WOW New LightGUN Info !!! Woot!!! :)

[mark6437]

I am pretty new to light guns and do not fully understand how these guns will tell the game (software) they have shot and what to kill. The act labs guns work like a mouse through a composite or s-video connection so I know how those work. But how will these guns tell the computer they have shot?

Also, I hope these guns work better than the act labs guns in 2-player mode. I was pulling my hair out getting them to work and still after a week of trying they are not even close to perfect, especially in MAME.

Thx
Mark

[Farmboy90]

Woo-hoo!  Mine have reached the LA area. 

Jan 25, 2006     01:58:00     US    ONTARIO     IN TRANSIT TO

I am in Phoenix so I might have them tomorrow!!  Sweet!

[darthbane2k]

I am pretty new to light guns and do not fully understand how these guns will tell the game (software) they have shot and what to kill. The act labs guns work like a mouse through a composite or s-video connection so I know how those work. But how will these guns tell the computer they have shot?

Also, I hope these guns work better than the act labs guns in 2-player mode. I was pulling my hair out getting them to work and still after a week of trying they are not even close to perfect, especially in MAME.

Thx
Mark

The LED stands communicate to the PC I presume. Once you caliberate the boundries of the screen. When you fire an infra red beam is sent between the stands and thats how it calculates where you have shot...















........I think!

[quarterback]

Anyone have any suggestions where?...

I hope I'm not coming off like a smart-ass, but shouldn't you be able to install these to the outside walls of your cab?  What I mean is "hang" them off the side.  So they wouldn't cover up your bezel.  Thoughts of hinging coming to mind as well but that may be getting crazy here.
I may not be clear in what I'm trying to say.  If not, let me know
JamIt

Dang! I didnt even think of that!!

Why don't you just put them on the sides of your cab.

[big daddy]

Do you have to recalibrate every time you move?

from the calibration video from the first link, the video says at the beggining:

"it is not necessary to recalibrate the gun unless the postion of the led stands has changed"

[ErikRuud]

Woo-hoo!  Mine have reached the LA area. 

Jan 25, 2006     01:58:00     US    ONTARIO     IN TRANSIT TO

I am in Phoenix so I might have them tomorrow!!  Sweet!

You might get them even sooner.

At 7:00 am this morning mine were "IN TRANSI TO" Addison, IL.

At 9:05 am mine were dropped off at my house!

Unfortunately I'm at work and I will have to wait until later tonight to check them out.

[darthbane2k]

Woo-hoo!  Mine have reached the LA area. 

Jan 25, 2006     01:58:00     US    ONTARIO     IN TRANSIT TO

I am in Phoenix so I might have them tomorrow!!  Sweet!

You might get them even sooner.

At 7:00 am this morning mine were "IN TRANSI TO" Addison, IL.

At 9:05 am mine were dropped off at my house!

Unfortunately I'm at work and I will have to wait until later tonight to check them out.

Ahh nuts! HURRY UP AND GET HOME!!!!

Could anyone who has recieved theirs but does not yet have time to test, at least get a picture of the LED stands on the net?

[Silver]

The LED stands communicate to the PC I presume. Once you caliberate the boundries of the screen. When you fire an infra red beam is sent between the stands and thats how it calculates where you have shot...

I believe the stands are simply infra red sources - they don't communicate with the PC at all. A camera built in to the gun passes data to the pc. Not sure how much processing is done "in the gun" it could have chip that makes a numereical reading based on the different LED sources, or it literally could be a usb camera for infra red passing the image to the PC. The driver then process this image/data, and calulates the position based on the calibration info. 

There is a Gun2mouse util available on the LCDgun site, so using that you (presumably) can use the gun as a mouse. I imagine this is how mame will see it (although I could be wrong), and certainly several light gun games (non-mame). Other games may need 3rd party patching (I seem to recall a program designed to make act-labs guns work on games like PC HOTD around - intruder?something beginning with I anyway.)

[Flinkly]

what abuot real time tracking?  if it's a camera in the gun, couldn't it do real time tracking?  i guess you'll have to add this to the FAQ. 

GET ON IT, PEOPLE ARE WAITING!!!

[Farmboy90]

what abuot real time tracking?  if it's a camera in the gun, couldn't it do real time tracking?  i guess you'll have to add this to the FAQ. 

