Williams Defender Soundboard Issue.... Old style board

Bishopx

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Williams Defender Soundboard Issue.... Old style board

Ok. I have a defender with the older style (rectangular) sound board in it. I fire it up and the sounds that I get out of it are really wrong. I replaced the Sound ROM chip since it seems like the board is functioning properly but the new ROM is producing the same exact sounds.

Anyone ever had this problem?

This is the board that I have or it is extremely similar in looks.
D8121.jpg


When I use the thruster, it makes sounds like a back-firing Model A automobile. Tapocketa-pocketa-pocketa.
 
Just had a 6808 go bad in our Robotron and when I put the replacement chip in I bent a pin and the game made some really strange sounds. If you have a spare, give it a try.
 
I'll order a 6808 from Bob Roberts. Are there any other parts I can try to pick up?
 
Actually... looking at your picture, it looks like you have a 6802 in there... you better order one of those instead. The only difference between the two is the 6802 has onboard RAM.

I know for a fact the other Williams sound boards can use either with the modifying of a jumper but I'm not sure with that one. You better just order a 6802 to be safe.

Here's some good reading on the subject...
http://www.robotron-2084.co.uk/techwilliamshardwareidsound.html

I would also think your PIA could be acting up if you're missing sounds or getting the wrong sounds playing. That's the other 40 pin chip labelled 6821.
 
Alright. I ordered 6802's we'll see what happens. Thanks very much.
 
You may need to take a logic probe and make sure the signals from the connector are getting to the PIA correctly. Frequently with the Williams sound cards the buffer chips go out causing the wrong sounds to be played (the CPU asked for sound 11 (bits 01011) but if the buffer for bit 2 is bad, the PIA saw sound 9 (bits 01001) requested).

The other probable casue is the PIA. Generally if you are getting sounds, it means that the CPU, ROM, D/A chip and amp are good. It is in the decoding that is messed up.

ken
ken
 
First question is what's a PIA? I know what a PITA is.
 
Bob Roberts lists a "6821 PIA peripheral interface adaptor"
 
I'm assuming its the big chip on the left in the picture.
 
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