Learning how to build a consolized arcade unit, But I need help!

Wankinov R

Wankinov R

Banned
Joined
Oct 17, 2007
Posts
316
Yassinov R said:
Due to the writing of a similar thread in the wrong forum, I've re-write it where it blong in the Tech Support forum.
Click to expand...

This forum is rich of information guys, I've found tons of threads about all kinds of arcade systems and customization and modds, but I liked the concept of consolizing the NEO GEO arcade board, I'm fairly good with soldering but I need plans or detailed step-by-step guides on how to build a consolized NEO GEO arcade unit :)

I understand that some of the members here making a profit of doing these modds for other members, And I would love to do business with them sometimes, but building a gaming console based on an arcade board is exciting concept and a fun hobby, and I would like to do for my own leisure, so I don't plan on selling these modds here!

So would someone please teach me how to build a consolized NEO GEO unit?:help:
 
RATM

RATM

Zack de la Neo,
Joined
Jun 11, 2002
Posts
784
First thing to consider is the supplies and parts you'll need. Here is a rough list...

Arcade Board
Power Supply
-You have some options here, it depends on whether you want to go with a simplier external power supply, or go through to trouble of internalizing everything. For smaller boards this might not even be an option.
RGB encoder
-This is particularly important in NTSC regions, as our television sets don't allow direct RGB input. Thus an encoder is required to convert the video signal to NTSC. In PAL regions you can go directly through SCART. I'm not entirely sure about Russia and the SECAM format, but if your televisions have direct RGB input then you can save yourself the time and money required to implement an encoder.
(2) DB15 male connecters
-You'll use these to create connections for the controllers.

Just about every arcade board uses an edge connector called JAMMA in order to allow quick connection to an arcade cabinet. Neo Geo boards have a slightly modified version of this edge connector. Essentially, in consolizing an Arcade board, your going to connecting components to the edge connector that will allow you to use the board on your television set. This link will give you a detailed look at how the edge connector is arranged http://www.hardmvs.com/manuals/Jamma2NeoGeo4SlotPinout.pdf


There are alot more details, but I think this is a good starting point
 
Last edited:
Wankinov R

Wankinov R

Banned
Joined
Oct 17, 2007
Posts
316
Thanks RATM, so basically I need a :

1. Arcade board (NEO GEO MVS Board in my case)
2. Power supply
3. RGB/NTSC signal encoder
4. DB15 male connectors
5 JAMMA connector

I got this wooden enclosure that I intended to use to hold all the components, now is there a specific place where I can get all of this stuff?

I got a HDTV on the way, so I might have an option for component cables or HDMI if that a possibility? :tickled:
 
Last edited:
Wankinov R

Wankinov R

Banned
Joined
Oct 17, 2007
Posts
316
Still no replies? :spock:

If someone could help me out but not directly on the forums, you can always send me the guides over PMs or email.


I NEED TO LEARN HOW TO DO THIS GUYS!! :very_ang:
 
T

The Webmiester

Pvt. Picklestein,
Joined
Aug 4, 2001
Posts
425
Well theres not too much to explain really, to be honest it's mostly intuitive if you've worked with electronics. But on the whole (this is assuming you want to consolize a smaller 1-slot mvs system, the big 1-slot doesn't need controller ports because they are already present):

-Get an MVS board

-Get a power supply. A computer one will do because you only need to connect +5 and +12, and ground connections. Most other arcade boards need -5 too, in which case you'd have to find a power supply that fits the bill. If you want to go more professional with your CMVS, get one of the Jameco ones (there's a sticky about it I think), they are much smaller than a PC power supply.

-Get joysticks, and connectors that fit for your unit. If you are using original neo sticks, then get two DB-15 connectors.

-Get an RGB->NTSC converter. JROK at www.jrok.com or neobitz at www.neobitz.com. I hear good things about the neobitz, and they're cheaper.

-Wire it up. Find the MVS-JAMMA pinout probably at www.hardmvs.com, and just match everything. Either solder right to the edge connector on the mvs, or get a jamma harness and do it from there. GND to GND on the power, +5 to +5 on the power, 1 player Down on the controller port to 1 player Down on the edge connector, video signals to the video signals on the RGB->NTSC board etc..

Thats' pretty much it! There's more you can do to make things more professional, like installing an on/off switch, audio attenuation etc.. but that's all to taste.

It's much better to ask specific questions on this board. The info above is very basic, and it still took a few minutes to write up. I don't think anyone wants to take 8 hours out of their day to write a walkthrough on this subject. You can build this entire thing without using any electronic components (if you don't attenuate the audio), so as long as you're good with a soldering iron, you should have no problem.
 
Wankinov R

Wankinov R

Banned
Joined
Oct 17, 2007
Posts
316
The Webmiester said:
Well theres not too much to explain really, to be honest it's mostly intuitive if you've worked with electronics. But on the whole (this is assuming you want to consolize a smaller 1-slot mvs system, the big 1-slot doesn't need controller ports because they are already present):

-Get an MVS board

-Get a power supply. A computer one will do because you only need to connect +5 and +12, and ground connections. Most other arcade boards need -5 too, in which case you'd have to find a power supply that fits the bill. If you want to go more professional with your CMVS, get one of the Jameco ones (there's a sticky about it I think), they are much smaller than a PC power supply.

-Get joysticks, and connectors that fit for your unit. If you are using original neo sticks, then get two DB-15 connectors.

-Get an RGB->NTSC converter. JROK at www.jrok.com or neobitz at www.neobitz.com. I hear good things about the neobitz, and they're cheaper.

-Wire it up. Find the MVS-JAMMA pinout probably at www.hardmvs.com, and just match everything. Either solder right to the edge connector on the mvs, or get a jamma harness and do it from there. GND to GND on the power, +5 to +5 on the power, 1 player Down on the controller port to 1 player Down on the edge connector, video signals to the video signals on the RGB->NTSC board etc..

Thats' pretty much it! There's more you can do to make things more professional, like installing an on/off switch, audio attenuation etc.. but that's all to taste.

It's much better to ask specific questions on this board. The info above is very basic, and it still took a few minutes to write up. I don't think anyone wants to take 8 hours out of their day to write a walkthrough on this subject. You can build this entire thing without using any electronic components (if you don't attenuate the audio), so as long as you're good with a soldering iron, you should have no problem.
Click to expand...

Thanks man, it makes more sense now:)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top