I got too excited, so I forgot to take pics along the way. Doesn't matter though. After completing the install, the thing didn't work. It DOES power on, but there's no video.
I've posted for help. I'm hoping I can resolve this thing on my next day off.
Ugh...
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
More stuff...
Finished up some more installation stuff from the other night and tonight.
Here's back part of the panel of the MZ1F. Holes drilled and bored for audio and various video outputs.
All jacks screwed in and kinda in line.
Just because it was advised by another modder at JNX.com, I've added a fuse holder (holding a 2A fuse) inline with the power jack. Here they are on the left side of the MV1F's cartridge guide.
And now, the power switch.
Here's the underside...really tight under the power switch (far right contacts)
The next night, I decided to solder up the wiring for the power adapter. It goes from the +5V from the adapter's center to the fuse holder. From the fuse holder to one side of the power switch. From the power switch, to the +5V point on the MV1F.
I also managed to get all the ground points all looped together for the audio and video outputs.
(insert pic of wired back panel)
There's more to come. It's almost at the homestretch, but I still have to get a few more parts.
Here's back part of the panel of the MZ1F. Holes drilled and bored for audio and various video outputs.
All jacks screwed in and kinda in line.
Just because it was advised by another modder at JNX.com, I've added a fuse holder (holding a 2A fuse) inline with the power jack. Here they are on the left side of the MV1F's cartridge guide.
And now, the power switch.
Here's the underside...really tight under the power switch (far right contacts)
The next night, I decided to solder up the wiring for the power adapter. It goes from the +5V from the adapter's center to the fuse holder. From the fuse holder to one side of the power switch. From the power switch, to the +5V point on the MV1F.
I also managed to get all the ground points all looped together for the audio and video outputs.
(insert pic of wired back panel)
There's more to come. It's almost at the homestretch, but I still have to get a few more parts.
Friday, January 13, 2012
And so it begins...
I got the encoder from JKurtz the other day, so I'm all set to go.
First of, here's the Neo Geo MV-1F that I got through Neo-Geo.com's sales forum...and from here on end, please forgive the camphone pics, bear with the quality for a bit.
Here's where I'm replacing the original MVS BIOS with Razoola's UniBIOS.
The Universe BIOS (UniBIOS)
Raz mentions using a small screwdriver to remove the original BIOS from the socket. I used my IC pullers...since I had them.
Here's the original BIOS removed from the socket.
Something that could have been avoided, but sometimes it just happens, since the package came from Finland. Some of the pins have bent out of whack. Easy fix, though.
Using my trusty Leatherman (well, it was my wife's Leatherman, but whatever), I used the pliers to get the pins straightened. Then used the level surface of the table to get all the pins aligned.
Then all I did was insert it CAREFULLY back into the socket. I pushed down on both sides of the BIOS and then firmly pushed down on the center of it. Then I did a quick double check to make sure all the pins were placed correctly in the socket.
I took the original BIOS and placed it in the package that the UniBIOS came in; a nice little matchbox!
So, for the controller, I decided to try and function my own controller. I went to Goodwill and found a pair of PC controllers that used the same DB15 connector that the Neo Geo uses. Luckily, it had both a male and female connection to it. I'm planning to hack them just so I can have basic controls for at least the initial test of my CMVS, since the PC control scheme is different from the Neo Geo's. Also, a standard DB15 is too short to work with a direct Neo Geo controller port. Again, luckily, a website belonging to MMMonkey had a cool hack to a DB15 to make it work with the Neo Geo port.
Here's my hacked DB15.
(insert pic of DB15)
Well, there' s more to come. Next up, I need to figure out where to tap the necessary RGB, Sync, +5V, and Ground. Jamma-Nation-X.com has a tutorial for that, but it shows an MV-1FZ being used and shows the points for what I need, which all are on the bottom of the board. I, on the other hand, will be taking it from the top (component side, in JAMMA terms) of the board. Hopefully I can get that AND all the power and whatnot ready to go.
Stay tuned, I guess.
First of, here's the Neo Geo MV-1F that I got through Neo-Geo.com's sales forum...and from here on end, please forgive the camphone pics, bear with the quality for a bit.
Here's where I'm replacing the original MVS BIOS with Razoola's UniBIOS.
The Universe BIOS (UniBIOS)
Raz mentions using a small screwdriver to remove the original BIOS from the socket. I used my IC pullers...since I had them.
Here's the original BIOS removed from the socket.
Something that could have been avoided, but sometimes it just happens, since the package came from Finland. Some of the pins have bent out of whack. Easy fix, though.
Using my trusty Leatherman (well, it was my wife's Leatherman, but whatever), I used the pliers to get the pins straightened. Then used the level surface of the table to get all the pins aligned.
Then all I did was insert it CAREFULLY back into the socket. I pushed down on both sides of the BIOS and then firmly pushed down on the center of it. Then I did a quick double check to make sure all the pins were placed correctly in the socket.
I took the original BIOS and placed it in the package that the UniBIOS came in; a nice little matchbox!
So, for the controller, I decided to try and function my own controller. I went to Goodwill and found a pair of PC controllers that used the same DB15 connector that the Neo Geo uses. Luckily, it had both a male and female connection to it. I'm planning to hack them just so I can have basic controls for at least the initial test of my CMVS, since the PC control scheme is different from the Neo Geo's. Also, a standard DB15 is too short to work with a direct Neo Geo controller port. Again, luckily, a website belonging to MMMonkey had a cool hack to a DB15 to make it work with the Neo Geo port.
Here's my hacked DB15.
