Connect a PC to a JAMMA cabinet in seconds!
New Version!
The J-PAC (JAMMA interface for Pc to Arcade
Controls) is a board which allows plug-in connection of a JAMMA arcade
cabinet to a VGA card and keyboard port or USB port on a PC
motherboard. It incorporates all the functions of the I-PAC, for
example:
- NEW VERSION! Now has inputs fully protected against
static discharge and reverse connection, now supports 3 extra JAMMA
connections (Tilt, Service SW and Test)
- Now supports 12 volt coin doors.
- Fully programmable key code set. Stored even
after power off.
- Dual interface USB or Keyboard.
- Supports I-PAC optional pre-assembled LED harness with 3
panel mounting LEDs which emulate the keyboard Lights.
- Lead plugs into keyboard socket on PC or USB
port.
- Self-Test LED gives an instant check of all your wiring.
Can indicate which, if any, input has a problem.
- No separate power needed.
- Does not use a matrix - no ghost keys. All
inputs are completely separate and generate their own interrupt - this
is the fastest possible method.
- Does not use a scanning method which causes a
variable delay.
- Either uses standard MAME keys or you can
program your own character set.
- Shift functions. Holding "Start1" and pressing
other buttons sends a range of codes for MAME functions such as
"escape", "Coin 1", "tab", "enter". This means no extra buttons are
needed on the cabinet. In programmable mode any input can be the shift
key and all keys can be programmed with a shifted code.
- Connector for ordinary keyboard which can be
used together with the controls if required.
- No special drivers needed. USB drivers are
generic Windows.
- All control inputs which are part of a normal JAMMA
standard are routed to an on-board JAMMA edge connector.
- Connector for VGA input from PC VGA card. Routes through to
JAMMA edge connector for connection to the cabinet arcade monitor.
- On-board video amplifier boosts signal to standard arcade
monitor levels. Uses high-bandwidth video amplifier chip.
- Custom microcontroller only allows sync signals to be sent
to the monitor if they are in the correct range that the monitor is
designed for. Avoids driving the monitor with a too-high horizontal
sync rate which can damage some arcade monitors.
- Sync circuitry also converts separate horizontal and
vertical syncs into composite sync. Can handle both positive and
negative vertical sync.
- If required, can divide a 31Khz VGA signal in half so that
it will display a stable picture on a 15Khz arcade monitor. Useful for
checking boot-up progress and configuration (not for application use).
Automatically stops dividing the signal when it detects a correct 15Khz
rate is being send by the PC.
- JAMMA cabinet speaker routed to screw connectors for wiring
to powered sound card or hacked PC speakers.
Important Legal Note.
For legal reasons we must state here that the J-PAC is not designed to
be used in revenue-earning applications where a credit mechanism is
used. The J-PAC contains no specific interface functionality for any
credit device. Although it has inputs which connect to the JAMMA coin
signals, these are designed such that activating a switch connected to
them causes the MAME "coin" keycodes (5 or 6) to be sent. These are
designed to be used with panel pushbuttons not coin doors or note
acceptors.
