Thinking about a Neo Geo MAME cabinet...

[ferrarimanf355]

Hi fellas, it's me again, I got some free time and decided to post this idea here. I'm thinking about getting a Neo Geo cabinet and turning it into a MAME machine designed to play all of the Neo Geo games. I'm thinking about getting a Mini-ITX motherboard and mounting it permanantly into the cab and using a Ultimarc J-Pac to wire it all up. I would then restore it to like-new condition and install Happs Perfect 360 Optical and SlikStik stainless steel bat-top handles.

So, good idea? What can I do better? Comments welcome.  

[darktemp]

I would stick with the black handles.  Cheaper and more authentic looking.

[ferrarimanf355]

I would stick with the black handles.  Cheaper and more authentic looking.

OK. I just thought that the stainless steel handles were rather cool looking, but if the black handles are better, then I'll go that route.

[paigeoliver]

What would be really cool is to skip the front end and write a batch file that launches one game when the last one exits, so your game select button will just cycle through the games.

[ferrarimanf355]

What would be really cool is to skip the front end and write a batch file that launches one game when the last one exits, so your game select button will just cycle through the games.

Hm, I don't know about that, since the Neo Geo has over 120 games in it's library. Perhaps you can use the front end to choose a select amount of games, and use the select button to cycle through them? For example, suppose I buy a six slot MVS cab to use for this project. Theoretically, then, I can use a front end to select six games, and write a batch file to use the select button to cycle through the six games. It would be perfect if you think about it, since the goal is to make it look as arcade-like as possible.   Alas, I don't know how to write a batch file, so it's a front end for me.

[Bgnome]

tha wouldnt work with a batch file.
the batch file would run the next line when the first program ends.  it would ony cycle to the next program if you exited out of the game AND the frontend.
the way PO put it, you would run the emulator command line for a particular game, the game select button would quit out of the emu, then the next line in the batch file would run, which presumably would be another instance of the emu with a different game.

i think that if you had a frontend that would recognize that keypress and advance to the next game, that would do it for you..

[ferrarimanf355]

tha wouldnt work with a batch file.
the batch file would run the next line when the first program ends.  it would ony cycle to the next program if you exited out of the game AND the frontend.
the way PO put it, you would run the emulator command line for a particular game, the game select button would quit out of the emu, then the next line in the batch file would run, which presumably would be another instance of the emu with a different game.

i think that if you had a frontend that would recognize that keypress and advance to the next game, that would do it for you..

Well, it sounded good on paper, and I'm certain that there is a front end out there somewhere that can do that. If not, well, I'm certain that it could happen someday, and I don't have a problem with exiting out of the game and using a front end to choose my next game anyways.

What would be cool, though, is if the credit LED's on certain Neo Geo cabs could work with MAME... perhaps the J-Pac holds the key...  

[brained]

Hey if your into NEO GEO, I've made a NEO GEO CPO. It has an MVS theme. It's posted in the artwork forum and Mahuti uploaded it to the vector artwork library. In anyways if you want it I can mail it to you.

[Darkstalker]

"What would be cool, though, is if the credit LED's on certain Neo Geo cabs could work with MAME... perhaps the J-Pac holds the key..."

Or the game selection light in the marquee...Would be sweet to have an LCD marquee that changes based on the game you're playing...

[ferrarimanf355]

Hey if your into NEO GEO, I've made a NEO GEO CPO. It has an MVS theme. It's posted in the artwork forum and Mahuti uploaded it to the vector artwork library. In anyways if you want it I can mail it to you.

Thanks a million. I found the thread in the artwork forum.   Can you get the MVS sideart (not the "Neo Geo System"sideart) and the "left player/ right player" artwork? That would be really nice as well.  

[ferrarimanf355]

OK, let's talk hardware here now a little. I was thinking about using a VIA EPIA II Mini-ITX mainboard with a 1.2 Ghz processor, like the one here:
http://www.logicsupply.com/product_info.php/cPath/21/products_id/209
I'd then use an Archos Mini HDD to store all the critical info on my cab, like the one here:
http://www.archos.com/products/prw_500455.html
Since the mainboard has USB 2.0 ports, and the Mini HDD draws power from the USB 2.0 port, that's one less cable to worry about.  
Speaking of power, how would I power the mainboard? Can I use the cable on the harness that connects the Neo Geo PCB and connect that to the mainboard?

