Asteroids Cabaret Not Powering On

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Hello peeps,

My recent find is a Asteroids Cabaret as pictured. When I purchased it I was informed by the previous owner that it was not powering on (the game worked but then stopped one day), in addition I was also told that it was playing blindly last night, sound could be heard but no picture could be seen on the tube.

Any recommendations on where I should start troubleshooting? I was going to check the fuses but I am mildly horrified about even being near the power supply as it is exposed. Anything I should look out for before I start poking around the fuses?

I would also like to add that when the unit is plugged in and powered on (I do not know which way is on on the power switch which is also horrifying me.) I hear no hum from the monitor, no lights from the marquee, no lights from the LED's on the start buttons or the credit lights.

Edit: I jumped the gun and ordered a fuse kit.
 

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There might be a back door or coin door interlock switch, pull out the white plunger

check fuses, then check for where the incoming ac voltage stops
 
Yes, I agree. It's best to start with the easy things first. As gwarble stated, check that all interlocks are working correctly (the white plungers typically on the back of games). Turn on the power and pull these all out. Then use a meter to check that fuses are all intact. With the power off, you also would want to reseat the edge connector.

If those don't work you'll have to track down where you are losing power; it could be the transfer assembly or the power supply (ARII -board at the top of your first picture). Post your steps here are you complete them and the group can continuing giving you tips on this.

Also, nice pickup! Asteroids cabarets are somewhat limited, so getting one in good condition is a good find!
 
BTW, you don't need to start multiple threads.

As others have said, check fuses first. Especially the F1 main fuse, which is in the black twist holder on the right side of the brick, away from the others. Check the others as well. Use a DMM, with the continuity function, and not just visually inspecting them. (Do you have a DMM and know the basics for how to use it?)

If any fuses are blown, tell us here first. Do not just replace them and pray, as that will likely just cost you more fuses. We should figure out what is wrong before firing it up, else you can potentially cause more damage. Just take it step by step here, and we will get you running.
 
I went ahead and pulled the plungers. I got lights on everything. I placed the game into Test Mode and got picture of the test screen with E1. Guessing it's a bad ROM. I'm going to pull it tomorrow and reseat it. See if that does the trick.
 

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So I thought it was going to be easy but I am in need of some guidance. I hate to ask but I have a couple of questions.

Should I pull the board from the cabinet to pull the EPROM or should it come off easily with the board attached.

If I do have to take off the board what major parts am I looking to disconnect or unscrew before removal? I do not want to break anything.
 
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Pull the board first, just disconnect the edge connector, there might be a screw or two at the corners on the board, then just slide it out the back

Use a thin knife or screw driver to carefully pry the chip out evenly (keep it parallel to the board by getting under both ends)

The main reason to pull the board is so you can support behind the chip while you press it back in, carefully making sure all the pins are aligned, and not flexing the pcb too much

Good luck, you're really close
 
Yes, that is an Asteroids Deluxe PCB. Asteroids doesn't have the info on the right side of the test screen. It's also running the v2 ROM set (which you can tell because of the five digits on the second line down, instead of four.)

Someone must have either modded the board (less likely) or more likely put the guts of an AD in there, in order to make it an AD (if it actually is a stock Asteroids cab to begin with).
 
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