snk now repairs neo geos systems

[johj1987]

http://www.siliconera.com/2010/02/28/snk-resume-neo-geo-repairs-online-collection-complete-box-drops-in-price/

[Guntz]

Now that's just damned cool.

[Deo]

If only Sega did that with the Game Gear caps and Dreamcast lasers.

[JRedmond3]

Dreamcasts are like 20 bucks so you'd be better off just getting a new one even if Sega did offer repairs.

[Knuckle Duster]

It would be cool if someone could verify if they offered the service globally. SNK was always about fan service.
Japanese companies are usually good like that. Falcom comes to mind, they usually give you random free stuff with their direct game sales, especially if you place a heavy order.

HEY ATARI! WAKE UP...oh wait...You're dead...Nevermind. :cry:

The only hard thing to repair for Dreamcast is the GDRom assembly. Does anybody know if Sega still offers repairs to Naomi boards that use GDRom?

[Robivy64]

They don't, however, the last time I checked you can still buy NOS GD-ROM parts directly from Sega. The Naomi GD-ROM DIMMs fail all the time, so these are always being purchased.

You can also rape the GD assembly from the revision 0 and 1 Dreamcasts and install it in a Naomi GD.

[Knuckle Duster]

Cannibalism is sexy.

[17daysolderthannes]

If only Sega did that with the Game Gear caps and Dreamcast lasers.

A professional cap replacement would probably cost $50-$100 or more b/c it's a lot of nitpicky fine soldering. Professional hardware technicians don't come cheap. Shipping it to China for labor might work, but then the turnaround would be extremely long and I doubt they would get the volume to justify it. Even worse, what would they do if there were other things wrong with it unrelated to the capacitors? You think the average consumer would be OK being out $100 with a still non-working Game Gear?

There's nothing wrong with Dreamcast lasers, noobs just don't know what they're doing. I have NEVER come across a Dreamcast with "disc read error" I couldn't fix without replacing parts, excluding ones with obvious signs of abuse, of course. The GD-ROM assembly is actually more robust than most of Sony's drives (and a fuck ton better than the XBOX 360's drive). I think most of the problem in many cases is slipping on the spindle because there isn't very much rubber and if that gets covered in dust, it can't grip anymore. Futhermore, I'm not sure that the retention pegs hold the disc tight enough and if you don't make sure to push the center of the disc down firmly and evenly it will cause it to run lopsided enough for read problems.

[Knuckle Duster]

There's nothing wrong with Dreamcast lasers, noobs just don't know what they're doing. I have NEVER come across a SQUAWK SQUAWK SQUAAAAWWWWWK!

Sorry bro, I have a dead Dreamcast in my hands right now that counters your ever persistent life-story-knowledge-base. :cool:

The power is fine, I've done a 'temp' swap on the GDRom assembly and revived it back when it died. The motor that pushes the laser is fucked. It's not worth fixing IMO, I have more Dreamcast's kicking around.

[Elusive]

Sorry bro, I have a dead Dreamcast in my hands right now that counters your ever persistent life-story-knowledge-base. :cool:

hey, the guy worked in a VIDEO GAME STORE for a while replacing console parts for STUPID CUSTOMERS, of course he knows better than the so-called 'professional engineers' who designed the machine in the first place. Whenever anyone at Sega has a good idea, they run it by him, just to make sure it's a good idea. Because the guy knows how to replace a GD-ROM laser!

[TmEE]

The power is fine, I've done a 'temp' swap on the GDRom assembly and revived it back when it died. The motor that pushes the laser is fucked.

Death of motor driver chip is usual cause for DC drives to malfunction... From 5 drives I got here, 3 got a hole in the BAxxxx chip. I've added 4.7ohm resistors in series with the motors so in case of motor failure the chip will not die (that soon)...

[Robivy64]

Correcting your mistakes with SPECULATION/GOOGLE/ASSUMPTIONS.











since 2008

.

[17daysolderthannes]

Sorry bro, I have a dead Dreamcast in my hands right now that counters your ever persistent life-story-knowledge-base. :cool:

The power is fine, I've done a 'temp' swap on the GDRom assembly and revived it back when it died. The motor that pushes the laser is fucked. It's not worth fixing IMO, I have more Dreamcast's kicking around.

your answer:


A excluding ones with obvious signs of abuse, of course.

You probably broke something when you took it apart, num nuts.


hey, the guy worked in a VIDEO GAME STORE for a while replacing console parts for STUPID CUSTOMERS, of course he knows better than the so-called 'professional engineers' who designed the machine in the first place. Whenever anyone at Sega has a good idea, they run it by him, just to make sure it's a good idea. Because the guy knows how to replace a GD-ROM laser!

