Author Topic: Nanotech OptiGun?? (Read 21420 times)

DigitalAce7 · « **on:** December 23, 2008, 11:40:39 pm »

Hey guys!
Has anyone tried the OptiGun adapter at Nanotech?
The web site is
http://www.nanotechent.com/opti-gun.php
It states it works with MAME and low-res monitors
I'm not sure how it works. My new cabinet is running Vista 64.
It states no drivers required. Anyone willing to give a shot?

- DigitalAce7

Organic Jerk · « **Reply #1 on:** December 24, 2008, 12:48:34 am »

whoah whoah..... what?

Does anyone know anything about this?

For 200 bucks it better be more than perfect...

CheffoJeffo · « **Reply #2 on:** December 24, 2008, 09:38:43 am »

There have been a number of threads on it and the bottom line is that nobody has tried it.

I was thinking about it, but my discretionary fund just went to Jrok's new williams boards.

Organic Jerk · « **Reply #3 on:** December 24, 2008, 11:33:20 am »

I would imagine a positive review from a respected forum member here would do some good work for their sales...

... good enough work that they should be able to give up a unit for review, no?

divemaster127 · « **Reply #4 on:** December 24, 2008, 12:39:59 pm »

why dont we take up a paypal collection & send the money to saint, we could pick out one of the more tech guys on here to test the unit & they can also keep it...I would be willing to donate no problem, we could use chad, cheff or ken maybe

Time Pilot · « **Reply #5 on:** December 24, 2008, 12:49:57 pm »

Seems pretty cool. I emailed them about the User's Guide link not working. They just fixed it. The guide doesn't mention calibration, so I emailed in a question about that. Kinda pricey, but might be just the thing if it really works...

Organic Jerk · « **Reply #6 on:** December 24, 2008, 02:24:30 pm »

I sent an email over to them:

Quote

Hello,

I would like to gather some information about the Optigun board.

I frequent the forums over at http://www.arcadecontrols.com (an active home arcade enthusiast community), and a number of us have shown interest in this product. I personally feel that if it’s solid, it would be a godsend to the community, and you would become the premier supplier of this type of product to home buyers.

What is setup and calibration of the device like?
So far, Light Gun devices have either had to be connected to the video monitor (such as with the Act Labs gun), or set up with separate LED bars (such as with the LCD Top Gun). Both setups have been lukewarm depending on who you ask, but there is definitely a consensus that original arcade guns, if possible, are the way to go. That being said, How are these aspects handled on this board?

How accurate is the board?

Is there a possibility of releasing a cheaper option?
The board seems to be created as an all-in-one solution, created with the arcade game creator/publisher in mind. The overwhelming majority of home arcade enthusiasts who have gone the route of using a PC for their cabinet already have an option configured for coin inputs, start buttons, sound, etc. Have you ever considered releasing a half-price slimmed down version that merely supports the guns and the buttons on the gun? Given that a single gun from happ costs $75 each (before shipping), an entire setup with this board would end up costing around $400 in all. Giving the option between a “Pro” and “Lite” version could help your sales, as I know many people who would like to give this a try, but simply cannot afford the investment that this board requires.

Is there a possibility of donating one to a trusted member, publication, or member in the community for review?
A big part of which products get sold and which do not in the community is word of mouth, and the question many first-posters ask is “What is the best joystick?” “Have you heard of this product?” In fact, the post that spawned my email today is actually one such post: Link. I know it may be a big request, but I can refer you to long-standing and trusted members of the community whose word would go a long way to instilling good faith in this product if it is what it states. Alternatively, you could send a part over to GameRoom Magazine or RetroBlast for review, as well. Again, word of mouth is a big (if not the biggest) part of what sells and what does not in this community. Vendors like groovygamegear.com and ultimarc.com (as well as forum members who work as Happ vendors), have a deep seated and well respected presence in the forum, and I believe this company could very well join the club.

Thank you for your consideration in addressing these questions and concerns. As you would imagine, I am personally considering this board for purchase, but the price tag, along with the general lack of knowledge about your company, leaves me hesitant.

- Omesh Persaud
BYOAC forum member OrganicJerk
********@gmail.com

Ginsu Victim · « **Reply #7 on:** December 24, 2008, 04:17:24 pm »

Very well-written. If they don't respond in a positive manner to that, ---fudgesicle--- 'em.

CheffoJeffo · « **Reply #8 on:** December 24, 2008, 04:21:03 pm »

FWIW, David R Foley (It's A GoogleTrap!) is a member here, so hopefully will chime in. He definitely won't want me involved as I've been less than kind in regards to my characterizations of him, but he has made some pretty cool stuff and I do hope to buy one of these at some point.

I would like to see a review by someone like GameRoom Magazine or RetroBlast. Alternatively, if it were to be someone here, I would vote for someone like u_rebelscum, Tiger-Heli, etc.

Someone at Happ was testing the board and there was some issue, which I understand Nanotech was looking into (I think it was something simple like a wiring harness).

For those of you using LCDs, they also are working on a sonic version of the board (works with sensors).

Sorry ... I'm too lazy to look for the appropriate threads right now -- guests are arriving and I am getting dirty looks from Mrs. Cheffo for having my notebook on the counter while cooking.

ahofle · « **Reply #9 on:** December 24, 2008, 04:28:37 pm »

I think this is the thread you mean:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=83854.0

I personally think that if Foley's gun solution comes in below the $200 price point and is as accurate as he suggests, it will be THE arcade gun solution for the BYOAC crowd.

divemaster127 · « **Reply #10 on:** December 24, 2008, 04:32:11 pm »

As much as I do not care for foley it would be awesome to have a gun solution

mrserv0n · « **Reply #11 on:** December 25, 2008, 01:02:58 am »

Why doesnt ultimarc just grab one of these. Mimic it for $100 bucks and push em out?

Organic Jerk · « **Reply #12 on:** December 25, 2008, 05:39:03 am »

Got an answer:

Quote

>>What is setup and calibration of the device like?

