Neo Geo MVS-2 mini 13 arcade monitor swap... HELP! :)

[sharp3D]

On deciding on monitors.
Have you tried any comparisons of regular LCD vs CRT TVs at local store using a Non-HD console?
It will give you a rough idea of what to expect when you go with a monitor.

What console... like a Super NES or a Genesis? Connected how, via composite? Or do you think my AES would be the best benchmark, since it will actually have component out and is basically the same hardware as the MVS? I don't think I would even know where to go to find a store that had CRT tvs haha... I used to work at Best Buy years ago and they stopped stocking CRTs then.

Lighter space saving LCD would be easier to install. LCD or CRT computer monitor would be more forgiving on pic quality compared to similar TV with S-Video. For the more accurate in keeping that Arcade Retro look and considering the resolution of your MVS, I am also leaning towards CRT. Probably biased considering my Avatar Name.

But if I go CRT, what type are you recommending? PC CRT or arcade CRT?

A not too expensive test.
Buy the Transcoder for prepping your MVS to VGA.

Yeah the transcoder is cheap, I have a choice as to which one to get though remember?
http://www.jammaboards.com/store/cga/eg ... d_291.html


or

http://www.arcadespareparts.com/arcade_ ... 12205.html


I am leaning towards the last one(red PCB). It is slightly more expensive, but seems to come with more options as far as connectibility.

Borrow a trusting friends LCD monitor and bench test it.
Get a cheap throw away CRT VGA monitor at Goodwill to verify PIC quality.
If happy with friends LCD monitor pic quality then buy biggest LCD that will fit with Shell.
If happy with CRT, then get the biggest monitor that will fit after you gut it out of its old shell.

I have two LCDs, a Samsung 21" widescreen and a generic 17" 4:3. Those should work, yes?

The HAPP monitor pricey risk, may not fit just right.

Are you referring to any monitor purchased from Happ or just the LCD? The LCD I linked above has detailed dimensions and would fit no problem. Also since its designed to replace old CRT arcade monitors, I wouldnt need the transcoder, it should just connect via RGB - CGA, no?

Side note... My AES is being mailed to me today and should be here Friday/Saturday. They sent a pic of the finished product to tide me over.

[CRTGAMER]

What console... like a Super NES or a Genesis? Connected how, via composite? I don't think I would even know where to go to find a store that had CRT tvs haha... I used to work at Best Buy years ago and they stopped stocking CRTs then.

Any old console with easy to quick test composite just to get a side by side comparison of LCD vs CRT TVs.
(The CRT TV will probably only be Non-HD in the store, still just to get a comparison.)

But if I go CRT, what type are you recommending? PC CRT or arcade CRT?

Definitely VGA PC monitor. The HAPP Arcade monitor would be a direct easier, but less flexible connect.
I mean by maybe not physically fitting inside Cabinet after paying a lot and maybe less zoom capability to fill the screen.

I have two LCDs, a Samsung 21" widescreen and a generic 17" 4:3. Those should work, yes?

With the VGA transcoder, don't see why not. At least this way you can get a test pic quality of LCD.
Even better you can compare the square 4:3 to the stretched widescreen and see how Fatal Fury Fighters gain weight.
Maybe buy a cheap CRT VGA from Goodwill for the comparison.

Are you referring to any monitor purchased from Happ or just the LCD? The LCD I linked above has detailed dimensions and would fit no problem. Also since its designed to replace old CRT arcade monitors, I wouldn't need the transcoder, it should just connect via RGB - CGA, no?

Correct. The HAPP Arcade monitor no Transcoder needed, could fit, but without specific measurements for mounting and fitting properly, it is a risky expensive route. Again Computor monitors with VGA transcoder cheaper with a bonus of more versatility in screen zoom capabilities. CRTs are more bulky so if you go the computer CRT route, may have to gut it out of the shell. LCD not a clearance problem in the back, can stay inside shell.

Side note... My AES is being mailed to me today and should be here Friday/Saturday. They sent a pic of the finished product to tide me over.

Beautiful! Okay you are a NEO GEO junkie, having both Arcade and Home unit.

[sharp3D]

OK... So I ordered the VGA HD-Converter from jammaboards as well as a generic 5v AC adapter in case I couldnt easily power the converter off the cab's PSU.

https://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/store ... d=1946121&


Both should be here beginning of next week.

I also took the time to do a bit of monitor "window" shopping to see whats out there and gauge dimensions of CRTs and LCDs. I really dont think that a 17" to 19" CRT will fit. Most dimensions for monitors that large show a depth of or around 18". If you check back to my measurement images, thats about 4 more inches than I have room for.

I think LCD is the way I will go. Also one thing I didn't take into account is, if I buy a 4:3 19" LCD, it's basically square and will be too tall to fit! So I think I will be going widescreen. In fact I am considering sacrificing my own LCD, since I have been wanting a larger monitor anyway. I currently have a Samsung 215TW 21.1" which is a pretty badass monitor(in its prime) feature wise. Its dimensions are (19.3 x 2.8 x 13.5 inch) Which will fit PERFECTLY and basically fill the entire space! Also, I believe I will be able to tell the monitor to not stretch a 4:3 picture.

Leaving work now, heading to home depot to buy some lexan and drill bits. My buttons, joysticks and new MVS Mini control panel overlay were delivered today.

[CRTGAMER]

Leaving work now, heading to home depot to buy some lexan and drill bits. My buttons, joysticks and new MVS Mini control panel overlay were delivered today.

A killer Arcade turned even better, I envy you!

Full Fat Fighters on wide screen or Regular 4:3 with black side edges.
At least its easy to switch depending on game with a computer monitor.

Make sure to wire up a bench test, before you rip out the old monitor.

Hey you know the Home Depot Curse? It mainly applies to plumbing, but "trickles" (sorry) to other departments.

