Installed a new Vishay DMD in Whodunnit...it doesn't work. WTF???

[Tim N.]

Interesting:
From the WPC Clay Guide on WPC DMD's:


And just for fun since this applies to the gassed Dale Display:


The Dale had the 12 volts running at 7!

So apparently NO display is supposed to work when pins 1 and 2 are the same. I wonder why Dale's work when Vishay's don't? Do Dale/Babcock use 12V and Vishay doesn't? That could explain the discrepancy.

Anyways, The Vishay is just fine I would assume. I do have local friends with DMD games, but they are VERY busy and I can't just drop by to do a board swap. I also don't like using friend's fully working games as test beds. If I broke something I would feel really bad.

That is correct... Vishays don't use the 12 volt. This would explain your readings as well and why your Vishay is not bringing down your 12 volt when running. Vishays are very picky about their 5 volts as well, and your readings were right around 4.9. I am guessing that is probably triggering this as well (note the word "guessing") as Vishays tend to need to be on the higher side of 5volts....

 

[shardian]

Well GPE should be getting their HV rebuild kits back in the next week. I'll order one as soon as they are available.

 

[shardian]

GPE got their rebuild kits back in, and I finally got to pull the board last night. The HV section on the board is cooked! Cold solder everywhere it seems. All the traces ping out fine at least. I'll start replacing components tomorrow and report back once it is all done and tested.

 

[shardian]

Rebuilt HV section and the new display works beautifully. My cheeks puckered up tighter than a first night houseboy's at Phets palace when the game refused to turn on twice. I'm not sure what happened there - maybe from the game sitting for about 2 months?

 

[Fattrain]

Thanks for sharing your solution dude!!!

 

[Peale]

This may sound stupid, but check the batteries.

 

[shardian]

This may sound stupid, but check the batteries.

Not stupid at all. It was the first thing I thought of. I have a Freddy coming this evening into my repair shop and I expect the battery is the problem on it.