Help with SNK cabinet/JAMMA stuff...

[SoldatoJ]

Hey guys, I am pretty much an amateur when it comes to the subject (other than reading numerous posts related to JAMMA cabs and superguns, etc.). I have been offered an original SNK cabinet with what looks to be a 25' monitor, cabinet in slightly beat up condition (paint and decals coming off, etc.). I have been told that one of the joysticks would need to be repaired or replaced, but all of the buttons are in working condition. The actual board is a 1 slot MVS system. Now my questions include:

Is this thing JAMMA ready? (in other words, can I buy a JAMMA board and plug it right in, or does it require an adapter or extensive rewiring of the loom or something?)

Are the monitors usually flippable in these SNK cabs? I will mainly want to use it for JAMMA PCBs like E.S.P.Ra.De, Guwange, Feveron, etc. and I will want it in TATE mode...

It is of course always useful to me as an MVS system, and I know carts are usually dirt cheap, but I really want this thing to use for JAMMA PCBs. Would this be a feasible purchase for me?

Lastly, what would be a reasonable price, and how rare are these things?
(I am in the Miami, Florida area).

I originally posted this on SHMUPS forums, but have had only 1 response so far that though appreciated, was not very helpful. Can anyone here help?

[JefmcC]

Hey guys, I am pretty much an amateur when it comes to the subject (other than reading numerous posts related to JAMMA cabs and superguns, etc.). I have been offered an original SNK cabinet with what looks to be a 25' monitor, cabinet in slightly beat up condition (paint and decals coming off, etc.). I have been told that one of the joysticks would need to be repaired or replaced, but all of the buttons are in working condition. The actual board is a 1 slot MVS system. Now my questions include:

Is this thing JAMMA ready? (in other words, can I buy a JAMMA board and plug it right in, or does it require an adapter or extensive rewiring of the loom or something?)

Yes, MVS is JAMMA ready. So, most JAMMA games will just plug and play. Exceptions to this rule are some 4 player games, like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Are the monitors usually flippable in these SNK cabs? I will mainly want to use it for JAMMA PCBs like E.S.P.Ra.De, Guwange, Feveron, etc. and I will want it in TATE mode...

Now you need to learn about horizontal and vertical resolution games. ALL Neo Geo games are horizontal games. That is, the resolution of the screen runs left to right.

Many shooters are vertical, or what you call TATE. The screen is rotated 90 degrees and thus the resolution runs up and down.

Check www.klov.com to see specifics about each game.

It is of course always useful to me as an MVS system, and I know carts are usually dirt cheap, but I really want this thing to use for JAMMA PCBs. Would this be a feasible purchase for me?

I would not buy this cab with the intention of using it for both vertical and horizontal games. It will be too much of a hassle every time you want to switch it.

Lastly, what would be a reasonable price, and how rare are these things?
(I am in the Miami, Florida area).

Is it an American style stand at machine? Or a Japanese style sit at machine?

A reasonable price is whatever you think it's worth to you. For a basic American style cab, I wouldn't pay more than $250 for what you described. A beat up cab, broken joystick, and bad side art.

Japanese cabs are a bit nicer.

Check www.neo-geo.com and www.hardmvs.com.

[SoldatoJ]

Thanks, I am well versed in the details of TATE and such, just wanted to know if the monitor was flippable at all (I have heard that the SNK cabs monitors are not flippable--obviously due to the hori orientation of all NG games...but I wanted to be 100% sure ya know?). Thanks for the info though, it is much appreciated....

BTW, it is a stand up machine (same as most arcade cabs generally seen in US arcades)...

[JefmcC]

Well, anything is possible. To "flip" my monitor, it requires taking out a ton of screws, bolts, wiring harnesses, ect, physically removing the entire monitor from the cab and reinserting it in the other position. Yes, the cab has the proper mounting areas or slots, and yes I could do it if I really wanted to, but it's not meant to be done over and over again. Not to mention you REALLY don't want to take a shock off the back of the monitor. Even after being powered off for weeks, an electric charge can still be in there. That kind of electrical discharge can KILL you, like for real kill you.

I would only buy this thing if it's no more than $250 out of pocket for you, including delivery. And maybe keep it as a Neo Geo/JAMMA machine. You will have to spend some time and money fixing it up too.

I bought mine for $400 or so, I think. I got ripped off. I have since cleaned it up and replaced all the controls and whatnot. I bought it as a Neo Geo, but I use it for Neo Geo, Sega ST-V, IGS PGM, and straight up JAMMA games. Right now it has Rampart in it.

If you can get it for a great deal, go for it. Otherwise, get a Japanese style sit at machine. They look much nicer in the house and the screes are easier to rotate.

Oh yeah, try to find out when a coin-op auction is in your area. You will be able to get great deals there. Here's one to take a look at: http://www.usamusement.com/

[Shapermc]

Well, technically yes it can run jamma, but it is a custom jamma set up. Some games will run the 4th button from start (ala primal rage) or other custom setups. But you should be compatable with %95 percent of 3 button or less standard Jamma games.

Do not buy a dedicated cabinet with the intention to use it for both hori and vert games. Yes, it is possible, but as Jef said, a huge pain in the ass. Even in my cab it is relitivly easy and still takes about 30 min to do and alot of sweat. There are a few cabs out there that are designed for "easy" rotation, but I just bought a second cab for vert games.

Another place to look for used cabs is : http://www.namcoarcade.com/gamesearch.asp

I got a 25" standup converted SF2 cab for $185. But I have seen them for as cheap as under $100. If your looking for the cheapest you have to go to auctions. Cabs will occasionaly go for under $50. Superauctions.com is having one mid december in orlando: http://www.superauctions.com/dates.html

I would not pay more than $200 for a non-dedicated machine with a good monitor, and no more than $300-350 for a dedicated machine with a good monitor for any game 2000 or earlier.

Replacing arcade parts (control panel parts especially) is really simple stuff too. So n00bs at auctions will sometimes pass up games with really bad control panels. Snag these up and spend a weekend fixing them is really easy and saves time.

Blaggghh good luck.

[galvatron]

Don't forget about jamma being mono whereas MVS is stereo. You might want to rewire or put in a switch for mono sound when you use your jamma boards.

[JefmcC]

Don't forget about jamma being mono whereas MVS is stereo. You might want to rewire or put in a switch for mono sound when you use your jamma boards.

Not all MVS boards are created stereo. Newer 1 slot boards are mono.

[galvatron]

Not all MVS boards are created stereo. Newer 1 slot boards are mono.

yeah, I know...who knows what's in the cab he's talking about. Figured he'd be smart enough to try a jamma board and, if it sounded fine, just leave it alone.