The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls
Main => Lightguns => Topic started by: zelony on November 30, 2007, 10:52:02 pm
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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 :angry:)
Just thought I would throw the idea out there for everyone to bask in its glory or tear it apart.
Jeff
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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. :angry: (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. ;D
No big loss if I do, since I can use the gun on the PS2.
Later,
Jeff
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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
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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 (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
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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?? :cry:
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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!
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No, the gateway is a standard SVGA monitor. I figured it doesn't hurt to try. No else has tried that I know of.
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Sorry to be off topic...
Zelony, is that "CLICKS" image the logo of your place? It's pretty cool, if so.
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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.
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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.
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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.
(http://www.neatstuff.net/guns/Zapp-Ray-Gun.jpg)
At least then it would match my Arcade.
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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.
(http://www.neatstuff.net/guns/Zapp-Ray-Gun.jpg)
At least then it would match my Arcade.
If that works, you gota get some flashing LED's in their as well ;D
I used to love them flint spark guns when I was a nipper..