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Yet another Tempest - Done!
Paladin:
I haven't posted an update as I've been working on some small but annoying software issues.
I got my volcano buttons wired up to the Mini-PAC, but although they worked when I manually pressed the caps and num lock keys on the keyboard they didn't work in MAME. Some searching directed me to upgrade my MAME version to one that supports the led_mode switch. After setting led_mode to usb, the lights work as they should.
My other cab uses noname .63, which has the "ok to continue" and "press any key" prompts removed. It runs all the classics I'm interested in so I never felt a need to upgrade (other than to fix the Robotron speed issue). Now I'm running .103, and the volcano buttons flash the way they're supposed to, but now I've got the "press any key" message every time Tempest starts. Since this is going to be a Tempest only cab, I really don't want that nag screen there. I don't know when I'll have a chance to learn how to compile it myself, but it's now on the TO DO list.
Another thing that changed between the two versions is that the default analog control settings in .63 worked perfectly with my spinner, but now I've got backspin to deal with. I haven't tried the "dial" option in the .ini file, maybe that'll help - otherwise I'll just have to keep messing with it until I get the settings right.
On the construction side of it, I've added some 1/2" spacer blocks to my monitor mounting plate to get the monitor a little closer to the front. This has thrown my monitor bezel out of whack, so I need to make another one. I've also added a box to the back door with a PC fan in it. The fan is running on 5v from the PC which makes it run slow enough that you can't hear it, but it draws warm air out from right behind the monitor.
Rick, I've attached a picture with some measurements that are as close to accurate as I could get. I think they're what you were looking for.
rockin_rick:
Thanks for the info. The extra box doesn't look as intrusive as I had imagined. I suppose keeping it as small as needed helps.
With the led volcano's, did you connect a resistor between the led and the mini-pac? What value did you use?
With the analog control settings, perhaps you now have your mouse settings (speed, acceleration) effecting your input. Or maybe it was the other way around. I don't know a lot about it, but I'm pretty sure that the input method has changed somewhere along the way, and what version of windows you use matters, too. Good info here (not turbotwist specific) -
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=62774
Rick
Paladin:
I did use a 220 resistor with each of the original LED's.
Thanks for that link, it made me dizzy reading all that technical info! It did bring up some points that I'll have to check on, such as what my mouse settings are on the XP based PC I'm using.
Paladin:
Finally got to do some more work on the Tempest. I finished the interior sides. There were holes drilled all the way through the cab, presumably to hold a loose control panel on. I filled the holes with wood putty, then sanded the slightly puffed sides smooth. Next came primer and satin black paint.
I've also stripped the bad side art off, so next up will be sanding and patching the sides in preperation for new side art. This is where it starts to get expensive...
Sides before:
Sides after:
Paladin:
Finally got my artwork in. I've got one side on, with new t-molding. When I flipped it over to do the other side I found a couple areas that needed a bit more bondo and sanding. Looking good so far! I can't wait to get it back upright and put the electronics back in!
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