Windows Control Panel, Game Controllers, Click on Optigun and select Calibrate.

>>How accurate is the board?

Good enough to be used in several arcade products already.

>>Is there a possibility of releasing a cheaper option?

Yes, possibly a non arcade version with no amplifier.

>>Is there a possibility of donating one to a trusted member, publication, or member in the community for review?

Not at this time, but in the future for sure.

Well I had seen David Foley's name mentioned in previous threads in a reference to some scandalous history, but I don't know much of anything about the whole ordeal.

I knew he is a member here at the very least, but I didn't know he was linked to this product (or that he was who the email was going to, or else I would have just PM'd)......I definitely would have written the email differently had I known the creator was already a member of the forum I was trying to pimp!

AndyWarne · « **Reply #13 on:** December 25, 2008, 06:37:42 am »

Quote from: mrserv0n on December 25, 2008, 01:02:58 am

Why doesnt ultimarc just grab one of these. Mimic it for $100 bucks and push em out?

I have mentioned on here before that if we were ever to produce a light gun it would not be based on the obsolete technology used in standard arcade optical guns.

Andy

Lilwolf · « **Reply #14 on:** December 25, 2008, 12:43:51 pm »

I'm really curious on how good Dave Foley's come out. I believe the sonic ones are what most arcades currently have.

I looked at some of the technology and thought someone could do a cool ultra violet light one (put 4 sensors, and have one in each corner of a monitor or something and get the location based on that). Then I started thinking... the sensors should be in the monitor itself... one in each corner (or whatever) and then you could have a wireless version so you have one extra led that works closer to a remote control, ie, it has a wide range. Anyway, you would need different frequency for each gun, different sensors for each....

But I think the sound works the same way. So there is some real possiblities... if the price could stay low.

But 200 bucks if it handled two guns and worked without flashes would be worth it... for some... I've spent more on arcade parts that work with less games then a good gun system. And if you add all the guns purchased that didn't really work... I'm probably in that range now... (act gun system, act labs usb x2, those lcd ones everyone has x2...)

davidrfoley · « **Reply #15 on:** January 01, 2009, 10:40:11 pm »

Our OptiGun circuitry has been used in thousands of Arcade machines, so it's very well proven technology. We are now working with some customers to ensure that it's feature set works well with as many MAME configurations as possible.

The only problem that Happ had in testing was that they wired the guns wrong when connecting them. The boards work fun with all standard Happ and Betson guns and rifles. We currently don't work with Area 51 guns, and are looking into why those guns generate different signals than standard light guns.

People have complained about the price, and it's primarily due to low volume and a bunch of features for actual arcade use. Due to the inquiries we are looking into building a "Lite" configuration so that it's just I/O, and nothing else (2x Guns, 6x Button Inputs for each Gun) I'll keep the forums posted.

vartech · « **Reply #16 on:** April 30, 2009, 10:16:50 am »

Any updates on the lite version? Also I want to know if this will work on my setup. I have some arcade light guns a wells gardner standard arcade monitor with a arcadevga card with a 3400 athlon xp. The cab has tinted glass. I want to know how accurate this will be.

studmuff · « **Reply #17 on:** May 01, 2009, 12:43:44 am »

$200 seems really steep for an adapter and no gun!

davidrfoley · « **Reply #18 on:** May 01, 2009, 11:07:31 am »

Quote from: vartech on April 30, 2009, 10:16:50 am

Any updates on the lite version? Also I want to know if this will work on my setup. I have some arcade light guns a wells gardner standard arcade monitor with a arcadevga card with a 3400 athlon xp. The cab has tinted glass. I want to know how accurate this will be.

We are in a mandatory quiet period, so I can't comment on new product releases such as OptiGun Lite. We'll have some announcements soon.

The tinted glass will affect the use of any light gun technology. As members have pointed out, optical gun technology is very old, and we don't control the sensors that were used in the guns. They rely on bright light in order to function, thus the flashing of the screen when you pull the trigger. Depending on how tinted your glass is will determine how much it affects the use of optical guns.

davidrfoley · « **Reply #19 on:** May 01, 2009, 11:08:17 am »

Quote from: studmuff on May 01, 2009, 12:43:44 am

$200 seems really steep for an adapter and no gun!

Until you start making them and selling them.

CheffoJeffo · « **Reply #20 on:** May 01, 2009, 12:38:50 pm »

FWIW, and I may end up eating a big plate of crow (and i don't have any good recipes!) based on my prior personal comments about Mr Foley, $200 is an AWESOME price for real gun connectivity.

If you are making a judgement on price based on something like, say, ActLabs or GunCon, I would suggest that there is a reason that people are looking for something more.

I don't want a half-assed solution and am willing to both pay and wait for a solution with a complete and plump ass.

EDIT: For poor wording regarding posteriors!

vartech · « **Reply #21 on:** May 01, 2009, 03:39:35 pm »

Quote from: davidrfoley on May 01, 2009, 11:07:31 am

Quote from: vartech on April 30, 2009, 10:16:50 am
Any updates on the lite version? Also I want to know if this will work on my setup. I have some arcade light guns a wells gardner standard arcade monitor with a arcadevga card with a 3400 athlon xp. The cab has tinted glass. I want to know how accurate this will be.

We are in a mandatory quiet period, so I can't comment on new product releases such as OptiGun Lite. We'll have some announcements soon.

The tinted glass will affect the use of any light gun technology. As members have pointed out, optical gun technology is very old, and we don't control the sensors that were used in the guns. They rely on bright light in order to function, thus the flashing of the screen when you pull the trigger. Depending on how tinted your glass is will determine how much it affects the use of optical guns.

can you give a time frame on when to expect announcements example June 09, end of 3rd quarter 09. Something so we know this is not pardon the expression vaporware.

claypool · « **Reply #22 on:** May 01, 2009, 06:43:01 pm »

I think that kind of expense is not an issuem, as all current solutions for a light gun in an arcade cabinet are poor. Utilizing genuine arcade optical light guns and there durability is the way to go.
But I am reluctant to get one shipped across the world when no user reviews have been submitted, by donating one to a respected reviewer would boost the sales period.

swamprat96 · « **Reply #23 on:** May 01, 2009, 08:35:19 pm »

I'm with Andy on this - optical light guns are old tech and as CRT's are on the way out I can't see this as a final solution. The sonic system sounds the way to go(pardon the pun)

.

