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:
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.
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.
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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