Advice needed on MVS

Joe Redifer · 07/14/2015, 02:12 AM

I have an AES and I use it to show everyone how irresponsible I am with money. But I'm thinking of joining the poor people, the beggars and the homeless and getting an MVS to get more Neo Geo action. True, I won't be 1337 any more, but whatevs.

I don't want a consolized MVS. At least I think I don't. But I know there are tons of revisions out there. I hear that the 1F board is the only one that does stereo? Mono is for retards. Also I hear that for some idiotic dumbass reason the MVS is not truly Jamma compatible despite saying JAMMA right on the mobo. I have read that using JAMMA can ruin it's audio. Is this permanent damage? Why does it say JAMMA if JAMMA actually destroys it without an adapter?

I am relying on you guys for knowledge.

EDIT: Does anyone happen to have or willing to build a 4-pin stereo adapter that fits arcade PCBs that I can pay you for? I have one Konami game that's stereo. The rest of my arcade games thus far are stupid mono.

Duo_R · 07/14/2015, 02:19 AM

1 slot is to Jamma standard, the rest put a 2nd audio Jamma connector on the "-" pin L, which would blow a speaker in a regular Jamma cab.

Also I got a 2 slot and it not only has stereo, but also a memory card port.

If you don't want to consolize how will you play it? Supergun or a cab?

PunkCryborg · 07/14/2015, 02:26 AM

I would say the best way to spend your money and get the most out of the games is to get a Supergun so you can play other arcade games too on the same set up. Most are wired to use neo sticks already so you would be good for that. Not sure how the neo works for stereo off the top of my head but most superguns have dual mono/stereo switches. If you look for a MV1c mobo you can easily change out your set up to an omega CMVS and use the same MVS board.

Joe Redifer · 07/14/2015, 02:45 AM

I have a Supergun. My next concern which I didn't even think of in the original post is the D button. JAMMA standard is for 3 buttons. Will the D button work if I hook a 1-slot up to it? And yes my Supergun is wired for Neo controllers. This one does not have a mono/stereo switch anywhere.

And all 1 slots are good to go with JAMMA, no adapter boards needed?

Joe Redifer · 07/14/2015, 03:00 AM

Here's the guts of my Supergun. All of the controller pins seem wired, but a few wires go to the thing on the top of this pic which is like a DB9. I guess it's some shit for 6-button sticks. I have no idea how all that works. I added +5v out the RGB output and -5v input which Superguns never have, I guess. This one does now.

/supergunwiring.jpg

I'd like to get that Razoola thing.... what is it called... some BIOS shit I can't recall that I'll instantly remember when.... UNIBIOS! Yes. What is Omega CMVS?

ccovell · 07/14/2015, 04:23 AM

I heard you talk about getting an MVS and multicart... good idea. Here's a comparison of most (all?) of them, and it's easy to see that the 138-in-1 has the best selection, even if it has that stupid JAMMA dongle. http://wiki.arcadeotaku.com/w/MVS_Multicart.

I have a nice, compact MV-1F with the Universe BIOS, which gives cheats & a sound test for most games. My 1F doesn't have the ability to add a memory card reader/slot, which I regret a bit... Maybe a 2-slot with memory card is a better idea.

Anyway, an info dump from my page: https://www.chrismcovell.com/diary.html#neo

Duo_R · 07/14/2015, 07:38 AM

A "D" button is possible on Jamma standard just needs to be wired properly on the DB15. Got a multimeter? Can be easily checked. It sounds like it has a kick harness DB9 adapter. Shoot me a PM I just learned about all this as I finished my Supergun project.

SuperDeadite · 07/14/2015, 08:04 AM

If you get an MVS mobo with controller ports, you can simply hook your AES controllers directly to them and bypass the supergun controller ports completely.

PunkCryborg · 07/14/2015, 08:17 AM

Quote from: SuperDeadite on 07/14/2015, 08:04 AMIf you get an MVS mobo with controller ports, you can simply hook your AES controllers directly to them and bypass the supergun controller ports completely.

Yeah that would be perfect if you looked for a MV1FS
Here is a list of the different board revisions http://www.hardmvs.com/html/PCBcompare.htm
Notice some have headphone jacks and volume control. A board with socketed bios is easiest to swap in a unibios. I would stay away from multi slots as you would need an adapter since they are not jamma

DeshDildo · 07/14/2015, 08:54 AM

Thanks for all of the info! I too just received an MVS board and have been deciding how I want to set it up. Many of these links have some great info.

