Neo Geo MVS-4-25 (ver. 3) Restoration Project ++new buttons 11/12/08++

[tomdotcom]

Well I just started my first ever arcade restoration. I got a MVS-4-25 (ver. 3) Neo Geo Cab (4 slot) for 350 Canadian. It came with Metal Slug 2, League Bowling, King of Fighters 96, and Supersidekicks 2.

Overall it's in awesome shape just needs a few tweaks to get it back to newish condition. So far I've installed 2 new coin light bulbs, installed a new female power connector on the back of the machine as the previous owner had some mickey mouse job done. Cleaned everything top to bottom, glass, gum, vacuumed inside,etc Installed 2 new coin door locks, as well I took off the big honkin coin door metal plate that you could use to lock up the front. I've got a line on some new decals thanks to eccs19 and Malenko. I also printed out a new Metal Slug 2 marquee as the old one was just a white piece of paper.

Definately want to throw a huge thanks out to Malenko for answering all my questions I have about my new red baby!

Things to do:
Repaint sides red and bottom black including some wood touchups
Install marquee lights for marquees/neo geo logo
Get new corner protectors for cabinet
Install new cabinet levelers
Buy more games!
Replace monitor bevel as it is old and ripped
Replace all buttons, they are in decent shape, but new is better (source for these???)
Adjust monitor (the left and right sides are cut off) What do I need to adjust? I found the monitor adjustment panel it had a vertical size but not horizontal??
Replace decals on front and sides
Figure out how to change the dipswitch to freeplay?? Where exactly is it? I read the service manual and it shows them on the lefthand side but I can't see them..

Here's some pics of it:

[Cyberflexx]

I have that same one.  I got mine working with an old AT computer power supply.  Your cabinet art looks better than mine.

Buttons and joys can be bought from www.happcontrols.com  If i remmeber correctly the DIP switches are software driven.  I'll have to look at mine tomorrow for you.  there is a button in the coin door area where the coin counter is and  that gets you to this menu, well on mine anyway but I will double check.

I have Metal Slug 2 and Metal Slug X, Samurai Showdown, Puzzle Bobble, World Hereos, Magician Lord, Nam 1975, Rally X, and a couple other carts that I cant remmeber right now..

enjoy that neo!

[Cyberflexx]

This is a good site for information.

http://www.hardmvs.com/

http://www.hardmvs.com/html/wiring.htm  this page helped me alot

[tomdotcom]

In the manual it says the dip switches are on the side of the neo board. The test screen only shows what they are set at I believe. Thanks for the help guys, I know these sites quite well. I;ve been around the scene for a LONG time..just my first experience with a Neogeo Cab. Having fun getting it all back to 100 percent..well maybe 90 percent I'll aim for haha.

[tomdotcom]

I can't seem to figure out how to adjust the monitor properly, the picture is cut off on the left and right, there is a vertical size adjust under the CP, but I don't see one for horizontal??

That hardMVS site definately helps a ton! It's one of the first one's I found when I first got the cabinet..

[tomdotcom]

What's the deal with these carts? Are they legit? Frowned on? Rare?

NEO-GEO 48in1 CARTRIDGE - JAMMA
BRAND NEW, NEO-GEO 48in1 JAMMA Cartridge. Simply plug it into your MVS system and select from 48 games to play. THIS IS THE ULTIMATE CARTRIDGE for your NEO-GEO system. The games are 100% arcade versions, not unreliable clones or copies.

GAMES INCLUDED:

