My Lunacade Project

Almost there...?

2007-09-01T15:33:00.000+02:00

I received the XCM VGA box, just look at the screenshots:

Ultimate Pro Pinball

The Evolution X interface

Avalaunch screen

Hugo PC Engine emulator

The XBox is not really prepared for the job, but it's working at last!

XCM Ypbpr to VGA converter

2007-08-28T11:02:00.000+02:00

Now that we have positive results, it's time for me to get a simple but good Ypbpr to VGA converter.

This is what I've ordered:

The XCM VGA box:

- Compatible with 4 consoles.(Wii™, PS3™, Xbox/ 360™)
- Works on both PAL & NTSC system.
- Double scan conversion (31.5KHz for NTSC, 31.25KHz for PAL,67.5KHz for 1080p).
- Output resolution ; up to 1080p
- Plug and play installation.
- Connect compatible YPbPr device to your VGA monitor
- Integrated YPbPr to RGBHV converter
- Supports 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p
- Applications: TFT LCD, CRT, Set-top box, Projector
- Works on LCD TFT monitors
- Video output: VGA
- Automatic video source mode detection (film/graphic)
- Motion-adaptive interfiled de-interlacing
- Use the power from USB port , no extra power supply needed
- Comes with 3pcs of cables: PS3, XBox/ 360 and Wii component cables.

With other words: no external AC adapter needed, plug & play and easy to install in the cabinet. That should do the trick! (this time hopely....)
The converter will probably be delivered tomorrow, so I can't tell much more than this right now.

It looks like my project will rise from the death :-)

Good news at last!

2007-08-27T12:56:00.000+02:00

I swapped my 1.6 Pal Xbox for a softmodded XBox 1.3 version a long time ago: but it seems this was not essential after all.

The trick is this: the Pal modus in Ms Dash doesn't have the 480p, 720p or 1080i video options: it must be switched to NTSC to have these modes visible (480p and 720p should be enabled).

I connected a low quality Composite 2 VGA adapter, only for the test, and I got a picture on the flat screen! Oh yeah!

The next step is for me to purchase a better video converter, but I'm so happy to have this result without heavy mods.
I would like to thank my friend Dennis for his help with the research for a solution.

Happy new year 2007!

2006-12-31T01:38:00.000+01:00

A little update: I bought a XBox v1.3.
I expect this console will be able to show us a signal on the flatscreen, after the required measures. (Mod, bigger hard disk, VGA-enabled firmware)

But as I said (several months ago), the project is on standby for now.
Don't worry: I will catch this up eventually.

But first of all:

happy new year to each and every one!

Project on stand-by

2006-10-18T15:45:00.000+02:00

As you can see, no updates have been made since ages.
It's a matter of fact: I didn't even touch the cabinet for several months.
Why?
Oh well....personal matters, Everquest 2 on the PC and of course Test Drive Unlimited on the Xbox 360!

Don't worry, one day, I will remove that layer of dust and finish this project in beauty. The custom-made VGA cable I've mentioned before has been received a long time ago already but I still didn't test it yet. (Shame on me...)

One note though: the X2VGA-2 transcoder has been sold, so don't mail me about this, I don't have it anymore.
Thanks.

Xcalibur video chip...no go?

2006-06-26T15:17:00.000+02:00

I'm still waiting for the custom made cable I've ordered.
But even with this cable, and a hacked vga-enabled firmware, it's possible it still won't work.
So if you're planning a project like this one, make sure you get an XBox version 1.1 <-> 1.5 to avoid the same sort of issues.

I'm afraid I will also have to buy an older version in order to finish this cabinet.
My current XBox V1.6 is a no-go when it comes to VGA output as it seems.
(most likely due to the xcalibur video chip)

Anyway, I want to thank the people who are supporting me (see comments).

Troubles, troubles.

2006-05-29T12:03:00.000+02:00

The cables I've ordered are not working either, but that's not very strange as the component signal is not converted to RGB.
The sync is also missing, so I ordered those cables for nothing...

Now, a member of the XBox-Scene forum is willing to make a custom XBox 2 VGA cable for me, with a LM1881 Video sync separator integrated.
I also have to patch the XBox firmware to make it VGA-enabled.