Whether we like it or not LCD is here now and something else around the corner. WE want a future proof solution as does the manufacturer- otherwise no-one is going to produce them

ahofle · « **Reply #24 on:** May 01, 2009, 08:44:47 pm »

Mandatory quiet period?

davidrfoley · « **Reply #25 on:** May 01, 2009, 08:49:28 pm »

Quote from: vartech on May 01, 2009, 03:39:35 pm

can you give a time frame on when to expect announcements example June 09, end of 3rd quarter 09. Something so we know this is not pardon the expression vaporware.

We never announced the OptiGun lite, so the vaporware comment doesn't apply here. I mentioned that we would take the requests under consideration.

studmuff · « **Reply #26 on:** May 01, 2009, 09:13:34 pm »

Quote from: davidrfoley on May 01, 2009, 11:08:17 am

Quote from: studmuff on May 01, 2009, 12:43:44 am
$200 seems really steep for an adapter and no gun!

Until you start making them and selling them.

Good comeback David.

Hoopz · « **Reply #27 on:** May 01, 2009, 09:16:28 pm »

Quote from: ahofle on May 01, 2009, 08:44:47 pm

Mandatory quiet period?

Surely they aren't taking the company public during these economic conditions....

Edit for a key word that I left out....

davidrfoley · « **Reply #28 on:** May 01, 2009, 09:44:28 pm »

Quote from: Hoopz on May 01, 2009, 09:16:28 pm

Quote from: ahofle on May 01, 2009, 08:44:47 pm
Mandatory quiet period?
Surely they aren't taking the company public during these economic conditions....

Press Release will be made next week that will answer that question.

Siris · « **Reply #29 on:** May 01, 2009, 11:54:45 pm »

David,

I have requested update info on the Optigun in other threads months past and I'm sure you have read them. I had originally said that I have a Mame friendly Area 51 cab and if the Optigun works I want one! You mentioned Happ wired their setup wrong and had issues with Area 51 guns, Being that the Area 51 gun replacement optical board parts are the same as other games I just find that hard to believe. It's been long enough since you initially said that, that if it was something that isolated why wouldn't you just put it out now a ver. 1 that doesn't support those single specific guns???
Honestly, I am not sure that I understand or appreciate your business practices. Why would you have a site selling a product with vague info while claiming what would be amazing abilities, and then come to what you obviously consider possible customers and not try and give actual details with optimistic intent?
If the Optigun works just not with Area 51 guns it would sell! I REALLY was hoping that after this long you would have SOMETHING more encouraging to enlighten us with but I think after this long and the same excuse this product must not be in development and your site marketing it should be edited with more ACCURATE information or that page removed.
Again, I WANT one! make it and I will buy it but please stop posting Bi-Yearly that it's being tweeked to work with one specific game gun!
All it would take is 1 respected review to start cashing in or help in development but you refuse to take that step so why should anyone be expected to take the step to buy your product?

Just 2 cents from a consumer.

davidrfoley · « **Reply #30 on:** May 02, 2009, 01:47:08 am »

Quote from: Siris on May 01, 2009, 11:54:45 pm

David,

I have requested update info on the Optigun in other threads months past and I'm sure you have read them. I had originally said that I have a Mame friendly Area 51 cab and if the Optigun works I want one! You mentioned Happ wired their setup wrong and had issues with Area 51 guns, Being that the Area 51 gun replacement optical board parts are the same as other games I just find that hard to believe. It's been long enough since you initially said that, that if it was something that isolated why wouldn't you just put it out now a ver. 1 that doesn't support those single specific guns???
Honestly, I am not sure that I understand or appreciate your business practices. Why would you have a site selling a product with vague info while claiming what would be amazing abilities, and then come to what you obviously consider possible customers and not try and give actual details with optimistic intent?
If the Optigun works just not with Area 51 guns it would sell! I REALLY was hoping that after this long you would have SOMETHING more encouraging to enlighten us with but I think after this long and the same excuse this product must not be in development and your site marketing it should be edited with more ACCURATE information or that page removed.
Again, I WANT one! make it and I will buy it but please stop posting Bi-Yearly that it's being tweeked to work with one specific game gun!
All it would take is 1 respected review to start cashing in or help in development but you refuse to take that step so why should anyone be expected to take the step to buy your product?

Just 2 cents from a consumer.

Area 51 guns are not the same as other guns, and the electronics to handle Area 51 guns are different than other guns. Your assumption that the parts are the same is incorrect. The Area 51 electronics output different signals than standard guns. Our page specifically states compatibility with Happ and Beston guns, and makes no mention of supporting Atari guns, and therefore requires no modification or removal. We don't put out multiple versions of our board as we add the features to the design and are currently shipping revision 3 of the board, not revision 1.

As far is claiming that I "refuse" to do anything is again a complete misstatement. I've helped many of our customers with the product, and we continue to sell the Optigun product to many customers, including updates to continually increase the products features and expand its functionality.

Siris · « **Reply #31 on:** May 03, 2009, 02:32:07 am »

David,

Your assumption that I'm ignorant = FAIL!

I have posted this info in the past but I feel compelled to do so again. Here is a link to Happ for the replacement Happ/Atari gun board.

http://www.happcontrols.com/amusement/optical/960066100smd.htm

You can see it says "Direct replacement for Suzo-Happ and Atari optic guns"

Here is a link to Happ for their harness adapters for similar guns with different connectors.

http://www.happcontrols.com/amusement/optical/96067000.htm

You can see that with a simple harness (NO ELECTRONICS) Area51 guns are compatible with Happ guns and vise versa.