Added.

[Dr Gori]

I have the gun in my hands!!!!

It feels good.  When you fire the top part slides back like a "real" gun.  Very cool.

Now, I can get it to register buttons using the gun2mouse program they provide, but it won't track the mouse.  I've calibrated a few times, with no avail.  I've sent an email to see if Im just an idiot, and am missing something, but I will let you know.

I tried one time using the guncon2 driver, and the mouse did track with it, but as soon as you go off screen, the calibration is lost.  I'm hoping this won't happen with there official driver.

I installed their drivers, installed their software, and like I said, it won't track the mouse.  I made sure to uninstall the guncon2 drivers before retrying theirs.

Im going to go try it on my XBOX and see what happens.

[Dr Gori]

HOTD 3 on xbox worked great, and is very accurate.  Using it on a 32" lcd screen, and with the laser on, I was shooting right where I pointed.

Now, I just have to figure out what the deal is with my PC connection.  Looks like I have an afternoon of tinkering ahead of me.

The gun is very solid, and it doesn't really vibrate.  It feels more like recoil to me.  The part on top that slides back when you fire is probably why.  So far for Xbox, I give it a 10.

I'm sure people who have done reviews before will do a much more thorough job of explaining all this.

[mark6437]

How does the gun hookup? Do the LCD stands hookup to the PC or does the gun?
 
How big are the stands?

Mark

[Santoro]

Pics?

[walls83]

also what kind of monitor are you using for your Mame cab?

[Dr Gori]

Have'nt unpacked my camera yet, Im still moving in.  Sorry, but Im sure someone will provide pics soon.

You need Two USB connections if you want the "kick."  You plug the gun into the usb, which has the power plug also for hooking up to the stands.  If you want the kick, there is a seperate USB dongle, which interconnects with the gun USB plug, so it gives power to the kick mechanism and stands at the same time.

Works the same way on Xbox, so you use two ports, not just one.

Im really hoping to get the PC part sorted out, because playing on the XBOX was a million times better than my peice of crap Guncon2 RGT gun.

I can tell you when it works for mame, everyone is going to love this gun.  It doesnt feel cheap in your hands, looks "real", and the kick of the gun really adds to the game.

Not sure if it's been mentioned, the laser doesn't just point where it was aimed by the manufacturer.  It has two wheels to fine tune where the pointer displays, so it can be tweaked also, which is what I did on the XBOX as if felt just a bit off at first..

[Dr Gori]

Im working on my mame cab now, so I was just using it on my 17" lcd monitor we use for home use.  IN my cab Ill have a 20 inch VGA monitor to start.

I plan on taking it to my back garage when I verify its working on my home computer, since its the computer Ill lug out there to hook up.

[JoyMonkey]

Does it come in the nice brushed metal looking finish (like on the box), or the black finish shown on Lik-Sang?

[Dr Gori]

Its a dull black finish, not a shiny finish like on the box.

[walls83]

Dr Gori quit posting and get that thing working.   

[Farmboy90]

Dr Gori quit posting and get that thing working.   

Exactly.     Aren't there some zombies or somethig somewhere you should be shooting up?

[Warborg]

Have'nt unpacked my camera yet, Im still moving in.  Sorry, but Im sure someone will provide pics soon.

You need Two USB connections if you want the "kick."  You plug the gun into the usb, which has the power plug also for hooking up to the stands.  If you want the kick, there is a seperate USB dongle, which interconnects with the gun USB plug, so it gives power to the kick mechanism and stands at the same time.

Works the same way on Xbox, so you use two ports, not just one.

Im really hoping to get the PC part sorted out, because playing on the XBOX was a million times better than my peice of crap Guncon2 RGT gun.

I can tell you when it works for mame, everyone is going to love this gun.  It doesnt feel cheap in your hands, looks "real", and the kick of the gun really adds to the game.

Not sure if it's been mentioned, the laser doesn't just point where it was aimed by the manufacturer.  It has two wheels to fine tune where the pointer displays, so it can be tweaked also, which is what I did on the XBOX as if felt just a bit off at first..

One question...  It's been so long since I played HOD3, I don't recall if it uses offscreen shooting for reloads or not...  If so, did that work as well?

