Joust Audio issue revisited

treborlicec

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So, I got a Joust finally in 2007. All working great. Bring it down to the basement and no sound. Sounds cycle in test, but don't work in game.

Rebuilt the sound board w/ Bob's cap kit.

Rebuilt the PS, no go.

Replaced all headers and molex connectors. A little overkill, I know. No sound still.

Lithium battery kit (nothing to do w/ sound, but wanted full disclosure here)

So, it goes on the back burner while I'm finishing the gameroom. I pulled it out tonight to see what else I could try. Fire it up and the sound works great for about 4 waves of a game. Goes out. I jump behind the game, flex the sound board and get sound back. Got a couple more waves in and it goes out again. Am I looking at cold solder here? I looked it over real good and see that the chip labeled TC4069UBP has corroded legs. Not sure what it's function is.

So, there it is, HELP please.

I eventually plan to use a JROK in the cab while keeping all original hardware and wiring inside for easy reversal. I want to get it working reliably before that though.

Thanks in advance.

Robert
 
Wow that's a weird one IMO.. Is there a sound board that's separate from the main board in that game (guessing so by what you have summarized)? I'm thinking that for the sound test, maybe some of the sound tones are stored in and generated BY the sound board and the sound board itself is telling what sounds are to be played. But during actual gameplay, the sounds that are to be selected would most likely be selected by the MAIN board and its corresponding ROMs, which would then tell the sound board to send certain tones to the speaker.

Basically what I'm getting at is, if there's a connecting cable or pin connector between the 2 boards, maybe that's more of where your issue lies, or in the main board itself- NOT in the sound board, since it appears to be doing its job during the test phase.

I'm theorizing here as I don't have a Joust myself- but it sure sounds like whatever is supposed to be driving the sounds during actual gameplay is the problem child here, NOT the sound board or the speaker. Hope this helps somewhat.
 
Fire it up and the sound works great for about 4 waves of a game. Goes out. I jump behind the game, flex the sound board and get sound back. Got a couple more waves in and it goes out again. Am I looking at cold solder here? I looked it over real good and see that the chip labeled TC4069UBP has corroded legs. Not sure what it's function is.

That is a 4069 Hex Inverter chip. If you think that is the problem, just socket it. Or send it to me. I fix simple issues with Williams boards for $20 + parts cost + return shipping.

If you are getting sound sporadically, it probably means a cold solder joint, a cracked trace or more commonly a crack in one or more of the legs on the TDA2002 amplifier chip.

ken
 
The sounds in test are provided by the sound board itself. The sound in game mode is toggled by the ROM board. There is a sound cable with green wires going from the ROM board to the Sound board. Reseat this cable on both ends and see if the problem goes away. You could also have cold solder joints on either or both of these headers.
 
I'll give it another try on the cable reseat, but I have already replaced both molex ends and the headers as well. And the ROM board was bought from a KLOVer as fully working to replace the one I originally had. That was something that was suggested on my earlier Joust thread on this. I'll certainly reflow all the solder tonight and see if that gets me anywhere.

Thanks.
 
I also wouldn't rule out shot IC sockets on the sound board. I know Williams socketed the ROM from the factory....maybe the processor too (i can't remember).

Edward
 
Rom and the CPU are the only socketed chips on the sound board, sir. I have replacement sockets, but after lifting a bazillion traces on a williams board, I'm scared to attempt changing them. =-|
 
The sounds in test are provided by the sound board itself. The sound in game mode is toggled by the ROM board. There is a sound cable with green wires going from the ROM board to the Sound board. Reseat this cable on both ends and see if the problem goes away. You could also have cold solder joints on either or both of these headers.


Wow, I'm actually getting the hang of this. :D
 
I have implemented a new flat fee structure $20 + parts + return shippng for the 4 big boards (CPU, ROM, Sound and Power Supply boards), $10 + parts + return shipping for I/O cards. If I can't fix it I will usually offer a replacement board at a significant discount as a swap if I have a working one (I usually do).

If you are interested, PM me for shipping details or any other questions.

ken
 
Thanks for the offer. If I can't get it, I'll probably take you up on that. I reflowed the solder on the headers and the 40 pin PIA. No change. Doesn't even help to wiggle it at this point. I have another PIA and I tried piggy backing it on the exitsting one. I get some static but no love. I read that on one post about williams sound on here a while back.

Thanks.
 
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