Ultimarc Dreamcast -> J-Pac question

[emphatic]

Hi, new to the board user from Sweden here. I just bought myself a set of 2 Total Control (DC -> PSX adapters) + the DC adapter from Ultimarc that I have connected to my JAMMA cabinet using a J-Pac (PS/2 cable) and got them working.



But the button mapping I get from this setup is very weird in my JAMMA cabinet. I usually just use the first three buttons (the JAMMA standard) cause I never play fighters but added a fourth button today because it kinda felt neccesary for DC gaming. Especially since I can't figure out how to remap the buttons.

Anyone here using the same setup and know how to digitally rearrange button "placement"?

Thanks
Emph

[jonny5]

try going into the game menus and reconfigure the controls....

or worst comes to worse simply switch around the quick disconnects on the buttons to a suitable layout for the games you play

[emphatic]

Oh, that's too bad. Well, I'll guess I'll to try it some more tonight when the kids are sleeping.

Emph

[jonny5]

i suppose you could also try going in with the JPAC programming program(get it at ultimarc website) and re configure the controls that way

ive never done it myself but the program looks relatively easy to use

and you can always drop andy at ultimarc an email and see if he can help...he's great about returning emails and helping answer questions

also are you just unclear of which button is which(in relation to the DC controls)?

cuz if you just go to the ultimarc site im pretty sure if you look under the DC adapter sub-section in the JPAC section it gives a full button layout chart(in relation the DC controls, jamma controls, and keyboard)

good luck

[dmauro]

You can remap the controls of the jpac:
http://www.ultimarc.com/ipac3.html

[emphatic]

Thanks a lot guys. I'll go check @ Ultimarc.

Emph

[Dave_K.]

Unless you have the latest "new" J-Pac, which allows stored programming of key bindings across powerdowns, you will no be able to remap for use with consoles.

I'm a little miffed at Ultimarc for not making the 4 main action buttons of consoles equal to the first four jamma buttons. What was he thinking? So now when I plug in my Gamecube to my cab, I have to go under the control panel and rewire switch 5 to be 1 and 6 to be 3. PITA

[emphatic]

Dave_K.: Wow, that really sucks. I guess I have the latest version, got it in 2005 or 2006. I'm not going to reconnect anything within my panel, that's for sure. Not sure even how extensive my DC playing sessions will be yet. I have too many games.

I'll try the reprogramming route first.
Emph

[emphatic]

So. I figured out that most DC games can be remapped in-game, and I'm lazy+don't want to screw with my J-Pac defaults, so I basically start the game using my DC controller, unplug it and plug my Total Controller into it.

If you set the Total Controller 3-way dip swith (on the side of it) to the middle position, the button layout will be (on a JAMMA cabinet):
Fire 1: DC button L
Fire 2: DC button X
Fire 3: DC button Y
Fire 4: DC button R
Start 1: DC Start button

So, once I've setup Border Down for example, I can play it by without "much" hassle. Still, configuring the J-Pac would be easier in the long run.

So what's the "ideal" mapping? What buttons are most common in DC games? I just bought my first DC, so I don't really know.

On a side note, I've got myself a PSX adaptor as well. How is the default mapping on that in regards to J-Pac outputs? Is that the same ordeal as the DC?

Thanks
Emph

[jonny5]

honestly i wouldnt worry too much....pretty much every game for either DC or PS2 lets you configure the controls in game so just configure them to your liking, save and the config will be there when you go to play the game later

and i would not suggest plugging and unplugging controls when the DC is powered up cuz the ports fry really easily

and i dont really understand peoples unwillingness to change the actual quick disconnects on the buttons....it takes 30 seconds to switch them around.....

but ya....just re-configure the controls in game and save it and you should be fine

its what i do

[dmauro]

DO NOT PLUG OR UNPLUG TOTAL CONTROL ADAPTERS WHILE THE DREAMCAST IS POWERED ON!!! This could cause you to fry the controller ports on your Dreamcast and even the adapters themselves.

