MAK supergun - any good? - will Ketsui work?

[msm]

Hi
As the title really, does anyone have any experience of a raven games superguns? are they any good and would they work ok with ketsui? and what about 4 button games like galuda 2?

i'm looking at this one on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... &rd=1&rd=1

any help is much appreciated

i know i could make one much cheaper, and it probably wouldn't be too hard, but after spending so much money on ketsui i'm scared of something going wrong

edit - now looking at the MAK one here:
http://www.arcadeathome.de/mak.html
any opinions?

[elbarto]

That looks like one of their earlier models, so it may not have all of the features of their new ones such as the 4th button being wired up, or having a test switch.

I've had one of the earlier models since 1994, and its still working fine, but I had to get the test switch/4th button installed extra at a later point.

It almost certainly won't have the features like the headphone socket, RGB controls, built-in speaker, etc..

[Super Laydock]

I bought a supergun from raven a few years ago (a different looking one though). Within a few days the color adjustment button broke and it only displayed my games in monochrome.

Maybe it was just a fluke though, as I have heard better stories about their superguns.

[msm]

thanks for the replies

sounds like it would work but wouldn't be the best solution

would it be best to go for one of the new ones direct from raven? or something completely different?

sorry for all the questions!

[EOJ]

Get a Sigma AV7000 with the 9000TB controller. Then you'll be happy. Check yahoo.jp auctions, they pop up frequently for about 30,000 yen used. Use a bidding service like Rinkya and you can get one for about $400 USD after shipping and fees. Well worth it.

I have this setup and until I get a cab, I have no desire to use anything else.

[segasonicfan]

I wouldn't recommend this SG at all. Any Supergun that's $199 is going to be lacking a lot of features and quality. There's no mention of the output power of the unit and it doesn't look like it even has a video encoder :/ (for S-video/composite).

Hopefully you won't take my opinion with too much bias because I sell superguns, I'm just saying this is a very low end one and I have seen better SGs even on ebay.

It's also not the best idea to buy an SG with no return/warranty policy...it's much better to buy from the individual maker because they can troubleshoot and fix anything that may be wrong with the SG (such as the aforementioned monochrome image). Just my two cents.

-Segasonicfan

[elbarto]

If I had to buy a new Supergun now, I'd do what TWE suggested and track down a Sigma. I just wish they'd been a bit easier to find back when I first got into PCBs..

..it doesn't look like it even has a video encoder :/ (for S-video/composite).

This isn't an issue for people in the UK, as it gives a RGB signal via SCART. I'm not going to argue that its missing a load of features though, especially compared to custom-made ones.

[GaijinPunch]

The only flaw in TWE's suggestion is that they really don't pop up on Yahoo all THAT often. At least not the 7000. AFAIK, I got the last one that was on there about a month ago. I've got it in my watchlist as well, so I see everything "Sigma" as it comes up. There have been a couple of 6000's and even earlier models though.

If you can't wait, you could proabably have someone pick one up for you in Akihabara and shipped for you. New, w/ harness for probably the $425 range after shipping. FYI -- shipping is about 10,000 yen, if memory serves. It's a rocking machine though. I use mine when I'm bored w/ my porn on occasion.

[EOJ]

I don't know, I saw three or four AV7000 sets over the past couple months (did you buy the one that came with two 9000TB controllers?). That seems pretty frequent to me, for a niche item like a supergun.
I haven't checked in about a month though.

[GaijinPunch]

I don't know, I saw three or four AV7000 sets over the past couple months (did you buy the one that came with two 9000TB controllers?). That seems pretty frequent to me, for a niche item like a supergun.
I haven't checked in about a month though.

Yes, I bought that one, and I'm pretty sure that's one of only two 7000 that's been up for the last while. Digging through my mail, I see:

AV5000 02/25
AV3000 02/23
Raijin 02/22
AV5000 02/09
Raijin 02/28
AV7000 01/25
Raijin 01/18
AV7000 01/14 (I got this one)

So basically two AV7000's since Xmas by my count. That 3000 is a bit of a weird one, but they do show up. I could've missed one, but I don't think so. It's pretty hard to miss.