Guaranteed whenever you buy a part, two more return trips will follow that same day.

[DCsegaDH]

Nice mini Neo Geo cabinet! I have a showcase Mame cabinet with a 32" wide screen LCD monitor to save space, but when I get more space I will probably get a cheap 32" 4:3 CRT TV for a more authentic arcade look. Keep up the good work!

[sharp3D]

Nice mini Neo Geo cabinet! I have a showcase Mame cabinet with a 32" wide screen LCD monitor to save space, but when I get more space I will probably get a cheap 32" 4:3 CRT TV for the authentic arcade look. Keep up the good work!

Thanks Man! I just spit shined her with 409 and replaced the marquee incandescent light bulb with a CFL tonight. The Neo red is poppin now! Trying to cut down on power consumption. The LCD will definately help. In a few years once I really know what I am doing I will strip her down, repaint and rewire everything. For now, its perfect. As soon as I am done with this monitor swap, and friend and I will both be building MAME units. Can't wait for that!

You guys check back this weekend. I'll have the new controls and stuff installed. Pics for sure!

Also, I forgot that my cousin has the exact same Samsung monitor that I mentioned above. He has it boxed up and never uses it. Bought it from him for next to nothing. If it works with the MVS great! If not, I'll have twin monitors finally, instead of a mismatched pair! haha...

CRTGAMER - just a thought... When I remove the stock 13" CRT do I HAVE to discharge it? Or do I just be careful not to touch the innards when I take it out? Still a couple weeks away from doing this, but just curious.

Thanks as always!

[CRTGAMER]

CRTGAMER - just a thought... When I remove the stock 13" CRT do I HAVE to discharge it? Or do I just be careful not to touch the innards when I take it out? Still a couple weeks away from doing this, but just curious.

Thanks as always!

I would leave it unplugged for a week. Even then, treat all those exposed capacitors and CRT "Gun" as a live wire.

But, before you rip out that monitor be sure to first set up your VGA adaptor and plug it into the replacement LCD. Just in case you are unhappy with the pic you at least still have original monitor mounted.

A further read, there are ways to discharge the monitor, get that TV Tech to do it.
http://arcadecontrols.com/files/Miscell ... htm#crtcsa

[sharp3D]

Sooo long story short.... got all my control panel parts in the mail over the weekend, including my AES! Worked on my aracde all day Saturday and just as I was putting the perfectly cut lexan down on the control panel to put everything back together... CRACK! I tightened a bolt down too much. I almost cried. I wanted to cut a new piece Sunday, but promised my girlfriend a "date-day" Oh well... the break gave me time for a few new ideas.

I was going to take pics of the install, but my cousin "borrowed/stole" my camera lenses and batteries for my DSLR to take to his trip to LA.

My video converter should get in the mail today or tomorrow as well as my "new" never opened factory sealed Dreamcast... hahaha... My buddy is going to help me do the converter/monitor install. He is almost done with his PhD. in Robotics and something or other haha... so he should prove useful...

So I got a little play time with my modded AES. This was my first time playing one, so I dont really have a benchmark for what a stock AES would look like, but the picture it was putting out via component was pixel perfect!! No artifacting, color bleeding, NOTHING! It was awesome. The Neo Geo only displays at 320x224, but even that low of a resolution stretched across my 61" Pioneer Elite Plasma, it looked sooo good.

Everyone is talking about how bad the picture will be on a non CRT, but it really looks great. Can't I expect the same results on my MVS cab after the monitor swap? I mean my AES was modded to do component out and looks awesome on a HD non CRT monitor. Soooo my logic is that my MVS already outputs RGB, it will just be converted to VGA and then displayed on a HD PC monitor. I think/hope it will look pixel perfect just like my AES.

I was also playing around with the monitor I am going to use. It's easy to switch from widecreen to 4:3. I think once everything is done, I am going to go to a picture framing store and have a thick piece of matte board cut to use as the monitor bezel instead of doing it myself.

Going to try and cut a new piece of lexan tonight... If I get everything installed and my cousin remembers to bring back my gear, I will post pics.

[CRTGAMER]

Not sure if I read how you are going to hookup that Dreamcast. If you go from say S-Video to a Component Convertor, won't be as good as a Dreamcast VGA box. You get 640x480 VGA if your Plasma supports that resolution. The VGA Box also allows S-Video out for DC games that don't support VGA.

Dreamcast VGA Box
http://www.racketboy.com/store/featured ... eo-av.html

Bummer about the lexan cracking, usually durable stuff. That LCD on your arcade should look great, again bench test before yanking out old monitor to be sure. Good idea about utilizing Framing store.

Looking forward to new pics.

[sharp3D]

Not sure if I read how you are going to hookup that Dreamcast. If you go from say S-Video to a Component Convertor, won't be as good as a Dreamcast VGA box. You get 640x480 VGA if your Plasma supports that resolution. The VGA Box also allows S-Video out for DC games that don't support VGA.

I got this little guy.
http://www.racketboy.com/store/featured ... e-box.html

Bummer about the lexan cracking, usually durable stuff. That LCD on your arcade should look great, again bench test before yanking out old monitor to be sure. Good idea about utilizing Framing store.

So I couldn't wait till the weekend to work on her again.

Before:


After:


There was a crappy black spray paint job on the control panel. I took it down to bare metal and sealed it with some clear rust preventative. Looks pretty good I think. Still waiting on a few new carriage bolts.

It plays 840,472,796 times better. I can pull off a "hadouken" about 99% of the time as opposed to about 80%. I didn't get much time to play though because I finished around 3:00 am

As soon as the converter gets here I will bench test. I think it might be a couple weeks before it gets here though. I don't think they keep any in stock and ship them out from China per order. We'll see.