[Flinkly]

do i need to start a second thread for a group order?  it looks like we'd have quite an order if reviews come back good.  i'd say the order would go out in roughly two weeks, to make up for everyone getting in on it and for all the reviews coming in.  we need a leader who can accept paypal though, so everyone can send money first before the order goes out, so no one get's screwed. 

mid febuary anyone?

[Warborg]

do i need to start a second thread for a group order?  it looks like we'd have quite an order if reviews come back good.  i'd say the order would go out in roughly two weeks, to make up for everyone getting in on it and for all the reviews coming in.  we need a leader who can accept paypal though, so everyone can send money first before the order goes out, so no one get's screwed. 

mid febuary anyone?

LOL, if these work it'll be mid-tomorrow for me... 

[darthbane2k]

same here.

PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD. SOMEONE PLEASE TEST WITH MAME, FCE ULTRA AND TAKE A PIC OF THE LED STANDS!

[hnugz]

do i need to start a second thread for a group order?  it looks like we'd have quite an order if reviews come back good.  i'd say the order would go out in roughly two weeks, to make up for everyone getting in on it and for all the reviews coming in.  we need a leader who can accept paypal though, so everyone can send money first before the order goes out, so no one get's screwed. 

mid febuary anyone?

I would definately go in on this if it works in mame.  This gun works for all monitors including arcade?

[Dr Gori]

I have it working with MAME beautifully.

I installed the Guncon2 drivers again.  Noticed the mouse was tracking perfectly.  Recalibrated, and it still worked.  Ran the Gun2mouse program, and the mouse gets stuck in the corner.

So I did it again, didnt run gun2mouse this time.

Ran Area51, noticed my laser wasn't with the crosshairs, so I shut it off.  It probably is because my desktop runs at 1024x768, I have area 51 running at 800x600.

But, it was shooting where I was aiming.  Went I went to reload, shooting offscreen, I expected it to lose calibration.  But, folks....it worked perfectly.  I shot off screen made sure to come back on screen from the opposite side to test, and it still tracked perfectly.

Im sure more testing should be done, but I believe we have a winner here.  Took a little trial and error, but it works.

Hopefully the other guys will read this when setting this up.  I appears anything that worked with Guncon2 guns works fine with these.  My RGT lost calibration when going off screen, and shook all over.  The cross hair is steady, doesnt lose calibration, and the gun feels good in the hands.

Gave it a 10 for xbox, giving it a 10 for mame so far.  Ill play more games (Jurassic Parks next) and post if anything bad is noticed.

Order before there gone!!!!

[Flinkly]

so...we'd have to recalibrate every time we changed screen resolution, right?  so probably for every game.  is there an easy way to calibrate like a single button on the gun?  like the act lab?

[Farmboy90]

I have it working with MAME beautifully.

I installed the Guncon2 drivers again.  Noticed the mouse was tracking perfectly.  Recalibrated, and it still worked.  Ran the Gun2mouse program, and the mouse gets stuck in the corner.

So I did it again, didnt run gun2mouse this time.

Ran Area51, noticed my laser wasn't with the crosshairs, so I shut it off.  It probably is because my desktop runs at 1024x768, I have area 51 running at 800x600.

But, it was shooting where I was aiming.  Went I went to reload, shooting offscreen, I expected it to lose calibration.  But, folks....it worked perfectly.  I shot off screen made sure to come back on screen from the opposite side to test, and it still tracked perfectly.

Im sure more testing should be done, but I believe we have a winner here.  Took a little trial and error, but it works.

Hopefully the other guys will read this when setting this up.  I appears anything that worked with Guncon2 guns works fine with these.  My RGT lost calibration when going off screen, and shook all over.  The cross hair is steady, doesnt lose calibration, and the gun feels good in the hands.

Gave it a 10 for xbox, giving it a 10 for mame so far.  Ill play more games (Jurassic Parks next) and post if anything bad is noticed.

Order before there gone!!!!

You are the greatest human being on Earth. 

Glad I ordered mine already (should have them TOMORROW)!!!  I noticed one site already is out of stock...  Better hurry.

Now if only you knew if two player worked...  Guess I will have to be that guinea pig.

