Hey,

I just got my first machine and I would really like to change it into a MAME machine but without damaging the original cab AT ALL since its an original NARC machine.
I want to have switch somewhere on the machine (preferably the back) where I can switch it from NARC to MAME.
I looked into how to do it and it looks pretty simple but I would like to do it for as cheap as possible since I'm low on cash.

I hear the the original (modded) XBOX can run MAME and other emulators. How would I go about connecting this to the monitor and control panel?
Or is there a cheaper way?

PM'd.. I have an X-Arcade DIY Xbox conversion kit you may be interested in.

Quoted from ryantheappleguy

I hear the the original (modded) XBOX can run MAME and other emulators. How would I go about connecting this to the monitor and control panel?
Or is there a cheaper way?

The original Xbox MAME emulation TOTALLY SUCKS ! Save yourself the disapointment and do it right from the start.

I made a MAME machine back then with an arcade 25 inches screen and since i owned and Xbox as well, decided to try and see how it was (mame was already installed and running with the usual computer and J-PAc setup). It was a disaster compared to the real emulation, sorry to tell you that. Isnt even worth trying..

If NARC is JAMMA, it is pretty simple to hook a J-Pac (http://www.ultimarc.com/jpac.html) to the cab, you should be looking that way imo. you will also need to configure your videocard so it output the correct 15Khz signal (again, you can buy an arcadeVGa card that does it out of the box http://www.ultimarc.com/avgainf.html.

Good luck !

It won't be as simple as a switch in the back.  You'll have to connect/disconnect the internal board/j-pac to switch between MAME and the original game.  The MAME version of NARC should play as good as the real thing so really there wouldn't be any real need to switch other than a psychological one  

The costs would be as follows:

Computer= ???$  You may already have one.
J-PAC=59$US
ArcadeVGA=87$US

The arcadeVGA isn't mandatory but you are keeping the original monitor so it's strongly recommended.  Otherwise you have to find a card that can support arcade monitor resultions & refresh rates and it's not easy to set up - and if you get it wrong you can damage/destroy your monitor (although the J-PAC should protect it if you hook it up correctly).  ArcadeVGA is plug&play.

Mike

*cough*

this DIY kit works for PC's too..  

http://www.xgaming.com/byoarcade.shtml

Also note that NARC is NOT a JAMMA game.  This means that a J-PAC will not be plug and play and actually isn't recommended at all..  You would have to get an I-PAC and do the wiring yourself although it's not that complicated.

Mike

Quoted from MrMikeman

Also note that NARC is NOT a JAMMA game.  This means that a J-PAC will not be plug and play and actually isn't recommended at all..  You would have to get an I-PAC and do the wiring yourself although it's not that complicated.

Mike

Or get a Narc-to-Jamma convertor.

No idea where to get one.  Might have to make one yourself.