Mirrors and the LCD guns

[Lilwolf]

Hey, anyone know if you can easily make mame work with a mirror at 45 degrees over it?    Seems like it would be doable.  Anyone know if any video cards can handle it?

Why?

Couldn't we use a 2way mirror thats used for building your own projectors at a 45 degree angle, with the new LCD guns behind it?

And why?

Couldn't we hack the lcd inputs to be closer together, and put them in the middle of the screen... so we can be closer?

btw, anyone want to sell one of their lcd panels?  I might want to hack one and see how well it works close up... But I want one on my PC upstairs and one on my arcade machine (and I only have 2)... So if I had a third, then I could try and see how small I can make it and still have it still work.

I'm considering this or finally going out and getting a projector (and putting two behind the screen.

[RandyT]

Hey, anyone know if you can easily make mame work with a mirror at 45 degrees over it?    Seems like it would be doable.  Anyone know if any video cards can handle it?

Hmmm...easy?  Depends on the definition.  But most monitors can be made to scan whatever way you want them to, just by changing the way the tube is plugged into the board.

Couldn't we use a 2way mirror thats used for building your own projectors at a 45 degree angle, with the new LCD guns behind it?

You might be able to do this.  The thing you'd need to watch for is your transmission and reflectivity numbers.

And calibration might be a little tricky as well, but maybe not.

Couldn't we hack the lcd inputs to be closer together, and put them in the middle of the screen... so we can be closer?

I think you mean the "LED bars", but yes, as long as the IR output is sufficient.  Also, keep in mind that your monitor's face will now appear to be sunken back into your cab by a foot or more depending on the size of the screen.

RandyT

[Lilwolf]

As easy, I was hoping for driver based.  I might be able to swap them on the monitor itself, but its an EYGO 27" industrial VGA monitor that was popular years and years ago. 

As for bringing them (the bars on top / bottom of the cabinet).  I assume that all 3 of the leds that are next to each other are tied together.  So I was going to try and fit 3 in a close cluster.   But that would require some basic testing...  But since I don't have an extra one for playing with... that was why I was hoping to see if someone was willing to sell one (who bought two, but didn't expect to use the second one).

The big question is how expensive those mirrors are going to be... and if they let UV light through... 

I've been considering rebuilding my arcade cabinet (its currently an old gauntlet machine, but the edges are warn...) and I would definately rework the design if I could get the guns to work well and close.

[Silver]

I take it you mean position the LED bars behind the mirror? (so should be invisible to the player)...

Nice idea - but why would you need to hack them? You could position them wherever you like behind the mirror (ie quite close together) as they won't be seen. So long as they remain accurate enough.....