Pole Position and Switching Power Supply

ArcadeGeek

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Just picked up a Pole Position an of course it doesn't work (just displays a green screen, doesn't play blind) Before I start rebuilding ARiis I wanted to see what general recommendations from other PP owners is on this. Please share your experiences. Thanks
 
just cut the +5 supply wires to the edge connector, install a powrer supply of your choice to several ground and +5 test points on the boards, tada.


If you want to go for extra convienence you could add a molex connector there so when you go to take pcbs out its a little easier. WHen i do them i just unplg the spade terminals ffrom the test points. Cheaper/simpler/


I prefer a power supply with +5 adjustments but to each his own, if a regular one with a flat +5 volts works for you, go with it.
 
So the main issue is poor +5 volts?

The main issue with Pole Position boards is burnt edge connectors and edge connector foil traces. This in turn causes no or very low +5 volts on the boards.

Don't forget the boards also have a nicad battery that leaks and corrodes the boards.
 
Ken is right on.....
I am in the middle of bringing a PP back to life. I would recommend doing all of this before considering board level issues.
1.get your power supplies working( switcher or rebuild)
2. Inspect fuse block and most likely replace
3. Re-pin or replace edge connectors(seriously......no really, seriously)
4. Jumper 5V and Ground to each PCB's test pins
5. Inspect PCB edge connector, repair if needed( the 5V or ground is usually burnt up)
6. Re-seat and clean chips/sockets
7. If it doesn't work at this point....send the boards to Dick Milikan, he is a+ in my book.

In my case my supplies functioned good, but everything else had/has to be done.
Hope this helps....good luck
 
Thanks guys. I will get to work and clean it up.

For the battery is there a good recommended source for a off board solution.
 
I repaired/replaced my edge connectors, rebuilt my ARIIs, rebuilt my power supply (including an inline single fuse connector for the 25amp fuse), and it still couldn't hold up in my office for more than a week. Then I did the 5v and ground jumps from the ARIIs to the test points...lasted a few more days. I didn't do The sense mod, but I'm to the point that I don't give a damn. I did that old switcher mod that basically bypasses the ARIIs except for sound and connected them to the test points. Seems to be good so far, but I need to turn it on and let it run for 8 hours to be sure.

The old startech link is broken now, but I found it here:

http://www.brentradio.com/images/PolePosition/Docs/poleswitcher.pdf
 
It's working. Switcher is the key. Came right up and got the 5v led on the pcb. Found out the gas pedal is not working so looking into that.
 
Cool, did u follow the Brentradio instructions, or...?...

Part of it. I cut the 5v wires on the harness and ran 5v and ground from the switching PS to the PCB. I didn't hack up the ARII boards. Seemed cleaner an less hacking up of the boards.

I also ordered a NVRAM module and cut the battery.

I set the game to free play and is that stupid. It just auto starts after 10 sec. I see there is a rom hack in the works a solution should be close at hand.
 
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