Very Confused - Need some advise

[savj14]

I am pretty confused on the setup I want for my cabinet. I have a non-working cabinet and I was told that the monitor is the only problem with it. I am going to get a used working arcade monitor to replace it in hopes that everything else will work. With that being said is it possible to hack/buy a cable so that I can plug the Arcade Monitor right into the VGA card of my computer??? I have heard that I need to do some things using PowerStrip, but will this allow me to run Windows or will it ruin the monitor?? What about using Ultimarc's breakout cable???

I would like to have MAME32 running in Windows on my Arcade Monitor so I can play any game in their native resolution.  For now that would be a way to test the monitor with MAME and just use a gamepad for the controls for testing.

I have looked into the J-Pac would this be an alternative to hacking/buying a cable???. I'd really like to stay away from using DOS and playing around with config files, as Windows is much easier to run MAME in.

BTW, how does the J-Pac work exaclty. I know the JAMMA hooks into one end, but how does the Arcade Monitor and PC hook together.?? I see that their is a VGA port so I assume the port on the J-Pac hooks right onto the back of the PC's video card VGA out?

I guess I am looking for some ideas on how I should go about making the cabinet. I do not have PCB's so it will be strictly MAME games. My ultimate goal is to have Windows MAME32 running all of my games and have the existing controls working with that. And maybe eventually add some extra buttons. I know this would all be solved if I had a Tri-sync Arcade monitor but they are too expensive for me right now.

[javeryh]

First, I'd buy a copy of Saint's book and read it cover to cover - that gives you a great overview of how everything works.

As for your monitor, if you buy a hybrid arcade monitor it will plug directly into your computer without the need for an extra cable.  I got a 19" Happs and I love it.

Also, don't think you are going to be able to make an all-in-one cabinet.  The Project Arcade layout is probably the best all-purpose design out there (IMO) but you still can't play everything.

Pics of what you got would go a long way.  Good luck!

[leapinlew]

First, I'd buy a copy of Saint's book and read it cover to cover - that gives you a great overview of how everything works.

  True True

You sound like your at the beginning steps of this scene. Your doing the right things by being here and reading up on all your different options. Don't allow yourself to believe there is 1 solution out there and you have to find it... there are more ways to build an arcade than there are to skin a cat.

[CheffoJeffo]

The first and most important thing is to remember that a Std Resolution arcade monitor needs to be driven at 15Khz, NOT 31Khz as normal computer monitors - you can damage your arcade monitor trying to drive it as if it were a normal PC monitor.

That is where an ArcadeVGA card comes in. You may use other cards and PowerStrip to get to 15Khz.

http://www.ultimarc.com/avgafaq.html

PowerStrip WriteUp

The JPac connects the cabinet to your PC, including VGA (the monitor connects to the JAMMA harness, so no cable hack is required). It specifically is not a scan convertor, but will prevent damage to the arcade monitor.

http://www.ultimarc.com/jpac1.html

For an existing JAMMA cabinet, my recommendation is always ArcadeVGA with JPac for fast and easy set up.

Cheers.

EDIT: Don't forget the Wiki as a source of information.

[savj14]

Thanks for the input everyone.

Let's say I go the route of using the hacked cable and use just my PC and the Arcade Monitor. I have read up on PowerStrip and have already added some Custom Resolutions at 15hz. Where does the Arcade monitor get power from??? I assume once it is connected to the PC through the VGA port, the computer supplies the power???

I think I will eventually get a J-pac so I can have everything running in the Cabinet, but I cannot spring to buy one just yet. Using the hacked cable seems like a reasonable way to test the monitor using MAME.

[AlanS17]

Thanks for the input everyone.

Let's say I go the route of using the hacked cable and use just my PC and the Arcade Monitor. I have read up on PowerStrip and have already added some Custom Resolutions at 15hz. Where does the Arcade monitor get power from??? I assume once it is connected to the PC through the VGA port, the computer supplies the power???

I think I will eventually get a J-pac so I can have everything running in the Cabinet, but I cannot spring to buy one just yet. Using the hacked cable seems like a reasonable way to test the monitor using MAME.

The monitor gets its power from the arcade machine's power supply through the isolation transformer. I don't want to lose you so I'll try to slow it down.

The power supplies on most machines in the past 20 years look like a metal box with screw posts on on side. The 110v (the wall outlet) connects there, and you'll see other voltages disperse from there.

Well the monitor needs 110v so what usually happens is there are leads that come off of the power supply at the 110v posts that lead to a big block-looking sort of thing. This unit is very heavy so it's usually mounted right on the floor of the machine. This is called the isolation transformer. It takes the dirty electrical signal from the wall and cleans it up so you don't trash your monitor. From there, it passes the 110v again up to the monitor.

So your arcade monitor has seperate connections for power and for signal.

[savj14]

All right so there really no way to just plug the Arcade Monitor into the pc and use it as is?? Is there any way I can use the Monitor without using actually having it powered throught the cabinet??

It sounds like using a J-Pac is the only way I can get power to the monitor so that the PC can use it??

[CheffoJeffo]

All right so there really no way to just plug the Arcade Monitor into the pc and use it as is?? Is there any way I can use the Monitor without using actually having it powered throught the cabinet??

It sounds like using a J-Pac is the only way I can get power to the monitor so that the PC can use it??

The monitor should ALREADY be powered through the ISO in the cabinet.

The JPac does not provide AC power to the monitor.

I see that I may have mislead you earlier -- the monitor inputs run through the JAMMA harness, the monitor power comes from the wall (typically) through the isolation transformer.

Check the link below -- it should help clarify things:

http://homearcade.org/BBBB/buildit.html

Cheers.