Can you give me anything besides your word why I should buy one of these and expect it to work?
Can you not ask one of your claimed many customers to comment on their experience with the product somewhere that you can provide a link to?
Personally I would think that if you wanted to start selling these you would at least try and advertise and promote the product instead of just saying yeah we make those and they work.
Give us a reason to give you our money!

davidrfoley · « **Reply #32 on:** May 03, 2009, 11:15:19 am »

Quote from: Siris on May 03, 2009, 02:32:07 am

David,

Your assumption that I'm ignorant = FAIL!

I have posted this info in the past but I feel compelled to do so again. Here is a link to Happ for the replacement Happ/Atari gun board.

http://www.happcontrols.com/amusement/optical/960066100smd.htm

You can see it says "Direct replacement for Suzo-Happ and Atari optic guns"

Here is a link to Happ for their harness adapters for similar guns with different connectors.

http://www.happcontrols.com/amusement/optical/96067000.htm

You can see that with a simple harness (NO ELECTRONICS) Area51 guns are compatible with Happ guns and vise versa.

Can you give me anything besides your word why I should buy one of these and expect it to work?
Can you not ask one of your claimed many customers to comment on their experience with the product somewhere that you can provide a link to?
Personally I would think that if you wanted to start selling these you would at least try and advertise and promote the product instead of just saying yeah we make those and they work.
Give us a reason to give you our money!

When you swap out the Atari electronics for Happ Electronics, you are converting the gun from an Atari Gun to a Happ Gun. The original Atari electronics generate a different signal than the Happ Guns. The Area 51 main board supports several types of input including the Happ Gun Input. We have made modifications to our board to do the same. That does not mean however, that the Area 51 Guns and the Happ Guns are the same, or generate the same signal. If you like, put an oscilloscope on the signal generated by each, and you will notice the vast difference in the signal. It is very simple to do, and will end your continued lack of knowledge on this matter.

1UP · « **Reply #33 on:** May 04, 2009, 01:56:40 am »

Hi David, I only have a few questions:

1) Is this product available today?
2) Does it indeed work with Happ recoil guns on, say, a Wells Gardner monitor?
3) Does it work with Mame on the most common gun games and will it be update-able for more?
4) Do you take Visa and/or Paypal?

Seriously. I've got 2 of the Happ 45cal full recoil kits and holsters that have been just sitting on the shelf in my garage for years now, since ROR3 announced their board that never materialized. $:-\$ I'd be perfectly willing to be the guinea pig for this product and put an end to all this speculation real quick, just tell me that you have them in stock and that you've tested them with Mame with some kind of decent results (specific game names would be nice!)

Thanks!

davidrfoley · « **Reply #34 on:** May 04, 2009, 02:08:53 am »

Quote from: 1UP on May 04, 2009, 01:56:40 am

Hi David, I only have a few questions:

1) Is this product available today?

Revision 3 is out of stock at the moment, but we have more coming from our overseas supplier in the next couple of weeks. We had an OEM customer take our last two manufacturing runs completely emptying our stock.

Quote from: 1UP on May 04, 2009, 01:56:40 am

2) Does it indeed work with Happ recoil guns on, say, a Wells Gardner monitor?

Yes, it has built in support for recoil outputs for both guns. It works with any monitor, regardless of make or signal type. It supports arcade style Molex connectors, and PC style VGA connectors.

Quote from: 1UP on May 04, 2009, 01:56:40 am

3) Does it work with Mame on the most common gun games and will it be update-able for more?
Quote from: 1UP on May 04, 2009, 01:56:40 am

It works with MAME and any PC application that supports a joystick. The gun simply appears as a standard HID joystick. The X,Y coordinates reported are the location that the gun is pointing at on the screen, and the inputs are reported as joystick buttons.

Quote from: 1UP on May 04, 2009, 01:56:40 am
4) Do you take Visa and/or Paypal?
Yes

I'll make an announcement about new inventory availability. The product has been used by two companies that have shipped games based on it, and we have a third in development using it.
Seriously. I've got 2 of the Happ 45cal full recoil kits and holsters that have been just sitting on the shelf in my garage for years now, since ROR3 announced their board that never materialized. $:-\$ I'd be perfectly willing to be the guinea pig for this product and put an end to all this speculation real quick, just tell me that you have them in stock and that you've tested them with Mame with some kind of decent results (specific game names would be nice!)

Thanks!

Siris · « **Reply #35 on:** May 04, 2009, 02:27:03 am »

Thank you for stepping up 1UP!
I was wondering when someone would. LOL
If you get your hands on one please let us know, I would do it myself but currently I cannot afford $200 on an unconfirmed product. :/
If it's what it's claimed to be I'm all in!

1UP · « **Reply #36 on:** May 04, 2009, 03:20:08 am »

I just hope this doesn't turn into another ROR3 situation. I would have taken the dive on that long ago if they would have responded to my inquiries. At least David is here answering questions (and within minutes of my posting--wow.) I'm currently trying to get my cab refurbished back into ship shape, and upgrading my gun options would be ideal. I anxiously await the replenished stock!

Siris · « **Reply #37 on:** May 04, 2009, 03:40:53 am »

After being here for years and messing about with a few non keeper cabs and stand alone CP's, I picked up an Area 51 Site 4 cab that after some TLC works and is simple to swap from stock to Mame. I am rebuilding the CP on it and really this cab is ideal for a Mame cab.
I don't really care what David says about the compatibility with the guns, If his board works, I can get those working!

iAtoria · « **Reply #38 on:** May 05, 2009, 01:43:27 pm »

Do you need to have this:

http://happcontrols.com/amusement/optical/951142rbkit.htm

Or can you settle with this:

http://happcontrols.com/amusement/optical/96210017.htm

davidrfoley · « **Reply #39 on:** May 05, 2009, 01:49:41 pm »

Quote from: studmuff on May 01, 2009, 12:43:44 am

$200 seems really steep for an adapter and no gun!

