MV1C Console build

[McColbo]

So I got in on the NeoVGA board and finally got my MV1C console build up and running. For those of you that remember I built a stick a while ago for my AES, which now works great for this...and also has held up outstandingly well.

Here's the thread

I was going to go the Jrok or Neobitz route forever ago but once it became impossible to get either of those I patiently waited for Mike's NeoVGA board to be released...ok so I harassed him with PM's and whatnot until it came out.

Anyways, here's my build that i'll be updating as I make more progress. I'm sure i'll be fixing formatting and link/image problems too...it's 3am and i'm tired but wanted to post this.

I'll be adding component ports, a switch for using those, a switch to send audio to either RCA jacks, or the HDMI converter, and power/reset switches of course. As well as a proper housing i'll be making very similar to my controller design as well. I'll use the HDMI extension cable to have a surface mounted port on the back of my console housing.

Parts used:

Ebay MV1C

NeoVGA Board

VGA to HDMI converter

HDMI extension

Barrel port for Power supply

Power Supply

Male DB15 port (at local store)

Got the same thing as this Jamma extension cable on ebay for under $10 shipped

10 Pack DB15 2 row controller ports



Some solder, spare 3.5mm aux cable I cut for the sound to the HDMI converter, random VGA cable I cut up before I made a cable with the radioshack port and wiring from the old VGA cable



So I started with an ebay purchased MV1C that has a bootleg UniBios installed. This works for now but i'll be using the NeoBiosMasta to install a proper UniBios soon.

MV1C with NeoVGA installed


Prepping Stereo sound Mod


Figured out power and ground for the power port


Hacked up an old VGA cable to solder to the NeoVGA board


After soldering VGA cable, hooking up the the HDMI Converter which is temporarily hardwired for power


Test! It works! Not pretty, I just wanted to make sure the sound was correct and everything was wired right. The power supply from Jameco was enough to power both the MV1C and the HDMI converter



Boot and success!


Close up of the breakout board I purchased from a Reddit user in the NeoGeo subreddit. Going to switch to wired ports in my enclosure but this works great for now.

Current state, drilled a hole in the plastic shroud to mount the power port, hot glued the HDMI converter to the top. Ended up having to make a VGA cable for the sake of cleaning up wiring and having it be more flexible.

Of course I had to test both Metal Slug X and Windjammers...works great on a 60" Samsung TV as well as anything else i've tried it on. It almost looks too sharp...can someone tell me if Metal Slug X looks ok based on my picture?

 

[xsq]

good stuff so far. Looking forward to what this will turn into. Any plans to add Scanlines?

 

[McColbo]

good stuff so far. Looking forward to what this will turn into. Any plans to add Scanlines?

Hmmm maybe that's why it looks off to me. I thought the Neovga added them by default but now that you say that they are clearly not there haha...

 

[DNSDies]

Scanlines and 240p mode are options on the NeoVGA board. The quick reference on the thread shows it.

It's the 2x4 empty pin header to the top left of the Altera chip:
http://mikejmoffitt.com/neovga/docs/QuickReference.pdf

 

[McColbo]

Yes! I just was reading that. I have to install a switch to go between component and vga so I'll have to do a switch for Scanlines too.

 

[kuze]

Looking good so far! Keep us updated with your progress.

 

[McColbo]

Sneak peak of my enclosure build. 1/4" Aluminum plate that i'm going to give a brushed finishes, solid wood base, and the top inlay will be wood as well. Front controller port panel will be recessed brass plate, as well as the rear audio/video port panel.

light up power/reset buttons, and toggle switches to change between video/audio outputs etc.

 

[McColbo]

got my DB15 connectors in, it was cheaper/faster to order a 10 pack on Amazon with prime shipping instead of getting only 2 from any place else.

Also started modifying the jamma extension cable I bought on ebay forever ago. Cut it, and pulled the pins/wires I won't need. I'll be ditching the controller breakout and power board I used to make sure everything worked and going this route instead.

 

[werejag]

nice build

 

[mikejmoffitt]

Looks like your HDMI converter is working great with the kit. It looks like your TV is applying sharpness filters, though. There's a lot of bright ringing on contrasting edges; try turning that setting down if you can.

 

[nornor1]

Sweet build. Scanlines would look sweet. I hava a VGA to HDMI converter, and that SLG mini scanline thing. Scanlines work perfect on it. the one I have outputs the signal coming in. so like for the dreamcast 640X480 in and 640x480 to HDMI out. hit the switch and I get scanlines on my LCD. so It should work for you when you add that switch. im not sure what signal the VGA to HDMI converter you have does though?

 

[mikejmoffitt]

The NeoVGA board he is using already can insert scanlines. The converter is emitting HDMI output from the VGA signal. By default, I don't have the board outputting scanlines because I do not like overlaid scanlines, but the option is there for those who prefer it.

 

[McColbo]

Yeah I added a switch to be able to add/remove scanlines. I'll also mess with the TV settings.

For now my enclosure is coming further along.

I'll upload pictures asap. From mobile that doesn't work for some reason.

 

[McColbo]

Here's an update. Got the back panel done, milled the pocket, and made the brass plate to hold the ports.

Going for a brushed finish on everything I decided.

 

[sr20det510]

Here's an update. Got the back panel done, milled the pocket, and made the brass plate to hold the ports.

Going for a brushed finish on everything I decided.

View attachment 41737View attachment 41738View attachment 41739View attachment 41740

This looks very professional!
Well done! Can't wait to see the finished product.

Was the Neo VGA difficult to solder on? Lots of small wires.

 

[CheapNeoGeo]

Looks like it's going to turn out nice. Keep it up.

 

[xsq]

you're doing great!