I was browsing the local Craigslist ads for arcade related stuff and came across a posting asking for "Repair Technician Needed." I sent the guy an email telling him that depending on the symptom, I can help him. He told me he had a Moon Patrol that all of a sudden stopped working.
I asked him if it played blind and he said "yes." So I started telling him that he may need a new monitor chassis or a simple chassis repair or voltage problem, etc. We set up a time and I went over to take a look. Turns out that he didn't know what I meant by "plays blind." The monitor was working fine, but the board was dead. I headed right for the power supply.
Began reading voltages and....nada. Bad power supply. No problem. I told him I had a couple extras and I'd be back the next day to replace his bad one. Next day rolls around, I head back to his place and install the new supply. Bad news...only thing on the screen is a glitched up screen shot of the game. I asked if he had a pencil with an eraser. He could only find one of those big pink ones like we all used in school. I told him that will do nicely.
So, I cleaned both sides of the board's edge connecter, hooked the harness back up to it, and...Presto! His Moon Patrol is now working at 100% again. He was very happy and impressed that I could fix it so easily. He was worried it would cost a lot. He tipped me for my service and off I went.
Just felt like sharing this good experience. Thanks.
I asked him if it played blind and he said "yes." So I started telling him that he may need a new monitor chassis or a simple chassis repair or voltage problem, etc. We set up a time and I went over to take a look. Turns out that he didn't know what I meant by "plays blind." The monitor was working fine, but the board was dead. I headed right for the power supply.
Began reading voltages and....nada. Bad power supply. No problem. I told him I had a couple extras and I'd be back the next day to replace his bad one. Next day rolls around, I head back to his place and install the new supply. Bad news...only thing on the screen is a glitched up screen shot of the game. I asked if he had a pencil with an eraser. He could only find one of those big pink ones like we all used in school. I told him that will do nicely.
So, I cleaned both sides of the board's edge connecter, hooked the harness back up to it, and...Presto! His Moon Patrol is now working at 100% again. He was very happy and impressed that I could fix it so easily. He was worried it would cost a lot. He tipped me for my service and off I went.
Just felt like sharing this good experience. Thanks.