Gee, so my engineering degree isn't as good as theirs? OK. I've just fixed this shit day in and day out, but what do I know? I supposed all video game company engineers are the hot shit of the universe, just like the ones that designed the XBOX 360, right?

the situation TmEE described may happen in a small minority of DCs, but most of the time it is the simplest of dirt/dust issues.


.

Robivy 64: thinks he's an engineer because he did some work equivalent to a 1950's housewife telephone switchboard operator. How cute.

I know this shit from working with it personally and going through an engineering curriculum with a squad full of Nazi's teaching. What's your credentials, captain?

[Robivy64]

I don't claim to be an engineer. You aren't an electrical engineer.

I have been repairing and modifying game consoles for over 10 years, featured in O'Reilly's "Gaming Hacks" book by Simon Carless (proof (http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-11261_7-6298931-3.html)).

You should give it a read sometime. :)

Your lose credibility with posts like this:


furthermore, why are there so many GD wires? last time I checked, RGB was 3 wires, what are the other NINE THOUSAND wires for? controllers?

It's one thing to not know, but to not know and PRETEND you do, that is an entirely different enchilada. You admitted yourself that you regurgitate what information you find with quick google searches.


whoops, my b, I couldn't remember the Saturn arcade equivalent and I just took the first thing I saw on Google. There were a handful of model 2 games on the Saturn, though.

I enjoy helping people learn who WANT to learn. There is nothing wrong with NOT knowing.

Use google to find out what my degree is in. You seem to be good at it.

[Knuckle Duster]

Death of motor driver chip is usual cause for DC drives to malfunction... From 5 drives I got here, 3 got a hole in the BAxxxx chip. I've added 4.7ohm resistors in series with the motors so in case of motor failure the chip will not die (that soon)...

Might be the same problem, never looked into it other than basic troubleshooting.


your answer:


A excluding ones with obvious signs of abuse, of course.

You probably broke something when you took it apart, num nuts.

Sure! I love taking apart fully functional consoles to fix them for no reason! :roll:
Real Answer: I never abuse my electronics.

Go skeet on your iPhone or something. It's all you're good at. :p

[Deo]

Chuckles at funny iPhone comment.

[QuickSciFi]

This is the kind of retro-friendly love I like to see in conglomerates. That's 100 points for awesomeness SNK!!! ;)

[17daysolderthannes]

Death of motor driver chip is usual cause for DC drives to malfunction... From 5 drives I got here, 3 got a hole in the BAxxxx chip. I've added 4.7ohm resistors in series with the motors so in case of motor failure the chip will not die (that soon)...

Could you take some pics so I can see what you mean by having a "hole" in it? Do you mean the thing actually fried and burned a hole in itself? Is it from the motor binding up and then causing the amperage to spike? If so, what does it look like caused the motor to bind in the first place?


I don't claim to be an engineer. You aren't an electrical engineer.

Nope, I'm a mechanical one, and a CD/DVD drive is...

*jeopardy music*

I'll need your answer now

"What is a mechanically driven binary optical reader?"

DING DING DING!

At least 90% of video game related repairs pertain more to mechanical problems than electrical ones. Most problems are related to cooling, electrical connections (physical connection), and interference with moving parts. Mods, on the other hand, aside from the solder joint mechanics, usually are something for an EE as it comes down to choosing resistors, capacitors, etc. to successfully perform the mod.



I have been repairing and modifying game consoles for over 10 years, featured in O'Reilly's "Gaming Hacks" book by Simon Carless (proof (http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-11261_7-6298931-3.html)).

You should give it a read sometime. :)

As mentioned above, mechanical issues=/=electrical mods. I never understood why programmers and overclockers suddenly claim to be experts on heat transfer and dynamics. It's two totally different worlds, you stay in yours, I'll stay in mine.




Your lose credibility with posts like this:

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/2943/over9000d.png

That was a joke based on a meme. I'll remember you take everything with 100% seriousness next time. Also, I was trying to throw you a bone so you could feel special for a minute, I'll make sure to not do that again.



It's one thing to not know, but to not know and PRETEND you do, that is an entirely different enchilada. You admitted yourself that you regurgitate what information you find with quick google searches.

I don't pretend to know shit, I KNOW SHIT. When the fuck did I say I regurgitate what I find on Google? Now, if I honestly didn't know something, I would admit I just found something relevant on Google. I mean, if someone won't take my word for it, what else am I supposed to do? Find the phone number to the engineer at Sega/Nintendo/Microsoft and have them repeat what I said? When you find these numbers, let me know.

I don't claim to know everything, such as I couldn't tell you what to do to make an S-Video mod or a region switch. Mostly it's because I think both mods are a waste of time, and I could certainly learn about them if I wanted to, but I'm most concerned with proper maintenance and operation of systems and repairs when needed. I also don't know much about arcade cabinets (connections, standards, companies, etc.) since I never had any reason to learn it considering arcades were irrelevant by the time I had the money to play them and I live in Louisiana where 90% of cabinets are Big Buck Hunter.