On a side note, I've got myself a PSX adaptor as well.

Also, sorry to break it to you, but I think you bought two PSX adapters as the Dreamcast adapter is just the PSX adapter with Total Control adapters (so yes they will be mapped the same).

I'm going to make my own Jamma to PS2 adapter and I'm wondering about what button layout would make the most sense. I'm thinking:
X O L1 (L2)
[] /\ R1

I was originally going to do:
[] /\ L1 (L2)
X O R1
which would make sense because fighting games would be all set by default, but this thread made me realize that if I ever want to switch to a three button layout, I wouldn't have access to the default forward and back buttons.

So then the only problem is that when playing JAP PS2 games the forward and back buttons will be switched >__<

[emphatic]

Ouch! Thanks for the heads up on the dangers of hotswapping DC controllers. I had no idea.

dmauro: On the matter of getting two PSX adapters, that would be true if the information on Ultimarcs site was correct. However when I e-mailed Andy to enquire about my first PSX-adapter that I got with the Total Control units (did not work), he pointed out to me that the one you get buying the DC setup is NOT compatible with PS1/PS2, but unique to fit the DC.

I replied that the site said differently (called the info fraudulant) and that I had gotten this to also connect my PS2 in the future. He then apologized and sent me another circuit for the DC adapter (that now works great) AND a PSX adapter (has green dots on it unlike it's DC counterpart). There is apparently different wiring for some reason.

jonny5: If you've seen how tight my Chinese CP is wired you'd also steer cleer of moving cables around. Wires must be really expensive in China, because they haven't put an inch longer on there as neccessary.

Hmm. I guess I'll better fire up the Ultimarc remapping app instead of taking chances frying my DC. Or just put the original controller in the B port. Should let me control menus and what not. I only play 1 player games anyway.

Emph

[jonny5]

DO NOT PLUG OR UNPLUG TOTAL CONTROL ADAPTERS WHILE THE DREAMCAST IS POWERED ON!!! This could cause you to fry the controller ports on your Dreamcast and even the adapters themselves.

On a side note, I've got myself a PSX adaptor as well.

Also, sorry to break it to you, but I think you bought two PSX adapters as the Dreamcast adapter is just the PSX adapter with Total Control adapters (so yes they will be mapped the same).

I'm going to make my own Jamma to PS2 adapter and I'm wondering about what button layout would make the most sense. I'm thinking:
X O L1 (L2)
[] /\ R1

I was originally going to do:
[] /\ L1 (L2)
X O R1
which would make sense because fighting games would be all set by default, but this thread made me realize that if I ever want to switch to a three button layout, I wouldn't have access to the default forward and back buttons.

So then the only problem is that when playing JAP PS2 games the forward and back buttons will be switched >__<

wrong....the DC one is setup different internally....they are not the same.....if you dont believe me ask andy at ultimarc

in fact if you were to try and use the DC one with the PS2 it would likely blow the force feedback circuit....meaning no more power for the JPAC from your PS2...and if you tried to use the PSX one with a DC and some total control adapters it wouldnt even work because the DC would not be able to draw enough power and again you run the risk of frying the port

[dmauro]

That hotswapping problem is unique to those adapters btw.

That's pretty interesting about the PSX and Dreamcast adapters being different. It's making me even more glad I've decided I'm going to make my own adapter and just use the Ultimarc PS2 VGA cable and an ArcadeVGA for PC.

[jonny5]

the difference between the 2 adapters is the fact that the PSX ones draws the power from the force feedback circuit in the PSX/PS2 and the DC one is set up to draw its power from something else, because it does not have a force feedback circuit like a PSX/PS2 obviously

also if you are planning on using the PSX video cable....it is set up for a JPAC....as far as i know it will not work if you hook it up to a VGA port.....

or are you referring to the standalone adapter that lines directly into the monitor wiring rather than a JPAC?

and simply unplugging a normal control can blow the ports when the DC is on....poorly manufactured

personally id be carefull giving out false info cuz if he had followed what you said he could have fucked both his consoles

[emphatic]

jonny5: I'm gonna get a PS2 video cable from Ultimarc, but I'm hooking that up to my EGRET II in pure 15kHz mode instead.

