JAMMA test rig parts list? (DONE!)

Mauricio

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UPDATE: See the end of this thread for the final parts list!

Hey folks,

I have recently caught the arcade PCB bug, which means I need to build a JAMMA test rig. I am looking for some help putting together a parts list that will get the job done.

I know that this is a fairly common request but I have a) already done quite a bit of research and b) not been able to find a solid (and up-to-date) parts list. If someone has already described what I need and I missed it, please point me in the right direction!

Requirements
The goal here is to have a rig that I can use to:
  • Test all aspects of a PCB, including video, audio, and controls.
  • Show off the PCB occasionally to others, usually just for a few minutes.
  • Connect to standard LCD monitors, VGA or component is fine.
So the rig does not need to be pretty or especially portable. I will eventually be buying a new cabinet or paying for a cabinet conversion service for a more permanent option for playing the games. I also want that cabinet to support RetroPie for other games, but getting a single cabinet to do that is a different topic.

Here is what I have been able to find...

JAMMA Adapter
I have a Pac-Man PCB, and I would like to start by just testing that, and then adjust for other PCBs later if necessary. Note that most of the PCBs I have and am interested in getting are pre-JAMMA, so I will buy (or maybe build) more adapters in the future. This seems to be the obvious choice for Pac-Man:

https://www.mikesarcade.com/cgi-bin/store.pl?sku=PAC2JAMMA

JAMMA Wire Harness
Anything better than this?

http://www.hollandcomputers.com/sto...rness-Loom-for-Jamma-PCB-boards-2516p7917.htm

Power Supply

http://www.hollandcomputers.com/sto...e-cabinets-but-upright-and-cocktail-p6265.htm

Video Converter
CGA to VGA converter. This seems to have the necessary cables to connect to the JAMMA harness and the power supply.

http://www.hollandcomputers.com/sto...-arcade-systems-to-LCD-monitors-2517p6052.htm

I believe this will give good quality, at least for testing and showing off.

Controls
A joystick and some number of buttons... maybe five?

http://www.hollandcomputers.com/sto...hable-from-8-way-to-4-way-operation-p5960.htm
http://www.hollandcomputers.com/sto...oswitch-BLACK-by-RetroArcade-us-2393p6768.htm

I would prefer to just use a USB gamepad (like an Xbox 360 controller) but I could not find a way to do that. There was a USB decoder available some time ago, but now I can't find it for sale.

Enclosure
I have not found a simple enclosure, and for now I don't want to build one from scratch, since I don't have the tools or expertise at this point. I would at least like to mount the joystick and buttons on something (anything), so this looks reasonable. I know that is not the intended purpose of this item, so I am open to other suggestions!

http://www.hollandcomputers.com/sto...ment-Price-is-per-control-panel-2377p8240.htm

Audio
I don't have anything specific yet. I just need to be able to connect to computer speakers with 1/8" or RCA plugs. Alternatively, it might be nice to have speakers I can attach to the enclosure to make this more portable. Thoughts on that?

What about a supergun?
I also looked at supergun boards to help simplify some of this, but there don't seem to be many options that are actually available now. The best one seems to be this:

https://www.vogatek.com/product/arcade-supergun-mk3

… because I want the best possible video quality (not composite or S-video), and I don't have Neo Geo controllers. However, that board requires a) some way to convert from SCART to something I can use (VGA or component) and b) I don't know whether the power supply linked above can be connected to it. I could get the MK IV version and track down some Neo Geo controllers (?) and skip the joystick and buttons.

Thanks in advance for any feedback on any or all of that! If I can get something working, I will be happy to share the final result here.
 
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Look into the Retroelektronik.de Supergun PCB's. They've got I/O up the ass, a built-in voltemter...
 
It sounds like you want everything and the kitchen sink. I'd start with a simple setup. Give a look at Bob Roberts test fixtures article at therealbobroberts.net. It is what started my path down the Jamma bench rigs we run at MikesArcade.
 
Look into the Retroelektronik.de Supergun PCB's. They've got I/O up the ass, a built-in voltemter...

Thanks, I didn't find that one earlier. That ProGamer model looks promising, sort of like all the Vogatek models put together. I like that it offers ports and terminal blocks, so it can still be used as the test rig evolves, e.g. replace gamepad with real controls.

The main challenge there is SCART... is there a straightforward way to get that to work with VGA or component? I am guessing a passive cable is not going to do it. I don't have (and have never handled) any SCART equipment.

Are Neo Geo gamepads / sticks the way to go? They don't seem easy to find on eBay, but there may be a better source.

It sounds like you want everything and the kitchen sink. I'd start with a simple setup. Give a look at Bob Roberts test fixtures article at therealbobroberts.net. It is what started my path down the Jamma bench rigs we run at MikesArcade.

Thanks. Do you mean this page?

http://therealbobroberts.net/jig.html

This is actually more complex than what I am looking for at the moment, though of course it would be nice if I could find the parts (and know-how, tools, workspace, etc.) to put something like that together.
 
Thanks, I didn't find that one earlier. That ProGamer model looks promising, sort of like all the Vogatek models put together. I like that it offers ports and terminal blocks, so it can still be used as the test rig evolves, e.g. replace gamepad with real controls.

