New Project, My First! HUGE inspiration from this Forum!!!

[cam_wmh]

Hello All,

5 months ago i purchased the Project Arcade Book, and I'm finally ready to take the proper plunge.  Now I'm finally a member of this board (inaugural post).

I've been reading a lot on McCoy's build thread, and it's been a huge inspiration!
Cheers mate!
I don't think I'll be building as fast nor as monumentally, but I do predict a nice finish hopefully.

Nonetheless, I've sent off a quote to divemaster127.

Here's what I've tentatively chosen for arcade parts

2 - Happ SUPER 4/8 Way Joysticks
2 - Happ Perfect 360 Joysticks
1 - 3" Trackball w/USB & PS/2 Interface
1 - I-PAC 4 Keyboard Encoder Interface (PS/2 Cable)
1 - OPTI-PAC Interface w/USB (+ USB Cable)

The control panel will house 4 players, two of which will have 6 buttons, the other two with 4 buttons.   Of course a trackball as well, and possibly an older 4 way stick (uncertain just yet).   I propose with my brother (a tinbasher) to wrap the control panel over MDF, in SheetMetal.   (maybe too farfetched for such a green noob?) 

For video, I have 2 options..   I have a 22 inch Compaq CRT Monitor.. (got it for free actually), and then I have a 25?/27? inch Philips Television, that I bought just last year.

For my computer

AMD Athlon 64 bit, 3200 Socket 939
ASUS A8V-MX w/Dual DDR400, 5.1
CoolerMaster Extreme Power 600W, 20 + 4 Pin
250 Gig Western Digital 16MB Cache, 7200 RPM, Serial ATA
Pioneer DVD Burner
X800XL ATI All In Wonder Video Card
Logitech X530 5.1 Sound System
TWO - 512MB Cards of Kingston PC2700

Now I'm sure many of you may think overkill. (my dad always said you could never have enough horsepower).   I'm thinking maybe? I can also use it as a PC Gaming machine, as the Cabinet will also be adjacent to my work desk.

Thoughts?  I'm open to all critiquing.   I'm also going to be buying the 3 sheets of MDF, wood, etc; at the end of this week. 

Thanks for your time all.

Cheers,
Cam_WMH

[mccoy178]

Welcome to the hell fun that this hobby is.  Boy, I can remember that exact enthusiasm when I first started.  I still have it, but my mentallity changed over time.  Thanks for the compliments.  I think your setup is fine because as time goes on and the technology changes, you are saving yourself the upgrade woes for a long time.  I use pc games on my cabinet and they are great.  Feel free to ask questions and welcome aboard.  It's been a long fun trip for myself.

[CheffoJeffo]

Welcome ... quick question ...why the Optipac if you are getting a PS/2 USB kit for your trackball (or vice-versa) ?

Cheers.

[KillerArcades]

...why the Optipac if you are getting a PS/2 USB kit for your trackball (or vice-versa) ?

Hiya, and welcome aboard! And yeah, same question as CheffoJeffo, you won't need an optipac for the tball, so is there something else you plan on hooking up to it?

The only other suggestions I would make is, what about light guns?

Oh, and I'm personally an MDF hater,..... but that's just me.

Good luck, and make sure you don't make the same mistake I did on my first cab, TAKE PICTURES!! (I forgot/was lazy).

[cam_wmh]

Hey guys
Per the Opti-Pac or PS/2 USB kit.. for the track ball.. I didn't realize it was one or the other.. i thought they complimented each other.. to fulfill the role.    oops?      

Well I see that many people are using the Opti-Pac..    but..

If I choose to get 2 Lightguns..   Actlabs.. I just read this RetroBlast review.. http://www.retroblast.com/reviews/actlabs-04122006-01.html   and it appears that the Guns connect thru USB..

Thus even if i expand to a couple guns, I don't need the Opti-Pac

Is there a "best" way to connect my 3" trackball to the PC?   (Opti-Pac vs USB & PS/2 Connect Kit?)

CheffoJefff, why don't you like MDF?