[Witchboard]

I think you board is a little overkill.  I run Neo-Geo games with NeoRageX just fine on an older (cheaper) mini-ITX board.  I wouldn't think MAME would require much more.  You won't find a Neo-Geo game that requires anything that fast.  Also,  why would you spend all that money on that hard drive?  You're having a full size cab right?  Is there a reason why the hard drive has to be miniture also?  If so, you should consider a laptop hard drive with a 3.5" to 2.5" converter.  That's how I did my project and it works great.  I would just use a standard ATX power supply.  I have a smaller power supply that runs around 50 watts and I haven't had a problem.

Here's my question.  Are you going to run the arcade monitor or replace it with a computer monitor or TV?  You'll have to remember that Mini-ITX boards don't come with an available AGP slot.

I guess you answered my question with the "J-PAC" statement.  

[Nephus]

well, you've picked the same system I'm wanting to put into my project, except I'm just gonna use a drive I've got laying around.  It might be a little overkill for just Neo games, but I'm building an all-around system.  Good choice on boards.

[Gameboy.au]

No real comment about the idea, but maybe some inspiration.

I loved SNK's Neo Geo so much, that my cab will have interchange control panels, one just for the NEO-GEO style layout.

Got the sign writer out a litle while ago now.....

[ferrarimanf355]

I think you board is a little overkill.  I run Neo-Geo games with NeoRageX just fine on an older (cheaper) mini-ITX board.  I wouldn't think MAME would require much more.  You won't find a Neo-Geo game that requires anything that fast.  Also,  why would you spend all that money on that hard drive?  You're having a full size cab right?  Is there a reason why the hard drive has to be miniture also?  If so, you should consider a laptop hard drive with a 3.5" to 2.5" converter.  That's how I did my project and it works great.  I would just use a standard ATX power supply.  I have a smaller power supply that runs around 50 watts and I haven't had a problem.

Here's my question.  Are you going to run the arcade monitor or replace it with a computer monitor or TV?  You'll have to remember that Mini-ITX boards don't come with an available AGP slot.

I guess you answered my question with the "J-PAC" statement.  

Thx for the comments. I was thinking about using that HDD because I can do updates just by unplugging it from the cab, plugging it into my lappy to do updates, and plugging it back in into the cab. As for NeoRageX, if I can run all of the Neo games on that, and if there's a good frontend to use for that emu, I'll go ahead and use that. If the 1.2Ghz mobo is overkill, perhaps I should just get the fanless 600 Mhz mobo with an onboard DC-DC converter, like this one here:
http://www.logicsupply.com/product_info.php/cPath/21/products_id/175
As for using a dedicated power supply for the mobo, I'll do that, as long as I can do it neatly and not drill a hole in the back to get the cord to the power strip (might as well use a Bits Ltd. Smart Strip if I'm going this route... )
Mind you all, this is just a pipe dream at the moment, but once I get around to doing this, I'll keep all of this in mind as I make my choices. BYOAC'ers are truly the best.  

[brained]

Do you want this side art:




if this is what you want, It's in the control panel artwork, I've traced the MVS and it's multi whatever fonts. And The NEO GEO font it's just Times New Roman. But anyways i'm glad to help.

And this:

[Witchboard]

I think you board is a little overkill.  I run Neo-Geo games with NeoRageX just fine on an older (cheaper) mini-ITX board.  I wouldn't think MAME would require much more.  You won't find a Neo-Geo game that requires anything that fast.  Also,  why would you spend all that money on that hard drive?  You're having a full size cab right?  Is there a reason why the hard drive has to be miniture also?  If so, you should consider a laptop hard drive with a 3.5" to 2.5" converter.  That's how I did my project and it works great.  I would just use a standard ATX power supply.  I have a smaller power supply that runs around 50 watts and I haven't had a problem.

Here's my question.  Are you going to run the arcade monitor or replace it with a computer monitor or TV?  You'll have to remember that Mini-ITX boards don't come with an available AGP slot.

