"Junk" JPN NEOGEO AES: Connect, Test, Repair, and Upgrade!

I ordered a junk AES from Japan expecting issues. The seller described it as "not powering on" but that's not what I discovered. Follow along with me as I try to get this thing going!
Thanks to GadgetUK, HeavyMachineGun, and sr20det510 from Neo-Geo.com forums for their advice, encouragement, and inspiration.

[@GadgetUK164]

Glad I was able to help by pointing out to check the 5v rail and use head phones to check for audio when screen 'blues out'. Sometimes that behaviour could indicate a video fault (since most modern TVs will mute sound when video goes), but as you discovered it was a power issue! Cool repair =D

[@emmettturner9452]

GadgetUK164 - Retro Gaming Repairs & Mods I was stuck at work and hadn't even opened it back up after realizing that there was still an issue. Our joint plan of attack saved me another sleepless night where I was already sleep-deprived and working doubles. Thanks again for your help!

[@Machinerium]

I accidentally delete the thread but I managed to test the cartridge in the correct way and the console WORKS PERFECTLY ! :) It's safe to say that Neo Geo AES/MVS has one fantastic safe system against idiots who invert boards on the cartridge. Thanks again man!

[@emmettturner9452]

Great to hear! Good luck with selling the system or whatever you end up doing with it. :)

[@tenderstems]

Nice trouble shooting! Are you selling on any of those extra Neo Geo X pads?

[@emmettturner9452]

tenderstems Thanks! If I can't get this MVS MV-1FZ working then I'll have two, maybe three extras. No idea when that'll be because I haven't even looked at it (no way to connect/use RGB). :(

[@javiertobias1446]

Pues se ve con mucha nitidez

[@emmettturner9452]

It is much sharper with OSSC and HD Retrovision cables. :) Es mucho más nítido con cables OSSC y HD Retrovision. :)