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Question from Scott: Hey Tim. Awesome videos and very helpful. I wanted to know if you’re still in business and can answer a few questions?
What I’m doing:
Building a cocktail arcade game with JAMMA 412 in 1. Looking to purchase from Holland Computers.
My questions:
1) Can you recommend a reputable supplier for a JAMMA kit? or are they all the same? Heard good and bad about Holland but they seem to have many supplies/options.
2) With the JAMMA harnesses and boards (412 in 1), do I need a converter for the LCD screen or does it plug directly into the board?
3) How many buttons do you think I would need? I’m looking at the 412 in 1 vertical and was told that there are few games that need more than 3.
2 holes: 1 Player button, 2 player button
1 hole: fire button?
Anything else?? Told that Tron (for example requires more) Can you give any advise?
4) Lastly, can I install a trac-ball in addition to the joystick or is that over-kill?
I appreciate any help or advice you can give but understand if you’re not in the business or don’t have time. I’ll still watch your videos in prep for building my game! Thanks and have a good day.
Scott from South Elgin, IL
1 answer
Response from Jonathan: Scott,
Let’s see if we can help you out with your questions:
> 1) Can you recommend a reputable supplier for a JAMMA kit? or are they all the same? Heard good and bad about Holland but they seem to have many supplies/options.
Holland Computers is a fine supplier. We have ordered from them before with no issues. Pretty much all of these suppliers get their boards from the same place so they should be about the same. Just a note: Holland tends to run 10-15% off sales during pretty much every holiday so you might want to join their mailing list to find out when these sales are going on.
We’ve mentioned several suppliers on our podcast that we recommend. Our favorites are Cajun Arcade (http://www.cajunarcade.com), JAMMA Parts (http://www.jammaparts.net) and JAMMA boards (http://www.jammaboards.com).
> 2) With the JAMMA harnesses and boards (412 in 1), do I need a converter for the LCD screen or does it plug directly into the board?
No, these boards should have a VGA plug for an LCD screen built in to the board. Just make sure that the dip switches are set to output the correct signal. See the manual that comes with the board for more information.
> 3) How many buttons do you think I would need? I’m looking at the 412 in 1 vertical and was told that there are few games that need more than 3.
2 holes: 1 Player button, 2 player button
1 hole: fire button?
Anything else?? Told that Tron (for example requires more) Can you give any advise?
The description of this board on JAMMA Boards states that “the only game on this board has that uses a 4th button is Vanguard, all other games use 3 buttons or less.” So, you could get away with installing 3 buttons if you’re not really worried about playing Vanguard. Vanguard can also be disabled from the service menus so that you can’t play it if that’s your choice.
> 4) Lastly, can I install a trac-ball in addition to the joystick or is that over-kill?
Yes you can install a trackball in addition to the joystick and no that is not overkill. In fact, many of the preconfigured multi-game control panels that you can buy actually include a place for a trackball. Any arcade games that originally used a trackball for directional control (such as Centipede, Millipede, etc.) just don’t play the same with a joystick. If playing these games is important to you, then it’s definitely worth the extra effort to install a trackball.
Hope that helps. Thank you for your questions and good luck with your project.
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