Help setting up an Action Max

[Cornelius]

Okay, so as I've posted before, I bought an Action Max from Ponyone. I'm trying to get it set up, but I'm afraid I don't actually know how to go about doing that. To see the components I have to work with, you can check this link. (http://www.vidgame.net/Action_Max/actionmax.htm) What I guess I don't know is if the Action Max unit needs input from the VCR (which also outputs to the TV, obviously), or if the Action Max outputs TO the VCR. With my VCR being not too old, I'm unsure if it will output on RCA and coax. I'm gonna mess with it some more, but thought I'd go ahead and post since I'm coming up against a deadline.

Edit: Okay, so the VCR does output to the TV and Action Max (AM), and that's the way it is supposed to be hooked up since I get sound out of the AM from the video. I also get the shooting sound when I use the gun, but unfortunately it never registers a hit or lights up the red light. I'm not sure what else I might have missed, but I'm guessing the gun just has a bad light detector. I might try opening it and dusting if I get a chance.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Oh my. It's been years since I've played with one of those.

Does the Action Max actually have any interfaces that you see that would interact with the VCR itself?

I had one briefly as a kid ... and I remember that the only thing that I really needed to do was attach the circular light/scoring device to the TV screen, hook that, the gun, and the headset to the Action Max device, play the videos, point and shoot. The headset would have some type of pre-recorded voice that would say "score" every time it registered a shot...and I don't for the life of me recall where the final score would be displayed.

I don't think that the actual base unit had any type of technology in it that interfaced with the actual VCR.

But I could be wrong.

*EDIT*

Found this ... looks like it did have a set of AV cables that plugged into your VCR ... I wonder what exactly they were "reading" / "sending" ...

Check this site ... it's pretty basic, but it might give you a better idea seeing as you have the hardware in front of you.

http://www.vidgame.net/Action_Max/actionmax.htm

[jb143]

This is the basic setup...from memory mind you. The VCR just plays the video...nothing else. Although it I think it did provide sound into the Action Max unit so you could listen through the headphones. The light that sticks to the corner of the screen is actually an input device that detects the flashing light. This is compared to the flashing light taken in by the light gun to check for an enemy or a friendly hit. So the red light plugs into the plug that has the light picture, the gun plugs into the one with the gun picture, and the headphones. I think it ran on C battereis as well didn't it?

The VHS tapes should explain the rest when you play them(contrast and brightness settings and so forth)

While it was was pretty neat for it's time and a nice retro piece it wasn't intereactive at all. The LED display shows your score based on you shooting the flashing lights that pop up on the screen.

[Cornelius]

This is the basic setup...from memory mind you. The VCR just plays the video...nothing else. Although it I think it did provide sound into the Action Max unit so you could listen through the headphones. The light that sticks to the corner of the screen is actually an input device that detects the flashing light. This is compared to the flashing light taken in by the light gun to check for an enemy or a friendly hit. So the red light plugs into the plug that has the light picture, the gun plugs into the one with the gun picture, and the headphones. I think it ran on C battereis as well didn't it?

The VHS tapes should explain the rest when you play them(contrast and brightness settings and so forth)

While it was was pretty neat for it's time and a nice retro piece it wasn't intereactive at all. The LED display shows your score based on you shooting the flashing lights that pop up on the screen.
aha! I thought the red light was just a 'siren' of sorts to let you know when you got a hit, so I just had it sitting on top of the TV. I had no idea it was a sensor, but of course that makes sense now. Also, there is the cord that hooks from the VCR composite out to the AM console. It has Red and Black RCA connectors, so I assumed mono sound and video. Pretty dumb in retrospect as I'm sure the AM can't do anything approaching video processing; clearly instead it is just a stereo cable, and that also explains why the AM speaker had this pronounced hum (i.e. the video signal) that I just attributed to age.

It can run on C batteries or a pretty standard 9V PS, the latter of which is what I was using.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

So, does it work now that the red thing is attached to the correct spot?

[Cornelius]

mostly, yeah. At the beginning of each 'game/video' there is a target practice section, and it works fine during that. During the actual game, though I had a very hard time registering a hit. It has a knob for adjusting your distance from the TV, so I think that was part of it. More importantly, though, it seems you have to pull and release the trigger for it to register. I typically release the trigger rather slowly, I guess. I also tried pre-pulling the trigger, then releasing it while on a target, but that didn't really work either.

When you do hit a target, the red light flashes and it says something along the lines of 'target hit', but I've already forgotten exactly what. It is a kind of cool voice, actually. I was playing Hydrosub 2021 today, and man is it ever funny between the acting and the rather silly puppet robots green-screened to be underwater. One was reminiscent of an off-balance AT-ST, and for another you have to imagine a crab with maybe a turtle shell on top and tank treads underneath.

Here's a trailer that is on You Tube to whet your appetite:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKDOp-kmD74

[scooterb23]

There is little in life I want more than a DVD capable version of an Action Max.How I loved that system.

