ARpiCADE Mini Raspberry Pi JAMMA Adapter

Standard JAMMA connection: The ARpiCADE Mini connects to a compatible JAMMA cabinet harness or properly configured Super Gun. It uses the cabinet's regulated power, controls, and compatible speaker connections.

1. Disconnect arcade power: Completely power off the cabinet before installing or removing the Mini, Raspberry Pi, or any JAMMA connection.

2. Inspect the harness: Confirm that the JAMMA edge connector is correctly wired, clean, and in good condition. Verify the cabinet's ground connections and its six-button control pinout.

3. Verify both supply rails: The Mini requires a properly regulated 5-volt supply and 12-volt supply through the JAMMA harness. The 12V connection powers the onboard amplified mono audio circuit.

4. Check the voltage at the JAMMA edge: For Raspberry Pi 3 and Raspberry Pi 4 configurations, the official Mini documentation recommends approximately 5.1V measured at the JAMMA edge. Verify adequate current capacity and check for voltage drop under load. Do not adjust power based on an unverified reading.

5. Align the Raspberry Pi connector: Seat the Raspberry Pi and Mini adapter's 40-pin connection correctly. All pins must align. A one-pin offset, reversed connection, or partial seating may damage the Raspberry Pi or adapter.

6. Confirm board orientation: In the standard parts-side-up JAMMA orientation, the Mini's component and silkscreen side faces upward and the attached Raspberry Pi is positioned upside down, as documented in the installation manual.

7. Check the display and wiring: Confirm the Mini is connected to a compatible modern monitor and the correct high-resolution ARpiCADE software configuration is selected before startup.

Critical installation warning: Never insert or remove the Mini or Raspberry Pi with power applied. If the 40-pin connection, JAMMA orientation, power wiring, or display configuration is uncertain, stop and review the official Mini installation manual before proceeding.

High-resolution displays only: The ARpiCADE Mini is designed for modern compatible LCD and LED monitors. It does not provide original low-resolution CGA or 15 kHz arcade RGBS output.

HDMI video: For a compatible HDMI monitor, video is provided through the supported Raspberry Pi's HDMI output. A separate HDMI-to-VGA DAC is not required for a normal HDMI connection.

VGA video: A VGA monitor requires a suitable HDMI-to-VGA DAC or converter and correctly configured ARpiCADE video output. Confirm the selected Mini product option and converter compatibility.

Software resolution: ARpiCADE software may use low-resolution output settings by default. These must be changed to a supported high-resolution configuration before the Mini is used.

Choose the correct monitor option: Use the Monitor Type selection near Add to Cart to match the display installed in your cabinet. HDMI and VGA arrangements have different hardware requirements.

Vertical and horizontal displays: Select an SD card image that matches the physical orientation of the cabinet monitor. Vertical upright, horizontal upright, and vertical cocktail game lists represent different display configurations.

Original CRT arcade cabinets: If your cabinet has an original low-resolution arcade CRT monitor, use the full-size ARpiCADE JAMMA Adapter with the correct RGBS monitor configuration instead.

Important: Do not attempt to connect the Mini's high-resolution output to an incompatible original arcade CRT monitor. Verify both the video connection and software settings before applying power.

Modified six-button JAMMA design: The Mini carries up to six action-button inputs per player through a fully populated JAMMA-style edge connector. This arrangement is commonly found in certain newer multicade cabinets and compatible Pandora's Box installations.

No separate kick harness for standard Mini six-button wiring: Unlike the full-size ARpiCADE, the Mini uses the appropriate modified JAMMA edge connections for additional action buttons. The cabinet harness must already have, or be modified for, the correct six-button pinout.

JAMMA pins 27 and e: Some standard JAMMA cabinets connect these positions to ground. For the Mini's additional button inputs to work safely, these original ground connections must not remain in place.

Move grounds to pins 28 and f: Where applicable, the existing grounds from 27 / e must be moved to the appropriate ground positions 28 / f, following the official Mini wiring diagram. Confirm the entire connector pinout before modifying a cabinet.

Physical controls: The JAMMA wiring provides the necessary electrical connections but does not add physical buttons. The cabinet must have correctly installed action buttons and control-panel wiring.

Amplified mono audio: The Mini includes an onboard amplified mono audio circuit using the cabinet's 12V supply and compatible JAMMA speaker wiring.

Neo Geo MVS-style stereo warning: Some cabinets are wired for stereo audio at the JAMMA edge. These arrangements must be correctly converted to the supported mono speaker wiring before using the Mini's amplified mono output.