I enjoy helping people learn who WANT to learn.

So do I.



There is nothing wrong with NOT knowing.

Tell that to Thunderforce:


A moment of silence for the passing of an X'Eye...

I'd like to say a few words if I may:
*ahem*

Oh X'Eye, we barely knew you. Your power supply had fallen victim to incompetence, but you remained untouched and operational, until that fateful day, when your murderer purchased you for a mere $20.

It seemed you might be safe, when your new owner tried to gouge fellow collectors by turning a profit. If the price had been reasonable, you might still be with us today.

Fate had different plans for you. You were once a shining jewel, perhaps under a Christmas tree, your LEDs glowing brightly.

Your new owner talked of using hot iron to put holes in you, but this was only the beginning.

Now, you have been reduced to nothing but a memory, your voltage regulators forever cold. There are many questions we can all ask, such as "Why didn't he practice on something more common?", or "Why does he even own a soldering iron?", but alas, these questions won't bring you back.

Now, we remember you, X'Eye, for you are a magnificent gaming machine. Your life was prematurely cut to an end, but your memory will live on, just without the five volts.

Sincerely,

Rob

I mean, I was sort of abrasive too because I always get annoyed when people ruin systems by going after mods when they don't know WTF they're doing, but I wasn't that big of a dick about it.



Use google to find out what my degree is in. You seem to be good at it.

I love how you insist you were born knowing everything you know. For the record, I know most of what I know from my engineering curriculum doing stuff like this:

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s190/specv4life/NIELVISpretty.jpg

Nevertheless, there's nothing wrong with learning from searching online provided you get your info from reliable sources that know what they're talking about. Unfortunately, most people don't know what a reliable source is and that's why so many people think Dreamcasts wear out faster from using CD-Rs and that CD-Rs can't possibly last 10 years (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cd-r#Expected_lifespan) when I still have a CD I burned in 2000 with both regular and fine sharpie writing (started with the fat marker and switched to fine b/c I was running out of room) that reads every track perfectly.

Shit, I just did a RROD repair not 30 minutes ago, wtf do I need to do before I meet the Robivy criteria for knowing wtf I'm talking about? Do I need a letter from the president? Oh wait, he uses Google.



Sure! I love taking apart fully functional consoles to fix them for no reason! :roll:

I didn't say it wasn't having issues, but that doesn't mean you didn't add to the list. I can't say, I wasn't there, but it wouldn't be the first time someone boned a system thinkin they were hot shit. Eventually, I had to stop taking previously opened systems at Play N Trade because whoever tried to fix it always managed to completely wreck vital parts (like shoving a screwdriver right through a PCB or IC).



Real Answer: I never abuse my electronics.

Maybe you didn't, but did you buy it new? If not, there's no telling what the previous owner did. My used Model 2 Genesis never worked with Knuckles Chaotix even though I tried it with 2 different 32Xs. It wasn't anything I did, it was a pre-existing condition (or perhaps a fundamental incompatibility, not sure how late the build was).



Go skeet on your iPhone or something. It's all you're good at. :p

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s190/specv4life/Ehhhh_nothanks-1.gif


This is the kind of retro-friendly love I like to see in conglomerates. That's 100 points for awesomeness SNK!!! ;)

It doesn't surprise me, really. Most arcade manufacturers will service their own machines for many years after they are no longer being manufacturered, and since the AES is basically a factory consolized MVS, it makes sense.

Plus, they haven't said how much this crap will cost. I remember looking on the Pioneer website for a replacement laser for my CLD V2800 and the laser assembly sans installation or anything else was $130 (maybe not even with shipping). I fixed it with a paperclip and superglue and bought another CLD V2800 for like $20 as a backup.

video:

EJhZ6VmMOQQ

[QuickSciFi]

^and the winner is: 17days, for the longest post ever on sega-16. Lol. ;)

[17daysolderthannes]

^and the winner is: 17days, for the longest post ever on sega-16. Lol. ;)

guess you didn't see my post in the iPhone games thread :p

[gamevet]

Could you take some pics so I can see what you mean by having a "hole" in it? Do you mean the thing actually fried and burned a hole in itself? Is it from the motor binding up and then causing the amperage to spike? If so, what does it look like caused the motor to bind in the first place?

I had a HDD with a chip that had a hole burned in it. It looks like someone poured acid on the chip.




Nope, I'm a mechanical one, and a CD/DVD drive is...

*jeopardy music*

I'll need your answer now

"What is a mechanically driven binary optical reader?"

DING DING DING!

At least 90% of video game related repairs pertain more to mechanical problems than electrical ones. Most problems are related to cooling, electrical connections (physical connection), and interference with moving parts. Mods, on the other hand, aside from the solder joint mechanics, usually are something for an EE as it comes down to choosing resistors, capacitors, etc. to successfully perform the mod.


