Converting My G23 from Non-MLD to MLD Screen

[Matt411]

As topic suggests, looking to swap my non-mld monitor with mld one. When I got this, I assumed all G23s came with the monitor needed to run the reel depth games, and I'd greatly like to use this machine to it's full potential.

I asked Ellary Gaming if they had any and he said they did and this:  " the whole bottom door is required. power cable to backplane if version 2 g23 or a 180w power supply for mld is required if version 1" 

He said they can do $900 + s/h for the entire kit (door, monitor, power supply, etc)  How can I tell if my g23 is V1 OR V2?

My bottom monitor appears to be 22 inches diagonally.

I just find it weird they didn't make a MLD monitor that can be just swapped with the current one without the need to replace the door, power supply, etc. Has anyone done this before and if so how difficult is it? I'm decent at putting things together, and good with computer stuff.

Attached a few extra photos of my current machine in post below. Thanks!

[Matt411]

Few extra photos.

[sixcardmark]

So you know, you will also need a video card to play MLD games.  That built-in video won't cut it.

[Matt411]

What's a good video card to get? And am I swapping it with another video card inside or is what I would be buying a dedicated video card? Just want to make sure its compatible and fits with my MPU.

I maxed my ram to 4gb and upgraded to SSD - and I still notice some slot games lag like stinkin rich & a lot of the bonus games on the slots will appear as if they're running at like 20FPS. Would a good video card help this? Also read it could be my OS version. (nvram at 80% running gk 8.3r).

Anyway, I just wanted to double check here to make sure in fact I did need the entire door + everything. I'll ask Ellary about the video card.

[sixcardmark]

Yes you need entire door.  A dedicated video card will help with the frame rates big time. E4690 is best I believe.  (move both monitor cables to E4690)

[Matt411]

Cool makes sense, just like a PC I guess. Going to order everything, Ellary also has that video card you mentioned so just gonna get the whole shabang. Will keep progress update on this thread of the install or any issues if they arise. Thanks!

[millionaire2k]

Having an MLD screen is well worth the hassle of the swap IMO.  Good luck with the upgrade, hope it goes smooth.

[Matt411]

If my machine needs the extra power supply for it, does it have to go in a specific spot in the machine? I know there's room where the "player tracking system" would normally go, could it just be mounted there?

Also since the door needs to be replaced, can I just unmount the door with my non-mld monitor and unhook everything without having to take the monitor out of the door / bezel as well?

I'm looking forward to it too, will be well worth it.

[Wamo90]

What's a good video card to get? And am I swapping it with another video card inside or is what I would be buying a dedicated video card? Just want to make sure its compatible and fits with my MPU.

I maxed my ram to 4gb and upgraded to SSD - and I still notice some slot games lag like stinkin rich & a lot of the bonus games on the slots will appear as if they're running at like 20FPS. Would a good video card help this? Also read it could be my OS version. (nvram at 80% running gk 8.3r).

Anyway, I just wanted to double check here to make sure in fact I did need the entire door + everything. I'll ask Ellary about the video card.

I know Matt said he's already found a E4690 so this won't apply to him, but for anyone who finds this in the future:

I ran into the exact same FPS problem in Stinkin Rich & certain bonus games that had a lot of particle effects.  The only E4690s I could find were like $200, so I bought a refurbished ATI 3650 off of ebay for $10.  It worked right out of the box and alleviated the FPS issues.  Everything runs buttery smooth now (with 4gb RAM & SSD as well).  It might not stand up as well to BTTF or CSI, which are GPU hogs, but for all other games it seems to be a worthwhile (and way cheaper) alternative to the E4690.

[Wamo90]

Sorry for the double post:

I'm not sure if you'll need a new power supply.  I took a look at my MLD (I already have the machine open trying to troubleshoot that Speaker LED problem), and my power connector looks just like yours in the list picture you posted.  I've attached a pic of the back of my monitor below.

And if you do end up buying that E4690 keep in mind you may need a DVI to VGA adaptor.  The MLD uses a VGA connector but many E4690's only have DVI ports.

[Matt411]

Thanks for the info. They shipped my kit today and made note that all connectors and stuff will be included for the conversion. Worst case I sell the extra power supply if not needed. My current monitor power connects right  to the backpane, looks like yours does too?

