LAI Lowboy rebuild to Neo Geo

[mauler]

Hi Guys

 

Since i initially could not find a Neo Geo cabinet i decided to build my own version until i can find one. I finally found a donor LAI lowboy cab thanks to the help of Greg not sure his username on these forums. The cabinet is structurally in good condition but is missing a few parts like the front door and back cover, the sides are faded and have a few light scratches in it. The aim is to rebuild it to be a Neo Geo, neaten and fix any other issues as we go.

 

 

 

Things to do in no particular order.

1. Disassemble cabinet to sand inside of the cabinet and outside: Outside done inside almost done.

2. Use the hardwood ply and make front door and back cover.

3. Wire Brand new power supply, Jamma harness, speakers, high to low converter to use sub and amp

4. Sort out Control Panel currently have 5 button per player

5. Replace battens inside the cabinet.

6. Cleanup monitor bracket

7. make base and attach to the cabinet.

8. Paint or Laminate the appropriate red

 

Parts purchased.

1. Sanwa OBSC-30 buttons

2. MCA Red joysticks

3. 5watt 8ohm speakers

4. 15A SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY

5. Jamma harness

6. MVS MV-1B board: Although looking for another board to put unibios on it

7. 40ft 13/16" Black T-Molding

8. 19mm hardwood ply

 

Parts to Purchase.

1. Control Panel art, Side Panel Art and marque art

2. Marque Light

3. Jomac universal arcade board

4. Neo Geo CPO

5. Monitor Smoked glass cover

[prostkxy]

I will be watching this like an eagle.

 

I started doing a scratch build with some left over wood.

 

Can you take a couple of measurements for me?

[Mikie]

Nice solid base to start with , really like the ply, still using the original monitor it came with ?

[mauler]

I will be watching this like an eagle.

 

I started doing a scratch build with some left over wood.

 

Can you take a couple of measurements for me?

 

If you need some measurements just let me know.

 

- - - Updated - - -

 

Unfortunately the cabinet came with no electronics at all.

 

On a side note. I got all my parts today so i hooked up the jomac special to the screen, powered the power supply and tested the neo geo with one speaker hooked up. Im a happy camper the screen looks really good much better then expected i have never wired one of these things up before so at least i know how now.

 

I also tried the new Sanwa 30 buttons compared to the generic pushbuttons and i am not sure which one i like more not having the clicking noise and feel almost feels wrong. Oh well i will try them and see which one i like more.

[mauler]

I have test fitted all the electronics and mounted them. At this stage i am making sure everything is working perfectly before painting and making everything neat. I have worked through an issue i had with the universal chassis on the tube it was quite dark and couldnt get great focus but Jomac was awesome and supplied a different neck board for the tube and it is heaps better now. All the control panel and electronics are wired up i just have to get some connectors for the control panel to allow quick removal. I found these at jaycar http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=PP2026 they are 12 Pin MULTI Pin Plug / Socket. I need to sort the sound out as it sounds really really tinny and no bass.

I am in the process of finding the neo geo artwork for the cpo and i will get a new control panel make in aluminium to suit the button and joystick configuration. I am also trialing the Sanwa buttons versus the traditional clicky arcade buttons and i have decided the Sanwa buttons are nicer to use and you get over they dont click pretty quickly.

I also received the t-moulding and the width is fine but where it goes into the channel in the arcade machine it is too thin and it doesnt hold in so i will need to buy some more :(

 

 

Anyway here are a few quick pics

 

[Mameshane]

did u remove the wood grain laminate? how did u do that? I have a cab that's an empty shell also that I would like to remove the laminate off.

[mauler]

did u remove the wood grain laminate? how did u do that? I have a cab that's an empty shell also that I would like to remove the laminate off.

 

I used an orbital sander with 40-125 grit pads. It took a hell of a long time to do mind you. But didnt damage anything which is good. I should have some pics up next weekend on what it looks like filling in the scratches and painting.

[dylzy]

Looking great so far, do you know where your getting the glass screen cover?

[mauler]

Looking great so far, do you know where your getting the glass screen cover?

 

Cheers man it should look like a new old cabinet when i am done.

Not sure apparently some place in west perth i think. I will look into it when i get a little further down the track.

[dylzy]

For my bartop build I used all acrylic shapes in Welshpool, easy to deal with and not too expensive, thought I'd let you know because sourcing that was one of the most annoying processes.

[mauler]

Cheers Dylzy123 for the tip i will give them a call.

Today i was busy i cut out the door, front bottom panel, rear panel and repaired the base of the unit. I also measured the clearances and found the support for the control panel was a bit out so pulled it off. I replaced most of the battens in the cabinet and put it all back together. Structurally all i need to do is get a hinge for the front door and the glass. I put it all back together and will get a feel for it over the week and start paint etc next week. The sound is the biggest issue at the moment i will get one of the converters to go to better speakers and see how that goes. Anyway here are some more pics looks a lot better but definitely in need of some paint.