My high res cabinet that I have my DC connected to atm has a VGA port. And I'm simply using a VGA cable from the DC. If I run the video through the J-Pac I get sync problems (got the JAMMA sync combined in this cab to play NEO-GEO). Cheap crap Wei-Ya knock-off from China isn't recommended at all.

Thanks for all your help guys. I feel right at home.
Emph

[jonny5]

well the ultimarc site states that if your cab has a VGA port you should hook directly to that rather than the JPAC, so thats correct

im unsure what you mean by pure 15 khz....are you refering to the one that goes through the JPAC or the hardwired one?

cuz they are both outputting 15khz......otherwise it would not display on a 15khz monitor

[dmauro]

also if you are planning on using the PSX video cable....it is set up for a JPAC....as far as i know it will not work if you hook it up to a VGA port.....

or are you referring to the standalone adapter that lines directly into the monitor wiring rather than a JPAC?

I'm planning on using this:

Playstation 2 to JAMMA Adaptor
Includes a sync separator chip (inside the D-Plug housing)
This adaptor is also the correct type for use with multi-frequency monitors which have a VGA plug (eg W-G D9500) These monitors should be connected direct to this adaptor in all cases, even if you have a J-PAC

I am going to tri-sync my monitor so this is essentially just a PS2 VGA cable that will allow games to run in either 15KHz or 31KHz (for the few games that run 480p) right?

[jonny5]

ahhhh....on a tri sync this makes sense.....i was wondering....have fun with it

although im unsure if it will do both...better to ask andy about that one.....the DC will but im not so sure about the PS2.....

and remember if you have question post em here or email andy @ ultimarc.....he is great and gets back super fast....he will get you set straight if the forum cant help

almost forgot....welcome to the forums

[emphatic]

What I meant to buy is that PSX -> JAMMA video + sync separator dmauro mentioned as well. Not planning on using it on my horisontal cab (trisync) since I'll be playing lots and lots of ESPGALUDA and DDP-DOJ on it (EGRET II). Perhaps some PS2 MAME also if that's available/TATE:able. I'm such a PS2 noob. I don't even have a unit yet.

Emph

[dmauro]

What I meant to buy is that PSX -> JAMMA video + sync separator dmauro mentioned as well. Not planning on using it on my horisontal cab (trisync) since I'll be playing lots and lots of ESPGALUDA and DDP-DOJ on it (EGRET II).

Actually, I believe the text I quoted is from the adapter that plugs directly into the monitor and bypasses the jpac.

[jonny5]

no ps2 mame....get a modded xbox or a pc.....

and im still unclear.....are you getting something to hook into a JPAC or hardwire into the monitor?

do you mean this setup: http://www.ultimarc.com/images/xbox-ipac.jpg

or this: http://www.ultimarc.com/images/xbox-jpac.jpg

ignore the fact that it shows an xbox....

cuz if you go the hardwire route you will either need an IPAC to wire the controls or you will need to hack a PSX controller and line it into a jamma fingerboard to line into the jamma harness in your cab

and you will need to cut the wiring to the monitor from the cab and wire the adapter in.....meaning if you want to run jamma stuff again you will have to unhook it and re attach back to the cab wiring

i would just go the JPAC route....its simpler and makes it much easier to switch it from cab to cab because you wont have to un wire stuff

and you can just unhook the jamma harness from the JPAC and run jamma PCB's as well, whcih is not possible with the other adapter because the monitor is no longer connected to the jamma

[emphatic]

Sorry for causing confusion. I'm getting the PSX -> 15kHz (D-SUB version) for connecting my PS2 to J-Pac -> EGRET II. Should work dandy as long as the PS2 is set to output RGB. I've read many a thread on the subject so far and everything seems clear. And for the controls I have a PSX (yes for PSX! ) adapter from ultimarc that also connects to the J-Pac.

