Rampage - Sound Issue - FOR GOD SAKES HELP!!!

rainman154

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Hey, I just picked up a really nice Rampage but am having issues with the sound. There is static coming from the speakers and there is also a VOLUME switch located by the free play. You can turn up the volume and it gets really loud with static, so I know the speakers are working. However no sound or music from the game....just static.

Since I don't know that much about repairing these machines (but would like to), I am a bit stuck. Anyone have suggestions? I have some pics below that may help. I don't see any loose wires.

I can take more pics if you tell me what you need to see.
 

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I don't know the answer but I love your thread title. I'm going to have to try that one next time. Sounds urgent.

EDIT: Have you checked all your voltages yet? Download the manual and check it out to see if there is a self-test also. I generally start with checking to be sure I have a good +5 and +12 and whatever other voltages the game might require.

EDIT EDIT: Here's a link to the manual http://tamdb.net/index.php?page=ManualDetail&PHPSESSID=194036efbf2df2c3d29f663ab78b81e9&id=1548
 
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LOL! Yeah I pulled out all the stops.
Well, since I don't know what I am doing I just purchased a PCB board set from ebay that has the Sound Board and Amp Board along with the game board for $50 bucks.
So I guess I am going to try and replace the amp and sound boards. Maybe that would work?? Hopefully I didn't just waste a ton of money on a simple fix that I am missing.
 
I don't know the answer but I love your thread title. I'm going to have to try that one next time. Sounds urgent.

EDIT: Have you checked all your voltages yet? Download the manual and check it out to see if there is a self-test also. I generally start with checking to be sure I have a good +5 and +12 and whatever other voltages the game might require.

I do have the manual, but like I said, it's greek to me. There is a sound test, but for some reason it does not let me do it, it only allows me to do the control test. Hmmmm..... something smells funny and I hope it isn't something I stepped in.
 
Could be the sound board. Might not be. Do you have a meter and do you know how to use it? I'm not familiar with that board but often they will have test points that are labeled with +5 or +12 and ground (GND).
 
Could be the sound board. Might not be. Do you have a meter and do you know how to use it? I'm not familiar with that board but often they will have test points that are labeled with +5 or +12 and ground (GND).

I don't have a meter, but I will pick one up at Home Depot tomorrow. I don't know how to use it, but I am sure it is easy. Where do you hook it up to? The sound board or to the amp?
 
i'd bet its the sound board. I looked through the manual, and it calls the sound board both a cheap squeak deluxe, and a sounds good board. The CSD LED should not remain lit - it should flash several times at startup, then go out. The fact that it is on in the pic leads me to believe that's the issue.
 
Ok sweet. I did not know that about the LED light. Yeah, it is always on as green.

The speakers do occasionally make a loud static "burp" noise. So that lead me to think it is a connection but everything seems solid. Well once this new board gets here I hope to fix it.
 
Rampage was equipped w/ a Sounds Good Audio Card. It should run through a self test on start up. Watch the LED on the Sounds Good card when you turn on the machine. How many times does it blink? It should blink on then off 6 times.

1st Flash - Rom @ U7 is good
2nd Flash - Rom @ U8 is good
3rd Flash - Rom @ U17 is good
4th Flash - Rom @ U18 is good
5th Flash - Checks the 2 ram chips @ U6 and U16
6th Flash - Checks the PIA (6821) @ U9

Easy checks first. If, for example, the LED only blinks 3 times, then it failed the 4th test, check U18. Might just be a bad/corroded connection on the Rom U18. Turn the game off, use a small screw driver to carefully pry off the chip (take notice to the orientation). Check the pins. Are they bent, blackend or corroded? Carefully reseat the chip the same way you took it out and reapply power. Any change?

Also, while the game is off, pull off and reseat all the wire connectors on all the boards. You'd be surprised what a little corrosion will do.
 
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Wow man, good info there. I have a sound issue also, now ill pay attention to the LED and see if it can lead me towards the issue. Thanks


Rampage was equipped w/ a Sounds Good Audio Card. It should run through a self test on start up. Watch the LED on the Sounds Good card when you turn on the machine. How many times does it blink? It should blink on then off 6 times.

1st Flash - Rom @ U7 is good
2nd Flash - Rom @ U8 is good
3rd Flash - Rom @ U17 is good
4th Flash - Rom @ U18 is good
5th Flash - Checks the 2 ram chips @ U6 and U16
6th Flash - Check the PIA (6821) @ U9

Easy checks first. If, for example, the LED only blinks 3 times, then it failed the 4th test, check U18. Might just be a bad/corroded connection on the Rom U18. Turn the game off, use a small screw driver to carefully pry off the chip (take notice to the orientation). Check the pins. Are they bent, blackend or corroded? Carefully reseat the chip the same way you took it out and reapply power. Any change?

Also, while the game is off, pull off and reseat all the wire connectors on all the boards. You'd be surprised what a little corrosion will do.
 
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