Author Topic: The new Act Labs gun (Read 6460 times)

MajorLag · « **on:** September 01, 2005, 11:04:59 pm »

I recieved my Act Labs PC USB Gun today, which I had preordered several months ago. Initially I was excited at the possibility of finally being able to play Police Trainer with a well calibrated gun, iun the provacy of my own home. It quickly became aparent, however, that this was not to be.

It would seem that using a CRT monitor does not guarenty that the gun will actually work. I have a 19" Dell Trinitron, and when I attempt to calibrate the gun the screen turns black (with light white bits at the top and bottom). This is at a resolution of 1280x1024@85hz, well within the Gun's range. But just in case, I tried all the available refresh rate choices, to no avail. So then I went through all the rates at 640x480, and had my best result with 60hz, which produced a medium dark grey calibration screen. This still wasn't enough to allow for a successfull calibration though, the gun still only manages to shoot the bottom left, right, and top right corners of the screen.

Suspecting my gun may be faulty, I tested it on a much older, much smaller, much crappier, CRT. The calibration screen was white even on this monitor's highest posible resolution (1024x768@75hz). So I tried a bunch of other things, from changing display timing formulas in the NVIDIA control panel, to cranking the brightness and contrast, but nothing worked. The gun remained unusable.

So I'm writing this as a warning to others who might shell out $80 for the gun. If your considering buying one, you may want to instead look at Guncon2Mouse, a TV, and a $10 Guncon2.

Gamecab · « **Reply #1 on:** September 01, 2005, 11:18:03 pm »

I had purchased a defective Gun from Act Labs (Older Unit), they were very quick with the replacement unit. The Gun should be covered for 90 days so you I think you will be fine. I hate getting defective electronics as well so I can say that I understand your frustration. Let me know the outcome.

Thanks
Charlie

MajorLag · « **Reply #2 on:** September 01, 2005, 11:43:36 pm »

I would be fine with that, except that the gun doesn't seem to be defective. It just doesn't work on my monitor.

Gamecab · « **Reply #3 on:** September 02, 2005, 12:00:01 am »

Quote from: MajorLag on September 01, 2005, 11:04:59 pm

Suspecting my gun may be faulty, I tested it on a much older, much smaller, much crappier, CRT. The calibration screen was white even on this monitor's highest posible resolution (1024x768@75hz). So I tried a bunch of other things, from changing display timing formulas in the NVIDIA control panel, to cranking the brightness and contrast, but nothing worked. The gun remained unusable.

Sorry about that, I misinterpreted the semantics of your quote. I assumed it was not working on the crappier monitor.
Still try and get your money back.

Thanks
Charlie

MajorLag · « **Reply #4 on:** September 02, 2005, 12:04:40 am »

Yeah, I'm working on it. Its a real shame the gun doesn't work, since I don't have the time or money to construct a system with TV-out and XP for use with Guncon2Mouse yet.

Who knows, maybe it is just defective, even though the calibration screen worked right the accuracy was still pretty bad with the crap monitor. Or that could just be because that monitor was crap.

rosborn · « **Reply #5 on:** September 02, 2005, 06:37:00 am »

I have the same problem with my gun on a 15" Sony Trinitron monitor. I get a black calibration screen and the flash from pulling the trigger only brightens the top 10-15% of the screen. I put the gun on another monitor of mine and it worked.

Kremmit · « **Reply #6 on:** September 04, 2005, 12:55:00 am »

Crap. I'm using a Trinitron, and my guns are on the way. I plan to install them with a real arcade monitor down the road, but I wanted to be able to fire them up right away.

Waaaahh!

(Someone call the waaa-mbulance.)

Sensei · « **Reply #7 on:** September 04, 2005, 10:44:55 am »

I've had my ACT Labs USB TV light guns for about a year now and they work great.

I dont have any experience with the guns meant for CRT monitors but the white calibration screen is normal for the TV-out guns.

I'd contact ACT Labs tech support. They were good in the past.

Good Luck To You.

