Williams Flash - Sound not playing in game

Bullwinkle

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I have finally gotten my Flash pinball working (except there is no sound). Pinrepair.com's manual mentions testing the test points for proper voltage, but there are no obvious points to test and the manual doesnt show the test points (at least as far as I read). Anyone know where to test the voltages on these boards

It is a Type 1 board with a SOUND1 rom

What I'm getting is no sound during game. If I press the test button on the board, it repeats the same sound over and over again (which at least indicates I'm getting some of the correct voltages), however I believe it is suppose to cycle through all the sounds.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

EDIT: Is there a diagram of the layout of this board anywhere? Also, I do have an eprom burner, thought I might try to read the soundrom #1 chip but the mfg of the chip isnt listed in my eprom software. I have the correct file to load onto an eprom, but need to get a compatible eprom for the socket. Anyone know the specs of that eprom so I can cross reference it?

Thanks again.

Tom
 
Last edited:
OK..i got the sound working..sorta...

I changed the 5v resistor and the smaller capacitors (ie: everyone but the big one in the middle). I didn't replace that one as I don't know what the value of the big one is suppose to be. Currently there is a 10000uf 16v cap piggybacked by a 4700uf 25v cap.

So I started a game and got correct sound, but each time I play, i get 20 seconds into the game and the sound cuts out. I have to shut off the game and restart it to get sound back..and then it's for 20 seconds again. It won't stay running. any suggestions? I was thinking the big capacitor, but not what the value is suppose to be. Should I check anywhere else? I did swap the PIA chip, but the two other ones I have react the same way. On an upnote...the game is really fun for 20 seconds :). I should note that I dont have to do anything...i can just start the game..sit there and the sound will fail after 20 seconds and that is regardless of whether i have background sound on or off.

Thanks for any guidance
 
Have you replaced the connectors? It sounds like something is heating up and cutting out. It could be a failing cap, a cold solder joint, or a loose connectioni in the wiring. I'd bet on the wiring which will require replacing the headers and connectors.
 
I did replace one of the connectors and reflowed solder on all pin headers, but I guess I'll go back and replace the other 3 connectors before going any further.

Thanks,

Tom
 
Replaced all connectors and reflowed and cleaned (wire brush) all pin headers to no avail. I also noticed a lot of spliced wires held together with only electrical tape. I have properly spliced them with a crimp but no difference. I suppose it could be a bad resistor or two on the soundboard itself.
 
Have you tried posting on RGP? There are a ton of pin guys there with seemingly nothing to do. I am sure a few of them could verify their boards for you.
 
At this point I'm not sure what it is, but I replaced the board with another sound board and its working 100% ... So I've replaced every cap on the board, the PIA chip, the 5v regulator... I have an audio amplifier on order. I've reflowed solder on all pin headers and cleaned each one. I have yet to replace the sockets as Elutz recommended and that's a good thought which I will do next. The only other thing I can think of would be CPU. In any case..whenever I figure it out, I'll post here.

Thanks to all those who gave me suggestions. It's definitely a learning experience..and now that it's fully working, I've got my eye on a Williams Blackout (pretty much the same machine but with speech)... so i should be a pro at getting it working ;)
 
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