My Centipede Died

Centipede is usually a pretty solid game. Call me crazy but I'd test the POKEY or try a known good one.
If I understand correctly, the only way to test this would be to swap the POKEY with a known good one, correct? It seems that they can be purchased for $50-75 or so on eBay. I also see repro chips available. I'm new to this hobby, so I'm still catching up on all of this old info.
 
If I understand correctly, the only way to test this would be to swap the POKEY with a known good one, correct? It seems that they can be purchased for $50-75 or so on eBay. I also see repro chips available. I'm new to this hobby, so I'm still catching up on all of this old info.


You can swap it with one from any other game.

I also sell them here.
 
If I understand correctly, the only way to test this would be to swap the POKEY with a known good one, correct? It seems that they can be purchased for $50-75 or so on eBay. I also see repro chips available. I'm new to this hobby, so I'm still catching up on all of this old info.

At this point, you want to just remove it.
If it's bad enough, it can keep the 6502 from running code.

There's no reason to waste money on a chip you don't yet know is bad.
 
At this point, you want to just remove it.
If it's bad enough, it can keep the 6502 from running code.

There's no reason to waste money on a chip you don't yet know is bad.
So, to be clear, you're suggesting that I remove the POKEY from it's socket, and then start the machine? If I do this, what should I observe?
 
Anything different.
They game doesn't need the pokey to run.
I did as you suggested. Basically, the game functioned the same, except without sound, and the mushrooms were lined up to the sides of the screen. I'm thinking that the POKEY may be doing it's job correctly.

Here's some video:
 
I did as you suggested. Basically, the game functioned the same, except without sound, and the mushrooms were lined up to the sides of the screen. I'm thinking that the POKEY may be doing it's job correctly.

Here's some video:

You're correct. The board uses the Pokey's random number generator to place the mushrooms. So one common symptom of a bad (or missing in this case) Pokey is all of the mushrooms lined up on one side of the screen.

So the Pokey isn't the issue here. Send the board out.
 
What happens if you power the cab up with the test switch *already* flipped on? (i.e., instead of flipping the switch after the cab is already powered.)

Completely irrelevant question.
Centipede does the same routine whether the test switch on is detected at reset or during normal operation.
You should know this.
 
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