AC. · « **Reply #8 on:** September 04, 2005, 08:24:32 pm »

I just got mine about 2 days ago and am having the EXACT same problem. (WinXP, CRT) Calibration screen is black with light faded white at the top. No amount of calibration styles (3" from screen, 1", 6", waving it, moving it) work. From the windows desktop, the cursor always moves to the top right after a shot (the instructions say you should be able to shoot an icon to run the corrosponding program). The gun looks nice at least, a cross between a WaltherPPK and a Ruger P89. Im gonna screw with it some more, and then try the RMA route.

MajorLag · « **Reply #9 on:** September 04, 2005, 10:09:31 pm »

ascar9, do you happen to be using a trinitron monitor? If so then I think its safe to say what the cause of the problem is. Trinitrons, aparently, are "aperture grille" monitors, it would seem that something about this technology hates something about the Act Labs guns. Many aperture grille monitors aparently still use the term "trinitron", but some use someother -tron name, like "Vivitron", "DiamondTron", and "SonicTron". Some ways to recognize aperture grille monitors:
They usually have flat screens
Often, faint horizontal lines are visible about 1/3rd and 2/3rds down the screen

I've contacted tech-support about the issue but have so far only recieved the a "Gun Calibration for Idiots" response. My second email hasn't been answered yet and probably won't be until tuesday or later.

AC. · « **Reply #10 on:** September 04, 2005, 11:11:46 pm »

The monitor is a CTX - an old cheapo, 17", not a flat screen. I will try it on a ViewSonic tomorrow and let you know. The gun does seem to work and registers the trigger pull, buttons 1, 2 and 3 have an effect and briefly white the screen. Button 2 acts as the 2nd mouse button and, on the windows desktop, (at the far upper right corner of course) displays the right-click windows drop-down menu. How is your lightgun doing?

AC. · « **Reply #11 on:** September 06, 2005, 07:06:00 pm »

I tried it and it works on my ViewSonic E90fb 19" monitor. (The monitor that is not in my cab, the monitor that is too big to fit -- of course.) Interesting in the calibration mode -- the screen was all white. I wonder if the calibration color is an indication of whether the gun will function with the particular monitor. ALSO: know of anyway to fine tune the calibration - it keeps shooting about an inch too high. Thanks!

Jedi Master Matt · « **Reply #12 on:** September 06, 2005, 08:33:27 pm »

I just got both of my guns today.

The first gun seems to have a problem with the USB box because the signal going out of the unit did not send red to the monitor. Everything was a sickly blue shade.

The second gun passes the color correctly.

My problem seems to be the same as everyone else... a darkish grey screen for calibration that is brighter at the top and darker at the bottom.

I'm going to try another monitor to see if it works any better; but, I think I need to contact Act-Labs about the issue with my 21" Cornerstone issue.

bmame · « **Reply #13 on:** September 06, 2005, 09:17:50 pm »

I called ACT-Labs and was first put on hold, then told I could not speak to technical support and should submit an email.

I am a patient kind of guy, but was very persistent in speaking to someone.

Bottom line, there is a bug in the VGA box. Tech support would not say how many people were affected (they probably don't know), but told me I could send the guns back for a full refund or get on the list to be issued a new VGA box in two weeks. If the new box does not work, can still get a refund.

I plan to send them an email tomorrow to get this stated for the records, but may wait this out.

Bummer, but I was hopeful that this seems like they are really trying to remedy this (they should post this on their web site though)

GameOver · « **Reply #14 on:** September 06, 2005, 09:22:07 pm »

hmph...still waiting for my gun, but after reading all the posts about the act labs guns, I'm not sure I want mine anymore! It either won't work or will break if I use it while drinking!

Jedi Master Matt · « **Reply #15 on:** September 06, 2005, 10:01:36 pm »

Bad news and good news. It does look like there is a problem going on with VGA boxes... the good news is that when it works, it seems to work GREAT!

I went and did a series of tests with both of my boxes and guns and here's what I've found out. (besides my busted VGA box with no red being passed)

My cabinet has a 21" Cornerstone VGA monitor running at 800 x 600 @60hz. Testing at this res and rate, I get a greyish background at calibration that is lighter at the top and darker at the bottom. When I click the trigger, the screen goes black except for a bright white flash at the top 2 - 3" of the screen. Moving the res and refresh rate up seem to make the problem worse. The screen gets darker and the flash isn't as big.

