Saturday, June 23, 2012
Monday, April 30, 2012
Also to add to my adventures in modding...
I killed my PS2 slim trying to mod it. I think the lasers toast, but meh. I left a note for the future me to take care of.
I also got some swag this past weekend from my wife's cousin. I got a High Definition Graphics Genesis console, a toaster NES, and an Atari 7800. I haven't tested any of them, but I know at least the 7800 powers up. YAY!
I also got some swag this past weekend from my wife's cousin. I got a High Definition Graphics Genesis console, a toaster NES, and an Atari 7800. I haven't tested any of them, but I know at least the 7800 powers up. YAY!
MV2 CMVS pics.
I guess I haven't showed any pics of the MV2 that I consolized, so here's some shots.
The MV2 consolized in all it's semi glory. I still haven't finished the base, but it's an easy make. Since I've taken this pic, I've since added a protector to the JAMMA edge. I have 2 coats of primer and finished the paint job using a hammered look finish spray paint to it.
This is the original shielding. Just sprayed with primer to prevent future rusting. Here, I have all the wiring for connectors done. All connectors are on quick disconnects. So if I needed to get under the hood for some reason, it'll be easier without having the wires all willy-nilly. The left of the pics show the Audio and Video wires, the right of the pic has the power.
Close up of the power section. 2.5mm power jack, power switch, and an inline fuse holder. Not necessarily needed, but installed it for added protection.
Audio and Video connectors. Component video does not work with my Vizio HDTV, but the composite and S-video work just fine.
Close up of the wiring. Yeah, A/V area is a mess, but it works.
RGB connections to the encoder, sync point, and +5V. That large capacitor is long since gone from this project since it was causing a rolling image. Per sage advice on the Neo-Geo.com forums, I moved the sync point from the 470Ω resistor as shown here to the 100Ω resistor above it without the capacitor (that orange thing). Works perfectly.
Closer look at sync and +5V connections. There an area slightly above the +5v connection that used to house a voltage regulator of some sort. Per the JNX tutorial, that was removed, modded under the board for +5V only, and now used as a grounding pin.
I forgot to take a pic of it, but I've also gone and replaced the stock lithium battery used to hold high scores, calendar info, etc. with a CR2032 battery and a battery holder I pilfered off an old computer system board.
That's all for now.
I forgot to take a pic of it, but I've also gone and replaced the stock lithium battery used to hold high scores, calendar info, etc. with a CR2032 battery and a battery holder I pilfered off an old computer system board.
That's all for now.
Monday, April 16, 2012
So, a month or so later...
I finished the MV2 CMVS project. It took a while, but I got it to work.
Why did it take so long?
1. Parts. I gave up buying things that were frivolous for Lent. Work out pretty well. So without that, I was stuck using what I had, which meant recycling from my first project.
2. Painting. I decided to paint up the case to make it look nice. Even after drilling, grinding, sanding, priming, and painting with a hammered finish paint, I still managed to eff it up. There's a tape line edge on the case. It's not bugging the heck out of me, but I know it will eventually. I had a friend back on Maui cut me some vinyl stickers with his plotter to, at least, take some of the focus away from that nasty line.
3. Acrylic Base. Even after checking my measurements 3 times, I managed to get every spot drilled incorrectly. No only that, though. I had bought some low profile standoffs to prop the board up no more than 1/4" high. I thought they'd be ok just using standard PC screws...nope. Ugh.
4. Wiring. To make it easy for me to open the top case to change the battery or whatnot, I used some disconnects within the wiring. It was just cumbersome getting everything prepped, but it was well worth it in the end.
5. Testing. I actually finished the project on April 15th..really early in the morning. Now, when I tested the board when I first got it, it worked fine. I took the connectors from the MV-1F CMVS and used them temporarily on the MV2. Worked then. After getting #4 done, I got a rolling image (like the vertical hold wasn't working). After some brain rest and posting to Neo-Geo.com, I took out a component and soldered the Sync wire from one point to another and like magic, the scrolling is gone.
Anywho, I'm pretty much 99% done. It's just the base that needs to be done. But yeah, when that's done in this coming week, pics are going up.
Why did it take so long?
1. Parts. I gave up buying things that were frivolous for Lent. Work out pretty well. So without that, I was stuck using what I had, which meant recycling from my first project.
2. Painting. I decided to paint up the case to make it look nice. Even after drilling, grinding, sanding, priming, and painting with a hammered finish paint, I still managed to eff it up. There's a tape line edge on the case. It's not bugging the heck out of me, but I know it will eventually. I had a friend back on Maui cut me some vinyl stickers with his plotter to, at least, take some of the focus away from that nasty line.
