GunCon2 driver here!!! (Bacon is tasty)

[ErikRuud]

It seems like these should work.

http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&productId=48098

http://www.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail?Ref=168093&Row=66153&Site=US

http://www.mouser.com/index.cfm?handler=displayproduct&lstdispproductid=478389&e_categoryid=289&e_pcodeid=59515

[brandon]

couldn't you add recoil to any lightgun if you had a solenoid and the trigger was a momentary switch?

[SirPoonga]

It seems like these should work.

http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&productId=48098

http://www.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail?Ref=168093&Row=66153&Site=US

http://www.mouser.com/index.cfm?handler=displayproduct&lstdispproductid=478389&e_categoryid=289&e_pcodeid=59515

Looked like a 5 and not an S.  Ok, you can get the part in the us

[vibez]

It seems like these should work.

http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&productId=48098

http://www.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail?Ref=168093&Row=66153&Site=US

http://www.mouser.com/index.cfm?handler=displayproduct&lstdispproductid=478389&e_categoryid=289&e_pcodeid=59515

Thanks : ) Any chance of finding a uk supplier. So what are the other parts?

[SirPoonga]

i'm not sure what the parts are

[Flinkly]

um, not to depress anyone, but solenoids are expensive.  the computer would ahve to create the signal from mame info as to get around what was stated before, but it could work and work well if we had some support from mame on this.

[SirPoonga]

Thanks : ) Any chance of finding a uk supplier. So what are the other parts?

The parts (except the electrolyte capacitors) are listed in teh schematic.





5 - 2k2 ohm resistors
3 - 47ohm resistors
2 - 22uf electrolyte caps (these go in a certain direction, see the + on the symbol)
1 - 74LS58
2 - BC547 or BC548 or 2N2222 transistors, the 2N2222 will be the easiest to find at local shops.

[Billkwando]

um, not to depress anyone, but solenoids are expensive.

What about a cheesy vibration motor from an old dual shock?

Does anyone have a pic of a solenoid (?) cos I'm not entirely sure I know what one looks like.....

[ErikRuud]

UK Suppliers.

http://www.electrovalue.co.uk/pdf/digital.pdf

http://www.bowood-electronics.co.uk/index.php/cPath/24_111/sort/1a/page/3

http://www.dalbani.co.uk/electronic_components/integrated_circuits.php?offset=625

[SirPoonga]

um, not to depress anyone, but solenoids are expensive.

[ErikRuud]

USB I/O are out there, look at www.phidgets.com or www.phidgetsusa.com

They have a number of bourds that could be used.  I have two of their four servo boards and one of the 0/16/16 boards.  I am planning on getting the LED^$ board as well.

I have played around with them in VB6, and they work very well.

The main drawback is that the support for paltforms other than XP or Win2k is not very strong.  The reliance on the .dll would also prevent them from being suppoted in an official MAME build.

[Billkwando]

This sounds like something the MAMEdevs might actually support if it's done right and is simple enough, since it is part of the game and in the code.

Man I'd love to have the "rump thump" ablilty back in Steel Talons!

[Billkwando]

This sounds like something the MAMEdevs might actually support if it's done right and is simple enough, since it is part of the game and in the code.

Man I'd love to have the "rump thump" ablilty back in Steel Talons!

(this was written before the "dll" reference. What's the deal with .dlls and how do they effect MAME?)

[Billkwando]

This sounds like something the MAMEdevs might actually support if it's done right and is simple enough, since it is part of the game and in the code.

Man I'd love to have the "rump thump" ablilty back in Steel Talons!

(this was written before the "dll" reference. What's the deal with .dlls and how do they effect MAME?)

I need to learn english: http://www.wonderfulwritingskillsunhandbook.com/html/affect_vs_effect.html

[ErikRuud]

.DLL are specific to windows.  It is my understanding that the MAME developers will not accept any code that is platform dependent.

[Billkwando]

OIC thanks for explaining that!

[brandon]

This sounds like something the MAMEdevs might actually support if it's done right and is simple enough, since it is part of the game and in the code.

Man I'd love to have the "rump thump" ablilty back in Steel Talons!

(this was written before the "dll" reference. What's the deal with .dlls and how do they effect MAME?)

DLL = dynamic link library.. I'm not a programmer so this may be totally incorrect but... its my understanding that a dll is basically like an external program that a program "calls" and exchanges info with.

[Billkwando]

Cool, even more info!

*does sponge moves*

[SirPoonga]

This sounds like something the MAMEdevs might actually support if it's done right and is simple enough, since it is part of the game and in the code.

Two reasons, dll is widnows specific as said.

Second is that it will probably require specific piece of hardware (a spefici brand of usb I/O) and still require hacking by user to make it work.

[AlanS17]

If I were to use Powerstrip to drop my PC monitor resolution down to standard resolution, would I be able to use the guncon2? If you all are saying that the gun gives off no flash of its own, I get the impression that the RCA inline connector may not even be necessary. If that's the case, would running standard resolution on a PC monitor work?