Opethian · 07/14/2015, 09:40 AM

UNIBIOS is a must

If you already have a supergun just wire in the D button on the harness to the controller port. if you want stereo off the MVS you can buy a mobo with a headphone jack or you can use the JST connector header for stereo. Not sure what you use for audio on your super gun im assuming you run it out the DIN with the video? is it currently mono only?

BigusSchmuck · 07/14/2015, 12:09 PM

I have been using my MV-1 with the vogatek (got it here on these very forums!) super gun with no issues. I'm also running the unibios and got the memory card pcm hooked up as well. It's open faced currently, but at some point I plan to enclose the darn thing as nothing is more unattractive to people when they see exposed circuit boards. I believe I did the whole setup for under $200.

xcrement5x · 07/14/2015, 12:16 PM

Yeah, most folks covered the main differneces between standard JAMMA and neo wiring. Ideally I think you would wire for neo and then get a neo to JAMMA adapter or something if your concerned about audio - wiring.

Before I just got this nice 4-slot I was using an MV-1FZ with unibios. It was a solid board with a lot of those features except memory card support I think. It just sits around now, if I get a supergun put together eventually it might get used again.

I also highly recommend a multicart unless you have won the lottery or something.

I wish I had seen this earlier, I'm up in Denver now for work training and would have brought up my 1-slot for you to borrow if I'd read this earlier :O

Arkhan Asylum · 07/14/2015, 04:13 PM

I'd just get rid of all of it because it's crap.

That's what I did. Turned that MVS into more PCE games, and an MSX!

elmer · 07/14/2015, 04:29 PM

Quote from: guest on 07/14/2015, 04:13 PMI'd just get rid of all of it because it's crap.

That's what I did. Turned that MVS into more PCE games, and an MSX!

Don't try to confuse us with your mocking ways, Lord Arkhan.

Your sad devotion to that ancient MSX has not helped you beat "Metal Slug" or given you taste enough to play "ASO II: Last Guardian".

Arkhan Asylum · 07/14/2015, 04:52 PM

Quote from: elmer on 07/14/2015, 04:29 PM
Quote from: Psycho Arkhan on 07/14/2015, 04:13 PMI'd just get rid of all of it because it's crap.

That's what I did. Turned that MVS into more PCE games, and an MSX!
Don't try to confuse us with your mocking ways, Lord Arkhan.

Your sad devotion to that ancient MSX has not helped you beat "Metal Slug" or given you taste enough to play "ASO II: Last Guardian".

I used the thing for Puzzle Bobble and Magical Drop. All the other crap I liked on it can be played on home machines. Slam it through an upscaler + surround sound + 60" TV, and sit back and laugh.

Metal Slug included and Alpha mission II included!

It did make a cool ass coat hanger though.

o.pwuaioc · 07/14/2015, 07:29 PM

On a serious note, sell the MVS and get a NGCD for the two dozen games that don't take forever to load, then take the rest of the cash and buy Neo Geo fighters on the Saturn and Dreamcast. Take the rest of the money and get hookers and booze.

Arkhan Asylum · 07/14/2015, 07:57 PM

Quote from: guest on 07/14/2015, 07:29 PMOn a serious note, sell the MVS and get a NGCD for the two dozen games that don't take forever to load, then take the rest of the cash and buy Neo Geo fighters on the Saturn and Dreamcast. Take the rest of the money and get hookers and booze.

^^^ aw yiss

Joe Redifer · 07/15/2015, 03:25 AM

Every time I look at pictures of 1-slots, I don't see a headphone jack or the 4-pin thingy where a stereo cable could come from. CORRECTION: I saw a pic of one where a jack and slider SHOULD BE but they were gone. Do they hide that shit somewhere?

Yes my Supergun is mono because Jamma is mono.

bartre · 07/15/2015, 06:52 PM

Quote from: Joe Redifer on 07/15/2015, 03:25 AMYes my Supergun is mono because Jamma is mono.