Here is a good article about what it really costs to develop and sell technology. Might give some insight as to why things cost what they do.

http://ireaderreview.com/2009/04/26/kindle-2-cost-analysis-real-cost-is-309/

1UP · « **Reply #40 on:** May 05, 2009, 04:08:32 pm »

Good article. A lot of stuff there people don't think about when they complain about the cost of things. This is one of the problems I had when I was running Spincade--too many hidden costs I had never thought about when I ran the numbers in the beginning. Add to that the problems I had finding a competent wood shop to build my cabinets, and even though I was doing almost everything else myself with no real employees, I still couldn't make it work AND be profitable enough to quit my day job. Meanwhile, it was taking so much of my time, I couldn't really do it on the side either.

And remember that although there seem to be a lot of people here in the forums, the majority of them are looking for the cheapest option, even if it's kind of crappy (been there--I've originated many a cheezy hack), so the home market for industrial arcade components is pretty small. Large companies can make profits by selling low price/high volume, but we're talking millions of units, not the tiny market that we represent as arcade hobbyists.

If this board can let me use real arcade guns, with recoil even, instead of cheezy Guncons or other easily broken consumer guns, I'm very interested. There's a reason I don't have Saitek flight sticks strapped to my arcade panel, and the same reasoning applies here.

If Dave could make this cheaper by stripping out all the audio and extra input stuff, that would work too.

severdhed · « **Reply #41 on:** May 05, 2009, 04:29:40 pm »

i fully understand the cost involved and i think that the price you are asking is reasonable. yeah, it is alot of money, but if it works as good as you say it does, it would be worth that much money. i agree with the other guys here...a Light model without the audio stuff..just the gun interface would be desirable.

i like to take the cheap way out most times, but it always comes back to bite me in the ass later. eventually i realize i should have just spent the money in the first place and got something worth wile. i have over $500 in just my control panel at this point...if it costs another couple hundred to get two actual arcade lightguns to work, then i will do it...as long as someone gets to actually use them and posts a positive review. I am not afraid to spend money on a good product, as long as i can get input from people who actually use it.

davidrfoley · « **Reply #42 on:** May 05, 2009, 04:35:05 pm »

Based on conversations here, I think what we will do is institute a return policy that allows for a full refund of the purchase price if customer is not satisfied with the product within 15 days of purchase. Feedback? Comments? Suggestions?

CheffoJeffo · « **Reply #43 on:** May 05, 2009, 04:56:14 pm »

Quote from: davidrfoley on May 05, 2009, 04:35:05 pm

Based on conversations here, I think what we will do is institute a return policy that allows for a full refund of the purchase price if customer is not satisfied with the product within 15 days of purchase. Feedback? Comments? Suggestions?

I would

, if that is worth anything.

My gun cab isn't at the top of my project list (and I'm not moving quickly enough through the list), but I have been rather anxious to try one of these out, even if I must eat crow to do so.

Hoopz · « **Reply #44 on:** May 05, 2009, 05:18:52 pm »

Quote from: davidrfoley on May 05, 2009, 04:35:05 pm

Based on conversations here, I think what we will do is institute a return policy that allows for a full refund of the purchase price if customer is not satisfied with the product within 15 days of purchase. Feedback? Comments? Suggestions?

I think that's fair. If it works, they're happy. If not, they are out shipping costs. Suppose it's $10-$12 to ship it, it's not a bad situation for someone to try it out.

1UP · « **Reply #45 on:** May 06, 2009, 02:58:53 pm »

Quote from: davidrfoley on May 05, 2009, 04:35:05 pm

Based on conversations here, I think what we will do is institute a return policy that allows for a full refund of the purchase price if customer is not satisfied with the product within 15 days of purchase. Feedback? Comments? Suggestions?

Works for me!

severdhed · « **Reply #46 on:** May 06, 2009, 08:03:22 pm »

oh crap. i was all excited about this, until i started looking a little more closely. i thought we were talking about the sonic guns....i'd love to use these, but i have an LCD Monitor...so i'll just have to wait and hope that the sonic guns become available before too long.

1UP · « **Reply #47 on:** May 06, 2009, 10:30:49 pm »

David, I am wondering though, will this board + Happ guns work with machine gun type games like Terminator 2, i.e. do/can they track continously for a rapid fire situation? This would be an important consideration for me. Also, will the solenoids on a recoil gun fire with every trigger pull on any game, or is it game specific?

Xiaou2 · « **Reply #48 on:** May 07, 2009, 03:08:24 am »

Sorry... but IMOP its a load of BS.

If the Sonic guns work as well as they claim... they could sell Millions of them
worldwide. For PC, and Console systems. You think all those console gamers
from the last 30 years doesnt want to re-visit playing their favorite gun games
"Perfectly" again?

Selling to the Dead arcade business is Futile. So maybe they get a few
contracts here and there. It wouldnt come close to comparing with the profits
of worldwide guns sales to consumers... even if the guns were in the
$120 range.

1UP · « **Reply #49 on:** May 07, 2009, 04:02:46 am »

Hehe, I was wondering when you would show up... I wonder if the home gun market is as big as you think, but there is already the Guncon 3 and I believe a gun shell for the WiiMote to cover that area.

davidrfoley · « **Reply #50 on:** May 07, 2009, 07:15:46 am »

Quote from: 1UP on May 06, 2009, 10:30:49 pm

David, I am wondering though, will this board + Happ guns work with machine gun type games like Terminator 2, i.e. do/can they track continously for a rapid fire situation? This would be an important consideration for me. Also, will the solenoids on a recoil gun fire with every trigger pull on any game, or is it game specific?

Terminator guns were not guns but actually just glorified joysticks. The solenoid firing would be controlled by the software (ie MAME). We have a machine gun mode that you can turn on with software that will allow repeated firing with the trigger just held down.

