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Author Topic: Adding multiple Jamma boards to a single cabinet  (Read 5157 times)

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mike boss

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Adding multiple Jamma boards to a single cabinet
« on: September 11, 2018, 08:29:55 am »
Way back I purchased a 6-in-1 Jamma switcher for a good price.
One of the 6 slots was defective, but I knew that when I bought it.
I picked up a few various jamma boards that I could add to my Final Fight cabinet.
All used only two buttons and would be a great addition.

Honestly I could never get this thing to work. Some slots would work, some would not.
Some would play blind, others nothing. I tried a second power supply to power the jamma switcher alone, but that did not help.

In the end I decided to simply scrap the idea. So now I have a few extra boards and the hoarder in me wants to use them (even though I can play the games on my MAME cabinet).

I went onto eBay and I ordered two 2-in-1 jamma switchers.  I got them for a really good price, perhaps too good as they never showed up and I got my money back.

So now I'm trying to think about what I should do. The 2-in-1 jamma switchers are quite costly, and I've given up on the 6-in-1. I thought about adding a second board to each of my jamma cabinets. Then the odd time I can simply reach in, move the harness over and play a different game. Easy enough, and no harm in doing so. I'm just wondering if I'll never ever switch em.

Does anyone do this ?

For what it's worth I want to add my 138-in-1 to my Popeye cabinet that already has a Pandora's Box 3. I think that will be cool. Then I thought about adding my WWF Wrestlefest to my Final Fight cabinet. Lastly toss my P.O.W board into my Bad Dudes. This way I'll make use of all my boards, which makes me happy....but again, I just wonder if I'll ever make the switch.

Anyone have any suggestions or ideas ?

Mike A

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Re: Adding multiple Jamma boards to a single cabinet
« Reply #1 on: September 11, 2018, 08:42:18 am »
I have a candy cab. I switch out the PCB every couple of weeks. If I am having my regular guests over I will throw in the Pandora's box that came with the cab when I bought it.

If I am having a full blown party there are usually a few noobs and a mess of kids. I throw in a dedicatedPCB like Wild West Cowboys of Moo Mesa. I do the same with my MAME cab. I will throw in Mr Do or some other dedicated PCB. Less questions. Less hassle.

mike boss

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Re: Adding multiple Jamma boards to a single cabinet
« Reply #2 on: September 11, 2018, 08:53:06 am »
I've always hated the idea of having "stuff" and not using it.
I would have loved if the 6-in-1 worked, but no dice.
I did however notice with the 6-in-1 it wasn't exactly without flaws.
For example one game would load, the picture would display correctly.
Another game would load, but the resolution was off. So it was less
than perfect. These 2-in-1's looked and seemed good, I had read a few reviews.
But they were not worth the price, IMHO.
I think I'll simply go ahead and toss in these boards.
It crosses the number 1 thing off my list and allows me to "use" them.
I feel the 138 I'll switch between often, the WWF and POW perhaps not as much.
But for the effort of simply screwing the board to the inside of  the cabinet why not

Malenko

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Re: Adding multiple Jamma boards to a single cabinet
« Reply #3 on: September 11, 2018, 09:10:49 am »
Mike's Arcade 2 in 1 is totally worth the price. Lets me flip between NBA Jam TE and Open Ice with no issues.
If you're replying to a troll you are part of the problem.
I also need to follow this advice. Ignore or report, don't reply.

mike boss

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Re: Adding multiple Jamma boards to a single cabinet
« Reply #4 on: September 11, 2018, 07:47:27 pm »
I'll look again into the 2-in-1 jamma boards.
I'm looking for a way to split the VGA signal, as both the 138-in-1 and Pandoras Box 3 use VGA.
I don't mind switching the jamma harness over, but I'd hate to have to also disconnect the VGA cable.

EDIT - I have an extra KVM switch, I wonder if that would work.
« Last Edit: September 11, 2018, 07:50:31 pm by mike boss »

mike boss

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Re: Adding multiple Jamma boards to a single cabinet
« Reply #5 on: September 12, 2018, 10:02:59 am »
Yesterday I dug out my 138-in-1 board.
So I'll add that alongside my Pandora's Box 3 in my Popeye cabinet.
I've gone ahead and added a little bit of green paintings tape to each board and the harness,
this way I won't (in a haste/rush) screw up and connect the harness backwards.
The last thing I want is to blow the boards.
I realized however I have no solution for the video, other than having to disconnect it each time.
(Don't wanna do that)
I may try a KVM switch I have kicking around from another project.
Previously I was going to add a second MAME PC into an existing cabinet as opposed to
tweaking the existing PC. That aside............. I'm going to attempt the KVM switch.
I also saw a inexpensive little device on eBay for about $4 that would allow for two monitor
inputs and one output. It would require that you manually select the monitor tho.
But I figure it isn't an issue to do that once you've moved over the harness.

yotsuya

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Re: Adding multiple Jamma boards to a single cabinet
« Reply #6 on: September 12, 2018, 02:14:18 pm »
So what’s on the 138 that’s not on the Pandora?
***Build what you dig, bro. Build what you dig.***

mike boss

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Re: Adding multiple Jamma boards to a single cabinet
« Reply #7 on: September 15, 2018, 10:19:10 am »
I've actually printed out the games lists for both.
I'll go through it tonight and confirm which specific titles are exclusive to a specific board. But I do believe a few classics are on the 138-in-1 that are not on the Pandora's Box 3. I'm going to order the device tonight so I can switch between the 2 monitors.

mike boss

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Re: Adding multiple Jamma boards to a single cabinet
« Reply #8 on: September 16, 2018, 10:12:22 am »
I searched the documentation for both the Pandora's Box 3 and the 138-in-1 board.
They only have a few of the same games.
These were the only duplicates I found :

solomons key
kung fu master
bank panic
surprise attack
ambush
double dragon
wonder boy
blood bros
rambo III


So the 138 gives me some good titles that I can't find on the Pandora's Box 3.
Namely Mario Bros, Super Mario Bros, Ghost's N' Goblins, Black Dragon, Rygar, and Double Dragon II.

behrmr

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Re: Adding multiple Jamma boards to a single cabinet
« Reply #9 on: September 16, 2018, 03:02:57 pm »
RiddledTV on KLOV is selling a version of the 6-1 switcher that looks much better and more robust than the Chinese made one. I haven’t seen it in action but may want to ask around about that. I believe you can find him on Facebook same name.