Space Encounters

WingKing

Member
Joined
Nov 13, 2015
Messages
225
Reaction score
6
Location
Indianapolis, Indiana
I've really only ever messed around with JAMMA games up until now, so I'm a little lost trying to troubleshoot this game. That plus the fact that there isn't an awful lot out there on this game anyway.

When I plugged it in all I could hear was the wind sound. There was nothing on the monitor, but it did have neck glow. I wasn't sure if it was playing blind, so I tried coining up, but that didn't do anything.

I went around back and wiggled some of the harnesses. All I was able to change by doing this was triggering the strobe light and an alarm sound.

Another thing I noticed was the volume of the wind sound would get really faint when I wiggled the edge connector on the motherboard pcb.

I looked up the manual here: http://www.arcade-museum.com/manuals-videogames/S/SpaceEncounters.pdf

I'm having trouble understanding where I need to check the voltages.

If someone could help me get started I would appreciate it. I can use a multi-meter, I can solder, and I can follow directions. Can anyone please advise (in detail) on where to start with troubleshooting?

I'm guessing it would be smart to replace all the header pins. If this is the case, can anyone tell me what I need to buy as replacements?
 
Elektron Forge gives a good write up here on how to test the power on midway boards although the part on testing the audio power connection might not be the same on space encounters as it is on the Space Invaders he is testing.

The header pins with the exception of the reset are just for sounds and controls. so I wouldn't worry about them yet. the board will run without them but you will just have garbage on the screen until you ground the reset line. if you have a tv/monitor that accepts a composite input you can make an adapter and hook that up to see if there should be a image on your screen.
 
Thanks so much for the information. I just saw your response to this thread. I read through the process of checking the voltages. I will give it a shot when I get home this evening and will report back.

Elektron Forge gives a good write up here on how to test the power on midway boards although the part on testing the audio power connection might not be the same on space encounters as it is on the Space Invaders he is testing.

The header pins with the exception of the reset are just for sounds and controls. so I wouldn't worry about them yet. the board will run without them but you will just have garbage on the screen until you ground the reset line. if you have a tv/monitor that accepts a composite input you can make an adapter and hook that up to see if there should be a image on your screen.
 
Ok, I've tested all the voltages as shown on the write up. -5 and +12 are in an acceptable range. +5 is coming in around 4.5 to 4.6. The pot on the power supply is doing nothing to change the +5. The guide says this needs to be at least 4.8.
 
I've got 2 questions if someone would be kind enough to answer them for me.

1) Where can I get a build kit for the Midway 8080 power supply? I've seen them from Bob Roberts, but he's unfortunately closed until further notice.

2) Maybe I can get by with just replacing a couple parts. Can anyone tell me what I should look at replacing if the +5V is too low and the pot cannot increase it?

I may just go this route and buy a replacement power supply from Arcade Shop:

http://v2.globalwebcart.com/arcadeshop/i/933/midway-8080-power-supply-kit-4.htm
 
Back
Top Bottom