Supergun / test rig project

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system11
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Supergun / test rig project

Post by system11 »

I have a test bench, on it is an old Raven Games supergun. For those not aware, they're pretty basic and poorly built project box based things, put together by Raven Games some years ago, I don't think they still make them. It has various problems:

1) Loom is 'tired' now.
2) No facility for more than 4 buttons.
3) No internal sound - useful if your screen is mono.
4) No adjustment of +5v, no matter what anyone tells you this is essential. For example if I adjust my cab to show 4.9v on Nemesis, it'll show 5.2 on Tengai, higher on a Cave board. Suddenly adjusting your +5 and leaving it there to cope with old games doesn't seem as inviting... The +5 adjust does exist, but it's inside the case...
5) No coin buttons, just service.
6) Loom is not fully wired.

So I've decided to make something to do a better job, and I'm going to try to make it test equipment quality! This project is probably going to take a long time to do, as I am lazy and busy at the same time. So far, I've got the case (aluminium project box), a medical grade (1% tolerance) +5/+12/-5v power supply, and some of the rotary switches have arrived:

Image

Some parts still in the post, many others to order. Struggling to find a good source of pre-made JAMMA looms and I don't really relish the idea of soldering one myself - wire is cheap when bought in bulk, not so if you're making a one-off. I might still end up doing it though.

Speakers will be fitted in the sides of the casing lid, power supply will be mounted on long spacers near the middle so the wiring can live underneath, voltage related controls top left (including power switch, 5v display, 5v adjust and test equipment aux ports), configuration switches bottom left, right side for controls and joystick ports. The rear will have the hardwired JAMMA loom, aux button and sound inputs, display and power. I've decided to use Centronics connectors for the pads and aux inputs because they're nice and robust with retention clips.

I'll update this thread as things happen - but expect a long build.
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emphatic
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Re: Supergun / test rig project

Post by emphatic »

Nice project! May I ask where you got the power supply? It looks neat!
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system11
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Re: Supergun / test rig project

Post by system11 »

emphatic wrote:Nice project! May I ask where you got the power supply? It looks neat!
RS components - it actually needs testing as it arrived in a damaged box with virtually no space around the supply. I might even just return it to them now on the off-chance since I don't have the connectors yet to hook it up. The shipping bag with the box and other parts in came with a footprint on it.... Not cheap though - £97 for that supply, it's the only open frame one they had with enough juice, MPT-200A if you're interested.
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Re: Supergun / test rig project

Post by emphatic »

Thanks for the info.
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speedlolita
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Re: Supergun / test rig project

Post by speedlolita »

I plan to do something similar to this myself soon.

Was going to use a Wei-Ya power supply though. eBay seems to be good for JAMMA looms too.
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Re: Supergun / test rig project

Post by system11 »

Look carefully at them first.

You'll see a variety of issues, including:
1) Ground wires missing on high pins
2) Single wire used for 5v
3) No -5v wire
4) No coin 1/2 wires
5) Crappy snaptastic connectors (the black ones are known for cracking)

A Wei-Ya power supply will work, it wasn't suitable for my project as I wanted an open frame type and the case forms the heatsink on the Weis.
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Re: Supergun / test rig project

Post by speedlolita »

Source of the power supply you chose?
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system11
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Re: Supergun / test rig project

Post by system11 »

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/embedded- ... ps/7537809

I should be able to test the voltage output this weekend and maybe power up a scrap PCB for testing.
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Re: Supergun / test rig project

Post by system11 »

Been too busy repairing PCBs to test the PSU this weekend, but a load more of the parts have arrived - mmmm lovely centronics connectors....

Image
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Re: Supergun / test rig project

Post by system11 »

Can't put these inline as they're pretty big images. It's taken several days to get these done, as soon as I'm sure I've got the PCB design correct I can have it fabricated (costs about $120 including shipping to have two made as it's a little under 3" x 4".

Wiring diagram:
http://www.system11.org/temp/Arcade/Sup ... iagram.jpg

IO PCB:
http://www.system11.org/temp/Arcade/Sup ... rd_pcb.jpg
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Re: Supergun / test rig project

Post by system11 »

More parts arrived. I've got a pretty hefty parts list, lots still to buy. This is going to be one expensive test rig... Also my IO PCBs came from ExpressPCB, very happy with the results - the board completely eliminates the need for any wire splicing or joining. It also splits the video output into pure and scart-modified so the scart cable doesn't need components jammed inside the connector.

Image

Image

Image
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undamned
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Re: Supergun / test rig project

Post by undamned »

Sweet! Laying out PCBs is fun! Though I tend to obsess and take like 8x as much time laying things out as is probably needed, lol. You should see how amazingly my UD-CPS2 USB interface mates with the actual CPS2 motherboard. Maybe I'll slide you a USB decoder for your test rig :D
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Re: Supergun / test rig project

Post by frsj8112 »

Hi system11, did you complete this supergun?
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system11
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Re: Supergun / test rig project

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Nope, I got as far as trying to design the front panel layout and then found it's really expensive in the UK to get simple holes cut in metal... Maybe when more money is available.
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