Quote from: Joe Redifer on 07/14/2015, 02:12 AMMono is for retards.

lol.

just buy my MV-1B. other than fighters (none of which i really cared for anyway) the D button was kind of useless.

also, Ark, y u change your avatar? we need reminders about the kung fu daily

PunkCryborg · 07/15/2015, 07:53 PM

Quote from: Joe Redifer on 07/15/2015, 03:25 AMEvery time I look at pictures of 1-slots, I don't see a headphone jack or the 4-pin thingy where a stereo cable could come from. CORRECTION: I saw a pic of one where a jack and slider SHOULD BE but they were gone. Do they hide that shit somewhere?

Yes my Supergun is mono because Jamma is mono.

i think the headphone plug is a 4 pin plug like the sterea but the models equiped with it have a volume slider close to the jamma side and the connectors on the right side of the pcb. Seriously just look for a MV1FS. Has controller ports, stereo and heasphone volume sliders and socketed bios so its easy to install a unibios.

Quote from: bartre on 07/15/2015, 06:52 PM
Quote from: Joe Redifer on 07/15/2015, 03:25 AMYes my Supergun is mono because Jamma is mono.
Quote from: Joe Redifer on 07/14/2015, 02:12 AMMono is for retards.
lol.

just buy my MV-1B. other than fighters (none of which i really cared for anyway) the D button was kind of useless.

also, Ark, y u change your avatar? we need reminders about the kung fu daily

Mv1B has a surface mount bios and you need to install a neo bios masta. Also no controller ports, doesnt sound like what Joe is looking for. They are nice and compact though.

BigusSchmuck · 07/15/2015, 07:56 PM

My MV-1 has all the bells and whistles, but damn that thing is a beast... I don't think it has a headphone jack, but it does have the switch to toggle between stereo and mono.

Joe Redifer · 07/19/2015, 05:15 PM

So where would I get the 4-pin wire that would connect to the MV1FS audio out ports? I assume this same wire would also connect to other stereo PCBs.

PunkCryborg · 07/19/2015, 08:08 PM

Quote from: Joe Redifer on 07/19/2015, 05:15 PMSo where would I get the 4-pin wire that would connect to the MV1FS audio out ports? I assume this same wire would also connect to other stereo PCBs.

I dont know anyone that has them for sale other than FrancoB http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=117852.0
You can probably have Lemony Vengance or Xian Xi (jamma nation x) easily build a jst to rca cable as well

ccovell · 07/20/2015, 01:34 AM

Quote from: Joe Redifer on 07/19/2015, 05:15 PMSo where would I get the 4-pin wire that would connect to the MV1FS audio out ports? I assume this same wire would also connect to other stereo PCBs.

Joe: Get a stereo phono cable. Cut one end of the phono plugs off. Strip the wires. Wrap the bare wires onto each of the 4 posts. Which one is which, you figure it out.

Optional extra: crimp wires into molex connector.

For the soldering-averse: none needed.

Joe Redifer · 07/21/2015, 02:15 PM

Wouldn't a Molex connector be too big? The only thing I find on Google is the thing that plugs into the back of PATA hard drives for power. I don't mind soldering I just need the right connector. I'd like to be able to remove it and slide it on to other stereo JAMMA boards that I have.

ccovell · 07/21/2015, 06:49 PM

Molex connectors come in all shapes and sizes, not just the ATX power supply one (which is what I think you're imagining.) At least on my MVS, the stereo audio header could fit a smaller, square molex connector. Other people could chime in on the right one for other arcade PCBs.

ToyMachine78 · 07/21/2015, 07:05 PM

I have an Omega MVS with a multicart, and I couldn't be happier. I play it a lot more than I thought I would. There's tons of times I want to game but don't have a ton of time to get bogged down in a drawn out story or campaign. You can't beat the neo for some arcade action.

I like the omega. The shell looks nice and protects the mobo lol . it feels solid and works great.

BigusSchmuck · 07/21/2015, 07:29 PM

Quote from: guest on 07/21/2015, 07:05 PMI have an Omega MVS with a multicart, and I couldn't be happier. I play it a lot more than I thought I would. There's tons of times I want to game but don't have a ton of time to get bogged down in a drawn out story or campaign. You can't beat the neo for some arcade action.

I like the omega. The shell looks nice and protects the mobo lol . it feels solid and works great.

