Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: hakan on September 24, 2003, 09:30:48 am

Title: JAMMA cabling - keep it or junk it?
Post by: hakan on September 24, 2003, 09:30:48 am
Hi everyone,

A few days ago, I got an empty upright cabinet from a junkjard  ;D

It seems to be cabled to the JAMMA standard, but the cabling to the control panel is partly broken and would have to be replaced.

On one hand, I don't feel terribly comfortable with the main AC power running right beside the cables for the controls (which are on a metal panel). On the other hand, I own a "normal" IPAC, but not the J-PAC version with the "fingerboard" that would plug into the jamma cabling.

On the gripping hand, replacing all the cabling in the box with my own would take me a long weekend  ;)

What would your oppinion be? Rip the Jamma stuff out of the box (and probably keep it safe somewhere where all my other junk is) or try to repair it and connect it to the IPAC?


Kind regards,
Hakan
Title: Re:JAMMA cabling - keep it or junk it?
Post by: hakan on September 24, 2003, 09:34:56 am
Another picture of the JAMMA interface...
Title: Re:JAMMA cabling - keep it or junk it?
Post by: hakan on September 24, 2003, 09:36:28 am
And a last one of the insides of the control panel...

Can I somehow attach more than one picture per message?

Title: Re:JAMMA cabling - keep it or junk it?
Post by: DAmnb on September 24, 2003, 09:38:21 am
Repair and go for an JPAC IMO.
If your going to spiffy it up anyway might aswell fix that to.

And no I dont think you can do multiple attachments.
Title: Re:JAMMA cabling - keep it or junk it?
Post by: freppa on September 24, 2003, 09:44:09 am
I say keep it, you never know when you stumble upon a JAMMA PCB with one of the classics. If it's still in there at least you have the option of running it if you want to.

I would find some creative way to make it work, maybe get a fingerboard and wire in the IPAC and a VGA-cablehack.

Just my 50c
/Freppa
Title: Re:JAMMA cabling - keep it or junk it?
Post by: tmasman on September 24, 2003, 09:47:57 am
It's just me, but I'd say try & patch things up... You can use a JPAC if you want, or you can buy a JAMMA finger board & wire up your IPAC to that... This way, you can also put in just about any JAMMA board you come across.  It's always cool to be able to play games on the original hardware!!!

That's just my opinion... I think it would get you a more flexible cabinet if it were set up with a JAMMA set-up.

<edit>
DOH! Freppa beat me to it... oh well...
Title: Re:JAMMA cabling - keep it or junk it?
Post by: BobA on September 24, 2003, 09:51:32 am
If you are new to wiring and control panels junk the JAMMA.  Sure it leave options open and will give more flexability but is also more complex to fix.   Many jamma harnesses in old cabs are hacked and can be a bear to figure out if you are not familiar with the JAMMA standard and wiring in general.

If you are looking at neat clean and easy strip it out and replace it with your own wiring.   This will guarantee that you know what wire goes where.

Just my opinion.

BobA