Author Topic: GunCon2 on PC-monitor (Read 115661 times)

Silver · « **Reply #160 on:** November 12, 2005, 09:19:54 am »

The circuit has nothing to do with the monitor or the signal getting to it.

The whole point of the circuit is to allow the guns - which are designed to only work with 15Khz composite sync devices, such as a playstation - to work while using a PC VGA Monitor (which operates at 31Khz, with seperate syncs).

The signal going to the monitor is untouched. But the circuit takes the syncs from the signal, changes them to 15Khz composite sync, and that is passed to the gun. You don't need a Y-splitter, but its probably an easy way of doing it (if it works).

The gun will also work without the circuit if you are just sending a 15Khz signal to the monitor and gun. In this case you will need 1) VGA card capable of outputing 15Khz signal WITH COMPOSITE SYNC. (I know modern radeons can be made to do this) 2) A monitor which can display 15Khz. But then this has been covered in other threads - the whole point of this thread is to use the guncon on a normal pc with a normal PC Monitor.

rbarr110 · « **Reply #161 on:** November 17, 2005, 01:46:42 pm »

OK - thanks silver, I better understand what the circuit does. I don't see why a "Y" adapter wouldn't work.

Any progress on getting your circuit to work Olsteve? You have it on a "Y" adapter correct? You tried it yet off the "Y" adapter?

I am asking all the question before I order the modified J-pac chip and building my circuit...

nullb0y · « **Reply #162 on:** November 18, 2005, 01:50:01 am »

so this works?
are there kits out ?
im a cheap ass and am slightly confused now

oh id probably need a faster mopnitor mine has horrible ghosting worse then any lcd ive ever seen

olsteve · « **Reply #163 on:** November 18, 2005, 02:02:18 am »

I still haven't had any success with this. I have kind of given up. I may just end up going with the ACT Labs gun?? It really puts a damper on the whole BYO/DIY philosophy.

66miles99 · « **Reply #164 on:** November 24, 2005, 12:04:42 pm »

This is an uneducated question as my post count will testify but nonetheless, from a VGA graphics card with TV out, could you run the monitor from the VGA signal and the gun from the TV-out signal? I kinda figure it is not nearly this easy (it never is), but could someone at least explain why this wont work?

Cananas · « **Reply #165 on:** November 24, 2005, 12:19:42 pm »

It doesn't work because both signal are independent one each other.

Andy, i'm having no time to test your guncon2 chip. The first time i tried, it work better than the first chip. I'll build a new circuit to ensure that the components are OK.

tivogre · « **Reply #166 on:** November 24, 2005, 01:37:24 pm »

I've now built the circuit around Andy's jpac small chip AND his newer guncon chip.

I have 2 guns working perfectly (as good or better than the Act-Labs) using the jpac smallchip. This is only at 640x480 resolution, but that's not an issue for me.

I have NOT had success with the guncon chip.

Again, this is with an nvidia card and WG 9200 27" monitor.

At this time, I think I'm in good shape, as I can play most of the shooters (that I'm interested in) with two players perfectly.

nullb0y · « **Reply #167 on:** November 24, 2005, 03:07:14 pm »

DUMB QUESTION IS THERE A WAY TO GET A GUNCON 2 TO WORK ON MY PC'S SVIDEO OUT? sorry for caps

Silver · « **Reply #168 on:** November 24, 2005, 08:00:36 pm »

Yes so long as your are connecting your monitor/tv by the same S-video. Its the easiest way.

There is extensive info on connecting on the two Guncon driver sites. Check the thread.

AndyWarne · « **Reply #169 on:** November 26, 2005, 09:44:41 am »

I re-tested today. Installed the latest driver and used my "Z-Gun" chip which is the revised version of the J-PAC small chip which can handle (ie divide) positive sync. It works fine at 640 X 480 and 800 X 600. No problems at all. The cursor is rather jittery at 800 X 600 but that's probably to be expected given the technology of the gun.
To move things forward, can anyone on this thread who has the later chip, and can't get it to work, drop me an email. What we might be able to do is to send me your complete circuit and gun and I'll check things over.
I am wondering if the make of the gun has a bearing. Mine is the blue Namco NPC-106
andy@ultimarc.com

Fozzy The Bear · « **Reply #170 on:** December 30, 2005, 11:13:57 pm »

Andy, I'm thinking of having a go at this.... I'm in the UK so shipping a chip to me would be no problem.