Expensive though hence the reason why I went DIY. I could have sworn my vogatek was playing my neo MVS-1 in Stereo not in mono with that little switch on the board but I could be wrong..

geise · 07/22/2015, 10:22 PM

Just for info on the multi-carts I have a 161 and now a 138 in 1. Yeah the 138 has a better selection of games, but the load times kinda suck balls if you ask me. You have no load times what so ever with the 161 in 1 cart. Aero Fighters 3 still has issues on both of those carts, but it's playable. One reason I still own a few non bootlegs. BTW prices have also gone stupid for regular mvs games. It's not as cheap as they used to be. Some start going for lower end AES prices now.

ToyMachine78 · 07/22/2015, 11:23 PM

The only complaint I have with the 161 cart is that the reset to selection menu doesn't work if you are using a memory card. That's kinda a pain in the ass.

Joe Redifer · 07/24/2015, 03:15 PM

What are the issues with Aero Fighters 3? Any other games have issues? I'd probably go for the 161-in-1 because it's less retarded to set up.

PunkCryborg · 07/24/2015, 05:24 PM

Quote from: Joe Redifer on 07/24/2015, 03:15 PMWhat are the issues with Aero Fighters 3? Any other games have issues? I'd probably go for the 161-in-1 because it's less retarded to set up.

yeah but no twinkle star sprites on the 161

Mathius · 07/25/2015, 11:43 PM

I've been meaning to go from AES to MVS for years but just don't understand most of the technical mumbo jumbo.

Joe Redifer · 07/26/2015, 12:34 AM

Well I ordered an MVS MV1FS. Do I just get a UNIBIOS chip from Razoola's site, eject the current BIOS, toss in the trash after stomping on it a few times and then just pop the Razoola chip in? What is the best method for obtaining a UNIBIOS? I heard there was a guy on the Neo Geo forums called Kenny or some shit...

Mathius · 07/26/2015, 01:47 AM

Quote from: Joe Redifer on 07/26/2015, 12:34 AMWell I ordered an MVS MV1FS. Do I just get a UNIBIOS chip from Razoola's site, eject the current BIOS, toss in the trash after stomping on it a few times and then just pop the Razoola chip in? What is the best method for obtaining a UNIBIOS? I heard there was a guy on the Neo Geo forums called Kenny or some shit...

Kenny Boy doesn't have the best of repuations. I'd buy elsewhere.

BigusSchmuck · 07/26/2015, 02:29 AM

Quote from: Joe Redifer on 07/26/2015, 12:34 AMWell I ordered an MVS MV1FS. Do I just get a UNIBIOS chip from Razoola's site, eject the current BIOS, toss in the trash after stomping on it a few times and then just pop the Razoola chip in? What is the best method for obtaining a UNIBIOS? I heard there was a guy on the Neo Geo forums called Kenny or some shit...

I just grabbed mine from this page about 8 months ago:
http://unibios.free.fr/
Pretty straight forward install, about as easy as installing ram.

Duo_R · 07/26/2015, 03:08 AM

Keep your old bios, I know your joking but make sure you keep it.

Quote from: Joe Redifer on 07/26/2015, 12:34 AMWell I ordered an MVS MV1FS. Do I just get a UNIBIOS chip from Razoola's site, eject the current BIOS, toss in the trash after stomping on it a few times and then just pop the Razoola chip in? What is the best method for obtaining a UNIBIOS? I heard there was a guy on the Neo Geo forums called Kenny or some shit...

Joe Redifer · 07/26/2015, 03:36 PM

http://unibios.free.fr/

Dude does not have a BIOS for MV-1FS. Did I just end up buying the wrong Neo Geo?

EDIT: OK the MV-1F BIOS will work fine. I e-mailed Razoola about it. He responds FAST!

BigusSchmuck · 07/26/2015, 04:45 PM

Quote from: Joe Redifer on 07/26/2015, 03:36 PMhttp://unibios.free.fr/

Dude does not have a BIOS for MV-1FS. Did I just end up buying the wrong Neo Geo?

EDIT: OK the MV-1F BIOS will work fine. I e-mailed Razoola about it. He responds FAST!

Yep. It took about a week to get at my doorstep and that's coming all the way from Europe!

geise · 07/26/2015, 06:55 PM

Quote from: Joe Redifer on 07/26/2015, 12:34 AMWell I ordered an MVS MV1FS. Do I just get a UNIBIOS chip from Razoola's site, eject the current BIOS, toss in the trash after stomping on it a few times and then just pop the Razoola chip in? What is the best method for obtaining a UNIBIOS? I heard there was a guy on the Neo Geo forums called Kenny or some shit...