What is a Mechanical Engineer doing in the repair field of work?

[QuickSciFi]

guess you didn't see my post in the iPhone games thread :p

lmao.

[Metal_Sonic]

Oh Sega-16.
http://i42.tinypic.com/21cxt38.gif

[17daysolderthannes]

I had a HDD with a chip that had a hole burned in it. It looks like someone poured acid on the chip.

you sure that wasn't just leaked corrosive fluid from a capacitor or battery?

I want to see a pic of the exact chip TmEE is talking about with the hole rather than just a general idea of what it might look like. From what little information he provided, it sounds like something locked the spindle causing the current to spike (as DC motors do when restricted from moving) and then caused the current to spike in the chip and fried it. This might be what causes the fuse to blow in Sega CDs (though I honestly have no idea where the fuse actually falls in the actual circuit layout on the Sega CD, so I would need clarification before making that claim). If either case is true, it's one more vote for the dirt=death claim I made.





What is a mechanical Engineer doing in the repair field of work?

gotta do somethin' while you're in college.

Besides, engineers always have to repair and revise flawed designs. They may not be out there turning a wrench, but troubleshooting skills are a must to be a good engineer. I continue to do console repairs mostly as favors and in the interest of testing my skills and preserving as much hardware as I can. There is alot to be learned for future engineering projects by seeing what others did wrong.

My main (engineering) job is mostly related to sub-sea robotics/drill rigs/well abandonment saws and cutters/etc. for oil production, but that will soon change to staff engineer for an industrial design firm once I move to NYC in 3 months.

[Guntz]

Oh Sega-16.
http://i42.tinypic.com/21cxt38.gif

Where the hell do you keep getting these gifs?

[Knuckle Duster]

I didn't say it wasn't having issues, but that doesn't mean you didn't add to the list. I can't say, I wasn't there, but it wouldn't be the first time someone boned a system thinkin they were hot shit. Eventually, I had to stop taking previously opened systems at Play N Trade because whoever tried to fix it always managed to completely wreck vital parts (like shoving a screwdriver right through a PCB or IC).


http://4gifs.com/gallery/d/139520-1/Omigahd.jpg

You act as if anybody with a screwdriver who so much as farts in the same room as a console is abusing it & knows nothing about anything.

You need therapy or something.



Maybe you didn't, but did you buy it new? If not, there's no telling what the previous owner did. My used Model 2 Genesis never worked with Knuckles Chaotix even though I tried it with 2 different 32Xs. It wasn't anything I did, it was a pre-existing condition (or perhaps a fundamental incompatibility, not sure how late the build was).

I didn't 'fix' anything. It was one of my new ones back when they were 50 bucks at retail. Irrelevant observations are irrelevant.

[gamevet]

you sure that wasn't just leaked corrosive fluid from a capacitor or battery?

No it wasn't. If a capacitor had failed, the drive wouldn't have functioned long enough for it's fluid to eat through the silicon.

I happen to have a degree in Electronics Technologies btw. ;)


I want to see a pic of the exact chip TmEE is talking about with the hole rather than just a general idea of what it might look like. From what little information he provided, it sounds like something locked the spindle causing the current to spike (as DC motors do when restricted from moving) and then caused the current to spike in the chip and fried it. This might be what causes the fuse to blow in Sega CDs (though I honestly have no idea where the fuse actually falls in the actual circuit layout on the Sega CD, so I would need clarification before making that claim). If either case is true, it's one more vote for the dirt=death claim I made.

It could be a number of factors. It could be the voltage coming into the device itself, being the voltage regulator of the board for the CD drive.








Besides, engineers always have to repair and revise flawed designs. They may not be out there turning a wrench, but troubleshooting skills are a must to be a good engineer. I continue to do console repairs mostly as favors and in the interest of testing my skills and preserving as much hardware as I can. There is alot to be learned for future engineering projects by seeing what others did wrong.


The engineers design and in some cases test what they have designed, but in most cases it's up to the technicians to evaluate and give feedback to the engineer about changes that need to be made.

[Metal_Sonic]

Where the hell do you keep getting these gifs?

You 'mirin my gifs?

[17daysolderthannes]

The engineers design and in some cases test what they have designed, but in most cases it's up to the technicians to evaluate and give feedback to the engineer about changes that need to be made.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s190/specv4life/angrydome.gif

"Did he really just say that? surely he didn't just say that! there's no way he just said that!"



It's up to the technicians to say "consumers have amazed us yet again with their incompetence in use, can you fix this?"

then the engineers say "for fuck's sake, what is wrong with this planet? fine, I'll fix it"

I've heard some bold statements in my time, but don't even pretend a technician's job is to do anything but exactly what an engineer tells them to.

[Iron Lizard]

I get the feeling 17 is saying this after fixing about 800 Xbox 360s.