1. KOF 2002 SUPER       25.KOF 2002 Magic Plus 
2. SVC Chaos Plus       26.KOF2004 SE
3. Strikers 1945 Plus   27.KOF 10th Extra Plus
4. KOF 10th Unique II   28.KOF 2001 Plus
5. KOF 97 Plus          29.CTH2003
6. King of Gladiator    30.NITD
7. Metal Slug 3         31.Baseball Stars 2
8. Metal Slug 6 plus    32.Alpha Mission II
9. KOF 2002 Magic II    33.Rage of Dragons
10.Neo Bomber Man       34.Metal Slug 4 Plus
11.The Ultimate 11      35.Samurai Showdown IV
12.Zupapa               36.Sengoku 3
13.Double Dragon Plus   37.NEO Drift out
14.Aero Fighter 2       38.Spin Master
15.Street Hoop          39.Neo TURF Masters
16.Puzzle Bobble        40.3 Count Bout
17.KOF 2002 Classic     41.Rage of Dragons Plus
18.KOF 2004 SE Plus     42.Neo Geo Cup 98
19.KOF 10th Classic     43.Burning Fight
20.KOF 2001             44.Karnov’s Revenge
21.CTH Super Plus       45.Last Resort
22.Metal Slug X         46.Neo Mr. Do
23.Mark of the Wolves   47.Robo Army
24.Prehistoric ISLE 2   48.Puzzle De Pon

Legal Notification.
This cartridge does not use any emulator or MAME type front-end, therefore, it does not violate any IP rights.

[tomdotcom]

For the monitor do I need to adjust the Horizontal Size Coil L1 on the monitor? Just reading through the wg-k7000 monitor manual and I found that. But I have little to no experience with arcade monitors. Like I said above the sides of my picture are cut off a fair bit so I need to adjust the picture in horizontally. Any tips or pointers would be greatly appreciated!!

[Malenko]

Legal Notification.
This cartridge does not use any emulator or MAME type front-end, therefore, it does not violate any IP rights.

That's BS. they are basically carts that are menu driven to load the MVS ROM data. It doesn't violate MAME's IP cause its not using MAME but it is violating SNK/Playmore's IP and who over owns the rights to the various games on the cart. The carts aren't legit, frowned upon, and most certainly NOT rare

if the picture is too wide you need to replace the horizontal width cap, check the monitor section or ask Ken Layton

That cab is already at 90%; leaps and bounds better then what I started with.

[tomdotcom]

Ya I figured so. I'll stick with the originals. I've played a ton of neo games on mame and in arcades over the years and here's a list of some I'm looking into buying so far, slowly of course haha

Pop n bounce
Shock troopers
View Point
WAku WAku 7
Baseball Stars 2
Samurai Shodown IV
Neo Turf Masters
Neo Bomberman
blazing star
All Metal Slugs (own #2 already)

[Malenko]

Pop n bounce
Shock troopers
View Point
WAku WAku 7
Baseball Stars 2
Samurai Shodown IV
Neo Turf Masters
Neo Bomberman
blazing star
All Metal Slugs (own #2 already)

Shoulda got ahold of me a few months ago before I practically gave away my MVS collection. I had all those except blazing star, viewpoint, turf masters (well I have the AES cart) and I had Shock Troopers 2.  The funniest thing about that carts game list is the fact  1/2 the list is hacked romsets

[tomdotcom]

So what exactly is a hacked romset? That means they are just roms and were never released as original games?

[tomdotcom]

I got the marquee lights installed today..quite the process it turned out to be..I'll add some pics tommorow!! I just need to cut the monitor bezel and it's good enough for now. I'm going to buy some new buttons as well. I won't be doing any CP decals or paint until spring when it warms up again. Now to find some decent priced carts to add to it!! Thx for all the help Malenko! I'm sure I'll have some more questions for you sooner or later hehe

[tomdotcom]

Here's a few pics with the new marquee lights. I just used 2 flourescent under cabinet style lights. The whole light pivots so you can point it whichever direction you want, up to a point. I had to cut away some of the wood in the front to let the light through. The lights just have standard plugs on them. I drilled a hole in the back of the cab 1 1/8 to allow the plugs to plug into the powerbar. The powerbar is mounted beside the machine and one flick turns everything on or off. I need to reprint the metal slug 2 marquee because I used photo paper and it barely lets any light through. Anyhow enough babblin here's a few crappy pics.. I was too lazy to get the tripod out for some steadier shots..sorry haha

[Cyberflexx]

Can you take a picture under the hood of that marquee. i have to do the same thing to mine.  Just wondered how you mounted the lights and how much of that board you had to cut away.

On another note.  I see you have a Lund boat in your garage. You bass fish?  I have a Ranger 519VX in mine and I had a Smokercraft in mine, but my buddy is keeping it in his garage for me until I can get it sold.

