Questions about the Phantom-1 Converter

[The Super Spy]

Hi everyone--I'm new here. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> Looking forward to discussing all things Neo with you all!
Anyway, I had a couple questions regarding the Phantom-1 Converter...
First and foremost, the picture that !Arcade! uses and the picture of it in the Neo-Store seem to look different, !Arcade!'s picture looks to be bluish, and the Neo-Store one seems to look black... Are these different models? Do they function differently? Are the ones in the Neo-Store the same, and the pictures just show up differently cuz' of a bad camera? Will they both work with all MVS carts including "protected" titles like Garou: MOTW?
Phew..
Ok, next question <IMG SRC="smilies/loco.gif" border="0">
I'm a first time poster but I'm a long time reader... I remember reading that lower-number serial numbers (under 20,000) might have problems with the converter, because of loosened cart slots. Is this extremely likely to happen to me if my serial number is in the 18,000's, and is a US Gold Home System, or should I most likely just be able to plug it in and being enjoying MVS goodness? <IMG SRC="smilies/drool.gif" border="0">
Last but not least, what is the best place to buy one? !Arcade! charges $25 shipping, and the Neo-Store charges $1, so I'm kinda leaning towards to Neo-Store, but are there any other trustworthy places that might have the converters cheaper overall?
Thanks!

 

[The Super Spy]

Anyone? Help me out please <IMG SRC="smilies/crying.gif" border="0">

 

[deffty]

Hi~
Since no one answer your questions, maybe I can help.
Regarding the Phantom-1 Converter;
I bought one from neo-geo.com (Shawn)at $299
a few months ago and they both look the same from either !Arcade! or neo-geo.com.
I think Shawn got the distributor right from !Arcade.
Buy from neogeo.com, trustworth seller and fast shipment.
1)They both function the same, so far only this converter works for all the MVS games including those encrypted carts such as Striker 1945 plus and MOTW garou.
2)The results is the same as any home carts plug in; even the use of the debug chip has no problem; US to Japan... Blood, Dip switch etc.
3)For the serial number problems; I got 3 Neogeo system with serial #002965, #06171 and #22142 and they works perfectly.
4)The only complaint is that the converter teeths (the 2 boards which was a bit out of alignment, just file a bit and its OK. Another problem is that the converter isvery fragile without any protection, if your MVS carts hold too tight on the converter, u will begin to worry how u going to remove it without damaging the converter.
For this , I make a case specially to hold the converter using one of the home cart case. They fit perfectly.
Check put those pics at http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/dolphinlordssnkneogeodomain.
Hopes these answer your questions.