I need help to see the light :)

[sensible_eddi]

Hi guys,
Im from Portugal (europe) and im building an arcade cabinet and I would like to set up my system with the (CRT Emudriver + GroovyMAME + VMMAKER + ARCADE OSD) method.
I have read and search on several forums, read a lot of posts, but unfortunately many of the posts have several years now and most likely there will have opinions, suggestions and advices with more knowledge sustained by time experience.

ARCADE MONITOR:
- 25" INTERVIDEO - A59ECY13X01 Videocolor type
- Horizontal scan frequency: 15,625 KHz +- 500 Hz / Vertical scan frequency: 50 Hz

SETUP:
- PC with core2duo processor + win xp pro 32bits
- RADEON HD4550
- PC CRT monitor (for inicial software installation purposes)
- CRT Emudriver + GroovyMAME + VMMAKER + ARCADE OSD
- VGA to CGA Video Converter PCB (GBS8100) - I know I may not need this card for this method
- I followed this tutorial: http://forum.arcadeotaku.com/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=24216 (if they know of any more recent and updated tutorial which you can indicate I shall be grateful)

DOUBTS/PROBLEMS:
01 - I do not use I-Pac and I wonder if I can directly connect the arcade monitor to the graphics card through a customized cable (RGB to VGA)? (http://www.arcadeworlduk.com/products/VGA-Breakout-Cable.html) It is safe to do so or I need some kind of adapter to minimize any problems that might damage the arcade monitor?

02 - If I turn on my pc to my pc monitor and then i remove the plug and turn on the arcade monitor plug the image/windows appears well and allows me test GroovyMAME
games, test resolutions with ARCADE OSD, but when I reboot the pc with the arcade monitor on i can see the bios intro, the winxp logo loading the system and when the desktop appears i only see interference!!!
How I can overcome this problem? If I could operate (turn on and off the pc) with the arcade monitor always connected, a major problem would be overcome. : )

03 - Because I am using the GBS8100 card as a way to connect the arcade monitor and graphic card (because i do not want to risk connecting directly) can somehow
be to compromise any results?

04 - In your expert opinion, what is the best option / choice (and with fewer problems, with best tutorials/info ...) winxp, win7pro 32b, 64b win7pro?

Does anyone with some experience in this type of configuration could give me some lights?

thanks for listening,
Jose

[Calamity]

Hi Jose,

01- Before you waste your time, you won't get any valid output using that vga-to-cga pcb, you need direct RGB from your card to your monitor. So either use that cable you linked to or build your own one. The problem with vga signals is their low voltage so you may need a video amplifier to get a decent level of brightness on your arcade monitor. Ultimarc is selling such an standalone amplifier. If you buy a J-PAC instead it already contains a video amplifier in it.

02 - Use the DVI output instead, use a DVI-VGA converter.

03 - See 01

04 - Windows 7 x64 is definetely the way to go these days although it's a little bit trickier to setup than XP.

[sensible_eddi]

First, and after reading so many posts on different forums, i would liked to thank you and give you my admiration for the genuine and caring way you always help all users (rookies or experts) with the same passion. Thanks !!!

About my problem to restart the pc with arcade monitor attached, was resolved yesterday (after formatting and reinstalling everything and go through the guide again).

About the VGA-to-cga pcb (and after reading several posts) I already suspected what you just confirm me.

In short, the way forward would be:
- Buy the Video Amplifier http://www.ultimarc.com/vidamp.html- because i use other method to plug my controls and i dont need I-IPAC just to plug the monitor, right?
- Install win7 64bit
- Follow an installation guide for the win7 64b - can you advise a good one? for dummies : )
- Test, test and test:)

2 more doubt:
You must be familiar with my arcade monitor (intervideo) since they were widely used in Spain and Portugal (http://www.andysarcade.de/data/coinop/videogames/raster%20monitors/intervideo/intervideo_vp_series.pdf). Looking at the characteristics of my arcade monitor can you tell me what kind of monitor specs should i use? (15/24/31Hz and GENERIC, EGA or CUSTOM)?

What are the best / most appropriate / less problematic front ends for use with groovymame?

Once again thanks for the help,
josé

[Paradroid]

What are the best / most appropriate / less problematic front ends for use with groovymame?

Mala is really straightforward to setup and looks nice on a CRT.

[sensible_eddi]

Thanks Paradroid : )