Author Topic: New Mame Cab First Conversion (Read 16425 times)

Taekwonjudo · « **on:** January 25, 2011, 10:07:07 pm »

Hey guys

Been reading this forum for a few months now & I have officially caught the bug!

I'm looking to make my first MAME cab & before even really starting, I thought I'd get some thoughts & feedback from all of you here. I really want to take my time & plan this out right.

I've just recently gotten my hands on a like new Golden Tee Live 2010 Cab.

The main screen has been removed as has the PCB & most of the innerds. The nice thing is that the smaller LCD screen below the marquee was included.

Ok couple questions first

1) Am I making a MAME fauxpas by "destroying this beautiful cab to accommodate the multiple games that I'd like to play on it considering the condition of thing? (I'm really torn on this one... this thing really is pristine
2) Does anyone know anything about these smaller LCD's they used in these? I've been able to pull this one out. Looks like it's in great condition with 1 DVI & 1 VGA input along with 2 other inputs that I don't understand.... worse than that... I don't see a power plugin with it either

Can this be used for other things or are these manufactured strictly for the purposes of the original machine?
3) Seeing as I'd like to avoid damaging this unit as much as possible, can anyone suggest a way that I can create my CP to fit nicely on this unit without too much modification?
4) If this were your project, any suggestions on what I should set the second LCD to do?

Thanks a bunch guys.

I'm looking forward to the replies & especially the beginning of the project itself.

Nephasth · « **Reply #1 on:** January 25, 2011, 10:46:49 pm »

1) You won't be destroying it if it can be put back to the original set up. I don't see any problem in that.
2) I don't know anything about these smaller LCDs. But keep it (see #4).
3) Duplicate its CP (dimension wise) with your desired layout. Keep the original (just in case you ever want to revert back to what it was).
4)

Set it up for a changeable marquee like: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=70840.0

Taekwonjudo · « **Reply #2 on:** January 25, 2011, 11:03:54 pm »

Quote

1) You won't be destroying it if it can be put back to the original set up. I don't see any problem in that.
2) I don't know anything about these smaller LCDs. But keep it (see #4).
3) Duplicate its CP (dimension wise) with your desired layout. Keep the original (just in case you ever want to revert back to what it was).
4) Cheesy Set it up for a changeable marquee like: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=70840.0

Thanks Nephasth

That thread actually helped me identify that this LCD appears to be some kind of LCD TV. It has one of those PCB's attached with micro switches that threw me for a bit of a loop.... strange though... I still don't see what powers this thing yet. May be tomorrow I'll take some pics of it & post to see if anyone can help me identify the plugins & how to set it up to be a variable marquee as you suggested

to be honest... that was my first idea for it as well.

Cheers!

Taekwonjudo · « **Reply #3 on:** January 26, 2011, 09:47:03 am »

Ok, a little closer look into that LCD leads me to believe that WG is now manufacturing LCD's specifically for arcade type units.

I found the power plug.... traced the end & now I'm thrown back again... Looks like the end of a CPU power plug to a mobo. Anyone have any idea if/how to hack this to use a regular plug?

I'm attaching pics of the PCB that's still attached to the LCD along with pics of the inputs for the thing. I cant's figure out what the one input is for. There doesn't seem to be a wire in the cab at that location that'll fit that 2 prong input that I can see or trace.

Gonna take some measurements today & start working with CP layouts to see if I can get a comfortable 2 player layout with a trackball in the existing size. If not... a little ingenuity & planning will be in order.

Nephasth · « **Reply #4 on:** January 26, 2011, 10:16:58 am »

I don't know what the two prong port is for, being it's two pins, it's probably an optional power connector (just like this LCD has the option of either DVI or VGA input). But that's clearly a 12V LCD. You could just cut that plug (the one that looks like it connects to a mobo) off the end and wire it to 12V from the computer's power supply you put in this cabinet. And that PCB is probably for making adjustments to the LCD.

Taekwonjudo · « **Reply #5 on:** January 26, 2011, 10:25:58 am »

Ah ok.

Dumb question time now then. The PS from the computer... are all of the outputs from them usually 12v? Reason I ask is that the system I plan on using, I wired up a fan for the side of the case with the connector you see in the attached image. Could I do the same sort of thing do you think?

Would I hook up the wired to the same connectors as I did here?

Nephasth · « **Reply #6 on:** January 26, 2011, 10:27:49 am »

For power supplies, red wires are 5V, yellow wires are 12V, and black are ground. You should just be able to match the wires color for color.

Taekwonjudo · « **Reply #7 on:** January 26, 2011, 10:30:11 am »

Beautiful! That makes life easy for testing the LCD now

Wish me luck! I'll keep ya posted.

Taekwonjudo · « **Reply #8 on:** January 26, 2011, 05:21:36 pm »

Well whad'ya know! That worked perfect! Thanks Nephasth!

The LCD is like new & the resolution is so crisp! It's almost a shame to use it as just a marquee.

Dunno... may I'll turn it into a flatscreen for my recording computer... I'll decide later.

I'm attaching pics of bothe the Hack job I did in case it helps anyone out along with the working monitor

Been toying with some ideas. I think since I'm going to MAME this cab... I might as well go all the way. The wife suggested since my boys are getting into dragons now, maybe something along that theme... not sure. Any suggestions are welcome.

I'm working on the layout for the CP now, like I mentioned, I think I want to set up 2 players, possibly 7 buttons each & a trackball in the middle. From another thread, I found the http://www.slagcoin.com site. Anyone know if these layouts are good to use dimension wise for Happ sticks & buttons? I think I liked the Sega 2 layout the best as this seemed the most comfortable to me & seemed to be a bit more compressed than the standard KI type straight layout. What's everyone's take on the straight vs. the curved layouts? Preferences? findings?

Taekwonjudo · « **Reply #9 on:** January 26, 2011, 11:33:00 pm »

Ok. So I think I've worked out a pretty reasonable first attempt for CP & am looking for thoughts & comments. (.ai file attached size as if needed)

First off, would anyone be kind enough to check the scale of the buttons, joysticks & trackball I've used? It really strikes me that I have a lot more real estate than I originally thought I might in the space available. (I used the .png I found from slagcoin).

I'd love to hear some thoughts & opinions on where everything is laid out & how it's set up. (Anyone see anything I'm going to hate myself for by this?

Nephasth · « **Reply #10 on:** January 26, 2011, 11:43:59 pm »

Glad to see the LCD works. If it were me, I would keep it with this cab. It works, and fits perfect in the hole. As far as your CP, haven't really seen on layed out with the trackball behind the joysticks before. You might think about rotating the button groups CCW for a more natural hand position. Below is a layout I made for my project (it's a tiny CP).

Taekwonjudo · « **Reply #11 on:** January 27, 2011, 12:35:59 am »

Quote

Glad to see the LCD works. If it were me, I would keep it with this cab. It works, and fits perfect in the hole. As far as your CP, haven't really seen on layed out with the trackball behind the joysticks before. You might think about rotating the button groups CCW for a more natural hand position. Below is a layout I made for my project (it's a tiny CP).

Yeah I wasn't sure about the trackball, however trolling the forums here it did seem that most people put the trackball higher up on their mame cab CP than the joysticks.... then again... they also had a lot more real estate to play with. (The original thought was to keep as many buttons away from the trackball as possible to avoid accidental presses during gameplay. Hence the esc button being WAAAAAaaaaaayyy up in the top left ;p)

I actually think I like it aesthetically in the new position TBH. Gives me a fantastic idea for CP art if I go the dragon route. Gonna have to print it full scale & fiddle with it a bit to see if it works with the P1 buttons so close.

Thanks as well for your CP layout. Based on your design, my buttons were a tad smaller than they should have been.. but not bad.... & I LOVE the way the twisted layout feels! Thanks heaps dude!

Nephasth · « **Reply #12 on:** January 27, 2011, 07:23:53 am »

You may also think about moving the joysticks and buttons up some. Some people find it uncomfortable playing on the edge of a CP, and moving the controls up a little will give them a place to rest their wrists. Trackball location looks good though.

Edit to add: Once you print it out full scale, move stuff around. Find what is most comfortable to you. My CPs are only 19.5" wide, they're a little crowded, but that's what I had to settle for with what I was doing. I made the 7 button layout to fit my finger tips and thumb in a natural position (top row and thumb button) so I wouldn't have to stretch my fingers to reach buttons. Also, if you think that trackball is too big, you may consider a 2 1/4" trackball to free up some room on your CP.

newmanfamilyvlogs · « **Reply #13 on:** January 27, 2011, 09:34:47 am »

I fit a similar layout into a similar sized space on my cab:

It's 25"x12"

I have found the P2 joystick to be a little too close to the trackball, but still very functional.

Taekwonjudo · « **Reply #14 on:** January 27, 2011, 09:50:05 am »

Hey thanks cotmm. How much space is there in a direct line from your trackball to the p2 joystick in that layout? I've been thinking I might do a spinner as well... will they plug right into an 1-pac-2 do you know? I also looks like if the trackball is above the joysticks, I should be able to bring the 1p in a bit from the side as well. I think I want to keep it no closer than 2" from the outside edge...

Hmmm. time to go full scale & play around a bit I think

Nephasth · « **Reply #15 on:** January 27, 2011, 10:43:43 am »

Trackballs and spinners would need to be connected to an Opti-pac, unless you use USB versions of those devices.

Taekwonjudo · « **Reply #16 on:** January 27, 2011, 10:47:56 am »

is it possible to set up an optipac to run 2 spinners or do I need one per? The trackball I have on order is USB driven.

Nephasth · « **Reply #17 on:** January 27, 2011, 11:15:08 am »

From Ultimarc:

Quote

Features:
One USB cable handles up to two trackballs and 4 spinners/rotary joysticks.
No external power needed.
The active control (trackball or rotary) is automatically selected.
Supports buffered controls (Happ, Ultimarc U-Trak) or unbuffered (Suzo, Wico, Ultimarc 2 1/4), high or low polarity.
Configurable via software utility for active high/active low.
Full-Speed USB Interface. 16 Bit data.
Will work alongside PS/2 or USB mouse if required.

Taekwonjudo · « **Reply #18 on:** January 27, 2011, 11:38:56 am »

Hmmm sweet! Ok.. spinners will be included eventually then. I've heard that if they're monted right, you can get steering wheels to put on them somehow... will have to look into this. Anyone know what I'd need for an analogue gas pedal for games like Super Sprint?

newmanfamilyvlogs · « **Reply #19 on:** January 27, 2011, 11:57:26 am »

I actually added a spinner later on:

All of these are hooked up to a single minipac:

The pre-wired harness made this take about 5 minutes to hook up. But it looks like an absolute disaster.

Taekwonjudo · « **Reply #20 on:** January 27, 2011, 12:01:55 pm »

Do you mind taking a shot of the minipac? I'd like to see how it's laid out

*Edit nevermind. Is that it resting between the P2 blue buttons?

newmanfamilyvlogs · « **Reply #21 on:** January 27, 2011, 02:24:28 pm »

Yup. Just dangling freely.
There is a wiring block diagram on Ultimarc:
http://www.ultimarc.com/images/Minipac_wiring.pdf

It's very straight forward.

Taekwonjudo · « **Reply #22 on:** January 27, 2011, 04:12:35 pm »

Interesting. So that minipac can control 2 trackballs & a spinner?..... could that maybe work then for 2 spinners & an analogue pedal do you think?

newmanfamilyvlogs · « **Reply #23 on:** January 27, 2011, 05:05:10 pm »

Minipac can control one trackball and one spinner. The trackball is presented as a mouse to the system, the spinner is presented as a single axis mouse.

To the best of my knowledge you could not hook a pedal to a minipac because most pedals are going to use a potentiometer. I do not believe you can read this on a minipac.

