Author Topic: Sh*t. I'm going to build a supergun, aren't I?  (Read 2109 times)

bartre

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Sh*t. I'm going to build a supergun, aren't I?
« on: January 29, 2013, 04:20:50 AM »
well, as you can guess from the title, I think I've been convinced to build a supergun.
that said, i have no real idea what i'm doing.
from what I understand, I'll need:
Power supply
video encoder (I'm thinking the neobitz one, as that seems to be the best)
Jamma harness
various switches/buttons/sockets (for controller ports, a/v ports, power/test switches)
controllers

So, talk to me like I'm an idiot here, i pretty much have no idea where to get started.
in particular, i'm not sure what to do about audio and casing.

Bernie

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Re: Sh*t. I'm going to build a supergun, aren't I?
« Reply #1 on: January 29, 2013, 04:32:18 AM »
Get with the professor.  He should have some direction on where to start. 

Opethian

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Re: Sh*t. I'm going to build a supergun, aren't I?
« Reply #2 on: January 29, 2013, 04:34:18 AM »
http://www.jamma-nation-x.com/jammax/supergun.html

amazing document from an amazing guy! his site is a wealth of knowledge.

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bartre

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Re: Sh*t. I'm going to build a supergun, aren't I?
« Reply #3 on: January 29, 2013, 04:48:44 AM »
ope, yeah, i've read that through a couple times, still lost on a couple points.
in particular, i'm having trouble locating a lot of the parts he's talking about, as the links seem to have changed.

that said, I think I need a Neo geo controller/stick/whatever.
anyone got one to spare?

ProfessorProfessorson

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Re: Sh*t. I'm going to build a supergun, aren't I?
« Reply #4 on: January 29, 2013, 06:06:35 AM »
I would go with a jrok encoder. I found them to just be better in general. Unless something has changed, the Neobitz still relies on the AD724 which is not that great a chip. In fact, the only time I have even seen the chip used in a professional setting as it were, was on Trident VGA cards that had s-video out. If you end up buying one you will end up probably having to buy a sync cleaner from the Jrok guy anyway, because there are a lot of arcade boards out there that have sync issues with the AD724 and AD725. I have found games like Time Killers, Primal Rage, TMNT, Boogie Wings and others have issues with it.

Power supply wise, you can either go with an arcade psu, along with what that entails, or you can go with a older AT, older ATX, or newer ATX one. Newer ATX ones however will not supply -5 volts, which some boards need to run correctly, so depending on your needs you may be doing some voltage converting. If you went with a older AT or ATX, make sure the -5 is at least able to put out .5 amps if possible (more is better), and make sure to get a good quality, reliable brand psu. If used, recap it using good caps. Case wise, you can get a large pactec case to house the parts. You will need a dremel and drill kit to cut and drill holes, and a file to file things down. If you want to maintain DB15 joystick port ability, you will need to order a couple of db15 midi/gameport jacks to use. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lot-of-2-DB15-Male-solder-cups-and-metalized-plastic-hoods-17010-17208-/160965854861?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item257a50068d

As far as the other parts go, contact the makers of the encoders directly I guess, and you can check ebay for power supplies, power switches, pactec cases, jamma harness, etc.
« Last Edit: January 29, 2013, 06:08:30 AM by ProfessorProfessorson »

Mishran

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Re: Sh*t. I'm going to build a supergun, aren't I?
« Reply #5 on: January 29, 2013, 09:20:42 AM »
I've built one using the JNX guide and everything turned out great. Wouldn't exactly call it a Supergun, more like a MVS cab on a 12"x12" piece of pressboard at the moment. Lol

When I get the time, I wanna throw everything in a case (minus the arcade pcb) and make it an actual self contain supergun.

I can post a few pics if anyone is actually remotely curious which I doubt.

Back to the point, it isn't as hard as you think barte. If you can build those cool joystick, you can build a supergun. I'd say the toughest part of it is making and shaping the holes for the various connectors in the case itself.

xelement5x

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Re: Sh*t. I'm going to build a supergun, aren't I?
« Reply #6 on: January 29, 2013, 09:32:06 AM »
I've always wondered this with superguns.  Where do you put the PCB after you plug it into the JAMMA connector for the box?  Do you just leave it on the floor or something, or do people make a big enclosure to hold the actual PCB as well? 

It's one of those things that's always kind of turned me off from the concept. It seems like it would always look like half assembled if I had one with a big old PCB hanging off it sitting around somewhere.
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bartre

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Re: Sh*t. I'm going to build a supergun, aren't I?
« Reply #7 on: January 29, 2013, 10:10:10 AM »
I can post a few pics if anyone is actually remotely curious which I doubt.


I'm curious, at least remotely. :P

that said, I just like to know exactly what i'm getting into before i start something.

So, I'm looking at a few different things right now, ignoring the case issue for now.
I think i'll track down an arcade PSU off the 'bay, get the j-rok encoder (should I get the sync cleaner?)
from there, i think i'll test it out with my sega naomi, but first i'll need to get some kind of controller.
i'm off to shop!
i'll ask here before i actually buy anything though, that way i don't end up with a stack of sh*t i don't need.

