Supergun MAK Strike

[bencao74]

Hey,

this is my second take designing a supergun. I liked the first one, but there was much room left for improvements. So I`ve made this one:









All the user interaction like start, coin, config, psu switch, interfaces for sound, video, controllers are now available from the side of the PCB. This allows to make nice enclosures and improves the usability.

Anyway, all signals are available on screw terminals, too. So this PCB can be the start point for making the harness for a arcade jamma cab as well.

I`ve wired the SCART RGB that it switches automatically to RGB and AV mode.

This PCB supports Stereo Audio and Mono audio. It has a switch one can select between Stereo or Mono. Sound interface connectors are Audio SCART and two audio chinch plugs.

Since nearly all of the arcade PCBs or Neogeo MVS system deliver pre-amped sound signals one has to tale care not to harm their TV equipment. Most user try not to turn their sound volume to max hoping that their home entertainment equipment will not damaged. I`ve now foreseen an Audio Attentuation Circuit in this supergun that protect connected media gear.

Power Supply interface is a standard Molex PC Power Supply Unit plug and screw terminals.

On and off switch status will be indicated by a power LED.

Controller Ports are NEOGEO compatible, but extended with 6 button pinout.

There are five buttons on the supergun to control the arcade PCB : START Playe 1, COIN, START Player 2, Test and Service Tactile Press Button.

The colors can be adjusted by using RGB 3 channel potentiometer with one axle. This 3 channel potentiometer can be controlled by one axle. Mostly all know supergun uses three different potentiometer. Thus makes it difficult to achieve a clear white level on the screen. By using only one axle for all colors at same time this clear white level is no issue anymore.

But now something really new : This supergun PCB offer a 5V voltage display. Tune the 5V accordingly to your arcade PCB. There is no need for messing around with an external Multimeter.

Jamma Pinout is 6 button extended.

This friend was much work.

I need a tester. Anyone?

High Resolution Pics
http://bencao74.blogspot.de/2012/10/sup ... forge.html

[emphatic]

Looks great, the only improvement I can think of is adding a Negatron type circuit on the +5V input to add -5V to the JAMMA female connector for the games that need this.

[beatsgo]

Looks great, the only improvement I can think of is adding a Negatron type circuit on the +5V input to add -5V to the JAMMA female connector for the games that need this.

Second!

Keep at it, I am looking forward to possibly purchasing one if it ever gets into production

[bencao74]

Yeah, I was messing around with such ideas, too. I skip it due to some reason.

http://www.dimensionengineering.com/dat ... gatron.pdf

- this Negatron circuit limits for -5V to max 180mA. Is this enough juice?

But I have some solder points with 2.54mm distance left where the 5V display is. So it's possible to use the 5V display connector with a negatron circuit.



It needs just one or two very simple wirefixes to add this one. It should be even possible to assemble the negatron device under the PCB (solder side).

Anyway, the -5V interface is offered via a screw terminal. On my shop page I´m offering Arcade PSU with -5V. So why spending the money for a negatron circuit when -5V can just grabbed from the Arcade PSU? Additional benefit using a arcade PSU is the possibiliy to adjust the 5V level.

[emphatic]

Anyway, the -5V interface is offered via a screw terminal. On my shop page I´m offering Arcade PSU with -5V. So why spending the money for a negatron circuit when -5V can just grabbed from the Arcade PSU? Additional benefit using a arcade PSU is the possibiliy to adjust the 5V level.

Well, with the ATX connector in place already, someone buying this supergun can get -5V from a regular, modern ATX PSU without having to spend money on an additional item. Older ATX PSU's even output -5, but not on the HDD connector you've put on your supergun. How 'bout just adding *support* for the Negatron, and you can offer them as an optional add-on?

[bencao74]

Hey,

Older ATX PSU's even output -5, but not on the HDD connector you've put on your supergun. How 'bout just adding *support* for the Negatron, and you can offer them as an optional add-on?

Actually a custom HDD harness is part of the Arcade PSU Option.



similar to this one. This HDD connector is very easy to use. It could be better, but anyway.

Yes, sure such Negatron Support would be nice. I`ll foresee this one as an option. If this concept proofs itself it will integrated in the next PCB version.

Just ordered some new enclosures

[Stan]

Could an option for changing the H/V size and position of the picture be integrated into a supergun unit?
Or would it be only possible as a standalone device because of the needed parts and their size?

