ArcadeVGA - bad boards?

[TurboC--]

Anyone heard of people having a large number of bad ArcadeVGA boards?  I have seen a few references to people having trouble with faulty boards, thinking it was a recurring problem with some of the models.  Just wanted to know for sure before I decide what to get.

[NoOne=NBA=]

Andy backs his stuff REALLY well.
If there's a problem, he'll take care of you.

[RayB]

I've heard of bad boards (not boards that die on you, but boards that arrive already non-functional). Andy replaces all faulty boards.

Besides, it's not like you can shop around. Who else makes video boards with dedicated "arcade" video modes?

[AceTKK]

I would hazard a guess that faulty ArcadeVGA cards are no more or less common than the ATi cards they're made from.  These are high-tech devices with complex PCBs, and anyone who's ever worked in the computer industry could tell you that RMAs are a fact of life.

Like the others have said, what's important is that Andy provides excellent support and will make sure that you're satisfied with what you get.

-Ace-

[TurboC--]

Anyone know if they ever made a PCI version of ArcadeVGA?  I just got a basically free computer from someone (350 MHz AMD) for my cab, but unfortunately it only has the onboard AGP video, and no AGP slots.  Ergh.  Looks like I might be returning it (after spending 4 hours diagnosing and fixing the OS...)

[pointdablame]

Nope, there was never a PCI ArcadeVGA, but you certainly aren't the first person that could have used one.

You can use some older video cards to interface with an arcade monitor, but it's a bit more complicated of a set up when compared to the plug-and-play ease of an AVGA.

It is possible though if you are set on using that computer, so it's not a lost cause.

[TurboC--]

Well, that sucks.  I don't suppose any of those older cards allow 28 arcade video modes, etc.  And I'd be afraid they'd switch out of 15 kHz and damage my monitor.  Even though it's an old burned-in 19" that probably needs a cap kit... still all I have for now.  Well, I'll just find another PC I guess. 

[motorfish]

I had one that was sent to me DOA, and Andy has one in the mail to me as we speak.

He's a good guy.

- Dan

[pointdablame]

Well, that sucks.  I don't suppose any of those older cards allow 28 arcade video modes, etc.  And I'd be afraid they'd switch out of 15 kHz and damage my monitor.  Even though it's an old burned-in 19" that probably needs a cap kit... still all I have for now.  Well, I'll just find another PC I guess. 

It's my understanding that using an older card, and I believe AdvMame works out quite well, including the correct video modes.  I know there are quite a few people here that have done it, but I won't be much help with the specifics of it.  I DO know that some older cards will output 15hz just like the arcade monitor wants, so it's definitely possible, and a "safe" way to do it.

But it certainly isn't as simple as the AVGA makes it.  Do a quick search here on what exactly needs to be done before giving up on that PC.  It might be worth it, especially if you got the PC for next to nothing.

[TurboC--]

In my MAME bookmarks I have this one which lists some good vid cards to use:

http://easymamecab.mameworld.net/html/hardware.htm

They list Matrox G400 and I actually HAVE an extra one already.  (Marvel... wonder if that matters.)  But, that is also an AGP card, so won't help with the machine I have.  (and using it for the cab would take away my occasional vidcapping.)  My friend collects basically everything, it's still pretty likely that he has another PII class machine just sitting around, which has an AGP slot.  Guess I should hold off buying the ArcadeVGA till I know my options...

[pointdablame]

Well if you wind up not having an option for a system with an AGP slot, you can get a PCI TNT2 card on ebay for $10 or $20... or if your friend has a lot of old PC stuff like I do, he might just have an older PCI vid card lying around.

If you can get a system with an AGP slot though, that's definitely the option I would recommend simply for ease of use.

[TurboC--]

I just found out that the onboard card on the system (Compaq Presario 5155) is an ATI Rage LT Pro AGP 2X.  Which is listed in the supported DOS vid cards for AdvanceMAME.  (Which I need to run for an Arcade monitor, I imagine.)  So now I am just hoping to find out how hard it will be to get it up and running with this vid card, asking around etc.  One thing I don't get is - I guess DOS text mode displays fine on a 19" arcade monitor??  It would have to, since when you power on the machine, there obviously aren't any special 15 kHz drivers loaded in.  I don't want to damage my monitor every time I power on my machine.  Well, thanks.

[iwillfearnoevil]

try using that easycab installation:

http://easymamecab.mameworld.net/

[TurboC--]

Been there.

[RayB]

I 2nd the motion to use a JPAC. It's like a safety measure. You will never damage the monitor since the JPAC prevents "bad" signals.

[TurboC--]

But JPAC... is only.. for JAMMA cabinets.. which I don't have .......

[pointdablame]

But JPAC... is only.. for JAMMA cabinets.. which I don't have .......

You could get a JAMMA harness and wire up your cab if you wanted to.