Data East "The Simpsons" Help with Score Display

dbpbandit

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Data East "The Simpsons" Help with Score Display

Hey Guys, I need some experienced help on this please. I recently acquired a Simpsons Pin by Data East. The only thing at this point that isn't working is the digital display. I've read a lot of info on the web but I just have a few questions:
Mine is completely void of any sign of life, is this typical of the actual Glass Display being bad or possible other cause? The reason I ask is because a lot of the information I've read suggests that some individual parts of the display go bad more individually than all at once. I know I can buy a replacement display but $200 bucks is a lot right now and I'm not completely sure that the display is the entire issue here. I know that this display requires some high voltage but I am uncertain as the where or how to check for this, can someone please give me some direction? Thank you.

-Dave
 
The replacement displays are quite good if you're intimidated by the thought of doing some repair, but try just removing the display, and reinstalling it. Sometimes you might have a loose connection that's giving issues.

There's lots of troubleshooting you can do, but if you don't know how to check voltages it might be tricky pointing you in the right direction.

If you're willing to learn some repair, this section of pinrepair.com is helpful. You'll have to scroll down a bit to get to the part covering the alphanumeric displays: http://www.pinrepair.com/de/index3.htm#dots
 
Thanks for the info... I do know how to check voltage and I do want to try and troubleshoot this before I purchase anything. One of the main reasons I was asking was to find out if the glass display may still be good (worth saving) prior to my troubleshooting it? If that makes any sense? Like I stated, a lot of what I have read talks about portions of the display going bad and not necessarily the entire glass display, thats what I'm trying to figure out as to where to start. I will start with the voltage (thanks for that link) my gut feeling is that the display may be good or even partially good and that the main issue is on the power supply or somewhere in between.

-Dave
 
Alright, I had one of those a while back... if you look closely on the display board, you'll see that it's screened on one connector telling you where the +100v and -100v comes in. Set your meter on DC voltage, put the black lead on where the ground connection comes in, and then carefully check those two pins to see if you're even getting your +100 and -100v. Let us know what you find out. BTW, close is fine.
 
I checked my voltage and I'm not getting + or - 100 volts. I followed the instructions from the 'Mr. Pinball Site' and replaced the two resistors at R8 and R9. Plugged it back in an no voltage. Then I checked the fuse at F3 and found it was blown. I replaced it, disconnected the plug at CN5 and powered it back on. The fuse at F3 blew right away so according to the documentation I have another issue in the 100 volt section of the power board. I'm going out today to get the parts and shotgun that section of the PS board, hopefully that should correct the issue and then I will finally know if my display is still good or not. I'll try and do the work tonight and I'll let you know what happens. Thanks...

-Dave
 
So I just got back from buying my parts and there were only two parts I couldn't find. Anyone know what a "metal polyester capacitor" is? No one at the electronics store new what these were or it they could be substituted but they are listed as the parts to replace on the Mr Pinball site. Those are the only items I could't find, Does anyone sell a prepackaged kit for rebuilding these boards? That would be nice if someone did, save a lot of time. I'm going to try and work on this tonight so I'll let you know if I make any headway on this. Thanks.

-Dave
 
I believe the main advantage of metal polyester capacitors is they are smaller than regular paper or other poly film capacitors. You can probably use a regular polyester or polystyrene capacitor as long as it fits and is the same or higher voltage and temperature specs.

As for kits, the only ones I could find are for Gottlieb and Bally/Williams power supplies. I can't remember if I've seen any for DE.
 
OK, so here is the update:
I worked on the power board for a few hours last night. I replaced all of the components in the 100+/- and reconnected all but the connector going to the display. Turned it on and the F3 fuse blew, however, upon closer inspection a smaller fuse had got mixed up in my cup of 1/4 amp fuses, thats why it blew. OK, replaced with correct fuse and powered on, checked the voltage and I now have 98-ish volts on the + side but no -100. Also, one of the zener diodes emitted a brief but bright light while I was checking things out so I'm sure it's toast now too. So now I'm at a loss for what to try next, maybe I'd just be better to save up some extra cash and order one of the LED replacement displays and cut my losses on this power board. So if no one has any other suggestions I mat do that. Thanks...

-Dave
 
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