Tempest Game Start Issue

Phetishboy

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Just picked a Tempest that powers up, goes into attract mode but won't allow a game to start. LEDs are blinking, pushing them does nothing. Any ideas?
 
I would put it in test mode. That way you can check the functions of all your inputs fire, zap, p1 p2 etc.

p1 p2 do go through some resistors to get to the pokey, but I've never seen those go bad.

If they don't work under test, just swap pokeys c/d2 controls the p1 p2 with b/c2. Pins 8 and 11 are whats used for p1 p2, and I don't think they are used on the other pokey. So it should get you up and running.
 
Is it on free play? Does using the coin switch help? Are you sure the start buttons work or are hooked up correctly? The wires for making them blink are different than the wires for registering the start button...
 
I would put it in test mode. That way you can check the functions of all your inputs fire, zap, p1 p2 etc.

p1 p2 do go through some resistors to get to the pokey, but I've never seen those go bad.

If they don't work under test, just swap pokeys c/d2 controls the p1 p2 with b/c2. Pins 8 and 11 are whats used for p1 p2, and I don't think they are used on the other pokey. So it should get you up and running.

All test mode did was make a non-stop tone. I cleaned the edge connector fingers, reseated all the ROMS and swapped the Pokeys, Now I can start up a game, and fire, but the spinner has no effect. I assume that's why I couldn't advance the test either? It also took me 4-5 power-ups to get the spot killer off and the monitor up. But swapping the chips did get the game to start. So we're on the right track. Thanks Talon and Jeff F. Mod, I'll check the CP connections on the spinner before you go there. But after that, where to check?
 
Swapped the Pokeys back, and now the spinner works, but the game won't start again. Anyone have any pokeys for sale?
 
No problem. Got "into" Atari games this past year and have had to replace quite a few of them. Good luck.
 
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