[jb143]

There is little in life I want more than a DVD capable version of an Action Max.How I loved that system.

That wouldn't be hard to do...All you'd have to do it copy the vhs tapes to dvd. You could even make your own videos if you a way to add the flashing circles.

Growing up I remember loving the fighter pilot game that it came with...the graphics were so much better than any other game systems pixelated graphics at the time. But when I played it again a few years ago I couldn't stop laughing at how bad it looked. You could tell it was model planes hanging in front of a moving background.

[Gapporin]

I just watched the trailer posted above (and then a few other Action Max related movies). Assuming that the large circle in the lower right corner is actually present in the VHS tape and not an artifact from converting the tape digitally, wouldn't it be theoritically possible to keep shooting that circle over and over to rack up points instead of the circles you're "supposed" to hit (when it's flashing, of course)?

[jb143]

I just watched the trailer posted above (and then a few other Action Max related movies). Assuming that the large circle in the lower right corner is actually present in the VHS tape and not an artifact from converting the tape digitally, wouldn't it be theoritically possible to keep shooting that circle over and over to rack up points instead of the circles you're "supposed" to hit (when it's flashing, of course)?

Yes and no...A hit indicator sensor covers the flashing circle in the corner so you could only shoot it if the sensor wasn't in the way. But if the sensor wasn't in the way then the Action Max wouldn't know you scored the hit. I do remember doing this though by pushing it really far in the corner to leave a little room. But I think hitting friendly targets lowers your score(shooting a different pulse rate) So you'd either have to be really good at telling which was which...if it's even possible to tell, or keep one eye on the corner and one your targets.

[Cornelius]

Yes and no...A hit indicator sensor covers the flashing circle in the corner so you could only shoot it if the sensor wasn't in the way. But if the sensor wasn't in the way then the Action Max wouldn't know you scored the hit. I do remember doing this though by pushing it really far in the corner to leave a little room. But I think hitting friendly targets lowers your score(shooting a different pulse rate) So you'd either have to be really good at telling which was which...if it's even possible to tell, or keep one eye on the corner and one your targets.
Hmmm... I was lowering my score at one point and was wondering how that was possible, I'd forgotten at the beginning of the video the Captain says there are friendlies out there, 'so watch your line of fire'.

I'm not certain a transfer to DVD would work, since converting to digital might mess with the frequency of the flashing somehow. I doubt it would be a problem though. My father-in-law is set up for xfering to DVD from VHS (or beta, laserdisc, etc), so next time we visit I could make copies for people that are interested, so long as you are willing to pay for shipping and the media (and maybe a tip ;)). I have Hydrosub 2021, Sonic Fury, and Pops Ghostly.

[jb143]

Those were the same ones I had. I had the police one too. I remember really wanting the helicopter game though. The trigger on my gun eventualy broke and then I sold it all on ebay a few years ago.

That's a good point with the DVD transfers but I guess you'd never know unless you try. My guess would be that it would work since I'm thinking it physically flashes on the screen as opposed to the NES and other lightguns which use the scanline timing of the TV.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Hmmm... I was lowering my score at one point and was wondering how that was possible, I'd forgotten at the beginning of the video the Captain says there are friendlies out there, 'so watch your line of fire'.

I'm not certain a transfer to DVD would work, since converting to digital might mess with the frequency of the flashing somehow. I doubt it would be a problem though. My father-in-law is set up for xfering to DVD from VHS (or beta, laserdisc, etc), so next time we visit I could make copies for people that are interested, so long as you are willing to pay for shipping and the media (and maybe a tip ;)). I have Hydrosub 2021, Sonic Fury, and Pops Ghostly.

As long as you're using the highest quality setting on the VHS to DVD transfer, you shouldn't have an issue with losing the flickering to frame-rate VHS is 30 frames per second, so as long as you don't compress the video, you shouldn't lose anything.

Wow, I never thought I'd get involved in a "positive" conversation about an Action Max! I suppose having the game titles on a DVD wouldn't be that bad as a collectable ... though I assume that the whole thing, like most "light sensitive" light guns won't work on a HDTV.

[jb143]

... though I assume that the whole thing, like most "light sensitive" light guns won't work on a HDTV.

I'm not entirely convinced that it would have a difference in this case. The way the Action Max works is pretty straight forward and the gun is just looking for a flashing light. The other systems usually rely on the monitors refresh rate. But then again...I could be wrong. Won't know untill someone tries.

[Cornelius]

I'm not entirely convinced that it would have a difference in this case. The way the Action Max works is pretty straight forward and the gun is just looking for a flashing light. The other systems usually rely on the monitors refresh rate. But then again...I could be wrong. Won't know untill someone tries.

I agree. I'll give it a shot sometime if I decide to get it back out. Not sure I want to put that suction cup on my nice screen, though. :-P

[swlovinist]

I am having some issues with hooking up an action max. I have the gun, the sensor on the TV, and the mini RCA hookup(yellow and white cable?) Is there anyone that can show me where this goes on a VCR(or TV?) with pics? I want to test a couple of systems I have, and I am not getting too far.