[17daysolderthannes]

I get the feeling 17 is saying this after fixing about 800 Xbox 360s.

it's been at least 100, maybe 200, I never actually counted.

[Jasper061992]

Well isn't that nice of SNK, acknowledging the hugely expensive, but loyal following of the Neo Geo. I wonder how they can repair those systems but Sega and Nintendo can't? I'd send in my broken Mega CD and Game Gear with a dim screen in a heartbeat for cap replacements.

[Iron Lizard]

I think it is just a matter of money. Owning a Neo Geo is an expensive enterprise to begin with. The hardcore guys probable like the thought of SNK fixing their system. They also didn't make many AES systems. Its sorta like Ferrari fixing a Ferrari. Sega and Nintendos, and I hate to say it are a bit more disposable and are easy to replace.

[17daysolderthannes]

Well isn't that nice of SNK, acknowledging the hugely expensive, but loyal following of the Neo Geo. I wonder how they can repair those systems but Sega and Nintendo can't? I'd send in my broken Mega CD and Game Gear with a dim screen in a heartbeat for cap replacements.

this:


A professional cap replacement would probably cost $50-$100 or more b/c it's a lot of nitpicky fine soldering. Professional hardware technicians don't come cheap. Shipping it to China for labor might work, but then the turnaround would be extremely long and I doubt they would get the volume to justify it. Even worse, what would they do if there were other things wrong with it unrelated to the capacitors? You think the average consumer would be OK being out $100 with a still non-working Game Gear?





Are you gonna pay $100 for your Sega CD to be fixed? doubt it. Besides, being a factory repair job doesn't mean it'll be the best quality fix. Shit, Microsoft can't get a system to work off the assembly line, what makes you think their repair staff would be any better? Hobbyists with a strong technical background would likely do a better job provided the repair doesn't require parts they can't acquire since they are actually enthusiastic about repairing the system rather than just some dude off the street looking for a paycheck (I doubt these repair people have any formal degrees). I would be more impressed/happy with companies selling OEM or (even better) revised and modernized repair parts so people could replace a broken Sega CD drive rather than having to scrounge one from another Sega CD with a dead motherboard like I had to do.

[Jasper061992]

this:





Are you gonna pay $100 for your Sega CD to be fixed? doubt it. Besides, being a factory repair job doesn't mean it'll be the best quality fix. Shit, Microsoft can't get a system to work off the assembly line, what makes you think their repair staff would be any better? Hobbyists with a strong technical background would likely do a better job provided the repair doesn't require parts they can't acquire since they are actually enthusiastic about repairing the system rather than just some dude off the street looking for a paycheck (I doubt these repair people have any formal degrees). I would be more impressed/happy with companies selling OEM or (even better) revised and modernized repair parts so people could replace a broken Sega CD drive rather than having to scrounge one from another Sega CD with a dead motherboard like I had to do.

Alright, you got me there. Must of missed your earlier take on the subject. I wonder why its only NOW SNK decided to do this...

[17daysolderthannes]

Alright, you got me there. Must of missed your earlier take on the subject. I wonder why its only NOW SNK decided to do this...

Consumer demand?

The AES is pretty reliable AFAIK since it's a cartridge system and all. I guess maybe some are starting to have capacitor issues or something.

[WoodyXP]

I wonder if SNK needs money. They quit this service a couple years ago... and now it's back.

[17daysolderthannes]

I wonder if SNK needs money. They quit this service a couple years ago... and now it's back.

Keep in mind, there has been a good bit of corporate shuffling the past few years. For a while, the former head of SNK went off to form Playmore. Later, he came back and bought SNK and merged them together. They probably stopped during the years SNK was being run by some other asshat. People don't realize how big of a difference a CEO can make. Look at how shitty Sega is today and how good Apple is compared to Apple in the 5-10 years prior to Steve Job's return and the introduction of the iMac.

this should explain why SNK sucked for a few years:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SNK_Playmore#Collapse

[Guntz]

Consumer demand?

The AES is pretty reliable AFAIK since it's a cartridge system and all. I guess maybe some are starting to have capacitor issues or something.

Are you kidding? Please tell me you are. I've seen lots of horror stories on those consoles having RAM or video chips dying. Here I thought I was just reading from absolute hardware nuts, but no AES systems actually do have a problem of basic parts failing. I've also seen systems that had the case cracked and were subsequently repaired. Console plastic isn't normally brittle enough to crack unless it's a SNES. If you wish, I could dig up a pic or thread or two but I'd rather not. I'd be digging for quite a while.

[17daysolderthannes]

Are you kidding? Please tell me you are. I've seen lots of horror stories on those consoles having RAM or video chips dying. Here I thought I was just reading from absolute hardware nuts, but no AES systems actually do have a problem of basic parts failing. I've also seen systems that had the case cracked and were subsequently repaired. Console plastic isn't normally brittle enough to crack unless it's a SNES. If you wish, I could dig up a pic or thread or two but I'd rather not. I'd be digging for quite a while.