The main challenge there is SCART... is there a straightforward way to get that to work with VGA or component? I am guessing a passive cable is not going to do it. I don't have (and have never handled) any SCART equipment.

Are Neo Geo gamepads / sticks the way to go? They don't seem easy to find on eBay, but there may be a better source.



Thanks. Do you mean this page?

http://therealbobroberts.net/jig.html

This is actually more complex than what I am looking for at the moment, though of course it would be nice if I could find the parts (and know-how, tools, workspace, etc.) to put something like that together.
Yes! Those 15 dollar cga to vga adaptors. I use one in my test bench. Takes the rgb and power right off the RE pcb. All paired with a nos atx power supply and adaptors from other controllets to neogeo standard. Great for testing without the fuss of loading into a cab.
 
Yes! Those 15 dollar cga to vga adaptors. I use one in my test bench. Takes the rgb and power right off the RE pcb. All paired with a nos atx power supply and adaptors from other controllets to neogeo standard. Great for testing without the fuss of loading into a cab.

Thanks for the confirmation! Do you mind sharing a photo of your wiring here or in a private message? I am starting pretty much from scratch, so I may not have the necessary plugs or wires that most folks here might have, and I would like to see exactly what you have.

Also, does it mean I need a JAMMA extension (like the one linked below) and not a wire harness if I am using that supergun?

https://www.mikesarcade.com/cgi-bin/store.pl?sku=JAMMAEXT
 
Thanks for the confirmation! Do you mind sharing a photo of your wiring here or in a private message? I am starting pretty much from scratch, so I may not have the necessary plugs or wires that most folks here might have, and I would like to see exactly what you have.

Also, does it mean I need a JAMMA extension (like the one linked below) and not a wire harness if I am using that supergun?

https://www.mikesarcade.com/cgi-bin/store.pl?sku=JAMMAEXT

The JAMMA extension helps immensely. Since some boards are shaped oddly and would overlap the supergun.

No pictures, but as long as you get this.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Supergun-Pr...119363?hash=item23733b4483:g:SbIAAOSwOyJX6pvu

This.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ARCADE-GAME...536063?hash=item25c9450e7f:g:9GwAAOSwPcVVxH6Q

(It will come with 2 wires. one to connect to the Supergun for power, the other for video. I just wired mine onto the screw terminal on the supergun and tied both GND wires on the video wire together)

And a power supply, the likes of which you'd normally use inside a PC. You'll be fine. It's all plug and play. The vGA board takes the 15khz RGB and converts it to VGA. the Supergun does everything else including supply -5v if your power supply can't.
 
Great, thanks! I'll get those three parts shortly, and I think I have a spare ATX power supply somewhere. Before I get the supergun... what do you for controls? There is a Genesis adapter for the supergun, which might be a good idea since those gamepads are easier to find than Neo Geo. (Why do the superguns always natively support Neo Geo when it is fairly uncommon?)
 
(Why do the superguns always natively support Neo Geo when it is fairly uncommon?)


Personally? I have an old arcade joystick that was meant for PC/MAME use that I removed the usb interface from and just run the switches directly to the buckles on the Supergun.

The Neogeo support is because Neogeo controllers don't use IC's to manage inputs that then have to be decoded by the console's IC's. Neogeo controls are just straight-wired switches. Superguns default to these because of ease of use and the fact they're already arcade joysticks usually.
 
An update... I have ordered the CGA to VGA converter, JAMMA extender cable, ProGamer supergun, Genesis to Neo Geo adapter, and a generic Genesis controller. This is about $150 total.

I will see if I can find my old ATX power supply. If not, it looks like I will need the following to use an arcade switching power supply:
  • Wire stripper / crimper.
  • Spade or ring terminals.
  • Some 18 AWG wire.
  • Replacement power cord.
  • ... and the power supply itself.
... so some assembly required. If I understand correctly, the advantage of an arcade power supply is that is it smaller, cheaper, and cleaner (fewer loose wires) than an ATX power supply. It is also usually what I see in JAMMA test rigs. Correct me if I am wrong on any of that.

Thanks again for the help! I will update again when I get further along.
 
That supergun doesn't support inverted video or come with an on board audio amp does it?
 
That supergun doesn't support inverted video or come with an on board audio amp does it?

It does have an amplified stereo jack. It also has unamplified RCA and stereo jacks, and a (presumably unamplified) terminal block. I don't know about inverted video.
 
OK, all is well now! See that other thread to read about my dumb mistake.

For the benefit of anyone who might come later, here is my bill of materials for this:

  • Retroelectronik ProGamer Supergun ($69)
  • Genesis adapter for the supergun ($15)
  • Hyperkin Genesis controller ($13)
  • RGB to VGA converter ($19)
  • JAMMA extender cable ($17)
  • Pac-Man JAMMA adapter ($30)
  • Dell 19" LCD monitor (owned)
  • Computer speakers (owned)
  • ATX power supply (owned)
 
Thanks for posting your parts list... it will help a lot of people out having it all in one place.

Congrats on getting it working!
 
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