[tomdotcom]

Sure no problem...I had to cut away ALOT of the wood..I'll take some pics tonight for you..I just unhooked the speakers and pulled that wood piece right out of the machine and used a jigsaw to chop it down to size..

We fish for salmon, rainbow trout, brook trout, that kinda thing. I'm in Southern BC Canada. We actually went Sturgeon fishing a couple months back. Huge friggin fish!!

[tomdotcom]

Here ya go Cyberflex..I installed one light up top onto the roof of the cab and the 2nd light I just cut a piece of wood and installed it with some L brackets.

[tomdotcom]

Looks kinda like a robot face now that I look at it hahah,,silly

[Cyberflexx]

Thanks for the pictures.. I am going to do the same thing to mine.  those LCD light panels are hard to find, and when you do, they dont work.  I bought 2 lights from Walmart last night.  I need to get my jigsaw fired up tomorrow when I get home from work...


Thanks again!

[Malenko]

hacked just means they took a legit rom like KOF97 and made it KOF97 Plus with hacks and edits.

I did a similar thing, but I cut the wood differently (and used a small 8" light up top):

[tomdotcom]

Small update I got a new monitor bezel cut..just used some black construction paper from staples..I'm really not sure what is "susposed" to be there for a bezel but it turned out great. Did it on the first try too haha...not that it's very hard

[tomdotcom]

I have noticed that even when I have the sound on full blast on the neo cab that it is still fairly quiet. Is this normal? Or maybe I need new speakers? Loose connection? Is this normal on these cabs? Do I need a certain type of speakers if I was going to replace them? I was reading that it is mono sound or something like that?

==edit== after playing metal slug 2 a bit tonight the sound on it sounds great...i guess league bowling just has a low volume setting or something??

[tomdotcom]

I bought a full set of new buttons for the cab as well as 2 new red happs coin reject buttons from Happs. Will post a pic or two once I get em in. Might redo the control panel overlay sooner then later too..

[Cyberflexx]

Thanks for the pics of the lights.. I did not get time to mod mine last night before it got to late.  I didnt want to be outside with a jigsaw while the neighbors were sleeping.  I have all the parts to make the modification.  I'll try to do that tonight along with the million other things I have going on.  With the wife out of town, I have a honey do list a mile long.

[channelmaniac]

I have noticed that even when I have the sound on full blast on the neo cab that it is still fairly quiet. Is this normal? Or maybe I need new speakers? Loose connection? Is this normal on these cabs? Do I need a certain type of speakers if I was going to replace them? I was reading that it is mono sound or something like that?

==edit== after playing metal slug 2 a bit tonight the sound on it sounds great...i guess league bowling just has a low volume setting or something??

It could also be bad caps in the audio section. That will cause low audio or audio that gets loud/soft at various times.

[eccs19]

Dip switches for free play are on the board itself.  With the board in the machine, it's hard to get to, and hard to see.  I had a heck of a time getting to them on mine.

[tomdotcom]

Thx eccs19 seems mine are that way, they must be pushed back from the edge a bit cause I can't see or feel them anywhere. When I get my new buttons in I think I just might take another look. I don't really want to have to pull the board out just to put it in freeplay. I can just keeping using the service credits button for now.

[Cyberflexx]

Hey listen to this.. i found a free neo geo gold ( wood side 19inch monitor) cabinet not working, but with all parts.  I found it for a friend, same guy who I got my Galaga from.  I told him we'd pick it up so he didnt have to pay a disposal fee   He's going to get it this weekend.  I have a feeling its just the power supply, but not sure.  It will need a bath when it is brought home though, that will be his job, my job will be trying to get it to come on =) will work for pizza..  LOL!!

Thanks again for the pics of the marquee..I had to buy another jigsaw to cut my wood out.  I couldnt find mine..

[tomdotcom]

I had to buy a jigsaw too haha. I have alot of tools, but never did get around to getting a jigsaw. I'd like to build a cocktail cab or a jukebox in the future..so I'm sure it will come in handy again sometime.

[Cyberflexx]

do you have the plans for a cocktail cabinet?  i have them if you need it.

