Just got a gutted Jamma Cab, JPAC ArcadeVga questions

[Chunce DeLeone]

I just got a gutted Jamma cab.  The wiring is all in there but it is missing the monitor.  The guy who gave it to me said that if I put a monitor in there and a PCB everything would work.  Anyways I want to use a PC and an Arcade monitor.  A PC becuase you can store so many games and an Arcade monitor to get the classic look.  I am a total noob with JAMMA and arcade monitors.  So I noticed that allot of people buy both a JPAC and an ArcadeVGA.  For my situation wouldn't I just want an ArcadeVGA(Monitor) with a Keywiz/IPAC(Controls) instead of a JPAC???  I'm not going to be messing with real arcade PCB's, but might want that option in the future.   

[Chunce DeLeone]

I think I just answered my own question by reading Andy's site.  The JPAC ArcadeVGA combo is the easiest plug and play option out there.  I'm cheap so I figure at the very least I could ditch the ArcadeVGA and just go with an old video card, but he JPAC now looks like the more essential piece becasue it amplifies the signal.  I would bypass the control inputs on the JPAC and go with another encoder to get more inputs.  No matter what i go with I think the end result is that I have to keep the monitor wiring and power intact from the cabinet to power the arcade monitor?  And then with the arcade monitor is my only option ArcadeOS?   

[swamprat96]

Yes Jpac is a nice option - uses your existing wiring and saves heaps of time. Very handy too because you don't have to use an ArcadeVGA as the Jpac will protect the monitor -so you can use any graphics card that is compatible with SailorSats Soft15Khz. The arcadeVGA is the simpler solution though and very tidy. If you use Soft15Khz you'll have a split screen until Windows gets going and the drivers kick in.

Re the monitor - I guess you'll keep your wiring but it depends if you put the same type in that was pulled out

I don't understand why you think ArcadeOS is your only option? You can use anything. I use Windows XP running Mame and Mala as my front end on the same set up you are talking about. I've changed the boot and look of windows so you relly don't see much at all and it boots straight into Mala. There are many many options here