The Neo Geo LT
Neo Geo, in my opinion, is the best home system ever created. It allows the gamers to enjoy the true arcade experience at home.
I recently purchased a Super Nova system from MAS. After examining how Nova works, I learned alot on the JAMMA standard. I used Super Nova to play MVS system, but I wasn't happy due to its size. After seeing how small the mini MVS board is, I decided to make a self contained MVS system, so I am able to carry inexpensive MVS games to my friends' houses.
One day I was hanging out at my friend's car audio store, and I found a treasure sitting on top of misc. car audio parts. It is a Sharp TFT active matrix 6 inch LCD plate. My friend informed me that the LCD plate is able to display composite video and standard analog RGB signal. I head started to spin........could this LCD plate display JAMMA RGB signal?
After researching the LCD plate, it is able to display 15K analog RGB, which is the same RGB signal as the JAMMA boards. I then realized I could make a MVS laptop machine. The designing stage took me the longest time; I wanted the machine to do everything. I wanted the LCD to display JAMMA, composite, and TV turner. MVS should be able to display on regular television, and it would be cool if LT can also be used as a Super Nova. After seeing the limitations, I had to give out TV turner (couldn't find one) and Super Nova (casing too small) ideas. But the LT is still cool in my opinion.
The botton casing is measured 11" x 15.5" x 2.5", and LCD casing is measured 10" x 7" x 2". It was custom made at a local plastic casing shop in West Los Angeles using matte black acrylic plastics.. Total casings cost me around $180, I guess when I decided to make a MVS laptop, cost was not a concern. It feels great being a Neo Geo Freak!!
This is the side view of the LT, one can see that the LCD folds down like a laptop computer. When the LCD is folded down, LT can be carried easily. The hinge can be found in hardware stores. I used spring loaded hinges so LCD doesn't open accidently during transportation.
The MVS mini board is located behind the LCD plate, MVS carts are inserted from the rear of the LT. I raised the MVS board inside the casing, so there is enough room for fingers to pull out the MVS carts.
Here is another shot of LT.
Here is a picture with LT next to Neo Geo classic joystick. LT is about twice the size of the joystick. MVS cart is currently inserted in this picture.
There are numerous RCA jacks behind the LT, power input is located at the right side of the LT.
