Baby Pac Man Communications Error

dmieczko

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Now I am getting a communications error on my Baby Pac after it warms up. Running through the test screen, in both columns where they should read "20" I get "0", and sometimes the "80" reads "0". Does anyone know specifically where this problem would come from, if the rest of the numbers read correctly?

I already replaced the connectors on the MPU and Vidiot boards, so it's not that. I cleaned up as much corrosion as I could off of the MPU, and reinforced the ground circuit with some extra ground wires going around the edge of the board. Any other advice? I haven't replaced any chips or sockets yet.

Thanks,
Dave
 
If it's working fine cold and then goes out after it warms up, I'd think a cracked solder joint somewhere. I had the same issue with my breathalyzer and after reflowing solder to the connectors and a bunch of ICs, it works solid now.
 
You replaced the connectors.

Did you replace the headers? Most likely you have a cold solder joint on one of your headers, or a bad (burnt) header.
 
Thanks guys. Dok, I have not replaced the headers yet, but inspected them and reflowed a couple solder joints. I have all new headers waiting, just haven't had the time to put them on yet. In a thorough inspection last night, I found a couple pinched wires underneath the playfield that had worn through the insulation - I fear I may have had a couple wires shorting out. After cleaning that up, I did not get the communication error again for the remainder of the evening. We'll see how long that lasts, and I'll report back again if the problem persists. As always, THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE HELP.

Dave
 
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