Siris · « **Reply #51 on:** May 09, 2009, 12:44:34 am »

David,

I think that would be a VERY good move!
If my guns were Happ and not Atari I would be placing my order as soon as I knew that, that satisfaction guarantee was in place.
I'll just have to wait for 1UP or anyone else to review it and I'll get replacement Happ boards if needed.

Please let us know if/when this guarantee goes into affect.

wbassett · « **Reply #52 on:** May 09, 2009, 01:20:20 am »

Quote from: Xiaou2 on May 07, 2009, 03:08:24 am

Sorry... but IMOP its a load of BS.

If the Sonic guns work as well as they claim... they could sell Millions of them
worldwide. For PC, and Console systems. You think all those console gamers
from the last 30 years doesnt want to re-visit playing their favorite gun games
"Perfectly" again?

Selling to the Dead arcade business is Futile. So maybe they get a few
contracts here and there. It wouldnt come close to comparing with the profits
of worldwide guns sales to consumers... even if the guns were in the
$120 range.

I know you love EMS Top Guns, and that's perfectly fine. But there are many of us that are not satisfied with that product.

This board is targeted at the arcade industry... we aren't the primary target audience, but it is available to us.

I wouldn't say the arcade business is futile, actually if I understand what Dave has said several times... we are the smaller market than the actual arcade industry.

What intriges me is that this can also act as an input controller for buttons and also audio. Now for people that already have an encoder, it could be overkill, but for those just starting their cab build, this seems like a very viable option. You can build a basic cp and then add on guns later on if you desire without having to buy another interface.

Is anything perfect? I think everyone would agree no on that. Is the EMS Top Gun perfect? I also think most would agree no on that as well.

As the owner of a Top Gun, I can say I definitely am looking for something better, easier, and more reliable. That's my opinion just as you stated your opinion. No harm no foul.

I'm just waiting for this to be officially released and I definitely will have one. I'll also do a complete (and fair) comparison with it and the EMS solution.

So far the best gun I have used is the Time Crisis 4 gun that is bundled with the PS3 game. It blows away the EMS gun as far as distance and accuracy. Unfortunately... this gun won't work with a PC or MAME.

Dave... let us know... I am ready to build my second cab. I'll take the leap and try your board.

Dave... the sonic gun... does the price include the board and the sonic sensors? I am pretty sure I remember seeing that it does. The next question is... how much are the guns? And can we buy the gun internals seperately if we want to make our own custom guns?

Siris · « **Reply #53 on:** May 09, 2009, 01:36:44 am »

Please, Don't derail this thread it is clearly defined in it's topic Optigun.

1UP · « **Reply #54 on:** May 09, 2009, 02:01:10 am »

Quote

The next question is... how much are the guns? And can we buy the gun internals seperately if we want to make our own custom guns?

Check Happcontrols.com, they are the gun providers.

wbassett · « **Reply #55 on:** May 09, 2009, 02:40:20 am »

Quote from: Siris on May 09, 2009, 01:36:44 am

Please, Don't derail this thread it is clearly defined in it's topic Optigun.

Sorry, my bad, I saw him talking about the sonic gun.

Still... my same thoughts apply. The Optigun is crt, the Sonic is any screen tech.

Shoegazer · « **Reply #56 on:** May 09, 2009, 08:01:47 am »

Quote from: davidrfoley on May 04, 2009, 02:08:53 am

Yes, it has built in support for recoil outputs for both guns. It works with any monitor, regardless of make or signal type. It supports arcade style Molex connectors, and PC style VGA connectors.

One thing that's very big to me (and I'm sure many others) is being future-proof, especially given that these guns cost so much. VGA as an interface is very old and being quickly replaced by others such as DVI, HDMI and DisplayPort. The notebook PC I use in my cab currently DOES have a VGA interface, though I suspect my next one won't. My 27" Bil Labs arcade monitor also has a VGA interface, though when I eventually make the leap to LCD, I suspect that won't be an option.

I realize there are display adapters to convert some signals to others; however, given that VGA produces an analog signal, I understand going from VGA to something newer/digital is challenging to say the least. Does the OptiGun work with such adapters?

CheffoJeffo · « **Reply #57 on:** May 09, 2009, 08:20:41 am »

Quote from: Shoegazer on May 09, 2009, 08:01:47 am

My 27" Bil Labs arcade monitor also has a VGA interface, though when I eventually make the leap to LCD, I suspect that won't be an option.

When you make the leap to LCD, the OptiGun won't be an option anyway as it is CRT-only.

You may want to look at the SonicGun -- it has a thread of it's own.

Shoegazer · « **Reply #58 on:** May 10, 2009, 08:34:39 am »

Quote from: CheffoJeffo on May 09, 2009, 08:20:41 am

Quote from: Shoegazer on May 09, 2009, 08:01:47 am
My 27" Bil Labs arcade monitor also has a VGA interface, though when I eventually make the leap to LCD, I suspect that won't be an option.

When you make the leap to LCD, the OptiGun won't be an option anyway as it is CRT-only.

You may want to look at the SonicGun -- it has a thread of it's own.

I realize that. I was primarily thinking about the port on my notebook; I shouldn't have even brought up the monitor example. Since I have a CRT arcade monitor and will probably keep it for as long as it continues to work (which could be many years) I'm more concerned about the system driving the display rather than the display itself. Hopefully the OptiGun will be more future-proof in this regard.

1UP · « **Reply #59 on:** May 10, 2009, 07:09:11 pm »

Quote from: Shoegazer on May 10, 2009, 08:34:39 am

I realize that. I was primarily thinking about the port on my notebook; I shouldn't have even brought up the monitor example. Since I have a CRT arcade monitor and will probably keep it for as long as it continues to work (which could be many years) I'm more concerned about the system driving the display rather than the display itself. Hopefully the OptiGun will be more future-proof in this regard.

Couldn't you just use a DVI to VGA adapter, then split that to the gun board and the CRT? I'm assuming the sync would still be valid between the PC and the monitor/guns regardless of the video format.