I could find an example of anything failing on any system. People don't treat their shit right and thus it has issues. Are you suggesting I don't know electronics because I don't keep up-to-date on a system I have no interest in purchasing? I might look into an MVS one day, but I'll worry about hardware issues when I actually have the money and space to invest in one. The difference between a Neo Geo and any other video game system is that an AES is actually worth paying to fix vs. a $20 Genesis that most people would rather just throw in the trash and buy another. Most people aren't going to go online looking for fixes for something that isn't worth anything, that's why you never hear about problems.

[Guntz]

I could find an example of anything failing on any system. People don't treat their shit right and thus it has issues. Are you suggesting I don't know electronics because I don't keep up-to-date on a system I have no interest in purchasing? I might look into an MVS one day, but I'll worry about hardware issues when I actually have the money and space to invest in one. The difference between a Neo Geo and any other video game system is that an AES is actually worth paying to fix vs. a $20 Genesis that most people would rather just throw in the trash and buy another. Most people aren't going to go online looking for fixes for something that isn't worth anything, that's why you never hear about problems.

I'm suggesting you are underestimating the quality of SNK's hardware parts, which from what I gather after reading far too many threads on forums, to be extremely low. I'm saying the general quality of the RAM, video and other similar chips to be lower quality than any of Nintendo or Sega's. I've never heard of a SNES's video chip failing, but ho boy is the AES a different story.

[17daysolderthannes]

I'm suggesting you are underestimating the quality of SNK's hardware parts, which from what I gather after reading far too many threads on forums, to be extremely low. I'm saying the general quality of the RAM, video and other similar chips to be lower quality than any of Nintendo or Sega's. I've never heard of a SNES's video chip failing, but ho boy is the AES a different story.

I've heard of a few people report Mode 7 issues, which are probably cap related.

Do you have any specific examples of what you're talking about? I don't hang out on Neo Geo boards, but I don't think I've ever seen someone posting about a broken AES on any of the boards I check. Given the low production numbers, I would imagine most AES parts would be off the shelf like a model 1 Genesis, which usually means tried and true. If anything, I bet these problems are from the AES getting bought and sold and not being handled nicely between transactions.

[Guntz]

I've heard of a few people report Mode 7 issues, which are probably cap related.

Do you have any specific examples of what you're talking about? I don't hang out on Neo Geo boards, but I don't think I've ever seen someone posting about a broken AES on any of the boards I check. Given the low production numbers, I would imagine most AES parts would be off the shelf like a model 1 Genesis, which usually means tried and true. If anything, I bet these problems are from the AES getting bought and sold and not being handled nicely between transactions.

I haven't lurked on a Neo-Geo board in ages, but wow did I ever learn a lot about that system by just READING. Doing nothing but reading and looking through troubleshooting threads.

Video Display Problem (http://www.neo-geo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=204272)

This is really annoying. I can't use search for some stupid reason to go through the really old threads where I'd find the stuff I'm referring to. You could always try searching yourself. Just enter something like "video ram problem" and go through the old threads.

[17daysolderthannes]

I haven't lurked on a Neo-Geo board in ages, but wow did I ever learn a lot about that system by just READING. Doing nothing but reading and looking through troubleshooting threads.

Video Display Problem (http://www.neo-geo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=204272)



According to the thread posts, they think it was either a dirty cartridge/connector, a broken trace, or a broken solder joint. All of those are caused by abuse/mistreatment or at least poor maintenance, not fundamental hardware flaws (at least on older systems, we all know about XBOX 360). I could find a Genesis/SNES/etc. with the same problem if I looked hard enough (not exact display problem, but an equivalent one). So, I stand by my statement: a properly cared for AES should need nothing but cap replacements.

[Guntz]

Well since I have no proof to back up my argument because that damned site's search function isn't working, I have no other choice but to sit here and twiddle my thumbs...

[gamevet]

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s190/specv4life/angrydome.gif

"Did he really just say that? surely he didn't just say that! there's no way he just said that!"



It's up to the technicians to say "consumers have amazed us yet again with their incompetence in use, can you fix this?"

then the engineers say "for fuck's sake, what is wrong with this planet? fine, I'll fix it"

I've heard some bold statements in my time, but don't even pretend a technician's job is to do anything but exactly what an engineer tells them to.

No, I've heard some bold statements from one individual and he doesn't have a clue what goes on outside of the classrooms and low-level tech repair job. As a matter of fact, a bench tech is the worst job someone in the electronics field can get into.

I can tell you right now, that no engineer is going to get his fat ass out from behind his desk to install an AP system for wireless guns, or install a fiber infastructure for large business. He'll take notes from what the people in the field relay to their management and sales teams, then make changes after the fact.