The APac can do up to 4 pots:
http://www.ultimarc.com/a-pac.html

the U-hid does some other stuff too, but someone who's more familiar with it will need to chime in on that.
http://www.u-hid.com/home/overview_board.php

Taekwonjudo · « **Reply #24 on:** February 02, 2011, 11:07:39 am »

Ok. Thanks for the feedback guys.

I'm still playing with & tweaking the layout for the CP but got distracted as I've hit a snag that I hope someone can help me out with.

The computer I'm using is one I built a couple years ago with an MSI K8N Neo4 mobo, AMD Athlon 64 3500+ CPU, 4 gigs of DDR 333 single channel ram, and a BFG NVIDIA GeForce 7800GT Video card.

I just got my hands on a great SONY WEGA 32" flatscreen TV that I'd like to use as the main monitor.. but I've lost (probably threw out DOH!) the breakout cable that came with the card.

Does anyone know how I can hook up either one of the DVI connections from the card to the component ins on the TV? (Is the 5 wire stil component? Is that the best one to use or is there a difference between it and the 3 cable RCA jacks?) or does anyone know where I could possibly find a replacement breakout cable that will fit the 9 pin configuration in this card?

I've been reading a lot in the monitor forums here & as of yet have been unable to come across a post that addresses a similar issue.

Heck. I don't even mind if someone knows where I can find a step by step hack to create a cable I can use.

Help if you can please!

newmanfamilyvlogs · « **Reply #25 on:** February 02, 2011, 11:22:22 am »

http://www.pccables.com/cgi-bin/orders6.cgi?action=Showitem&partno=01779&rsite=f.01779

I think this is the cable you're looking for. Though I'd keep looking for a better price.

Taekwonjudo · « **Reply #26 on:** February 02, 2011, 11:43:21 am »

AHHH PERFECT! Thanks Cotmm. Yeah I think I'll keep shopping around but at least I know they exist!

newmanfamilyvlogs · « **Reply #27 on:** February 02, 2011, 11:52:30 am »

http://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-Svideo-Component-Composite-Radeon/dp/B000G0A26G

This will probably work on an Nvidia card as well.

Erik · « **Reply #28 on:** February 02, 2011, 08:55:39 pm »

There's a lot of posts on here about the problems with the way video cards handle tv-out. I don't recall the specifics but it seems like it was something to do with loss of quality due to scaling the images to certain resolutions a couple times. There are some comparison pics of the different methods of connecting a pc or monitor if you search around.

You might try something like this and see if it gets any better results.

http://cgi.ebay.com/VGA-PC-TV-Ypbpr-Component-AV-TV-Converter-Cables-/320640043917?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aa7a2cb8d
or this
http://cgi.ebay.com/RCA-VGA-HDTV-Component-Video-Y-Pr-Pb-Adapter-VHDC300-/140507892339?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20b6ec4a73

Taekwonjudo · « **Reply #29 on:** February 02, 2011, 09:06:17 pm »

Thanks for the reply Eric. Yes I've seen similar items in the source as well as futureshop etc. The issue lies in cost unfortunately. I am hoping for a solution that wont cost me more than $20 or so.

I have found a dongle that I ordered that is a DVI to component converter. When it comes in I'll see how it works & go from there.

Once I vet the tv working I can start to install software & start to configure everything. (the easy part of the whole project right? Lol)

Cheers!

newmanfamilyvlogs · « **Reply #30 on:** February 03, 2011, 05:52:23 am »

I believe sending a component image will be different than people with traditional TV-out. The component signal is usually intended for "HD", and thus the card and TV will probably be working in a progressive mode, probably something like 480p or 720p. You'll probably end up with a pixel perfect display on the TV, and then need to configure mame to scale the image into those confines. From there you can decide if you want to do something with the extra pixels being generated like 'filtering' or what not.

Taekwonjudo · « **Reply #31 on:** February 04, 2011, 01:37:08 pm »

Ok. Since I'm playing the waiting game now for my TV connection, I decided to go back & try another layout for the CP. I'm hoping for some more feedback & thoughts on this one. One thing I should mention is that because of the layout of this cab, there's a 3/4" rim flush all around the CP that adds a bit of space as well.