[kebrank]

Awesome supergun.
I agree with Stan, adding controls for the H/V size and position pots would be awesome (if possible)
I would go with a complete supergun, adding an arcade psu (no issues with -5v) and a box.
Thanks,
\o/.k.

[bencao74]

Hey Stan,

we have already discussed this project in the german Arcadezentrum. For me H/V Size is not that important and should be left for other devices. But a quite good idea is to move the picture left or right.

Someone already has made such a layout.



This circuit could be simplified, but we stopped in the design phase due to lack of interest. One can see that the effort for such a feature is quite high....

[kebrank]

I think H/V size and position adjustments are critical for PCBs. Scart TVs and a lot of broadcast monitors don't have options to resize the picture. I'm wondering how nobody came yet with a supergun featuring these options.
\o/.k.

[Fudoh]

From an analogue signal perspective, I don't see how a V/H-SIZE adjustment could be done in pre-processing.

Moosmann's picture shifter (schematic above) works fine for all CRTs, but was quite problematic with many digital displays.

[Adderall]

Moosmann's picture shifter (schematic above) works fine for all CRTs, but was quite problematic with many digital displays.

On/Off switch!


BTW: I really like where this new supergun is headed. Thanks for updating it!

[kebrank]

From an analogue signal perspective, I don't see how a V/H-SIZE adjustment could be done in pre-processing.

Moosmann's picture shifter (schematic above) works fine for all CRTs, but was quite problematic with many digital displays.

Maybe I'm making a mistake here but the emotia extreme can adjust the V/H size and probably other devices out there. How easy or complicated this is, I don't know...

\o/.k.

[Fudoh]

The Emotia does this during the scan conversion - on a digital level. Something completely different.

[bencao74]

Of course a SLG-in-a-Box, DIY Scaler Kit or any other of such device can be used picture post processing like HV size and pic position...

[Antiriad]

Hi,
I'm a happy customer of MAK Strike version 1.

In my opinion, this MAK Strike version 2 it's a great improvement, and summarizes all the needs of arcade-at-home in a small, affordable (and classy) supergun.

As a user, I do not feel really the need of a image post-processing, since I'd like the video output to be as direct as possible.

Conversely, IMHO, a great improvement could be done on two sides:
1. in a better (more "plug 'n play") support of 6 buttons boards, especially CPS. I know, there are screw terminals, but since they are all mapped on the JAMMA edge, it would be great to have a cable that is both a JAMMA extension + kick harness support, likewise the japanese Sigma superguns.

2. An enclosure that enhances the durability of connectors, like on SLG-3000. On MAK Strike version 1 there was too much space between the connectors and the plexy cover.

All this, obviously, IMHO.
Thanks

[bencao74]

Hey,

yes, currently I`m working on an option for CPS Kick Harness. This one could be attached directly to the edge connector.The Supergun MAK Strike Jamma pinout already covers 6 Button layout.

For the enclosure and the durability of the connector. There was mainly two connector on v1 which gave me headaches. The Molex Connector for PSU and the SCART Connector. Improvment on v2 is :

- Assembly of the Molex Connector on the edge. This time I`ve angled connectors with mounting elements. The PCB has holes for this mounting elements. This mounting improves the stability of the connectors and prevents wobbling.

- Also the Scart connector is now fixed mechanically on the PCB.

End of last week the enclosures arrived. I`ll post some pics

[lettuce]

I think H/V size and position adjustments are critical for PCBs. Scart TVs and a lot of broadcast monitors don't have options to resize the picture. I'm wondering how nobody came yet with a supergun featuring these options.
\o/.k.

Yeah i agree with this, even if you do know the Service code to get to the service menu on your TV it can be a real pain would be much easier if you just had a set of pots on the MAK strike itself!?

[bencao74]

From an analogue signal perspective, I don't see how a V/H-SIZE adjustment could be done in pre-processing.

As Fudoh mentioned above this can only be done with a sort of postprocessing. The SLG-in-Box or any other similar unit is simple way to do this.

[kebrank]

Right, but I'm talking about CRT monitors or TVs running at 15khz connected to the supergun. SLG outputs VGA, not RGB at 15 khz. Even if the SLG works with this feature, it adds another device to the chain. A supergun with an arcade PSU fully boxed with features like H/V size position adjustments, autofire, reset/test, etc would be the ultimate super gun. Something that other superguns have failed to acomplish in the past.
\o/.k.