I know that the system is pretty silly, but I still want to test to see if my system works. Even a scan of the instruction manual on how it shows how to hook it up to a VCR/TV would be great. Thanks, John

[jb143]

No pictures but setup is described in this thread...

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=110964

I didn't wat to retype it, and there's actually some good discussion there for how short of a thread it is.

It's been a while but I think the videos might describe how to set it up somewhat as well.

[swlovinist]

I have a complete Action Max Collection(all five VHS tapes including the elusive Blue Thunder VHS). I am currently working on a collection of all the videos to DVD and will be doing a numbered limited run. It is in the initial stages, but If I can get it to work, I will let you folks know. Does anyone have pics on how their action max is hooked up to a VHS player?

[swlovinist]

It helps, but I really could use a picture, or scan of how the manual shows the setup.

BTW, I am also working on getting the entire collection to DVD and doing a numbered limited run. I want these VHS games to be preserved. I also might be throwing in a pretty cool bonus when I do this.

[jb143]

I found a scan of the user manual here...

http://issuu.com/old-computers/docs/wow_action-max_manual/3?mode=embed&documentId=081015125920-12cfb2fc38ef4d0bb5e8c0005cc6b5a1&layout=grey

[swlovinist]

I found a scan of the user manual here...

http://issuu.com/old-computers/docs/wow_action-max_manual/3?mode=embed&documentId=081015125920-12cfb2fc38ef4d0bb5e8c0005cc6b5a1&layout=grey

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

I will let you know how "PROJECT AM" will be going in the upcoming weeks.

[swlovinist]

Thanks to JB143, I found a link to the scan that I needed. Thanks, John

[PapaStu]

**Merged for greater success**

[vintagegamecrazy]

My best advice for hooking up an Action Max is to stick it all back in the box and put it all in the circular file and pretend it doesn't exist. At least that way you don't have to worry about all of those brain cells you would've lost if you actually tried to play it.

[coreys429]

Though I lost brain cells when I watched one of the videos.

[Cornelius]

Oh man, I'd nearly forgotten about this. That or my brain tried to block it out. I did transfer the 3 videos I have to DVD, but I guess I'm not masochistic enough to have ever actually gotten the whole thing out again to try it out. If I'd ever gotten all 5 VHS tapes I would have done what swlovinist is doing. Truth is, after messing with it the little amount that I did, I totally lost interest and never sought out the other tapes. Seeing the videos once is kinda fun, but after that there is nothing fun about any of it.

[carlcarlson]

Pops Ghostly was always my favorite. I just watched most of it again on Youtube... and thus ended my Action Max nostalgia.

[swlovinist]

Question to all who own an action Max pistol. Does it "click" when you pull the trigger. I have a funny feeling that my action max pistol is not working right. I hook it up, check. I start Sonic Fury, check. During Target practice, I get a few shots that register after about 100 have been fired. The red lights up a little bit, but that is all. My action max gun does not click. I took it apart, and will put it back together tomorrow to see if that helped anything.

[jb143]

Hmmm...I can't remember. I got rid of mine for years ago. I'm pretty sure that it will make the gun shot sound every time you pull the trigger and I do know that you have to have the brightness and contrast just right on the tv for shots to register correctly.

[Steve W]

That wouldn't be hard to do...All you'd have to do it copy the vhs tapes to dvd. You could even make your own videos if you a way to add the flashing circles.
Does this mean... homebrew Action Max games? Get a guy with a video camera to walk through a cluttered area, get some friends to jump out with toy guns every once in a while, then add the blinking bits in when you're editing on your computer later. Should be easy.

[jb143]

Does this mean... homebrew Action Max games? Get a guy with a video camera to walk through a cluttered area, get some friends to jump out with toy guns every once in a while, then add the blinking bits in when you're editing on your computer later. Should be easy.

Shouldn't be too hard. And you know...that actually sounds like it'd be more fun than playing the games.

[Steve W]

Then you digitize the footage, compress the living hell out of it and drop out most of the colors, tack on some barely workable code into it, and put it out on the Sega CD as a cross-platform release! Make it compatible with the Lethal Enforcers light gun. Then get to work on pressing it into a laserdisc and putting it out on the Pioneer Laseractive!

[Cornelius]

Anyone planning to execute Steve W's plan should not post about it here, because I will shoot you. For the good of humanity. I'm considering eliminating Steve just for having those thoughts.

[Steve W]

Dude, I'm sorry if I made you feel all dirty, thinking about Action Max games spreading like a virus to non-sucky consoles. But think of it this way... you only had to read a little bit of my thought process there, I'm stuck with these thoughts twenty-four hours a day!

Anyone want to hear my thoughts about a modern port of Beat 'Em And Eat 'Em to the Wii? It'd sell like crazy in Japan! ROFL