I guess you answered my question with the "J-PAC" statement.  

Thx for the comments. I was thinking about using that HDD because I can do updates just by unplugging it from the cab, plugging it into my lappy to do updates, and plugging it back in into the cab. As for NeoRageX, if I can run all of the Neo games on that, and if there's a good frontend to use for that emu, I'll go ahead and use that. If the 1.2Ghz mobo is overkill, perhaps I should just get the fanless 600 Mhz mobo with an onboard DC-DC converter, like this one here:
http://www.logicsupply.com/product_info.php/cPath/21/products_id/175
As for using a dedicated power supply for the mobo, I'll do that, as long as I can do it neatly and not drill a hole in the back to get the cord to the power strip (might as well use a Bits Ltd. Smart Strip if I'm going this route... )
Mind you all, this is just a pipe dream at the moment, but once I get around to doing this, I'll keep all of this in mind as I make my choices. BYOAC'ers are truly the best.  

If you're wanting all the Neo-Geo games, I wouldn't suggest NRX.  It's good and fast, but doesn't support some of the games due to the fact that it doesn't do linescrolling.  Plus all the newer games need to be hacked  to work with NRX and the sets may be harder to find.  It hasn't been officially updated in years.  I would stick with MAME.

If you insist on spending around $200 I would suggest going with your first motherboard.  It's twice as fast for only $20 more.

PS: Gameboy, please resize or link to your pic.  It's very large.

[ferrarimanf355]

Do you want this side art:




if this is what you want, It's in the control panel artwork, I've traced the MVS and it's multi whatever fonts. And The NEO GEO font it's just Times New Roman. But anyways i'm glad to help.

And this:

Yeah, that's what I want. Good thing that you have some of the sideart in that zip file. The left player/right player graphics are in there too? I think I can get that SNK logo from mahuti's website... that's not a problem...

[brained]

Hey Ferrari, I've made the templates that you told me .. .

These Files are in Visio Format.

Ohh.. this file is a .zip file, so rename the .txt extension  

Post some pics when you get your thing done

[ferrarimanf355]

Hey Ferrari, I've made the templates that you told me .. .

These Files are in Visio Format.

Ohh.. this file is a .zip file, so rename the .txt extension  

Post some pics when you get your thing done

Thanks a bunch. If I ever get around to this and do it, I'll be more than happy to post a few pics when I'm done.

[paigeoliver]

Um guys, why are you printing up Neo Geo artwork, the NOS stuff is super available and really cheap, on ebay constantly.

[brained]

hmmm. dunno, I had extra time and made it
The process was really fun, BYOCA
Build Your Own Cab Artwork  

[ferrarimanf355]

hmmm. dunno, I had extra time and made it
The process was really fun, BYOCA
Build Your Own Cab Artwork  

I was thinking along the same lines. Besides, I don't trust Ebay, and it's more rewarding to DIY. That's the whole purpose of this website, right?  

Oh, and brained, the SNK logo on that arcade art website is blue. I want the white-on-red one with the S logo next to it, like the one on the cab pics you posted. That would be great. TIA!

[brained]

Ferrari man the artwork I gave you can be any color. It's a vector artwork made in visio. So when you open the file just click the artwork and change the color with the paint bucket. I put the artwork in a blue color for you can see it. But just change the color and you set to go.

Oh, I recommend you to use Vinyl cutting for the Logos and LEFT PLAYER RIGHt PLAYER THINGY, just use white vinyl and paint your cab RED .

Btw, I'm not gonna paint my cab, just going to cover it with vinyl, i think it's cooler than paint.
 

[ferrarimanf355]

Ferrari man the artwork I gave you can be any color. It's a vector artwork made in visio. So when you open the file just click the artwork and change the color with the paint bucket. I put the artwork in a blue color for you can see it. But just change the color and you set to go.

Oh, I recommend you to use Vinyl cutting for the Logos and LEFT PLAYER RIGHt PLAYER THINGY, just use white vinyl and paint your cab RED .

Btw, I'm not gonna paint my cab, just going to cover it with vinyl, i think it's cooler than paint.
 

I was thinking about using laminate. Is that good?

[brained]

I don't really know :S.. It all depends on taste.