Checking to see if this problem exists on my other working VGA monitor in the house, a 17" Samsung that's almost brand new - it works PERFECT. The calibration screen is very bright and when the trigger is pulled, a very bright and even flash happens.

Trying to figure out the differences between the two monitors - besides the obvious size - I tried to grasp as straws and replaced the VGA cable on the Cornerstone with a new one. This resulted in lighter calibration background and a flash that extends about an inch further down the screen.

So, I wonder if there is some adjustment that needs to be made to the VGA box to work with bigger/older monitors? If it's just some sort of internal calibration of the box that is required, this might not be that big of a deal.

I've sent my help request off to Act-Labs and I'll let you know what I find out. I forgot to do this; but, someone should copy them to this thread and we should all put our monitor, resolution, and refresh rates in here to help them figure this out.

RetroACTIVE · « **Reply #16 on:** September 07, 2005, 11:03:06 am »

Does anyone know of any compatibility issues w/ActLabs + ArcadeVGA + Betson monitor.... At one time there was an issue with the WGD9200. Did not know if there was a similar situation with the Betson.

I'm having mixed results with mine... calibration screen is all white but accuracy is WAY OFF... and somtimes the trigger will cause more than just a quick flash... but a complete drop out of the video signal.

Thanks
Jim

Lilwolf · « **Reply #17 on:** September 07, 2005, 03:38:30 pm »

As for the benson... Ask in the monitor section.

but I remember there is two ways to make a vga->arcade monitor cable. One where you split the syncs and one where you combine them. I don't remember for sure, but I believe one doesn't work well with act-labs guns, and the other does. So it might be a pretty easy fix...

RetroACTIVE · « **Reply #18 on:** September 08, 2005, 09:26:04 am »

I don't need to make a cable... my monitor has a standard VGA cable already and works great with the ArcadeVGA board (which I would no way give up for the use of a light gun)... the gun should be plug and play...

Well... either way... the thing is POS, I'm going to try to get my money back... 80 bucks is a scam.

AC. · « **Reply #19 on:** September 08, 2005, 02:14:09 pm »

Here is an email response from Act Labs that I just got, apart from the grammar, it appears they are trying to solve the problem:

"We are aware of the problem. The cause is the incompatibility of certain
monitors and one of the IC has to change from current ST brand to T1 brand.

If you can access other monitor, please give it a try and no driver is
required. If the gun works well with other monitor, and you want to change
the IC, there is two options.

1. We are getting material to produce VGA boxes, and we will send you box
from China, and if that works, you send us back the non-working VGA box;
this might takes a few weeks

2. Send the VGA box to us in Vancouver BC, and we help to change the IC and
send it back to you."

bmame · « **Reply #20 on:** September 08, 2005, 05:06:34 pm »

I got mine to work on an older 17 inch monitor, but cannot seem to get it to operate on the bottom third of my screen.

It works full function horizontally, but only the top 2/3 of the vertical.

The instructions say you have to hold the gun 1 inch away from the screen to calibrate; could this be my problem (I have a cabinet and can only get about 6-8 inches because of the plastic front).

Thanks.

Target · « **Reply #21 on:** September 12, 2005, 12:27:03 pm »

Quote from: ascar9 on September 08, 2005, 02:14:09 pm

"We are aware of the problem. The cause is the incompatibility of certain
monitors and one of the IC has to change from current ST brand to T1 brand.

i emailed them when i got the black calibration screen, havent received a response yet.
I will bother them again.

but my question is.

with me being an english speaking, non electrical engineer....

TOK · « **Reply #22 on:** September 12, 2005, 12:37:46 pm »

Quote from: Target on September 12, 2005, 12:27:03 pm

Quote from: ascar9 on September 08, 2005, 02:14:09 pm
"We are aware of the problem. The cause is the incompatibility of certain
monitors and one of the IC has to change from current ST brand to T1 brand.

i emailed them when i got the black calibration screen, havent received a response yet.
I will bother them again.

but my question is.

with me being an english speaking, non electrical engineer....

can someone translate that quote?