Just remember, it was an engineer that fucked up the design of the 360 and just maybe if someone in the design group actually listened to the people that put the system through the stress tests, it would have been a more reliable system.

[17daysolderthannes]

No, I've heard some bold statements and you don't have a clue what goes on outside of your classrooms and a low-level tech repair job. As a matter of fact, a bench tech is the worst job someone in the electronics field can get into.

I can tell you right now, that no engineer is going to get his fat ass out from behind his desk to install an AP system for wireless guns, or install a fiber infastructure for large business. He'll take notes from what the people in the field relay to their management and sales teams and make changes after the fact.

Hey fucker, I work for a fucking engineering firm now and have been for the last year, how about you ask me where I work before shitting out of your mouth?

fiber infrastructure? I build sub-sea robotics to cut down giant steel pylons from oil-rigs, not that small time horseshit.

I worked at Play N Trade FOR FUN because it was the last chance I had to work at a video game store before getting a real job.

suck. my. cock. prick.

[johj1987]

Hey fucker, I work for a fucking engineering firm now and have been for the last year, how about you ask me where I work before shitting out of your mouth?

fiber infrastructure? I build sub-sea robotics to cut down giant steel pylons from oil-rigs, not that small time horseshit.

I worked at Play N Trade FOR FUN because it was the last chance I had to work at a video game store before getting a real job.

suck. my. cock. prick.LOL :shock:

[Knuckle Duster]

It's too bad SNK doesn't still sell the NeoGeo AES 'brand new' as a specialty console. I'm sure they could run a few hundred off and sell it for profit while maintaining a higher quality standard than the current clone market.

It would be absurd & too awesome. I'd buy it out of shock. :lol:

[Joe Redifer]

Enjoy a couple of weeks off, 17 Days.

[Guntz]

:eek:

[cabear]

my AES is an early model and is still kickin strong!

i had to clean the hell out of some of my carts, but they all work flawlessly now.

hopefully it'll work for years to come.

[WoodyXP]

I have purchased junk AES consoles in the past and they all suffered from the bad video RAM issue.. but the cool thing is you can buy replacement chips off e-bay for like $10 a pop so it ain't no biggie. Most parts in the AES really are off the shelf.. very similar to what we find in the Genesis.

[Robivy64]

I have seen WAY more busted MVS boards.

I'd place AES issues on par with any other cart-based console.

The repairs had better be inexpensive, considering MVS boards are far from rare and expensive.

[Guntz]

It still doesn't fix the issue of the games being stupidly expensive. Even the MVS converters are highway robbery.

Sarcasm -> Maybe a bootleg cartridge to go along with the AES system clone? :lol:

[johj1987]

It's too bad SNK doesn't still sell the NeoGeo AES 'brand new' as a specialty console. I'm sure they could run a few hundred off and sell it for profit while maintaining a higher quality standard than the current clone market.

It would be absurd & too awesome. I'd buy it out of shock. :lol:

A Neogeo clone would be cool to have

[havok666]

It still doesn't fix the issue of the games being stupidly expensive. Even the MVS converters are highway robbery.




http://quad9damage.files.wordpress.com/2006/11/weenie1.jpg

That's why.

[NeoVamp]

A Neogeo clone would be cool to have

I want a handheld NeoGeo MVS, and it has to take original carts!

... At least there'd be plenty of space for a nice big screen. http://www.sega-16.com/forum/images/icons/talking.gif

[Robivy64]

The MV-1C is the smallest Neo Geo MVS board.

It would be ideal for building a handheld. The PCB is nearly the same size as the cart.

http://media.giantpachinkomachineofdoom.com/blog/2008-10/images/boardmv1c.jpg

[ooXxXoo]

http://quad9damage.files.wordpress.com/2006/11/weenie1.jpg

That's why.





I see, if thats the case.... **Runs upstairs, dust off the component modded NEO-GEO AES and plays Fatal Fury Special**....

[Robivy64]

A Neo Geo should NEVER have to be dusted off. :?

**plugs the MV-1FZ in the cab and plays Metal Slug X**

[ooXxXoo]

A Neo Geo should NEVER have to be dusted off. :?

**plugs the MV-1FZ in the cab and plays Metal Slug X**

You say that 'cause you have the cheaper MVS carts :rofl:

EDIT: Gets boring playing the same only 3 AES carts currently available, after while :p

[Robivy64]

The Neo Geo is so awesome.

I remember when I bought an AES many years ago. I found a bundle on ebay with three games for $200 (Samurai Showdown, Top Players Golf, and Football Frenzy).

I had no clue how expensive some of those AES games were. An original Metal Slug for $1000? No thanks. :) It's a great looking machine, and the AES->MVS converters are fairly reliable from what I have read. Maybe that's an option for you?

I later purchased an MV-1FZ, and "consolized" it. I have since sold both.

MVS carts don't look nice at all, but they get the job done. :)

EDIT: I managed to find some old photos of the franken-neo! Memories!

