Asteroids Deluxe resets when you press start button

Yes, I've cleaned the edge connector twice, pencil eraser and Deoxit.

Then DeOxit the Molex connectors on the AR, and reseat them a few times.

Also, you should get the fiberglass pen, as it's more abrasive than a pencil eraser. You really need something slightly abrasive to break up the microscopic layer of oxide that builds up on the fingers.

Also, make sure the test points on the AR are clean. You can get the same buildup of crust and/or other grime on them that can cause unstable voltage readings. Take some fine sandpaper and hit the test points with them so they are bare, clean metal. That way you know you're getting solid readings.


More concerning is I'm getting two beeps but never in test mode...test mode shows all is well...

This is why I suspect the issue is more likely a logic failure that is screwing up the bus, causing the CPU to think there is a RAM error, when there isn't one. (If it really was a bad RAM, it should show up in test mode.)
 
Then DeOxit the Molex connectors on the AR, and reseat them a few times.

Also, you should get the fiberglass pen, as it's more abrasive than a pencil eraser. You really need something slightly abrasive to break up the microscopic layer of oxide that builds up on the fingers.

Also, make sure the test points on the AR are clean. You can get the same buildup of crust and/or other grime on them that can cause unstable voltage readings. Take some fine sandpaper and hit the test points with them so they are bare, clean metal. That way you know you're getting solid readings.




This is why I suspect the issue is more likely a logic failure that is screwing up the bus, causing the CPU to think there is a RAM error, when there isn't one. (If it really was a bad RAM, it should show up in test mode.)
OK, so, is it possible to test L1 and M1 without removing them from the board? Maybe with the logic probe?
Also, where should I start checking with the probe, the watchdog circuit?
 
do the words slow down and do one thing at a time mean anything. If you are having such a high voltage drop from ar to board you have dirty resistance coated connections. resistance causes heat which creates more resistance which will lead to more resistace and charring. fix this first
 
do the words slow down and do one thing at a time mean anything. If you are having such a high voltage drop from ar to board you have dirty resistance coated connections. resistance causes heat which creates more resistance which will lead to more resistace and charring. fix this first
Will do, tomorrow I will Deoxit everything
 
one thing I don't think you fully understood was when I said check the voltage on the ic pins that connect to the coin switches and other inputs. those switches are charged to 5 volts through a resistor. the resistor keeps you from blowing fuses by providing a load when you gnd the ic chips. I had an ic chip once fail by it dropping the voltage on its pins (a partial short) this problem caused the other inputs around it to be very low close to the point where they would trigger so that any extra loading tripped them.
your board to board voltage drop at about 2 volts is an escalating problem that a lot of atari games experience asteroids and pole position are examples and are documented about burning up connectors on this forumn. there are many opinions on how to handle it properly but the concesus is to handle it before major damage occurs and mostly that is by eliminating the resistance by cleaning or pin replacement
 
OK, Deoxited everything, cleaned the edge connector with fiberglass pen.....BOOM! Problem solved! :D Hopefully this is the end of the journey 🤞 and I can move on to cosmetics. Big thanks to wugly, andrewb, ArcadeTechGW and mecha! I know you guys want to strangle me!!!
 
OK, Deoxited everything, cleaned the edge connector with fiberglass pen.....BOOM! Problem solved! :D Hopefully this is the end of the journey 🤞 and I can move on to cosmetics. Big thanks to wugly, andrewb, ArcadeTechGW and mecha! I know you guys want to strangle me!!!
Nah, just want to help you get it up and running.

I enjoy helping people fix their games. It's very rewarding mentally.
 
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