Wiring IPac? ArcadeVGA really needed?

[MartyNg]

Okay, I've read up on the IPAC and decided that the 4-player version is what I should use for my old Tekken 2 cabinet. However, I can't seem to find any good resources on how to wire this to a custom control panel. I've found plenty of dead links however. I haven't ordered any parts yet but will likely be going with a 4-player w/6 buttons each configuration.

Also, I can't seem to find a clear answer. How do I know if I need the ArcadeVGA or not? The arcade monitor seems to be in great condition. I'm trying to get this project rolling while spending as little as possible. If I can only get 90% of the 'genuine arcade' feel, and save $100, that's what I want to do.  Perhaps if this project turns out good, I'll go for a version 2 machine and try for 99% arcade reproduction.

Also, is there any hardware I'm missing beside the IPAC and possibly ArcadeVGA card? (And all the controls obviously) I'm also a little confused as to whether I need a JPAC or not.

Thanks for any help!



 

[MYX]

The Arcade VGA card is only needed if you are running an actual arcade monitor.

My suggestion is to use the search and really do some reading. There is more info than you can read in a month on just about all topics about all the possibilities for your cab and many include ways to save money.

BTW, this is really not the hobby to be in if you are trying to save money. In fact it is a money pit. In fact I suggest that you run now. While you still can...run.......ruuuunnnnnnnnnnn.....

Can't   


break


    freeeeeeee.

Seriously, though... It is a ton of fun, but very frustrating if there is no $$$. There are some ways to save money. If you do build cheap, you will probably go and spend more to make it right later so in the long run you spend more. It is a sickness.

[Silver]

The Arcade VGA card is only needed if you are running an actual arcade monitor.

Well it's great and it makes life easy, but it is not a requirement at all.

A lot of "normal" graphics card can output an arcade monitor signal - the difference is they need manual intervention to do it (customising drivers or powerstrip in windows). And they can not do it during bios/startup. If Cheap is what you want, an old trident gfx card will do.

[AtomSmasher]

Okay, I've read up on the IPAC and decided that the 4-player version is what I should use for my old Tekken 2 cabinet. However, I can't seem to find any good resources on how to wire this to a custom control panel. I've found plenty of dead links however. I haven't ordered any parts yet but will likely be going with a 4-player w/6 buttons each configuration.

Issue 4 of Retro Revival has a good tutorial on using the I-Pac, and its free to download.
http://www.retrorevival.co.uk/site/index.php

[Ghoward]

Is it me or does "do I need Arcade VGA" get asked just about every week......

I guess no one ever does a search before posting......

Gary

[MartyNg]

Oh, I've done plenty of searching. You can see my dilemma just from this thread. Right here we have two members with about 1,000 posts each contradicting each other about the necessity of the ArcadeVGA card.   

Also, as far as money goes, it's not really an 'issue', I would just hate to spend top dollar on "Version 1" of my machine. I would like to use the cash on Version 2, once I am experienced with the whole process.

[MartyNg]

Okay, I've read up on the IPAC and decided that the 4-player version is what I should use for my old Tekken 2 cabinet. However, I can't seem to find any good resources on how to wire this to a custom control panel. I've found plenty of dead links however. I haven't ordered any parts yet but will likely be going with a 4-player w/6 buttons each configuration.

Issue 4 of Retro Revival has a good tutorial on using the I-Pac, and its free to download.
http://www.retrorevival.co.uk/site/index.php

Awesome. Thanks atomsmasher. That's EXACTLY what I was looking for in regards to the IPAC. This should be in the tutorials section!

[krick]

For an arcade cabinet that is already wired jamma with a standard res (15KHz) arcade monitor, I recommend the following...

ArcadeVGA
J-PAC for players 1 & 2
I-PAC2 for players 3 & 4 if you plan on making a 4-player cabinet.

I suggest getting the ArcadeVGA and the J-PAC for now to get up and running quickly.  The J-PAC will plug right into the existing JAMMA harness saving you a lot of work re-wiring everything.  Plus, by keeping the JAMMA harness, you have the option of using real JAMMA boards in your machine if you choose.

Later if you decide to convert your control panel to 4 players, buy an I-PAC2 to handle the two extra players.  Note that the I-PAC2 will have to be re-programmed as the default key settings conflict with player 1 and 2 controls on the J-PAC.

[MYX]

I would just hate to spend top dollar on "Version 1" of my machine. I would like to use the cash on Version 2,

It is what I did.

Dude, once you have built one, and see the cost involved, you might not want to build another one. It is greater in scope than you realise. Soon you have it is strewn all through your house and yer wife wants to kill you. 

I say go nuts right out of the gate.

[CheffoJeffo]

Oh, I've done plenty of searching. You can see my dilemma just from this thread. Right here we have two members with about 1,000 posts each contradicting each other about the necessity of the ArcadeVGA card.   

Don't forget the Ultimarc site ...

Yes it is true that many cards can be configured to output a 15Khz horizontal scan, by using special drivers, or by functionality built into applications such as Advanced MAME.

And Andy's instructions for wiring the IPac are pretty good.

I'll second krick's suggestion ... that's the way I would do it.

Cheers.

[MartyNg]

For an arcade cabinet that is already wired jamma with a standard res (15KHz) arcade monitor, I recommend the following...

ArcadeVGA
J-PAC for players 1 & 2
I-PAC2 for players 3 & 4 if you plan on making a 4-player cabinet.

I suggest getting the ArcadeVGA and the J-PAC for now to get up and running quickly.  The J-PAC will plug right into the existing JAMMA harness saving you a lot of work re-wiring everything.  Plus, by keeping the JAMMA harness, you have the option of using real JAMMA boards in your machine if you choose.

Later if you decide to convert your control panel to 4 players, buy an I-PAC2 to handle the two extra players.  Note that the I-PAC2 will have to be re-programmed as the default key settings conflict with player 1 and 2 controls on the J-PAC.

Awesome. That's exactly what I'm going to do, although I may try without the ArcadeVGA first.