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!
Sunday, December 25, 2011
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.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Darn you, USPS!
The package for my MV1F came in today along with the two KOF games I bought just last week. My wife took our daughter to the doctor today, and I was at work. So we totally missed the postman. Oh well. I guess I have to pick it up tomorrow morning.
Pics tomorrow after I get off from work.
Pics tomorrow after I get off from work.
Friday, November 25, 2011
So begins my adventure in "Consolizing"...
Consolizing: the process of modifying an arcade video game board for use on a standard television set.
That's my plan. On what, though?
Possibly one of the most coveted consoles in the world: The Neo Geo.
But why consolize the arcade board? Don't they have a home system?
Yes, but the games for them are expensive. The AES (Advanced Entertainment System, AKA home console) carts are identical to their MVS (Mutli Video System, AKA arcade) carts. MVS carts online go for much cheaper than AES carts.
But don't they have a converter for the home system so you can do that? Why go through all the trouble?
There is a converter out there, but it's still pricey. An AES console plus the converter would cost just about as much as a decently made CMVS (Consolized Multi Video System)...ok, not so much. I like just the idea of making something work originally for arcade use and make it work for home use.
AAAAANYWHO, I've already began taking the steps to make my own CMVS. I've already acquired an MVS MV1F board and 2 MVS games; KOF 94 (my ALL TIME favorite fighter) and KOF 95. Just gonna wait on getting controllers (might just build a control pad based on plans I've seen online), an RGB encoder (Neobitz encoder board, ~$90), UniBIOS, and some power supplies, connectors, and....hmmm, I think that might be it.
So I'll be using this space to document my work. Right now, I'm thanking Neo-Geo.com, Jamma-Nation-X.com, and Neobitz for all the help so far. More pics and docs to come.
That's my plan. On what, though?
Possibly one of the most coveted consoles in the world: The Neo Geo.
But why consolize the arcade board? Don't they have a home system?
Yes, but the games for them are expensive. The AES (Advanced Entertainment System, AKA home console) carts are identical to their MVS (Mutli Video System, AKA arcade) carts. MVS carts online go for much cheaper than AES carts.
But don't they have a converter for the home system so you can do that? Why go through all the trouble?
There is a converter out there, but it's still pricey. An AES console plus the converter would cost just about as much as a decently made CMVS (Consolized Multi Video System)...ok, not so much. I like just the idea of making something work originally for arcade use and make it work for home use.
AAAAANYWHO, I've already began taking the steps to make my own CMVS. I've already acquired an MVS MV1F board and 2 MVS games; KOF 94 (my ALL TIME favorite fighter) and KOF 95. Just gonna wait on getting controllers (might just build a control pad based on plans I've seen online), an RGB encoder (Neobitz encoder board, ~$90), UniBIOS, and some power supplies, connectors, and....hmmm, I think that might be it.
So I'll be using this space to document my work. Right now, I'm thanking Neo-Geo.com, Jamma-Nation-X.com, and Neobitz for all the help so far. More pics and docs to come.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
News to me...
So, I got word from eBay that I've been issued a refund and it's sitting in my PayPal account.
Here's how it went down.
I went and placed a bid on a Neo Geo MVS auction for a guy (eBay username is njkidcash) and was quickly outbid by someone. I figured "fine" and just let it be.
Later that evening, I get an email stating that I have a second chance to buy the same item I was outbid on. He even threw in a game with it. I took the "bait", as it were, and bought it. Went through the whole payment process through PayPal, and it was done.
Next day, I get an email (well, message through eBay messaging center) from the seller that said that the wrong PayPal account was linked to the auction and that I needed to get the payment refunded and send it to the correct account, blah, blah, blah. He told me that he emailed PayPal (which, if you read on, I called BS on it), that I had to do a chargeback, blah, blah, blah.
I called (not emailed, called) PayPal (because they NEVER respond fast enough by email), and the PayPal rep told me that since the seller , who OBVIOUSLY has 2 PayPal accounts, linked the wrong account information that he had to get that money transferred from one account to the other.
I emailed the seller about this, on couple occasions, got zero response...ZERO!
I opened the case up in eBay (thank you, eBay buyer protection!) the exact day I could open it. Waited for a response. Nothing. Emailed the seller again through the two emails that he gave me and through eBay message center. Nothing. Ended up escalating it, and got my money back.
Here's the thing, and I did not mention this to eBay. That seller has two accounts. I'm sure there are A LOT of people that do this. He has one under njkidcash, and another one under warriorgodariesgeorge (his name is Jorge). Here's image proof:
This picture showing his email that was linked to the eBay auction. (phat red arrow)
This picture shows eBay feedback...look at the two arrows...hmmmm..
Mind you, I didn't check that information out before I went ahead and bought the item. I researched it after the email about the wrong account thing.
I don't care what feedback anyone gives. If you see an auction from either njkidcash or warriorgodariesgeorge on eBay or even a sale anywhere else, DO NOT bid on it. He'll use the other username to outbid you, jack up the price, and when the auction is over, you end up with this kind of debacle.
Save yourself.
Here's how it went down.
I went and placed a bid on a Neo Geo MVS auction for a guy (eBay username is njkidcash) and was quickly outbid by someone. I figured "fine" and just let it be.
Later that evening, I get an email stating that I have a second chance to buy the same item I was outbid on. He even threw in a game with it. I took the "bait", as it were, and bought it. Went through the whole payment process through PayPal, and it was done.
Next day, I get an email (well, message through eBay messaging center) from the seller that said that the wrong PayPal account was linked to the auction and that I needed to get the payment refunded and send it to the correct account, blah, blah, blah. He told me that he emailed PayPal (which, if you read on, I called BS on it), that I had to do a chargeback, blah, blah, blah.
I called (not emailed, called) PayPal (because they NEVER respond fast enough by email), and the PayPal rep told me that since the seller , who OBVIOUSLY has 2 PayPal accounts, linked the wrong account information that he had to get that money transferred from one account to the other.
I emailed the seller about this, on couple occasions, got zero response...ZERO!
I opened the case up in eBay (thank you, eBay buyer protection!) the exact day I could open it. Waited for a response. Nothing. Emailed the seller again through the two emails that he gave me and through eBay message center. Nothing. Ended up escalating it, and got my money back.
Here's the thing, and I did not mention this to eBay. That seller has two accounts. I'm sure there are A LOT of people that do this. He has one under njkidcash, and another one under warriorgodariesgeorge (his name is Jorge). Here's image proof:
This picture showing his email that was linked to the eBay auction. (phat red arrow)
This picture shows eBay feedback...look at the two arrows...hmmmm..
Mind you, I didn't check that information out before I went ahead and bought the item. I researched it after the email about the wrong account thing.
I don't care what feedback anyone gives. If you see an auction from either njkidcash or warriorgodariesgeorge on eBay or even a sale anywhere else, DO NOT bid on it. He'll use the other username to outbid you, jack up the price, and when the auction is over, you end up with this kind of debacle.
Save yourself.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Things to beware of....
I'm in the process of escalating a non-item sent/no response from seller in eBay. It's a stupid thing, but we'll see where eBay stands on this issue.
Anyway, I'm all about leaving a positive feedback, or neutral feedback on eBay, but I'm thinking that if there is ever a bad transaction, I'm gonna give a positive feedback, and leave a link to negative comments about the seller.
Caveat Emptor...
Anyway, I'm all about leaving a positive feedback, or neutral feedback on eBay, but I'm thinking that if there is ever a bad transaction, I'm gonna give a positive feedback, and leave a link to negative comments about the seller.
Caveat Emptor...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)