Siris · « **Reply #60 on:** May 11, 2009, 03:26:27 pm »

Well, well, well, so out of boredom and curiosity I decided to take a peek inside one of my Area 51 guns and guess what I found?

Yup:

HAPP CONTROLS, INC.
OPTIC GUN PCB DUAL

So I guess I'm just waiting for David to give us the word.

Siris · « **Reply #61 on:** May 13, 2009, 12:04:05 am »

David,

Any news on when Optigun boards will be in stock?
How about the 15 day trial thing, is it in effect?
What about that press release has that happened?

saint · « **Reply #62 on:** May 13, 2009, 10:18:36 pm »

* saint trims the thread.

Siris · « **Reply #63 on:** May 17, 2009, 01:55:46 am »

BUMP!

I feel as this is a product that is *FOR SALE*

http://www.nanotechent.com/opti-gun.php

This thread should be stickied until the community has reached a consensus on the product!

Siris · « **Reply #64 on:** May 21, 2009, 10:40:57 pm »

Another payday and no David.
Looks as though this product is as was expected BS. :/

Siris · « **Reply #65 on:** June 06, 2009, 03:32:27 pm »

Siris · « **Reply #66 on:** June 09, 2009, 11:14:07 pm »

Ok, Seriously!
This is really starting to irc me.
Why hasn't there been a PC card made that allows for arcade lightgun input?
My Mame cab, an Atari Area51 Site4 has it's guns just hanging there screaming to be used!!!!
It can be done, Hell My cab (which still works by just swapping the video cable) is just a PC motherboard connected to another board only thru the standard PC board connections. So basically when I'm playing my Site4 I am playing on a PC with a connected daughter board that is somewhat like an Ipac just handling the inputs.
I know of a guy who does build arcade repro boards and such and I am positive he could whack out a solution in a reasonable fashion if there was enough incentive to fund the run of the boards.

So I think it's time that those of us that are sick of waiting should take action and come together and attempt to get something made.
What do you all say?
What are you willing to pay for a board that will simply allow for 2 arcade lightguns to be used on a computer?
Would you be willing to front any % of that amount to help with the run of the boards?
I am dead serious here!
If/When I contact this guy even just to inquire what he thinks I will be refering to this thread.

Maybe there should be a Poll.

1UP · « **Reply #67 on:** June 11, 2009, 01:58:04 am »

Well, I'm certainly tired of waiting. This is looking like ROR3 all over again. I've got $200 waiting, but no word yet again. Another product that can't be bought. Mr. Foley, you don't have even ONE of these in stock? Just one? Looks like a guncon hack is in my future...$#!@!!!

Siris, I think a fair price for a board with just the gun inputs and none of the extra audio/control input stuff would be about $100. However, I would want to know it works, or at least exists, before I would be willing to pay for it. I'm done pre-ordering stuff that may never see the light of day.

claypool · « **Reply #68 on:** July 01, 2009, 02:10:27 am »

Any news for the optigun interface?

KissMyWookie · « **Reply #69 on:** July 01, 2009, 05:07:21 pm »

Quote from: claypool on July 01, 2009, 02:10:27 am

Any news for the optigun interface?

You should ask Nanotech that question.

1up was willing to buy one and test it, but they don't have one to sell him.

I wish they'd pull their finger out - it sounded like a good solution (as long as the unnecessary bloat was left out and the price reduced).

Steve

Siris · « **Reply #70 on:** July 04, 2009, 12:39:59 am »

Optigun lite??

Yeah it's the original Optigun!

It's so lite in fact it doesn't exist.

mlalena · « **Reply #71 on:** July 05, 2009, 03:05:26 pm »

I'm still hoping that Ultimarc makes one. See this thread: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=88636.0
Any word if this is happening?

1UP · « **Reply #72 on:** July 06, 2009, 01:36:41 am »

Quote from: mlalena on July 05, 2009, 03:05:26 pm

I'm still hoping that Ultimarc makes one. See this thread: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=88636.0
Any word if this is happening?

Yeah, I'm thinking Andy is our last hope on this one. I've been hounding Nanotech about availability for a few months and have yet to get a reply.

FrizzleFried · « **Reply #73 on:** July 06, 2009, 02:23:23 pm »

vartech · « **Reply #74 on:** July 06, 2009, 02:36:28 pm »

Vaporware

CheffoJeffo · « **Reply #75 on:** July 06, 2009, 03:05:46 pm »

Who would ever have thought that *I* would have to be the one to step in and defend Nanotech

Wait ... I need a couple more ...

It seems like just a year ago that I was being loud and proud on here calling David bad names (some of which saint had to edit) ... but *I* was calling him bad names for things that he had already done and how I think that he doesn't show respect for this community. A year later and I am ready to jump the fence.

OK, I *know* that you all want a plug and play optical gun interface for MAME and I *know* that you want it for under $100 and I *know* that Xiaou thinks that it is more economical to sell to consumers than to sell to the "dead" arcade market (who apparently have generated some demand beyond the 30 people here who are willing to spend a total of $100 each!)

In the absence of actual information, I'm going to choose to believe that this is a real product and that they have sold 4 batches of them and that there is a good reason why DavidRFoley has been quiet (e.g. the merger with Aldar Group, which apparently nobody else noticed).

For those who have bothered to keep track, the OEM docs for the SGS were updated last week. Maybe all of this isn't as dead as you think and maybe David does have things to do that are of more value than the $3000 Gross (

) he is looking at from the 30 folks here at $100 a piece.

Here is my comittment -- if David has a single OptiGun interface that will interface with my standard Happ 45s and a standard PC and reports as a standard 16-button joystick, then I will buy it at retail prices and try it out. I expect that I may need to tweak some things along the way and don't expect the same "out of the box" functionality that everybody else here seems to. If David has any disclosure issues, then I will also adhere to those.

At that point, all of the delay issues can be directed at me until I get around to trying it out.

I've never been in a rush for that particular project, but I'd rather have folks rail at me than piss off a vendor that we have already pissed off, en masse.

How the hell did we get to the point where *I* am the reasonable one ?