Also if yuou build a jukebox, please feel free to use my plans..

http://www.mameworld.net/massive/How-to/Amp_Install/amp_install.html

Yes.. I wrote that and it does work...I have one installed in my MAME machine..

Let me know what you think of my plans..

[tomdotcom]

I do have some plans for cocktails, I'll take yours too if they're different then what I have already.
email to tomblack@shaw.ca

Thx cyber!

[spanks_4]

I am curious to know how you plan on doing the side art. It seems that it is not paint, but some kind of vinyl or something?

I have seen the sticker's for side art and I think they look horrible.


If you do pull the board again go ahead and slap a pause switch on that bad boy. You can find a small enough switch at Radio Shack that will fit thread the back right bolt hole. It is awesome for when the phone rings or something.

Also the audio problem like CM said sounds like the caps need to be replace *channelmanic should have that kit also*.

Thanks for the pictures of the light mods. I was thinking of doing the same thing, but didn't know how it would turn out.

[Malenko]

I have seen the sticker's for side art and I think they look horrible.

this looks horrible?

[tomdotcom]

Ya my light mod turned out exactly like I wanted it. Only thing I could have done better I think would have been to wire the lights directly to the cabinet. I just use a power bar beside the machine to turn everything on.

I will be painting mine next summer, the decals are kinda plain nothing exciting. But I will be redoing those as well anyways to get it back to new. It does seem like there's vinyl or something on it. Seems like Malenko just used spray paint on his and it looks good. Did you have to sand first Malenko??

I definately have some sound issues. What exactly does this kit involve doing? I can live with the sound if it's too dificult Sometimes the sound volume is low..and then it goes to normal..doesn't get overly loud at all though, but plenty loud enough.

[spanks_4]

No Malenko that looks awesome.  I was talking about the ones that have the bright red vinyl under the letters is horrible.


Doing the sound is just like doing a cap kit to a monitor. PM Channelmanic and he should be able to explain it a little better than I can.

[channelmaniac]

Yeah, sound fluctuations are typcial of a failing cap in the audio section on the MVS. The cap kit is just like replacing caps on a monitor except that the 100uf and 22uf caps have some heavy ground traces and need quite a bit of heat to remove.

It's not too hard if you have a decent soldering and desoldering station - perferably one that is temperature controlled.

Hey - thanks for the pr0ps guys!

Btw: Which 4 slot is it? The MV4 or the MV4F? They take different cap kits. I have the 4F cap kits but am out of the 4. It wouldn't be too hard to put a kit together for you though if you need that one.

Raymond

[tomdotcom]

Hmm probably a bit over my head trying to fix the sound issue I think..if it gets really bad then I'll look into it more..I think I'd end up doing more harm then good if I attempted to repair it haha...Mine is the MV-4F..too bad you didn't live in my hometown so I could have you over for a beer and a sound fix haha Thanks for the help though..

[channelmaniac]

Not a problem. I do lower board sound subsystem repairs for a flat rate of $35 plus shipping if you wish to send it over for me to repair.

RJ

[tomdotcom]

Awesome very good to know! Thanks channel..I might just take you up on that one day

[tomdotcom]

Got my new complete set of pushbuttons and red coin door reject buttons today from Happs!! The buttons were super simple to install took maybe 10 minutes tops, but to replace the coin door reject buttons I had to pull off the entire coin mechanisms. Alot of hassle with little to show for it hah. The little screws were hard to get at with any tools I had but I managed to make it work. The old rejects buttons were super worn out and yellowish, the new ones are nice bright red to match the cabinet. Not much of an update but at least I don't have buttons that stick sometimes anymore

[CheffoJeffo]

Legal Notification.
This cartridge does not use any emulator or MAME type front-end, therefore, it does not violate any IP rights.

That's BS. they are basically carts that are menu driven to load the MVS ROM data. It doesn't violate MAME's IP cause its not using MAME but it is violating SNK/Playmore's IP and who over owns the rights to the various games on the cart. The carts aren't legit, frowned upon, and most certainly NOT rare

I'm late to the party ... I also believe that at least some of the multicarts only work on single slot MVS boards.