LOL. You don't need to have a unibios. That's only for people that want to use the jukebox for music or see Mai's bounce animation in kof2003. I keep mine stock.

CrackTiger · 07/26/2015, 08:44 PM

Quote from: geise on 07/26/2015, 06:55 PM
Quote from: Joe Redifer on 07/26/2015, 12:34 AMWell I ordered an MVS MV1FS. Do I just get a UNIBIOS chip from Razoola's site, eject the current BIOS, toss in the trash after stomping on it a few times and then just pop the Razoola chip in? What is the best method for obtaining a UNIBIOS? I heard there was a guy on the Neo Geo forums called Kenny or some shit...
LOL. You don't need to have a unibios. That's only for people that want to use the jukebox for music or see Mai's bounce animation in kof2003. I keep mine stock.

The sound test alone is priceless.

Mathius · 07/26/2015, 09:01 PM

Quote from: geise on 07/26/2015, 06:55 PM
Quote from: Joe Redifer on 07/26/2015, 12:34 AMWell I ordered an MVS MV1FS. Do I just get a UNIBIOS chip from Razoola's site, eject the current BIOS, toss in the trash after stomping on it a few times and then just pop the Razoola chip in? What is the best method for obtaining a UNIBIOS? I heard there was a guy on the Neo Geo forums called Kenny or some shit...
LOL. You don't need to have a unibios. That's only for people that want to use the jukebox for music or see Mai's bounce animation in kof2003. I keep mine stock.

It's nice to have if you have a US system and want blood in games like Metal Slug or Samurai Showdown. I wouldn't dream of making my AES stock.

xcrement5x · 07/27/2015, 10:06 AM

Also, if you suck at games sometimes, the cheats are pretty nice.

BigusSchmuck · 07/27/2015, 10:15 AM

It's also useful for turning off that stupid timer in sports games that require you to pump more quarters to increase the limit.

PunkCryborg · 07/27/2015, 11:45 AM

The unibios isn't model specific. You should be able to just order the eprom from him and that's it. I've made some for my friends including one for my buddies mv1fs. Maybe he thought you needed the original bios and not his unibios?? IDK but anyways when you get it you just pop out the old one and pop in the eprom.

Joe Redifer · 07/28/2015, 08:01 PM

Nah he wants to know what you're getting. He told me to specify 1f as that one works on the 1fS as well. Otherwise he would have been like "LOL it doesn't matter u fag u st00pid n00b lol just get any of dem and dey will work it duzzent matter st00pid". I dunno. But I asked and got an answer and that made me happy.

Anyway yeah, gotta have a Unibios. The sound test, like Black Tiger said, is priceless. A sound test in EVERY Neo Geo game? Hell yeah sign me up. And bypassing SNK's stupid censorship of blood in the US (which I could NEVER understand) is definitely worth it as well. Too bad it can't restore the opening intro for Magician Lord that's in the home version, but I have that on the AES anyway.

PunkCryborg · 07/29/2015, 01:56 AM

I love the unibios for the jukebox. I crank up Shock Troopers, Zed Blade and Metal Slug 2 all the time in mine when I'm like doing chores. Makes everything more epic when your cab is blasting some jams. Another feature I love is how you can basically pause any game by jumping into the menu then itll go dark so you can leave it like that for a while. Its pefect for puzzle games.
Windjammers is also waaay better with the timer set to 99 so you can play for points. Makes the game more enjoyable and you can practice moves. This is how we set it up at Windjammers competitions as well

majors · 07/29/2015, 08:07 AM

Quote from: PunkCryborg on 07/29/2015, 01:56 AMWindjammers is also waaay better with the timer set to 99 so you can play for points.

Isn't the timer settings available in game setup for WJ? I have a 1-slot with no battery, so I always have to bump the default time from 30 to 60 at cons every morning.

I can only beat Nam with the UniBIOS...keep bringing up the cheat menu and adding lives on the final boss.

Joe Redifer · 07/29/2015, 02:56 PM

Doesn't Nam 1975 natively have unlimited continues? Maybe I'm thinking of every other Neo Geo game.

10/31/2023: Localization News - Dead of the Brain 1!

Advice needed on MVS