This part is more difficult than I thought: I've spent 145 Euro for the X2VGA 2, the two cables and now the XBox 2 VGA cable.

There's another problem: my XBox 1.6 doesn't support the vga output hack.

The right solution?

2006-05-21T23:43:00.000+02:00

I've ordered a VGA to 3 YUV CINCH female adapter along with a component video/YUV cable for the XBox.

These cables will allow me to connect the XBox directly to the flatpanel.
According to some posts in the forum I've mentioned before, it should work perfectly.

And again, we must wait for the order to be delivered.
Oh well: at least, it gives me the time to clean up the mess I made in the living room...

X2VGA 2: no go...

2006-05-17T10:10:00.000+02:00

Sorry for the lack of updates: things didn't went very well regarding this project.

I did receive the X2VGA 2 videocoverter, but it didn't work at all with my configuration.
There's no picture on the flatpanel, even when the right video settings are used (NTSC, 4:3 progressive etc...)

The last resort for me is to try a XBox High Definition videocable, in combination with a Component video to HD15 VGA adapter: simple, and working just fine, according to a few members from the XBox-scene forum.

External power switch

2006-05-07T19:08:00.000+02:00

I want to be able to power on and off the XBox without opening the arcade cabinet, so I decided to add an external switch.

First, I had to solder two wires on the so called "eject panel" inside the XBox: this was a little tricky as there's no much room for mistakes.

A 3.5mm mono female jack connector has been mounted after I drilled a hole on the backside of the XBox. The wires are soldered onto it.

Some jacks have metal mounting connections where the sleeve is connected directly to the chassis.
Such a configuration will not work in this case: the sleeve must be isolated from the metal shield, or the XBox will not respond to the power switches.
Another way is to use a three-conductor (stereo) jack, using the top and middle conductors and leave the sleeve unexploited.

I've modified the cable, originally provided with the cabinet, with a 3.5mm mono male jack connector.

My last step was to mount the switch behind the cabinet.

And voilà: it's working and unplugable when needed. Great!

First Mame screenshots...

2006-05-02T22:42:00.000+02:00

Don't get excited yet: I've connected my notebook on the flatpanel mounted in the cabinet to get a first impression.

Check it out:

I don't know what happens with my order at Neoya.
At least, they could confirm they received the money, and that they will send me the X2VGA 2 device as soon as possible.

Maybe I should cancel this order, and get the VD-Z3 from VDigi instead...

[update 05-05]

I just received a reply from Neoya: according to the Sales Department, my order will be shipped within 48 hrs, and I should be able to receive it within 3~6 days.

That's good news.

First results

2006-04-29T15:29:00.000+02:00

Almost everything is ready, and I can only wait for my X2VGA2 video converter to be able to test the cabinet.

These pictures shows the work that has been done until now:

See the painted Plexiglas bezel: unfortunately, the silver edges of the monitor are still visible. I will mask those edges with black paperboard in the future.

The sound

2006-04-29T15:18:00.000+02:00

As said before, I want to use a 2.1 speaker kit to enhance the sound a little bit.
I found this cheap kit, with a small size amplified sub-woofer box which can easily be mounted inside the cabinet.

The satellites will not be used: I connected the internal speakers instead.
To be able to connect these speakers on the sub-woofer, I had to solder CINCH plugs on the cables.

Now, everything is mounted, plugged and working.
This system sounds good: far better than the amplifier supplied with the kit anyway.

Some little mods

2006-04-29T14:57:00.000+02:00

Since the VGA converter has not been delivered yet (it takes ages!!), I did some modifications on the monitor fixation so it will be easier to align the screen if needed:

Large rubber feet have been mounted: this will prevent scratches and should improve the stability of the cabinet.

The panel inside the cab which is supposed to support the monitor will be used to carry the XBox instead: four clamps covered with felt have be mounted to maintain the XBox in place.

The XBox is retain tightly between the clamps but can also be removed easily when needed.

The controls

2006-04-17T14:23:00.000+02:00

The control panel from Lunacade is originaly designed to work with a PC.
I had to rewire some buttons to make it work with the X-Box.
The I-Pac has also been reprogrammed, and is now working great.

