peter chou power supply intermittent voltages

tron guy

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I just picked up an Invasion-shooting game in an area 51 site 4 cab.

when I got it the screen was blank, then I got it home and noticed the tube has chatter and the neck had glow. so I measured the voltages and it was 2.86 on the +5.

wiggled and tapped it a bit, got it to 5.28 and the game came on and played.

During gameplay the game quit on me and I went and measured and it was back to 2.86 (0r so)

Is it as simple as the power supply is bad? Is it worth a rebuild attempt on the power supply?
 
Unless you can troubleshoot the power supply and have the time to repair it, I think you should buy a new power supply.

You did not specify whether you have a screw terminal type or a computer style version of the power supply. Is it a genuine Peter Chou? Or are you just calling it that?
 
Unless you can troubleshoot the power supply and have the time to repair it, I think you should buy a new power supply.

You did not specify whether you have a screw terminal type or a computer style version of the power supply. Is it a genuine Peter Chou? Or are you just calling it that?

Thanks Ken


yeah it's a computer style peter chou.

I have a spare computer power supply, and I see some on ebay. 1 in particular that is listed for this cab for $60. (area 51 site 4)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/150953996502?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

todd tuckey has some used ones, would these work if I replace the molex to match the cab?
http://forums.arcade-museum.com/showthread.php?t=258244&highlight=midway+power+supply
 
I agree with Ken I'd just buy a new power supply... if the voltage is cutting out though, I'll bet you've got a loose cap, or a bad 5V pot on it. Everytime I recap a power supply though, it dies a few days later if that even gets it working again. So I just buy new ones then you don't have to worry about it.
 
What happens most of the time with this style of power supply (not just the Peter Chou computer ones) is the fan fails which allows too much heat build up inside the case. Then the electrolytic capacitors bake "open circuit". Sometimes cold solder joints develop on the circuit board and sometimes the transistors get too hot and short out. If a transistor shorts, the fuse/breaker will blow immediately.
 
I have a number of this style and MANY others for the lowest price in the USA...$7 each plus shipping...email me! TNT Amusements---"the home of the working used power supply for only $7!" [email protected]
 

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well the fan wasn't working so I happened to have a replacement. hacked it in and the fan works. same issue with voltage though, sitting at 3v unless I tap the supply or flip it off and on, etc.

I'm going to go off of your guide and replace 3 or 4 caps and see if that does it, reflow some solder while I am in there. If that doesn't do it, I doubt I will feel like doing additional trouble shooting.

thanks
 
Ya it really does seem like caps like they can't keep a hold of the voltage.
 
Ya it really does seem like caps like they can't keep a hold of the voltage.

anyway, changed the 4 most likely caps according to kens log, and put the new fan in and she's firing up, time after time right now. time will tell.
 
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