I've got my paws on a Logic3 PS099L Which is G-Con2 Compatible and has a USB plug.... Anybody tried one of these???

My main worry is screwing up my VGA card or monitor in the process.... Is anybody planning to produce a board with your chip that I can just use? I know there's a risk that it may not work and that it's not a commercial release product. But while I'm handy with a soldering iron I'm not 100% confident I won't screw up somewhere with it.

Can anybody on here offer any help with this??

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

Fozzy The Bear · « **Reply #171 on:** January 02, 2006, 06:29:27 am »

Sorry to bump this.... but has this topic gone off the boil ?? can Anybody help out here??

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

ZeroPoint · « **Reply #172 on:** January 08, 2006, 09:24:35 am »

Crash test dummies wanted !

Anyone using a PC-monitor wanting to test this circuit...?

I have to ask this because I am considering if and when to produce a few pcs.

The circuit will also be compatible with 15Khz monitors, but the main reason with this is to be able to use the GunCon2s on 31Khz monitors, so crash test dummies must be using a PC-monitor.

I was thinking of sending about 5 pcs. for free.

There is also a design issue here. To take 5V power from pin9 on the VGA connector or to power the circuit with a USB-cable. Modern graphics cards usually have 5V on pin 9 but the cables usually have pin 9 removed. Any comments on this !?

Please don

Silver · « **Reply #173 on:** January 08, 2006, 10:53:05 am »

I'd probably opt for volts off the USB. Not as neat as VGA, but you would be sure to run into a few cards that wouldn't like supplying power off the VGA card.

fl0yd · « **Reply #174 on:** January 08, 2006, 07:13:49 pm »

I would be interested in one. I too would prefer to see the voltage come from USB or a dedicated drive power cable.

rbarr110 · « **Reply #175 on:** January 08, 2006, 08:08:45 pm »

Quote from: ZeroPoint on January 08, 2006, 09:24:35 am

Crash test dummies wanted !

dennis808 · « **Reply #176 on:** January 09, 2006, 05:37:19 am »

I would be very interested to test this as well!
I've succesfully built and used a VGA-to-RGB-SCART cable to use my 2 GunCons in a 15KHz environment and I'm really curious to test it on my 31Khz monitor as well.

Lilwolf · « **Reply #177 on:** January 09, 2006, 08:56:29 am »

I would vote for USB.

But with a few jumpers you might be able to do both. The header for a usb connector might be more expensive then you want to deal with.

I would probably vote for from the VGA but with an option to plug +5 and ground in from another source. And you can jumper it off from the vga and onto the other power (usb or external) if you want.

The other thing, if you need a extension cable anyway, you might want to just find someone selling one that has that going throught the cable and selling it with it. I have extra cables at home, but I would guess a decent amount of potential customers wouldn't.

ZeroPoint · « **Reply #178 on:** January 09, 2006, 11:20:14 am »

Thanks for the reply !

...and the winners are: Silver, fl0yd, rbarr110, dennis808 and Lilwolf. That should be five.

Not sure if Silver and Lilwolf wants one. Could you please confirm this or not...or there will be two more to go...?

I will get on with these as soon as possible. I will post a picture of a complete unit when finished. Then I need some adresses.

Please feel free to suggest any additional features in the meantime.

Thanks !

ZeroPoint · « **Reply #179 on:** January 09, 2006, 11:25:21 am »

Sorry, Fozzy the Bear ! I forgot to read my messages...although I wasn

Silver · « **Reply #180 on:** January 09, 2006, 08:08:27 pm »

Yes I'm game - I'll be able to compare to the home-made hack with a jpac chip (the original version, not the "designed for guns" update. Although I may grab one of those of andy to complete the set.....

vibez · « **Reply #181 on:** January 10, 2006, 07:51:07 am »

Hey guys. Long time since I have read this thread. Can anyone update me on what the updated jpac chip is for?

I'm running my guncon via the jpac/arcadevga on a 15hz arcade monitor. will it provide any benifits to me?

The only problem i'm having is that the gun doesn't seem to register on some (possibly interlaced) resolutions

rbarr110 · « **Reply #182 on:** January 10, 2006, 04:13:34 pm »

Just wanted to add my $0.02, I think USB port for power would be better than trying to pull it from the VGA pin 9.