Sorry to hear there's no MAME for PS2. Would be nice not having to plug in my laptop just to test games properly before eBaying them.

Emph

[jonny5]

you will not be able to connect your laptop to the e2...but you could to the tri sync at 31 khz....your laptop will not be able to output 15 khz without using programs like soft-15khz and quick res......and im not sure how well those would work on a laptop...depends on the onboard graphics

and the ps2 looks stunning through a cab.....i have mine hookerd up in one of my new astro citys and the picture is amazing.....especially for low res games....if you are wanting to play cave ports on it you are going to be well impressed......fighting games are awesome on it too.....

if you are wanting to run mame and other such emus, i suggest just getting a modded xbox(which will run just about any emu you want to play) and get some adapters for xbox from ultimarc and you are laughing

[emphatic]

jonny5: Thanks, but my Laptop works well on the EGRET II. I run Soft15kHz. It has an ATI chip so it's no problem playing Raiden III, Shikigami No Shiro II & III or such. But the thing has a glitch, so I have to get it fixed. I bought a new one, but that's sadly not compatible with Soft 15kHz (Intel chip).

Very much looking forward to playing Espgaluda. Can't go 'round borrowing my neighbours PCB all the time. He's so competative that everytime I break his score, he promptly demands it back!

Now off soldering stuff.
Emph

[jonny5]

odd.....is it just specific ati chips that work with soft-15khz?

cuz i have a radeon x1600 pro 512 in my pc and it wont work with soft 15khz and quick res......

could you perhaps shoot me a PM and explain how you have it configured....

sorry for the off topic....lolz.....piqued my curiosity

have fun!!!

[emphatic]

Success! This was much easier than I first figured (only god knows how my brain is wired).

When I at last got through my head that the J-Pac has wireing capabilities for
2x4-way controls + start + 8 action buttons it was all very simple to figure out the correct controls.

So for you who has gotten this kit from Ultimarc and searched the forums for a how-to, I suggest you download the Control Panel app from Ultimarc, connect you J-Pac to your computer (in my case USB -> Laptop) and change the buttons like this (I have four buttons on my panel):

Leave the joystick controls as is, just change your buttons like this:

Player 1 controls

B1 - Z -.....................................( DC BUTTON 1 / "A" )
B2 - X -.....................................( DC BUTTON 2 / "B" )
B3 - V -.....................................( DC BUTTON 3 / "X" )
B4 - space -...............................( DC BUTTON 4 / "Y" )

Player 2 controls

B1 - I -.....................................( DC BUTTON 1 / "A" )
B2 - K -.....................................( DC BUTTON 2 / "B" )
B3 - L -.....................................( DC BUTTON 3 / "X" )
B4 - Q -.....................................( DC BUTTON 4 / "Y" )

See how easy that was? If only the Control Panel app would come with presets. When you're done with this, save as "DreamCast 2 players". Press the "Program" button in the app. Done.

Then when it's time for MAME (PC) with your J-Pac, connect it to your computer, fire up the app and press "Default". Press the "Program" button. Done.

I'm gonna create a similar script for PSX later. But that's a different story completely. Thanks for your help.

Emph

[dmauro]

Wouldn't it be easier to change your MAME controls from the defaults to match the new settings so that you wouldn't have to go back and forth with the jpac programming?

[emphatic]

dmauro: That's an option of course. But say you have configured a whole lot of PC games and so on, then it's a different story. It's faster to connect the J-Pac, fire up the app and click on two buttons in my opinion. Even if it's everytime I change machine (DC, PC or PS2). I'm not planning on changing that often anyway.

Emph

[jonny5]

nice work....i will keep that in mind.....in a couple weeks i am going to have a DC, PS2 and XBOX in my cab.....lolz

now i just have to figure out how to get it to make coffee too and im set.....