You can also see the new push-buttons I've mounted: the colors match with the ones on the original X-Box controller, which is much easier when playing.

The monitor

2006-04-16T17:50:00.000+02:00

I bought a new 17" Acer flatpanel: this screen has four fixation points for an optional mounting bracket which is very handy for my project.

I made two aluminium brackets which will support the monitor in the cab.

It fits perfectly, the monitor is mounted with four screws: it will not move!

I've ordered the famous X2VGA 2 High Definition VGA Transcoder by Neoya to get the most perfect quality visuals possible on the flatpanel.

The cabinet

2006-04-16T16:24:00.000+02:00

At last, I received the package from Lunacade.
It’s a pretty heavy box, well filled with the wooden pieces, and a lot of accessories.

See here all the parts needed for the construction of the cabinet.
Even a spray (black) paint aerosol is provided: this is to create a frame on the Plexiglas monitor bezel.

The parts are particularly well made: the quality is awesome.
Every wooden piece is pre-drilled: the only necessary tool is a screwdriver.

This is a picture of the amplifier along with the power adapter.
I'm not sure if I want to use this: there're so many better 2.1 speaker kits on the market for a little price...

This is the panel with the speakers and the neon light.
An European power cord for the light is also included.

The arcade control panel is the best part of the Lunacade cab.

The control interface is an I-Pac, which is 100% compatible with the Xbox interface, also from Ultimarc.

Ok: after a fast check into the manual, I’ve started building this thing.
See the steps:

Aargh: the top plate is upside down! A typical case of RTFM.

The cabinet is now assembled, the hardest part will come right now: the monitor.

Preparation of the XBox

2006-04-02T18:17:00.000+02:00

I bought a brand new XBox this week-end, along with a Maxtor 160Gb IDE harddisk.

The XBox has been modded right the way, as shown on this picture (bye bye warranty).

See now the unlocked potential of the console on my 32" Samsung Flat TV:

The startup logo (blue, which is a good sign!)

This is the XBMC (XBox Media Center) main screen:

Now this is what we are looking for: Mame for the XBox!

But Mame is not the only emulator available of course.
The XBox is also able to emulate the following devices:

- Nec PC-Engine, Turbographix
- Atari Lynx, 2600, ST, Jaguar
- Nintendo Nes, Supernes, Nintendo 64, Gameboy Advance
- Sega Megadrive, X32
- Apple II
- Amiga 500
...and many others!

It seems that this cabinet will not just be a Mame based one!

Anyway, the roms have been transferred trough FTP from my PC to the XBox which is now ready to be mounted into the cabinet.

(Thanks to Dennis for his contribution)

First orders

2006-03-29T19:40:00.000+02:00

Today, the first steps were made.

The cabinet has been ordered and will be delivered within aproximatly 10 business days according to the order confirmation.
This is the configuration I've chosen:

I've also ordered the XBox adaptor which converts the output from the arcade interface into X-Box commands:

This is the list of the parts I still need to acquire:

- XBox, modded with a 160Gb harddisk
- 15" or 17" TFT screen
- Xbox VGA converter (I can't find out yet which one I should take...)
- Wireless Xbox controller

I'm usually rushing things, but I should take the time needed to make this project working perfectly as a big amount of money is involved.

Starting up the project

2006-03-27T22:55:00.000+02:00

After the Mame arcadecabinet I've converted from an old Sega cab (see http://mamecabinet.blogspot.com for the details) it's time for me to start something new.

I found an interesting kit called "AtomicJamie" from Lunacade (www.lunacade.com) .

The AtomicJamie has almost everything, only the monitor and a PC must be added to complete the project. (Yeah I know: this is the easy way but hey, why not?)

A Personal Computer? Not this time: I want to use an XBox instead, with a custom firmware and a 160Gb harddisk so it will be able to emulate my roms.
I saw it running by a friend of mine, and it's awesome how good Mame works on it!
With a few bucks, I'll be able to make a real "plug & play" emulation device!

The console adaptor kit from www.ultimarc.com will be used to connect the arcade interface to the joystick ports on the XBox.

The monitor will probably be a 15 or 17" TFT screen.
Maybe I will strip the flatpanel, maybe not: we will see that later.

Time to place some orders...