Space Duel doesn't Start...

modessitt

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Game comes up and runs. You can push Game Select and cycle through the 4 options, but you can't start a game. I've swapped the Start button with the Select button, and verified it isn't the button.

Now, I didn't have access to the wiring diagrams, but looking at them tonight I think the wiring to the button is wrong - with the LED wire and Start wire swapped. This would explain why the LED isn't blinking either.

So - my next step will be to go out with the wiring diagram, verify the wiring, then trace back to the edge connector. While I was out there, I put it into switch test and all buttons register but the Start button. I tried swapping in two different Pokeys (as I had a Millipede PCB in the truck at the time) as well as a 6502, but that didn't change anything (except curiously making it go off of free play at one point).

So, I'm trying to think ahead in case the wiring checks out and it still doesn't work. Would my next step be to check the two resistors, then the LS251 at L9?
 
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Guessing you verified the start switch is physically working?

Interesting that it's just Start. Select input is on N9 pin13, while Start is on L9 pin15. Whats on U9? I don't see that on my Space Duel CP schematics.
 
Guessing you verified the start switch is physically working?

Interesting that it's just Start. Select input is on N9 pin13, while Start is on L9 pin15. Whats on U9? I don't see that on my Space Duel CP schematics.

I meant L9. Went back and fixed it.

Yes, the button and LED work fine. Swapped the entire button to the Select position to verify, and it worked (and blinked) there.

The other inputs to L9 register in switch test, so I'm hoping it's just a wiring issue. But I wanted other options in case it isn't. I don't want to pick it up and bring it back...
 
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