Thoughts?

newmanfamilyvlogs · « **Reply #32 on:** February 04, 2011, 01:42:49 pm »

Do you plan on playing trackball games with buttons? Reaching for the P1/P2 buttons might be a little uncomfortable in a game of Centipede or the like.

Taekwonjudo · « **Reply #33 on:** February 04, 2011, 01:50:44 pm »

Hmm good point. My main concern was to keep as many buttons out of the way for games like Golden Tee. I can't recall, games like Centipede & marble madness... did they have a button on either side of the trackball or just to the left of them? Should I maybe place the 2 control buttons in the upper right one to either side of the trackball with some space do you you think?

Taekwonjudo · « **Reply #34 on:** February 04, 2011, 05:00:17 pm »

Thanks for all of your help & input so far guys! I love this community for that!

Anyways, here's round #4 for CP. As always thoughts & input welcomed.

Cheers!

Taekwonjudo · « **Reply #35 on:** February 04, 2011, 06:12:49 pm »

I'm also playing around with the artwork for this cabinet at this point. One thing I'm looking at however, if see the pics above, there are pieces of this cab that are I'm assuming a veneer that's white. This is kinda putting a damper on what I'm thinking of for artwork. Can anyone recommend what to use to paint right on top of the veneer? Is it possible to do with a lasting effect? I'd like to change this to black as well as I want the art to "pop".

Taekwonjudo · « **Reply #36 on:** February 09, 2011, 07:59:49 pm »

Ok. So I'm playing around with setting up the FE now. Looks like there seems to be quite a few supporters of MALA so I thought I'd give it a shot.

Went to the wiki & read the quick start guide but hit a minor snag that I'm hoping someone could help me out with.

I DL'd the most recent windows command line version of MAME (the 64bit as this system is running windows7 64bit). Grabbed the latest release of Mala, did the install & continued through the process.

The issue happened when Mala was supposed to create the mame.ini file, however, that process failed.

Will cause complications? Is there somewhere I can download a usable mame.ini? Does someone have a way to fix this?

Thanks for the help in advance guys.

Cheers!

newmanfamilyvlogs · « **Reply #37 on:** February 09, 2011, 08:53:21 pm »

Mame -cc
run that from command line. It generates a default ini.

Taekwonjudo · « **Reply #38 on:** February 09, 2011, 08:55:44 pm »

Thanks Cotmm. That worked perfectly!

Taekwonjudo · « **Reply #39 on:** March 04, 2011, 03:47:01 pm »

Ok. Been a while since I've updated. Really it was mainly because I just about made myself bald trying to figure out how to hook up that old tv. In the end I finally decided to scrap the idea & went out & bought a brand new 24" LCD. (Made life so much easier).

So for the last month or so, I've been playing with the FE's & setup & configuration of this thing. I think I've decided I like the look & functionality of Hyperspin best so far. Only thing is on some of the screens it seems a bit slow on the loading. Is there a way to alleviate some of the processing that's happening to let it run smoother?

Also, there HAS to be an easier way of checking/verifying/eliminating duplicate r*m files. Going through over 6000+ files individually I think is gonna take me until I'm in the grave! I'd like to make sure to only have 1 working version of the games I'd like to have functioning & I'd like to setup my different "wheels" based on specific grouping. I see that HyperHQ used to have this functionality but since version 1.0 that seems to have been taken out.

Is there an easier way of cleaning up my files & setting everything up that I haven't found yet?

I'm also thinking about that second monitor. Does anyone know of any programs that exist that will allow me to run something different on that screen based on the game selected? Or if not that, then is there a way I can set up the system to play a looping video on just that monitor?

(I'm taking the advice of everyone here making sure to complete everything else before setting up my CP or I like many before me I'm sure will get stuck in that rut of not finnishing because I'm spending too much time playing ;p)

Thanks for all the help so far guys!


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