Q*bert issue. Can someone help a brother out?

Shawn1976

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Ok.

I purchased a Q*bert a week or so ago and it has a couple of issues that I'm hoping someone here has experienced and can help me out with.

When you power on the game you here Q*bert say that the game is on.

If you leave the game powered on for a couple of minutes the graphics issue on the screen goes away and you are then able to select from the demo screen or you can switch back to the game and from that point the game is functional.

When the screen comes up it shows the demo screen and the graphics towards the top of the screen are a little garbled.

Now I know someone will ask this, so to clerify that the inner service switch is switched to the game mode and not the service mode.

The first issue is that after the game is powered on and the demo screen is showing, you are unable to do anything. None of the inner service buttons are functional and you are unable to select anything.

So........Off of the that first issue can someone tell me where I should start. I'm thinking that it's a main PCB issue, but I'm not sure where to start.

I also checked the service switches to see if there was possibly a ground issue there, but all of that wiring checks out.

The second issue is during game play, I'd say 80% of the squares that Q-*bert jumps on have small graphic issues that do not go away. Again, it doesn't affect game play but I want to get the game 100% functional.

So again any direction as to where to start would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
 
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Well first remove and clean the connections on the main pcb and might as well do the sound pcb while you are at it. Then you need to check your voltages at the board. Im assuming you have a multimeter and know how to do this. It sounds like a voltage issue since it acts strange upon booting and kinda goes away. There should be a pot on the power board to allow for adjusting of the 5 volts. The graphic issue is most likely related, but if the voltages read fine and the issue does not improve, then you should remove the socketed chips and clean them. Again assuming you know how to do.
 
Ok.
And yes I am a volt meter fan.
I won't be able to get back to you until this weekend on the issue due to the game being at my folks house.
I'll let you know.
Thanks and I'll keep you posted.
 
When you test your +5 make sure you check it on the main board. There is a significant drop in voltage from the power supply to main board. I have seen various graphics issues caused by low 5v.
 
Here are my basic qbert recommendations..

1. Pull off the AUX pcb, top skinny long one that everything plugs into. Reflow solder at every header pin. Look for burnt connectors, usually the last two on the right are toast. Repin and replace. Replace burnt headed pins.

2. Rebuild the power supply. Couple guys here sell kits, with upgraded components. Seriously, rebuild it as it can take out you sound pcb.

3. Remove battery and stick in a new one. Kits are available.

4. Replace all caps on sound pcb and the couple on the main pcb.
 
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