1UP · « **Reply #76 on:** July 06, 2009, 03:52:43 pm »

What are we supposed to think when he was on this very thread just a couple months back telling us that we could try it for 15 days, and that more were on the way, then disappears for, oh let's see it's been just about exactly 2 months? Every other time that has happened, it usually means the product is dead, or the mfg lost interest in interacting with the admittedly small market we represent here.

I'm still interested in this product if there is a product to be had, but my budget for this particular item is now in danger of being spent on other things. I'd like to hear something about either the optigun or sonic gun sometime this summer. I for one am trying not to bash anybody, and the minute I get one of these--if it works--I will sing the praises of Nanotech all day and night. I have been waiting on a professional grade gun solution for years, and would like to finally put this project to bed.

CheffoJeffo · « **Reply #77 on:** July 06, 2009, 04:21:47 pm »

For the most part, I agree, hence my offer, which I have also made to David outside of this thread.

I really doubt that anybody has bashed David worse than I have (I don't recall what the profanity filter said, but I think it had something to do with sausage ...)

The OEM integration docs for the sonic gun have been updated within the past 7 days (I leave the link for the reader to find in case the public release was inadvertent).

There has also been a merger announced within the past 21 days, which will further complicate/slow things.

Could this be vapourware ? Yes, but it doesn't smell that way to me.

1UP · « **Reply #78 on:** July 06, 2009, 05:47:31 pm »

If you scroll up the thread a bit, you'll see that I originally offered to do the same. Unfortunately, stock of said item failed to materialize.

EDIT: FWIW, I revisited the earlier posts, and he did state that they would be back in stock in two weeks. That was over 2 months ago. Sigh.

Siris · « **Reply #79 on:** July 07, 2009, 01:22:11 am »

I don't even know what to say at this point.
From the start I have said I want one, I even said I would buy one with my *unsupported* guns if anyone was able to test and confirm the product with supported guns. Then after looking at my *unsupported* gun parts I even said I would buy one just to test it if the 15 day return policy was in place.
If I was wealthier than I am I would have just said F*it a long time ago placed an order on the Nanotech site (Which doesn't and never has said "Out of stock") just for the gamble!
There is nothing more I want then for the damned thing to be legit.

TPB · « **Reply #80 on:** July 11, 2009, 09:26:49 am »

Quote from: CheffoJeffo on July 06, 2009, 03:05:46 pm

I'm going to choose to believe ... there is a good reason why DavidRFoley has been quiet

That's for sure.

CheffoJeffo · « **Reply #81 on:** July 11, 2009, 09:34:31 am »

Well, it was a good reason for him to be quiet ... it just isn't going to help the gun development at all ! What an idiot!

Does anybody know what games these interfaces were used in ? It might be interesting to pick one up at auction and traipse around the innards a bit.

DynamiteSJ · « **Reply #82 on:** September 13, 2009, 02:12:17 am »

is there any new info on the Optigun unit? Is it actually avaible? anyone tried it?

1UP · « **Reply #83 on:** September 13, 2009, 05:01:00 am »

I'm guessing that's a "no". -sigh- Looking at the site, there are actually quite a few things there I am interested in, especially the pinball kits, but given the shroud of mystery that seems to surround this company as far as availability goes, I'm not really willing to be the first to just Paypal my order on faith, and hope it shows up some time this year.

I thought we had a nice dialog going with David, then he promptly drops off the face of the earth...or at least this forum. The constant litigation is not a confidence booster either. It's a truly frustrating situation as it's the one thing that has always been missing from my machine. SO close and yet so far.

Siris · « **Reply #84 on:** March 21, 2010, 12:05:28 am »

Well I'm sorry for the guy because he was expecting to be dealing with a legit company.

Even from David's response it is clear there IS *NO* Optigun!

http://www.vpforums.org/index.php?showtopic=5720&pid=40245&st=0&#entry40245

If anyone is a member there you might want to point that guy to this thread so he can see who he was dealing with.

Nation · « **Reply #85 on:** March 21, 2010, 11:25:38 am »

Real bummer that this nanotech is essentially a scam. I would love to have some real arcade quality guns in my cab. I'd probably even pay the extremely high price for something like the optigun if it existed (and worked).

1UP · « **Reply #86 on:** March 21, 2010, 05:36:25 pm »

I just ended up converting my Happ guns to Aimtraks and I'm happy. And over $100 richer.

Nation · « **Reply #87 on:** March 21, 2010, 09:28:48 pm »

1up do you have the recoil system for those happ guns working as well? That is my one big hangup about going that route. I've not heard anyne gettng that working. To be fair I haven't heard anyone say they tried either

1UP · « **Reply #88 on:** March 21, 2010, 09:53:47 pm »

Quote from: Nation on March 21, 2010, 09:28:48 pm

1up do you have the recoil system for those happ guns working as well? That is my one big hangup about going that route. I've not heard anyne gettng that working. To be fair I haven't heard anyone say they tried either

I'm super close. The hardware works great, and I have been able to control it from the PC thru the LED-Wiz and can get a pulse when the trigger is pulled in Operation Thunderbolt, and apparently it's a simple matter to turn that into rapid fire with a Mame Hooker script. The last step is just getting Mame to send the outputs from Terminator 2 to control recoil and LEDs. Howard Casto has this working for Operation Wolf and Revolution X. He's getting close with Terminator 2. You can follow the action HERE

1UP · « **Reply #89 on:** March 22, 2010, 04:46:45 am »

Update--I now have the recoil working in full auto mode! The kickers are really loud, but I expect to fix this with some rubber bumpers. It's fully controllable via Mame Hooker, using the LED-Wiz to interface the trigger inputs on the recoil board. Lots of thanks to Randy T and Howard Casto for helping me out with the technical side of all this.

Anyway, this is all off topic, so check out what's going on at the link in my post above. I'll probably start another thread soon with details, pics and some youtubes once I have something more worthy of showing, like both guns working with recoil and LEDs.


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