"Neo Geo" Cocktail...

[my58vw]

Hello all,

Looking at my current room situation, I found that a cocktail would suit my style and space requirements for now. I have always loved the "pacman" cocktail cabs when I was growing up, and wanted to build one. A few weeks ago I was looking at cocktail designs online and came across this, a "neo geo" cocktail - and I knew right away I had to build one.



In his design, a WG (or simular) 25 inch monitor was used - beautiful size in a cocktail, abit a little large. Being 6'6" no standard cocktail will work so I am designing my own. For mine, I am choosing either of these options...

1. WG (or simular) 25 inch arcade monitor attached to a JAMMA interface, adapted (how?) to a neo geo MVS 1 slot board.

2. A WG or Benson 27 inch multisync monitor attached to a PC interface via ArcadeVGA (PCI-E), Althlon 64 3400+, 1 GB DDR, WIN XP, etc.

Each option ends up costing about the same (approximatly 1400 dollars) based on current "ebay", and other prices for parts, the neogeo stock parts buying the following games (Metal Slug 1,2,3,4,5,X; Bust a Move, and 1 - 2 KOF games), vs. the more expensive comp and multisync monitors. The "legit" option sounds better to me, for the legality issues (we will not go there too much) of ROMs vs original MVS carts.

Now if I go NEO GEO which single slot do I need? - i.e. does the "JAMMA" Neo Geo board really plug and play to JAMMA harness or do I have to modify the stock harness (JAMMA)? Also can I just buy a arcade PS or do I need to modify one? Is attaching a  25 inch monitor as easy as hooking up the Vsync, power, et al?

Thank You all as usual?

[CheffoJeffo]

Now if I go NEO GEO which single slot do I need? - i.e. does the "JAMMA" Neo Geo board really plug and play to JAMMA harness or do I have to modify the stock harness (JAMMA)? Also can I just buy a arcade PS or do I need to modify one? Is attaching a  25 inch monitor as easy as hooking up the Vsync, power, et al?

Short but sweet answer ... Yes, yes and yes.

Cheers.

[my58vw]

Thank You for the help. I got on the MVS (hardmvs) and they show how to wire the "jamma" connector to neo geo, but they also show modifying the PS - is this really necessary if you get someting like this http://www.happcontrols.com/powersupplies/80021000.htm ?

Thank You

[davieboynj]

I don't really see the point of making a cocktail if you're only going to be using it from a horizontal standpoint.  If you're hung up on both I would definitely change the angle on the monitor, tilt it at least a 15 deg angle underneath the level glass, or as much as you can go before the tube hits the back wall. 

I have a cocktail, and i just know it's not the most comfortable thing for a large screen and horizontal.  Have you considered a lowboy?

[my58vw]

So that is what it is called ? :

I was split between that, and this -



That might be a better option.... I could even make it sit down if I wanted...

[davieboynj]

that's it. not much more wood, and a lot more comfort/visibility.  If you want to make a sit-down, you should take measurements from a candy cab and design a woody from them.  it should be basically a shorter, thinner lowboy with a shelf CP. 

any of the three ideas are good, but the lowboy will have a lot of history on its side.  they're easy to make, and there are a bunch of plans available.  the other ones you'll be trailblazing, even if in a small way. 

I still kinda like the idea of the tilted screen inside the cocktail - - definitely unique...  i don't believe i've ever seen anything like that.  the angles would be something you would really want to think about - - draw out, etc...  but i think it would be really rewarding. 

[CheffoJeffo]

I still kinda like the idea of the tilted screen inside the cocktail - - definitely unique...  i don't believe i've ever seen anything like that.  the angles would be something you would really want to think about - - draw out, etc...  but i think it would be really rewarding. 

The monitors in Joust cocktails are tilted and the effect is really nice. I never experience any fatigue (and my son likes to play for hours on end) as I do on my 3-sided MAME cocktail.

I will be posting some pics soon in the Joust Cocktail Plans thread that may come in handy here

Cheers.

[my58vw]

I have no problem trailblazing, I have lots of experience in cad (traditional and "sketchup"). I would model the cab 100% before even thinking of building it, just to know that it would work fine.

Sitdown for me in not a prereq, but a smaller cab is... and btw, at 6'6" nothing for me can be built from "plans".

For a decicated NEO GEO this may win... just need to decide on JAMMA single slot of 4/6 slot NEO GEO build...

[davieboynj]

Sitdown for me in not a prereq, but a smaller cab is... and btw, at 6'6" nothing for me can be built from "plans".

6'5"...  I know the feeling. 

For a decicated NEO GEO this may win... just need to decide on JAMMA single slot of 4/6 slot NEO GEO build...

is that even a question?  sports/metal slug/fighter/shooting/puzzle/platform...  you need 6!

[davieboynj]

The monitors in Joust cocktails are tilted and the effect is really nice. I never experience any fatigue (and my son likes to play for hours on end) as I do on my 3-sided MAME cocktail.

I did not know that.  I was wondering how those could be comfortable....