12 replies to this topic

[Doug_C]

Looks like there is some interest on USB and Video type light guns.

So to reply to another thread...

The first gen Guncon for the PSX1 will not work in mame. The PS2 version with usb plug will with some work. The main hurdle to get over is the composite (yellow plug) video input that the gun requires.
If your using the Svideo out to TV, or 15pin VGA to Monitor or 15pin VGA to Component (Red, Blue Green) you still need to supply a video input to the GunconII.

Generally this is done via a s-video out from the video card to composite converter. The trick is the two outputs (Vid card to TV and Vid card to Guncon) has to be exactly the same resolution and refresh rate. The PS2 uses a pass through composite to achieve this.

Now, with all of that, it takes special driver and a special calibration program. I have most of all of them. I've tries many different setups and cables to get it to work.

I'll gather all of my drivers and programs, sort them and put them up on my site for download. I can also try to put together some "How-to's" if there is any interest.

[kruge99]

Isn't this all a moot point if you/we are using an LCD monitor? I haven't owned a 'tube' monitor in, I don't know, 5 years maybe. I know there are some LCD compatible light guns but I was led to believe they are expensive and not readily available...

[Tomcat Leader]

I'm definitely interested. My Guncon isn't Namco and it does have the RCA and USB plugs both. It's one that the barrel slams back when you pull the trigger, much like Namco's Point Blank and Time Crisis's guns do. Also, my screen is LCD, not CRT.

Edited by Tomcat Leader, 14 May 2010 - 10:20 PM.

[KloggMonkey]

Would this be the major reason for using a crt type tv or even an arcade monitor for mame cab builds?

Do stores even have the old 4:3 tv's anymore? I think I'll keep good care of my old 42" 150lb monster.

[deadsoulz]

Would this be the major reason for using a crt type tv or even an arcade monitor for mame cab builds?

Do stores even have the old 4:3 tv's anymore? I think I'll keep good care of my old 42" 150lb monster.

Check out the gun module over at ultimarc (maker of the ipac), works great with lcd's as well as crts.

[Conan]

a wiimote and a bluetooth thingy with the GlovePIE drivers will work as a lightgun with any monitor or as a mouse for htpc's

Edited by Conan, 15 May 2010 - 04:00 AM.

[KloggMonkey]

Check out the gun module over at ultimarc (maker of the ipac), works great with lcd's as well as crts.

WOW
Cheaper, works with all tv's, and customizable

Ultimarc ftw.

[Doug_C]

In my Mame cabinet I had an actual 32" arcade monitor at 22khz. The standard guns would work on it. It uses a photo cell in the gun and "Flashes" the screen every time you fire. I thought most mame cabinets out there ran a TV or real arcade monitor. It adds to the realism of the original game.

For LCD's you can get a EMS Top Gun 2 - it's about 30 bucks and works well.

http://www.play-asia...en-70-16s7.html

I'll have everything compiled this weekend.

[toolmaker]

I also have an Ultimarc Aim-Trak light gun module. I bought 2 Happ gun enclosures on Ebay and installed the modules. Very easy to install on the hardware and software side. There are 2 ready to go button connections ( I used for fire and reload) as well as 5 additional button inputs available but they require some soldering. All the buttons can be programmed as gamepad or mouse click actions. Very easy to calibrate and incredibly responsive/accurate not to mention the price is reasonable.

I have used the guns on CRT and LCD monitors with the same results. The only complaint is that you have to get somewhat creative in hiding the infrared led board.

Edited by toolmaker, 15 May 2010 - 07:20 AM.

[Doug_C]

That actually sounds really cool! Do you have a link to the modules? I'd like to check them out.

[Tomcat Leader]

I don't have a cabinet, just my PC. I'm not that privileged, financially.

[Doug_C]

I don't have a cabinet, just my PC. I'm not that privileged, financially.

That's where I started too... Then built my first cabinet on a budget.

http://www.therednec.....dneck Arcade/

Then it went into several others.

http://www.therednec.../e107/zenphoto/

I think in total I've built 5 mame cabinets. (Not all of them in the gallery)

[subzero1970]

I had a usb light gun for my mame cab, TBH it was pretty shit and it was re-listed on ebay within weeks