"We F'd up".

AC. · « **Reply #23 on:** September 14, 2005, 04:54:29 pm »

Yeah, the only info I really took from that quote was:

We will send you working box then you return non working one

Target · « **Reply #24 on:** September 15, 2005, 12:25:16 pm »

well; emailed support over there twice now. still no replies.

Jedi Master Matt · « **Reply #25 on:** September 19, 2005, 07:12:28 pm »

Has anyone heard anything further back from Act-Labs about this? I've sent emails and tried to call with no response.

MajorLag · « **Reply #26 on:** September 19, 2005, 10:10:06 pm »

I haven't recieved any responses to my initial response e-mail. I'll write a note to try again soon.

Target · « **Reply #27 on:** September 20, 2005, 10:00:21 am »

i have sent 3 emails in the last 2 weeks.

2 through their website form

and once through the direct email, techsupport@act-labs.com

i did get the automated, "we got your email" response on the direct version

no response yet to the actual questions though.

This is not good.

RetroACTIVE · « **Reply #28 on:** September 21, 2005, 11:42:04 am »

3 e-mails
2 vms (forget getting a real live person)
nothing....

this company... like its light gun... is junk

you win some... you lose some...

Lilwolf · « **Reply #29 on:** September 21, 2005, 11:58:35 am »

Its really too bad. The companies customer service used to be GREAT! I remember when the pres used to come to these boards and talk about what they could do... and ask what we wanted!

I emailed them asking if they would be selling the shells by themselfs for people who have the original, ok with hacking them, and want the new look. No answer at all.

namedos · « **Reply #30 on:** September 21, 2005, 03:24:26 pm »

I sent an email request for an RMA (never could get the gun to shoot accurately) within 24 hours I had an email response. Ended up with three or four responses to my questions and on top of that they volunteered to credit it me for the original shipping.

I didn't like their product but in my instance their customer service was good.

Target · « **Reply #31 on:** September 21, 2005, 04:19:54 pm »

heh., depending on what happens, i might have a couple new gun husks i might not need.

i hope not though

MKChamp · « **Reply #32 on:** September 21, 2005, 04:48:44 pm »

Both of my triggers broke.
I called them once and talked to a live person. They sent out 3 new calibration switches(by mistake).
Called them back...got the same person. Now they are sending new triggers.
They weren't hard to get ahold of for me. Maybe it was just luck. They seemed very nice on the phone as well.
Try doing what I did and call their 800 number the moment they are open. I'm 2 for 2.

GameOver · « **Reply #33 on:** September 21, 2005, 06:00:18 pm »

Ditto - I e-mailed them about 2 wks ago, got a reply within 2 hours with the answer I needed. Maybe I just got lucky...

Target · « **Reply #34 on:** September 26, 2005, 02:05:28 pm »

not to bring up an old topic, but i got a response!!!

i tried from my work email address , instead of hotmail, and got a reply in a few hours.

in case you others who didnt get a response tried from hotmail, try another address.

Jedi Master Matt · « **Reply #35 on:** September 27, 2005, 06:14:14 pm »

**IMPORTANT NEWS FROM ACT-LABS**

I've received an email response directly from Act-Labs with information regarding the problem with the lightguns and details for replacement.

The problem centers around an IC chip in the VGA box that is different from the original design.

rosborn · « **Reply #36 on:** September 28, 2005, 08:58:15 pm »

Thanks for info!

Orders at ACT LABS · « **Reply #37 on:** September 28, 2005, 09:00:21 pm »

Thank you Matt, that saved us a lot of troubles

Orders !

RetroACTIVE · « **Reply #38 on:** September 29, 2005, 02:59:15 pm »

I'm better now... thanks to the Jedi...

I sent the e-mail and got a response literally within minutes... they are sending me a new box next week.

I'm sorry for slamming them. It seems that it was a technical difficulty.

Orders at ACT LABS · « **Reply #39 on:** October 04, 2005, 04:08:21 am »

We will start to deliver modified VGA boxes tomorrow from our Vanoucver office, China is now in National Day holidays.

