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Neo-Geo MVS to Xbox cab project
satoshi_matrix:
Hello everyone here at this fine site! I'm brand new around here and plan to buy my first arcade cabinet and undertake my first mod project. I intend to buy a Neo-Geo MVS 1 cart slot cab in near mint condition. I want to convert the cabinet into an Xbox 1 cabinet to play the many fighting games, arcade collections and of course homebrew emulators.
I'm posting this for two reasons. The first is to announce my project and will be updating it with lots of pictures. The second is because I have many questions that I'm hoping someone here will be kind enough to answer.
In order to pick it up, I will need to drive approximately 2 hours away. For those who have experience, what is the best way to transport an upright arcade cabinet the size of the MVS? Is it safe to lay it down? What can I expect it to weigh? Anything else I should know to transport it?
I've read that the Neo Geo MVS uses a slightly different connection from standard JAMMA. The first thing I need to ensure is that I can indeed connect an Xbox to an MVS through an Xbox to JAMMA connector.
I intend to replace the control panel with a custom Japanese style 8-button layout for both players. I've seen a few photos of the MVS control panel removed, and it looks like a curved "L" and not a straight piece. Does this present a problem for replacing the control panel with a new one? What material should I go with? I'd like to use wood if possible.
What are the recommend replacement buttons? I've modded a few home console arcade sticks over the years and the only ones I know are Sanwa OBSF-30 Snap Ins.
For anyone here who happens to own an MVS, I would like to know some specific info.
The exact measurements
How high off the floor the control panel rests (i.e can you play it sitting in a chair?)
How to open it (tools needed)
If possible, a picture of an empty cab from behind so I know what I'm going to be looking into.
As I'm sure that everyone here who has an arcade cabinet know, since this is my first cabinet this is a very exciting time for me.
Thanks kindly for any and all advice when working on my first cab!
xmod:
hey,
nice project plans, could be interesting build.
as far as transport, I had to do the exact same thing, 2 hour drive to get me all the cabs i have. I transported 3 of em including a fully functional Gauntlet legends in a GMC Savana 1 ton. There were laid down on their back and no issues were reported, the Gauntlet still fully operational.
For the control panel, I used the included one from one of the cabs and rerouted the wiring to an actual xbox controller. Soldering skills and patience required. Only reason i am mentioning this is due to the 8 button CP you spoke of, I have the same for one of the players thinking it was enough, but realized that 10 buttons would be ideal. A, B, X, Y, Black, White, Left trigger, Right trigger, L3 and R3. I left out the triggers thinking i could managed, but you always end up needing one of the 10 buttons at one point or another. If you really have to go with that CP, i would suggest to leave black and white out over any other.
As far as the MVS cab, I am not familiar with it unfortunately.
I know how you feel... I started 2 weeks ago and I am hooked!!
hope my bit of info helped a little, good luck on your project.
xmod
solidteezme:
Don't convert it to Xbox!! Unless it is in terrible condition with missing or faulty parts.
Neo Geo MVS cabs are awesome, just get a 5 slot system and some games and you will be away.
If your heart is set on turning it into mame, i would use a pc rather then an xbox, but i suppose thats just personal preference.
well theres my $0.2.
Solid,
HaRuMaN:
Yes, you can transport a cab on it's back, just make sure all the parts are secure inside before you do so (monitor, pcb, etc).
The heaviest thing in a cab is the monitor, so be aware when you tip it on a dolly, it's gonna feel top heavy.
If I had to guess, I would say you're looking at ~300 pounds, give or take 50.
TEKNYNE:
Hey here is a good site for MVS info http://www.hardmvs.com/, it has the differences in standard JAMMA next to the MVS. I think Solidteezme meant a 6 slot MVS board, they are cool but be aware that they have issues do to the complexity. 2 and 4 slots are more reliable. I would keep it/ restore if possible and throw a JAMMA selector in there for other games or a PC.
TEKNYNE