Silver · « **Reply #183 on:** January 10, 2006, 05:19:16 pm »

Quote from: vibez on January 10, 2006, 07:51:07 am

Hey guys. Long time since I have read this thread. Can anyone update me on what the updated jpac chip is for?

I'm running my guncon via the jpac/arcadevga on a 15hz arcade monitor. will it provide any benifits to me?

The only problem i'm having is that the gun doesn't seem to register on some (possibly interlaced) resolutions

This is mainly about using a PC monitor, so if you are on a arcade monitor you are already set.resolution wise, I think the general consensus was forcing gun games to a set resolution. I believe this removes the need for constant calibration also...

vibez · « **Reply #184 on:** January 11, 2006, 05:03:33 am »

Quote from: Silver on January 10, 2006, 05:19:16 pm

This is mainly about using a PC monitor, so if you are on a arcade monitor you are already set.resolution wise, I think the general consensus was forcing gun games to a set resolution. I believe this removes the need for constant calibration also...

Cheers for clearing that up Silver

Fozzy The Bear · « **Reply #185 on:** January 11, 2006, 06:18:57 pm »

Staying Tuned as requested....

I'd also agree that using the USB port for power is a much better idea. Pulling it from pin 9 on the D-Sub could have some other undesireable effects as well as putting a strain on the graphics card power output, especially on cards that relly solely on the AGP bus for their power.

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)
Best Regards,

XtraSmiley · « **Reply #186 on:** January 28, 2006, 12:41:00 am »

Anyword guys? Still testing?

Mad Dog · « **Reply #187 on:** January 30, 2006, 03:39:52 pm »

Yes, (thanks to Andy) I got to testing the gunchip...

and I tested on every possible hardware I could get my hands on...

For the power I used a universal AC adaptor that I can plug intio the circuit... So there's a plug for power on it and one to put the guns video cable in... worked ok in 640x480...
But that's not enough for me... It did track in higher resolutions, but the cursor was going crazy on th X-Axis... no matter what I tried...

And just when I though: "Don't give up just now!!!", I read about this: http://www.hkems.com/product/xbox/LCDTopGun.htm

I think thats the technology Andy used to work on (I think I read that somewhere), and (may I remind you) the technology Nintendo used for its SNES Super Scope...
I know it might not be an ideal sollution for your Cabs out there, cause you'll have to build it in...
From what I have read here: http://www.guncon2driver.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=104

it works really fine...
My main goal is to play the godlike AMERICAN LASERGAMES like Mad Dog Mc Cree, and so far I couldn't even do that on TV using Guncons, cause none of the two driver programmers could make the mpegs flash so the gun could track (remeber how the guncons don't work on dark spots on the screen).

No with that gun I won't have to worry about screen flashing, and it only costs 30 bucks...
I will certainly not try Act Labs new "movement" Gun http://www.act-labs.com/products/gun1.htm

called segital gun.... probably similar technology like nintendo's new miracle controller...

So I hope I got you all up to date...
I'll drop a note once I bought that infra red gun...
Until then - peace!
I'm outie

djpc47 · « **Reply #188 on:** August 30, 2006, 12:22:28 am »

anyone know if this circuit would work http://www.tkk.fi/Misc/Electronics/circuits/syncbox.gif which I've used for my lcd project..... or theres a specific reason to use that ic to do the combining???.....

thanx

as far as the lcd project goes, works great.... combines h+v sync to csync very well.... got the text slightly more crisp.... rest is just up to powerstrip......

Silver · « **Reply #189 on:** August 30, 2006, 09:37:02 am »

That circuit is a generic Seperate-syncs to composite sync circuit. It works great for combining syncs, but won't work like the circuit mentioned on this thread.

The difference is that to use a Guncon2 gun (designed for TV's, at 15.75Khz horizontal sync) with a PC monitor (running at 31Khz horizontal sync or higher) you need to halve the sync (31/2=15.5). Andy's chip can do this (he made it for his Jpac system which halves the VGA sync to stop you damaging an arcade monitor). Hence the special IC.

djpc47 · « **Reply #190 on:** August 31, 2006, 09:36:45 pm »

oh so if I set my refreshrate right then any circuit will really work then right?..... that who thing that it caps to 15 sounds nice..... will think about it since the mame box I want to make will indeed be using a arcade monitor;P....

anyone know if you pay shipping on the ic? I'm maybe gonna order one:P

ARTIFACT · « **Reply #191 on:** July 07, 2007, 01:29:09 am »

What's the latest on this?