3. Acrylic Base. Even after checking my measurements 3 times, I managed to get every spot drilled incorrectly. No only that, though. I had bought some low profile standoffs to prop the board up no more than 1/4" high. I thought they'd be ok just using standard PC screws...nope. Ugh.
4. Wiring. To make it easy for me to open the top case to change the battery or whatnot, I used some disconnects within the wiring. It was just cumbersome getting everything prepped, but it was well worth it in the end.
5. Testing. I actually finished the project on April 15th..really early in the morning. Now, when I tested the board when I first got it, it worked fine. I took the connectors from the MV-1F CMVS and used them temporarily on the MV2. Worked then. After getting #4 done, I got a rolling image (like the vertical hold wasn't working). After some brain rest and posting to Neo-Geo.com, I took out a component and soldered the Sync wire from one point to another and like magic, the scrolling is gone.
Anywho, I'm pretty much 99% done. It's just the base that needs to be done. But yeah, when that's done in this coming week, pics are going up.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Hmmm...dirty...
Did I mention that the board was dirty...Like, I-haven't-seen-the-light-of-day-for-years dirty? I brushed off what I could that was loose, then I swabbed with alcohol. Yep, ended up with dirt swirls.
Wat do?
I ran it under warm water, scrubbed it with a toothbrush and a bit of soap. It looks a lot better.
I ran out of compressed air, so I'm doing it old skool (blowing it), and letting it air dry for several days.
Hoo boy. I hope I didn't f**k it up.
Wat do?
I ran it under warm water, scrubbed it with a toothbrush and a bit of soap. It looks a lot better.
I ran out of compressed air, so I'm doing it old skool (blowing it), and letting it air dry for several days.
Hoo boy. I hope I didn't f**k it up.
Le project part deux...
So, I was just planning to clean up the install on the MV-1F CMVS I made. But I saw a MV2 come up for sale in the forums I kinda lurk through. So, I scooped it up.
Why do another CMVS? I've been planning to do a MV2 just because of the vertical cart slots and memory card slot. So, I raided parts from my 1F CMVS and recycled them for testing purposes, using the Neobitz and the UniBIOS (Which, I'm NEVER taking out again!). Fired it up, works.
Whew.
The guy who sold me the board hadn't used it for several months. I'm glad that I don't have to worry about it not working. So far, per JNX's tutorials, I've done the 5V only mod and battery mod. The setup I have going on with it now it PURELY for testing. Cleanup begins as soon as I can get the top shield of the MV2 cleaned and painted.
What becomes of the 1F? I may still consolize it and sell it off. Time will tell. For now, the MV2 is the focus.
Why do another CMVS? I've been planning to do a MV2 just because of the vertical cart slots and memory card slot. So, I raided parts from my 1F CMVS and recycled them for testing purposes, using the Neobitz and the UniBIOS (Which, I'm NEVER taking out again!). Fired it up, works.
Whew.
The guy who sold me the board hadn't used it for several months. I'm glad that I don't have to worry about it not working. So far, per JNX's tutorials, I've done the 5V only mod and battery mod. The setup I have going on with it now it PURELY for testing. Cleanup begins as soon as I can get the top shield of the MV2 cleaned and painted.
What becomes of the 1F? I may still consolize it and sell it off. Time will tell. For now, the MV2 is the focus.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Gaining control...
So I tried going the "build-your-own" controller way. Didn't fare out so well. I know I wired it correctly, but somehow, the "D" button didn't work on it.
Lowe and behold the Neo-Geo.com sales threads in the forums. The same guy that I bought the MV-1F from had an old skool NG AES (the home system) joystick that had a rotting strain relief, which is a common problem. I just had to scoop it up.
So now, I'm playing proper like. I'll add pics up when I have a moment.
Also, I've been starting to collect my MVS carts. Planning on getting full game sets like KOF, Samurai Shodown, Fatal Fury, and World Heroes. I may hunt for some puzzle, shooters, and side scrolling beat-em-ups in the future...but I'm making these series primary. LOL!
Lowe and behold the Neo-Geo.com sales threads in the forums. The same guy that I bought the MV-1F from had an old skool NG AES (the home system) joystick that had a rotting strain relief, which is a common problem. I just had to scoop it up.
So now, I'm playing proper like. I'll add pics up when I have a moment.
Also, I've been starting to collect my MVS carts. Planning on getting full game sets like KOF, Samurai Shodown, Fatal Fury, and World Heroes. I may hunt for some puzzle, shooters, and side scrolling beat-em-ups in the future...but I'm making these series primary. LOL!
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