Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: razzerx on February 02, 2007, 01:31:44 pm

Title: Dreamcast and pc idea
Post by: razzerx on February 02, 2007, 01:31:44 pm
I want to hook my Dreamcast and my pc up together in my Mame cab. I was thinking since I'm using an xarcade decoder that I could get the Dreamcast adapter and use a kvm to switch between the two systems. I would use another kvm to switch the video sources. Does this sound like it would work?
Title: Re: Dreamcast and pc idea
Post by: horseboy on February 02, 2007, 03:07:37 pm
Sounds good in theory to me, but why would you need 2 kvm switches.  :dunno
Title: Re: Dreamcast and pc idea
Post by: razzerx on February 02, 2007, 03:12:27 pm
Because I need to switch video and control panel.
Title: Re: Dreamcast and pc idea
Post by: Lilwolf on February 02, 2007, 03:14:47 pm
they have switches that does both at the same time.

it would be worth it for the extra money if your going to do it.
Title: Re: Dreamcast and pc idea
Post by: johnperkins21 on February 02, 2007, 03:21:25 pm
A KVM by definition switches the Keyboard, Video, and Monitor signals to go to one set of Keyboard, Video and Monitor. So you only need one KVM switch. They make them in both PS/2 and USB varieties, although I've had bad luck with some of the USB only devices (especially when running DOS  ;) ).
Title: Re: Dreamcast and pc idea
Post by: razzerx on February 02, 2007, 03:23:31 pm
I was thinking two because I'll be using the X Arcade Dreamcast adapter wich is serial.
Title: Re: Dreamcast and pc idea
Post by: ark_ader on February 03, 2007, 12:31:35 pm
Nope you can get away with a 4 way 9pin serial switch box and a 2 way Vga Box.

I the the same setup but I have the PSX, Xbox ,DC and PC with Laserdisc.  Just make sure you switch to the correct game on the 9 pin switch or you can good up your X Arcade.

I have the Magic VGA which looks pretty cool.  Works a treat, now i need to find the time to play with them all.

KVM would not be the best solution IMO.
Title: Re: Dreamcast and pc idea
Post by: Teebor on February 04, 2007, 12:06:24 pm
Also if you are thinking of using a KVM see if you can see it running before hand.  Some of the makers (like belkin) have problems with higher screen resolutions (or any resolutions on some belkin I have used)

Problems can be blurring or fuzziness of straight lines, flickering picture, or a noticeable drop in quality.

So try another alternative or see if you can demo the KVM you want to use first.