(insert pic of DB15)
Well, there' s more to come. Next up, I need to figure out where to tap the necessary RGB, Sync, +5V, and Ground. Jamma-Nation-X.com has a tutorial for that, but it shows an MV-1FZ being used and shows the points for what I need, which all are on the bottom of the board. I, on the other hand, will be taking it from the top (component side, in JAMMA terms) of the board. Hopefully I can get that AND all the power and whatnot ready to go.
Stay tuned, I guess.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Moar!
So, I got my UniBIOS from Razoola the other day. Just got an email from Jeff and my Neobitz encoder is on its way. I'd be lying if I didn't say I was excited. Still haven't solved that controller thing, but that'll be easy to remedy...I hope.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Almost there...
Just ordered my UniBIOS for my CMVS, now in the email process on getting the last, most important thing: The NTSC Video Encoder! I just shot an email to Jeff Kurtz, creator of the Neobitz Video Encoder (Neobitz.com). As soon as I get that ordered, then it's ON!
EDIT: I just received an email from Jeff. Luckily, he was running a promo on them, so I got the board $10 less than the usual cost. SWEET! Build time, baby!
EDIT: I just received an email from Jeff. Luckily, he was running a promo on them, so I got the board $10 less than the usual cost. SWEET! Build time, baby!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Parts, schmarts...
Something about Mouser.com's way of shipping confuses me. I wish it'd be more upfront with shipping prices rather than a "guesstimate".
Anywho, I finally got the parts I ordered from them: RCA Jacks color coded for component inputs (I already had some for S-Video, Composite, and Audio from a previous order), power switch, power adapter jack, and the +5V, 3A power adapter needed to power this sucker up.
Other than the adapter, I ordered 2 of each component for a possible second CMVS project. As much as I like the MV1F I got, I'm aiming for a MV2 shortly after this project finishes.
As to completing the enclosure, I'm gonna order a custom cut bottom and rear panel from TAP Plastics here in Portland. As for the rest (I don't wanna have exposed circuitry with kids around), I'm thinking some cutting, forming, bondo, and paint would finish up the front and sides of this thing.
...another thing about the MV1F I'm kinda loathing is the controller inputs are on the side...Yes, I knew about that going in. I'm devising a plan so the controller inputs are moved to the front. I may have to go to Fry's Electronics to go pick up 2 male DB15's to compensate that. I might as well pick up more color coded wire while I'm there, too.
Anywho, I finally got the parts I ordered from them: RCA Jacks color coded for component inputs (I already had some for S-Video, Composite, and Audio from a previous order), power switch, power adapter jack, and the +5V, 3A power adapter needed to power this sucker up.
Other than the adapter, I ordered 2 of each component for a possible second CMVS project. As much as I like the MV1F I got, I'm aiming for a MV2 shortly after this project finishes.
As to completing the enclosure, I'm gonna order a custom cut bottom and rear panel from TAP Plastics here in Portland. As for the rest (I don't wanna have exposed circuitry with kids around), I'm thinking some cutting, forming, bondo, and paint would finish up the front and sides of this thing.
...another thing about the MV1F I'm kinda loathing is the controller inputs are on the side...Yes, I knew about that going in. I'm devising a plan so the controller inputs are moved to the front. I may have to go to Fry's Electronics to go pick up 2 male DB15's to compensate that. I might as well pick up more color coded wire while I'm there, too.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
More parts ordered....
So, I figured I should do a quick build before I even contemplate doing the "case", as it were, for my CMVS. I've just ordered the connectors and an adapter for the sucker. What's cool is I found an adapter that isn't one of those "Wall Warts". It's a notebook style adapter that uses those standard power cables that you use for your computer. WAY COOL! Thanks, Mouser.com!
Anyway, along with that, I got more RCA connectors for component inputs, a jack for the adapter, and a simple on/off switch. It was suggested by James (Xian Xi of Neo-Geo.com and Jamma-Nation-X.com) to also put a fuse inline with the power. I'm planning on just getting one from Radio Shack, simple enough. If they don't have one (which I really wouldn't be surprised if they didn't), whelp, internet, here I come again.
On the list still are 2 more main components: The UniBIOS from Razoola, and the Neobitz video encoder from Jeff Kurtz. These are needed to at least connect the CMVS to my HDTV and also eliminate the need for extra buttons for test mode, etc.
...still need a controller though...mmmonkey.co.uk has a buildup that uses an SNES controller and a standard DB15 connector as one...might look into doing that.
Anyway, the plan now is as soon as I can get all the parts gathered up, I'm just gonna do a quick mockup connection to make sure that the board is ok, although the guy I bought it from (Big Bear from Neo-Geo.com) had it tested and working, shit happens during shipping, which I hope is not the case here.
Anyway, along with that, I got more RCA connectors for component inputs, a jack for the adapter, and a simple on/off switch. It was suggested by James (Xian Xi of Neo-Geo.com and Jamma-Nation-X.com) to also put a fuse inline with the power. I'm planning on just getting one from Radio Shack, simple enough. If they don't have one (which I really wouldn't be surprised if they didn't), whelp, internet, here I come again.
On the list still are 2 more main components: The UniBIOS from Razoola, and the Neobitz video encoder from Jeff Kurtz. These are needed to at least connect the CMVS to my HDTV and also eliminate the need for extra buttons for test mode, etc.
...still need a controller though...mmmonkey.co.uk has a buildup that uses an SNES controller and a standard DB15 connector as one...might look into doing that.
Anyway, the plan now is as soon as I can get all the parts gathered up, I'm just gonna do a quick mockup connection to make sure that the board is ok, although the guy I bought it from (Big Bear from Neo-Geo.com) had it tested and working, shit happens during shipping, which I hope is not the case here.
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