Robotron Issues/Questions

calz

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I bought a Robotron and trying to get in back into '82 form, all original. Had a few questions I was hoping to get some help with since I am still learning. So far I have acquired:

1.) New wiring harness from Dokert (very sweet) have not installed yet.
2.) New PBC and I/O board cables (not installed yet). Will resolder.
3.) New Wico bases.

I need to:
1.) Remove the switching power supply and will do this before installing the new wiring harness. Wondering what exactly I should do. Replace the power supply since it is probably shot? Just wondering why someone would put in the switching supply and if there is anywhere I can get a new PS from. Would rather be safe than sorry.

2.) The fire controller seems to be stuck firing up now, and the other down directions don't work during game play. During the system test when I test the controllers it is registering the down movement, but not the up, even though the down does not work in the game. Does this mean the I/O board is bad?

3.) Was seeing some slight interference lines on the top of the screen then started seeing this: http://youtu.be/GcmwPPn-k_c (shows about 7 seconds in). I have a Robby Roto caberet with a 19 inch monitor... any issues with me swapping this with the Robotron in terms of capatability? The Robotron also has some burn in and the Roto is clean.

Sorry for the lengthy post. Any help would be appreciated. I think I have my work cut out for me.
 
1) You can replace the switcher with an original linear power supply. Both Dockert and I rebuild the original PS boards if it is there. I also have some rebuilt PS boards for sale.

2) Check the ground path first. The switches and the IO card may be fine, just check the ground wires for continuity on the fire joystick.

3) That may be the video cable or the connectors. Clean the video pins on the MPU board and the the monitor. You didn't say what kind of monitor it is. If it is a 4600 this may mean that one of the duaghterboards is loose.

ken
 
Usually what happens when some ass clown hacks a switcher into an old Williams game is the ground is sketchy at best for the control panel. Ground for the cp comes from the original linear ps at 4J3.

If you have the original power brick and the wiring is hacked, I sell the wiring to fix it.

Both Yellowdog and I have the linear power supplies rebuilt and ready to go. The reason the switcher was installed is because somebody didn't know how to fix the original linear power supply. Switchers are fairly cheap, and easy to hack in place for quick fix. If the original power supply is still there, both Yellowdog and I offer rebuild services too.

The issue with the monitor looks like a connector or header problem. The wiring harness is complete and has a new video harness included. It is a group of Violet wires, just plug it in all by itself and see if your video problem goes away.
 
Thanks guys. I attached a few pics of said power supply setup below. So there is a "chance" this one is good and it could be a ground issue? How much are you selling the working PS for... thinking that might be the safest bet, and I also will need the wiring as well (see pics).... Dokert - is this not included in the complete harness I have? The wiring for this entire cab is really hacked with metal showing on some of the wires as well as cheapo wire connectors.

The montior in this is a Wells Gardner 19K4901. I do have this Robby Roto caberet that has a clean monitor with no burn in that I was thinking about swapping... ideas if this would work?

Thanks again for the help. Much appreciated.
 

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Your linear power supply is still there. Just rebuild it and test it. If nothing else, get one of the sharp guys that have already posted to rebuild it for you. Then install your new wiring harness and off you go.
 
It looks like everything is there. You will need to remove the two wires that go to the switcher that are soldered onto the lugs of the transformer and remove the switcher. It looks like the typical hack a switcher in, but that wiring harness can be saved as well as that linear power supply.

ken
 
Thanks guys. I attached a few pics of said power supply setup below. So there is a "chance" this one is good and it could be a ground issue? How much are you selling the working PS for... thinking that might be the safest bet, and I also will need the wiring as well (see pics).... Dokert - is this not included in the complete harness I have? The wiring for this entire cab is really hacked with metal showing on some of the wires as well as cheapo wire connectors.

The montior in this is a Wells Gardner 19K4901. I do have this Robby Roto caberet that has a clean monitor with no burn in that I was thinking about swapping... ideas if this would work?

Thanks again for the help. Much appreciated.

You have a complete set of AC and DC wiring, the only thing missing is the coin door wiring. I can't tell from the pic if you need new wiring for the trans to 4J1 or not.
 
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