[Smog]

I've just discovered that the software from their site can work even with normal GunCon2 lightguns and this means that even my driver can work with this gun (installing the driver for infrared leds obiouvsly) ... it seems nice enough but very very slow. I cannot test the calibration tough, is there any other that can try this? However this seems to be the only real competitive (price/quality) gun on the market ... let's hope it won't be another flop.

[Santoro]

Ordered mine. These are too nice looking to miss.

[walls83]

do i need to start a second thread for a group order?  it looks like we'd have quite an order if reviews come back good.  i'd say the order would go out in roughly two weeks, to make up for everyone getting in on it and for all the reviews coming in.  we need a leader who can accept paypal though, so everyone can send money first before the order goes out, so no one get's screwed. 

mid febuary anyone?

LOL, if these work it'll be mid-tomorrow for me... 

Yep me too  Ive already told the wife the good news.   That we are expecting.... TWO LIGHTGUNS. 

[darthbane2k]

Can someone PLEASE post a pic of the LED stands

[More Cowbell]

Where are you guys ordering from that you're getting them so fast. Lik Sang says 2-4 weeks @ $15 shipping.

[Farmboy90]

Can someone PLEASE post a pic of the LED stands

Are the pics on the website not enough?  Just curious...

http://www.hkems.com/product/xbox/LCDTopGun.htm

[Farmboy90]

Where are you guys ordering from that you're getting them so fast. Lik Sang says 2-4 weeks @ $15 shipping.

play-asia.com shipped mine the same day (yesterday) and they are already in LA.  So I should have them tomorrow (hopefully).

[More Cowbell]

Where are you guys ordering from that you're getting them so fast. Lik Sang says 2-4 weeks @ $15 shipping.

play-asia.com shipped mine the same day (yesterday) and they are already in LA.  So I should have them tomorrow (hopefully).

Thanks - ordered mine.

[Dr Gori]

Ordered one from lik-sang saturday, not here yet.

Ordered one from Play-asia monday, it arrived this morning.  Total was less at play-asia.  

Further testing:

Jurassic park was pretty good.  The cross hair seemed to be just a little to the left of where I was pointing, but it was consistant.  I was able to adapt to play.  Remember, I'm using a temporary set-up, so the stand's might be moving a bit.

Police trainer was dead on.  Again, you can point off the screen, point at the floor so you do not register, come from the other side, and it's still dead on.

To recalibrate, you hold two buttons, than do a series of 6 shots.

I'm looking forward to peoples opinions who setup is more permanent, but even in my crappy temp set-up, I am very happy.

I'm sure some of the veterans of BYOAC will maybe know how to tweak mame, or the setup to even make it better.

Alright, back to playing....I mean testing some more.

[Farmboy90]

do i need to start a second thread for a group order?  it looks like we'd have quite an order if reviews come back good.  i'd say the order would go out in roughly two weeks, to make up for everyone getting in on it and for all the reviews coming in.  we need a leader who can accept paypal though, so everyone can send money first before the order goes out, so no one get's screwed. 

mid febuary anyone?

Mine are already on the way, but I would still recommend this.  I know 3-4 other people who would jump on this if you can get the group purchase going.  So please keep me in the loop.

They offer bulk discounts so it would be a good idea.  And since the shipping is so outrageous for international orders, the bulk order might help in that regard as well.

So I say start the group purchase thread.  Once I can confirm two player support I am sure the demand will skyrocket even more.

[Farmboy90]

Ordered one from lik-sang saturday, not here yet.

Ordered one from Play-asia monday, it arrived this morning.  Total was less at play-asia. 

Further testing:

Jurassic park was pretty good.  The cross hair seemed to be just a little to the left of where I was pointing, but it was consistant.  I was able to adapt to play.  Remember, I'm using a temporary set-up, so the stand's might be moving a bit.

Police trainer was dead on.  Again, you can point off the screen, point at the floor so you do not register, come from the other side, and it's still dead on.

To recalibrate, you hold two buttons, than do a series of 6 shots.

I'm looking forward to peoples opinions who setup is more permanent, but even in my crappy temp set-up, I am very happy.

I'm sure some of the veterans of BYOAC will maybe know how to tweak mame, or the setup to even make it better.

Alright, back to playing....I mean testing some more.

So far what did you have to do to default mame to make this work?