Vga -> Rgb

[cmstar]

As stated in another thread, I'm modding a cab with a few cartridge based systems. While I'm at it, I'm thinking of throwing a pc or my mac mini in there with Mame.

There are some programs available that will allow you to specify custom resolutions and frequencies of your video card (Powerstrip for PC and SwitchResX for Mac).

I think one of those will solve the problem of hooking up the vga to the rgb as far as software side. But I'm not sure about the hardware.

Is it as simply as splicing/soldering the right wires, or will I need to create any sort of circuit etc?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[aegis]

I just cut and spliced a vga cable to my rgb monitor inputs. I use Arcade OS http://www.mameworld.net/pc2jamma/pc2jamma.html for my front end. It took a couple of tries to get it right but works great.

[cmstar]

I just cut and spliced a vga cable to my rgb monitor inputs...

Thanks for the quick reply. I know you said you're using ArcadeOS, but are you using a special video card, or just standard and letting the software do everything else?

[Berty]

You will need to combine the V+H sync on pins 13 and 14 (afaik) on the vga lead. You will also need to run your grounds to the video common ground on (pin 14 parts side) on the jamma connector, not 1&2 or 25&26 otherwise the colours will be all stuffed up.

You also need to be sending your RGB monitor 15Khz sync if its a proper arcade monitor other wise the flyback will start freaking out with high pitched noises.

[cmstar]

Berty, thanks for the info. Very usefull. I have a vga cable ready for this project, and I believe SwitchResX will allow my Mac Mini to send a 15Khz signal to the monitor.

What is the resolution for a standard Arcade monitor?

And to everyone, I know I'm probably asking some noobish questions, thanks for everyones patience and help!

[XYXZYZ]

J-Pacs are super-neato, they eliminate a whole lot of hassle. Remember that horizontal scan frequencies over 15Khz can damage your monitor, and when dealing with things like Powerstrip you do get those moments while you're setting it up. And it's not 15Khz before the software loads during the boot process, so keep the monitor turned off. J-Pacs also filter any signal above 15Khz.

As long as you're putting a PC in there why not use console emulators rather than bothering with the cartridge systems?

I assume you've been to the BYOAC forums?