Naomi/Atomiswave Universal Cabinet (Completed)

meanbean

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Aug 3, 2005
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The modifications to my US Naomi Universal cabinet are now completed. I have included before and after pics below.

The cabinet has been modified with a custom 2P 6B control panel (CP) using a 2P 2B CP. All of the 30mm button holes were first covered with fiberglass. After a lot of sanding, I drilled 12-30mm holes for the player buttons and 2-24mm holes for the start buttons. Bondo was applied to any cracks that resulted from the drilling and it was once again sanded to a smooth finish.

Before
panel_01.jpg


After
panel_02.jpg


Since this 2P 2B CP used was designed for an American style joystick (eg. HAPP), I had to fabricate some mounting plates (MP) so that I could use the Japan Sanwa joysticks (JLF-TP-8Y). This MP was made from an old piece of sheet metal I had laying around. I simply took some measurements from all of the existing 4 screw post on the CP and proceeded to cut out a slightly larger size piece from my sheet metal. I then drilled out the 4 holes for the screw posts on the CP to fit through the MP. Next, I drilled out the hole for the joystick shaft. I made this hole slightly larger than the joystick hole on the CP. After centering the MP on top of the Sanwa joystick, I marked off the joystick's mounting points and then drilled out the 2 holes in the MP. All of the edges on the MP were then grinded down to a smooth finish. Finally, I flattened the MP with a hammer so that it would be able to fit flush against the CP. The Sanwa Joystick is now connected to the MP using 2 screws and 2 nuts. The MP is then connected to the CP via the 4 CP screw posts and 4 nuts.

Before
naomi_00.jpg


After
naomi_01.jpg


The stock rectangular restrictor plates on the Sanwa joysticks have been replaced with octagonal restrictor plates. The start buttons chosen were white Sanwa start buttons (OBSF-24). However, I decided to go with white HAPP Competition pushbuttons (58-9611-L) w/ Cherry switches instead of the Sanwa pushbutton for the player buttons. This was done because I wanted a little more spring/resistance than a Sanwa button while still keeping the overall look of one. Matching white Sanwa joystick ball tops (LB-30) were also installed. Instead of a fancy graphic overlay, I decided to go with a simple royal blue overlay that matches the color of the CP Wooden enclosure. I feel this enhances the all white joystick/button theme and the overall look of the cabinet.

Before
naomi_02.jpg


After
naomi_03.jpg


The additional 8 player buttons have now been wired to connect to the JVS harness via the existing Molex connectors and an additional AMP connector. These wire were identified using a toner and with reference to the JVS pinout. The Molex connectors used were 9-pin at .093 and the AMP connector used was 6-pin at .084. The 5-pin Sanwa joystick harnesses have also been connected to the existing wiring via quick connects.

Before
naomi_04.jpg


After
naomi_05.jpg


A Jamma harness has been spliced into the existing JVS harness to allow both formats to be used in this cabinet. With reference to the JVS pinout, a wire was identified on the JVS side. This wire was then stripped using a combination of a razor blade and a wire stripper. This was done to eliminate any chance of accidentally cutting through the wire using just my $30 wire stripper. Basically, a light cut was made around the wire with a razor blade. Next, I proceeded to use the wire stripper to complete the cut started by the razor blade. Once the wire was exposed, flux was added and the wire pretinned. The corresponding wire on the Jamma side was also stripped and pretinned. Once completed, I then soldered the 2 corresponding wires together and then wrapped them with electrical tape. This process was repeated for almost all of the wires coming off of the Jamma harness. This modification was very time consuming but was not difficult by any means. This Jamma harness upgrade was done so that I can play my Atomiswave games as well as Naomi games in this cabinet.

Before
naomi_06.jpg


After
naomi_07.jpg


All of the new and existing wiring have been tied off. Some of the components had to be relocated in order to accommodate the Atomiswave. If you look closely, you will notice that the Atomiswave has been modified with stereo RCA jacks.

Before
naomi_08.jpg


After
naomi_09.jpg



From all of these modifications, I can now easily swap between the Naomi and the Atomiswave. This is done by reconnecting the power cables to the Naomi, disconnecting the Jamma harness from the Atomiswave and then swapping the VGA and Stereo RCA cables over to the Naomi. I may later incorporate some type of auto splitter/switcher system to do this but I don't see frequent swaps being done to need such a system. I am quite pleased with how well my Naomi/Atomiswave Universal cabinet came out. I am finally looking forward to being able to get KoF XI once prices drop below $400. As always, questions and comments are welcomed.

Before
naomi_10.jpg


After
naomi_11.jpg


After
naomi_12.jpg
 
Last edited:
S

SaiNRuB

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That's a real cool cabinet, haven't seen one of these before.

I like your new modifications, the control panel looks very nice with all white joys and buttons. You really went to town on modifying the control panel to suit your needs. I like the detailed explanation on how you did some of that.
 

Dr. Jigglin

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I wish I had that much PCB space, I really do.
Awesome cab.
 

DarkHuman

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May 20, 2004
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270
I've done almost as much work as you have redoing my cab, and adding an Atomiswave and Hyper 64 (whew) into it, so i must say.......

GREAT FREAKING JOB! :buttrock:
 

OldSchoolNeo

Quiz Detective
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May 28, 2005
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AWESOME Job!!! I have the same Naomi Cabinet and trying to find a cheap 2 player 6 button CP is damn near impossible. I'm impressed!
 

meanbean

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Aug 3, 2005
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Many thanks for your props. Playing the Atomiswave in 31Khz has been incredible. All of the Atomiswave games, even KoF NW, looks great in Hi-Res.

Post some of your cab pics when you get a chance DarkHuman.

OldSchoolNeo, I totally know where you're coming from. The reason I went the retro route is because a new 2P 6P CP is $149....ouch. Total cost for the parts in constructing my 2P 6B CP was $70.
 

SN K'

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lachlan said:
I wish I had that much PCB space, I really do.

Same here, but Wow. That is such quality work I'm blown away. Awesome cab!
 

racecar

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very niiice :envy: ...but don't you think that the big control panel...have a lot of wasted space ;) ...my i suggest some nice/custom make CPO art :chimp: :chimp:

i must said again it's amazing the type of crafty/handy work you do you cab's and pcb's :chimp:
 

meanbean

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Thanks to you both for your high praises. :) The large CP enclosure is just how this style of US Naomi Universal cab was designed. While it doesn't bother me, I would have preferred the sleek JPN CP enclosure style instead. As for the custom CPO, I decided to pass on it as I feel this simple one gives the cab a more refined look. ;)
 
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