EDIT:
will this work for a PSU?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/15A-Arcade-Switching-Power-Supply-110W-110-220V-w-5-/271146725809?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f219ab1b1
« Last Edit: January 29, 2013, 10:19:00 AM by bartre »

SignOfZeta

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Re: Sh*t. I'm going to build a supergun, aren't I?
« Reply #8 on: January 29, 2013, 10:13:51 AM »
Since there is little standardization in JAMMA PCB form factor there really isn't any way to mount anything that wouldn't have to be undone every time you change games. You should never put a PCB on the floor though, that would be idiotic.

Back in the day the MAS Supernova was the most popular supergun in the US. It wasn't that great (horrible video) but it was housed in a huge MDF box which would do a good job serving as the platform for your boards when in play. It looked like countertop and served as well as one. :)

Some boards are almost retail ready they have such nice enclosures, Triforce, CPS2 and Atomiswave for example, most are just huge giant fragile PCBs. A CPS3 or a Naomi rig can get rather unwieldy.

bust3dstr8

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Re: Sh*t. I'm going to build a supergun, aren't I?
« Reply #9 on: January 29, 2013, 10:50:23 AM »
My buddy just finished a test rig and he found and easy mod to use a Genesis pad
as 3 button Jamma. He also used that same shitty Chinese PSU and the -5 died on it
in under a week. I would pay a few more buck and get a real Chou power supply.
If you are using this on a modern TV you can skip the video converters and just
use a VGA upscaler since most have the DB15 in the back.

http://www.betson.com/products/parts/IMP-44-1015


« Last Edit: January 29, 2013, 11:06:56 AM by bust3dstr8 »
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Mishran

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Re: Sh*t. I'm going to build a supergun, aren't I?
« Reply #10 on: January 29, 2013, 12:44:13 PM »




Pics aren't the clearest, but this is it, my "consolized MVS"  :lol:. Nothing pretty, but compact and fully functional. Everything has been set up to be fully accessible. The small red and black buttons behind the front panel is the test and service switches, two red button on the front are the coin switch, and the black rocker in the middle is the power switch. I built the thing to work with the MV-1FZ, so the sound is in mono. I used one of those cheap VGA boards to connect it to a TV or computer monitor.

The switching power supply sucks bad. It pushes enough amps to run the connected devices, but it can't handle my 4 slot MVS board or my hyper 64. When/If I choose to convert it into a supergun, I'm going to invest in a better PSU.

Opethian

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Re: Sh*t. I'm going to build a supergun, aren't I?
« Reply #11 on: January 29, 2013, 01:27:14 PM »

sigma makes some of the best superguns in japan. this is an older model but works wonders.

[Mon 16:27] <BlueBMW> i wouldnt sell an unmolested duo hehe.  I molest the crap outta of em before they leave me

bartre

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Re: Sh*t. I'm going to build a supergun, aren't I?
« Reply #12 on: January 29, 2013, 01:30:45 PM »
I would pay a few more buck and get a real Chou power supply.


like either of these?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ARCADE-Power-Supply-220V-110V-Adjustable-OFFICIAL-HAPP-CONTROLS-5V-5V-12V-/111006789140?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19d8852e14
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ARCADE-CHERRY-MASTER-used-11-AMP-Peter-Chou-POWER-SUPPLY-5-12-5-Multicade-/221183595634?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item337f91d472

What kind of stats should I look for in a psu?
the JNX guide ope linked to stated that i should look for at least 6A on the 5V line, and 1A on the others.
is that going to be enough, or should I get more? I know it won't hurt, but is it necessary?

so my current thoughts:
box - no biggie, use a project box or build one from plexi/wood.
controllers - no biggie, already got the spare parts
harness - just need to buy one, again, no biggie
Video - jrok, i guess, but do I need a sync cleaner?
audio - the big question, do i need an amp? how do i control the volume? tell me what to do on this one.

EDIT:
damn ope, every time you post something of yours, i get a bit jealous.
that said, that button layout looks a little odd.
« Last Edit: January 29, 2013, 01:32:19 PM by bartre »

bust3dstr8

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Re: Sh*t. I'm going to build a supergun, aren't I?
« Reply #13 on: January 29, 2013, 02:20:31 PM »
I would pay a few more buck and get a real Chou power supply.


like either of these?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ARCADE-Power-Supply-220V-110V-Adjustable-OFFICIAL-HAPP-CONTROLS-5V-5V-12V-/111006789140?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19d8852e14
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ARCADE-CHERRY-MASTER-used-11-AMP-Peter-Chou-POWER-SUPPLY-5-12-5-Multicade-/221183595634?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item337f91d472


audio - the big question, do i need an amp? how do i control the volume? tell me what to do on this one.




A 12Amp(+5)  3Amp(+12) will run anything you want to do. Big hungry boards with the vid encoder and a fan
will be no problem...shit you could get all Neotropolis and run 20 LEDs too.

For sound you want to do the opposite. Tap the jamma edge and then build attenuation circuit.
You can use the volume controls on the pcb or add a pot to the supergun for control.
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Tatsujin

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Re: Sh*t. I'm going to build a supergun, aren't I?
« Reply #14 on: January 29, 2013, 02:49:35 PM »
My selfmade MAK/Supergun from 1996 :)



unfortunately there's nothing left of it today :(
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