Moon Patrol Power Supply

TCinTEXAS

Well-known member

Donor 2016
Joined
May 19, 2016
Messages
1,229
Reaction score
66
Location
Bella Vista, Arkansas
While I wait for parts for my Moon Patrol monitor, I thought I'd tackle the power supply.

Before doing any work to it, other than blowing the dirt off and reseating connectors, all 3 LEDs are lit, and I'm getting 5.08v and 15.35v on the output connector. I'm getting 4.84v and 13.80v on the PCB edge connector.

Is the 5v a little low and the 12v a little high on the P/S? Also, the drop in voltage from the P/S to the PCB seems a bit high to me. You? Would that point to bad connectors?

I'm going to replace all the connectors and headers on the P/S, but I think I should probably install a new edge connector for the PCB. It seems a bit loose.

Any suggestions on where to buy and what to buy for a replacement edge connector?

Any other suggestions are also welcome.

Thanks,
tc
 
I just picked up a MP today. Happy hunting to us both I guess.
 
Rebuilding the power supply. It's a bigger job than I would have thought. Got the caps, transistors, bridge rectifiers, diodes and new fuses installed.

Tomorrow, I'll do the ICs, headers and connectors.
 
+12 has a wider tolerance than +5 does. it's pretty normal for it to be in the 13s. 15s is a little high but it's only for the audio amplifier, and those things should handle that just fine.

read my PSU guide, even though it's for JAMMA, the same exact premise applies to any edge connector. there's instructions on cleaning your edge connector. it also shows how to measure voltage at chips, so you can see what the logic components are actually getting.

+5's tolerance is 4.75 to 5.25; anything below 4.75 at the chips won't necessarily guarantee proper operation, which is why games reset in low voltage conditions. anything about 5.25 you run the risk of damaging parts. this is why I'm quite particular about voltage adjustment and fixing anything that will cause a substantial drop in voltage between the power supply and the chips.
 
I just got one on Sunday that has a switcher in it. I cant remember if the original PS is in the cabinet... I know its frowned upon to use a switcher but is there anything to watch out for when using a switcher in Moon Patrol?
 
Does anyone have a source for Molex 22/44 edge connector housing? Upon inspection, I found that maybe half of the pins aren't contacting the edge connector. If I can't find a new housing, I'm going to try to repin it. If I break it, I'm screwed!
 
For MOLEX (arcade related) connectors, you should always go to GreatPlainsElectronics first ...

https://www.greatplainselectronics.com/

If you're not sure of the connector/contacts needed, then send them an email. They're very helpful.

UNFORTUNATELY, they DO NOT have EDGE CONNECTORS/PINS.

In that case, I would ask wldfire (ken) where he sources his. PM him. :)

http://www.goldenagearcadeparts.com/
 
Last edited:
Does anyone have a source for Molex 22/44 edge connector housing? Upon inspection, I found that maybe half of the pins aren't contacting the edge connector. If I can't find a new housing, I'm going to try to repin it. If I break it, I'm screwed!

These are less desirable, but Molex no longer manufactures what you're looking for. They have become scarce and expensive, especially the pins. You can cut and solder each wire over to this new connector and use some heat shrink tubing to cover your connections.

http://www.twistedquarter.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=177_184&products_id=1713
 
For MOLEX (arcade related) connectors, you should always go to GreatPlainsElectronics first ...

https://www.greatplainselectronics.com/

If you're not sure of the connector/contacts needed, then send them an email. They're very helpful.

UNFORTUNATELY, they DO NOT have EDGE CONNECTORS/PINS.

In that case, I would ask wldfire (ken) where he sources his. PM him. :)

http://www.goldenagearcadeparts.com/

Didn't see them on their site. I understand they're difficult to find. I'll try emailing. Thanks.
 
UPDATE!

I found one at MikesArcade.com. Apparently, it was the only one they had, because I couldn't order more than one! Thank God!!!!

I'll still cut the other one off to see if I can reuse the housing.

Thanks for all the input.
 
I should have posted a "before" picture. It was filthy, and had wires solder to headers and the bottom of the board.

Looks better now after a Cap Kit and Mega Deluxe Rebuild Kit from https://www.arcadepartsandrepair.com. I still have to rebuild the connectors, and I've got an edge connector on its way.

Moon Patrol may take a breath very soon!!!

attachment.php
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0635.jpg
    IMG_0635.jpg
    141.4 KB · Views: 48
Found a before image! Reworked my connectors and installed the PS. I noticed that, since someone has put a D8359 power supply in here, instead of the original D8784, the mounting holes don't align. Even worse, the metal screw posts make contact with the bottom of the board. I put plastic caps over the extraneous screw posts. In the future, I'll try to find the correct power supply for the cabinet.

I also replaced the power cord, but that's not pictured.

BEFORE:
attachment.php


AFTER:
attachment.php
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0620.jpg
    IMG_0620.jpg
    184 KB · Views: 166
  • IMG_0637.jpg
    IMG_0637.jpg
    163.7 KB · Views: 37
Back
Top Bottom