I've been thinking more about this project idea. I know that there are other JVS solutions in active development, but in my limited research I'm not seeing where anyone has the exact same goals in mind. Plus I'd like the satisfaction of putting together a solution on my own.
Since starting this thread a while ago, I've had more Arduino experience and am more confident in my abilities to put something together to meet my needs.
There are Ardiuno Mega 2560 clones for like $10-$12. These have over 50 digital i/o pins, several analog inputs, and a few different serial ports.
In addition to the Mega, this project requires a TTL to RS485 adapter for JVS protocol communication with the game PCB (Chihiro/NAOMI/Triforce), and then just wiring adapters to accept the digital and analogue connectors from the cabinet. We're probably talking less than $20 in parts and hopefully something relatively simple to DIY with basic soldering skills.
My goals are as follows:
-Completely replace the JVS I/O board with this solution.
-Configure this board via software to accept inputs from a given cabinet (OR2SP in my case) and remap outputs over JVS so that any game is compatible without wiring changes. This would work by telling the board which game you're booting (probably via serial/USB from the netboot source machine) and then it configures what it sends to the game board accordingly. So for example, if I boot up Crazy Taxi, the controls for the shifter would work as they should automatically. Nothing physically has to change about the wiring or controls.
-Fake outputs and configuration that aren't integral to game-play, like make sure to tell the game board that coin meters are wired up, but none would actually need to be physically connected. Make sure to tell the game board that the JVS I/O meets whatever specs are needed for the game.
-Configurable outputs for lighting button lights.
-Optionally allow USB output, perhaps via HID standard, for using cabinet controls on PC. I've already been playing around with the Mega as a HID device for another project, so it's possible.
-Completely free and open-source plans and software. I'm not planning on selling anything. Source your own parts and build one or don't.
With these goals in mind, it should be possible for my OR2SP cabinet to "just work" with most driving games I currently have available to boot up into it (Lindbergh, Chihiro, NAOMI1/2). Taking into account additional controls found in some games where OR2's available buttons might be lacking, it would just be a matter of prioritizing which buttons do what. For example, I might forego a view change button in favor of using it as a boost button in a game that has a boost and view change button.
The motivation behind this is that I like swapping games frequently, so don't want to mess with frequent wiring changes, and it's disappointing running into games where controls don't map up perfectly, so some features (like a boost button) aren't available without some wiring work.
Anyone else interested in something like this?