog pedals, wire them like a potentiometer with 5v, ground, and center tab as "wiper", but based on MAME and pgs 15 and 16 of the manual here, ChaseHQ originally used a microswitch (#4) pressed by an actuator. (#5)

Buttons and shifter - Wire as standard microswitch buttons.

Police lights (using MAME Hooker) - pg 10 of the manual shows that the lights are 60 watt light bulbs.

Use the U-HID to control Solid State Relays (5v control voltage) that switch power to the lights.

Watts = Volts * Amps
60W = 120V * __A
60W/120V = 0.5 A per bulb

You'll need relays that are rated for more than 0.5A@120VAC (load voltage) similar to this example.

*** Be sure to check the datasheet to verify that whatever relays you choose are suitable. ***


Scott

[2huwman]

I did this with my UK version.

http://www.jammaplus.co.uk/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=65327&title=chase-hq-as-mame-driving-cab

Basically the same as described above. Works well!

[jurulz]

Thank you for your answers guys!

But can i only use u-hid to interface everything on the pc Or I need other parts?

The monitor is blown so I will use an lcd so no need for ArcadeVGA or hacks.

[PL1]

But can i only use u-hid to interface everything on the pc Or I need other parts?

Everything EXCEPT the 60W light bulbs.

For those, you'll need the solid state relays.

Connect the input (control) side to the U-HID and the output (load) side to 120VAC for the bulbs.


Scott

[Howard_Casto]

You might want to switch to a CFL or an led bulb to reduce heat, which will reduce wear and tear on your marquee.

[jurulz]

But can i only use u-hid to interface everything on the pc Or I need other parts?

Everything EXCEPT the 60W light bulbs.

For those, you'll need the solid state relays.

Connect the input (control) side to the U-HID and the output (load) side to 120VAC for the bulbs.

Scott

Nice!! What harness did you suggest to buy in conjection with the u-hid?

Does the u-hid nano can be a good alternative for this project?

Sorry for all my questions! First time doing a racing MAME 

[PL1]

The U-HID nano doesn't have enough pins to do the whole cab.

First step is to define exactly what you need to do.

Then you can figure out which encoder(s) to use and how to make the harness(es).

There is no easy off-the-shelf pre-fab harness for what you're doing.

Sorry for all my questions!

You aren't the only one with questions.      

The manual isn't very clear.

Help us help you by defining the details of what controls you are trying to interface.

Known:
optical steering wheel - 5v, ground, Data A and Data B.

Unknown/unclear:
Pedal(s) - Looking at pictures of the cab it looks like 1 pedal, but MAME has 2 microswitch inputs. 

Buttons and shifter - Exactly how many microswitches?  Are the ones in the shifter momentary? (shifter returns to center)

Police lights - Looks like the center marquee bulb is always lit and the two on the outside flash for the siren.
(You may want to consider an alternative light source like Howard suggested, maybe some LED strips)

Coin slots - 2 microswitches, right?

Any other details that have been overlooked? (admin buttons, navigating the front end, what version of MAME do you need to use, etc.)


Scott

[MTPPC]

The biggest question in building a MAME racer is optical or 270 degree wheel. Use racermame with a 270 and you can play some optical games (or vice versa). Also, some games are digital pedal (on off) while others are analog. You really can't get the most out of games like Daytona and Indy 500 with on/off throttle.

http://pinballmd.com/crazy-taxi-mame-multi-racer-details/

http://pinballmd.com/pole-position-ii-mame-360-multi-racer-done-and-for-sale/