[bencao74]

Right, but I'm talking about CRT monitors or TVs running at 15khz connected to the supergun. [..] like H/V size position adjustments

Picture Size adjustment can't be done from a technical point of view. This must be done on the deflection voltages on the CRT.

Vertical and horizontal shifting could be done.

[lettuce]

Right, but I'm talking about CRT monitors or TVs running at 15khz connected to the supergun. [..] like H/V size position adjustments

Picture Size adjustment can't be done from a technical point of view. This must be done on the deflection voltages on the CRT.

Vertical and horizontal shifting could be done.

Excuses my ignorance here, but doesnt the eBay scaler allows you to adjust the screen size?, couldnt this technique be added to the MAK Strike?

[Fudoh]

no, it can't, because it has to be done in a digital domain.

[bencao74]

Hey,

I`ve put the topic DCDC and ACDC converters again on my desk. I`ve played around with other DCDC and AC DC converter since I was doing a MS pacman cab to Jamma conversion. Here I was heading some serious current issues.

Anyway, for the Negatron DCDC converter it means:
I`m referring to the Chopper I PCB which needs 1A on the -5V line according manual. Negatron device outputs 0.5A with input 12V and 0.25A with input. So using Negatron DCDC converter is not safe.

Did anybody use this device before? I`m not sure offering a device that burns up by just plugging a PCB.

[glstar]

Hey,

yes, currently I`m working on an option for CPS Kick Harness. This one could be attached directly to the edge connector.The Supergun MAK Strike Jamma pinout already covers 6 Button layout.

For the enclosure and the durability of the connector. There was mainly two connector on v1 which gave me headaches. The Molex Connector for PSU and the SCART Connector. Improvment on v2 is :

- Assembly of the Molex Connector on the edge. This time I`ve angled connectors with mounting elements. The PCB has holes for this mounting elements. This mounting improves the stability of the connectors and prevents wobbling.

- Also the Scart connector is now fixed mechanically on the PCB.

End of last week the enclosures arrived. I`ll post some pics

I'm really thinking about buy this nice supergun.
My only doubt is that i really want an all in one enclosure (supergun and psu at least).
You say that you receive the enclosure....
Are they for incorporate supergun and psu (and maybe other), or is just a plexy cover for the supergun itself?
Let me know.
Thank you.

[bencao74]

Hey,


the design of the pcb is made in a way that on all four PCB edges interface are placed. Thus I`ve foreseen an enclosure similar to the former mak strike version 1.



If a supergun plus PSU should be placed in one box another approach is needed. Supergun Mak Strike offers all inputs and output on screw terminals, so a DIY enclsoure incl. PSU can be done.



But such a supergun in a complete box incl. PSU would require tons of work. So I wouldn't offer that as product on my shop page, but as custom work. There`re many options and ideas which can be done here. Just shoot me some lines via PM or arcadeforge contact form and we`ll find a way

Bye

Jochen

[glstar]

I sent you a mail.

[Antiriad]

I'm really thinking about buy this nice supergun.
My only doubt is that i really want an all in one enclosure (supergun and psu at least).
You say that you receive the enclosure....
Are they for incorporate supergun and psu (and maybe other), or is just a plexy cover for the supergun itself?
Let me know.
Thank you.

I'm a customer of MAK Strike version 1, and I can assure you that it's very well built.
I have also a Sigma Raijin, but I do not deny that for practical reasons I use most often MAK Strike with my neogeo.

Bencao, can't wait for enclosure pics and, especially, the JAMMA loom + kick harness!!!

[Almighty]

Received the package today, awesome work again!!!

[bencao74]

Hey, super, even had no time myself to make some pics. Thanks for that

The delivery was containing the

- PSU with Molex harness plus power plug. All harness has U-type terminal and is screwed to the Arcade PSU. Currently I`m offering this option for 25€. I think this is a very good price for custom harness, power plug both attached with terminals plus a arcade PSU. The Arcade PSU has knob that adjust the 5V. 5.0-5.2V is a good value.

- The Supergun MAK Strike has a transparent enclosure. There`re no user interfaces on the top of the enclosure anymore, but on the edges of the pcb. Thus it`s more friendly to use.

- Take a look at the custom acryl cut potentiomenter axle. I like it still very much!