Guncon2 Lightgun idea

[zelony]

I have been reading through a lot of the posts about Lightguns recently and had an idea.

I currently have a ActLabs Dual GS setup that only works with 98/ME and a set of LCD Topguns.  I love the look of the ActLabs guns, but since I upgraded to a Athlon64 X2 4200+ for my MAME cabinet, running Windows98 isn't on the menu.  So that leaves me with the just the LCD Topguns.

That would be OK, except I don't like how far back I have to stand with them.  Plus I don't like the look of them.

So, I was reading about the Guncon2 options.  I am using a 36" SVGA PC monitor in my showcase cabinet, so I would need to use some kind of converter to make it work.

That is when it occured to me, maybe I can cheat.  My video card can output direct to TV via S-video, Composite or Component.  So why not use the composite out to drive the Guncon2 guns?  If I set the Monitor to 640X480 and cloned it to the TV out, it should send the same signal to both. 

I haven't tried it yet, since I have been too busy working. (Last time I fire an employee without having a replacement lined up )

Just thought I would throw the idea out there for everyone to bask in its glory or tear it apart.

Jeff

[zelony]

Update:

I have my new computer for my MAME cabinet ready to go.  I am using a Radeon 9600SE with the S-Video to composite adapter.  I have it set to clone the primary display on the TV out.  I have tested it and it works fine.

I am going to swing by the used gaming store here in Des Moines and pick up a Guncon2 gun.  I plan to test my theory tomorrow, since I have to work until 2 AM again.    (Worst part of owning a business is the employees.)

I will let everyone know how it works as soon as I can.  Even if I fail miserably. 

No big loss if I do, since I can use the gun on the PS2.

Later,

Jeff

[wp34]

Jeff,

You mention you have a 36" showcase cabinet.  Any chance you built it with a Gateway Destination monitor?  I am getting ready to start on mine and am struggling a little with how to design a cab for a monitor that big. 

I am from Des Moines as well.

Tim

[zelony]

Tim,

Yes, it is a Gateway Destination.  However, I did not build the cabinet.  I purchased a NFL Blitz '99 Showcase cabinet in almost new condition and converted it. Like the one pictured here.  http://www.klov.com/game_detail.php?game_id=8819

I am using the 49 Way joysticks and love them.  So quiet and smooth.

I would have used the Monitor that came with the cabinet, however at the time there was no easy way to output 25 KHz from my video card.  So I bought the Destination.  Now I can use Soft 15KHz to output 25KHz from the computer to the Arcade Monitor.  Figures.

Now I have a spare 36" monitor taking up space in my office. hehe

[zelony]

I was unable to find a Guncon2 controller locally, so I had to buy one online.  I will let you know if it works when I get to it.  I am unfortunately still working a ton of extra hours since I am down a couple of employees... Anyone want to buy a PC Gaming Center and Internet Cafe in West Des Moines, IA??

[brandon]

is the Gateway a multisync?  will it do 15khz?  if so then run the Guncon2 of the sync of the monitor.. I have serious doubts that using the sync off the s-video will work.  The images will be cloned but I doubt the rasters will be in sync...  Good luck though!

[zelony]

No, the gateway is a standard SVGA monitor.  I figured it doesn't hurt to try.  No else has tried that I know of.

[Organic Jerk]

Sorry to be off topic...

Zelony, is that "CLICKS" image the logo of your place?  It's pretty cool, if so.

[zelony]

Yes, that is "Sir Fragsalot".  In the Original logo he was holding a mug of beer, but since we moved to the mall and no longer sell alcohol, I changed the logo.

I am glad you like it.

[ZeroPoint]

Zelony

I am sorry to be the (2nd) one to dissapoint you on your theory. The tv-out output and the vga ouput are not in sync. You must use the same sync signal for the gun that the monitor uses.

To get a GunCon2 working on a 31Khz+ monitor you will at least have to make a composite sync signal to feed to the gun. You will probably have to divide the h-sync also. Real Lightguns for CRTs doesnīt work where the phosporos isnīt charged (dark areas) and needs a flashing (one or two frames of white or grey) of the screen.

This time I would vote for the Act-Labs guns.

[zelony]

Zeropoint,

I figured as much, but why not try it. hehe

I would use the Act Lab guns if they would work with XP. 

Maybe I can take the guts out of my LCD TopGuns and put into one of these.


At least then it would match my Arcade.

[Pops]

Zeropoint,

I figured as much, but why not try it. hehe

I would use the Act Lab guns if they would work with XP. 

Maybe I can take the guts out of my LCD TopGuns and put into one of these.


At least then it would match my Arcade.

If that works, you gota get some flashing LED's in their as well
I used to love them flint spark guns when I was a nipper..