[msm]

Thanks for all the help

i'm not sure if i can be bothered with the hastle/waiting/expense of one of the japanese ones

after a lot of searching and a lot more confusion i think i'm going to go for a MAK one:

http://www.arcadeathome.de/mak.html

it would be nice if someone could confirm this works with cave pcb's before i take the plunge?

i recon it would cost ~£50 to build one (maplins are expensive for parts, RS would probably be cheaper? but more confusing to order from) so this isn't much more, and i think i already have some DB15 connectors (one already attached to a hori sc2 stick - but with the wrong pin-out no doubt) and some saturn pads to mod

[neorichieb1971]

If a supergun is built correctly it will work with Ketsui. Its a silly question.

Its like asking if petrol will work in your car.


Since you are in the UK you only need RGB SCART.

This is your diagram -



The rest of the connections are up to you. Obviously the JROK at the bottom is not necessary.. just go to a SCART lead.. On the audio, go to the SCART lead also.

[msm]

the web site says it will work with nearly 90% of jamma pcb's

anyway, thanks

[EOJ]

Don't worry it's not a silly question at all asking if the supergun will work with Ketsui. I had a supergun that worked fine with Ibara and Espgaluda 2, but I sold it to a guy with Ketsui, and that game didn't play properly on it (the video was all messed up).

[neorichieb1971]

TWE,

If the supergun is built to Jamma specification and there is a problem running Ketsui then obviously there is something wrong with the supergun.

In such a case, you could argue that it is supposed to work with Ketsui but it just doesn't. Without fundamental information about that particular case, you should really not consider it the norm! Simply because by specification alone it should run it.. and nobody here can say wether a particular supergun is going to work with Ketsui until somebody has proven it can or it can't.

To anwer MSM's question, all superguns are wired for Jamma operation, and therefore should work with any Jamma PCB.


MSM,

That MAK supergun sounds really good. Only problem I have with it is the design. The PCB will connect directly to the big black box without a harness (unless I'm missing something).

[EOJ]

The problem is with the video encoders used in Superguns. No video encoder plays every JAMMA PCB. Some will have problems with the video and/or audio with certain games.

I suppose a purely RGB supergun with no video encoder would not have such problems, however.

[CIT]

To anwer MSM's question, all superguns are wired for Jamma operation, and therefore should work with any Jamma PCB.

No, games that use vector screens, 6 buttons, a steering wheel controller, a trackball, etc won't work off the bat with a MAK without some modifications. Anyway, that's presumably the 10% refered to on the website.


@msm

Since it's a purely RGB supergun Ketsui should work fine, as it obviously doesn't have any unusual control setup.

I have a similar European MAK Supergun:
http://www.wolfsoft.de/shop/product_inf ... e/mak.html

...and no problems running Cave games on it, although I haven't played Ketsui on it yet. Dunno if that helps.

[msm]

thanks again for the help everyone

i've ordered it so will see how it goes!

CIT - that MAK supergun looks a lot more flashy than the one i ordered! hope it works as well.

neorichieb1971 - i too have worries about it putting strain on the board so will try and make it as level as possible using books or paper or something.

i hope the predictions are right about it not being a probblem on RGB only superguns!

[Gakidou]

edit - now looking at the MAK one here:
http://www.arcadeathome.de/mak.html
any opinions?

I got one of those just recently to play Ibara and it works great (with that game at least).

i too have worries about it putting strain on the board so will try and make it as level as possible using books or paper or something.

That's what I do. I've been looking at one of these though:
http://www.mikesarcade.com/cgi-bin/stor ... u=JAMMAEXT

[neorichieb1971]

thats a perfect solution

[msm]

I've been looking at one of these though:
http://www.mikesarcade.com/cgi-bin/stor ... u=JAMMAEXT

that looks useful, thanks for the link

[msm]

just incase this info helps anyone - it works fine although the credit button seems a bit tempromental after having a look inside i'm not sure i'd recommend the supergun to anyone alse though, its very basic

[segasonicfan]

just incase this info helps anyone - it works fine although the credit button seems a bit tempromental. after having a look inside i'm not sure i'd recommend the supergun to anyone alse though, its very basic

I hate to say I told you so SGs are much better if they are custom made. There are many small things that can go inside an SG to improve it too. For example I added 7805 power regulation for my encoder, autofire circuits, a hifi sync splitter, polarity fuse protection, stereo mono switch, etc etc to my Supergun. Many of these options are nice to have and very important IMO. I'm sure there are other supergun sellers out there just like myself that offer customization to their products.

Not trying to promote sales or anything here, I just think it's important for people to know all the options and details of a Supergun so they can get the most for their money and not be stuck with an unsatisfactory product (like msm)

Also, for the record, many JAMMA games can be incompatible with SGs so yea, asking about ketsui is not a bad idea at all. I actually had a very annoying time with Galuda II since is seems the SH3 boards output horrible sync.