SO i removed the Opti-Pac from my order to divemaster127.   Thanks again all.

Cheers
Cam

[CheffoJeffo]

CheffoJefff, why don't you like MDF?

It was Skondris who mentionned it here, but I don't like it as it is bloody heavy, really messy, a little bit toxic and rather "dentable" compared to, say, plywood.

Cheers.

[mccoy178]

I personally love mdf.  Is it messy?  You bet your ass it is, but how many of these are you building anyways?  Don't be a Nancy.  Second, on the trackball issues, I've had nothing but problems with the USB version of the Happs trackball.  I've put three in cabs now and they all miss hard swings in Golden Tee.  I have an optipac with a regular Happs 3" trackball and it works perfect.  I can't hit it hard enough.  I would like to mention I am a huge GT junkie, so take it for what it's worth.  I have recently ordered a bundle of trackballs on ebay and one of Groovy Game Gears optical interfaces that is like $15 shipped to try out an alternative method to fix my buddies trackball woes.

[CheffoJeffo]

I personally love mdf.  Is it messy?  You bet your ass it is, but how many of these are you building anyways?  Don't be a Nancy. 

I notice that you're not exactly building your (really spectacular, BTW) cabinet in a garage attached to your house ... and the fact that you ask how many cabs he is building is clear evidence of the mind-numbing toxic effects of MDF dust (we all know the question is rhetorical!).   

If it was good enough for Pac-Man, it is good enough for me. 

Cheers.

[mccoy178]

I built the first few in the garage and I'm still dealing with the dust.  Someone said I had to mention it when trying to sell the house.  (Really drives down the value!  Worse than black mold I hear.)

[KillerArcades]

Worse than black mold I hear.)

Yeah, that about sums it up. Yeah, I had no trouble working with plywood, and my cabinet's still plenty heavy, in case that's how one chooses to measure the manliness of his/her cabinet.

Nah, but seriously, either material will work great, I'd just rather work with plywood ANY day over MDF, but in the end it doesn't matter.

As for the HAPP USB trackball, I haven't had any problems, but I haven't even loaded up Golden Tee yet (still haven't figured out the fascination people have with that game...) - in the end, it all depends on what games YOU are most interested in playing. Because those are the ones that are going to start bugging you when you realize that your "perfect" CP layout/controls aren't so "perfect" after all.

The light guns sound good. though you might want to consider the new LED light guns (search for "lcd topgun" to learn more about them), as many people are swearing by them for accuracy and compatibility, etc...

[cam_wmh]

Ok Gents..   Here's my order.   (Thanks divemaster127!!  )
You may notice I took McCoy's advice.. and swapped the USB/PS2 cord for the OPTI-Pac.
Paying on Thursday (hopefully)..  and then its off to the races!!!  I'm so fricking giddy, like I was 7 years old all over again opening that first Nintendo for Christmas. . . 20 yrs later.... 

2   Happ SUPER 4/8 Way Joysticks
2   Happ Perfect 360 Joysticks
1   3" Trackball Harness Version
1   Light Kit for 3 " Trackball
1   3" Trackball Mounting Plate Kit, Painted Black
1   I-PAC 4 Keyboard Encoder Interface (PS/2 Cable)
1   I-PAC 4 USB Cable
1   OPTI-Pac w/USB
1   Happ 1 Player Pushbutton w/Horizontal Microswitch
1   Happ 2 Player Pushbutton w/Horizontal Microswitch
1   Happ 3 Player Pushbutton w/Horizontal Microswitch
1   Happ 4 Player Pushbutton w/Horizontal Microswitch
6   White Ultimate Pushbuttons
5   Black Ultimate Pushbuttons
7   Red Ultimate Pushbuttons
7   Blue Ultimate Pushbuttons
5   Green Ultimate Pushbuttons
5   Yellow Ultimate Pushbuttons
1   Push Button Wrench

As far as the LCD guns go, I think I'll get those later.

Thanks for your advice thus far gentlemen!!
Cheers,
Cam

[miles2912]

You are in for a ride.  Post some good progress pics for us and ask away if you need help.  Learn by our collective mistakes.  Take your time and have fun ...