I am putting together a cabinet, and if there is a way to use a lightgun, I'd like to know!

Thanks in advance... I found this thread because it's linked from the Wiki:
http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Light_Guns

XtraSmiley · « **Reply #192 on:** July 07, 2007, 02:51:59 am »

Quote from: ARTIFACT on July 07, 2007, 01:29:09 am

What's the latest on this?

I am putting together a cabinet, and if there is a way to use a lightgun, I'd like to know!

Thanks in advance... I found this thread because it's linked from the Wiki:
http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Light_Guns

Back from the dead! What did happen with this? I have a Betson, an AVG and 2 Sony brand Guncon2s, am I out of luck?

Fozzy The Bear · « **Reply #193 on:** July 08, 2007, 03:06:53 am »

Quote from: XtraSmiley on July 07, 2007, 02:51:59 am

Back from the dead! What did happen with this? I have a Betson, an AVG and 2 Sony brand Guncon2s, am I out of luck?

Yes.... It never worked properly.... Andy tested it, I tested it, and a few others as well. Nobody Ever got it to work in a useable way.

Your choice is either Act Labs Guns or LCD Topgun.

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

ZeroPoint · « **Reply #194 on:** July 09, 2007, 09:18:13 am »

The original "GunCon2 on PC-monitor" circuit really works very well. I have not tested Andy's circuit, but I can tell you how mine works. There are no microcontrollers, just standard logic circuits used. One XOR, one FLIP-FLOP and one AND gate.

It is really simple:
First a standard XOR sync combinder circuit. After the first XOR gate for the horizontal sync I just divide the signal through a D-type positiv edge triggered FLIP-FLOP. To get the original sync width back I "AND" this result with the original signal from the XOR gate and feed this resulting signal back to complete the XOR circuit. The last stage in the quad XOR inverts the signal into a negativ composite sync that needs to be divided with resistors (not the best way) to give the proper voltage to feed the gun.

I tested this circuit up to 1024x768 60Hz on both the original Blue Namco Gun and the Scorpion gun. Both working very well.

Pros:
More original feel than the LCD topgun
Gun can be used much closer than the LCD topgun

Cons:
Needs flashing of the screen to work properly.
Calibration is resolution dependent
Only for 31Khz+ CRTs (Possible to make it autosensing for dividing or not for use from15Khz and upwards)
Works best or only with lightgun games where the LCD TopGun can be used for nearly every game that can be controlled with a mouse

My recommendation is to use the LCD TopGun with SMOG's driver. I recommend to take the leds out (or use one high bright instead of three) and mount them as close as possible to the screen. You can also bring them closer together vertically than original.

Anyway...if someone wants the schematics, tell me so.

lanman31337 · « **Reply #195 on:** July 09, 2007, 10:22:19 am »

Can't you use a card that has dual outputs - like component or rca video - and hook the gun(s) up in there as the 2nd input, and use the pc on the vga as the main?

ahofle · « **Reply #196 on:** July 09, 2007, 12:06:07 pm »

Quote from: lanman31337 on July 09, 2007, 10:22:19 am

Can't you use a card that has dual outputs - like component or rca video - and hook the gun(s) up in there as the 2nd input, and use the pc on the vga as the main?

And where would you plug the RCA/component cables?

lanman31337 · « **Reply #197 on:** July 09, 2007, 02:18:38 pm »

You wouldn't, you'd just plug in the guns. From what I've heard people have hooked up televisions using the s-video on the card to the tv, and then plugged into the green component connector for their gun.

ARTIFACT · « **Reply #198 on:** July 10, 2007, 10:09:17 am »

OK so ...

http://www.act-labs.com/products/gun1.htm

Can I use this and use S-Video with a TV (sony Trinitron, 27")?
That's what I use in my cabinet.

thanks!

lettuce · « **Reply #199 on:** August 12, 2007, 05:15:14 am »

Hang on a minute, im a bit lost here. Are the problems people are having with the Namco GunCon2 due to that they want to use it on a PC or Arcade Monitor?? I am thinking of adding a lightgun to my cab, but i am using a normal TV connect to my PC via a VGA to Scart cable and Andy's ArcadeVGA card. How do people using a Normal TV get the Guncon2 working, do they still need the extra J-PAC etc hardeware, or just get the Guncon2mouse or GunCon2PC software?


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