Anyone replace a working Q*Bert power supply with a new ArcadeShop one?

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Anyone replace a working Q*Bert power supply with a new ArcadeShop one?

I got my Q*Bert working tonight and already ordered the Arcadeshop replacement powersupply. I didn't think I would get it working with the original hardware. But I did. Shock!

So, should I replace the original working power supply with the new ArcadeShop version? Is this thing just doomed otherwise? What would you do? Leave it original? Change it out? I am torn.

This is my first game like this so I am a N00b regarding this title and maker.

My Q*bert story: http://www.johnsarcade.com



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I replaced mine.
Runs cooler, no worries about burning out anything either.
Still have the original, mine ran ok too.
I want to play the game sometimes, not worry about where the fire extinguisher is... ;)
 
Doesn't the new one change the voltage to the knocker to 12V instead of 30V?
I know it's supposed to be more reliable and not dip when the knocker fires (like mine does).
I'd replace it just for the reliability.
 
replace it. The original PS runs way too hot and IMO is poorly designed. The amount of heat it generates when left on for a while can't be good for the other electronics in the cab.
 
Nice! That's pretty damn good luck for it to only be a fuse and interlock issue! Personally I'm planning to run the original supply in mine for now since I've already spent a lot of time working on it, but if I end up having a lot of problems down the road I'd probably go to a switcher kit. I don't run any of my games for unusually long periods of time so I'm not really concerned about heat too much.
 
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If you don't replace the PS for some reason, then definitely do the mod for the Knocker and sound amp voltage. However, it would probably just be easier and give more peace of mind for you to just replace it. Much more reliable that way.
 
If you don't replace the PS for some reason, then definitely do the mod for the Knocker and sound amp voltage. However, it would probably just be easier and give more peace of mind for you to just replace it. Much more reliable that way.

What is the mod for the knocker and sound amp voltage?

Does the Arcade Shop kit change the voltage going to the sound amp? Does the sound, sound distorted?
 
What is the mod for the knocker and sound amp voltage?

Does the Arcade Shop kit change the voltage going to the sound amp? Does the sound, sound distorted?
It's basically just replacing the 30 volt zener diode with a 27 volt to lower the stress on the amp. IIRC the amp is 28 volts so the 30 is too much and at 27 you still get the knocker to work fine and reduce the chance the amp will die. I'm sure someone else remembers what exactly the value of the replacement zener. I'm almost certain it's 27 vots, but I can't remember the watt value.
 
I replaced my working PS for my Mad Planets also for greater reliability. My original PS had some failures when I first got it, but I had upgraded one of the resistors to a higher wattage and that seemed to keep it steady (I forget which one it was just now).

But again, I prefer to upgrade regardless so I picked one of these up the moment they went up for sale. :)

FYI, did anyone else have this problem when changing to the newer PS?: I had to replace one of my wiring harness/connectors to be top-feeding. The original connectors for my MP all have the wires feeding into the connectors at perpendicular angles. The adapter for the new PS had the plugs too close together so I could not physically fit 2 of the connectors that were next to each other as the wires simply got in the way of each other. So I had to cut out one connector and rewire it with a connector that had the wires feeding in from the top. Sorry, a picture would probably be worth a thousand words here, but I'm not home to take one just now ;) .

It works fine, but it was a bit more of a chore than just plugging everything in without any modifications.

Anyone else encounter this issue? Just curious...

Jon
 
I use a 27v zener but some guys use 24v. Either way when it blows its still going to take out the sound amp. The main reason is with a 30v zener you will see voltages up to 33v at the sound amp. A 27 puts it around 30v.
Doesnt the arcadeshop switcher use 24v for the sound and knocker?



It's basically just replacing the 30 volt zener diode with a 27 volt to lower the stress on the amp. IIRC the amp is 28 volts so the 30 is too much and at 27 you still get the knocker to work fine and reduce the chance the amp will die. I'm sure someone else remembers what exactly the value of the replacement zener. I'm almost certain it's 27 vots, but I can't remember the watt value.
 
I use a 27v zener but some guys use 24v. Either way when it blows its still going to take out the sound amp. The main reason is with a 30v zener you will see voltages up to 33v at the sound amp. A 27 puts it around 30v.
Doesnt the arcadeshop switcher use 24v for the sound and knocker?


I think it's only 12V. The knocker is weak, and now my sounds go out after a while. It may be something else causing the sound issue, but really, it started happening after installing this switcher. I like the less voltage/ less heat idea, but the other side effects are starting to bother me.
 
A wise man once said "if its not broke dont fix it"

It doesnt surprise me you got it going. My Q-Bert as I have said befor has been going strong for the last 8 years its 100% stock all the way with no modifications. I have come to depend on it and know when I plug it in at a party or barbecue he's going to say "Hello I'm turned on" cracks me up everytime :) Great you got it going congrats.....Dave
 
I think it's only 12V. The knocker is weak, and now my sounds go out after a while. It may be something else causing the sound issue, but really, it started happening after installing this switcher. I like the less voltage/ less heat idea, but the other side effects are starting to bother me.

So it's noticeable to you that the knocker is weaker? I played around with it and didn't think there was much difference but that was not inside a dedicated cab.
 
So it's noticeable to you that the knocker is weaker? I played around with it and didn't think there was much difference but that was not inside a dedicated cab.

Yep, I got my knocker working with the old supply but a few days before installing this switcher, so I noticed the difference immediately. I never had a knocker before, then I had a huge knocker for a few days, now I have less than a handful.
 
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