D-

[mccoy178]

I would highly recommend documenting as much as possible.  I bought a digital camera for the current project and I am very happy that I kept daily updates running on here.  It kept me motivated and caused good creative ideas to pop up.  I've built a few others without doing that and I can tell you it was worth the effort.

[cam_wmh]

first roadbump...

awww crap . .. . i was going to order this ATI AIW X800XL card  ..  and my procrastinating burnt me..

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10067121&catid=
man.. 180$ for that card is a steal..     


I've ventured a lil bit on EBAY..    weary tho..  hearing so many stories of scams lately.. 

sidenote  i'm quite happy with divemaster127 thus far ..  answers my questions. (usually twice a day to three times a day)
anyone have any suggestions?  crikeys!!!

[cam_wmh]

oops!! double post.. (how do I delete this mofo?)

[mccoy178]

Post whore!

[cam_wmh]

Hey Guys,

So I bought a bunch of the wood today (2 - 4x8 Sheets, of gorgeous 1/2inch Finishing Plywood, 1 - 4x8 Sheet of MDF) and 1" & 2" #8 screws, shelf brackets, & hinges..

But I'm not keen on cleaning the garage just yet  , so I started doing measurements of the doorways, and my TV. 

Well, I decided to make sure that I have Component Out on the back of my TV..
(27" Diagonally, Phillips TV.. bought for $250 last summer at Wallymart)

Anyways..  After browsing..  and seeing the denoatations.. YCbCr ..  I was a little alarmed as I had thought? that it was to read YPbPr.   So I searched the site and browsed the Monitor Forums w/o finding a definitive answer.  I did find this explaination from the PCmag.com  website.

http://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia_term/0,2542,t=Y+Cb+Cr&i=55147,00.asp

Definition of: YCbCr

One of two primary color spaces used to represent digital component video (the other is RGB). The difference between YCbCr and RGB is that YCbCr represents color as brightness and two color difference signals, while RGB represents color as red, green and blue. In YCbCr, the Y is the brightness (luma), Cb is blue minus luma (B-Y) and Cr is red minus luma (R-Y). See component video.

YCbCr Is Digital
MPEG compression, which is used in DVDs, digital TV and Video CDs, is coded in YCbCr, and digital camcorders (MiniDV, DV, Digital Betacam, etc.) output YCbCr over a digital link such as FireWire or SDI. The ITU-R BT.601 international standard for digital video defines both YCbCr and RGB color spaces. See YCbCr Sampling.

YPbPr Is Analog
YPbPr is the analog counterpart of YCbCr. It uses three cables for connection, whereas YCbCr uses only a single cable (see YPbPr). See YUV, YUV/RGB conversion formulas and ITU-R BT.601.

Now my question is, how many cables am I using to connect to my All in Wonder card? (Has Component Out as part of its Dongle cord)

I see the explainations on pcmag.com say I only connect my video with one cord?(Y Cb CR)  Am I going to see a significant quality loss as compared to using 3 Component Cords? (Y Pb PR)

I've also included a couple pics of the connections on the back of said Television.

Thanks for your help guys,
Cam

[theCoder]

I would highly recommend documenting as much as possible.  I bought a digital camera for the current project and I am very happy that I kept daily updates running on here.  It kept me motivated and caused good creative ideas to pop up.  I've built a few others without doing that and I can tell you it was worth the effort.

I second mccoy178's comments about documenting the project.  On my first project I only took about 20 pictures.  This really limited my ability to do a decent writeup.  I'm now taking about 10-20 shots per work session.  Digital "film" is free.  Plus it only adds about 5 minutes to any given session to pick up the camera every once and a while to snap a few shots.  When I go to take a picture, I usually take 3-5, slightly changing the angle and distance. 

On my current project (PartyBox) I'm probably overdoing it.  I'm sure some of the stuff I'm documenting is obvious to the more experienced out there, but I'm hopeful someone will benefit from it.  It also prompts people to comment and question things.   