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d40/robivy64/DSCN0987.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d40/robivy64/DSCN0991.jpg

[ooXxXoo]

↑..Nice!...Me likes!....

Neo-Geo systems, in any form are awesome....They truly deliver...

[Guntz]

[IMG]That's why.

Oh you are too funny! As if I don't already know... :roll:

NES games cost $50 - $60 when they were new. Most can be had for a few dollars these days. Most AES games really shouldn't be that expensive. Samurai Shodown II is common, it should be a $15 - $20 game, not a $40 one. Although, given most late releases were really good, stuff like Metal Slug 3 and Garou: Mark of the Wolves sort of deserve to stay high... Sort of... ;)


The MV-1C is the smallest Neo Geo MVS board.

It would be ideal for building a handheld. The PCB is nearly the same size as the cart.

I thought Longhorn Engineer or somebody similar hacked a MV-1C board into a handheld already. It was still pretty big but regardless, it was badass. Except for the pink color used for the shell. Red should have been the obvious choice. :yuck:

[gamevet]

Oh you are too funny! As if I don't already know... :roll:

NES games cost $50 - $60 when they were new. Most can be had for a few dollars these days. Most AES games really shouldn't be that expensive. Samurai Shodown II is common, it should be a $15 - $20 game, not a $40 one. Although, given most late releases were really good, stuff like Metal Slug 3 and Garou: Mark of the Wolves sort of deserve to stay high... Sort of... ;)



Does Mark of the Wolves deserve to stay at a high price, when you can get it on the Dreamcast and a recent PS2 compilation? I believe MS3 was also available on the original Xbox.

[Robivy64]

There is a huge Neo Geo AES collector's scene. The only reason the prices are so high is because of the collectors. The ports have been very good for the most part.

They even go so far as to pass on or discount an AES cart that has "insertion marks", being small marks on the cartridge created by inserting the game into the console.

Some collectors would buy carts, seal them in plastic, and never play them. I'm talking about $500+ AES carts. I used to think that AES carts dissolved when exposed to oxygen.

It's a wacky scene.

[Guntz]

Does Mark of the Wolves deserve to stay at a high price, when you can get it on the Dreamcast and a recent PS2 compilation? I believe MS3 was also available on the original Xbox.

Well you gotta remember, MotW was probably made in extremely low quantities like most late AES releases. The worst part about it is there isn't even a wild guess on the print runs SNK made. You could make a rough guess on Nintendo or Sega games, heck some have even had print run numbers leaked or rumored. The same can not be said about any of the AES releases. Yes the existence of compilations and ports should bring the price down, but as Rob says, the AES collector's scene is a scary one.


There is a huge Neo Geo AES collector's scene. The only reason the prices are so high is because of the collectors. The ports have been very good for the most part.

They even go so far as to pass on or discount an AES cart that has "insertion marks", being small marks on the cartridge created by inserting the game into the console.

Some collectors would buy carts, seal them in plastic, and never play them. I'm talking about $500+ AES carts. I used to think that AES carts dissolved when exposed to oxygen.

It's a wacky scene.

Wacky doesn't even begin to describe it.

As to the insertion marks, I've heard you can scrape off those plastic tabs on the cartridge slot flaps to help decrease the insertion marks. ;) Though really, I guess it all depends on the person. I for one don't like scratched up carts, but yeah the fact that insertion marks can mean double (or for some games, triple) digit number differences is just ridiculous.

Also speaking of crazy collectors, I remember hearing one guy handled his expensive AES carts with gloves on. Gotta watch out for that umm, sweat I suppose. The acid could permanently damage the plastic ya kno... :shock:

[JRedmond3]

Yeah, I think you have to be either Bill Gates or some kind of royalty in order to get full use out of a Neo Geo AES.

[WoodyXP]

Yeah, I think you have to be either Bill Gates or some kind of royalty in order to get full use out of a Neo Geo AES.

Nah.. you just have to know how to budget. I have over 80 AES games and I like to consider myself a middle-class guy. I never had money to buy the latest Playstation/2/3 games but I had enough to snag the occasional AES cart.

[johj1987]

The Neo Geo is so awesome.

I remember when I bought an AES many years ago. I found a bundle on ebay with three games for $200 (Samurai Showdown, Top Players Golf, and Football Frenzy).

I had no clue how expensive some of those AES games were. An original Metal Slug for $1000? No thanks. :) It's a great looking machine, and the AES->MVS converters are fairly reliable from what I have read. Maybe that's an option for you?

I later purchased an MV-1FZ, and "consolized" it. I have since sold both.

MVS carts don't look nice at all, but they get the job done. :)

EDIT: I managed to find some old photos of the franken-neo! Memories!

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d40/robivy64/DSCN0987.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d40/robivy64/DSCN0991.jpg

that looks pretty cool:cool: