PacMan PCB Repair

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Hey everyone,

I'm in the middle of repairing an original Pac-Man board, and I've hit a snag when it comes to replacing one of the original 2532 EPROMs. One of the legs broke off when I removed it to reseat it, and now I'm looking into my options.

I have a GQ-4X4 programmer, but no adapter and no blank 2532s yet. I've read that the GQ-4X4 doesn't natively support 2532s because of the pinout differences, but that a 2532-to-2732 adapter can make it work by selecting 2732 in the software.

Before I spend money on the wrong parts, I'm hoping to get advice from those of you who've done this before.

Here's what I'd like to know:

What's the best and most reliable way to burn 2532s using the GQ-4X4?

Is there a specific adapter you recommend (or one to avoid)?

Should I just switch to 2732s and modify the board instead? Or is that asking for more trouble than it's worth?

Where do you usually buy blank 2532s that are reliable (not duds or fakes)?

Is it worth going the multi-ROM or high score kit route instead?


I want to keep the board as original as possible, but I'm open to suggestions from people who've been down this road. I'd really appreciate any guidance, links, or "do this, not that" stories before I start ordering parts.

Thanks a ton!
 
I've programmed 2532s with GQ-4x4. and even though the generic 2532A profile says it's read only... I even got those to work too.

I just use the generic profiles and they work. you do have a 9V AC adapter for the programmer though right?
 
I've programmed 2532s with GQ-4x4. and even though the generic 2532A profile says it's read only... I even got those to work too.

I just use the generic profiles and they work. you do have a 9V AC adapter for the programmer though right?
You're probably right — I think I do need that 9V 1A power supply for the GQ-4X4. Thanks for pointing that out.

Also, do you happen to know where I can find the Pac-Man ROM files? I don't want to ask for anything that's not allowed.
 
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You're probably right — I think I do need that 9V 1A power supply for the GQ-4X4. Thanks for pointing that out.

Also, do you happen to know where I can find the Pac-Man ROM files? I don't want to ask for anything that's not allowed.
they're in MAME, Midway Pac-Man is the parent rom pacman.zip

you own the game, so it's legal anyway.

EDIT: 2532s require the 9V power supply to program. you also have to be mindful of 2532 or 2532A parts, because they use different programming voltages. you can fry a 2532A programming it like a 2532.
 
If there is enough metal left of the old leg on the chip, you can solder on a leg from a scrapped IC or clip off a length of lead from a resistor etc. and use that as a leg.
I've even used cut off cap legs in a pinch. I make sure to sand and tin the thick part of the legs if it's still there.
 
I've programmed 2532s with GQ-4x4. and even though the generic 2532A profile says it's read only... I even got those to work too.

I just use the generic profiles and they work. you do have a 9V AC adapter for the programmer though right?
Mecha is right and I've also burned plenty of 2532, 2532a, etc. in my GQ-4X4 without an adapter. You need the external power supply.

Scott C.
 
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