Keeping a blog helps you stay on task.  The compliments keep you motivated.  The criticism helps you do a better job.  If you let your project go more than a week or so, the people following your project will hit you up for updates.   

Good luck on your project.

[Crafty]

I would highly recommend documenting as much as possible.  I bought a digital camera for the current project and I am very happy that I kept daily updates running on here.  It kept me motivated and caused good creative ideas to pop up. 

I second McCoy178's comments about documenting the project. 


I agree also details and photos are what keeps us coming back for a look
To heap praise or pass comment.

Keep up the good work.

[johnperkins21]

Am I going to see a significant quality loss as compared to using 3 Component Cords?

Yes. Use the 3 cables, and make sure you get halfway decent cables (i.e. >$20).

[cam_wmh]

Got my parts from Divemaster today!!! 

Can't work on it, or even check out all the parts until after the weekend tho, gotta go to a wedding.

[cam_wmh]

WHOA WHOA!!!   Yes I intentionally bumped this!   :dizzy:

When I started trying to work on this 3 years ago, I couldn't for the life of my figure out how to tie into a conventional television.   I no longer have the ATi card to work with...
At the same time, I started configuring my ROMS on my Emulator, to ensure each of the FIRST four games (LOL)..  had hte appropriate keystrokes.
THen I realized I had the daunting task of another thousand or so games?   What was I getting myself into...   
SO.. I dropped my chin, and admitted defeat...  A box full of parts just sitting there...     :-\

...  1 yr
....   2 yrs..
.....   3 yrs go by..   I get asked.. I shyly dismiss inquiries.. embarrassingly..    :dunno

Well just a week ago..  A good friend, pointed me to www.jammaboards.com  and I found the Killer Edition board..  with 1300 GREAT GAMES..
perfect for a newb like me!!!     :applaud: 
Then..  I find the video converter..   so I'm thinking LCD 32" TV, are only $350 around these parts.. Use the VGA port.


Before I do though..  I have a couple questions for you experienced, 1337, fellas.   :notworthy:

I am about to order two products from www.jammaboards.com  :
1.) CGA/EGA/YUV to VGA HD-Converter PCB (GBS-8220)
http://www.jammaboards.com/store/cga/ega/yuv-to-vga-converter-pcb-gbs-8220/prod_291.html

2.) 1069-in-1 Games Family Multigame JAMMA System ** Upgrade to XXXX-in-1 KE (Killer Edition)! & Upgrade to P4/
http://www.jammaboards.com/store/1069-in-1-games-family-multigame-system/prod_243.html

The parts I am I inquiring about compatibility are from www.ultimarc.com

1.) I-PAC 4 Keyboard Encoder Interface (PS/2 Cable) with I-PAC 4 USB Cable
http://www.ultimarc.com/ipac1.html
2.) OPTI-Pac w/USB
http://www.ultimarc.com/optipac1.html

Will these parts tie into the Jamma Motherboard?     

(I do already have the necessary pushbuttons, & trackball)


I have a good woodworking friend, that's going to help, in exchange for beers!  Thanks Noel.

We wanna make a standalone control panel similar to the attached picture, perhaps putting castors under, & have VGA & Power cords as easily stowable/pluggable.

Any advice is much appreciated.

Thanks in advance   :cheers:

Fellow mamer,
Cam

[jmike]

You're off to a good start. Personally I like the standalone control panels (especially the one you have pictured). It's similar to the one I built.

Mine actually doesn't have a back so all the cables are easily accesible.

Good luck!
 

[saleem]

threads are useless without pics.
 

[mccoy178]

Finally I can log out!  I've been waiting forever!

[BobA]

If you have a jamma board you need a jamma harness to tie your buttons and joysticks to.   You do not need the ipac as the buttons and joys go to the jamma harness and/or your multiboard.  Your multiboard plugs into the jamma harness.   What you are basically building is a JAMMA cab for your board.  You will also need a Power Supply and the AC wiring for your cab but you can forget about the isolation transformer as you are not using an arcade monitor.


Jamma lnfo

AC info