Converting an Neo Geo MV1 to an MV4

[Dragon Warrior Jasen]

Ok, so I am pretty certain that I will be getting the 1 slot cab for $275 this week. I'm pretty stoked, for obvious reasons.

It's a 1 slot cab, comes with KOF '97. I have found various marquees and such to make it look like a 4 slot when I get the new motherboard for it, and that part should be simple. I'm pretty handy.

My main question is the actual swap of the motherboards. Is it that simple? swap them out? Or is it more involved.

Id ask at neo-geo.com but I just signed up for an account and I can post new threads. X_x

[Dangerboy]

If it's jamma based, you'd would literally just pull out the 1 slot, toss in and attach the 4 slot, and be done with it. unless you need to connect all the controllers / cords individually. Still, should be relatively plug and play.

[Tupin]

4-slots are MVS based:

http://hardmvs.com/html/PCBcompare.htm

I think you should be able to use this to put a 4-slot in your 1-slot cab:
http://www.jammaboards.com/store/neogeo-mvs-to-jamma-adapter/prod_198.html?ccSID285e73f64c04744fc5f33ff68f52974 2=a49ee682df9d7726e74d7d42401397f3

[aclbandit]

4-slots are MVS based:

http://hardmvs.com/html/PCBcompare.htm

I think you should be able to use this to put a 4-slot in your 1-slot cab:
http://www.jammaboards.com/store/neogeo-mvs-to-jamma-adapter/prod_198.html?ccSID285e73f64c04744fc5f33ff68f52974 2=a49ee682df9d7726e74d7d42401397f3

This is probably a fine solution as far as functionality. The only worry is in the sound: NeoGeos (save for most of the one-slots) are stereo, and JAMMA is a mono standard. If the one you're looking at is MV-1, it is a little wacky in that it's JAMMA, but the sound comes from the board on a separate connector, not the main harness.

I have no helpful information on making this work (at least not yet), or indeed if that adapter will take care of you properly.

Worst case ask on the neo-geo.com boards. I'm certain someone there can steer you right, if that adapter doesn't do so for you.

[Borman]

The MVS pinout has stereo right on the edge connector, the separate connector isnt necessary in a properly wired cabinet.

[channelmaniac]

Before you go too hog wild, look at the board you have in the 1 slot cab first. If it's a model that has a 1 slot board in it with the stereo/mono switch on the board, look to see what mode it is in.

If the 1 slot is in stereo mode and the cab is wired for stereo then you should be able to just plug the 4 slot board in.

If not, you'll need to rewire it to get the stereo sound. You'll miss some audio signals (one whole channel) if you don't.

Above all, DO NOT plug a JAMMA board in an MVS wired cab. You'll risk blowing the audio amp chip.

RJ

[Dragon Warrior Jasen]

I'll definately open it up and look at it all before deciding to do any changes to the system. The guy I am buying it from is a collector of cabs and refurbed the cab inside and out. His quote:


The way it is setup allows you to drop any NeoGeo hardware into it as well (including multi-slot boards) you may pick up in the future. If you end up taking it, I'll go over some basics you need to know about arcade tech, especially since once you get one of these, it is hard to stop collecting cabs as long as you have space available, and sometimes even then. :)

I'll have to get more details from him on it when I pick it up Friday. I'm so excited! Now... where to get a 4 or 6 Slot MVS board....

[channelmaniac]

I have some I need to refurb and sell. I have one sold already, I just have to get off my rear and get 'em done.

Working on Neo-Geo boards is a specialty of mine. Refurbed boards come with an audio cap kit already installed. That way you'll have years of good audio from the board.

RJ

[aclbandit]

I'll definately open it up and look at it all before deciding to do any changes to the system. The guy I am buying it from is a collector of cabs and refurbed the cab inside and out. His quote:



I'll have to get more details from him on it when I pick it up Friday. I'm so excited! Now... where to get a 4 or 6 Slot MVS board....

Make sure to post pics! I love seeing people's cabs.

[XYXZYZ]

Id ask at neo-geo.com but I just signed up for an account and I can post new threads. X_x

So what's the problem?

Also, there's a difference in the power requirements so make sure the cab's power supply can handle a 4-slot. Shouldn't be a problem, though.

[aclbandit]

So what's the problem?

I think he meant can't post new threads. You can't make new ones for a few days when you first sign up there. Probably to deter spammerz.

[Dragon Warrior Jasen]

I got my cab yesterday! It's got a new home in my family/dining/kitchen area... looks and works great.

The only disappointing thing was that it's not an actual NEO cab. It's a different cab style with the guts of a Neo 1 Slot. Looks cool though and despite it being technically sound it needs a bit of TLC in the form of new T moulding, a nice paint job, and some minor touches.

The guts are great and all wired according to the original Neo specs, plus it can handle upto a 6 slot with the current power supply!

Icing on the cake, it's an MVS-1C... yep the one people consolize. Hooray for me!

[channelmaniac]

1C is JAMMA, not MVS. You'll be missing one side of the stereo audio when you plug a 2/4/6 slot board in.

[Dragon Warrior Jasen]

The Cab has that covered, there are three speakers in the cab, two up top for stereo boards and one in the front above the coin door for mono audio. All of it is wired up so when I plug another board in (say 4 slot) I can use that connector vice the stereo speakers connector.