I hope since I have to swap front doors, that I can just disconnect all old monitor wires and just pop the door out with the monitor still attached to the frame / bezel.

[sixcardmark]

Yes you can leave monitor in old door and replace with new door with MLD monitor already in it.  I don't think you need the power supply, pics look same as mine. I think as long as the regular PSU is a 440w and not a 300w it doesn't need it, but I could be wrong as I've never seen one with it's own power supply.

[Matt411]

Update on this monitor swap. It's been a nightmare so far. . But finally got a hold of someone at ellary gaming. They were good, sending the correct harness that goes to the j17 port on the backpane no hardware was included to mount the bezel to the sides of the monitor and the actual monitor to the 4 metal brackets. I luckily was able to use 2 screws from old monitor for the bezel brackets and found 4 screws that magically fit the 4 brackets where the monitor mounts to the metal frame.

Now I go to hook everything up only to find the power supply I bought from them and they sent me doesn't have the correct size power connector. The one in my machine connected to the backpane is also 9 holes. They are sending me the 6 pin harness.

Also does this MLD monitor not have a USB microtouch cable? I hope to god they didn't send me the wrong monitor. My non-mld one had a usb that connected inside the machine for the microtouch...

EDIT: USB cable wasn't Iinckuded either but they are sending that as well.

[millionaire2k]

That blows. 

The monitor looks correct.

And yeah that power supply does not seem right at all.

The USB for touch should be located to the left of where the "jumper" video cable (blue connectors) on the monitor plugs in (right below your hand in your last picture).

[Matt411]

I finally got a hold of them, they were nice. I see where the USB goes now, that cable wasn't included either but they are sending too.

They were gonna send another power supply but I already have the 440 w one so I figured I'd just try and run the mld monitor from the backpane instead of dealing with another power supply that can possibly go bad. So they are supposed to send that j17 harness with 6 pins for the power instead of the 9 on my original one. Hopefully the monitor can run that way, seems like that's how everyone else's is running as long as you have a 440w power supply.

[Matt411]

Just a final update on this and some notes should anyone in the future attempt to do this:

Got it working after much back & forth with Ellary Gaming - they were difficult to communicate with & after they sent me the wrong cables, I told them I needed the power cable to the backpane as well as the USB cable for the touch screen - that USB cable they didn't ship so had to buy one, thankfully it's just a generic one.

NOTES:

- Make sure whoever you are buying an MLD monitor conversion kit from is knowledgeable and that everything you need will be included: new door, power cables, connectors, etc.

- 440 WATT power supply needed for the monitor power to run off the backpane instead of a separate power supply.

- I found it easier attaching the monitor to bezel + frame BEFORE attaching the entire door to the hinges.

- Ratchet is your best friend for the nuts to mount +secure the bezel.

- Make sure you have a dedicated graphics card to run this (still an issue I'm having as my PCI slot for some reason isn't working). Some reel depth games will run but some will be laggy / choppy. You'll need a VGA TO DVI cable for the MLD monitor if hooking up to a graphics card. I read on another post people having issues with VGA TO DVI adapters so I have the entire vga to dvi cable on the way for when my 660 MPU gets here just to be safe.

- The MLD (at least mine) is not as vibrant as the non-mld, and the viewing angle isn't as good but IMO, the tradeoff is worth it given it expands your library of possible games.

Finally: before you even buy a G23, know your options! I would have just paid more and got a machine with an MLD already installed had I known but I'm happy to have the extra parts at least.

[Stayouttadabunker]

Glad you got it going! 
I just installed new fans on one of our G23 monitors last week.
I didn't have to remove the door but it isn't the easiest thing to do...just have to take your time that's all! 

[Melissarmdlm]

I dunno if this is actually right or the whole story but G2x v1 and v2 is as simple as: does it have the yellow handled io backplane extension board. Yours does, thus it's a v2.

[Tilt]

I dont' know either, but my ID plate on the side of the cabinet shows G23MLD_V2 in the model number block.  That may be the best way of telling if it's a V1 or V2?

[sixcardmark]

I dont' know either, but my ID plate on the side of the cabinet shows G23MLD_V2 in the model number block.  That may be the best way of telling if it's a V1 or V2?

Same here and mine has the yellow handle.