How do I get into Test Mode...and other questions from a newbie

I'm completely new to the NeoGeo scene, but I picked up a cheap MVS 1-slot arcade cabinet off ebay recently. I'm wondering about a test mode or where I can find out info about the dip switches.

I have a few other questions, but I'd guess there's an FAQ or something that I've missed so please link me if these have been asked millions of times.

Does everyone leave their cabinets on 24-7?
If not, is there a best way to power off the cab?
Currently I just plug/unplug mine into the wall outlet. I will get a surge protector, but I'm wondering if there's any benefit to a UPS.

Thanks

The dips depend a little on your board, but some are always the same:

1 - switch/test mode (switching this should enter test mode)
2 - I don't have a board where this actually does anything
3 - Card Reader (if your cabinet has a card reader which a 1-slot probably doesn't)
4-6 - Communication (I'm a newbie myself, so I don't know what these do)
7 - Free Mode
8 - Stop Mode (pause)

As far as unplugging the cabinet, I use a supergun so I can't help you there, but I would suggest not leaving it on as you will get burn-in on your monitor.

They are designed to run 24x7 in an arcade... Screen burn really depends on the cartridges in use. Some are worse than others at causing it.

You'll want to fire up the board for a few hours each month to keep the rechargeable battery charged up, otherwise you'll lose any saved settings.

RJ

manofshadow said:

The dips depend a little on your board, but some are always the same:

1 - switch/test mode (switching this should enter test mode)
2 - I don't have a board where this actually does anything
3 - Card Reader (if your cabinet has a card reader which a 1-slot probably doesn't)
4-6 - Communication (I'm a newbie myself, so I don't know what these do)
7 - Free Mode
8 - Stop Mode (pause)

As far as unplugging the cabinet, I use a supergun so I can't help you there, but I would suggest not leaving it on as you will get burn-in on your monitor.

Click to expand...

If I remember correctly (I'll check when I get home) the board says MV-1T. I couldn't find any info, but it looks a lot like the 1F.

The manual mentions pressing the test switch, but I don't see it, and there's no pic of it in the manual. I guess it makes sense if dip 1 is what its referring to.

It should have joystick ports, are those of any use on an arcade machine?
Is there a power button? Right now I'm just yanking the plug out of the wall when I want to power off.

Justtaint said:

If I remember correctly (I'll check when I get home) the board says MV-1T. I couldn't find any info, but it looks a lot like the 1F.

The manual mentions pressing the test switch, but I don't see it, and there's no pic of it in the manual. I guess it makes sense if dip 1 is what its referring to.

It should have joystick ports, are those of any use on an arcade machine?
Is there a power button? Right now I'm just yanking the plug out of the wall when I want to power off.

Click to expand...

The test switch the manual is refering to is not the dip switch. There is a push button located next to the power switch (on the metal plate mounted behind the top coin door) that you push in to enter the test mode. If the cabinet is a SNK manufactured cab then you will have a test button, a power button, a fuse, and a coin counter all located on this metal plate inside the top coin door. If it is a conversion then there is no telling if you have it. I'd post a pic of it, but I'm at work (about 30 minutes from where my cabs are located).

The joystick ports are for the mahjong controller however you can hook up any AES stick to it and it will work.

Also, I don't leave my cabs on 24/7. You are dealing with 20 year old technology and I've seen a monitor catch on fire for no apparent reason. I just turn the cab on I want to play and then turn it off when I'm done. I know the chances of this happening are pretty slim, but I've seen it once and lucky for me I caught it fairly soon after it started burning. I'd hate to have my house burn down over a cab.