(Ok here's the part where I sit back and wait for someone to tell me how wrong I am.)

[brandon]

This sounds like something the MAMEdevs might actually support if it's done right and is simple enough, since it is part of the game and in the code.

Two reasons, dll is widnows specific as said.

Second is that it will probably require specific piece of hardware (a spefici brand of usb I/O) and still require hacking by user to make it work.

[Billkwando]

but if the device was designed to also work with DirectInput and force feedback then all PC gaves that support force feedback could be configured to drive solinoid, motors, LEDs, whatever you want.

[vibez]

SirPoonga - cheers, Do I want CF RESISTORS or MF RESISTOR ?

[Billkwando]

Does XP or SP2 come with VB6? How do I know if I have it? Is it part of the regular windows updates? (asking because there's version of the gun driver that comes with, and one that comes without)

[AlanS17]

Does XP or SP2 come with VB6? How do I know if I have it? Is it part of the regular windows updates? (asking because there's version of the gun driver that comes with, and one that comes without)

 I think XP comes with the runtimes. I think that's what you're asking. If not, it never hurts to get the one that includes them.

[Billkwando]

I think that's what I'm asking too. Thanks

[AlanS17]

Well I have a PC monitor, but I'm determined to make it work! Yes I know there are physical limitations, but I'm a creative fellow. I've got a couple tricks up my sleeve...

I just bought a guncon2 with Time Crisis 2 for PS2. That way, if I can't get it working on my PC I'll at least still have it to play on my PS2 and it won't be a total loss!

I'll keep everyone updated on my success (or lack thereof).

[brandon]

Well I have a PC monitor, but I'm determined to make it work! Yes I know there are physical limitations, but I'm a creative fellow. I've got a couple tricks up my sleeve...

I just bought a guncon2 with Time Crisis 2 for PS2. That way, if I can't get it working on my PC I'll at least still have it to play on my PS2 and it won't be a total loss!

I'll keep everyone updated on my success (or lack thereof).

I dont see why the guncon2 wouldnt work with a PC monitor using the same circuit shown above to work with an Arcade monitor.   I dont know if the guncon2 can sync to 31khz though.. thats the real question.. does anybody know if the guncon works with progressive scan TVs.

[hulkster]

okay ive read all these posts and theres no way im going to open up a gun and start soldering crap.  where is the development cycle here?  where are you guys at with all this?  is it to this point yet:

-buy Guncon2
-hook up to usb port on pc
-install driver
-configure and play

thats when ill be ready for it! 

[brandon]

okay ive read all these posts and theres no way im going to open up a gun and start soldering crap.

[AlanS17]

Ok, stupid question time. What's the circuit for and where is it used?

I looked around but couldn't figure it out.

[DaemonCollector]

That circuit is for taking a VGA sync and getting a Composite sync from it. That way you can use the guncon 2 with an arcade monitor. And the caps are 22 uF  16v I think he said.

[AlanS17]

Ah very good. Can someone post a link to its initial reference?

In other words, where'd you find the thing? I went to that driver website, but didn't see it there. Is that where ya'll found it?

[hulkster]

okay ive read all these posts and theres no way im going to open up a gun and start soldering crap.

[AlanS17]

Also, is there a reference as to how this needs to be attached to the gun?

[MiKman]

Well I finally got my original guncon2 and hooked it up via composite by way of the svideo-composite adaptor that came with my card.  Any how quick test says it work pretty decent, tracjing was jerky probably cause it was black and white, couldn't seem to get color with the composite adaptor. Also like others it seems to not track at all on about 3 inches of the left side of the screen no matter what the resolution (640X480 or 800X600).  Also only button A seems to register (as button B) in the little test application, no other buttons register at all.  And for the record I have a trackball hooked up via the ps2 mouse port, a spinner via mouse via usb, and the guncon2 via usb (all three still work). 

Anyhow I definately think it has potential.  Also I'm going to hack an s-video like brandon did and give that a go, then later try out the component video on my other video card... 

[SirPoonga]

SirPoonga - cheers, Do I want CF RESISTORS or MF RESISTOR ?

CF is fine I'd think./  I think the diff between them is CF is 5% tolerance and MF is 1% (hence probably more expensive).

[vibez]

SirPoonga - cheers, Do I want CF RESISTORS or MF RESISTOR ?

CF is fine I'd think./  I think the diff between them is CF is 5% tolerance and MF is 1% (hence probably more expensive).

Cheers, I'll get myself down the electrical shop today & see what I can find

[IntruderAlert]

Ah very good. Can someone post a link to its initial reference?

In other words, where'd you find the thing? I went to that driver website, but didn't see it there. Is that where ya'll found it?

http://www.epanorama.net/circuits/vga2rgbs.html

[Billkwando]

Smog looks high in that pic....LOL