MajorLag · « **Reply #40 on:** October 07, 2005, 03:37:16 pm »

I recieved my replacement VGA box today, and as advertised the calibration screen works. Unfortunatly my monitor doesn't like it and goes into no-signal mode after a few seconds. I can manage to configure the gun by turning the monitor back on, and then again, and again, but not surprisingly the calibration results are lackluster.

So I'd just like to say that Act-Labs' customer service really does live up to their reputation. Good job guys.

rosborn · « **Reply #41 on:** October 07, 2005, 07:25:24 pm »

I'll second that. The replacement unit works fine with my Trinitron.

Thanks!

AC. · « **Reply #42 on:** October 10, 2005, 09:57:47 am »

I got my replacement today - Oct 10, 2005. Hopefully I can see if it works tonight.

MajorLag · « **Reply #43 on:** October 10, 2005, 01:54:44 pm »

My trigger broke a while ago. For those of you who don't have one of the new guns, they have kindof a funky trigger. Instead of hinging like a regular trigger, they're more like a button that just slides back. I think someone else in the thread broke their trigger and was able to get replacements. I'm not going to do that because I think my trigger works better broken. Before I broke it, it took alot of pressure to activate the trigger, which really hurt my ability to play police trainer! Its much easier to pull now (but I'm still worse with it then the real PT gun).

jdjuggler · « **Reply #44 on:** October 12, 2005, 11:18:26 am »

Do I need one of their VGA boxes if I use an Betson Arcade monitor? It uses a regular 15-pin vga cable an goes directly into my existing nvidia card. I would be using it for mame.

JD

RetroACTIVE · « **Reply #45 on:** October 12, 2005, 12:14:33 pm »

Received my VGA box today! Excellent response! Looking forward to testing it.

Orders at ACT LABS · « **Reply #46 on:** October 13, 2005, 10:00:16 am »

has anyone use our PC Gun with viewsonic 21" (model G810)? Please advise the result.

Cheers

RetroACTIVE · « **Reply #47 on:** October 13, 2005, 01:55:56 pm »

I had an opportunity to test my new VGA box... Now I can actually target things on my windows desktop, which I could not do before.

So it looks like the VGA box was the ticket here.

However... I am having some difficulty within MAME getting the thing to hit anything at all.... I suspect it is a calibration issue now... this is why:

My guess (actually I know)... launching MAME game(s) is switching the resolution of the monitor. I am currently using ArcadeVGA and used MAMEWAH Resolution Tool to configure my monitor settings. Most likely the lower resolution games do not bode well with the gun... I'm pretty sure I will need to run the games at 640x480 minimum. When I get some more time I will experiment with this. (BTW: I did calibrate the gun after the game was launched, not before)

At any rate... I am confident it is now my problem and not the gun.

Thanks ACTLabs for such a prompt response. I will be returning my incompatible VGA box and keeping the system.

Orders at ACT LABS · « **Reply #48 on:** October 13, 2005, 07:20:34 pm »

Thanks very much, glad to know the new VGA boxes work for most.

To use Windows Desktop for calibration for shooting will isolate the problem as what RetroACTIVE has done here.

In fact, the gun can be calibrated anytime when you think your system setting has been changed, each calibration (the VGA box sends the commands to you system to have a white cursor to run from left to right, from top to bottom) will enable the gun to learn the size of your monitor, its resolution, reflesh rate etc, this is the basic to keep the gun accurate.

Any further problem, please email us at orders@act-labs.com and note to use "Act Labs enquiry" to avoid spam filtering.

Cheers

AC. · « **Reply #49 on:** October 13, 2005, 11:04:19 pm »

My new box works. Calibration in MAME still needs tweaking. If the shot is too far to the left, for example, you can adjust the monitor properties (on the monitor itself) to move the screen image to the right, then do the calibration, then adjust the screen back to where you want it. Experiment with the monitor adjust buttons before and after calibration to test your effect and which way you need to adjust.

Naturally, my monitor controls are behind the bezel and not easy to get to.


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