-Segasonicfan

[arcadeathome]

Hi @ all!

I was very interested in reading all your posts in this thread. I am the one who sells the following hyperlinked item http://www.arcadeathome.de/mak.html. If somebody has any questions for it, feel free to ask!

And yes, it is a "basic" MAK. But it works very fine for a reasonable Price I think.

Best regards

Andy

www.arcadeathome.de

[tassian]

There are many small things that can go inside an SG to improve it too. For example I added 7805 power regulation for my encoder, autofire circuits, a hifi sync splitter, polarity fuse protection, stereo mono switch, etc etc to my Supergun. Many of these options are nice to have and very important IMO. I'm sure there are other supergun sellers out there just like myself that offer customization to their products.

I visited your site and saw that you're working on the "ultimate" supergun. My question: will you release the schematics of your supergun at some point? Or do you intend to sell the supergun? I mean, the basics are all clear to me when I see the JAMMA pinout, I can also grasp how RGB picture adjustment works with variable resistors but some of the stuff like polarity fuses etc. would be nice to see in the form of a schematic. Hence my question.

[iatneH]

I just want to know what kind of power supplies segasonicfan uses. I'd love to build another one someday and make it more compact. Great site too!

[msm]

and not be stuck with an unsatisfactory product (like msm)

i wouldn't say it was unsatisfactory, as i said it works fine and on the outside is/looks well made, its just the internal construction that's a bit dubious sorry to say that Andy, i am happy with the product as it plays ketsui fine and i like how all 4 buttons and credit/start are mapped to the joystick ports

also the credit button is fine if you press it fast enough, i was pressing it too slowly!

segasonicfan- i'm sure you are right though a custom one would be better but i was too impatient to play the game i was looking at your website too and it's not obvious from what i could see that you sell superguns? i might have been interested if there was more information about how to buy them on there

[segasonicfan]

I visited your site and saw that you're working on the "ultimate" supergun. My question: will you release the schematics of your supergun at some point? Or do you intend to sell the supergun? I mean, the basics are all clear to me when I see the JAMMA pinout, I can also grasp how RGB picture adjustment works with variable resistors but some of the stuff like polarity fuses etc. would be nice to see in the form of a schematic. Hence my question.

I haven't planned on releasing a full schematic and I probably won't since I don't think it would benefit people too much (you are the first request for this) however, much of the circuits inside are documented on my website including a built in RGB amp and the voltmeter which can be found here:
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b134/ ... s/7107.png
There are some more complexities about this SG which have not really been mentioned and you couldn't have noticed though. It has a built in 5v reg (LM1085) with adjustable voltage and an assisting heat sink and fan in the back. There is also a hifi sync splitter circuit I use constantly called the ISL59885 from interesil. The encoder is a CXA1645. It would be very hard to make a schematic combining all these circuits and the several switches and buttons and their functions. So basically I just post schems for the circuits themselves.

I don't ever intend to sell this Supergun as I have designed it for personal use and have put a ridiculous amount of work into it. I also refer to it as 'my baby'

I just want to know what kind of power supplies segasonicfan uses. I'd love to build another one someday and make it more compact. Great site too!

I use the Ault 200 for all my other Superguns. It's great for building into the casing. However, I wanted to make something even smaller for my personal supergun and so I found a great PSU that went to a Viewsonic VGA monitor. I forget the part number but basically it's a super compact 12v 5A supply that I pull a high current 5v from using the reg.

i wouldn't say it was unsatisfactory, as i said it works fine and on the outside is/looks well made, its just the internal construction that's a bit dubious

oh ok I was just assuming this since you said you wouldn't recommend it to people.

egasonicfan- i'm sure you are right though a custom one would be better but i was too impatient to play the game Laughing i was looking at your website too and it's not obvious from what i could see that you sell superguns? i might have been interested if there was more information about how to buy them on there

I mentioned earlier in this thread before you bought one that I do sell them However, I wasn't very blatant about it as I don't mean to go off in people's threads advertising. I just wanted to help with some info. I offer my email link on my site for mods but I guess at some point I should put a list back up of all the stuff I can do. I'm actually not too keen on building superguns because they are so time consuming to make a really good one but I did finish one just recently for hermosaguy here on shmups and it turned out pretty nice. I'm going to post pics of it sometime later

-Zach