External stereo amplifier: Stereo operation can use a suitable external amplifier rather than the onboard mono amplifier. For HDMI configurations, use the documented Raspberry Pi analog audio connection; compatible VGA DAC configurations can use the DAC's audio output.

Four-player limitation: The ARpiCADE Mini cannot use the full-size ARpiCADE four-player expansion. For three- or four-player arcade installations, choose the appropriate ARpiCADE multiplayer system.

Raspberry Pi 3B and 3B+: The ARpiCADE Mini supports compatible Pi 3 hardware with the appropriate ARpiCADE software. HighScoreSaves-provided game-list images are intended for Pi 3B and 3B+ unless otherwise stated.

Raspberry Pi 4: A Raspberry Pi 4 may be used with the appropriate compatible ARpiCADE software and high-resolution display settings. HighScoreSaves Pi 3 images should not be assumed to work on the Pi 4 without a separately supported software configuration.

Raspberry Pi inclusion: A Raspberry Pi is supplied only when selected as an available product option. The base ARpiCADE Mini adapter does not automatically include one.

SD card requirement: A compatible SD card containing the appropriate ARpiCADE system image is required. Prepared HighScoreSaves SD card images are included only when selected and purchased as an available configuration.

397-game vertical cocktail image: A collection designed for compatible vertical cocktail cabinet operation.

708-game vertical upright image: An arcade game collection arranged for a compatible upright cabinet using a vertical monitor.

1,679-game horizontal upright image: A larger arcade collection intended for an upright cabinet with a horizontal display.

5,025-game horizontal upright image: A larger arcade and console game collection for a compatible upright cabinet with a horizontal display.

LaserDisc Trilogy upright image: An upright configuration featuring Dragon's Lair, Dragon's Lair 2, and Space Ace.

Choose the correct software configuration: Match the Raspberry Pi model, monitor orientation, HDMI or VGA connection, control layout, and selected game image before ordering.

Digital software image returns: Digital software images are not returnable under the stated product terms; exchanges may be available when a supplied image is defective. Review the current HighScoreSaves policies for applicable conditions and statutory rights.

Official software support: Visit ARpiCADE.net for compatible software releases, high-resolution configuration guidance, documentation, and troubleshooting resources.

Does the ARpiCADE Mini work with original CGA arcade monitors?

No. The Mini is for compatible high-resolution HDMI or VGA displays. It does not provide low-resolution CGA or 15 kHz arcade RGBS video.

Do I need a VGA converter?

Only when using a VGA monitor. HDMI connects through the supported Raspberry Pi HDMI output, while VGA requires a compatible HDMI-to-VGA DAC or converter.

Is a Raspberry Pi included?

Only when a Raspberry Pi is specifically selected as a product option. The base Mini adapter does not automatically include one.

Can I use a Raspberry Pi 4?

Yes, with the appropriate compatible ARpiCADE software and high-resolution settings. HighScoreSaves-provided Pi 3 images are not automatically Pi 4 compatible.

Why are 5V and 12V both required?

The Mini uses the cabinet's regulated power connections, including 12V for the onboard amplified mono audio circuit. The official manual recommends checking approximately 5.1V at the JAMMA edge for supported Pi 3 and Pi 4 setups.

Does the Mini support six-button arcade games?

Yes, using the correct fully populated six-button JAMMA harness and control-panel wiring. Check pins 27 / e and 28 / f before connecting the adapter.

Can I add the ARpiCADE four-player adapter later?

No. The Mini is not compatible with the four-player expansion. Select a full-size ARpiCADE multiplayer system for Player 3 and Player 4 support.

What if the Mini does not start or display an image?

With power disconnected, verify the Raspberry Pi 40-pin alignment, JAMMA connector orientation, 5V and 12V supply connections, compatible SD card, Raspberry Pi model, and correct HDMI or VGA software output configuration. Confirm the cabinet's six-button harness and speaker wiring are also correct.

Where can I find the official installation manual?

Review the official RaspberryJAMMA Mini Manual PDF before installing the Raspberry Pi, configuring the display, or modifying any cabinet wiring.

Where can I get software and technical support?

Visit the official ARpiCADE support website for software releases, documentation, configuration advice, and community troubleshooting.

For HighScoreSaves order or configuration assistance, contact sales@highscoresaves.com with your order details, Raspberry Pi model, monitor type, and cabinet wiring information.